Well, this is a first. My first blog entry! Yes, I’m very much a creature from the pre-Twitter era.

What IS Twitter? Can somebody explain it to me….using the same simple terms that I used while instructing my parents on the programming of their VCR?

What’s a VCR? Augh! See what I mean?!

Anyhow, I was reviewing our upcoming season…wonderful selections, Matthew!…and I realized there as a few degrees of separation happening to me this week. Some of you might know that I have been taking scene study and monologue classes with Susan Hart. – Rebekah, you told me about her classes while she was teaching at Chicago Shakespeare Company. – Anyhow, I am taking a monologue workshop this week with Susan, and her good friend, Jeffrey Carlson.

Jeffrey is an incredible actor and is considered one of the best Shakespearean actors in the country.

Although Jeffrey lives in NYC, he frequently has extended visits to Chicago….in fact he recently played the title role of EDWARD II at Chicago Shakes, which was directed by Sean Graney.

He also was in the original Broadway cast of Edward Albee’s THE GOAT, OR WHO IS SYLVIA?

As BackStage starts preparing for Albee’s THE PLAY ABOUT THE BABY, I’m wondering if some of the staff and ensemble might want to consider arranging a few workshops with him to discuss Albee’s specific use of punctuation, and how it applies to the interpretation and performance of the text. I’ve always found him to be extremely engaging and knowledgeable. It might be something to consider.

Any-hoo….just thought I might mention this!

Take Care!

Michael