Cast from the Past

The other day I had absolutely nothing to do. As in, I had no projects that required immediate attention so I started day dreaming. Instead of day dreaming about things that could be/should be...I started...actually now that I think about it, I did more reminiscing than anything else. I'll make you a deal, I'll tell you stories (throughout various blogs) of my childhood-teens, in exchange, if you'll be leaving a comment, I'd like to hear a short story (or long) about yours. Fair? Great!

I'm going to cheat and use this entry as a starting point to introduce myself, outside of the whole "I r actor" thing. I was born Ryan Tasi F. Alabastro (going to omit the F as this is in plain and public view, feel free to IM/E-mail me if you're curious) on the interesting island of American Samoa.

American Samoa is located in the middle of the South Pacific, on the equator and is roughly 3,100 miles south west of Hawaii (which is roughly 3,000 miles south west of California). When I left there was a total population of 75,000. I went through the Catholic school system all the way through High School. Annnnnnnnnd, I attended an all boys High School (hey, no jokes! Lol) called Marist College Preparatory High School and we had a Crusader as our mascot.

Ah memories. I'd like to continue but, what's the point in exposing myself in one blog! Hah, *does a jig* I'm all about the theatrics! In any event, I hope you've enjoyed a look at a slice of my childhood. Don't worry, there'll be more to come. Until then, have a wonderful weekend and remember, exercise those face muscles...smile!

Addition of Auditions

I'm usually a happy camper when I don't have to stay at home and count the amount of times I've counted the times I've counted in my head. Lately, I've been discovering a delicious amount of auditions coming my way. By delicious, I mean, they leave me hungry for more. And before you can point at me and call me a glutton for punishment, pain, and rejection I have to admit I do rather enjoy the whole auditioning process. It's the part after that's usually crummy.

You know, the whole waiting by the phone and hitting refreshing on the web browser part. Hahaha, I only kid. Partially. I enjoy meeting new people, especially individuals who enjoy similar things I do. And although auditions can be a high stress environment, it's always nice to know that you aren't alone in your high stress, haha.

Let me share with you a couple of my 2008 auditions. If you rummage through some of my older posts you'll discover I auditioned for San Jose Repertory Theatre. Now, this would count for my second time with my initial auditioning ending on a high note. However, the second time wasn't too great. In fact, I wasn't scheduled that day...I was influenced by someone (by the wonderful nature of her personality) to go ahead and audition the day before. And even though I had already memorized a couple of monologues, my mental preparation was no where near it's presentation level. What a doozy that audition turned out to be. Luckily I was in good company and the casting director, Bruce Elsperger, was quite to put me to ease. Thanks Bruce, you rock!



Finally, I'd like to note that although it feels like the whole Acting career choice/passion can be overwhelming and that there are countless people who want to take this up, it's great to finally start seeing familiar faces in crowd. Here's to more productive Auditions and less of the sour ones.

Playing Actor

Tabard Theatre Company's "Pandemonium" by Susannah Greenwood, is in the final stretch! Friday & Saturday will be closing weekend and I can't help but label the feeling as bitter sweet (cliché, I know!). I'm satisfied with how the show turned out, I'm happy with the character I've created and most importantly, I'm grateful for all the new friends I made. I especially enjoyed watching my cast mates imbue their characters with life--man...what talent!

*Tasi Alabastro as El Chulla Chaqui

*Calm before the storm

So what's next? Well, Brent (one of my cast mates in Pandemonium) and I attended an audition for some classical plays which will be produced by Deep Impact Theatre and we've just been offered roles. I'm still uncertain if I will be able to lock any of them down as I may have a developing conflict of schedule which requires me to be out of state during the show dates! In case you're curious, I may be flying out to Nashville in late August. I won't go into detail as to why I'll be flying out, but I am looking forward to it.

Other than that I'm planning on just putting in more hours at The Rep. Speaking of which, if you're in the area, be sure to catch our upcoming show, A Strange Case of Jekyll and Hyde. It will be amazing! The cast is fantastic, the story is griping and the artistic direction will be unique and mind-blowing! Trust me. Here's a link to the current write up in the local newspaper:

San Jose Mercury News - Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde




This play / production is going to be HOT HOT HOT!

Fakies

And no, I don't mean silicon chest implants. I mean, fake friends. I dislike them, gee, who would like them anyway? I'm the type of person who will occasionally talk to strangers on the streets--and the type to shoot a "hello, how are you" to someone I met months ago. I am not, however, the type to schmooze it up, only because it's convenient for me at the time.

Although this entry seems ambiguous, it is brought to the table because of some recent events, which I will not shine any more light on. I just needed to get it out of my system.

Selection, not Rejection

Well, today I received word that I was not cast in Picasso at Lapin Agile. A friend told me a few times, we'll call him...Brent, "It's usually the shows you want to be in the most that you'll probably won't be cast in". Haha, how true! While the feeling of rejection feels dominant, I have to shake it off and remember that it's selection and NOT rejection. I know it'll be wonderful production and I can't wait to see it when it opens up.

I'm am, however, grateful to have been called back for a second audition and I look forward to more auditions with them next season. As I've said many times in the past, "Onward!" I'll continue to remain positive.