Thursday, July 29, 2010

Twists, Turns, and Thickening

Ah, yes, plots. How magical they are!
I am still working on the play as you might have guessed. And as I stated before there will now be two acts. I have written a playwright's note to explain. (The characters of Eliza and Omi are sisters).
Here it is direct from the script!

Playwright’s Note:

Both Acts take place on the same night. Both “Eliza” and “Omi” are played by the same actress, but it should be easy for the audience to tell that they are two totally different characters. Any words referring to the mother character are capitalized because she plays a significant role in the piece, even though she has no lines. With that in mind it is important to emphasize that she is indeed a character in this just as Eliza and Omi are. Her presence is, in fact what directs the characters’ monologues.


This creates a direction for the actress and director to follow when they are presenting the material.

I've also decided that as the play progresses I will provide snippets of text as a sort of teaser. I would also encourage my follower (with hope of obtaining more soon) to give notes or comment on the pieces I provide. Eventually when the script is done I will send it out on request for notes and edits.


Remember: good grammar is less annoying than bad grammar.


Cheers,

M.E.J.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Long Skirts

Yes, I have found my new fashion obsession: Long skirts.
Literally, it came to me in a dream. In the dream I was wearing one and it looked awesome. So I got one. Then another. This shall not end!!

Either way I've found a way to make my latest writing project more interesting. Two parts. Two characters. One actress. I shan't give away full details yet because I just figured out an amazing plot twist, but it is coming along faster than I was anticipating. I think that deserves a whee.

Whee!!

Also, I'd like to take this moment to give a shout out to my one follower. I do not see this as sad, I see this as progress. And again: Whee!

Anyway, that's all for today.
It's too hot to think again.

Cheers,
M.E.J.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Moneys!

I recently decided that I need a little more "me" time in the form of shopping. So, today I decided to go out and get myself a long, flow-ey, pink skirt (that I saw myself wearing in a dream and enjoyed) and possibly some tops. I did end up getting the skirt, but I also bought some black pants. Not dress pants, mind you, but just ordinary black pants. I figured that I needed some pants that weren't jeans or dress pants. Now all I need are some knee-high, brown riding boots and brown pants. (The boots were part of the dream ensemble) Now I'm in a tremendous good mood!
This good mood helped me to be quite productive on the one-woman-show; we'll call it Haunting for now. I'm finally getting into the nitty-gritty details of the main character's life that would cause her so much guilt after her mother's death. I figured that the mother character would be more fitting to the plot because it brings out a childish vulnerability in the main character that truly adds to her monologue and her characteristics.
I'm very excited, kids; this one's going to go places!

Cheers,
M.E.J.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Lots of Writing!

I've been writing a lot today! I'm quite happy with how this is turning out, especially since I have been having a really hard time writing this past week.
I've been seeing a lot of things around me that have been functioning as inspiration. Writing a show for one person is a lot harder than I thought, but I'm still cranking away. Once I really get going I have a feeling that the words will flow a lot easier.
Well, that's all for now,
Stay well, kids!

Cheers,
M.E.J.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Hot...

I seem to be getting into a pattern of posting every other day. I believe that the heat is melting my brain...
Anyway, this was a productive weekend. After my appearance on Good Day Maine, the show seemed to go a bit more smooth for me than it usually does. I felt a lot more comfortable talking to guests which gave me a chance to really get into my character. It felt good to be able to go up and talk to people without my stomach in my throat -- I'm getting a lot less nervous around people which, I believe is a good sign.
On a completely unrelated note I have been thinking about going to the gym. I get in free because I'm a student at USM. This will probably be good for me.
Anyway, that's all for today. Hopefully my heat-addled brain will stay intact.

Stay cool, kids.

Cheers,
M.E.J.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Good Day Maine!

Sorry for not posting yesterday, I had a lot going on!
Today I'm just going to post the links to the Interview and the Preview that we did on Good Day Maine! yesterday.
It's so exciting that this is actually happening!
Oh! And don't forget that tonight is another show of Awesome 80s Prom! Don't forget: it's tonight at 7:30 at Jimmy the Greek's in Old Orchard Beach (OOB). Dress for the prom if you want! It's going to be fun!

Here are the links:



Stay well, kids.

Cheers,
M.E.J.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Tornados!

There was a tornado warning up here a few minutes ago!
I found it quite exciting and had to share. I mean, it's Maine. Maine! This never happens!
Also, don't forget to tune into Good Morning Maine tomorrow. You'll see me on TV in a cheerleading uniform! You wouldn't want to miss that, would you?
Love to all!

Cheers,
M.E.J.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Exciting News!

I love emails that make me want to vomit with joy!
Well...not the feeling of wanting to vomit...I...um...anyway, not the point!

I received an email from my director for Awesome 80s Prom today with some very exciting news (as the title of this post implies). And it is...
(Insert drum roll here)
I'm going to be on TV!!
...
HOLY CANNOLI!!

Sorry, I'm just so excited! Apparently we, as in select members of the cast are going to perform a scene and then be interviewed on LIVE television this coming Thursday morning. This came as a shock because, well, I didn't realize we were that popular! I may just pass out from excitement! I can not WAIT!!

Have a super, fantastic day, everyone!

Cheers,
M.E.J.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Blocked

I've been trying to figure out the best direction to start putting my ideas for the one-woman-show on paper. It's hard to articulate how the main event should start. At the moment there are a lot of profanities and a thunderstorm, (which is the cause behind the profanities). I am having a serious case of writer's block. It could be that in the past few days a glass has fallen on my head twice from the same spot. I'm beginning to see a pattern...
Anyway, I'm feeling a bit lackluster today; I have no idea where this funk came from, but it needs to leave now.
I hope everything is well for everyone else.

Cheers,
M.E.J.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Sunday...

In the blue, silver, chromemium diner!
Sorry, I just love Tick...Tick...BOOM! And since it is indeed Sunday I figured that this would be an appropriate introduction to today's post.
Yesterday evening I visited the Yarmouth Clam Festival and it was a grand ol' time. There were rides and food and, (the best part) crafts! I found one booth that had a wonderful little product that involved making felted animals. Yet instead of the usual washing machine, soap rubbing process they used a technique called needle felting. I found this very intriguing since I have a pile of wool that I haven't had any ideas for. I just may try this technique out and see what comes of it.
Either way, the play ideas are still flowing through my brain, but it is hard to put them onto paper. It's hard to put ideas into products sometimes, but hopefully my one-woman-show idea will at least pan out. The idea is sort of a dark comedy about a woman who comes home during a bad thunderstorm and becomes convinced that her mother (or sister, I haven't decided) is coming back to haunt her in the form of a house plant. She then expresses things that she couldn't when this relative was alive. I feel like this will work better than a play with more than one character. Somehow I feel like this one will work.
Anyway, that's all for now, it seems that I left my phone in the car, so I must retrieve it.
Stay well, kids!

Cheers,
M.E.J.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Ocean Swimming

Today I had my first ocean swim of the summer at Old Orchard Beach, or as I love calling it: OOB. It was wonderful, even though it was high tide and the waves were lackluster; it still felt so great!
There's something about swimming in the ocean that is entirely different from swimming in a pool apart from the salt water vs. chlorine water.
Speaking of OOB, the next show for Awesome 80s Prom is next Friday the 23rd at Jimmy the Greek's in Old Orchard Beach at 7:30. Remember: tickets are $10 in advance at Bullmoose Music and $12 at the door.
I hope everyone gets a good ocean swim in before the end of the summer!

Cheers,
M.E.J.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Well, Darn...

I skipped yesterday!
Ah, well...it's bound to happen sometimes, I suppose.
Either way, things are looking very good from this end. I've been reading a TON of amazing plays this summer. The latest was Adam Rapp's The Metal Children. Let me tell you, it was awesome. Mr. Rapp has a way with dialogue that makes me not only totally envious, but it makes me feel like I'm reading someone's actual conversation. His plays may be racy, but I don't think I've ever felt such a connection to the dialogue as I have with his works.
I've been looking for something to propose for SPA's spring show. I'd love to direct a SPA show before I graduate. I'm also trying to access the innermost parts of my brain to come up with another play. I am hoping to break 100 pages with the next play I write. I have two just over 60, but alas this is still no good. I need something bigger...something with more plot...something AWESOME. It's so hard to find topics that haven't been over done, either. I have been wanting to write about something that comes from someone else; meaning their stories and experiences. I want to interview someone who has had serious struggles in life and I want to tell their story. I want them to feel empowered by it. I think I know what to do. I have the perfect idea. I can't say just yet, but the wheels are turning. If this idea works, it just may get me a scholarship.
This is the big one, guys! The wheels are a-turning!

Cheers,
M.E.J.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Fruits of My...Typing?

Ok, here goes daily entry #1!
Currently I am sitting in an office at the Maine Studios reading a play script that is being turned into a movie. The best part? They want my notes. MY notes! I was trusted with the project because every time I have downtime I'm reading a different play. (My library is getting quite vast, by the way.) I just think that it's really cool that I get to actually do things I enjoy at "work." Ok, yeah, it's an internship, I'm not getting money, and I'm not getting school credit, but the experience is totally worth it. I do love me some resume-worthy jobs!
I'm also considering going to a casting call this coming Monday for some short films. I'm not quite sure if I'm ready to take the leap into movies yet, especially because I have no idea how to work the camera. My training is strictly theatre. I am, yes, a theatre snob. Yet, I feel as if this experience will benefit me somehow, even if I don't get cast in any movies. I don't want to appear ignorant, but I honestly have no idea what I'm supposed to do...or wear! Do I wear an audition dress? I mean, I have one...it's black with tiny white spots. It's cute. Oh...I don't know...perhaps I'm over-thinking? Either way, it doesn't hurt to try.
...
Does it?

Cheers,
M.E.J.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Something Different

Thanks to my dear friend, (and fellow blogger) Ed, or Aubrey Silver I have decided to try something totally different than what I normally do.
That's right, kids: daily posts!
I know it may seem like this is kind of strange -- I did start this blog with the intention of avoiding the whole "personal" thing. Yet, over the past few months I've felt that this is a necessary step towards my sanity, however late I may be.
I am excited about this; it's going to be big!
Sleep well, kids, because tomorrow is going to be a day.
Cheers,
M.E.J.