Doug Shapiro

Autumnal Update with Doug!

2011-11-05T06:50:00.003-04:00

Hello my dear FODs (Friends/Family of Doug)!
Greetings from a comfy apartment on a weather-nastified day in the greatest city in the world. For a week now, I've been geeking out about the new touch-screen soda machine at the Regal Movie Theatre on 42nd Street. In this world where people are immunizing children on a day of peace in war-torn countries and introducing micro lending so empowered women can break free of abusive husbands in restrictive societies, I am giddy about the fact that I pressed a screen and had a cup full of vanilla-flavored root beer. (It's really cool.) But for you, my FOD, I recommend a hot apple cider flavored with SNAP as we embark on this e-journey together, and when we reach the e-conclusion, oh yes, there will be the usual 2 (by which I mean five) items of interest for FODs!)

Audio Books!
Life-long goal: check. After taking Paul Ruben's Audio Book Narration Class (You should read Paul Ruben's excellent blog), my work as an Audio Book storyteller has begun.

Ellen Kushner's brilliant novel SWORDSPOINT is being brought to life by Producer/Director Sue Zizza and Master Studio Engineer David Shinn of SueMedia Productions for Audible.com. Ellen Kushner is the main narrator and a host of excellent audio actors joined in to dramatize key scenes at DuArt in NYC. I read the roles of Lord Bertram and Chris Nevillson amongst an all-star cast that included Dion Graham, Katherine Kellgren, Robert Fass, Wilson Bridges, Nick Sullivan, Sam Guncler, Anne Bobby, Stewart Hamilton, Nick Azzaretti, Butch D'Ambrosio, Jack O'Connell, Sue Anne Dennehy, Tom Curley and Simon Jones.
And for those of you who want to ask "How did you book this swell job?" it did not come from attacking industry people at parties with my business card. It came from building genuine relationships with people I love and admire and opening my mouth about the work I want to bring into the world. Then, when the opportunity arose, I was on their mind and they brought me in for the audition. Next thing I know, I'm reading opposite Katherine Kellgren.

And in the Even More Reasons to Be Thankful to Ellen Kushner department, she recommended me for THE BIG READ of Ursula K. Le Guin's A WIZARD OF EARTHSEA at The Center for Fiction. It was my first time being brought in as a professional reader and I held my own among the likes of Barbara Rosenblat, John Cameron Mitchell, Katherine Kellgren, Dion Graham, Patricia Angelin, Anne Bobby, Alaya Johnson, Sarah Beth Durst, Delia Sherman (you must read her book Changeling) and Ellen Kushner herself. Even better, I was given the section with dialogue between the hero and the dragon. Thanks to everyone who watched the live stream of the event!

We interrupt this regularly scheduled e-newsletter to bring you breaking news about FOD Celebrity Darling Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) She has a wee bairn on the way (with special mention to husband Jeff Bratcher who contributed greatly to the effort)! So, if anyone needs a tall, ethnically ambiguous pregnant lady for print or TV/Film work, she's your gal! Since Alex is part Danish Viking, we're referring to the baby as Thor. Click here for more fun Viking names for your child!

...now back to your regularly scheduled newsletter...

Makin' Movies in Maine
If you are a filmmaker, corporate video producer, or photographer, you need to know about Maine Media College and Maine Media Workshops. They offer MFAs, Certificate Programs and classes in photography, filmmaking, and multimedia and bring in experts in the industry. So, what was I doing there? They also bring in actors as Artists-in-Residence to perform in their students' work. I spent a week learning about cinematography and performing in works by some very talented filmmakers:
1. A photo story-telling piece written and filmed by Natalie Kingston in which I played a writer working his way through writer's block;
2. A short film with director Daniel Jacobs and Cinematographers Natalie Kingston and Klemens Koscher about a stalker (David DeRoos) following happy couple (Emily King and me)...but which one is his obsession?
3. A short film with director Vince O'Connell and Cinematographers Sam Membrino and Jonathan Tvrdik in which a diner waitress (Jenny Paul) is talking about a recent kidnapping to three men (Adam Williams, David DeRoos), and me) who seem to fit their description.

This class in Camera and Visual Storytelling was taught by Cinematographer Daniel Pearl with assistance from Joshua Jenks and Taylor McIntosh. The class included a very talented group of directors and cinematographers: Matt Bates, Ben Bishop, Christian Herrera, Daniel Jacobs, Natalie Kingston, Klemens Koscher, Sam Membrino, Shani Naima, Vince O'Connell, Camila Pereira Bento Garcia, Diogo Ribeiro, Juana Romero, Pedro Silva Miguez, Jon Tvrdik, and Gil Woodley.

I also lent my comic skills to the Corporate Video Production class for their "How to Eat a Lobster" project. It was an instructional video in which Jenny Paul knows the correct way to eat a lobster and I end up with lobster legs behind my ear as I beat the claw with the nutcracker (and a brilliant cameo with Ingrid Johnson as a lobster-loving activist). Under the tutelage of Steve R. Cartwright, this video was a collaborative effort between directors Justin "J.T." Fairley, Thomas Kennedy, David Nolley, Chad O'Donnell, Alex Smith, and Gerald Speight.

So, you want you should be an Artist-in-Residence and act in films for a week like Juli Cooper, David DeRoos, Emily King, Ingrid Johnson, Jenny Paul, Adam Williams and me? Perhaps secure some great spots for your demo reel? E-mail your headshot and resume to talent@mainemedia.edu and tell them Doug Shapiro sent you!

Balthazar Bratcher. That could be a fun name for the child of Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

Join Doug, the Yuletide Jew!
This will be my fourth season bringing Holiday cheer with The Yuletide Carolers. These quartets of beautifully costumed singers are available for parties and events all over the nation: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Napa Valley, and Southern Florida. For bookings, you can head to their website or call 1 (800) 791-0210.

And SAVE THE DATE! On Friday, December 16 at 7:00pm is the annual Holiday Concert with The Madison Avenue Baptist Church. My current plan is to sing an original piece by Ellen Mandel (who was the composer for THREE LITTLE PIGS that I performed at The Public Theatre in Maine). Please join us for a great concert that evening!

Cavorting with Composers and Whisking about with Wordsmiths...
My FOD Composers and Wordsmiths continue to bring amazing things into the world and I get to be their vehicle! Here's the latest news:

"Thanks to the Lighthouse" by Duane Boutte
FOD Duane Boutte was commissioned to write a work for The Little Red Lighthouse Festival and wrote a swell 15-minute musical about the Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Grey Bridge. Rob Rokicki, Marissa Rosen and I had a great time entertaining the kids.

"When You're a Mensch" by Nicholas Levin
For the Jewish New Year, FOD Nicholas Levin rewrote "When You're a Jet" as "When You're a Mensch." It was performed at The Salon, hosted by Mark Janas with the combined Jewish powers of Nicholas, Richie Eisenberg, and myself.

"The Masked Zinfandel" by Justin Warner and Peter Yarin
What's coming up? I'll be playing a multitude of characters in the reading of THE MASKED ZINFANDEL with Book and Lyrics by Justin Warner and Music by Peter Yarin. The Story: Long ago, in the Grand Fiefdom of Helvetica, a young shoemaker takes over the role of a Zorro-esque celebrity hero. Directed by Hilary Adams, the cast will include Stanley Bahorek, Raymond Bokhour, Mike McGowan, Lauren Molina, Sarah Sokolovic, Dewey Caddell, David Garry, Caryn Hartglass, Kelsey Olson, Lawrence Rush, Charlotte Graham, and me.
WHEN: Monday, November 21st at 8:00pm WHERE: Greenwich House Music School
47 Barrow Street in NYC
Google Map COST: Free admission, but it's almost sold out. Reservations/Inquiries: maskedzinfandel@gmail.com.

Buckbeak Bratcher. That could be a fun Harry Potterish name for the child of Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

Coaching with Clients...
The Savvy Actor, founded by the actor/business mavens Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban, just celebrated its fourth year of empowering artists to work like small business owners! In my side career as a career consultant with this great organization, I have been helping my savvy clients set up business systems for themselves through classes, coaching and seminars both in New York and in Los Angeles. Recently, my clients have signed with managers, booked off-Broadway shows, earned their union cards, and got things DONE.

Interested in doing this work for yourself?
Click this link to set up a free half-hour intro session with me.

Interested in bringing me in for a workshop with your university students?
Send me an e-mail!

And I'm teaching too!
Jodie and I just served on a panel with a great new organization, Singing OnStage Productions. The event was called "Theatre Artists Connect" and the theme of the evening was how this community of artists can authentically connect with one another.
Besides Jodie and myself, the panel included Artistic Director/Founder of the company Richard Biever, Producer Michael Roderick (more on this gentleman later), Composer Joe Iconis, Director John Simpkins, and Actors Jason "Sweet Tooth" Williams and Lance Rubin and we were unified in our message. You don't get a job by throwing your card or resume at some poor unsuspecting soul at a networking event. You're always more likely to land a job when you build authentic relationships and are then recommended as a known quantity. Richard brought in a wonderfully diverse group of professionals that included stage managers, music directors, choreographers, actors, company managers and more. Great evening!

And speaking of getting your career going, my next webinar: Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper! is coming up on Sunday, November 20th at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time and you can be there from your own computer. Now I can even show you how to add video to your card. That's right, add a scanable QR code that links to your demo video which you can then send to Industry folk. Click this link to register for this webinar!

The last Savvy Actor Crash Course MBA Weekend of the year takes place on December 3rd and 4th in New York. Oh, and if you're interested in the Weekend, e-mail me. I know a guy that can get you a FOD discount. ;-)

Dougbytes

***The Savvy Actor participated in its third year in the 2011 Komen Greater NYC Race for the Cure and we raised $3739.50. Thanks so much to all of you who contributed!

***I participated in table reads of THE MOLE by Josh Cohen and Lavell Blackwell and TEMPING by Kristina LaTour.

***VEGUCATED won Best Documentary of a World Premiere at the Toronto Independent Film Festival and had a sold out United States premiere in New York City! Marisa Miller Wolfson produced this guerrilla-style documentary that follows three meat- and cheese-loving New Yorkers who agree to adopt a vegan diet for six weeks and learn what it's all about. In the supermarket section, I provided a fun game show host voice. This is especially interesting because Game Show Host Bob Barker attended the screening in Los Angeles.

***I sang for my third season with Park Avenue Synagogue. This year, I was with a quartet that included Toby Newman, Elisa Singer, Lawrence Rush and myself. We raised our voices in prayer with Cantor Shiree Kidron and accompanist Liya Petrides. Special thanks to cantor Azi Schwartz and alto Bess Morrison for their support in what was the most challenging gig of my career.

***I continue to sing Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Erika Buchholz, Karen Rich, Richard Binder, Brian Long, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) The congregation is led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks and Leslie Jackson. The sermons are podcast! (The choir is not.) Remember the Holiday Concert on December 16!

Please Don't Panic! I'm busier than a gopher on a golf course -- but for you, I'll find the time. Should you need me to speak the spot, give face time for the photo, or sing the song, let's create something great together.

Beethoven Bratcher. That could bring out the inherent musical ability in the child of Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

And now the monthly Two (by which I mean Five) Items of Interest for FODs...

You deserve a little Lovin' from me to you...
My latest article for The Savvy Actor addresses self-examination of your values and whether it's time to change your current career path. Take a gander at "Is It Time to Walk Away?" and I'd love to hear your thoughts.

There. Thou hast been coached.

You deserve to learn networking from the best in the industry...
Producer and networking guru Michael Roderick is in high demand for his networking and business expertise. He offers strategy consultation for entrepreneurs and theatre companies and you can sign up for these valuable sessions here. Oh, and on 10/31- use the code "halloween" and get 50% off. Plus if you are a FOD you get an additional 30-minute networking evaluation from him for free! Get on this man's mailing list and bring him in to speak with your organization. You'll be glad you did. You can also send him an e-mail at smallpondenterprises@gmail.com.

You deserve funding for your work of art...
So I'm up in Maine, hanging out with film/commercial/experience design director and musician Jon Tvrdik and we're talking about artistic mission. We start talking about his friend and co-creator Drew Billings, who died way before his time and in whose honor Jon and another friend have set up The Drew Billings Foundation. Through charitable donations, every year on May 27th, Drew's birthday, The Foundation gives an Artist's Grant to an artist or artists whose project, goals and professionalism are most in line with Drew's loves and aspirations. And the irony, Jon mentioned, is that they have an easier time raising money than getting people to apply for the grant!
...So, my FOD's, you won't be shy about applying for the 2012 grant, will you?

You deserve a job...
Here come the job creators! If you or anyone you know needs a commission-based job that they can do from home, read on! FOD and voiceover talent Brett Barry owns and operates Silver Hollow Audio, an independent studio and audio publishing company in the Hudson Valley. He produces well-received (and award-winning) audio books about nature and place, but he admittedly has no natural talent for selling them. So, if anyone with a sales background and/or winning personality has time to make calls to libraries and audio book retailers, you can reach Brett at publicity@silverhollowaudio.com. Let him know you're an FOD.

You deserve great financial guidance...
Of course I must brag on my husband. After eighteen years as an actuary, Shawn brought his industry savvy to the people side of the business seven years ago to be a financial advisor. His business has grown wonderfully and he is helping a lot of people start to save money and protect their loved ones. Have you been reading the news lately? Perhaps it's time to talk with him. He knows his stuff, will not try to sell you something you don't need, and is quite easy on the eyes. scowls@mac.com to start the conversation.

Life is good here. FOD Barbara Rosenblat is a member of BAFTA and brought me to two movie screenings. One was PUSS IN BOOTS, which was fun but really exciting because of the aforementioned soda machine (Shawn had peach Sprite!). The other was ANONYMOUS and it was an incredible surprise to have seen the beautifully staged Shakespeare scenes and then discover in the credits that the stage director was none other than FOD Tamara Harvey, with whom I worked my Shakespeare Thang at The Theater at Monmouth! This woman is absolute sunlight in the world and I am thrilled for her well-deserved success.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

Enjoy Yourself!

Doug

May/June 2011 Update with Doug!

2011-06-03T19:21:00.002-04:00

Hello my dear FODs (Friends/Family of Doug)!
Greetings from the set of Boardwalk Empire! And speaking of the 1920's, All Hail Cole Porter! Not only is it his (and my) birthday month, but in honor of it, It's Too Darn Hot. But, hey, It's Just One of Those Things, and I Happen to Like New York, so Between You and Me, Let's Do It. Pour yourself that mint julep and Let's Begin this e-journey together, and when we reach the e-conclusion, oh yes, there will be the usual 2 (by which I mean four) items of interest for FODs, because I Get a Kick Out of You!
(And if you're not interested in my monthly e-mail lovin', just let me know. I'll take you off my e-mail lovin' list and accept that It Was Just One of Those Things.

FODapalooza XI!..Birthday and Burnett!
Join Shawn and me for the eleventh FODapalooza! It's also my birthday and we'll be helping out comic icon Carol Burnett. Read on for details...

WHEN: Thursday June 30, 2011
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
WHERE: People, in the Loft upstairs
163 Allen Street, New York, NY
COST: No cover, cash bar, donations gratefully accepted for the Salk Institute in Memory of Carrie Hamilton (Carol Burnett's daughter)
RSVP: Requested, but not required.

Gather, ye FOD's (Friends/Family of Doug), and meet your brethren at the eleventh FODapalooza! This gathering at People is to celebrate the incredible blessing to have all of you swell people in my world. We'll have the upstairs lounge all to ourselves with the Wall of Rain, meat on a stick, delish-ish margermellon wadderidas (Translation: delicious Watermelon Margaritas), and excellent company. If you have an event coming up or a service you provide (PG-13 please), bring your cards/flyers and we'll spread them around on the tables. Not only is it my birthday, but also the wedding anniversary of Jeff Bratcher and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

No birthday presents, please, but donations will be gratefully accepted for the Salk Institute in Memory of Carrie Hamilton (Carol Burnett's daughter). This great idea comes from FOD Claire Moed: The Carol Burnett Fun and Joy Dinner Party For Artists and Other Miserable Artists. More information on this idea can be found at the bottom of this newsletter.

Directions
People is just a block and a half below the intersection of First Avenue and Houston (the east end of the F and V train).

The Return to The Public Theatre
I've just finished my second gig with The Public Theatre in Maine, having appeared in Three Little Pigs last fall. The show is BEAU JEST (by James Sherman), and I finally got to play the skeptical, divorced, psychologist brother Joel. Even better, I had the chance to add some extraordinary actors and friends to the FOD Family. Not only was this group of professionals dedicated and curious on stage, it was also one that cooked for each other, put away dishes in the drainboard, and openly provided resources for one another. Heck, we even made ice cream sundaes together! May you all have the chance to work with the excellent staff at The Public Theatre (Artistic Director Christopher Schario, Carol Ham, Jennifer Madigan), director (and co-Artistic Director) Janet Mitchko, actors Damon Bonetti, Sarah Corey, Marina Re, Bill Van Horn, & Brian White, Shawn Durbin as your Assistant Director, Kathleen P. Brown (Costume Design), Amber Callahan (Technical Director), Bert Garvey (Lighting Design), Lisa Bragdon (Props) and crew Sophia Gamache, Katelyn Roy, and Sam Corey. You can see some pictures of this production at the new dougshapiro.com!

Teaching a class with one of my best pals...
Live and in-person! High-Ranking FOD Brett Barry and I will be presenting From Start to Finish: Do-It-Yourself VoiceOver from Home I'm bringing the branding and marketing know-how and Brett is bringing the equipment expertise.

WHEN: Tuesday June 7, 2011
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
WHERE: Paul Michael's The Network
242 West 36th Street, New York, NY, 3rd Floor
COST: $30 online, $40 at the door

Here's the shpiel:
It starts with branding and ends with a recording from your home studio.

Didn’t think you had to Brand yourself for VoiceOver work? Think again!

Like any field you MUST know your specific niche - the difference here is how your voice is perceived. And now with the current trend of the market, having your own studio is becoming a must as well.

Join Savvy Coach Doug Shapiro and Brett Barry, both working VoiceOver Actors, as they delve deep into the toolbox of a VoiceOver actor and how to use those tools to make yourself stand out in this competitive field as well as how to set up your VoiceOver studio for maximum effect!

You’ll learn:

• Branding techniques specifically for VoiceOver

• Networking strategies to build your client base

• Advantages to recording at home (it's the way the industry is going!)

• How to create the ideal acoustic space

• The ins-and-outs of building your Digital Audio Workstation

One participant will actually record a session and the group will be taken through the process of formatting an audition-ready file!

Brett Barry is a VoiceOver performer of many national commercials, promos, and audiobook narration (including the "For Dummies" series). With his wife Rebecca, he runs Silver Hollow Audio, a professional broadcast studio, out of their home in Chichester, NY. He has been a speaker on this topic to an audience of AFTRA members and he teaches production and performance classes at SUNY.

Doug Shapiro is a career coach with the Savvy Actor and has voiced national commercials as well as multiple characters for video games and Disney.

Cavorting with Composers and Whisking about with Wordsmiths...
My FOD Composers and Wordsmiths continue to bring amazing things into the world and I get to be their vehicle! Here's the latest news:

LONELY RHYMES: The Music of Pete Mills
Who can write an hilarious song about the color-coded threat levels from the Bush Era? Pete Mills. About cell phones breaking up? Pete Mills. About an amorous triangle, complete with delicious geometric puns? Pete Mills, and I got to sing that last one. I had my debut at The Laurie Beechman, people, singing the works of one of the fiercest composer/lyricists on the scene: (say it with me now...) Pete Mills! LONELY RHYMES is his contemporary music song cycle and it was performed as a fundraiser for the Prospect Theater Company. Directed by Cara Reichel and Stage Managed by Kat West with fellow performers Jason Collins, Victoria Huston-Elem, Jaygee Macapugay, Liz Power, Robby Sharpe, Lucy Sorenson and Max Spitulnik. The band included Pete Mills, along with Dennis Michael Keefe and John Herin. Not only was there a full-house and a great deal of talent, but the whole thing was live-tweeted by two of the cast members as well as Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

Sundays at Tiffany's
I sang the role of a tough dispatcher of guardian angels in a song demo of "The Girl's in Trouble" from the musical Sundays at Tiffany's, music by Fred Thaler, Lyrics by Susan DiLallo (one of my all-time faves), and based on the novel by James Patterson. I was joined in the recording booth at Macrose Music by the very talented Darcy Yellin.

Coaching with Clients...
Such clients I've got! In my side career as a career consultant with The Savvy Actor, founded by the actor/business mavens Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban, I have been helping my savvy clients set up systems for themselves to treat their acting craft as a business through classes, coaching and seminars. (Yes, we coach by phone, too.) Recently, my clients have signed with managers, booked off-broadway shows, earned their union cards, and got things DONE. Interested in doing this work for yourself? Click this link to set up a free half-hour intro session with me. I also recommend our amazing book The Savvy Actor Career Manual. Let's get your career going too!

And I'm teaching too! Remember what you read a few paragraphs ago when your mint julep was 3/4 full? Brett Barry and I are still teaching From Start to Finish: Do-It-Yourself VoiceOver From Home on June 7. I'll also be teaching my usual section in the Crash Course MBA Weekend on June 4th and 5th about Enriching Your Support System. Oh, and if you're interested in the Weekend, e-mail me. I know a guy that can get you a FOD discount. ;-)

And speaking of getting your career going, my next webinar: Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper! is coming up on Sunday, June 26th at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time and you can be there from your own computer. Now I can even show you how to add video to your card. That's right, add a scanable QR code that links to your demo video which you can then send to Industry folk. Click this link to register for this webinar!

Dougbytes

***I returned to the set of Boardwalk Empire as a member of Mickey Doyle's gang. What have I already done as a dangerous gang member on this show? Well last time I MOVED BOXES. But I promise I did so in a really evil manner. This time? I smoked and drank in a Speakeasy. Ain't I just so unsavory?

***VEGUCATED is going to have its first public sneak peek screenings this summer at various vegetarian/animal protection conferences. Marisa Miller Wolfson produced this guerrilla-style documentary that follows three meat- and cheese-loving New Yorkers who agree to adopt a vegan diet for six weeks and learn what it’s all about. I provided a fun game show host voice for a section that takes place in the supermarket.

***I'm entering the world of Audio Books! Starting with Paul Ruben's Audio Book Narration Class. It's a delicious 6-week course and I'm having a great time learning the tools to this next step in my VoiceOver career. It's a very talented group of people: Denise Ashlynd, Drew Davidson, George Kuch, Suzanne Landgren, Ilka Panera, Ira Rosenberg, Cecilia Vanti, Christine Verleny, and me with expert engineering by Barbara Vlahides. I really want to list some of the great things I'm learning here, but the best place to read about them is at Paul Ruben's excellent blog.

***I continue to sing Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Erika Buchholz, Karen Rich, Christopher Preston Thompson, Brian Long, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) The congregation is led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks and Leslie Jackson. The sermons are podcast! (The choir is not.) On June 12th, I'll be soloing on Twila Paris's "When You Speak to Me" and on June 26th (Gay Pride Sunday) I'll be duetting on Sandi Patty's "More Than Wonderful."

Please Don't Panic! I'm busier than a woodpecker in a lumber yard-- but for you, I'll find the time. Should you need me to speak the spot, give face time for the photo, or sing the song, let's create something great together.

And now the monthly Two (by which I mean Four) Items of Interest for FODs...

You deserve a little Lovin' from me to you...
In this new world of 140-character dashed-off responses, we tend to forget that we're all on this Earth struggling to really relate to each other, to be truly emotionally felt by one another. We need to remember to be human, which is what inspired me to write the article Being Human for the Savvy Actor Newsletter, based on my great experience with actor Cheryl McMahon. While you're at it, check out my subsequent article The Five Stages of Your Audition.

There. Thou hast been coached.

You deserve to listen to a great book...
This one's for everyone. If you enjoy books about nature narrated by an expert reader, you want to check out the Silver Hollow Audio titles The Outermost House by Henry Beston, and Autumnal Tints by Henry David Thoreau. Both works are narrated by Brett Barry and will take you out of your daily grind and into a place of gratitude for the mighty works of nature. (You know who is in serious competition with Brett Barry for most mentions in this newsletter? Alexandra de Suze! Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

You deserve a FUN/RAISER...
Remember the Carol Burnett event that I mentioned in the FODapalooza XI when you were still on your first mint julep? Well, the lovely and talented Claire Moed came up with an idea because she, like me, adores Carol Burnett. Claire piloted this project as a tribute for everything she's gotten from watching her show and singing along with the soundtrack Once Upon A Mattress.

Because Carol Burnett's daughter Carrie Hamilton died of cancer, Ms. Burnett is a staunch supporter of cancer research, in particular, the Salk Institute in California. So, Claire came up with an endless dinner party and game that would FUN/RAISE for cancer while giving the rest of us artsy folk a break from our multi-layered lives. It's called the Carol Burnett Fun and Joy Dinner Party For Artists and Other Miserable Artists.

Here's how it is goes! (Please note that we're not doing this at FODapalooza XI, we're just raising funds, but you should definitely do this.)

1. Bring something to eat for six people. Anything easy to heat up or to nibble. Or bring a bottle of wine or anything you might like to drink.
2. Bring a check made out to the Salk Institute in memory of Carrie Hamilton IN THE AMOUNT OF THE LAST TAKE-OUT OR EAT-OUT MEAL YOU HAD.
3. Now here's where we artsy folk get to play: While gathered around the dinner table, everyone throws words into a bowl, such as:

Carol Burnett
Fun and Joy
Miserable Artist
Dinner
or Claire's favorite: Support Group For Cats of Writer

4. Each person would then pull a word and be given 10 minutes to write or draw/create something starting with/ based on that word.
5. Each work will then be posted on a new blog called - yep -the Carol Burnett Fun and Joy Dinner Party For Artists and Other Miserable Artists.
6. Now, here's the endless part of the dinner. Would you then go back to your home and friends and have your own Carol Burnett Fun and Joy Dinner Party For Artists and Other Miserable Artists ? Can you imagine what this could grow into if each one of us invited our friends to raise money for cancer while having fun and making new work and then our friends invited their friends and their friends invited their friends? A bunch of money honoring Carrie Hamilton and lots of wonderful new work on the blog.

Start this on your own and look forward to food and fun!

You deserve financial guidance...
Of course I must brag on my husband. After eighteen years as an actuary, Shawn brought his industry savvy to the people side of the business seven years ago to be a financial advisor. His business has grown wonderfully and he is helping a lot of people start to save money and protect their loved ones. Have you been reading the news lately? Perhaps it's time to talk with him. He knows his stuff, will not try to sell you something you don't need, and is quite easy on the eyes. Send him an e-mail at scowls@mac.com to start the conversation.

Life is good here. Shawn and I went down to Princeton University for their Reunions weekend. We were also celebrating the 25th anniversary of the organization he founded, Fund for Reunion/Princeton BTGALA, which is devoted to improving the quality of life for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people at Princeton University and to strengthening their ties as alumni with each other and with the University. Over the past 25 years, the organization has funded three post-doctorate positions at Princeton in Gay and Lesbian studies (the first of its kind), created networking opportunities all over the globe, and inspired alumni at other schools to form their own organizations. Needless to say, I'm incredibly proud to be married to this guy.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, sing some Cole Porter songs in honor of his birthday on June 9th, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

Enjoy Yourself!

Doug

March/April 2011 Update with Doug!

2011-06-03T19:15:00.001-04:00

Hello my dear FODs (Friends/Family of Doug)!
Cancel that therapy session! Stop drunk-dialing your pastor! Walk sloooooooowly back from the ledge, because your newsletter has returned. Spring's almost here and great things are yet to come, so pour yourself a citrusy Zima and settle in for this semi-regular e-journey, and when we reach the e-conclusion, oh yes, there will be the usual 2 (by which I mean four) items of interest for FODs!

The Very First Ever FODapalooza West!..
Doug and Shawn are hitting the West Coast and we're bringing FODapalooza!!

WHEN: Sunday, March 20, 2011
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
WHERE: Jones
7205 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90046
COST: No cover, cash bar.
RSVP: Not required, but I'd love to know you're coming.
Gather, ye FOD's (Friends/Family of Doug), and meet your West Coast brethren at the ninth FODapalooza! This gathering at Jones will coincide with The Savvy Actor Crash Course MBA Weekend, for which I'll be facilitating the "Enriching Your Support System" section. So, I get the incredible blessing to have all of you swell people that I haven't seen in years along with my new friends from the weekend seminar all in one place. By the way, the first person who responded to my Facebook event about this happens to be a straight, single male friend from High School who is a massage therapist. Just sayin'.

The Brand-New dougshapiro.com has gone live!...

Ladies and Gentlemen, I invite you to the brand-spanking-new dougshapiro.com! It's been updated to reflect my brand of "Fearless Mensch," so drink in the new color scheme, relish the new photos and cruise gleefully through media and VoiceOver clips. You will be inspired to call anyone who hires actors or career coaches and insist they partake in my Fearless Menschiness. This new website was created by the handsome and talented Stephen Mitchell Brown of Money Note Designs. Hire him to design your performer website and then hire him again for your music theatre needs because he's a wonderful singer too.

Makin' Movies...

The Cycle
I'm kvelling up a storm! The short film The Cycle, in which I played a diplomacy-deficient police officer last fall, just finished its run on HBO and continues to rack up the awards, most recently BEST DIASPORA SHORT FILM at the 2011 Africa Movie Awards. (Note: the word "kvelling" is not used anywhere in the film.) Based on actual events, The Cycle takes place in the modern-day Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, and brings the fallout from an ongoing gentrification process to life through the stealing of a little girl's bicycle. The movie is written and directed by Roy Clovis, produced by Mundo Loco Films and cast by Liz Ortiz-Mackes of Casting Solutions. The cast includes Randy Baisden, Dracyn Blount, Corinne Bobb-Semple, Tanesha Gary, Lynda Gravatt, James Holloway, Sharon Hope, Dennis Johnson, Phyllis Johnson, Royce Johnson, Justin Jones, Jaymes Jorsling, Leopold Lowe, Christine Renee Miller, Tomike Ogugua, Surfin Percy, Sheila Tapia, Benja K. Thomas, and me (as Officer DeLuca).

The Egg Timer
I've been cast as the male lead in the 3-minute movie musical THE EGG TIMER, in which a couple struggles to define their relationship in the time it takes to properly cook an egg. I was invited into this gloriousness by the talented brothers David Rigano and Paul Rigano who composed and wrote the piece. Fellow cast members will include Erin Cronican, Christina Cervenka, Lisa Hufnagel, Jacob McGlaun, Brandon Peker, and the delicious Jennifer Wren!

Adventures in VoiceOver

Stewart Talent
As of the beginning of this year, I'm now working with Stewart Talent for VoiceOver and On-Camera Commercials. They're great. I'm thrilled.

Rockstar Games
So, if you're walking by a game console and you hear someone screaming for ammunition to fend off the zombies, that's me. Rockstar Games has come out with RED DEAD REDEMPTION: UNDEAD NIGHTMARE and I had a great time voicing it. The story of how I booked the gig through a mastermind group, LinkedIn, and a one-on-one informational meeting with a generous soul is now a part of The Savvy Actor Crash Course MBA Weekend.

Irrational Public Radio
Whoa, boy, am I excited about this one. One of my most bestest pals from my Syracuse University days is the very talented Joe Smith. In addition to his excellent commercial career, Joe is the talent behind Irrational Public Radio, a brilliant sendup of National Public Radio. Download this podcast on iTunes. Really. Do it now. I'll wait....
.....
...Welcome back. Make sure to listen to future episodes because when I'm out in California this month, I'm joining the cast.

The Return to The Public Theatre
In Late April, I'll be returning to The Public Theatre in Maine, having appeared in Three Little Pigs last fall. The show is BEAU JEST (by James Sherman), and I've been wanting to play the skeptical, divorced, psychologist brother Joel for ages. Even better, I'm going there with three friends from completely different parts of my life and they're playing my family. Marina Re as my mother Miriam (we're friends from my Boston actor days), Bill Van Horn as my father Abe (from The Theater at Monmouth in Maine and Theatre Three on Long Island), and Sarah Corey as my sister Sarah (from Prospect Theater Company and New Dramatists' Composer-Librettist Studio here in NYC). My actor family becomes my stage family.
Plan your trip to Maine. Here's the info:

WHEN: May 6-15, 2011
See The Public Theatre website for specific times.
WHERE: The Public Theatre
31 Maple Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240
COST: $18, $16 for students and seniors.
TICKETS: Call the Box Office at (207) 782-3200.

Cavorting with Composers and Whisking about with Wordsmiths...
My FOD Composers and Wordsmiths continue to bring amazing things into the world and I get to be their vehicle! Here's the latest:
Exodus Code: Advice to Wanderers
Oy! Such a reading with music we had! You've heard of A Bintel Brief, nu? The advice column started in the early 1900s in the Yiddish newspaper The Forward. So that nice girl, Lynn Thompson of America-in-Play, she makes a few calls and oy, such nice writers she gets! That Susan Tenneriello and the Andrea Lepcio and such music by that nice boy Rob Hartmann! I was kvelling! Bursting with pride, I tell you. And the actors? Nu, such a talented bunch. Shane Baker, so funny I plotzed. Daniel Maté, so good with the guitar and voices. Jonna McElrath, a speaking voice like velvet. Yelena Shmulenson, she sings like an angel. Me? With the Jewishness, the multiple characters and accents and the singing, a good time I'm having too. Add Shane Breaux and Leah Miles to the production staff, an accordian player named Michael, and put it in the Tenement Museum? A glorious kosher event for the whole mishpocha.

Coaching with Clients...
Such clients I've got! In my side career as a career consultant with The Savvy Actor, founded by the actor/business mavens Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban, I have been helping my savvy clients set up systems for themselves to treat their acting craft as a business through classes, coaching and seminars. (Yes, we coach by phone, too.) Recently, my clients have signed with managers, booked off-broadway shows, earned their union cards, and got things DONE. Interested in doing this work for yourself? Click this link to set up a free half-hour intro session with me. I also recommend our amazing book The Savvy Actor Career Manual. Let's get your career going too!

And, for my West Coast pals, think about this: an intensive weekend on the 19th and 20th to inspire your inner business owner, your good pal Doug teaching a technique to enrich your support system, and then we head over to Jones bar to start enriching your support system with your fellow classmates and warm-hearted FODs! Click the pretty link...click the shiny link...Crash Course MBA Weekend. Oh, and if you're interested, e-mail me. I know a guy that can get you a FOD discount. ;-)

And speaking of getting your career going, my next webinar: Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper! is coming up on Sunday, March 27th at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time and you can be there from your own computer. Click this link to register for this webinar!

Dougbytes

***I worked another day as The Mailroom Guy on 30 Rock! So, why wasn't this the first item in the e-mail? Because after I was in holding for 8 hours, the powers that be decided that Sherri Shepherd and the guy playing her assistant could handle the scene on their own. (As the fantastic props lady said when it happened, "Hey, the checks don't bounce.") But the best thing about it was that I had the time to interview some of my fellow actors and then write an article for The Savvy Actor. It's called The Liquid Network and I hereby share it with you.

***Liz Ortiz-Mackes of Casting Solutions brought me in to speak on a panel about the business of The Business for her students at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Fellow panel members included Molly Kramer Meador of Theatreworks USA, Margaret Emory of Dulcina Eisen, and David Bellantoni of Beth Melsky Casting. This coming Saturday, I'll be an audition reader for a movie Liz is casting, CAN'T DANCE.

***I'm keeping my technique sharp with three phenomenal teachers. I've been studying voice with the amazing Jeff Halpern, gaining confidence on higher notes and tackling songs I've always wanted to sing.
Joan Bogden has been coaching me on VoiceOver and most recently on the "fair balance" read you hear in pharmaceutical commercials when they list all the symptoms you could get. Such a fine line to walk, so much fun.
I've also been taking Patricia Angelin's class in ALBA technique, learning to induce real emotion and then "step out" of it in order to stretch my emotional range as an actor. The work is tough to describe and requires a long commitment, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

***On Mondays at 8:00 a.m. I have a phone gathering with fellow voice actors Brett Barry, Cristina Doikos, Tercio Bretas, Marc Garber, Maggie Phillips, and Jamie Hurley. We have our own demo CD! Let us know if you would like one for your casting needs.

***I continue to sing Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Erika Buchholz, Karen Rich, Christopher Preston Thompson, Brian Long, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) The congregation is led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks and Leslie Jackson. The sermons are podcast! (The choir is not.) Recently, I got to return to the days of my Senior Honors Thesis at Syracuse University (Duke Ellington's influence in Music Theatre) and sing Duke Ellington's Come Sunday and What Color is Virtue? in honor of Black History Month.

Please Don't Panic! I'm busier than a wetnap at a rib eating contest-- but for you, I'll find the time. Should you need me to speak the spot, give face time for the photo, or sing the song, let's create something great together. (Thanks, Jordan Yanco, for the wetnap idea.)

And now the monthly Two (by which I mean Four) Items of Interest for FODs...

You deserve a little Lovin' from me to you...
Small steps are the key to beginning daunting tasks. Is your workspace too cluttered? Start by putting away two items and call it done each day. Looking to cut out dessert? Throw out the first bite every time for a week. Terrified of dating again? Take your lunch and sit in a public place to begin putting yourself amongst people. I learned this concept from Dr. Robert Maurer's book One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way. The key is to make the initial step small enough so that it's a snap to accomplish. Once your brain is reprogrammed to let go of the flight response, you can increase your tasks by small increments until your goal is achieved.

There. Thou has been coached.

You deserve quick turn-around for your music needs...
FOD Mat Eisenstein has had many great successes lately, such as being the Associate Conductor of the Broadway companies of PROMISES PROMISES and ELF. Well, Mat has developed a great side career of creating MP3 TRACKS for actors or anyone who needs a recording of a song from sheet music. You send him the PDF- he sends you back a melody and accompaniment track the SAME DAY! (Usually within a couple of hours). Many of his clients have found this service helpful for those last minute sides you are expected to digest overnight and/or wanting to have digital versions of all your audition songs! His fee ranges between $10-$20 a song. (Depends on how many pages, etc.) Feel free to email him at vocalcoachmat@hotmail.com for any questions or to get started on a track. This service is in addition to Mat's vocal coaching schedule, transpositions, and transcriptions that he does on a regular basis. He also arranges excellent (but easy to sight read) piano parts for your POP/ROCK song so that it sounds awesome and real on the piano for your audition!

You up-towners deserve a chance to make music near home...
I have news about Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!). Fresh off her victory with the Composer-Librettist Studio with New Dramatists, she is hosting No Name Presents: The Uptown Cabaret at the Indian Road Cafe. Ye northern composers, lyricists and singers who have built your igloos in the area where the A train ends, there is now a home for you to bring your music theatre selections old and new. Enjoy, and buy Alex a car bomb, why don'tcha? The cabaret is usually the third Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm, but this month, it's March 10th, so as not to mess with St. Patrick's Day.

You deserve financial guidance...
Of course I must brag on my husband. After eighteen years as an actuary, Shawn brought his industry savvy to the people side of the business five years ago to be a financial advisor. His business has grown wonderfully and he is helping a lot of people start to save money and protect their loved ones. Have you been reading the news lately? Perhaps it's time to talk with him. He knows his stuff, will not try to sell you something you don't need, and is quite easy on the eyes. Send him an e-mail at scowls@mac.com to start the conversation.
But wait! There's MORE! Shawn will have a table for his Financial Advisory practice at the 18th Original GLBT Expo on Saturday March 13 and Sunday March 14 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center (38th and 11th Avenues). I'll be working the table with him so he's free to talk with the people. Come by and say hello! And here's a Savvy tip: before you come, print out labels with your name, address, e-mail, and phone number so when you're signing up for all the raffles and giveaways at each booth, you don't have to write it all out a zillion times. The website link for the Expo has a downloadable coupon for $5.00 off admission.

Life is good here. My brother Phil generously donated some office chairs from his Wall Street office for our new Savvy Actor office in Midtown. All we had to do was move them from from Wall Street to Midtown...without a truck. Well, office chairs roll, so Savvy Actor co-founder Kevin Urban, fellow Barnstormer Kathleen Fiorito, and I rolled six chairs out of the office, down the service elevator, through the Wall Street area, through the subway system, out onto the street near Macy*s, and up into the Savvy offices. A great New York City adventure, and the chairs are just right. By the way, tax time is so very soon, and my brother Phil Rosenberg has an office chocked full of great CPA's (himself included) so get your receipts together and proceed to the website for Rosenberg & Manente, PLLC. The website music is the icing on the cake.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, hug a woman (it is Womens' History Month after all), and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

Enjoy Yourself!

Doug

Autumnal 2010 Update with Doug!

2010-10-01T06:34:00.003-04:00

Hello my dear FODs (Friends/Family of Doug)!
Happy Autumnal Equinox! We're all in school-year mode, ready to embrace new things and consume pumpkin-flavored everything. Hey, since the weather's starting to cool a bit, why don't you kick back with your warm pumpkin cider and settle in for this monthly e-journey, and when we reach the e-conclusion, oh yes, there will be the usual 2 (by which I mean four) items of interest for FODs! By the way, for you newsletter skimmers, please make sure to check the end of the coaching section to see my video on BroadwayBlogspot.com!

Rockstar Doug
No, no. I'm not growing long blonde hair and wailing high notes as I scamper about in yellow lycra pants. Keep those saucy fantasies to yourself. I voiced a character for an upcoming video game for Rockstar Games! I signed a confidentiality agreement about the content, but I can tell you that these are the people that created the very successful GRAND THEFT AUTO series.
How did I get this gig? LinkedIn, people! LinkedIn isn't just Facebook for business types, it can help you get jobs.
I entered "Rockstar Games" in the search engine, found a former employee who is connected to one of my contacts, and ended up having an excellent networking meeting with a new friend. The new friend offered me another contact which led to a booking!
In the recording session, I dashed off an hour's worth of work in a half hour because of the excellent advice I had received during the networking meeting. LinkedIn WORKS people! And know that if you need to connect to one of my contacts on LinkedIn, I will try to do the same for you.

Cycling Doug
Our short film THE CYCLE, in which I played a diplomacy-challenged police officer last fall, is really taking on the film festival circuit! We were awarded Best Narrative Short at the Roxbury International Film Festival, Best Short Film at the Central Florida Film Festival, Best Drama in the Indie Producer Short Film Contest, Screenplay Award at the Colorado Film Festival and there's more coming. Check the Mundo Loco Films website for upcoming screenings! Based on actual events, THE CYCLE takes place in the modern-day Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, and brings the fallout from an ongoing gentrification process to life through the stealing of a little girl's bicycle. The movie is written and directed by Roy Clovis, produced by Mundo Loco Films and cast by Liz Ortiz-Mackes of Casting Solutions. The cast includes Randy Baisden, Dracyn Blount, Corinne Bobb-Semple, Tanesha Gary, Lynda Gravatt, James Holloway, Sharon Hope, Dennis Johnson, Phyllis Johnson, Royce Johnson, Justin Jones, Jaymes Jorsling, Leopold Lowe, Christine Renee Miller, Tomike Ogugua, Surfin Percy, Sheila Tapia, Benja K. Thomas, and me (as Officer DiLuca).

Wolfish Doug
I'm making my debut with The Public Theatre in Maine, someplace I've wanted to work for ages. I'll be playing a singing, dancing, character chameleon of a wolf in Kathleen Ferman and Ellen Mandel's version of THREE LITTLE PIGS. My lovely pigs will be Laura Darrell, Alexandra Frankovich, and Ellen Lindsay.

WHEN: Sunday, November 14, 2010
1:00 PM and 3:00 PM (Public Performances)
WHERE: The Public Theatre
31 Maple Street, Lewiston, ME
Here's the Google Map
TICKETS: Call the Box office at (207) 782-3200

Cavorting with Composers and Whisking about with Wordsmiths...
My FOD Composers and Wordsmiths continue to bring amazing things into the world and I get to be their vehicle! Here's the latest:

Gowanus Doug
Blue Room Arts Collective (with FOD Josh Cohen as Managing Director) is having their official debut with BROOKLYN'S GOT CHARACTER(S), an evening of original theatre songs that bring the real-life "characters" of Brooklyn to life. With songs by over 20 of New York's hottest emerging theatre songwriters, and based on the lives, stories, and personalities of actual residents from all over the borough, this concert will highlight what makes Brooklyn such a diverse, unique, and wonderful place to live: its people.
Rachel Peters is an astonishing composer with whom I worked in New Dramatists Composer-Librettist Studio earlier this year and I'll be in her 10-minute piece I Live Here. It uses Michael J. Shay's lyric Gowanus Canal in Song, that was published in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle in 1898, and also weaves in some excellent audio interview clips. The singers in this piece are Karis Danish, Eleanor Taylor, Karla Faggard, DeOnzell Green, Doug Brandt, Jonathan Raviv, Anthony Gomez, and myself. See you there!
WHEN: Monday, September 27, 2010
8:00 PM
WHERE: Galapagos Art Space, in the Loft upstairs
16 Main Street, (DUMBO) Brooklyn, NY

Here's the Google Map
TICKETS: Are a mere $15 dollars and can be purchased through Smarttix by clicking this link.

Coach Doug...
Lots of amazing things are happening with The Savvy Actor. Such clients I've got! In my side career as a career consultant with The Savvy Actor, founded by two fabulous actor/business mavens Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban, I have been helping my Savvy clients set up systems for themselves to treat their acting craft as a business through classes, coaching and seminars. (Yes, we coach by phone, too.) Recently, my clients have been booking national tours, indie films, commercials, and getting things DONE. Interested in doing this work for yourself? Click this link to set up a free half-hour intro session with me. I also recommend our amazing book The Savvy Actor Career Manual. Let's get your career going too!

And speaking of getting your career going, my next webinar: Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper! is coming up on Sunday, October 10 at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time and you can be there from your own computer. It's on 10/10/10--what could be more fun than that? Click this link to register for this webinar!

But wait--there's more! We have crash course MBA weekends coming up in Los Angeles and NYC! Learn how to put your Branding, Marketing and Strategy into action (I'll be speaking on how to enrich your support system on the second day of the NYC weekend). After you've experienced this amazing weekend, you'll become a Savvy Insider, with a firm foundation in our business systems for artists and with a bevy of discounts on coachings (including group coachings). Sign up for the Crash Course MBA weekends in NYC or Los Angeles by clicking this link!

Do not step away from this electronic device--there's STILL more! The beautiful and talented actors Kimberly Faye Greenberg and Brian Childers created the website BroadwayBlogspot.com, chocked full of information and interviews on the New York City Theatre Scene. I was interviewed as both a career coach and an actor--the career coach section just went live! Watch me give career advice on a jungle gym by clicking this link!

Dougbytes

***Another of my films Zenith the Film, will be premiering at IFC Center (323 Sixth Avenue in NYC) on October 1, 2010.

***The Savvy Actor team and I participated for the second time in the Komen Race for the Cure. Deepest thanks to all of you who have helped me raise $1,280 as of this mailing and the Savvy Team raise $5,231! Donations can still be made through my fundraising site or through my Facebook page through October 31, 2010.

***Should you find yourself near the Kentucky/Ohio border in Late October, head to Randall K. Cooper High School in Union, Kentucky on October 21, 22, and 23 at 7:30 pm. The 6th, 7th and 8th graders, under the capable direction of FOD Karen Wiebe, will be presenting Law & Order: Fairy Tale Division with my voice as the intense voice over at the beginning.

***I'm studying voice again with the amazing Jeff Halpern. In my past few readings and recordings, I've been singing F's above Middle C! This is a huge deal for me. Oh, Jeff is just great. And do you know who studies with Jeff too? Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

***Every other Monday at 9:00 p.m. I have a mastermind phone gathering with fellow voice actors Brett Barry, Cristina Doikos, Tercio Bretas, Marc Garber, Maggie Phillips, and Jamie Hurley. We have our own demo CD! Let us know if you would like one for your casting needs.

***I'm singing Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Helen Lyons, Karen Rich, Christopher Preston Thompson, Brian Long, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) The congregation is led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks. The sermons are now podcast! (The choir is not.) Click on the link to check out Susan's exciting new book!

***I sang again this year with the Park Avenue Synagogue for the High Holy Days. We were led by the glorious cantorial team of Nancy Abramson, Azi Schwartz, and Elana Cohen. The choir included Raphael Biran, Yiselle Blum, Charlie Carrow, Ena Freeman, David Gordon, Samantha Grenell-Zaidman, Beverley Hill, Phillip Kaplan, Shaina Millman, Toby Newman, Jeremy Rothschild, Michael Sarnoff-Wood, Gavriel Savit, Evgenia Silberberg, and me. Special thanks to Mary Feinsinger for yet again helping me get the new stuff on tape. [PLUG: Mary is also a dynamite composer and voice teacher. You can contact her at bitterpearl@nyc.rr.com.]

***Animator extraordinaire Ken Truhan has completed the animated storyboard and continues to create the animation for the second installation of DougToons! Give him time, this one takes a bit longer and there are a lot of characters. In this episode, the character Doug is sent on an audition by his agent, only to find out that he is applying to be a henchman to the evil Mr. Mayhem! If you have yet to see the work of animator Ken Truhan, writer Crystal Skillman, producer/engineer Brett Barry and voice actor me, the first installment of DougToons is also on YouTube. Please log on to the YouTube site, give it a rating, and share with your friends!

Please Don't Panic! I'm busier than Lindsey Lohan's lawyers-- but for you, I'll find the time. Should you need me to speak the spot, give face time for the photo, or sing the song, let's create something great together. (Thanks to FOD Jonathan Raviv for the Lohan suggestion.)

And now the monthly Two (by which I mean Four) Items of Interest for FODs...

You deserve a little Lovin' from me to you...
Anyone in the job search and low on funds? No? Okay, I'll try another country.
But seriously, folks, I wrote an article for the last Savvy Actor newsletter entitled 10 Free Things to Get Your Career Back on Track. It's geared towards actors, (and I gave you a taste of some of these ideas in the January e-newsletter) but I've been receiving some wonderful feedback on it from people in other industries. Take a gander!
There. Thou has been coached.

Others deserve a little Lovin' from you to them...
I have been actively using Send Out Cards for almost two years now. It is an amazing system in which you can create your own custom postcards and greeting cards (with your own photos) online and then they will print, stuff, stamp and send them for you. No more buying expensive cards at the drug store. No more missing a special occasion because you never got to the post office. It is not only a convenient resource for anyone who sends cards and gifts, but vital to anyone in a service-based industry. At The Savvy Actor, we have even found a way to use this system to allow actors to create Faster, Smarter and Cheaper mailings for artists. Send Out Cards can also provide an excellent source of income and this week, I achieved the level of Manager. (You may begin kvelling now.) You want you should try this for yourself? I invite you to go to my Send Out Cards site, watch the video, and send two free cards on me!

You deserve to sound glorious...
I just finished working with the incredibly talented M.P. Kuo on a brush-up recording for a character in DougToons II. M.P. specializes in different styles of music production and recording. She adheres to a high quality standard of recording, editing, mixing and producing and also does live recording, transferring, and media duplication. She even has a portable setup that she can bring to wherever you are (provided you're reasonably near New York City). Contact her at mpkuo206@yahoo.com. M.P. also recorded me as the intense fairy tale voiceover for Law & Order: Fairytale Division.

You deserve financial guidance...
Of course I must brag on my husband. After eighteen years as an actuary, Shawn brought his industry savvy to the people side of the business five years ago to be a financial advisor. His business has grown wonderfully and he is helping a lot of people save money and protect their loved ones. Have you been reading the news lately? Perhaps it's time to talk with him. He knows his stuff, will not try to sell you something you don't need, and is quite easy on the eyes. Send him an e-mail at scowls@mac.com to start the conversation.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE! Shawn will be a panelist this coming Tuesday evening, September 28, for the seminar Preserving Your Business - Legal, Tax and Financial Planning Considerations. If you are interested in this discussion on the issues affecting business owners as they plan for their future, click here to find out more!

Life is good here. Shawn and I found ourselves in Cherry Grove, coinciding with the Miss Fire Island Pageant...which also coincided with September 11th. So, we've got drag artists a go-go running about, pleasantly inebriated visitors from across the bay, and a mini-batallion of hired security guards making sure nothing is getting out of hand. Then we hear bagpipes over the loudspeaker and all the mayhem releases itself to silence. Four uniformed (and I'm assuming Lesbian and Gay) officers carried the American flag across the runway that spanned over the swimming pool and all of our hands were over our hearts. FOD Brandon Cutrell sang The National Anthem beautifully, and as I looked over the bejewelled and well-painted faces of these contestants I had a huge mental shift. I always respected the art of drag artists, but on that day I experienced them as patriotic Americans showing deference to a national tragedy while giving honor to our country. Puts things in perspective.
Shawn and I will also be heading to Washington, DC for Jon Stewart's Rally to Restore Sanity on October 30, 2010. Jon Stewart plans to provide signs that read, "I may disagree with you, but that doesn't mean you're Hitler." This event will also coincide with Stephen Colbert's March to Keep Fear Alive. Come on. You have to meet us there.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

Enjoy Yourself!

Doug Shapiro
Fearless Mensch
(917) 929-0998
www.dougshapiro.com
doug@dougshapiro.com
A Career Coach with The Savvy Actor!
The Savvy Actor Career Manual
The Most Comprehensive Actor's Business Guide Ever.

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and, oy vey, I'm also on the Borg Collective, otherwise known as Facebook
Doug's song stylings on BroadwayDemo.com
Doug's Send Out Cards page

Summer 2010 Update with Doug!

2010-08-05T21:12:00.001-04:00

Hello my dear FODs (Friends/Family of Doug)!
Greetings from a picnic table by a lovely stream in New Hampshire! (I kid you not, there's a man sitting here playing the violin because the place needed to be that much more idyllic.) The summer heat has been sitting on us like an overfed chicken mamma, but she's getting up and it's time to crack out of the egg. And what goes great with eggs? The fizzylicious mimosa that you're sipping as you settle in for this monthly e-journey, and when we reach the e-conclusion, oh yes, there will be the usual 2 (by which I mean three) items of interest for FODs!

BBC Radio Debut!
I voiced the Russian TV Announcer in THE TARGET AUDIENCE, a Waters Company Production for BBC Radio 4's "Russia Actualnyi" series. Written by Igor Simonov, the play centered around a hugely successful TV show in which Russia's famous, powerful, and rich are interviewed by a trio of canny and beautiful young women. Direction by Judith Kampfner, Technical Production by Scott Lehrer, and Music Composition by Gene Pritzker. The characters were voiced by Anne Bobby (Thanks for the recommendation!), Angelique Doudnikova, Michael Levi Harris, Stass Klassen, Moti Margolin, Yasen Peyankov, me, Peter Von Berg, and Tatyana Zbirovskaya.

This experience was doubly exciting because I raced downtown to voice the gig in between the rehearsal and staged reading of THE HARD KILL back in early June. Thank you, Metropolitan Transit Authority.

THE CYCLE is pedaling to film festivals all over the country!
Our short film THE CYCLE, in which I played a diplomacy-challenged police officer last fall, is really taking on the film festival circuit! We'll be hitting Boston at the Roxbury International Film Festival on July 31 and in New York City at ACEFEST on August 28. Check the Mundo Loco Films website for upcoming screenings in Martha's Vineyard, MA; Central Florida; Rome, GA; New Jersey; and more! Based on actual events, THE CYCLE takes place in the modern-day Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, and brings the fallout from an ongoing gentrification process to life through the stealing of a little girl's bicycle. The movie is written and directed by Roy Clovis, produced by Mundo Loco Films and cast by Liz Ortiz-Mackes of Casting Solutions. The cast includes Randy Baisden, Dracyn Blount, Corinne Bobb-Semple, Tanesha Gary, Lynda Gravatt, James Holloway, Sharon Hope, Dennis Johnson, Phyllis Johnson, Royce Johnson, Justin Jones, Jaymes Jorsling, Leopold Lowe, Christine Renee Miller, Tomike Ogugua, Surfin Percy, Sheila Tapia, Benja K. Thomas, and me (as Officer DeLuca).

The Barnstormers 9.0
I'm finishing out my ninth season, tenth year with The Barnstormers in Tamworth, NH and have played great roles with crazily talented cast and crew. One-week summer stock, baby. Make your acting choice and MOVE SOLDIER, MOVE!:

Hysterium in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM: Director: Michael Grayman, Choreographer: Andrew Parkhurst, Music Director: Bret Silverman, Trumpet: Tasha Jost, Stage Manager: Darrell Keene, Set Designer: Emily Nichols, Costume Designer: Michele Macadaeg, Lighting Designer: Karen Perlow, Hair & Makeup Designer: Molly Jae Chase.
Cast: Amy Dresser, Kathleen Fiorto, Trey Harrington, Cloteal Horne, Joe Longthorne, Val Moranto, Cope Murray, Rebecca O'Sullivan, Dale Place, Amy Prothro, Kelly Rypkema, Jeremiah James, Scott Severance, me, Evan Siegel, Pim Van Amerongen, Frank Wells, and Vinette Wells.

La Flèche in THE MISER: Director: Bob Shea, Stage Manager: Darrell Keene, Set Designer: Jesse Beecher, Costume Designer: Michele Macadaeg, Lighting Designer: Joe Deleault, Hair & Makeup Designer: Molly Jae Chase.
Cast: Bob Bates, Billy Butler, Bill Coyne, Kelley Curran, Josh Gunn, Trey Harrington, Joe Longthorne, Ryan Malyar, Dale Place, Hillary Polier, Penny Purcell, me, and Angela Smith.

Sasha Smirnoff in ROOM SERVICE: Director: Victor Warren, Stage Manager: Darrell Keene, Set Designer: Kathryn Kawecki, Costume Designer: Michele Macadaeg, Lighting Designer: Karen Perlow, Hair & Makeup Designer: Molly Jae Chase.
Cast: Bob Bates, Billy Butler, Will Cabell, Andrew Codispotti, Dick Cook, Kelley Curran, Josh Gunn, Blair Hundertmark, Greg Pike, Dale Place, me, Ken Sheldon, Angela Smith, and Patrick Tierney. Special thanks to Barbara Rosenblat for coaching me on my Russian and Polish dialects.

and special mention to: our other stage manager Tim L'Ecuyer, Artistic Director Bob Shea, Company Manager Dale Bragdon, and our crew under Technical Director Dane Leeman: McKenzie Beaver, Justin Booska, Lauren Duffy, JD Falotico, Jordan Maltais, Robyn Warfield, and Courtney Wrenn.

During down time, I've been coaching Savvy Actor clients locally and over the phone, leading Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper! webinars from the Cook Memorial Library, and running a few seminars on the business of acting for the cast and crew.

Cavorting with Composers and Whisking about with Wordsmiths...
My FOD Composers and Wordsmiths continue to bring amazing things into the world and I get to be their vehicle! Here's the latest:

ALIEN ADVENTURE: THE ADVENTURE
Some time in Late August/Early September, I'll be reading multiple roles in ALIEN ADVENTURE: THE ADVENTURE by Jon Freda. The cast is slated to include Mac Brydon, Rachael Jarvis, Joyce Laoagan, Julian Leong, me, and Lin McEwan.

Coaching with Clients...
Such clients I've got! In my side career as a career consultant with The Savvy Actor, founded by two fabulous actor/business mavens Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban, I have been helping my savvy clients set up systems for themselves to treat their acting craft as a business through classes, coaching and seminars. (Yes, we coach by phone, too.) Recently, my clients have been getting callbacks for national tours, booking films, learning French, and getting things DONE. Interested in doing this work for yourself? Click this link to set up a free half-hour intro session with me. I also recommend our amazing book The Savvy Actor Career Manual. Let's get your career going too!

And speaking of getting your career going, my next webinar: Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper! is coming up on Monday, August 9 at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time and you can be there from your own computer. Click this link to register for this webinar!

Dougbytes

***I'll be studying voice again with the amazing Jeff Halpern. In the past few readings and recordings I've done, I've been singing F's above Middle C! This is a huge deal for me. Oh, Jeff is just great. And guess who just started studying with Jeff too? Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

***Every other Monday at 9:00 p.m. I have a mastermind phone gathering with fellow voice actors Brett Barry, Cristina Doikos, Tercio Bretas, Marc Garber, Lucien Dodge, Maggie Phillips, and Jamie Hurley. We have our own demo CD! Let us know if you would like one for your casting needs.

***I'll be singing again Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Helen Lyons, Karen Rich, Christopher Preston Thompson, Brian Long, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) The congregation is led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks. The sermons are now podcast! (The choir is not.) Click on the link to check out Susan's exciting new book!

***I'll also be singing again this year with the Park Avenue Synagogue for the High Holy Days. Pay attention people! Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are much earlier than usual this year.

***Animator extraordinaire Ken Truhan has completed the animated storyboard and continues to create the animation for the second installation of DougToons (Give him time, this one takes a bit longer and there are a lot of characters)! In this episode, the character Doug is sent on an audition by his agent, only to find out that he is applying to be a henchman to the evil Mr. Mayhem! If you have yet to see the work of animator Ken Truhan, writer Crystal Skillman, producer/engineer Brett Barry and voice actor me, the first installment of DougToons is also on YouTube. Please log on to the YouTube site, give it a rating, and share with your friends!

***CHAMBERET FOR EQUALITY!
What do we want? MARRIAGE EQUALITY!
When do we want it? NOW!
When will we do the planned benefit? UM...LATER!
The Chamberet will indeed return, this time as a fundraiser for Marriage Equality New York, but it has been postponed from June to some time in October/November. We started booking other work and wanted to make sure we didn't slap you with something sloppy. So, be patient a little longer and Jennifer Wren, Marissa Rosen, Karla Mosley, YOU (If you're a baritenor/tenor who would like to sing love songs with me), and I, along with Musical Director Paul Stephan, violinist Yury Shubov, and Director Ilana Becker, will bring the work of my FOD composers and lyricists to the masses. To tide you over until then, go to YouTube and enter "The Chamberet" in the search engine or just Click Here for some of the bits a friend was able to get with his video camera.] I love my husband and value the commitment we made before the rabbi and our friends and family, so it's time to take action and raise some dough. Still in the planning stage. More details to come.

Please Don't Panic! I'm busier than a one-eyed cat watching two mouse holes-- but for you, I'll find the time. Should you need me to speak the spot, give face time for the photo, or sing the song, let's create something great together.

And now the monthly Two (by which I mean Three) Items of Interest for FODs...

You deserve a little Lovin' from me to you...
You know those projects that you want to do but they're not quite important enough to make it to the top of the priority list and then they become too big to handle? Well, 15 minute intervals are your friend. I keep a list of a few projects to which I can devote attention to for just 15 minutes, whittling them away until they're complete. Some of these include clearing items off my computer desktop, clearing e-mail that I've put into "read later" folders, updating my address book with the Facebook acceptances that I've saved, and checking out the websites for the casting agencies on my target list. Set a timer for 15 minutes. When the buzzer rings, stop and move on. Many business books point to this method, but I first learned about it from FlyLady.net which bills itself as a personal coach to help you gain control of your house and home, using the 15-minute intervals to clean out that cluttered room or attack the dead things in the fridge.Treat yourself to this one.

There. Thou has been coached.

You deserve an amazing dessert...
Those of you who came to FODapalooza: 40Palooza! this past June will definitely recall the amazing cupcakes by Dawn Doran of The Cupcake Connection. You know how I feel about cupcakes. They facilitated the moon landing. They parted the red sea for the Israelites. They shall bring the nations together with love. These cupcakes fulfil every one of those promises. Dawn caters all kinds of events and also caters to the wholesale customer. And yes, oh yes, my FODs of restricted diets, she has sugar-free and gluten-free options!

You deserve financial guidance...
Of course I must brag on my husband. After eighteen years as an actuary, Shawn brought his industry savvy to the people side of the business five years ago to be a financial advisor. His business has grown wonderfully and he is helping a lot of people start to save money and protect their loved ones. Have you been reading the news lately? Perhaps it's time to talk with him. He knows his stuff, will not try to sell you something you don't need, and is quite easy on the eyes. Send him an e-mail at scowls@mac.com to start the conversation.

Life is good here. Shawn and got in more travel than usual this summer: Gay Days at Disney World and visiting my beautiful sister and her stalwart man in Raleigh, NC. Right now, that husband of mine is on a week-long flotilla with the Knickerbocker Sailing Association: NYC's Gay and Lesbian sailing club...for those with boats and those without. If this sounds like something in which you'd be interested, their next meeting is on Tuesday August 10 at People Lounge. I will wave to you from shore and wish you well.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

Enjoy Yourself!

Doug Shapiro
Fearless Mensch
(917) 929-0998
www.dougshapiro.com
doug@dougshapiro.com
A Career Coach with The Savvy Actor!
The Savvy Actor Career Manual
The Most Comprehensive Actor's Business Guide Ever. Doug's LinkedIn Profile
follow me on Twitter!
and, oy vey, I'm also on the Borg Collective, otherwise known as Facebook
Doug's song stylings on BroadwayDemo.com

May 2010 Update with Doug

2010-06-15T15:55:00.003-04:00

Hello my dear FODs (Friends/Family of Doug)!
Happy Memorial Day Weekend everyone! Just the right time to break out the picnic blanket and neglected white trousers in honor of our loved ones who have served in the armed forces, but hold on! Before you run outside to reupholster the lawn furniture and spray-paint the grass green for the guests, pour yourself a citrusy zima and settle in for this monthly e-journey, and when we reach the e-conclusion, oh yes, there will be the usual 2 (by which I mean five) items of interest for FODs!

Makin' Movies...

The Hard Kill
I brought my multiple character mojo to film work, playing a mafia doctor, a rabbi, a corporate lawyer and a concierge in a movie script reading of B. Jeffrey Madoff's The Hard Kill.
Written and directed by B. Jeffrey Madoff, casting by Lewis & Fox Casting, with Matthew Bomer, John Doman, Milena Govich, Gregory Itzin, Kevin Kilner, Arthur J. Nascarella, John Barilla, Robin LeMon, Curt Karibalis, Patrick Murney, Bones Rodriguez, and me!

Cool story about this one: after my audition and our goodbyes, I was at the elevator when the casting director came running out to tell me I got the role. Man, I've been waiting for that one to happen my entire career.

The Cycle
I'm kvelling up a storm! The short film The Cycle, in which I played a diplomacy-deficient police officer last fall, has been selected as one of 5 finalists in the HBO Short Film Competition to be held at the 2010 American Black Film Festival in Miami, FL on June 24. (Note: the word "kvelling" is not used anywhere in the film.) Based on actual events, The Cycle takes place in the modern-day Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, and brings the fallout from an ongoing gentrification process to life through the stealing of a little girl's bicycle. The movie is written and directed by Roy Clovis, produced by Mundo Loco Films and cast by Liz Ortiz-Mackes of Casting Solutions. The cast includes Randy Baisden, Dracyn Blount, Corinne Bobb-Semple, Tanesha Gary, Lynda Gravatt, James Holloway, Sharon Hope, Dennis Johnson, Phyllis Johnson, Royce Johnson, Justin Jones, Jaymes Jorsling, Leopold Lowe, Christine Renee Miller, Tomike Ogugua, Surfin Percy, Sheila Tapia, Benja K. Thomas, and me (as Officer DeLuca).

The Barnstormers 9.0
I'll be returning for the 2010 season (my ninth season, tenth year!) with The Barnstormers. I'll be playing Hysterium in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, La Flèche in The Miser, and Sasha Smirnoff in Room Service. Tamworth, New Hampshire--here I come!

Here's the info:
WHEN:

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM: July 6-10, 2010
THE MISER: July 20-24, 2010
ROOM SERVICE: August 3-7, 2010

Performances are Tuesdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm,
with Saturday Matinees at 2:00 pm

WHERE: The Barnstormers Theatre
100 Main Street, Tamworth, NH, 03886
See below for directions or go to the Google Map

COST: $15-$29.50 depending on performance and location in the theater.

TICKETS: Call the Box Office at (603) 323-8500 or e-mail tickets@barnstormerstheatre.org.

Cavorting with Composers and Whisking about with Wordsmiths...
My FOD Composers and Wordsmiths continue to bring amazing things into the world and I get to be their vehicle! Here's the latest:

The Witches of Lublin
A reading (with live music) of a "Feminist Magic Realist Klezmer Musical Radio Play": The Witches of Lublin by Ellen Kushner, Yale Strom, and Elizabeth Schwartz. The cast included Adrienne Cooper, Chris Delaine, Fiona Jones, Anne Bobby, Sam Guncler, George Guidal, Barbara Rosenblat (who, by the way, was just the recipient of two more Audie Awards!) and me as a Polish noble in love with a Jewish girl.

How Green Was My Valley
I got to do a performance at The Actors Studio! Based on the novel of the same name, this musical version of How Green Was My Valley was directed by Ben Krywosz with music by Roger Ames, lyrics by Elizabeth Bassine, and libretto by Ron Hutchinson. (Roger Micone supported us on the drums). The choral arrangements were just stunning and I was lucky enough to have several FOD's involved in the project! I played one of the young sons who is a miner/bridegroom and later on played a power-hungry deacon. The cast included Joel Abels, Nisa Ari, Sam Arlen, Joan Barber, Renee Claire Bergeron, Ellen Bullinger, Chris Carfizzi, Brian Myers Cooper, Jon Gellert, Wren Marie Harrington, Tim Jerome, Jonathan Hays, Michael Hopewell, Lili Klein, Lisa LaMothe, Eric Larivee, Jackie Martino, Celeste McClain (check the bottom of this e-mail for more on her jewelry too!), Matt McMahan, me, Julia Thurston, Kevin Urban, and Chris Vettel.

La Gioconda
You know the Mona Lisa? Well I'm her husband and this Leonardo da Vinci has really got my goat because he's taking too long to paint her. I'm so mad that I'm going to sing a FABULOUS SONG! Writer Ed McNamee and Composer Donya Lane have created a wonderful musical, La Gioconda about the life of Leonardo da Vinci. I recorded a bunch of songs for them, finishing in two days rather than the scheduled three. I was alone for the recordings, but two other fabulous FOD's were also part of the project: Brian Long and Logan Tracey!

Calvin and Hobbes and Back to the Future: The Musicals!
It's time for the composers and lyricists finishing up the second year of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop to present the four best songs from the musicals they have been creating and I'm lucky enough to be participating in two of them!
Calvin and Hobbes: Based on the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson. Music by Brian Allan Hobbs and Lyrics by Jeff Bienstock with Adam Spiegel as Calvin, me as Hobbes, Brittney Lee Hamilton as Susie and Sierra Rein as Mom (and director!) Thanks to Oran Eldor for playing for us!
Sorry, guys, this one already happened. It was great!
Back to the Future: Based on the 1985 movie Back to the Future. Music by Adam Spiegel, Lyrics by Daniel Wolpow, music directed by Rachel Robinson. With Christopher Brick, Paul Daniel Cloeter, Rob Krausz, Lyle Colby Mackston, Alyssa Malgeri, Kris Nolte, Matthew Schatz, Forest VanDyke, Emily Walton, Rebecca Weiner, Melissa Zimmerman, and me as Doc Emmett Brown!

Coaching with Clients...
Such clients I've got! In my side career as a career consultant with The Savvy Actor, founded by two fabulous actor/business mavens Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban, I have been helping my savvy clients set up systems for themselves to treat their acting craft as a business through classes, coaching and seminars. (Yes, we coach by phone, too.) Recently, my clients have been getting callbacks for national tours, booking films, learning French, and getting things DONE. Interested in doing this work for yourself? Click this link to set up a free half-hour intro session with me. I also recommend our amazing book The Savvy Actor Career Manual. Let's get your career going too!

And speaking of getting your career going, my next webinar: Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper! is coming up on Sunday, July 11 at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time and you can be there from your own computer. Click this link to register for this webinar!

Dougbytes

***I've been studying voice with the amazing Jeff Halpern. In the past few readings and recordings I've done, I've been singing F's above Middle C! This is a huge deal for me. Oh, Jeff is just great. And guess who just started studying with Jeff too? Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

***On Mondays at 8:00 a.m. I have a phone gathering with fellow voice actors Brett Barry, Cristina Doikos, Tercio Bretas, Marc Garber, Lucien Dodge, Maggie Phillips, and Jamie Hurley. We have our own demo CD! Let us know if you would like one for your casting needs.

***I continue to sing Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Helen Lyons, Karen Rich, Christopher Preston Thompson, Brian Long, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) The congregation is led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks. The sermons are now podcast! (The choir is not.) Head towards the bottom of this e-mail for information on Susan's exciting new book!

***Animator extraordinaire Ken Truhan has completed the animated storyboard and continues to create the animation for the second installation of DougToons (Give him time, this one takes a bit longer and there are a lot of characters)! In this episode, the character Doug is sent on an audition by his agent, only to find out that he is applying to be a henchman to the evil Mr. Mayhem! If you have yet to see the work of animator Ken Truhan, writer Crystal Skillman, producer/engineer Brett Barry and voice actor me, the first installment of DougToons is also on YouTube. Please log on to the YouTube site, give it a rating, and share with your friends!

***CHAMBERET FOR EQUALITY!
What do we want? MARRIAGE EQUALITY!
When do we want it? NOW!
When will we do the planned benefit? UM...LATER!
The Chamberet will indeed return, this time as a fundraiser for Marriage Equality New York, but it has been postponed from June to some time in October/November. We started booking other work and wanted to make sure we didn't slap you with something sloppy. So, be patient a little longer and Jennifer Wren, Marissa Rosen, Karla Mosley, Michael Morgan, and I, along with Musical Director Paul Stephan, violinist Yury Shubov, and Director Ilana Becker, will bring the work of my FOD composers and lyricists to the masses. To tide you over until then, go to YouTube and enter "The Chamberet" in the search engine or just Click Here for some of the bits a friend was able to get with his video camera.] I love my husband and value the commitment we made before the rabbi and our friends and family, so it's time to take action and raise some dough. Still in the planning stage. More details to come.

Please Don't Panic! I'm busier than a corset at a Renaissance Faire-- but for you, I'll find the time. Should you need me to speak the spot, give face time for the photo, or sing the song, let's create something great together.

And now the monthly Two (by which I mean Five) Items of Interest for FODs...

You deserve a little Lovin' from me to you...
After clearing out over 1,000 e-mails on my flight down to St. Thomas a couple of weeks ago, I began using the "touch it once rule" with my e-mail Inbox. I am no longer allowing myself to read an e-mail and deal with it later. If I'm looking at the e-mail, then I am either responding to it, deleting it, or filing it into my to-do system THEN AND THERE. My e-mail box has been clear for almost a month now and I can't tell you how much this has decreased my stress level. Treat yourself to this one.

There. Thou has been coached.

You deserve a professional chef to make you dinner...
FOD J. Ricardo Sanchez is a remarkable chef and has a great offer. If you're willing to host a cooking class in your home, you get a free meal and lesson! It's a great alternative for you and your friends/family rather than the usual movie, bowling, bar-hopping, or cow-tipping. You can reach Ricardo by e-mail at cuisinier10@yahoo.com. He is based in Milford, PA and willing to travel 2 hours in either direction (that includes New York City.)

You deserve to be adorned in shiny things...
Since it is Renaissance Faire season, shouldn't you be in chain mail? Well, FOD Celeste McClain can do that for you. Not a full suit of armour, but definitely necklaces and bracelets. In fact, the bracelet that I always wear is one of her creations. Her handcrafted jewelry can be 14k gold-fill, sterling silver, niobium and bronze. Prices on request. Take a look at her work at her Facebook jewelry album or e-mail her at celestemcc@comcast.net.

You deserve a good book to read...
Two FODs published in the same week!
Emily Winslow has penned The Whole World, which is at once a sensual and irresistible mystery and a haunting work of psychological insight and emotional depth (okay, that's off the book jacket, but it really is a dead-on description). Emily has kept her circle of supporters "in-the-know" throughout the entire publishing process with e-mail updates, which has made this novel even more precious to me. I'm in the middle of it and it is a key part of my life right now. You can treat yourself to this book right off her website at emilywinslow.com.

AND the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks has written Laugh Your Way to Grace: Reclaiming the Spiritual Power of Humor. Susan is a part of my life every Sunday as I sing with the Madison Avenue Baptist Church and I do get a good deal of spiritual food from her. It is time to break the paradigm of a supreme being who has no sense of humor. Feed your soul and get this book right off her website at susansparks.com.

You deserve financial guidance...
Of course I must brag on my husband. After eighteen years as an actuary, Shawn brought his industry savvy to the people side of the business five years ago to be a financial advisor. His business has grown wonderfully and he is helping a lot of people start to save money and protect their loved ones. Have you been reading the news lately? Perhaps it's time to talk with him. He knows his stuff, will not try to sell you something you don't need, and is quite easy on the eyes. Send him an e-mail at scowls@mac.com to start the conversation.

Life is good here. Allow me a quick story before signing off. One Sunday, I had just finished the church gig, Susan had preached a particularly good one (which, as always, I put through my kosher filter), and I was feeling full of the spirit despite the rain as I walked to a client meeting. Right outside the Marriott Marquis hotel, I see a gentleman with a microphone and amplifier doing his redemption pitch for Jesus. Not being familiar with the section of the Bible that says, "...and thou shalt scream my name at people in the Subway Cars," my defenses are usually up on these occasions. But on this day I saw a guy in the rain sharing his beliefs in a country that prides itself on free speech. So, I walked over and held my umbrella over him for a bit. He said thank you and resumed his pitch. Then, about a minute into it, I had a realization. My purple umbrella that I was holding over this man was emblazoned with the logo for Marriage Equality New York. Somehow, I don't think he would have revelled in the irony. I slipped away with him a little drier and none the wiser.

Nathaniel Louis Izakson and Zachary Searle, welcome to the world!
Lisa Grzych and Eve Cimmet, thank you for having been in this world and for living your life courageously.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, hug a veteran, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

Enjoy Yourself!

Doug

Doug Shapiro
Fearless Mensch
(917) 929-0998
www.dougshapiro.com
doug@dougshapiro.com
A Career Coach with The Savvy Actor!
The Savvy Actor Career Manual
The Most Comprehensive Actor's Business Guide Ever.
Doug's LinkedIn Profile
follow me on Twitter!
and, oy vey, I'm also on the Borg Collective, otherwise known as Facebook
Doug's song stylings on BroadwayDemo.com

March/April 2009 Update with Doug!

2010-04-19T08:19:00.002-04:00

Hello my dear FODs (Friends/Family of Doug)!
Happy Spring everyone! The pear trees here on 23rd Street are just starting to buy this whole equinox thing and they're blossoming up a storm. It's a beautiful world out there, but hold on! Before you tear off your garments and frolic with the forest animals, pour yourself a saucy beverage and settle in for this monthly e-journey, and when we reach the e-conclusion, oh yes, there will be the usual 2 (by which I mean five) items of interest for FODs!

Capering with Commercial Agents..
I've started freelancing with Michele Bianculli at Stewart Talent for on-camera commercials. The agency has just the right welcoming feel and can-do spirit. Michele is already landing auditions for me.

Playing with Processors...
In an industrial for IBM, I voiced an old outdated computer processor (yes, the machine) who was meeting the new system upgrade for the first time. The spot was recorded at Full House Productions, which is a gorgeous facility.

Leaping with Laptops...
Shawn's getting a new laptop, I'm getting his, and you can get mine! That's right, the very laptop on which I'm typing this e-loving right now. This iBook G4 with a 12-inch screen works beautifully, has a new plug and battery, and includes several goodies about which I'll tell you when you contact me. I'm asking for $500, which is how much it is selling for on Amazon.com and eBay right now, plus you get all the extra goodies. Your new electronic pal will happily open all e-loving from his old stomping grounds on 23rd Street, and currently enjoys reading the New York Times and downloading the This American Life podcast every Monday.

Cavorting with Composers and Whisking about with Wordsmiths...
Were you raising your fist to the air, decrying that your no-good Doug was running amok and didn't give you some e-loving in March? Baby, there was really good reason! You know I love you, but I've got a lot of composers and lyricists who need my attention, Baby! I may be embracing their need for versatile role playing, wrapping my tongue around some dialect they need or caressing some notes way down on their bass clef, but I'll ALWAYS come back to YOU Baby! Dry your pretty little eyes and show me that smile. This is what I've been doing...

2010 Composer-Librettist Studio
The New Dramatists Composer-Librettist Studio, presented in cooperation with Nautilus Music-Theater, is an intensive two-week program designed to provide an opportunity for five writers and five composers to work with professional performers (that's me!), exploring the possibilities and basic elements of music-theater. The studio focuses on the process of collaboration through a series of brief exploratory assignments for the writers and composers. The exercises are then sight-read by the performers in brief working sessions. The studio is co-directed by Ben Krywosz (Artistic Director of Nautilus Music-Theater) and music director Roger Ames (with Jake Witlen as Assistant to the Directors) . Just like when I participated in 2005, this experience was one of the highlights of my professional life. Our writers were Sharon Bridgforth, Jon Kern, Dan LeFranc, Dael Orlandersmith and John Walch. Our composers were Anna Jacobs, Rachel Peters, Jeff Tang, Mark Weiser and Zhou Juan. April Armstrong, Sarah Corey, Adam Kantor, Lori Wilner and I had the pleasure of being the vehicles of their 24 music-theater creations. Please take a look at the article I wrote on the experience for The Savvy Actor: Sing Your Way to a Stronger Support System!

Knots
Also just finished a reading of KNOTS for the NYU program in Graduate Music Theatre Writing. This delicious nautical romp of fun gave me a chance to be everyone from an exuberant Dutch ship captain to a suave Gentleman Dance Host. Music by Dimitri Landrain, Words by Felice Kuan. Direction by Stephen Nachamie, Music Direction by Gillian Berkowitz, Stage Management by Leah Miles, Jamie Cowperthwait and Kevin Velez. The actors with me in the aforementioned "romp of fun": Sandy Binion, Stephen Bogardus, Anne Fraser Thomas, Julie Hanson, Ravi Roth, and Tim Shew.

Temping!
Take a tour with Kristina Latour through her life of temping...well, everywhere. There's one more performance of this reading with music at The Metropolitan Room this Saturday, April 17 at noon. Written by and starring Kristina Latour, Music by Bert Draesel, Arrangements by Mark Sensinger, Directed by Jody Madaras, Music Direction by Jared Hansen. Kristina's menage of bosses, co-workers, family, and street vendors are comprised by Janet Anderson, Alexis Field, Jacob Moore, Frank Stellato, and myself. By the way, guess who's another very talented actor who has also temped and has brilliant computer skills? Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

RIP!
Next in my festival of one-named readings of new musicals is RIP! It's my fourth go-round with this wonderful setting of Rip Van Winkle during the Revolutionary War, with words and music by Dan Furman. I'm also back with the Nach! (Stephen Nachamie as director, that is...). Music direction by Jeff Biering and Stage Management by Alexis Qualls. The Revolutionary cast includes Michael Blackmon, Mark Emerson, Amanda Flynn, Chris Gunn, Rob Langeder, Stephanie Lynne Mason, Michael Dean Morgan, Kimberly Stern, Carey Van Driest, Chris Vettel, and me as the somber reverend. We'll be performing the reading Wednesday, April 21 at 7:00 pm at the TaDa Theatre, 15 West 28th Street. Admission: $10.

The Witches of Lublin
A reading (with live music) of a "Feminist Magic Realist Klezmer Musical Radio Play": The Witches of Lublin by Ellen Kushner, Yale Strom, and Elizabeth Schwartz. The cast currently includes Adrienne Cooper, Chris Delaine, Fiona Jones, Anne Bobby, Sam Guncler, George Guidal, and myself. This reading is not open to the general public, but if the subject matter tickles your fancy, let me know and I'll try to get you in on Wednesday, April 28.

How Green Was My Valley
I don't know. How green WAS your valley? [drum hit]. Roger Ames of the Composer-Librettist Studio asked me to join him in this one and I get to be married to Joan Barber! Everyone should want to marry Joan Barber...(but if you're intimidated by her real-life other half...actor Norm Golden...you should at least take voice lesson from her.). Roger has written the music, Elizabeth Bassine the words. It will be directed by Ben Krywosz. The cast currently includes Nisa Ari, Wren Marie Harrington, Tim Jerome, the aforementioned Joan Barber, Jonathan Hays, Eric Larivee, Renee Claire Bergeron, Lori Wilner, Ellen Bullinger, Lili Klein, and some more men TBA. If you are interested in attending the open rehearsal on May 16 or are a producer interested in attending the Industry reading on May 17, please let me know!

Coaching with Clients...
Such clients I've got! In my side career as a career consultant with The Savvy Actor, founded by two fabulous actor/business mavens Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban, I have been helping my savvy clients set up systems for themselves to treat their acting craft as a business through classes, coaching and seminars. (Yes, we coach by phone, too.) As a result, they're getting their Equity cards, booking Independent Films, taking the steps to responsibly leave their "survival jobs," and dancing across the United States. Interested in doing this work for yourself? Click this link to set up a free half-hour intro session with me. Let's get your career going too.

And speaking of getting your career going, my next webinar: Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper! is coming up on Sunday, May 16 at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time and you can be there from your own computer (or this computer if you'd like to buy it from me). Click this link to register for this webinar!

Dougbytes

***Animator extraordinaire Ken Truhan has completed the animated storyboard and continues to create the animation for the second installation of DougToons (Give him time, this one takes a bit longer and there are a lot of characters)! In this episode, the character Doug is sent on an audition by his agent, only to find out that he is applying to be a henchman to the evil Mr. Mayhem! If you have yet to see the work of animator Ken Truhan, writer Crystal Skillman, producer/engineer Brett Barry and voice actor me, the first installment of DougToons is also on YouTube. Please log on to the YouTube site, give it a rating, and share with your friends!

***CHAMBERET FOR EQUALITY!
What do we want? MARRIAGE EQUALITY!
When do we want it? NOW!
When will we do the planned benefit? UM...LATER!
The Chamberet will indeed return, this time as a fundraiser for Marriage Equality New York, but it has been postponed from June to some time in October/November. We started booking other work and wanted to make sure we didn't slap you with something sloppy. So, be patient a little longer and Jennifer Wren, Marissa Rosen, Karla Mosley, Michael Morgan, and I, along with Musical Director Paul Stephan, violinist Yury Shubov, and Director Ilana Becker, will bring the work of my FOD composers and lyricists to the masses. To tide you over until then, go to YouTube and enter "The Chamberet" in the search engine or just Click Here for some of the bits a friend was able to get with his video camera.] I love my husband and value the commitment we made before the rabbi and our friends and family, so it's time to take action and raise some dough. Still in the planning stage. More details to come.

***I participated in a cabaret presentation at The Duplex, singing "An Artificial Tree" with Nicholas Levin. This incredibly sweet and funny song has been nominated for a MAC award in the Special Musical Material category. Keep your fingers crossed!

***I've been studying voice with the amazing Jeff Halpern. In the past few readings I've done, I haven't needed to ask the music director to transpose anything down. I've even taken the higher male voice part in TEMPING! Oh, Jeff is just great.

***I'll be returning for the 2010 season (my tenth year!) with The Barnstormers. I'll be playing Hysterium in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, La Flèche in The Miser, and Sasha Smirnoff in Room Service. Tamworth, New Hampshire--here I come!

***My contract has been renewed and I will continue to be the voice of the lobster in the live production of FINDING NEMO: THE MUSICAL at Disney World in Florida. I'm also all over the cast album which you can purchase on iTunes. The Show was written and composed by FODs Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. Shawn and I will be seeing it again in early June when we go down there for Gay Days 2010.

***I continue to monitor casting sessions, train readers, and meet casting directors weekly at The Network. I said it before and I'll say it again, I cannot recommend this organization highly enough.

***On Mondays at 8:00 a.m. I have a phone gathering with fellow voice actors Brett Barry, Cristina Doikos, Tercio Bretas, Marc Garber, Lucien Dodge, Maggie Phillips, and Jamie Hurley. We have our own demo CD! Let us know if you would like one for your casting needs.

***I continue to sing Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Helen Lyons, Karen Rich, Christopher Preston Thompson, Brian Long, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) The congregation is led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks. The sermons are now podcast! (The choir is not.)

Please Don't Panic! I'm busier than a chiropractor at The Lion King-- but for you, I'll find the time. Should you need me to speak the spot, give face time for the photo, or sing the song, let's create something great together.

And now the monthly Two (by which I mean Five) Items of Interest for FODs...

A Little Lovin' from me to you...
I authored another article for the Savvy Actor newsletter this month: Sing Your Way to a Stronger Support System! It's about my experience with the Composer-Librettist Studio and how you can build your support system in the industry by helping fellow artists achieve their vision.

There. Thou has been coached.

The Savvy Actor Career Manual...
It's here! The founders of The Savvy Actor, Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban, have created the ultimate manual to help actors become savvy business people. The Savvy Actor Career Manual goes beyond career books to give you a step-by-step guide to every element the professional actor needs to turn talent and training into a successful career. There are over 140 pages of advice, guidance and worksheets including: Define Your Career Vision, Discover Your Unique Brand, Create Marketing Strategies, Design Your Support System, Manage Your Finances, Customize Organizational Systems, Ace the Agent Interview and more. I love the work we do and am so excited about this tool to enhance the work we do one-on-one and in our classes, or as a tool for actors who are outside of the major acting markets. Oh--parents of actors who are nervous about how your actor kid is going to make a living? Get the book! Okay, you click this link to purchase the The Savvy Actor Career Manual, and I'll go get a glass of water to cool off.

A webcast I'm loving...
I know the thoughts that keep you up at night. "What goes on backstage at a Broadway show?" "What is the daily life of a New York actor?" Not you should worry anymore! You can go on a video journey behind the scenes with Kimberly Faye Greenberg and Brian Childers on www.BroadwayBlogspot.com. I had the pleasure of working with them as the twelve Jewish men in the life of Danny Kaye and Sylvia Fine in The Kid From Brooklyn and now they're currently starring Off-Broadway in the same roles in Danny and Sylvia. Currently there's a backstage pass (via video) behind the scenes for the Broadway Show Billy Elliot.

Amazing resource for accent work...
So, a week ago, I found out that I needed to have a Dutch accent for a musical I was doing. Luckily, the golden-toned Barbara Rosenblat pointed me towards the International Dialects of English Archive. There's a wide variety of actual native speakers from all over the world (and all areas of the United States) reading the exact same copy. Then, some of them talk a little about themselves. Great resource! And what's our favorite word? FREE!

You need financial guidance. Might as well give my husband a call.
Of course I must brag on my man. After eighteen years as an actuary, Shawn brought his industry savvy to the people side of the business five years ago to be a financial advisor. His business has grown wonderfully and he is helping a lot of people start to save money and protect their loved ones. Have you been reading the news lately? Perhaps it's time to talk with him. He knows his stuff, will not try to sell you something you don't need, and is quite easy on the eyes. Send him an e-mail at scowls@mac.com to start the conversation.

Life is good here. Shawn and I will be heading out of town a few times in the next couple of months. If you're in St. Thomas VI, Orlando FL, or Raleigh NC, let me know! And I have to share this: we're going to Orlando for Gay Days at Disney, at which a whole slew of Lesbian, Gay, and Transgendered folk, along with their families (including mine!), descend on the parks in a wonderful unofficial Disney event. Disney doesn't acknowledge it, but the Tinkerbell merchandise just happens to be pushed to the front. The crowning touch? We're staying at the Gaylord Palms. Really? Really.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

Enjoy Yourself!

Doug Shapiro
Fearless Mensch

February 2010 Update with Doug!

2010-02-26T18:10:00.002-05:00

Hello my dear FODs (Friends/Family of Doug)!
Happy Love, Presidents Day, and Chinese New Year season to all y'all. Let's all pick any President we love and take their picture to dinner in Chinatown, buy him candy and flowers, and tell him he's pretty and [did/is doing] a good job...then give the picture to a Groundhog.
But before you start Romancing the Rutherford or Gushing over Grover, pour yourself a saucy beverage and settle in for this monthly e-journey, and when we reach the e-conclusion, oh yes, there will be the usual 2 (by which I mean five) items of interest for FODs!

FODapalooza VII...Ten Years in New York City!
Join me for the seventh FODapalooza!

WHEN: Wednesday, March 3, 2010
6:30 PM to 9:30 PM

WHERE: People, in the Loft upstairs
163 Allen Street, New York, NY
See below for directions or go to the Google Map
COST: No cover, cash bar.
RSVP: Requested, but not required. Gather, ye FOD's (Friends/Family of Doug), and meet your brethren at the seventh FODapalooza! This gathering at People will be to commemorate TEN YEARS as a performing artist in New York City and meeting all of you swell people. We'll have the upstairs lounge all to ourselves with the Wall of Rain, meat on a stick, delish-ish margermellon wadderidas (Translation: delicious Watermelon Margaritas), and excellent company. (The date is for all of you that begged me to switch from a Tuesday night for once.) If you have an event coming up or a service you provide (PG-13 please), bring your cards/flyers and we'll spread them around on the tables. You know who I'm pretty sure will be there? Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

Directions
People is just a block and a half below the intersection of First Avenue and Houston (the east end of the F and V train).

SNAPSHOTS
I just finished a wonderful run of SNAPSHOTS for Prospect Theater Company with seven "groups" of composers and lyricists. Each group wrote a piece centering on a character that has an effect on the central character (CC), whose life is the subject of the entire show. Each actor (with the exception of the actor playing CC) played one of these characters and then assorted others. It was all under the direction of Dev Bondarin, stage management of Naomi Anhorn, music directon of Dan Feyer (who, by the way, just won first place in the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament before coming to play our Sunday night show), and lighting of Ryan Bauer.
Performers: David Andrew Anderson, Jennifer Blood, Maria Couch, Ali Ewoldt, Devin Ilaw, Doug Shapiro, Stacey Scotte, and Anthony Holds.
Composers and lyricists were Michele Brourman & Sheilah Rae, Adam Cohen & Patrick Gallagher, Oran Eldor & Marcus Stevens , Brian Feinstein & Amanda Yesnowitz, Timothy Huang, Adam Overett, and Katya Stanislavskaya.

2010 Composer-Librettist Studio
I've been asked back to work on the 2010 Composer-Librettist Studio for New Dramatists.
The New Dramatists Composer-Librettist Studio, presented in cooperation with Nautilus Music-Theater, is an intensive two-week program designed to provide an opportunity for five writers and five composers to work with professional performers (that's me!), exploring the possibilities and basic elements of music-theater. The studio focuses on the process of collaboration through a series of brief exploratory assignments for the writers and composers. The exercises are then sight-read by the performers (that's me!) in brief working sessions. The studio is co-directed by Ben Krywosz (Artistic Director of Nautilus Music-Theater) and music director Roger Ames. This experience was one of the highlights of my professional life and I can't wait to dive back in. Some of the creative sessions can be observed and there is an informal "presentation" of all the works at the end. The workshop will run from March 17-April 2, 2010.

By the way, guess who was also a professional performer for the New Dramatists Composer-Librettist Studio? Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

CHAMBERET FOR EQUALITY!
The Chamberet returns, this time as a fundraiser for Marriage Equality New York! This coming June (exact date TBA), Jennifer Wren, Marissa Rosen, Karla Mosley, Michael Morgan, and I, along with Musical Director Paul Stephan, violinist Yury Shubov, and Director Ilana Becker, will bring the work of my FOD composers and lyricists to the masses. [Did you miss the last one? Go to YouTube and enter "The Chamberet" in the search engine or just Click Here for some of the bits a friend was able to get with his video camera.] I love my husband and value the commitment we made before the rabbi and our friends and family, so it's time to take action and raise some dough. Still in the planning stage. More details to come.

Service to my Savvy Clients...
Such clients I've got! In my side career as a career consultant with The Savvy Actor. (Founded by two fabulous actor/business mavens Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban) I have been helping my savvy clients set up systems for themselves to treat their acting craft as a business through classes, coaching and seminars. (Yes, we coach by phone, too.) As a result, they're getting their Equity cards, booking Independent Films, taking the steps to responsibly leave their "survival jobs," and dancing across the United States. Interested in doing this work for yourself? Click this link to set up a free half-hour intro session with me. Let's get your career going too.

And speaking of getting your career going, my next webinar: Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper! is coming up on Sunday, March 7 at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time and you can be there from your own computer. Click this link to register for this webinar!

Alexandra de Suze!
Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze! All right, people. I've been yammering about this amazing woman in every e-newsletter since I started in 2007. It's time to see her in action. Alexandra de Suze will be in concert on March 17 (Yes. St. Patrick's Day. Drink later.) with fellow talented songstresses Amanda Baker (fellow Barnstormer and another one of the best people in my life) and Teresa Zugger presenting the work of Fabulous Female Composers and Lyricists (including FOD Sara Wordsworth). This concert is part of the Trios series for The Madison Avenue Baptist Church. I will be there, beaming in the pews. I just want to know what amazing earrings she'll be wearing.

WHEN: Wednesday March 17, 2010 at 7:00 pm

WHERE: The Madison Avenue Baptist Church
30 East 31st Street, New York, NY
COST: Suggested Donation of $10

Dougbytes

***Animator extraordinaire Ken Truhan has completed the animated storyboard and is now creating the animation for the second installation of DougToons! In this episode, the character Doug is sent on an audition by his agent, only to find out that he is applying to be a henchman to the evil Mr. Mayhem! If you have yet to see the work of animator Ken Truhan, writer Crystal Skillman, producer/engineer Brett Barry and voice actor me, the first installment of DougToons is also on YouTube. Please log on to the YouTube site, give it a rating, and share with your friends!

***Holy Potato! I'm featured in the Alumni Spotlight for the January/February issue of Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts Alumni Newsletter "Momentum."

***I recorded two roles for the new musical BRADLEY COLE, music by BoMi Lee and lyrics by Jason Young. I helped to workshop this musical for the NYU program for Graduate Music Theatre Writing. In April, I will be returning to the program to workshop "Cruise Musical."

***I will be attending "Meet the Coaches" night for Theatre Resources Unlimited as a coach with The Savvy Actor. The event is this coming Sunday, March 28, 2010 and will take place at The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal between Bleecker and West 3rd St at Minetta Lane. It is produced by FOD Jaye Maynard and you'll never guess who is doing check-in at the door--Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

***For any actors auditioning for the 2010 season with The Barnstormers this coming Wednesday and Thursday at the Equity Principal Auditions in NYC, I will be a friendly face behind the audition table. Currently slated for the 2010 Summer Season: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Wait Until Dark, The Miser, Almost Maine, Room Service (early Barnstormers play- 1937- John Murray and Allen Boretz- very funny), The Ghost Train (Barnstormers Classic), Ernest In Love, and The Mystery of Irma Vep.

***My contract has been renewed and I will continue to be the voice of the lobster in the live production of Disney's FINDING NEMO: THE MUSICAL at Disney World in Florida. I'm also all over the cast album which you can purchase on iTunes. The Show was written and composed by FODs Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.

***While you're on iTunes, you can subscribe (free) to "Creative Conversations." Jim Norman and Becky Trenton of The Norman Agency put out the wonderful podcast "Creative Conversations" in which they discuss how to create powerful radio commercial campaigns and I'm a featured VoiceOver talent on their podcast series. Tell your friends in the marketing, advertising, audio, and VoiceOver fields to sign on too!

***I continue to monitor casting sessions, train readers, and meet casting directors weekly at The Network. I said it before and I'll say it again, I cannot recommend this organization highly enough.

***On Mondays at 8:00 a.m. I have a phone gathering with fellow voice actors Brett Barry, Cristina Doikos, Tercio Bretas, Marc Garber, Lucien Dodge, Maggie Phillips, and Jamie Hurley. We have our own demo CD! Let us know if you would like one for your casting needs.

***I continue to sing Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Helen Lyons, Karen Rich, Christopher Preston Thompson, Brian Long, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) The congregation is led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks. The sermons are now podcast! (The choir is not.)

Please Don't Panic! I'm as busy as a one-armed juggler-- but for you, I'll find the time. Should you need me to speak the spot, give face time for the photo, or sing the song, let's create something great together.

And now the monthly Two (by which I mean Five) Items of Interest for FODs...

A Little Lovin' from me to you...
I authored an article for the Savvy Actor newsletter this month on reigniting your passion by valuing yourself. I talk about this by using the example of my favorite actor, Stockard Channing, in the article titled Finding Your Inner Stockard.

There. Thou has been coached.

The Savvy Actor Career Manual...
It's here! The founders of The Savvy Actor, Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban, have created the ultimate manual to help actors become savvy business people. The Savvy Actor Career Manual goes beyond career books to give you a step-by-step guide to every element the professional actor needs to turn talent and training into a successful career. There are over 140 pages of advice, guidance and worksheets including: Define Your Career Vision, Discover Your Unique Brand, Create Marketing Strategies, Design Your Support System, Manage Your Finances, Customize Organizational Systems, Ace the Agent Interview and more. I love the work we do and am so excited about this tool to enhance the work we do one-on-one and in our classes, or as a tool for actors who are outside of the major acting markets. Parents of actors who are nervous about how their kid is going to make a living? Get the book! Okay, you click this link to purchase the The Savvy Actor Career Manual, and I'll go get a glass of water to cool off.

A podcast I'm loving...
Girl Power! Towanda! The website HowStuffWorks.com puts out some amazing podcasts and right now I'm into Stuff Mom Never Told You. Every week, staff writers Cristen Conger and Molly Edmonds cover issues pertaining to women from "How do male and female brains differ?" to the controversial history of lipstick. A great podcast for women and the men who love them.

Audiobook Class with Paul Liberti!
Paul is a phenomenal voice actor and teacher and his next five-week class on narrating Audio Books begins on Friday February 26, 2010. Sign up to take Paul Liberti's Audio Books Master Class!

You need financial guidance. Might as well give my husband a call.
I must brag on my man. After eighteen years as an actuary, Shawn brought his industry savvy to the people side of the business five years ago to be a financial advisor. His business has grown wonderfully and he is helping a lot of people start to save money and protect their loved ones. Have you been reading the news lately? Perhaps it's time to talk with him. He knows his stuff, will not try to sell you something you don't need, and is quite easy on the eyes. Send him an e-mail at scowls@mac.com to start the conversation.

Life is good here. Shawn and I were invited to the home of our friend Sarah Melissa Rotker for the penultimate Jewish meal, complete with brisket, pomegranate apple kugel, and kasha varnishkas that made me teary with nostalgia. Dessert was what she called the "Diabetes Express" with graham cracker pie crust, a layer of chocolate chip cookie, a layer of double fudge brownie, a layer of Funfetti cake, and of course frosting and sprinkles. Want the recipe? e-mail Sarah at sarahmelissarotker@gmail.com

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

Enjoy Yourself!

Doug Shapiro
Fearless Mensch
(917) 929-0998
www.dougshapiro.com
doug@dougshapiro.com
A Career Coach with The Savvy Actor!
The Savvy Actor Career Manual
The Most Comprehensive Actor's Business Guide Ever.

January 2010 Update with Doug

2010-01-18T22:29:00.002-05:00

Hello my dear FODs (Friends/Family of Doug)!
Happy Martin Luther King weekend to all y'all. Congratulations on making it through all of the stress-laden holidays and arriving at the one in which you take the day off, perhaps volunteer, and think "Wow. Thanks for this, Doctor King." This month's e-journey will have the usual adventures in the performance and coaching worlds, but with a bit of a "service to others" twist.
So, before you rush out the door to start planting trees or hop that flight to Antartica to offer massages to stressed penguins, pour yourself a saucy beverage and settle in for this monthly e-journey, and when we reach the e-conclusion, oh yes, there will be the usual 2 (by which I actually mean three) items of interest for FODs!

Service to Composers and Lyricists...
Two upcoming gigs for which I'll be working with composers and lyricists as they create new works of music theatre!

SNAP SHOTS
I begin rehearsals this coming week for SNAP SHOTS for Prospect Theater Company with seven "groups" of composers and lyricists. Each group has written a piece based on a character who interacts with and has an effect on the central character (CC), whose life is the subject of the entire show. Each actor (with the exception of the actor playing CC) will play one of these characters and then assorted others. It's all under the direction of Dev Bondarin and stage management of Naomi Anhorn.
Performers: Maria Couch, Jennifer Blood, Greta Lee, Devin Ilaw, Doug Shapiro, Gayton Scott, Tony Holds, and David Andrew Anderson.
Composers and lyricists will include Michele Brourman & Sheilah Rae, Adam Cohen & Patrick Gallagher, Oran Eldor & Marcus Stevens , Brian Feinstein & Amanda Yesnowitz, Timothy Huang, Adam Overett, and Katya Stanislavskaya.

WHEN:
Mon through Wed, February 15-17 at 8:00 pm
Sun thorugh Tue, February 21-23 at 8:00 pm

WHERE:The West End Theatre
263 West 86th Street (entrance on 86th between Broadway and West End Avenue), New York, NY

COST: Tickets to all shows are only $15 and can be purchased at the door, or by calling 212-352-3101

2010 COMPOSER-LIBRETTIST STUDIO (Composers--take note!)
I've been asked back to work on the 2010 Composer-Librettist Studio for New Dramatists.
The New Dramatists Composer-Librettist Studio, presented in cooperation with Nautilus Music-Theater, is an intensive two-week program designed to provide an opportunity for five writers and five composers to work with professional performers (that's me!), exploring the possibilities and basic elements of music-theater. The studio focuses on the process of collaboration through a series of brief exploratory assignments for the writers and composers. The exercises are then sight-read by the performers (that's me!) in brief working sessions. The studio is co-directed by Ben Krywosz (Artistic Director of Nautilus Music-Theater) and music director Roger Ames. This experience was one of the highlights of my professional life and I can't wait to dive back in. Some of the creative sessions can be observed and there is an informal "presentation" of all the works at the end.
All performer and librettist spots are filled, but they are still accepting applications for composers. Applications must be received by February 10, 2010. To download the application, go to The New Dramatists home page and choose "2010 Composer-Librettist Studio Project Description & Application."

By the way, guess who was also a professional performer for the New Dramatists Composer-Librettist Studio? Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

Service through Benefit Performances...

GYPSY OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
I sang backup for the opening number of the 21st Annual Gypsy of the Year Competition to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. It was performed in Broadway's Palace Theatre and the participating theatre companies raised $4,630,695 to support AIDS-related causes and other serious illnesses.

UNDERWORLD DUETS
I joined forces with current Broadway Understudies to benefit MTWorks. The incredible Tina Marie Casamento and I shared our best theatre stories and partenered on "It Takes Two" from INTO THE WOODS and a mash-up of two Duke Ellington songs, "I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart" and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore." The evening was hosted by TONY Award nominee Willy Falk with musical direction by Mat Eisenstein.

CHAMBERET FOR EQUALITY!
Last November, Jennifer Wren, Marissa Rosen and I, along with Musical Director Paul Stephan and Director Ilana Becker, brought the work of my FOD composers and lyricists to the masses as a benefit for The Madison Avenue Baptist Church. [Did you miss it? Go to YouTube and enter "The Chamberet" in the search engine or just Click Here for some of the bits a friend was able to get with his video camera.] This was an incredible evening of service--to the audience of our family and friends, to the church and its congregants, and most especially to our featured composers and lyricists. Well, we received several requests to do this again, and we're going to do so within the next few months to benefit Marriage Equality New York. I've been sitting on the sidelines, signing some petitions and writing a few checks, and hoping really hard that all of the other people doing the heavy lifting will get the job done. I love my husband and value the commitment we made before the rabbi and our friends and family, so it's time to take action and raise some dough. Still in the planning stage. More details to come.

Service to my Savvy Clients...
My clients are amazing. I'm approaching my one-year anniversary as an acting career consultant with The Savvy Actor.
Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban have built a remarkable business helping actors turn their craft into a business through classes, coaching and seminars. (Yes, we coach by phone, too.) Interested in doing this work for yourself? Click this link to set up a free half-hour intro session with me. My clients have been getting their union cards, booking Shakespeare, and starting fulfilling side careers. Let's get your career going too.

And speaking of getting your career going, my next webinar: Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper! is coming up on Sunday, February 7 at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time and you can be there from your own computer. Click this link to register for this webinar!

Service opportunities for you...
Some other causes that are near and dear to me lately:

READING FOR LIFE RADIO
READING FOR LIFE RADIO is a closed circuit radio reading service. We bring printed matter to life for millions of people throughout the United States with vision or reading disabilities, affording them independence, dignity, and enrichment through the use of innovative technology and dedicated volunteer readers. I have proudly been a reader of the Thursday New York Times for this organization when it was In Touch Networks and we are continuing the mission. For further information, call (718) 360-1956 or e-mail Gail Starkey at starkeyg@readingforliferadio.org.
Donations can be make to "The Radio Reading Project, Inc."
The Radio Reading Project, Inc.
"READING FOR LIFE RADIO"
170 Kinnelon Road, Suite 33
Kinnelon, NJ 07405

KIVA (Specifically, the STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW team)
I am a total geek for podcast "Stuff You Should Know", put out by the HowStuffWorks.com website. In one of last year's podcasts, the hosts Josh and Chuck featured "How Micro-Lending Works." Inspired by what they learned, they decided to make their own lending team, comprised of their listeners, through the organization Kiva. Kiva's mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty. It is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend to unique entrepreneurs around the globe. I've made a loan to a woman in Rwanda who has purchased a copy machine for her office supply store. Care to get on board? Join our team!

ONE EASY WAY TO HELP THE CITIZENS OF HAITI
Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush are partnering to help the Haitian people reclaim their country and rebuild their lives. The website for the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund is http://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org and, to make donations incredibly easy, you can text "QUAKE" or "HAITI" to 20-222 on your cell phone to donate $10 to the fund.

Dougbytes

***Animator extraordinaire Ken Truhan has completed the animated storyboard and is now creating the animation for the second installation of DougToons! In this episode, the character Doug is sent on an audition by his agent, only to find out that he is applying to be a henchman to the evil Mr. Mayhem! If you have yet to see the work of animator Ken Truhan, writer Crystal Skillman, producer/engineer Brett Barry and voice actor me, the first installment of DougToons is also on YouTube. Please log on to the YouTube site, give it a rating, and share with your friends!

***The next FODapalooza (the Seventh!) at People will be to commemorate TEN YEARS as a performing artist in New York City and meeting all of you swell people. We'll have the upstairs lounge all to ourselves with the Wall of Rain, meat on a stick, delish-ish margermellon wadderidas, and excellent company. Just got the date right before this sent out! Wednesday March 3 from 6:30 to 10:00 pm. (This is for all of you that begged me to switch from a Tuesday night for once.) You know who I'm pretty sure will be there? Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

***Holy Potato! I'm being featured in the Alumni Spotlight for the January/February issue of Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts Alumni Newsletter "Momentum." I guess I'll have a link to that one next month.

***I played a spurned Reverend in a reading of the musical RIPPED! (a telling of the Rip Van Winkle story set during the Revolutionary War) for TRU Voices (Theatre Resources Unlimited) through 6 Pound Productions. I got my heart broken, but got a great solo out of it. Music, Book and Lyrics by Dan Furman, music direction by Brian Usifer, and the always wonderful team of director Igor Goldin and stage manager Kathleen Munroe. Fellow cast members included Michael Blackmon, Scott Cote, Mark Emerson, Brandon Espinoza, Amanda Flynn, Stephanie Lynne Mason, Kimberly Stern, Derrick Trumbly, Carey Van Driest, and Chris Vettel.

***In another reading of the musical UNAMERICAN ACTIVITIES (about the Federal Theatre Project production of The Cradle Will Rock) by William Norman, I reprised my role as John Houseman. This show is being developed by the superb La Vie Productions.

***Nicholas Levin wrote a fun and touching song, "Artificial Tree" about an artificial Christmas tree and his concerns regarding the fulfilling of his duties. I performed it at the Big Night Out Holiday Extravaganza, The Salon, and recorded it to be considered for a MAC award.

***I continue to voice several projects for Sue Zizza's students in their Sound/Image projects at the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU.

***Also at NYU, I will be recording the new musical BRADLEY COLE, music by BoMi Lee and lyrics by Jason Young. I helped to workshop this musical for the NYU program for Graduate Music Theatre Writing.

***I brought holiday cheer with The Yuletide Carolers for my third year. Take a look at this video with Ben Aaron for LX New York!

***Please proceed directly to iTunes and subscribe (free) to "Creative Conversations." Jim Norman and Becky Trenton of The Norman Agency put out the wonderful podcast "Creative Conversations" in which they discuss how to create powerful radio commercial campaigns and I'm a featured VoiceOver talent on their podcast series. Tell your friends in the marketing, advertising, audio, and VoiceOver fields to sign on too!

***I continue to monitor casting sessions, train readers, and meet casting directors weekly at The Network. I said it before and I'll say it again, I cannot recommend this organization highly enough.

***On Mondays at 8:00 a.m. I have a phone gathering with fellow voice actors Brett Barry, Cristina Doikos, Tercio Bretas, Marc Garber, Lucien Dodge, Maggie Phillips, and Jamie Hurley. We have our own demo CD! Let us know if you would like one for your casting needs.

***I continue to sing Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Helen Lyons, Karen Rich, Christopher Preston Thompson, Brian Long, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) The congregation is led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks. The sermons are now podcast! (The choir is not.)

Please Don't Panic! I'm as busy as a one-eyed cat watching nine mouse holes-- but for you, I'll find the time. Should you need me to speak the spot, give face time for the photo, or sing the song, let's create something great together.

And now the monthly Two (by which I mean Three) Items of Interest for FODs...

A shiny helpful computer thing...
And by things, I mean "Things"! Things is a task management program for the Mac that is putting my life in order beautifully. I always have several projects going at any given time, and this program makes it easy to break them down into small, manageable tasks that I can actually complete. "Things" is clean in appearance, able to handle a big complex workflow, and syncs with your iPhone. Here's the review in Macworld.

Are You Between Jobs with No Income?...
Okay, you don't have the funds to take expensive classes or purchase business supply materials? Fine. You've just narrowed down the number of actions you can take, which gives us the gift of specificity. Here are five of the many things you can do that will cost you little to nothing as you search for your next opportunity:

1. Keep up on your chosen industry. Have a list of targeted blogs and websites that you check on a daily basis. Become familiar with the players and trends. Who is creating the work of which you want to be a part? There are also excellent free podcasts on any subject that you can download from iTunes.

2. Join LinkedIn. In the words of my social networking mentor, Paula Cohen, "You never know who the people you know know." Your high school chum Vito just might be related to a board member of the organization into which you've been trying to network for years. LinkedIn is a business networking website specifically designed for exactly these types of relationships. Get on it and send me an invitation to connect!

3. Nurture your current relationships. Now is the time to get together with your friends for coffee (or green tea)--not only to gain their insight on how you can find your next opportunity, but to find out how YOU can be of service to THEM. It's a two-way street. As you're doing your research on the industry, did you see the name of someone you know? Send them an e-mail and celebrate their success--without asking for a thing in return. Did you see the name and website of someone you know or who impressed you in this e-newsletter? Let them know you saw their name here and that you're thinking of them.

4. Volunteer! Not only are your time and talents needed more than ever, it's time to get to know people outside your industry to gain a little perspective. In my field, I usually feel the best actors are the ones who have a life outside of theatre. You'll also be building relationships with people that not only share your priorities, but could provide the connection to your next opportunity.

5. Schedule your day. Set your alarm and get yourself fed, groomed, and ready to work (yes, that includes putting on your shoes--really, it makes you take things more seriously). If you're in the job search, it is a full-time job in itself. Scheduling your day with specific goals and tasks will give you the focus you need as well as good habits to bring to your next opportunity.

There. Thou has been coached.

You need financial guidance. Might as well give my husband a call.
I must brag on my man. After eighteen years as an actuary, Shawn brought his industry savvy to the people side of the business five years ago to be a financial advisor. His business has grown wonderfully and he is helping a lot of people start to save money and protect their loved ones. Have you been reading the news lately? Perhaps it's time to talk with him. He knows his stuff, will not try to sell you something you don't need, and is quite easy on the eyes. Send him an e-mail at scowls@mac.com to start the conversation.

Life is good here. I got to introduce three FODs who are really doing the ground work to make the world a better place. Karla Mosley, Marissa Miller Wolfson, Michael Sater and I met over a really delicious vegan and (mostly) gluten-free dinner at Gobo and there was a great exchange of ideas. I'm about three points smarter and two points healthier for having been in the room with them. Check out their websites, you will be too.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, take a moment to reflect on the service and wisdom of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

Enjoy Yourself!

Doug

October 2009 Update with Doug!

2009-10-24T14:20:00.008-04:00

Hello my dear FOD's (Friends/Family of Doug)!
In honor of Halloween, this installment will be chock-full of nifty and cheap costume ideas (put on light blue pajamas and glue cotton balls to a shower cap--you're a q-tip!). There's lots to tell about recent goings-on. In fact, I'm torn about which to tell you first (Chamberet? The Creative Conversations Podcast? 30 Rock? FODAPALOOZA VI?) What should get top billing?

So, tell your apprentice to bring you a toasty beverage from the cauldron and to go out to Trader Joe's for some eye of newt. It's time for the monthly e-journey, and when we reach the e-conclusion, oh yes, there will be the usual 2 (by which I mean 6) items of interest for FODs!

30 Rock with Doug the Mailroom Guy...
I appeared in the season premiere of 30 Rock, as one of the guys from the mailroom. (Thanks so much to everyone who let me know on Facebook!) The scene takes place after a confrontation between Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) and Jack (Alec Baldwin). Kenneth pushes the elevator button with resolve and it opens on and Tracy (Tracy Morgan) and us (I'm in the foreground, loaded up with too many packages). I've already shot a subsequent episode as one of the mailroom guys (again with Kenneth), so this could be a lovely recurring gig. Thanks again to Barbara McNamara Casting!

Fun story about getting the call for my most recent episode. My friend Jonathan Flom was in town with two of his students from Shenandoah Conservatory for a free audition workshop and signing of his book: Get the Callback: The Art of Auditioning for Musical Theatre. Shawn and I are out to dinner with the three of them, after which the plan is for me to head down to Virginia with them where I'll be teaching a day of seminars, when the call comes in from Barbara McNamara casting for 30 Rock the next day. So, in front of two students to whom I'm about to teach the business of acting in two days, I get to say that I won't be able to head down with them because I have to work on 30 Rock. It totally gave me street cred with all of the other students when I got there. I couldn't have planned it better if I had asked my mother to call me during dinner to make the whole thing up. More about the fantastic students at Shenandoah Conservatory later.

Another costume idea: Wear a piece of cardboard that says "meanwhile..." and say you're a caption!

Creative Conversations with Doug the Voiceover Guy...
Jim Norman and Becky Trenton of The Norman Agency put out a wonderful podcast called "Creative Conversations" in which they talk very effectively about how to create powerful radio commercials. Creative Conversations was voted one of the top 40 business podcasts series in 2007 by PodcastAlley.com. I've been a big fan of their podcasts ever since I did some voice work on "What Listeners Hate Most About Radio Ads." Jim and Becky flew down from Toronto for a couple of days and we had a great discussion at 38 Greene about how their clients can most effectively work with voice actors. They were so pleased with how it all came out that they extended the conversation into six episodes that will come out weekly. Episode 1 and Episode 2 are already available.

Please proceed directly to iTunes and subscribe (free) to "Creative Conversations" with The Norman Agency. Then tell your friends in the marketing, advertising, audio, and voiceover fields to sign on too!

Le Chamberet with Doug the Singer Guy...and sultry vocal vixens
Choir director Paul Stephan of The Madison Avenue Baptist Church has requested that each member of our Sunday sextet team up with two outside singers to perform an evening of music. I have chosen to join forces with Jennifer Wren and Marissa Rosen to do that about which I'm most passionate--bringing the work of my FOD composers and lyricists to the masses. Please join us as we sing an evening of their original works, some of which were written or arranged for us. Le Chamberet will take place in the church sanctuary and is a fusion of chamber concert and cabaret. So we're calling it a Chamberet! (pronounce it with a French accent! It's fun!)
WHEN: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Madison Avenue Baptist Church:
Madison Avenue and East 31st Street, New York, NY
COST: Suggested donation of $10 to benefit the church. Not you should worry--we're performing in the sanctuary, so there won't be a 2-drink minimum. There may be refreshments afterwards!

Our featured composers and lyricists definitely include, but are not limited to, Brad Alexander and Kevin Del Aguila; Adam Gwon and Bridget Carpenter; Russ Kaplan and Sara Wordsworth; Nick Levin; Robby Sandler and Lizzie Hagstedt; Barbara Anselmi and Ernie Lijoi; Kevin Carter, Crystal Skillman, and Bobby Cronin; Lisa DeSpain and Kristen Anderson-Lopez; Derek Gregor and Sam Carner; Jeff Blumenkrantz; and Clay Zambo and Susan Murray.
We'll also be previewing a song or two at Big Night Out on Thursday November 5.

Another costume idea: sport a short haircut, add Red Sox earrings, and sing your face off and you can be Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

FODapalooza VI: VOTE FOR NEW FRIENDS AND PG-13 BEVERAGES with Doug the Friend Guy...
Join me for the sixth FODapalooza!

WHEN: Tuesday, November 3, 2009
6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
WHERE: People, in the Loft upstairs
163 Allen Street, New York, NY
See below for directions or go to the Google Map
COST: No cover, cash bar.

Gather, ye FOD's (Friends/Family of Doug), and meet your brethren at the sixth FODapalooza! After a hard day of voting and dodging volunteers with flyers on the sidewalks, I'm sure you'll need some good company and saucy beverages. It will also be the day after I finish my run of SEVEN new musicals in a row which has greatly increased the number of you swell folks in my life who should really know each other. We've got sultry goth vixens, poignant lyricists, efficient stage managers, cuddly activists, empathetic social workers, foxy doctors, Renaissance folk who do it all, and even some single men with no criminal record who want to date women! We'll have the upstairs lounge all to ourselves with the Wall of Rain, meat on a stick, and (hopefully) de-lishish Margermelon Wadderitas. (Translation: delicious Watermelon Margaritas.) If you have an event coming up or a service you provide (PG-13 please), bring your cards/flyers and we'll spread them around on the tables. I will certainly be bringing flyers for the upcoming CHAMBERET!

Directions
People is just a block and a half below the intersection of First Avenue and Houston (the east end of the F and V train).

Great New Musicals with Doug the Multiple Character Guy...
I'm in the home stretch of a run of wonderful new musicals!

***I returned to The York Theatre for a reading of That's Andy!, the story of a 10-year old boy who wants to save his town of Grand Falls by playing the lead in their production of "Annie." Media enters. Madness ensues. I reprised my roles as an aged chorus boy on a television show and Boozer the Bum. The show is conceived and developed by Robert Jay Cronin, with book and lyrics by Crystal Skillman (who is also the writer of DougToons!), music and additional lyrics by Kevin Carter, and was directed by Clayton Phillips and stage managed by Elliot Lanes. The cast included Marci Bing, Trevor Braun, Ali Brier, Ben Cameron, Dalton Harrod, Chantylla Johnson, Lauren Kennedy, Beth Leavel, Joey Maher, Jennifer Mintzer, Brad Nacht, Hugh Panaro, Kate Pazakis, Johanna Pinzler (with whom I went to French Woods when we were performing arts teens), Julie Reiber, Tim Salamandyk, me, Brad Simanski, and Casey Whyland.

***Iron Curtain, a musical which was developed at Prospect Theater Company, is the story of two American music theatre writers during the cold war who are kidnapped by the KGB, brought behind the Iron Curtain, and forced to write propaganda musicals. Directed by Cara Reichel, Composed by Stephen Weiner, Lyrics by Pete Mills, and book by Susan DiLallo. We presented it at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre Festival of New Musicals, which is a huge honor. This was my third time playing multiple characters for this show. Our incredibly funny cast was comprised of Fred Applegate, Maria Couch, Gregg Edelman, David Foley, Jr., Liz Larsen, Lisa Mindelle, Aaron Ramey, Dara Seitzman, me, Robby Sharpe, Jim Stanek and Betsy Wolfe with Music Direction by Remy Kurs and Stage Management by Kat West.

***This weekend, I've been with The Wilton Playshop in Connecticut doing a benefit reading of Greenbrier Ghost. Book by Susan Murray, Music & Lyrics by Clay Zambo, Directed by Scott T. Brill. I play the town sheriff, whose daughter's ghost may or may not have come back from the dead to accuse her husband of her murder. Fellow cast members include David Andrew Anderson, Michael Armstrong Barr, Janice Dehn, Tom Dehn, Jorie Janeway, Katie Kozlowski and Quinto Ott. Last performance is tonight (Saturday the 24th) at 7:00 if you get this in time.

***On November 2, I will be in a reading of Plagued! Or How to Survive Persecution at the Hands of an Angry Mob (Music by Nick Moore, Book and Lyrics by Daniel John Kelley) as a part of the dark night reading series for Resonance Ensemble. I play a life-long servant, who learns life lessons when his daughter embarks an epic adventure that changes her forever. The reading will be presented at 7:00pm at The Kirk Theatre on Theatre Row: 410 West 42nd Street between 9th and 10th Avenue. Here's the cast list: Rick Adams, Jennifer Blood, Peter Cook, Brad Harris, Sam Heldt, Carol Hickey, Helen Highfield, Jane Hoffman, Allison Hupp, Thomas Lash, Hakim McMillan, Michael Pesce, Kris Roberts, Erica Rowlett, me, and Matt Vinson.

By the way, do you know who would be a great choice to sing in your next musical? Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

A Charitable Opportunity...from Doug the Cousin Guy
On November 13, my cousin Annie Shapiro is participating in the 2009 Indiana University Dance Marathon to raise money for Riley Hospital for Children - Ryan White Infectious Disease Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can donate with your credit card through their new fundraising webpage! Please make sure to donate in her name so it can be credited toward her personal goal. (I know we're all raising money for many causes. I'm including Annie's in this newsletter because she's family.)

Another costume idea: if you have vericose veins, wear shorts and say you're a road map! (I think I have to credit Woody Allen with this one.)

Business Savvy for Actors with Doug the Career Coach Guy...
I continue to work with phenomenal clients as an acting career consultant with The Savvy Actor. Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban have built a remarkable business helping actors turn their craft into a business through classes, coaching and seminars. Yes, we coach by phone, too! Interested in doing this work for yourself? E-mail me at doug@thesavvyactor.com or call (917) 929-0998 to set up a free half-hour intro session. Let's get your career going!

And speaking of getting your career going, my next webinar: Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper! is coming up on Monday, November 9 at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time and you can be there from your own computer!

Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper! is a fantastic FREE webinar offered by The Savvy Actor. Mailings are a very important part of our acting business. Yes, we know, they can be tedious, time consuming, and not always affordable. Most of us will do them without the consistency truly needed to both brand ourselves and maximize the effectiveness of our marketing efforts. This system has also proved very effective for anyone who needs to nurture client relationships as part of their business.

How would you like to....

Send a 100 piece postcard mailing in less than 10 minutes?

Send thank you cards with your headshot printed inside?

Keep track of who you sent to, what you wrote, when you sent it and even be reminded to send your follow up?

Dougbytes

***Animator extraordinaire Ken Truhan is in the storyboarding phase for the second installation of DougToons! In this episode, the character Doug is sent on an audition by his agent, only to find out that he is applying to be a henchman to the evil Mr. Mayhem! If you have yet to see the work of animator Ken Truhan, writer Crystal Skillman, producer/engineer Brett Barry and voice actor me, the first installment of DougToons is also on YouTube. Please log on to the YouTube site, give it a rating, and share with your friends!

***I had a wonderful experience at Shenandoah Conservatory joining Assistant Professor of Music Theatre (and longtime FOD) Jonathan Flom in teaching their theatre students about the business of acting. Though not my first time teaching university students, this was my first time as a representative of The Savvy Actor. We divided the day into three sessions dealing with branding, business systems (we worked specifically on goal systems, audition systems, and networking systems), and marketing/mailing systems. These students are wonderful and their energy and excellent questions were especially inspiring, being that much of the department was battling the flu. If you're connected to a university drama department and would like us to do this work with your students, let me know!

***I did a reading of Tom Stoppard's Arcadia for the Princeton University Physics Department, playing the roles of Jellaby and Brice. The reading was directed by Marlo Hunter and included a top-notch cast, none of whom I had ever met before and am proud to count as my cohorts now: Elizabeth Atkins, Craig Baldwin, Mike Braun, Adam Brown, Lisa Joyce, Austin Lysy, Tara Ohrtman, Susan Pourfar, Martin William Scheeler, Ted Schneider, and Sarah Grace Wilson.

***I voiced the documentary "From A to D" about the changes in Alphabet City for NYU Students Matt Ahl and Rachel Guest.

***I volunteered with Jaradoa Theater, reading the radio play "Lost in Hollywood" and singing in a Midtown center for senior citizens along with Telly Leung, Kelly McCreary, Julianne Merrill, Liz Piccoli, Eileen Rivera, and Kevin Smith Kirkwood.

***I continue to participate in "The Actor's Workout" with an incredible intenSati instructor, Erin Stutland. The practice of intenSati offers a training for your body and your life. The greatest power to influence our life, our health and our happiness is our thought power or our spiritual power. So, in class, we simultaneously work through challenging aerobic exercise and spiritual yoga while voicing our goals to cover mind, body, and spirit. Intrigued? Send Erin an e-mail at stutsreal@yahoo.com.

***I'm still continuing to monitor casting sessions, train readers, and meet casting directors weekly at The Network. As I said before, I cannot recommend this organization highly enough.

***On Mondays at 8:00 a.m. I have a phone gathering with fellow voice actors Brett Barry, Cristina Doikos, Tercio Bretas, Marc Garber, Lucien Dodge, Maggie Phillips, and Jamie Hurley. We're planning on putting out our own demo CD! Let us know if you would like one for your casting needs.

***I continue to sing Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Helen Lyons, Karen Rich, Christopher Preston Thompson, Brian Long, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) The congregation is led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks. The sermons are now podcast! (The choir is not.)

Another costume idea: wear a necklace of rubber duckies and say you're a "chick magnet!"

Please Don't Panic! I'm as busy as gravy boat at Thanksgiving-- but for you, I'll find the time. Should you need the stoic Pilgrim for your print campaign, the singing turkey for your Thanksgiving tune, or the voice of Captain Hannukkah for your upcoming holiday spots, let's create something great together.

And now the monthly Two (by which I mean Six!) Items of Interest for FODs...

You're a superhero. Might as well get paid for it!
This from FOD Terry O'Malley: Marvel comics has lost a few of their costumed folk from New York City recently (the actors moved to Los Angeles). If you are a guy who can carry off a superhero build, please contact Terry at hireterry@aol.com. Sorry, powerful ladies, they're only looking for men right now...unless you can fill out the Hulk Costume.

You're a show girl. Might as well book a great backup gig.
Cabaret sensation Quinn Lemley is seeking a sizzling backup girl to be a swing for her upcoming tour. Even better, you'll be working with the Fabulous Jennifer Wren!
Aforementioned sizzling backup girl is ideally 5'4" or under, a pretty show girl type, brunette, a soprano to an F who can hold harmonies, and a good mover who is quick with picking up choreography as she will have to be rehearsed into what is already set.
It's you, isn't it?! Well, e-mail your headshot and resume to Jennifer Wren at crazylittlewren@gmail.com and get this thing started!

You love Disney. Might as well make some money during Thanksgiving.
FOD Jim Mundy is currently working on a big event for Disney taking place Nov. 23 - Dec. 13 in NYC and is seeking referrals for support roles. Each event will run approximately two hours, four or five times a day, with an hour in between. Up to 1100 people are expected at each event. People are especially needed over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Hosts/Photographers: Suitable people to act as hosts for the Princess Meet and Greets. These confident, outgoing personalities must provide fantastic Guest Service while simultaneously keeping an expectedly long line for each Princess moving as quickly as possible and offering to take pictures for Guests with the Guests' cameras. Hosts will wear their own business casual clothes and have a neat appearance (think Disney Parks, but long hair on men is acceptable as long as it can be tied in the back). Anyone being considered for these positions must be willing to work Thanksgiving Day.
Pay Rate: $15.00 an hour. Shifts will be either 5.5 or 7.5 hours, depending on the day and shift. Shift 1 is approximately 11:15am to 5:15pm. Shift 2 is approx. 5:15pm - either 11:15pm or 1:15 am (Fridays, Saturdays and Thanksgiving week). You can work up to 6 days a week, depending on your availability.
Operations: Again, must provide fantastic Guest Service and may be called upon to provide crowd control, information, coat check, running birthday parties, being a runner or any other myriad responsibilities that can pop up at an event like this. Know a jack-of-all-trades? This is the place for them.
Pay Rate: $10.00 an hour. Shift times have yet to be determined.
Merchandise: Looking for people with Retail experience here, though they may also be asked to take on some responsibilities in the Operations area. Especially looking for people with experience handling money and processing credit cards.
Pay Rate: $10.00 an hour. Shift times have yet to be determined.
This event will be very hectic. Any referrals must be good under pressure and willing to go with the flow, physically able to stand for long periods of time, and have a great attitude under any circumstances. If you are looking to make just a little extra cash for the holidays, Jim would be happy to put your name forward to the people doing the hiring.
All interested parties, please contact Jim Mundy at JMundy5@gmail.com ASAP with a short description of relevant background.

You're stylish. Might as well personalize it the Savvy way.
A great upcoming weekend seminar from The Savvy Actor! In this Savvy Style Weekend, you’ll discover and embrace how you are seen in the industry, what makes you unique, and how to package your product with style and confidence. Led by branding experts The Savvy Actor with special guests, Casting Director Alison Franck and Broadway image consultant George Brescia, you’ll begin to align every piece of your brand, from material to resume. Every decision you make impacts your career! Dates are November 7 and 8 from 10:00-5:00. Click this Savvy Style link to learn more!

You need a portable engineer/producer. Might as well call in someone with their own setup.
I've worked with the very talented M.P. Kuo on several demos I've recorded for composers and lyricists. She is top-notch, excellent with pro-tools, and can bring her recording setup to you. Contact her at mpkuo206@yahoo.com.

You need financial guidance. Might as well give my husband a call.
I must brag on my man. After eighteen years as an actuary, Shawn brought his industry savvy to the people side of the business five years ago to be a financial advisor. His business has grown wonderfully and he is helping a lot of people start to save money and protect their loved ones. Have you been reading the news lately? Perhaps it's time to talk with him. He knows his stuff, will not try to sell you something you don't need, and is quite easy on the eyes. Send him an e-mail at scowls@mac.com to start the conversation.

Life is good here. Shawn and I participated in the National Equality March in Washington D.C. to fight for Marriage Equality. It was interesting to read the New York Times article (on my iPhone) on the bus back to New York City with Marriage Equality NY and find out that, according to the article, all of us were in our twenties and early thirties. Most of us on the bus had been under the notion that we were in our mid-30's to 60's and were thrilled to get the news.

Oh, one last costume idea: wear gray, mess up your hair, and pin socks and dryer sheets to yourself--you're static cling!

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, have a safe Halloween and Samhain, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

Enjoy Yourself!
Doug Shapiro
Fearless Mensch

September 2009 Update with Doug

2009-10-24T14:15:00.002-04:00

Hello my dear FOD's (Friends/Family of Doug)!
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s…CHARACTER MAN! I didn’t quite make it into my own Marvel Comics superhero uniform (though YOU can…Curious? Read on, you tempted thing), but I have been making things happen in movies, shows, and religious institutions. Make sure to check out the details for the upcoming Chamberet and why we should all be grateful that Mary Feinsinger was put on this earth.

So, bring your waterproof laptop into either of your home Jacuzzis and relax into this e-journey until we reach the e-conclusion with the usual 2 (by which I mean 3) items of interest for FODs!

(And if you're not interested in my monthly e-mail lovin', just let me know and I'll take you off my e-mail lovin' list.)

Making neighborhoods safe…from people who weren’t doing anything wrong

In the short film THE CYCLE, I played Officer DeLuca, who is called on the scene in response to a lost bicycle and ends up aggravating tensions between residents of Bedford Stuyvesant by insinuating that some local tenement youths are hiding drugs. THE CYCLE is produced by Mundo Loco Films, directed by Roy Clovis, with Jacob Pinger as Director of Photography. Fellow actors in the scene included James Holloway, Jaymes Jorsling, Tomike Ogugua, Sheila Tapia, Phyllis Johnson, Benja K. Thomas, Tanesha Gary, Dracyn Blount, and Lynda Gravatt.

Okay, how I landed this gig ties into a few things I mention in these newsletters regarding building relationships with industry professionals: The Network and targeted mailings. The Network is an organization that puts actors in front of agents, casting directors, and other industry folk. So, I was working as a monitor for Diversity Fest, in which three casting directors meet 30 artists of color in three hours. Liz Ortiz-Mackes of Casting Solutions had finished up early and we had a chance to talk. Now, I hadn't actually seen Liz since an audition for her in 2003, but I had kept the relationship going through postcards and invitations to shows and when I saw her, she knew who I was. Liz is one of the nicest casting directors in the business and is committed to helping actors stretch themselves.
So, Diversity Fest was on Saturday.
Sunday I get a call from her that Officer DeLuca had to drop out of the film, which was shooting the next day, and why shouldn't he be a Jewish guy?
Monday and Tuesday I shoot the film with an incredible creative team and cast (in a role which was a stretch from my usual comic fare).
Side note--Liz and I bonded over Joe--The Art Of Coffee.
Additional side note--garnering information from actual police officers can be interesting. "Here's what I do all day. [sits in chair]," "If you really want to know what it's like, go through training for a year [he smolders. he turns. he walks away.]"

Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor crowded elevators...
I returned to 30 Rock, this time as one of the guys from the mailroom. The scene takes place after a confrontation between Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) and Jack (Alec Baldwin). Kenneth pushes the elevator button with resolve and it opens on us (I'm in the foreground, loaded up with too many packages) and Tracy (Tracy Morgan). It's the season premiere and is absolutely hysterical. Thanks to Barbara McNamara Casting!

The Plagued Voice I Hear? That's Andy, Yanking the Greenbrier Ghost through The Iron Curtain...

What on earth does that header mean? It means I'm involved in a wonderful variety of new musicals!

***I recorded a demo of "The Voice I Hear" for composer/lyricist Stephen Burns. The song is from the point of view of Joan of Arc (there I go again, typecast as a 14-year old girl warrior) as she tries to explain her relationship with the voice that is her constant companion. Beautiful stuff. A huge Thank You to Howard Levitsky for his music direction (oh, he plays beautifully and knows how to speak "singer") and for recommending me for the gig. Just so you know, not only does Howard music direct, and tickle the ivories, he's a composer too.

***YANK! is a love song to Hollywood's "it takes one of every kind" platoon flicks and to 1940s Broadway. Suffused with songs (swing, big band, boogie-woogie) it explores what stories get told in wartime, and how WWII became the great catalyst in bringing gay men and women together. I played a crowd, as usual, from military brass to radio announcers to a typist with a Gone With the Wind obsession. We performed the reading at The York Theatre on September 21st in preparation for a potential six-week run there early next year (tell your producer pals!). YANK! is written by David Zellnik, composed by Joe Zellnik, directed by Igor Goldin and staged managed by Kathleen Munroe. The cast included Nancy Anderson, Michael Andrew Baker, Chris Carfizzi, Trey Compton, Todd Faulkner, Chris Gunn, Ivan Hernandez, Noah Racey, me, Michah Shepard, and Daniel Shevlin.

***Next up, I'll be returning to The York Theatre on October 5 for a reading of That's Andy!, the story of a 10-year old boy who wants to save his town of Grand Falls by playing the lead in their production of "Annie." Media enters. Madness ensues. I will be reprising my roles as an aged chorus boy on a television show and Boozer the Bum. The show is conceived and developed by Robert Jay Cronin, with book and lyrics by Crystal Skillman (who is also the writer of DougToons!), music and additional lyrics by Kevin Carter, and will be directed by Clayton Phillips and stage managed by Elliot Lanes. The cast will include Marci Bing, Trevor Braun, Ali Brier, Ben Cameron, Dalton Harrod, Chantylla Johnson, Lauren Kennedy, Beth Leavel, Joey Maher, Jennifer Mintzer, Brad Nacht, Hugh Panaro, Kate Pazakis, Johanna Pinzler (with whom I went to French Woods when we were performing arts teens), Julie Reiber, Tim Salamandyk, me, Brad Simanski, and Casey Whyland.

***Iron Curtain, a musical which was developed at Prospect Theater Company, is the story of two American music theatre writers during the cold war who are kidnapped by the KGB, brought behind the Iron Curtain, and forced to write propaganda musicals. Directed by Cara Reichel, Composed by Stephen Weiner, Lyrics by Pete Mills, and book by Susan DiLallo. The show has been selected for presentation in mid-October at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre Festival of New Musicals, which is a huge honor. This will be my third time playing multiple characters for this show. (Kudos also to the creative team of It Shoulda Been You: Composer Barbara Anselmi and Writer Brian Hargrove, with additional lyrics by Jill Abramovitz, Carla Rose Arnone, Ernie Lijoi, Will Randall and Michael Cooper. I recently worked on an incarnation of this wonderful musical which was also selected for presentation at the festival.)

***In late October, I will be heading up to The Wilton Playshop in Connecticut to do a benefit reading of Greenbrier Ghost. Book by Susan Murray, Music & Lyrics by Clay Zambo, Directed by Scott T. Brill. I play the town sheriff, whose daughter's ghost may or may not have come back from the dead to accuse her husband of her murder.

***In early November, I will be in a reading of Nicholas T. Moore's Plagued! Or How to Survive Persecution at the Hands of an Angry Mob as a part of the dark night reading series for Resonance Ensemble. I don't know much about the show yet, but I do know that I'll be working with FODs Michael Anthony Pesce, Jr. and Carol Hickey. There's time. I'll have more details in the next e-newsletter.

By the way, do you know who would be a great choice to sing in your next musical? Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

Giving a helping hand...

Thank you for helping make the world a better place, my dear FODs! On Sunday, September 13, 2009, the Greater New York city Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure held its 19th annual 5K run/walk--the Komen New York City Race for the Cure--its premier fundraiser. As of this writing, I raised $1,923 and our team for The Savvy Actor raised $11,236 towards breast cancer research. I walked in honor of my dear friend Melinda Puglisi, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2005 and my mother-in-law Evelyn Cowls and friend Jodie Bentley who are survivors. I also created an iron-on and wore the names of those for whom all of you asked me to walk. (If you donated, and I did not send a thank-you card, please let me know so I can correct the error!) I am truly humbled with gratitude by all of your generosity and support. Thank you.

For a few years now, I have had the best volunteer job in the world. Every Thursday at 7:00 a.m. Jill Burk and I were the voices of New York Times for InTouch Radio reading news and periodicals for the visually impaired over the air. I regret to say that as of September 30, 2009, the Jewish Guild for the Blind will no longer be funding In Touch. The Guild has agreed that if we can find the money they will step aside, allow us to bring in our own board Of Directors, and turn over the assets of In Touch to new management. These assets include all equipment, our name, and the history of the organization. The Guild has also agreed that if we cannot find the assets prior to September 30th and the service is forced to shut down, that they will keep the studio intact for a period of 3 months while we try to fundraise. We need to raise no less than $250,000. That is only 3/4 of the yearly budget but enough to get us started. Obviously, this does not need to come from a single donor. A donation of any amount would be great. Given the amount of time we have to raise the money, it is best to try to find individual "Angels" who have the ability to write a check rather than go through layers of corporate or foundation decisions. If anyone in your life is blind, dyslexic, or too weak to read for themselves, please contact Gail Starkey at gjstarr@gmail.com with any ideas or monetary pledges.

My cousin Annie Shapiro is participating in the 2009 Indiana University Dance Marathon to raise money for Riley Hospital for Children - Ryan White Infectious Disease Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can donate with your credit card through their new fundraising webpage! Once there, click on "dancer" in the "Donate Now!" section and search "Annie Shapiro". Please remember to donate in her name so it can be credited toward her personal goal. (I know we're all raising money for many causes. I'm including Annie's in this newsletter because she's family.)

Come to the Chamberet!

Choir director Paul Stephan of The Madison Avenue Baptist Church has requested that each member of our sextet team up with two outside singers to perform a night of music in the fall. I have chosen to join forces with Jennifer Wren and Marissa Rosen to do that about which I'm most passionate--bringing the work of my FOD composers and lyricists into the world. Please join us as we sing an evening of original works written for us (or that would work for us) by some of our favorite composers and lyricists. It will take place in the church sanctuary and will be a sort of a chamber concert meets cabaret. So we're calling it a Chamberet! (pronounce it with a French accent! It's fun!)
WHEN: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. WHERE: The Madison Avenue Baptist Church:
Madison Avenue and East 31st Street, New York, NY COST: Donations at the door are appreciated. Not you should worry--we're performing in the sanctuary, so there won't be a 2-drink minimum.

Savvy Doug

I continue to work with phenomenal clients as an acting career consultant with The Savvy Actor. Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban have built a remarkable business helping actors turn their craft into a business through classes, coaching and seminars. Yes, we coach by phone, too! Interested in doing this work for yourself? E-mail me at doug@thesavvyactor.com or call (917) 929-0998 to set up a free half-hour intro session. Let's get your career going!

And speaking of getting your career going, my next webinar: Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper! is coming up on Sunday, October 4 at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time and you can be there from your own computer!

Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper! is a fantastic FREE webinar offered by The Savvy Actor. Mailings are a very important part of our acting business. Yes, we know, they can be tedious, time consuming, and not always affordable. Most of us will do them without the consistency truly needed to both brand ourselves and maximize the effectiveness of our marketing efforts. This system has also proved very effective for anyone who needs to nurture client relationships as part of their business.

How would you like to....

Send a 100 piece postcard mailing in less than 10 minutes?

Send thank you cards with your headshot printed inside?

Keep track of who you sent to, what you wrote, when you sent it and even be reminded to send your follow up?

Why Mary Feinsinger makes the New Year bright
I am in my second year of singing High Holy Day services with The Park Avenue Synagogue. Piles of music to learn. Who can save me? MARY FEINSINGER! She cantors! She composes wonderful music! She is an amazing voice teacher! She teaches sight-singing! She has a new hip! But most of all, she is a mensch. As a favor to me and in the spirit of the Jewish New Year, she worked with me for several hours last year and this year to get nearly all of the songs on tape so I could practice. So, I say unto you: reach out to Mary Feinsinger at bitterpearl@nyc.rr.com for all of your musical needs. You will adore her as I do.

Dougbytes

***Animator extraordinaire Ken Truhan is still hard at work on the second installation of DougToons! In this episode, the character Doug is sent on an audition by his agent, only to find out that he is applying to be a henchman to the evil Mr. Mayhem! If you have yet to see the work of animator Ken Truhan, writer Crystal Skillman, producer/engineer Brett Barry and voice actor me, the first installment of DougToons is on both YouTube and Facebook. Please log on to the YouTube site, give it a rating, and share with your friends!

***I had a blast working with Jim Norman and Becky Trenton of The Norman Agency on one of their Creative Conversations podcasts. Jim and Becky talk very effectively about how to create powerful radio commercials and were voted one of the top 40 business podcasts series in 2007 by PodcastAlley.com. I've been a big fan of their podcasts ever since I did some voice work on "What Listeners Hate Most About Radio Ads." They flew down from Toronto for a couple of days and we had a great discussion about how their clients can most effectively work with voice actors. (I also introduced them to pork soup dumplings at Grand Sichuan, Tea for 2 at Tea and Sympathy, deep-fried Mars Bars at A Salt and Battery, and New York City's best-kept secret burger at Burger Joint.) Stay tuned for further updates on these podcasts!

***I will be traveling down to Shenandoah University in early October to join Assistant Professor of Music Theatre (and longtime FOD) Jonathan Flom in teaching their theatre students about the business of acting. Though not my first time teaching university students, this will be my first time as a representative of The Savvy Actor.

***I did a quick coaching for a music theatre audition with Ari Rossen. Very good! I recommend him!

***I continue to participate in "The Actor's Workout" with an incredible intenSati instructor, Erin Stutland. The practice of intenSati offers a training for your body and your life. The greatest power to influence our life, our health and our happiness is our thought power or our spiritual power. So, in class, we simultaneously work through challenging aerobic exercise and spiritual yoga while voicing our goals to cover mind, body, and spirit. Intrigued? Send Erin an e-mail at stutsreal@yahoo.com.

***I'm still continuing to monitor casting sessions, train readers, and meet casting directors weekly at The Network. As I said before, I cannot recommend this organization highly enough.

***On Mondays at 8:00 a.m. I have a phone gathering with fellow voice actors Brett Barry, Cristina Doikos, Tercio Bretas, Marc Garber, Lucien Dodge, Maggie Phillips, and Jamie Hurley. We're planning on putting out our own demo CD! Let us know if you would like one for your casting needs.

***I continue to sing Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Helen Lyons, Karen Rich, Christopher Preston Thompson, Brian Long, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) The congregation is led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks. The sermons are now podcast! (The choir is not.)

Please Don't Panic! I'm as busy as jar of high-fructose corn syrup in a Halloween Candy factory-- but for you, I'll find the time. Should you need a guy who can voice your creepy commercial or croon your creepy tune, let's create something great together.

And now the monthly Two (by which I mean Three) Items of Interest for FODs...

You're a superhero. Might as well get paid for it!

This from FOD Terry O'Malley: Marvel comics has lost a few of their costumed folk from New York City recently (the actors moved to Los Angeles). If you are a guy who can carry off a superhero build, please contact Terry at hireterry@aol.com. Sorry, powerful ladies, they're only looking for men right now...unless you can fill out the Hulk Costume.

You're totally smart. Might as well know everything.

I recently had a great website recommended to me: HowStuffWorks.com, where you can find out a little bit about everything. They also have some excellent podcasts, my favorite ones being "Fact or Fiction?:Stuff You Missed in History Class" and "Stuff You Should Know."

You need financial guidance, Might as well give my husband a call...

I must brag on my man. After eighteen years as an actuary, Shawn brought his industry savvy to the people side of the business five years ago to be a financial advisor. His business has grown wonderfully and he is helping a lot of people start to save money and protect their loved ones. Have you been reading the news lately? Perhaps it's time to talk with him. He knows his stuff, will not try to sell you something you don't need, and is quite easy on the eyes. Send him an e-mail at scowls@mac.com to start the conversation.

Life is good here. We were blown out of the water by the wonderfully versatile Joelle Lurie in her one-woman show at The Metropolitan Room and on October 10-11, 2009 we will be joining the National Equality March in Washington D.C. to fight for Marriage Equality. When Congress sees that I've got the forces of my FODs behind me, they're going to scramble back into the Capitol building and I anticipate we should have Federal marriage rights by Hanukkah.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, have a blessed Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

Enjoy Yourself!

Doug Shapiro
Fearless Mensch

August 2009 Update with Doug

2009-10-24T14:09:00.002-04:00

Hello my dear FOD's (Friends/Family of Doug)!
Any ideas on how to dress for an audition as well as other daily tasks when it's 91 degrees outside, much schvitzier on the subway, and thunderstorming most evenings? In the absence of the gas-powered purse suburbanites call a "car," I'm thinking of putting our apartment on a rolly cart and just bringing it with me wherever I go. Well, it's nasty outside, but you're beautiful inside and it's time for some monthly e-lovin' from me to you.

Now, wash the sand and suntan oil off your hands from your day on your private beach and join me on this e-journey--and at the e-conclusion, oh yes, oh yes, there shall be the two (by which I mean four) items of interest for FOD's!

(And if you're not interested in my monthly e-mail lovin', just let me know and I'll take you off my e-mail lovin' list.)

...It Shoulda Been You
So, there I am, on the bus back to NYC from my summer stock gig with The Barnstormers, when my phone buzzes. (Not to worry--I let it go to voicemail on the crowded bus.) It was FOD Barbara Anselmi with a gig that would begin the next day. I love that! Composer Barbara Anselmi and Writer Brian Hargrove (additional lyrics by Jill Abramovitz, Carla Rose Arnone, Ernie Lijoi, Will Randall and Michael Cooper) have created a wonderful musical titled It Shoulda Been You. I played six characters in the reading, including a senile Jewish uncle, a pretentious cater-waiter, and a "Party People" wedding DJ. I also received a very gracious compliment after the reading from David Hyde Pierce, which means I'm going to be impossible to live with for a while. Direction by Joe McDonald, Musical Direction by Mary-Mitchell Campbell, Stage Management by Chris Munnell. The rest of this powerhouse cast included Jill Abramovitz, Sebastian Arcelus, Ray DeMattis, Nathan Lee Graham, Jessica Grové, Kate Guyton, Harriet Harris, Arielle Jacobs, Matt Leisy, Michael X. Martin, Debra Monk, and Bobby Steggert. It Shoulda Been You has been selected to be presented for the National Alliance for Musical Theatre in the fall.

Some will race, I will walk, towards a cure for Breast Cancer
Time to make the world a better place, people! My dear friend Melinda Puglisi lost her battle with breast cancer in 2005. My mother-in-law Evelyn Cowls and friend Jodie Bentley are survivors. On Sunday, September 13, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. in Central Park, the Greater New York city Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure will be holding its 19th annual 5K run/walk--the Komen New York City Race for the Cure--its premier fundraiser. I have joined up our team for The Savvy Actor to do something about it.

Please help support me in this important event by contributing generously to Komen Greater New York City. Your tax-deductible contribution will fund national peer-reviewed breast cancer research programs and breast health services in the five boroughs of New York City, on Long Island, and in Westchester and Rockland counties. It is faster and easier than ever to support this great cause - you can make your donation online by simply clicking on this link to my Race for the Cure Page (even better, go to "Join My Team" on the page and walk with The Savvy Actor!) or, if you would prefer, you can send your tax-deductible contribution to the address listed below. More information on Komen Greater NYC and its programs can be found at http://www.komennyc.org.

Whatever you can give will help it all adds up! (If everyone receiving this newsletter gave $1, it would be a substantial donation). I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress. Even if you cannot donate at this time, please let me know if there is someone for whom you would like me to walk and I will wear their name on Sunday, September 13.

Click here to donate online.

To send a donation:

Write "Doug Shapiro" on the memo line of the check.
Make all checks payable to: Komen Greater NYC
Mail to:
PO Box 9223
New York, NY 10087

That's Andy!
Conceived and developed by Robert Jay Cronin, Book & Lyrics by Crystal Skillman, and Music & Additional Lyrics by Kevin Carter, That's Andy! is the story of a 10-year old boy who wants to save his town of Grand Falls by playing the lead in their production of "Annie." I will be reprising my roles as an aged chorus boy on a television show and Boozer the Bum in a reading at The York Theatre Company.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: The York Theatre Company; The Theatre at Saint Peter's: 619 Lexington Avenue (on the south side of 54th Street just east of Lexington Avenue. COST: FREE!, but call the York Theatre Box Office at:
(212) 935-5820 for a reservation.

Savvy Doug
I continue to work with phenomenal clients as an acting career consultant with The Savvy Actor. Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban have built a remarkable business helping actors turn their craft into a business through classes, coaching and seminars. While in New Hampshire, I started work with a client up there and now have phone coachings with clients in Kentucky, Florida, and Boston as well! Interested in doing this work for yourself? E-mail me at doug@thesavvyactor.com or call (917) 929-0998 to set up a free half-hour intro session. Let's get your career going!

And speaking of getting your career going, my next webinar: Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper! is this coming Monday night and you can be there from your own computer!
A fantastic FREE webinar offered by The Savvy Actor. Mailings are a very important part of our acting business. Yes, we know, they can be tedious, time consuming, and not always affordable. Most of us will do them without the consistency truly needed to both brand ourselves and maximize the effectiveness of our marketing efforts. This system has also proved very effective for anyone who needs to nurture client relationships as part of their business.

How would you like to....

Send a 100 piece postcard mailing in less than 10 minutes?

Send thank you cards with your headshot printed inside?

Keep track of who you sent to, what you wrote, when you sent it and even be reminded to send your follow up?

Dougbytes

***Animator extraordinaire Ken Truhan is still hard at work on the second installation of DougToons! In this episode, the character Doug is sent on an audition by his agent, only to find out that he is applying to be a henchman to the evil Mr. Mayhem! I also had the great pleasure to finally meet Ken in person this month (he's based out of Colorado) and show him the glory that is Billy's Bakery cupcakes. If you have yet to see the work of animator Ken Truhan, writer Crystal Skillman, producer/engineer Brett Barry and voice actor me, the first installment of DougToons is on both YouTube and Facebook. Please log on to the YouTube site, give it a rating, and share with your friends!

***I did a demo recording for actor/composer/lyricist/Longtime FOD Adam Overett of Duck for President, singing the roles of Farmer Brown and Ms. Governor.

***I also a demo recording for Dan Furman and Mary-Liz McNamara of their musical Impossible But True, a rewriting of the story of Rip Van Winkle. By the way, do you know who would be a great choice to sing on your next demo? Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

***Coming up in late September, I will be working with Jim Norman and Becky Trenton of The Norman Agency on one of their Creative Conversations podcasts. Jim and Becky talk very effectively about how to create powerful radio commercials and were voted one of the top 40 business podcasts series in 2007 by PodcastAlley.com. I've been a big fan of their podcasts ever since I did some voice work on "What Listeners Hate Most About Radio Ads." We'll be discussing how their clients can most effectively work with voice actors and I'm incredibly excited about working with them again.

***I will be singing High Holy Day services again with The Park Avenue Synagogue.

***I continue to participate in "The Actor's Workout" with an incredible intenSati instructor, Erin Stutland. The practice of intenSati offers a training for your body and your life. The greatest power to influence our life, our health and our happiness is our thought power or our spiritual power. So, in class, we simultaneously work through challenging aerobic exercise and spiritual yoga while voicing our goals to cover mind, body, and spirit. Intrigued? Send Erin an e-mail at stutsreal@yahoo.com. I also saw Erin's one-woman show The Last Good Girl this week and it was great.

***I'm still continuing to monitor casting sessions, train readers, and meet casting directors weekly at The Network. I cannot recommend this organization highly enough.

***Every Thursday at 7:00 a.m. Jill Burk and I continue to be the voices of New York Times for InTouch Radio reading news and periodicals for the visually impaired over the air. By the way, one can hear the broadcast by registering at intouchnetworks.org, but then must be able to verify that they are visually impaired. Tell your visually impaired loved ones to sign up, and then bring the pizza and beer over at 7:00 am to listen to us!

***On Mondays at 8:00 a.m. I have a phone gathering with fellow voice actors Brett Barry, Cristina Doikos, Tercio Bretas, Marc Garber, Lucien Dodge, and Jamie Hurley.

***I continue to sing Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Helen Lyons, Karen Rich, Christopher Preston Thompson, Brian Long, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) The congregation is led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks. The sermons are now podcast! (The choir is not.)

***...and speaking of The Madison Avenue Baptist Church, choir director Paul Stephan has requested that each member of the choir team up with two other singers to perform a night of music in the fall. I have chosen to team up with Jennifer Wren and Marissa Rosen to do that about which I'm most passionate--bringing the work of my FOD composers and lyricists into the world. PLEASE RESERVE NOVEMBER 18, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. as we sing an evening of original works written for us (or that would work for us) by some of our favorite composers and lyricists. It will take place in the church sanctuary and will be a sort of a chamber concert meets cabaret. We're calling it a "Chamberet." (pronounce it with a French accent! It's fun!)

Please Don't Panic! I'm as busy as an ant at a Labor Day picnic -- but for you, I'll find the time. Should you need a guy to advertise your September Sale, voice your September Sonnet, or sing your September Song, let's create something great together.

And now the monthly Two (by which I mean Four) Items of Interest for FODs...

Voiceover skills class with Emmy nominee Pete DeMeo!
As a twice Emmy-nominated voice over artist for over 16 years, Pete DeMeo's career spans all areas of the VO field: commercials (voice of Dr. Scholl’s, Kohl’s, Visa, Tylenol, Howard Johnson, Avis), promos (NBC, HBO, Turner, Fine Living) and over 300 documentaries (Discovery Channel, History Channel, National Geographic, TLC, Biography). Pete also offers private VO coaching and full demo production services by request for additional fees. (He also used to be a part of my Friday morning voiceover call.)

VOICE OVER SKILLS CLASS
WHEN: Two different classes:
Mondays in September (7,14,21,28)
or Wednesdays (9,16,23,30)
From 6:00-8:00 PM WHERE: 3 of Us Studios 39 W. 19th St. Rm #301
FEE: $450 ($400 if you mention you're an F.O.D.!) REGISTER: e-mail pete@petedemeo.com or call 212-924-2240.
A little relationship tip...
When I'm working with my career coaching clients, we cover career stuff, but we also touch on financial and life goals in order to complete the whole person. Several of my clients have it as a part of their goal to nurture their relationships--be it with their family, partner, or children. One of the most successful things one can do towards this goal is to simply ask them, "What do I do [or what can I do] that makes you feel loved?" and then make sure you follow through on that.

Give my husband a call...
I must brag on my man. After eighteen years as an actuary, Shawn brought his industry savvy to the people side of the business five years ago to be a financial planner. His business has grown wonderfully and he is helping a lot of people start to save money and protect their loved ones. Have you been reading the news lately? Perhaps it's time to talk with him. He knows his stuff, will not try to sell you something you don't need, and is quite easy on the eyes. Send him an e-mail at scowls@mac.com to start the conversation.

Work your dialect...
FOD Barbara Rosenblat is a New York actress/singer with numerous performance credits both on Broadway and in the U.K. She is also one of the most sought after and beloved narrators of Audiobooks in the country. Her extraordinary range of accents and characterizations in a distinguished body of work (more than 400 titles to date) has earned her 6 coveted Audie Awards from the Audio Publishers Association. The Audies are the industry's Oscar and Barbara has won more of them than any female narrator.

What does this have to do with you? Well, if you have an upcoming audition or role for which you need some dialect work, she coaches! Barbara helped me prep my British accent for Private Lives this summer and her help was essential. Contact her at barbara@barbararosenblat.com for a session and she will work by phone if necessary!

Additional note: As I mentioned, Barbara works with her clients for specific roles and auditions. Two other dialect coaches with whom I have not worked but respect as professionals are Adam Raynen (for actors) and Jordan Yanco (for those who would like to try it for fun).

Life is good here. Our family has grown--we adopted a beautiful black/smoky grey Maine Coon mix named Ricky (to go with our African Gray parrot, Lucy) who was rescued by the SaveKitty Foundation. They were borrowing a truck from The North Shore Animal League right outside Central Park this summer and kept Ricky in foster care until Shawn and I were both back from our summer travels. He's already caught and presented us with a large water bug. Eeew. I mean, thanks...eeew.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

Enjoy Yourself!

Doug

July 2009 Update with Doug!

2009-07-27T17:55:00.002-04:00

Hello my dear FOD's (Friends/Family of Doug)!
Greetings from Sunny New Hampshire...oh, wait, it just started raining...no, there's the sun. Okay, Greetings from Sunny..oh, darn. Fine. I'll pack the car with my parka and speedo. I'm up here with The Barnstormers in Tamworth, NH, having a great time loving and abusing not only the other characters on the stage, but audience members as well. Read on for that story as well as other swell goings-on.

Now, tell the the barkeep on your private yacht to bring over your favorite saucy beverage and join me on this e-journey--and at the e-conclusion, oh yes, oh yes, there shall be the two (by which I mean four) items of interest for FOD's!

FODapalooza V: Birthday Edition
Thanks so much to all of you who joined me on my birthday for FODapalooza V at People Lounge! A great time had by all, the usual Margermellon Wadderitas were understudied for the evening by blueberry martinis, and some great introductions were made for friendships and networking. We also raised $35 for City Meals on Wheels and $25 for the podcast for National Public Radio's This American Life.

Barnstormers: The Return
Why swim through the woods in this very rainy season in New England this summer? Come to Tamworth, NH within the next few weeks as I play two dream roles in my eighth season with The Barnstormers.
Just finished:
Noel Coward's Private Lives: Direction by Bob Shea, Costume Design by Sandra King, Set Design by Ryan McGettigan, Lighting Design by Karen Perlow, Sound Design by Dennis Quinn, and Stage Management by Darrell E. Keene, Jr. Cast includes Chrystal Stone, Joe Tuttle, Dee Nelson, Jean Mar Brown, and Doug Shapiro. (Special thanks to Barbara Rosenblat for working with me to nail down the dialect!)

Next up: Mary Chase's Harvey: Direction by Frank T. Wells, Costume Design by Sandra King, Set Design by Dane Leeman, Lighting Design by Karen Perlow, and Stage Management by Darrell E. Keene, Jr. Cast includes Elaine Anderson, Bob Bates, Clapham "Cope" Murray, Jean Mar Brown, Jim Burkholder, Kelley Curren, Ray Evelyn McCarey, Dale Place, Penny Purcell, Doug Shapiro, and Pat Tierney.

WHEN: as Dr. Lyman Saunders in Harvey: August 4-8, 2009

8pm Tuesday-Saturday, Saturday Matinee 2pm

WHERE: The Barnstormers,
Main Street, Tamworth, NH

Google Map
COST: Tickets range from $14.50 to $29.50.
Box Office: (603) 323-8500;
e-mail: tickets@barnstormerstheatre.org;
Mail: The Barnstormers; Box 434; Tamworth, NH 03886.

We had a bit of an adventure at the invited dress rehearsal for Private Lives. In the fight scene that ends Act II, the culmination of the slapping and noggin bashing ends with Amanda and Elyot stalking off to our respective rooms and I'm knocking furniture over as I go. I knock over the chair, the table, another chair, and then as I'm stepping over a couch towards my door I hear an audible gasp from the audience and wonder why they're having that reaction to my stepping over a couch. I come to find out that the table I knocked over decided to do some blocking of its own and continue to roll...
...off the stage...
...into the front row...
...onto a woman...
...in a wheelchair...
...with an oxygen tank.

Luckily this incredibly sweet woman also has quick reflexes and deflected the table. The staff swooped in and took care of her right at intermission and I gave her an apple at curtain call (and called her a couple of days later). She's okay, but I think the only thing that could have made it worse would have been if she had been holding a basket of muffins that she had baked for the cast. Yes, the fight scene was reblocked for opening. Live theatre, people! The winners of the Facebook status responses were Rob Isaacson ("Now THAT'S interactive theater!") and Richard Binder ("Yes, break many legs - just, y'know, not the ones that are already broken, 'cuz that's just a waste of energy really ...").

...with apologies to Lady Mondegreen
Mea Culpa! Through the magic of technology, I was able to participate in Lady Mondegreen's latest video, Lady Mondegreen on Modern Dating while vacationing in St. Thomas back in March. I have neglected to include this in these updates for the last two months and one day I hope Lady Mondegreen will make a video forgiving me for not giving her the e-loving she so richly deserves. Lady Mondegreen, may I one day be worthy of your splendid purple bobbed wigness.

Dougbytes
***We've recorded the second installation of DougToons! In this episode, the character Doug is sent on an audition by his agent, only to find out that he is applying to be a henchman to the evil Mr. Mayhem! (Special thanks given to FOD Paul Liberti for some last-minute animation voiceover coaching!) It is now with animator Ken Truhan and he's already come up with some stellar drawings for the characters. If you have yet to see the work of animator Ken Truhan, writer Crystal Skillman, producer/engineer Brett Barry and voice actor me, the first installment of DougToons is on both YouTube and Facebook. Please log on to the YouTube site, give it a rating, and share with your friends!

***While here with The Barnstormers, I've been recording the pre-show announcements and will be conducting a business of acting seminar with the young actors company.

***I continue to participate in "The Actor's Workout" with an incredible intenSati instructor, Erin Stutland. The practice of intenSati offers a training for your body and your life. The greatest power to influence our life, our health and our happiness is our thought power or our spiritual power. So, in class, we simultaneously work through challenging aerobic exercise and spiritual yoga while voicing our goals to cover mind, body, and spirit. Intrigued? Send Erin an e-mail at stutsreal@yahoo.com.

***I'm still continuing to monitor casting sessions, train readers, and meet casting directors weekly at The Network. I cannot recommend this organization highly enough.

***Every Thursday at 7:00 a.m. Jill Burk and I continue to be the voices of New York Times for InTouch Radio reading news and periodicals for the visually impaired over the air. By the way, one can hear the broadcast by registering at intouchnetworks.org, but then must be able to verify that they are visually impaired. Tell your visually impaired loved ones to sign up, and then bring the pizza and beer over at 7:00 am to listen to us!

***On Mondays at 8:00 a.m. I have a phone gathering with fellow voice actors Brett Barry, Cristina Doikos, Tercio Bretas, Marc Garber, Lucien Dodge, and Jamie Hurley.

***I continue to sing Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Helen Lyons, Daryl Freedman, Christopher Preston Thompson, Brian Long, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) (Jim Wordsworth is covering for me while I'm in New Hampshire) The congregation is led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks. The sermons are now podcast! (The choir is not.)

***Composers and Lyricists, please look here!...and speaking of The Madison Avenue Baptist Church, choir director Paul Stephan has requested that each member of the choir team up with two other singers to perform a night of music in the fall. I would love to do that about which I'm most passionate--bringing the work of my FOD composers and lyricists into the world. My plan now is to team up with The Fabulous Jennifer Wren and The Marvelous Johanna Weller-Fahy to do an evening of original works written for us (or that would work for us) by YOU. Send me an e-mail if you're interested! (No, it does not have to have a religious theme.) Thanks to all of you who have already expressed interest and I will get back to you asap.

Please Don't Panic! I'm as busy as a one-legged man in a grape-stomping contest -- but for you, I'll find the time. Should you require your novel voiced, your song sung, or your product personified, let's create something great together.

And now the monthly Two (by which I mean Four) Items of Interest for FODs...

Summer Special at BroadwayDemo.com...
This Summer, BroadwayDemo.com is offering a Starter Vocal Demo Package for just $99. This package includes:

1 Hour of Studio Time

Pianist

Producer

BroadwayDemo.com Starter Membership for 1 year (renewable). Includes:
-- Member Page (see example) featuring up to 2 songs from your demo session, 1 headshot, your resume, contact link, and customized color scheme based on your headshots. Designed to be Agent and Casting Director-Friendly.
-- Easy-to-remember address: www.broadwaydemo.com/YourName
-- Your page fully licensed by ASCAP and BMI for legal and worry-free marketing of your vocal demo online.
-- Embedding support for your personal website.
-- Your page featured in our Showcase
-- 5 updates per year to your resume and headshots
-- Eligibility for exclusive discounts from BroadwayDemo.com partners.

To qualify for this special, your recording session must take place before September 1st. Contact David and Tina Marie at david@broadwaydemo.com for details.

Just the right combo for your event...
FOD Yury Shubov, an expert violinist with whom I've done several shows for The Prospect Theater Company, has embarked on a new venture! Ideal Ensembles was created to provide clients with the ideal musical accompaniment for their wedding, anniversary party, birthday party, corporate event, or any other special occasion. Their company mission is to put together a group of professional musicians that will create the perfect ambiance for your event and their specialty is writing arrangements of your favorite music. When it comes to popular songs, they do their best to preserve the sense of the original while adding their own artistic twist. All musicians with whom they work are active performers in and around New York City. String quartets (2 violins/viola/cello) and trios (2 violins/cello or violin/viola/cello) are their primary focus; however, virtually any instrument can be substituted or added to an ensemble. Duets and solo performers are also available. Check them out and tell them you're a FOD!

Give my husband a call...
I must brag on my man. After eighteen years as an actuary, Shawn brought his industry savvy to the people side of the business four years ago to be a financial planner. His business has grown wonderfully and he is helping a lot of people start to save money and protect their loved ones. Have you been reading the news lately? Perhaps it's time to talk with him. He knows his stuff, will not try to sell you something you don't need, and is quite easy on the eyes. Send him an e-mail at scowls@mac.com to start the conversation.

Give some cards...
Mailings--Faster, Smarter, Cheaper!
A fantastic FREE seminar offered by The Savvy Actor. Mailings are a very important part of our acting business. Yes, we know, they can be tedious, time consuming, and not always affordable. Most of us will do them without the consistency truly needed to both brand ourselves and maximize the effectiveness of our marketing efforts.

How would you like to....

Send a 100 piece postcard mailing in less than 10 minutes?

Send thank you cards with your headshot printed inside?

Keep track of who you sent to, what you wrote, when you sent it and even be reminded to send your follow up?

AND... save time and money.

We are ecstatic to share with you this amazing service where you can CREATE, PRINT, STAMP, and MAIL your personalized cards and postcards – at the click of a button! It is time to work smarter, not harder so come experience our free demo of the system.

Free Seminar: Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper!

WHEN/WHERE: Monday August 17, 2009, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
at Pearl Studios at 500 8th Avenue, 4th Floor

COST: Free!

RSVP: To reserve your spot for the seminar, please e-mail jk@thesavvyactor.com

What? You say you don't live in New York City but may be interested? Not you should worry. Reply to this e-mail and tell me to put you on the list for my webinar.

Life is good here. I'm kvelling up a storm because the first of the family generation under me (my God Daughter Heather) just graduated High School. Also, Shawn and I got to see FOD Ambrose Martos perform with The Umbilical Brothers. The three of them together were genius.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

Enjoy Yourself!

Doug

May 2009 Update with Doug!

2009-05-25T10:32:00.004-04:00

Hello my dear FOD's (Friends/Family of Doug)!
Happy Memorial Day weekend! (or shortly thereafter) April and May have been about service to others--singing my face off for several wonderful benefits and participating in readings to help up and coming artists take their work to the next level. Sometimes both at the same time! I also attended an awards ceremony for a project I voiced and have a fun story about a big ol' celebrity.
Now, take the favorite of your seven laptops over to the Comfy Chair and join me on this e-journey--and at the e-conclusion, oh yes, oh yes, there shall be the two (by which I mean four) items of interest for FOD's!

FODapalooza V: Birthday Edition
Join me for the fifth FODapalooza!

WHEN: Tuesday, June 30, 2009--my birthday (the day all the coupons expire!)
6:30 PM to 9:30 PM

WHERE: People, in the Loft upstairs
163 Allen Street, New York, NY
See below for directions or go to the Google Map

COST: No cover, cash bar. If you're desperate to give me a birthday present, I'll be accepting donations for City Meals on Wheels.

Gather, ye FOD's (Friends/Family of Doug), and meet your brethren at the fifth FODapalooza! We've got sultry goth vixens, poignant lyricists, efficient stage managers, cuddly activists, empathetic social workers, foxy doctors, Renaissance folk who do it all, and even some single men with no criminal record who want to date women! We'll have the upstairs lounge all to ourselves with the Wall of Rain, meat on a stick, and (hopefully) de-lishish Margermelon Wadderitas. (Translation: delicious Watermelon Margaritas.) If you have an event coming up or a service you provide (PG-13 please), bring your cards/flyers and we'll spread them around on the tables.

Directions
People is just a block and a half below the intersection of First Avenue and Houston (the east end of the F and V train).

Doug's Stage-Right-of-Broadway Debut
Thanks to FOD (and stellar music director/conductor) Jeffrey Biering, I was hired to be a backup singer for the opening number of the 23rd Annual Easter Bonnet Competition, benefitting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. We performed it in the Minskoff Theatre, which houses Broadway's The Lion King. We were stationed offstage right, backing up parody segments of Les Miserables, The Wiz, The Wild Party, and even a bit of "Single Ladies" for the amazing dancers, soloists, and celebrities. Our merry band of backup singers included Kimilee Bryant, Kris Koop, Becca Johnson, Kristen Maloney, Trevor Southworth, Michael Anthony Pesce Jr., Frank Galgano, myself, and Liza Minnelli.

I'm sorry, what?

You read that correctly. Liza Minnelli.

Liza was the grand finale to the opening number and was waiting back stage with her posse of elegant gentlemen. She is full of life and joy and decided it would be a kick to jump in and back up Aisha de Haas on "No Bad News" with us...both verses, both performances. I was on (or very close to) a Broadway stage, watching a dear friend in the monitor conducting in a Broadway house, and voicing incredible arrangements with a group of phenomenal singers that just happened to include Liza Minnelli. I love New York. (In fact, she sang New York, New York as the finale to the opening number and showed us all how this theatre thing is done.) Have to mention the excellent stage management team too: Brian Rardin and Cindy Hennon--really impressive.

Awards and Remembrance
I have voiced several sound/image projects for the students of FOD Susan Zizza at New York University. In "The Swim Team," (by Matt Ahl, Sourabh Chakraborty, and Thurmon Green and based on a short story by Miranda July) I voiced both the husband and wife of an older Jewish couple who are taught to swim on the floor of their apartment by putting their faces into bowls of water and kicking. Shawn and I had the honor of attending a ceremony at which these students were presented with the NYU Tony Hawkins award for Audio Drama. This ceremony ended up having a deeper meaning for me than I could have known.

The presenter was Helen Engelhardt Hawkins, and she shared that the this award is named in honor of her husband Tony, a devotee to radio drama who lost his life when Pan Am Flight 103 was destroyed by a bomb over Lockerbie Scotland on December 21, 1988.

I was ending my first semester as a freshman at Syracuse University in 1988 when this occurred and 35 students from Syracuse University were on that flight, including five students from our drama department who had been studying in London. In my senior year, I was honored with one of the first 35 Remembrance Scholarships in their names. Just in case I never get to honor them while accepting an academy award, please take a moment this Memorial Day weekend to remember at these students who were a part of my Drama Department and another, Scott, whose mother I got to meet: Nicole Boulanger, Timothy Michael Cardwell, Theodora Eugenia Cohen, Scott Marsh Cory, Turhan Michael Ergin, and Miriam Luby Wolfe.

Savvy Doug
I continue to work with phenomenal clients as an acting career consultant with The Savvy Actor. Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban have built a remarkable company that helps actors turn their craft into their business through classes, coaching and seminars. Interested in doing this work for yourself? E-mail me at doug@thesavvyactor.com or call (917) 929-0998 to set up a free half-hour intro session. We also coach by phone for those of you outside of NYC. Just so you know, I've been informed that my rates are about to go up, but if you respond to this newsletter I can lock you in at the old rate. Let's get your career going!

Doug's Wilde again, beguiled again...
I was brought in again by The NYU Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program to workshop Brandon James Gwinn and Dan Marshall's The Happy Prince, a one-act musical based on Oscar Wilde's story of the same name and other material. It was my second time playing Oscar Wilde in a musical. Directed by Jonathan Warman, Music Directed by John DiPinto, Stage Managed by Chae-Kyung Lee and Paul Castle, and performed by Drew Aber, Claybourne Elder, and me.

Bishop Doug
Coming up! I'm playing The Bishop of Basingstoke in a benefit for The New York Society for Ethical Culture...
Jekyll & Hyde in Concert
SAW Theatricals, Inc., will be staging a one-night concert benefit performance of Frank Wildhorn's Jekyll & Hyde to benefit the New York Society for Ethical Culture. I will be playing the Bishop and singing baritone. FOD's will include Sarah Melissa Rotker (Producer/Music Director), Richard Binder, Sal Sabella and Tony Wolf.

WHEN: Monday June 15, 2009 at 7:30 pm
There will also be a FREE pre-concert panel discussion on the ethical issues of Jekyll & Hyde.

WHERE: The New York Society for Ethical Culture
2 West 64th Street, NYC
See the Google Map

COST: Concert Tickets $15-$20
Post-Concert Donor Reception Tickets $50-$75

Tickets: Visit www.ethicaljekyll.com or call 212-352-3101.

Dougbytes
***We continue work on the second installation of DougToons! This one is also going to double as my animation voiceover reel, so we've got a wonderful challenge ahead of us. If you have yet to see the work of animator Ken Truhan, writer Crystal Skillman, producer/engineer Brett Barry and voice actor me, the first installment of DougToons is on both YouTube and Facebook. Please log on to the YouTube site, give it a rating, and share with your friends!

***I was a guest performer for a mostly teen cast in The Music of Hope, a benefit concert for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, presented by Westchester based theatre company Little Fig Stage. I sang the works of FOD's Clay Zambo (for whom I'll be doing an upcoming reading of his Greenbrier Ghost), Haim Cotton, Adam Overett, Robert Lopez, and Kristen Anderson. Directed by Marci Elyn Schein, Music Directed by Michael V. Ficocelli, drums by Jason B. Anderson, and Choreographed by Megan Hawkins. (Other guest performers included Barbara Ficocelli, Charlie Levy, Carlos Lopez, and Susannah Jones. Other FOD composers included Deborah Abramson, Steven Alper, Dan Acquisto and Sammy Buck, and Michael V. Ficocelli.)

***Thanks to a recommendation by FOD Frank Galgano, I sang the works of Hyeyoung Kim & Michael Cooper and Brett Macias & Caroline Murphy for the fifth NEO concert, celebrating New, Emerging, Outstanding writing talent in musical theatre. NEO is a benefit for The York Theatre Company's award-winning support of new musical theatre and its creators, and consists of an evening of one-song-each by different writers and writing teams. If I start trying to list all the FOD's involved with this, I will start bleeding from the eyes, but Matt Castle must be mentioned as a music director who not only teaches you notes, but understands why the composer/lyricist team wrote a song segment in a certain part of your vocal range to compliment a specific lyric. Then he lays it all out for you in actable terms. Just phenomenal.

***Thanks to FOD's Doug Besterman and Anne Bobby (and the magic of Facebook), I participated in a reading of The Witches of Lublin, a radio play with klezmer. Written by Ellen Kushner, Elizabeth Schwartz, and Yale Strom. Participating FODs included Fiona Jones, Anne Bobby, and Chris Delaine Costalas.

***I was a reader for Theatreworks USA's auditions for Click Clack Moo. I got to differentiate between three different cows whenever anyone read for the role of the duck.

***I will be returning to The Barnstormers for my eighth season in Tamworth, NH to play Elyot Chase in Private Lives (July 21-25) and Lyman Sanderson, M.D. in Harvey (August 4-8)

***News from de Suze: (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) She just tested out new material for her one-woman show Single What? Female at No Name and is looking for other venues at which to continue the momentum. Any ideas? e-mail her at funkweee@gmail.com.

***I continue to participate in "The Actor's Workout" with an incredible intenSati instructor, Erin Stutland. The practice of intenSati offers a training for your body and your life. The greatest power to influence our life, our health and our happiness is our thought power or our spiritual power. So, in class, we simultaneously work through challenging aerobic exercise and spiritual yoga while voicing our goals to cover mind, body, and spirit. Intrigued? Send Erin an e-mail at stutsreal@yahoo.com.

***I'm still continuing to monitor casting sessions, train readers, and meet casting directors weekly at The Network. I cannot recommend this organization highly enough.

***Every Thursday at 7:00 a.m. Jill Burk and I continue to be the voices of New York Times for InTouch Radio reading news and periodicals for the visually impaired over the air. By the way, one can hear the broadcast by registering at intouchnetworks.org, but then must be able to verify that they are visually impaired. Tell your visually impaired loved ones to sign up, and then bring the pizza and beer over at 7:00 am to listen to us!

***Every Friday at 8:00 a.m. I have a phone gathering with fellow voice actors Brett Barry, Cristina Doikos, Marc Garber, and Jamie Hurley.

***I continue to sing Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Renee Jarvis, Christopher Preston Thompson, Andy Redeker, Daryl Freedman, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) The congregation is led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks. The sermons are now podcast! (The choir is not.) AND GET THIS--This coming Sunday, May 31, 2009 will be THE BLESSING OF THE BIKES! We're having a section of Madison Avenue cordoned off, the entire service will have a biker theme, and afterwards, Reverend Susan Sparks will come outside and bless each bike (meaning motorcycle--don't bring your 10-speed) individually.

Please Don't Panic! I'm as busy as popcorn in a skillet -- but for you, I'll find the time. Should you require your song sung, your cartoon voiced, or your print campaign modeled, let's create something great together.

And now the monthly Two (by which I mean Four) Items of Interest for FODs...

Give your time..
Are you frustrated by all the mail you're receiving from countless important charities that are desperately trying to up their game? Very few of us have the money to help, but you'd be surprised at what a little time can do. I found my volunteer gig (which I love) at InTouch Radio through volunteermatch.org. I logged on, entered my zip code and used "voiceover" as a key word. I was stunned to discover that an organization needed what I love to do most. Two years later, I'm still there.

Give your soul...
International scholar, actress, and FOD Patricia Angelin is introducing Alba Technique (a method by which actors can achieve authentic human emotion by purely physiological means) to New York City's acting community. Through training in the technique, actors achieve access to and control of the six pure human emotions and the freedom of "True Neutral." This is not an acting class. It is a tool which can be implemented by anyone, regardless of age, experience, or previous training. Interested in learning more? e-mail Pat at pangelin@msn.com.

Give your cards...
Mailings--Faster, Smarter, Cheaper!
A fantastic FREE seminar offered by The Savvy Actor. Mailings are a very important part of our acting business. Yes, we know, they can be tedious, time consuming, and not always affordable. Most of us will do them without the consistency truly needed to both brand ourselves and maximize the effectiveness of our marketing efforts.

How would you like to....

• Send a 100 piece postcard mailing in less than 10 minutes?
• Send thank you cards with your headshot printed inside?
• Keep track of who you sent to, what you wrote, when you sent it and even be reminded to send your follow up?

AND... save time and money.

We are ecstatic to share with you this amazing service where you can CREATE, PRINT, STAMP, and MAIL your personalized cards and postcards – at the click of a button! It is time to work smarter, not harder so come experience our free demo of the system.

Free Seminar: Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper!

WHEN/WHERE: Tuesday May 26, 2009, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
at Pearl Studios at 500 8th Avenue, 4th Floor

COST: Free!

RSVP: To reserve your spot for the seminar, please e-mail jk@thesavvyactor.com

What? You say you don't live in New York City but may be interested? Not you should worry. Send me an e-mail and tell me to put you on the list for my first webinar that will be coming up in a couple of weeks!

Give my husband a call...
I must brag on my man. After eighteen years as an actuary, Shawn brought his industry savvy to the people side of the business four years ago to be a financial planner. His business has grown wonderfully and he is helping a lot of people start to save money and protect their loved ones. Have you been reading the news lately? Perhaps it's time to talk with him. He knows his stuff, will not try to sell you something you don't need, and is quite easy on the eyes. Send him an e-mail at scowls@mac.com to start the conversation.

Life is good here. Shawn and I took a week in St. Thomas with his parents and our good friends John and Celeste McClain. We also arrived in time to celebrate our friend Bethany's wedding. I encountered an interesting dilemma--while we were snorkeling pretty far out from the beach, it started to rain really hard, but there was no thunder and lightning. I am programmed for "everybody out of the pool" when it rains, but if there's no lightning and we're already wet--what to do? I stayed in, but it was a mental leap.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday. Thanks to all of you who serve and volunteer, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

Enjoy Yourself!

Doug

April 2009 Update with Doug!

2009-05-25T10:15:00.003-04:00

Hello my dear FOD's (Friends/Family of Doug)!
Fasten your seat belts! This Fearless Mensch is eating danger for breakfast. Breaking out the new headshots (BAM!), Leaping onto the Web (ZOWIE!), Bursting out of the day job to act and coach full time (POW!), and Singing in the upper range for a whole evening (AMEN!). All of this living outside the boundaries, this trapeezing across crocodile-infested waters, just makes a MAN want to...
...hide under the bed with his childhood pillow person Cap'n Charlie.
But, we soldier on, even when we almost finish this newsletter and the computer deletes everything after seven hours of work.
Now, tell your Swedish spokesmodel to start on your pedicure (you need your hands to work the computer) and join me on this e-journey--and at the e-conclusion, oh yes, oh yes, there shall be the two (by which I mean four) items of interest for FOD's!

Doug Imaged (BAM!)
Above and to your left, you see the results of my third go-round with headshot photographer Joe Henson. Great man, incredibly funny, always up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry. Joe’s main studio is located in New York City but he also regularly shoots in Boston, Washington DC and various colleges and universities. You can check his website JoeHenson.com for the dates of his out-of-town shoots. The makeup was by Kerry-Lou Brehm, who used an incredibly cool airbrushing device to apply the base. She's also trained in permanent eyelash extensions, but I decided not to go with that. They were both incredibly receptive to my ideas about branding (intelligent charm of Kevin Kline meets physical wit of Groucho Marx meets sensitive soul...and hair...of Patrick Dempsey) and we chose the final shots based more on "Does this fit my brand?" than "Does this make me look handsome and virile?" I've already started sending them out to casting directors and we'll see how they're received!

Doug Committed (ZOWIE!)
I'm a huge fan of the web series 50 to Death, which stars Norm Golden, Joan Barber and Jon Freda under the production/direction of Jason Sokoloff. In Episode 8, "Committed," I played one of (the character) Joan's vocal students (I am a proud student of the real Joan in real life) being trained in her new "holistic" singing method. It's hysterical. Watch it now!

Doug Instructive (POW!)
It really happens! I left my day job of eight years at the end of March and in the space created by that, more gigs and coaching work has come in. My client base as an acting career consultant with The Savvy Actor is growing rapidly and I am in love with this work. Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban have built a remarkable company that helps actors turn their craft into their business through classes, coaching and seminars. Interested in doing this work for yourself? E-mail me at doug@thesavvyactor.com or call (917) 929-0998 to set up a free half-hour intro session. We also coach by phone for those of you outside of NYC.

Doug Passionate (AMEN!)
What does a good Jewish boy do on the first night of Passover? Sing for the Catholics, of course! I was brought in by the remarkable music director/organist John Failla to sing the baritone role in "The Seven Last Words of Christ" by Théodore Dubois at the Church of Our Lady Fatima in Scarsdale, NY. Maintaining an entire work of music mostly above middle C was a stretch outside the comfort zone (mantra: open throat. closed mouth. flow of air. open throat. closed mouth. flow of air) but completely worthwhile when the incredibly gracious congregation stood at the end for John and the rest of us. Along with the FODs of the chorus (Deb Failla and Tom and Kimberly Shay), I solo'd with Christopher Preston Thompson (tenor) and Cidalia Alvarez (soprano). By the way, do you know the difference between a Catholic Grandmother and a Jewish Grandmother? The Catholic Grandmother says, "You finish what's on your plate or I'll kill you." The Jewish Grandmother says, "You finish what's on your plate, or I'll kill myself." Ladies and Gentlemen--Doug Shapiro, Kosher Ham.

Doug Gnomely (HAR!)
UNLOCK'D is a gorgeous new musical by Sam Carner and Derek Gregor and was the winner of last year's New York Musical Theatre Festival. Producer Jana Robbins and La Vie Productions LLC are taking it to the next level, which included two table reads in New York City at either end of their week-long work session. I sang the roles of Caleb (a Gnome) and Lord Littlewit (a suitor). This work is one of my favorites and this time around it was directed by Amanda Denhert, music directed by Brad Haak, and fellow performers included (I didn't get everyone's name) Maria Couch, Alison Cimmet, Jordan Kai Burnett, Christopher Totten, and Gerritt VanderMeer.

Doug Sycophantic (MWAH!)
I was brought in by The NYU Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program to workshop Jason Young and Bomi Lee's BRADLEY COLE, a story of a successful anonymous blogger and his roommate whose lives are turned upside down when they use the blog to benefit a friend working on a cooking show. I played the suck-up assistant to the Cooking Show Diva. (Take Mark from UGLY BETTY, drop his voice two octaves, and add the breathiness of Marilyn Monroe--that was me.) Directed by Kara-Lynn Vaeni, Music Directed by Ben Cohn, Stage Managed by Lauren Epsenhart, Jaime Lozano, and Leah Miles, and performed by Leo Ash Evens, Claybourne Elder, Patricia Noonan, Anne L. Nathan, me, Benjamin Howes and Sarah Statler.

Doug Beneficial (THANKS!)
I'm singing in two events to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

The 23rd Annual Easter Bonnet Competition
I'll be one of the pit singers for the opening number, under the impeccable music direction of Jeffrey Biering.

WHEN: Monday April 27, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Tuesday April 28, 2009 at 2:00 pm

WHERE: The Minskoff Theatre
200 West 45th Street, NYC
See the Google Map

COST: $20-$350, depending on where you choose to sit

Tickets: Order Online or call (866) 840-0770 x268.

The Music of Hope
Westchester based theatre company Little Fig Stage will be presenting “The Music of Hope,” a benefit concert for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. The benefit will feature an all teen cast with special guests from the professional theatre community (one of whom is me) and 20 new songs from a variety of composers and lyricists including FODs Robert Lopez, Deborah Abramson, Steven Alper, Kristen Anderson, Dan Acquisto and Sammy Buck, Haim Cotton, Michael V. Ficocelli, Adam Overett, and Amanda Yesnowitz. Directed by Marci Elyn Schein, Music Directed by Michael V. Ficocelli, and Choreographed by Megan Hawkins. They are also still seeking a set designer and someone to do computer projections. Interested? Send an e-mail to Marci Elyn Schein at mezzobari@aol.com.

WHEN: Saturday May 16, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 3:00 pm

WHERE: The Players Theatre
115 MacDougal Street, NYC
See the Google Map

COST: $25

Tickets: Order Online or call (866) 811-4111.

and one more benefit for The New York Society for Ethical Culture...
Jekyll & Hyde in Concert
SAW Theatricals, Inc., will be staging a one-night concert benefit performance of Frank Wildhorn's Jekyll & Hyde to benefit the New York Society for Ethical Culture. I will be playing the Bishop and singing baritone. FOD's will include Sarah Melissa Rotker (Producer/Music Director), Richard Binder, Sal Sabella and Tony Wolf. They are also still seeking an oboe player. Interested? Send an e-mail to Sarah Melissa Rotker at sarahmelissarotker@gmail.com.

WHEN: Monday June 15, 2009 at 7:30 pm
There will also be a FREE pre-concert panel discussion on the ethical issues of Jekyll & Hyde.

WHERE: The New York Society for Ethical Culture
2 West 64th Street, NYC
See the Google Map

COST: Concert Tickets $15-$20
Post-Concert Donor Reception Tickets $50-$75

Tickets: Visit www.ethicaljekyll.com or call 212-352-3101.

Please Don't Panic! I'm as busy as a unicyclist juggling rabid fire-breathing weasels -- but for you, I'll find the time. Should you require your song sung, your cartoon voiced, or your print campaign modeled, let's create something great together.

And now the monthly Two (by which I mean Four) Items of Interest for FODs...

All the great recommendations...
Looking for a great voiceover class? chiropractor? transcriber/arranger? Check out the Resources page on the Savvy Actor website! Most of the great classes, coaches, and resources about whom I've told you in past FOD updates are there, as well as Jodie and Kevin's recommendations. (Pete DeMeo, Nadette Stasa, and Paul Liberti all have great classes coming up.) Be sure to check them out!

All the great successes...
Thanks to Jodie from The Savvy Actor and Erin from intenSati for pointing me towards this. A Success Journal! There's so much about which we should be worrying, such a long list of things we should be doing, and we can never keep up with all of it. Each night, I list in my success journal five successes I've had during the day, from getting to an audition to letting someone in the subway before me to just getting out of bed in the morning. I also list three things for which I'm grateful. Then, during the overwhelming times I can look back and realize, okay. I'm actually accomplishing things and my life is very good. A quick list like this is also an easier commitment for me than "write in your journal every night."

All the efficient mailings...
Mailings--Faster, Smarter, Cheaper!
A fantastic FREE seminar offered by The Savvy Actor. Mailings are a very important part of our acting business. Yes, we know, they can be tedious, time consuming, and not always affordable. Most of us will do them without the consistency truly needed to both brand ourselves and maximize the effectiveness of our marketing efforts.

How would you like to....

• Send a 100 piece postcard mailing in less than 10 minutes?
• Send thank you cards with your headshot printed inside?
• Keep track of who you sent to, what you wrote, when you sent it and even be reminded to send your follow up?

AND... save time and money.

We are ecstatic to share with you this amazing service where you can CREATE, PRINT, STAMP, and MAIL your personalized cards and postcards – at the click of a button! It is time to work smarter, not harder so come experience our free demo of the system.
Free Seminar: Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper!

WHEN/WHERE: Monday April 20, 2009, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
at Pearl Studios at 500 8th Avenue, 4th Floor

COST: Free!

RSVP: To reserve your spot for the seminar, please e-mail jk@thesavvyactor.com

Should you not be able to attend the seminar, I would also be more than happy to set up a time to take you through this individually.

All the brilliant financial plans...
I must brag on my man for a moment. After eighteen years as an actuary, Shawn brought his industry savvy to the people side of the business four years ago to be a financial planner. His business has grown wonderfully and he is helping a lot of people start to save money and protect their loved ones. Have you been reading the news lately? Perhaps it's time to talk with him. He knows his stuff, will not try to sell you something you don't need, and is quite easy on the eyes. Send him an e-mail at scowls@mac.com to start the conversation.

Life is good here. Shawn and I have enjoyed a whirlwind holiday season, including a delicious seder with so many distractions that few realized we had read the Four Questions three times...bringing it to Twelve Questions, and little else. We also saw Watchmen. Cool Flick! You know who else would totally love it? Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) Shawn and I are wishing all of you the best during this season of renewal.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

Enjoy Yourself!

Doug

March 2009 Update with Doug!

2009-03-13T10:40:00.005-04:00

Hello my dear FOD's (Friends/Family of Doug)!
Thanks to all y'all who raised a margermellon wadderita with Shawn and I at FODapalooza IV on February 17! They were delicious and so are you.
Now, put on whatever music makes you feel adored...Barry White, Dixie Chicks, BJ Snowden...and join me on this e-journey--and at the e-conclusion, oh yes, oh yes, there shall be the two (by which I mean four) items of interest for FOD's!
Beware! Here come the "I"s of March!

Doug Insane
Did you ever think, "Gosh, that Doug is a nice guy, but I'd feel much closer to him if he was swearing, drooling, fighting through mental disorders, and busting out with rock music"? Funny you should say that, because the Abraxas Stage Company's CRAZY HEAD SPACE opens this coming Thursday!

WHEN:
Thurs 3/12 @8pm, Fri 3/13 @10pm
Sat 3/14 @2pm, Sun 3/15 @3pm
Mon 3/16 @8pm, Thurs 3/19 @8pm
Sat 3/21 @8pm, Sun 3/22 @4pm
Tue 3/24 @8pm, Thurs 3/26 @8pm
Sat 3/28 @2pm, Sun 3/29 @4pm
Thurs 4/2 @8pm, Fri 4/3 @8pm
Sat 4/4 @8pm, Sun 4/5 @7pm

WHERE: @ Seaport! 210 Front Street, South Street Seaport,
New York, NY 10038 (Beekman Street)
See the Google Map

COST: $18.00, with some proceeds going to benefit Creative Alternatives of New York (CANY)

Tickets: Through SmartTix.com or call SmartTix at (212) 868-4444.

Get ready for the ferocious first debut of CRAZY HEAD SPACE, a manic musical celebrating a dizzying kaleidoscope of mental and emotional disorders! Step out of your normal routine in this A-to-Z merry-go-round of maladies—some hilarious, some magical and unnerving. Taking inspiration from the (in)famous DSM IV Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, this musical will leave you wishing for a disorder of your own!

Artistic Team:
Elisabeth S. Davis (Music and Lyrics), Michelangelo Sosnowitz (Composer), Errickson Wilcox (Director), Matthew Neff (Choreographer), Tom Lenz (Set Designer), Jay Scott (Lighting Designer), Nick Meo (Stage Manager), Alicia Upchurch (Choral Director), Sarah Singer (Assistant to Choreographer), Katherine Rosen (Kampfire Films PR-Publicist)

Cast:
Jennifer Agnelli, Jacquie Aquines, Billy Butler*, Eddie Cooper*, Adriene Couvillion*, Sheena DiMatteo*, Sarah Fichtman*, Tauren Hagans, Mike Harrison, Nam Holtz*, Tina Jensen, Racy Joseph, Kendra Leigh Landon, Nathaly Lopez, Lyndsey Makovsky, Ron Nummi*, Joanna Richardson*, Doug Shapiro*, Alexandra C. Smith, Michelangelo Sosnowitz, Logan Tracey, Carl Anthony-Tramon*, Alicia Upchurch
* (denotes members of Actors Equity Association)

Doug Instructive...
My client base as an acting career coach with The Savvy Actor continues to grow. Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban have built a remarkable company that helps actors turn their craft into their business through classes, coaching and seminars. Interested in doing this work for yourself? e-mail them at jk@thesavvyactor.com or call (212) 479-7732. We also coach by phone for those of you outside of NYC.

Doug Invisible...
I sang the role of the Invisible Man from Jay Alan Zimmerman's show of the same title. The man knows how to write for a bass/baritone and it was a joy to flex my legit singer muscles while in rehearsal for a rock musical. Jay was the guest composer for BIG NIGHT OUT, hosted by the Fabulous Jennifer Wren, guest hosted by Samia Mounts and Featuring Musical Genius Bill Zeffiro. I was recommended to Jay by one of my very favorite composer/lyricists, Adam Gwon. By the way, guess who is one of the new co-producers of the Guest Composer series? Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

Doug Integrated...
I met with the new head of the on-camera commercial department for The Mine, Michele Bianculi (with whom I had the great pleasure to work before), and we are beginning to freelance together.

Doug Imaged...
By the time most of you read this, I will be taking my new headshots with Joe Henson. Yep, it's been five years since the last ones, so it's time for our third go-round together. This year, I'm going for something a little more Kevin Kline charm meets Groucho Marx wit meets Patrick Dempsey hair.

Dougbytes
***I'll be meeting this week with Crystal Skillman to begin work on the second installation of DougToons! This one is also going to double as my animation voiceover reel, so we've got a wonderful challenge ahead of us. If you have yet to see the work of animator Ken Truhan, writer Crystal Skillman, producer/engineer Brett Barry and voice actor me, the first installment of DougToons is on both YouTube and Facebook. Please log on to the YouTube site, give it a rating, and share with your friends!

***I continue to participate in "The Actor's Workout" with an incredible intenSati instructor, Erin Stutland. The practice of intenSati offers a training for your body and your life. The greatest power to influence our life, our health and our happiness is our thought power or our spiritual power. So, in class, we simultaneously work through challenging aerobic exercise and spiritual yoga while voicing our goals to cover mind, body, and spirit. Intrigued? Send Erin an e-mail at stutsreal@yahoo.com.

***I participated in a presentation of Ilann Maazel's song "I.S.A." at BMI's Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. Adam Gwon recommended me for this project as well.

***I continue to coach with Joan Bogden for voice-overs, Joan Barber for singing, and Tina Marie Casamento for vocal coaching.

***I'm still continuing to monitor casting sessions, train readers, and meet casting directors weekly at The Network. I cannot recommend this organization highly enough.

***Every Thursday at 7:00 a.m. Jill Burk and I continue to be the voices of New York Times for InTouch Radio reading news and periodicals for the visually impaired over the air. By the way, one can hear the broadcast by registering at intouchnetworks.org, but then must be able to verify that they are visually impaired. Tell your visually impaired loved ones to sign up, and then bring the pizza and beer over at 7:00 am to listen to us!

***Every Friday at 8:00 a.m. I have a phone gathering with fellow voice actors Brett Barry, Cristina Doikos, Marc Garber, and Jamie Hurley.

***I continue to sing Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Renee Jarvis, Christopher Preston Thompson, new additions Brian Long (who just booked an amazing gig and will be leaving) and Daryl Freedman, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) We're led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks. The sermons are now podcast! (The choir is not.)

Please Don't Panic! I'm as busy as a herd of bipolar kittens in a catnip factory -- but for you, I'll find the time. Should you require your song sung, your cartoon voiced, or your print campaign modeled, let's create something great together.

On-Camera Commercial Class with Casting Director Nadette Stasa
I was taking Nadette's class in Boston when I booked my first national commercial. (She also used to be a part of my Friday morning voiceover call.)

ON-CAMERA COMMERCIAL CLASS

WHEN: March 12, 19, and 26, 2009
7-10 PM

WHERE: THE STUDIO
1133 BROADWAY (BET. 25TH & 26TH), RM. 624

FEE: $299 ($249 if you mention you're an F.O.D.!)

REGISTER: e-mail nadettecast@aol.com or call 212-971-1989 to reserve your space and she will follow up with payment information.

This class is suitable for seasoned professionals who want a refresher, commercial actors who are not familiar with her approach to commercial work, actors seeking a basic commercial class and non-actors who are interested in doing commercials. The workshop is designed to take you from wherever you are and bring you to the next level. She is committed to leaving you with an understanding of what you need in order to succeed in the field of commercial acting.

Nadette Stasa is a freelance casting director who works with New York's top commercial casting offices including Strickman-Ripps Casting, Martine Casting, Toni Roberts Casting, Donald Case Casting, Foreground, Inc. and more. She has also run New York sessions (primarily voice casting) for Maura Tighe Casting. Nadette has more than 15 years of experience as a casting director, and 12 years of experience coaching and teaching commercial acting. In addition to her casting work, Nadette is an experienced on-camera commercial and voice-over actor. She was recently seen in network spots for Jenny Craig and Kleenex and currently can be heard as the voice of HBO Family Jam.

Mailings--Faster, Smarter, Cheaper...
A fantastic FREE seminar offered by The Savvy Actor. Mailings are a very important part of our acting business. Yes, we know, they can be tedious, time consuming, and not always affordable. Most of us will do them without the consistency truly needed to both brand ourselves and maximize the effectiveness of our marketing efforts.

How would you like to....

• Send a 100 piece postcard mailing in less than 10 minutes?
• Send thank you cards with your headshot printed inside?
• Keep track of who you sent to, what you wrote, when you sent it and even be reminded to send your follow up?

AND... save time and money.

We are ecstatic to share with you this amazing service where you can CREATE, PRINT, STAMP, and MAIL your personalized cards and postcards – at the click of a button! It is time to work smarter, not harder so come experience our free demo of the system.
Free Seminar: Mailings - Faster, Smarter, Cheaper! (Two upcoming seminars)

WHEN/WHERE:
Friday, March 13, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
at The Network at 312 West 36th Street, 4th Floor

OR Wednesday, March 25, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
at Pearl Studios at 500 8th Avenue, 4th Floor

COST: Both seminars are free!

RSVP: To reserve your spot for either seminar, please e-mail jk@thesavvyactor.com

Should you not be able to attend the seminar, I would also be more than happy to set up a time to take you through this individually.

Perhaps it's time to talk with my husband...
I must brag on my man for a moment. After eighteen years as an actuary, Shawn brought his industry savvy to the people side of the business four years ago to be a financial planner. His business has grown wonderfully and he is helping a lot of people start to save money and protect their loved ones. Have you been reading the news lately? Perhaps it's time to talk with him. He knows his stuff, will not try to sell you something you don't need, and is quite easy on the eyes. Send him an e-mail at scowls@mac.com to start the conversation.

Life is good here. Shawn and I had the time of our lives in Brooklyn at Conni's Avante Garde Restaurant: not a locale but an elite group of adventurous theatrical performers. Their events mix the ingredients of fine food, drink, song, dance, text, spectacle, and most importantly: you. As their guest, you will enter a lively and welcoming social environment and enjoy a five-course, home-cooked meal presented through exquisite performances. We will say no more. Just go. The next show is in April and they sell out immediately.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

Enjoy Yourself!

Doug

January 2009 Update with Doug!

2009-01-18T21:21:00.004-05:00

Hello my dear FOD's (Friends/Family of Doug)!

Swell things are happening in the world--a great pilot with an unfortunate name landed his passengers safely in the Hudson River, the inauguration in DC brings wonderful possibilities to our country and the world, AND you can raise a margermellon wadderita with me at FODapalooza IV on February 17! Come with me on this e-journey through things filmed, taped and sung recently and at the e-conclusion, oh yes, oh yes, there shall be the two (by which I mean three) items of interest for FOD's!

(And if you're not interested in my monthly e-mail lovin', just let me know and I'll take you off my e-mail lovin' list.

FODapalooza IV:
Join me for the fourth FODapalooza!

WHEN: Tuesday, February 17, 2009
6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
WHERE: People, in the Loft upstairs
163 Allen Street, New York, NY
See below for directions or go to the Google Map
COST: No cover, cash bar
RSVP: Requested, but not required.
RSVP for FODapalooza! here Gather, ye FODs (Friends/Family of Doug), and meet your brethren at the fourth FODapalooza! I know, some of you asked for Wednesday, but I'm taking a Wednesday night intenSati class with instructor, Erin Stutland. I'll try for Wednesday next time. In FODapaloozas past, accountants have bonded with singer folk, lyricists have found composers, and actresses have met men who actually want to kiss them. And do you know who will also be there? Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) We'll have the upstairs lounge all to ourselves with the Wall of Rain, meat on a stick, and (hopefully) de-lishish Margermelon Wadderitas. (Translation: delicious Watermelon Margaritas.)

Directions People is just a block and a half below the intersection of First Avenue and Houston (the east end of the F and V train).

DougToons is brought forth into the world...
I am kvelling up a storm here. Back in July 2007, my good friend Rob Voisey challenged me to stop talking about wanting to voice cartoons and to start making it happen. The advice simmered in the back of my brain until March 2008 when I bribed some creative types with pizza in Bryant Park and now, with the incredible creative forces of animator Ken Truhan, writer Crystal Skillman, producer/engineer Brett Barry and voice actor me, the first installment of DougToons has hit YouTube and Facebook. Suggestions for the next episode are flying in. Please log on to the YouTube site, give it a rating, and share with your friends!

Come to the Cabaret...
On January 29, I'll be singing with featured composer Hector Coris for the cabaret event BIG NIGHT OUT, "Hosted By The Fabulous Jennifer Wren and Featuring The Musical Genius Bill Zeffiro."

WHEN: Thursday January 29, 2009
9:00 PM to 11:00 PM (I go on between 10:00 and 11:00)
WHERE: The Reprise Room at Dillon's Lounge
245 West 54th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
Google Map
COST: $10.00 Cover + 1 item minimum (1/2 price cover for MAC, AEA, and EMC Candidates)
RSVP: Not required

50 to Death...
I'm a huge fan of the web series 50 to Death, which stars Norm Golden, Joan Barber and Jon Freda under the production/direction of Jason Sokoloff. In my first AFTRA principal role, I played one of (the character) Joan's vocal students (I am a proud student of the real Joan in real life) being trained in her new "holistic" singing method. Please check out the show's website, and then consider nominating them for the Streamy Awards by writing in "50 to Death" for Best Comedy Web Series. Voting ends January 23rd, so get a move-on! I will let you know when the webisode I am in will air.

Managing the career...
I have started to train as an acting career coach with The Savvy Actor. Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban have built a remarkable company that helps actors turn their craft into their business through classes, coaching and seminars. They have been assisting me in defining my goals and my "brand," and soon I will doing the same for other theatre artists. Interested in doing this work for yourself? e-mail them at jk@thesavvyactor.com or call (212) 479-7732. We also coach by phone for those of you outside of NYC. By the way, guess who one of our clients is? Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) (Not you should worry about confidentiality. She gave me permission to include her name.)

Dougbytes
***I modeled men's tights on a VERY cold snowy day in Union Square for a segment on the British Morning TV show GMTV. Then reporter Carla Eckhardt interviewed customers in the Green Market about their views on men in tights. (Just to brag for a moment, I did get some compliments, as in, "They look very good on him, but there's no WAY I would let my husband wear...") In a very New York City moment, I grew impatient with the bathroom line and changed into the dance belt and tights in the back hallway of an Au Bon Pain while asking my fellow citizens to stand in front of me. No. That will not be seen on show, so stand down, you saucy thing.

***I did a day on 30 Rock as a waiter in Barney Greengrass. The scene starred Tina Fey and Mad Men's Jon Hamm.

***I have been invited back as a guest speaker for the Television and Radio Performance class at SUNY New Paltz. This class, led by voice artist and audio producer Brett Barry, teaches the theory and practice of performance using the technology of radio and television--including announcing, interviewing, newscasting and acting.

***I have been participating in several readings of New Works. For the Writing the Musical Libretto class at HB Studio, I have been working with librettists Robert Grogan and Dan Furman. At the Flea Theater, I will be reading the role of a shopping channel host in Michael Mitnick's BABS THE DODO under the direction of Lauren Keating.

***I continue to coach with Joan Bogden for voice-overs, Joan Barber for singing, and Tina Marie Casamento for vocal coaching.

***I'm still continuing to monitor casting sessions, train readers, and meet casting directors weekly at The Network. Guess who's working there?! Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

***Every Thursday at 7:00 a.m. Jill Burk and I continue to be the voices of New York Times for InTouch Radio reading news and periodicals for the visually impaired over the air. By the way, one can hear the broadcast by registering at intouchnetworks.org, but then must be able to verify that they are visually impaired. Tell your visually impaired loved ones to sign up, and then bring the pizza and beer over at 7:00 am to listen to us!

***I continue to sing Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Renee Jarvis, Christopher Preston Thompson, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) We're led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks. The sermons are now podcast! (The choir is not.) THERE ARE TWO OPENINGS FOR ONE BARITONE AND ONE MEZZO-SOPRANO and I'm always compiling a list of potential subs, so let me know if you're interested. I will be singing the solo on Sunday, January 18: Twila Paris's "When You Speak to Me."

Please Don't Panic! I'm as busy as a box of tissues during flu season -- but for you, I'll find the time. Should you require the voice of Lincoln for your President's Day sale, the profile of Lincoln for your marketing campaign, or just the right cat to swing "Pennies from Heaven" for you, let's create something great together.

And now the monthly Two (by which I mean Three) Items of Interest for FODs...

Excellent Animation Voiceover and Voiceover Tune-Up Class...
Veteran voice actor from Nickelodeon, PBS, Noggin, Pokemon, Disney and former Muppet performer – Paul Liberti is teaching two excellent classes at Actors Connection. We worked together on a video for John Caraffa and he's a great guy with a lot to offer.

Character and Animation V/O Technique Class-5-weeks of animation V/O work with Professional Voice Actor Paul Liberti
Dates: Fridays, February 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th & March 6th.

AND...

ADVANCED Voice Over Tune Up! with Stacy Seidel, Casting Director with Broadcasters, and Voice Actor Paul Liberti
(six weeks with surprise guest agent at last class!)
Dates: Mondays, Feb. 9th, (skips 16th), 23rd, March 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd.

Need some astrological advice?..
I've been enjoying the blog of my college friend Robin Curtin. She is an NCGR Level I astrologer and has put together an excellent blog consisting of her e-newsletters called "Robin's Astrological Advice". Also, if you live in Massachusetts and are interested in a reading, she's available for one on one sessions, too. (Robin is also a rock singer. How cool is that?)

Life is good here. After we plugged the wrong earpiece into my cell phone and fried it, I just had to go to the Apple Store to purchase my new iPhone. I have named her Xie Xie, which is Mandarin for "Thank You." Shawn and I also went to the Contra Dance recently and had the chance to reconnect and dance with some old friends.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

Enjoy Yourself!

Doug

Happy New Year from Shawn and Doug!

2009-01-03T09:15:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year to All of You from Shawn and Doug!

Hello, Doug here with the Doug section. 2008 has been a great year.with a good balance of acting, training, and enjoyment. Best of all for me has been the advent of FODapalooza (FOD standing for “Friends/Family of Doug’). There were three FODapaloozas in 2008, at which composers met lyricists, artists became friends with people who really enjoy math, and some people even went on for dinner and smooches at a later date.

My biggest dream has always been to voice cartoons, so--with the help of some incredibly skilled friends—it got done. The first installment of DougToons can be found at http://www.knob-o.com/dougtoons/dougtoons.html.

On stage, I performed 43 roles in 13 plays, readings, and musicals. On television, I made my soap opera debut on All My Children. In film, I landed my first seen/speaking role in Horizon and voiced a Yorkshire Terrier for Tea With Zoey. In voiceover, I recorded gigs for Monster.com, The Norman Agency in Canada, and Lexmark and continue to be the Thursday morning voice of The New York Times, along with Jill Burk, for InTouch Radio. In song, I made my cabaret debuts at BIG NIGHT OUT and The Algonquin Salon, voiced several demos of new works, and continue to sing with The Madison Avenue Baptist Church Quartet.

In the New Year, I will begin training with The Savvy Actor as a career coach, helping theatrical artists find tangible steps to achieving their business goals. It’s an exciting new chapter in my life.

Shawn here! It's been quite a year. With the financial industry in turmoil and markets up ended. Still my practice continued to grow as some great new clients came on board and most existing clients were able to continue their plans. I continue to head up FFR/Princeton BTGALA, the LGBT alumni association for Princeton University. Both of the post-doctoral fellows that came to Princeton as a result of our sponsorship were offered tenured positions. My mother and father came to New York in December visit and both are in great health, which is the one of the best things of all!

Last night, we celebrated the 5th anniversary of our meeting and we are very grateful to all of you for your friendship and for being in our lives!

May your 2009 be filled with laughter and fulfillment.

As Always,

Shawn & Doug

November Update with Doug!

2008-11-18T22:35:00.003-05:00

Hello my dear FOD's (Friends/Family of Doug)!
In this time of Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for all of you that raised a margermellon wadderita with me at FODapalooza III! A great time was had by all and I'm looking to set the next one sometime in January. I'm taking an exercise class, getting organized for better career choices, and am in rehearsal for a great show. Also read to the end for the two (by which I mean three) items of interest for FOD's!

On Stage...
Been looking for an excuse to visit Asbury Park in New Jersey in December? Your quest has now been fulfilled! SCROOGE IN ROUGE is going to be hilarious and you can decide for yourself whether or not I make a pretty girl. or matron. or ghost. or excessively perky nephew. Here are the details:

ReVision Theatre
Producing Artistic Directors: David E. Leidholdt, Thomas Morrissey, Stephen Bishop Seely

Scrooge in Rouge
An English Music Hall Christmas Carol

Book & Music by Ricky Graham
Additional Material by Jeffery Roberson
Other Interesting Bits by Yvette Hargis
Original Music Composed by Jefferson Turner
Choreographed by Mimi Quillin
Music Directed by Justin Stoney
Directed by Michael Barakiva

Starring Linda Marie Larson, Katherine Pecevich, & Doug Shapiro

3 actors. 23 characters. A fast-paced new musical so hilarious you'll want to bring your entire family. A Christmas Carol that even your weird Aunt Edna will love!

WHEN: December 4 thru December 28, 2008
Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays at 8:00 pm
Sundays at 7:00 pm
(No show on Christmas Day)
Friday, December 26th at 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 27th at 3:00 pm & 8:00 pm
Sunday, December 28th at 3:00 pm

WHERE: The VFW Hall
701 Lake Avenue
Entrance on Bond Street between Lake and Cookman Avenues
Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712
Click here for the Google Map

COST: Tickets $35 & $25; Children Under 12 $17.50 & $12.50
Buy tickets online at www.ReVisionTheatre.org or call 732-455-3059

In the Movies...
I will be playing the role of a doctor in the upcoming movie HORIZON, written and directed by Vladan Nikolic. This movie will also be Assistant Directed by FOD Heather Murphy. I would tell you more, but I know I hate it when someone tells me the end of a movie. What I can tell you is that I don't get a cool death scene and I'm totally bummed. (I felt the same way when I was on The Sopranos...and didn't even try to get my hopes up for that time on Sex and the City.)

Voicing the Industrials...
I voiced one more industrial spot for Lexmark at The Audio Department, this time with Doug as the engineer.

Voicing the Dog...
"Tea With Zoey" is a short film project that explores the power of friendship and the search for true identity. Starring Zoey, a Shi Tzu-Yorkie mix (voiced by Marisa Miller Wolfson) and Piper, an overweight terrier (voiced by me), this serious and important film is a paw-in for the Oscar. The movie is written by Kate Cook and will be shown in December as a part of the Brooklyn Filmmakers Collective Showcase.

Managing the career...
I have been career coaching with Jodie Bentley and Kevin Urban through The Savvy Actor, a remarkable company that helps actors turn their craft into their business through classes, coaching and seminars. They have been assisting me in defining my goals (and action steps through which I can achieve them) and my "brand." Here's what we came up with and I'd love your input:
I am a bass/baritone (down to a Low C) with the intelligent charm of Kevin Kline, the physical wit of Groucho Marx, and Patrick Dempsey's sensitive soul (and hair).
(For voiceover or commercial work, I'd replace Kevin Kline with Hank Azaria.).
Interested in doing this work for yourself? e-mail them at jk@thesavvyactor.com or call (212) 479-7732. They also coach by phone for those of you outside of NYC and, with the holidays coming up, a career coaching session makes a wonderful gift for that special artist in your life.

Schvitzing in the studio...
I'm taking a fascinating exercise class called "The Actor's Workout" with an incredible intenSati instructor, Erin Stutland. The practice of intenSati offers a training for your body and your life. The greatest power to influence our life, our health and our happiness is our thought power or our spiritual power. So, in class, we simultaneously work through challenging aerobic exercise and spiritual yoga while voicing our goals to cover mind, body, and spirit. Good stuff, but here's a lesson for you: If you got a flu shot AND were up late the night before glued to election results, the intenSati class can be that much more challenging. I'm just saying...
By the way, Erin has an upcoming free class on November 23 in NYC. If you're interested, send her an e-mail at stutsreal@yahoo.com.

Dougbytes
***I finally had that phone call with the excellent web designers at Traverse City Web Design to learn how to update my website myself.

***I will be a guest speaker for the Television and Radio Performance class at SUNY New Paltz. This class, led by voice artist and audio producer Brett Barry, teaches the theory and practice of performance using the technology of radio and television--inculding announcing, interviewing, newscasting and acting.

***DougToons is coming even closer to fruition! Animator/Graphic Designer Ken Truhan has drawn the characters and is now plugging away on the animation.

***Every Wednesday morning I pow-wow with fellow artists Stuart Green (in abstensia while he's on tour), Marisa Miller Wolfson, Faith Sandberg, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) Every Friday morning is a conference call with fellow voiceover talents J.J. Myers, Nadette Stasa, Brett Barry and Pete DeMeo.

***I continue to coach with Joan Bogden for voice-overs and Joan Barber for singing.

***I'm still continuing to monitor casting sessions and meet casting directors weekly at The Network. Guess who just got hired there?! Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)

***Every Thursday at 7:00 a.m. Jill Burk and I continue to be the voices of New York Times for InTouch Radio reading news and periodicals for the visually impaired over the air. By the way, one can hear the broadcast by registering at intouchnetworks.org, but then must be able to verify that they are visually impaired. Tell your visually impaired loved ones to sign up, and then bring the pizza and beer over at 7:00 am to listen to us!

***I continue to sing Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Renee Jarvis, Christopher Preston Thompson, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) We're led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks. The sermons are now podcast! (The choir is not.) I'm still compiling a list of potential subs, so let me know if you're interested. Christmas Eve service will be at 5:00 p.m.

Please Don't Panic! I'm as busy as a travel agent seeking Washington DC hotel rooms on Inauguration Day-but for you, I'll find the time. Should you require the voice of your Christmas elf, the guy to sing your Thanksgiving love ballad, or the narrator for your Holiday recipe audiobook, let's create something great together.

And now the monthly Two (by which I mean Three) Items of Interest for FODs...

New Webisode Production company seeking actors...
Brand new FOD (and Assistant Stage Manager for SCROOGE IN ROUGE) Marti Gould Cummings announces the launch of his production company MGC Productions. He is currenly casting for the role of a charactery mid-30's husband for the pilot webisode of Based on a True Story and will be seeking actors for future webisodes as well. Please e-mail your picture and resume to martigouldcummings@yahoo.com with "Based on a True Story" in the subject line and mention that you're a FOD.

Need some help with gift ideas?..
I'm friends with loads of vocal coaches, monologue coaches, graphic designers, songwriters, career coaches, and more. Would you like to commission a holiday song for the one you love? Songwriters I got. Do you want to give someone the gift of their own website? Web Designers I got. Is a rum cake a good idea for a gift? Such a baker of the rum cake I got. And, if you've been reading, you know I got career coaches too. Times are tough, so send me an e-mail. I'd love to employ my loved ones.

Perhaps it's time to talk with my husband...
Time to brag on my man for a moment. After eighteen years as an actuary, Shawn brought his industry savvy to the people side of the business four years ago to be a financial planner. His business has grown wonderfully and he is helping a lot of people start to save money and protect their loved ones. Have you been reading the news lately? Perhaps it's time to talk with him. He knows his stuff, will not try to sell you something you don't need, and is quite easy on the eyes. Send him an e-mail at scowls@mac.com to start the conversation.

Life is good here. A couple of weeks ago, a zillion of us who went to drama camp together at French Woods all descended on the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre to see fellow alum Jason Robert Brown's new musical 13 and had a blast. Then last weekend, Shawn and I went out to my Mom's house on Long Island and MADE mozzarella cheese together. It's true. The stuff doesn't grow on trees in shrink-wrapped packages, you can actually make it.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

With Deepest Thanks Given,

Doug

Doug Shapiro
Fearless Mensch

October Update with Doug!

2008-10-16T12:24:00.004-04:00

Hello my dear FOD's (Friends/Family of Doug)!
Can you feel the anticipation in the air, borne on the scent of Watermelon? Oh, yes. FODapalooza III (Tuesday October 21, 2008) is just around the corner at People Lounge and I can't wait to see everyone there! Also just around the corner are several gigs in which I'll be doffing my cabaret singer hat, my radio play hat, my stage management hat, and my doggie hat. Also read to the end for the two (by which I mean three) items of interest for FOD's!

FODapalooza III:
Join me for the third FODapalooza!

WHEN: Tuesday, October 21, 2008
6:30 PM to 9:30 PM

WHERE: People, in the Loft upstairs
163 Allen Street, New York, NY
See below for directions or go to the Google Map

COST: No cover, cash bar

RSVP: Requested, but not required.
RSVP for FODapalooza! here

Gather, ye FODs (Friends/Family of Doug), and meet your brethren at the third FODapalooza! Yes, it takes place around Halloween, but we're not in costume...unless you still have the High Holy Days spirit and want to come as "Baby Jewish New Year." In FODapaloozas past, accountants have bonded with singer folk, lyricists have found composers, and actresses have met men who actually want to kiss them. And do you know who will also be there? Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) We'll have the upstairs lounge all to ourselves with the Wall of Rain and de-lishish Margermelon Wadderitas. (Translation: delicious Watermelon Margaritas--and I just got the confirmation that they'll be there.)

Directions
People is just a block and a half below the intersection of First Avenue and Houston (the east end of the F and V train).

Come to the Cabaret...
On November 13 (THIS IS A CHANGE!), I'll be singing with featured composer Hector Coris for the cabaret event BIG NIGHT OUT, "Hosted By The Fabulous Jennifer Wren and Featuring The Musical Genius Bill Zeffiro."

WHEN: Thursday, November 13, 2008 (THIS IS A CHANGE!)
10:00 PM to 12:30 AM (I go on between 11:00 and 12:00)

WHERE: The Chicago City Limits Room at
The Broadway Baby Bistro
318 West 53rd Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues)
Google Map

COST: $5.00 Cover

RSVP: Not required

I say, I say, I'm in a RADIO Play, Son!...
I've landed a dream job, performing Old Time Live Radio Shows with The Living Museum Company. Coming up this week, I'll be playing Sam Spade, private eye, and both Senator Claghorn (the basis for Looney Toons's Foghorn Leghorn) and Falstaff in the Fred Allen Show.

The Old Time Radio Hour Dinner and a Show

WHEN: Sunday, October 19, 2008
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

WHERE: The Lafayette Grill
54 Franklin Street, New York, NY
Click here for the Google Map

COST: $30/person. Includes full dinner with tip included.
Cash or Check Accepted at Door.

RSVP: Call (914) 450-3947 or e-mail livingmuseumcompany@gmail.com.

The cast includes: Michael V. Ficocelli, Larry Gleason, Toni-Michelle Rubino, Doug Shapiro, and Marci Elyn Schein.

A Stage Manager, managing the stage...Baby
On a more somber note, I will be stage managing a tribute concert to my friend Harris Wulfson, a brilliant musician who lost his life a few months back. For those of you FODs from French Woods or Syracuse University, this is Michelle Wulfson's brother. His loved ones are gathering to celebrate him in what promises to be an incredible evening of music.

Tribute Concert for Harris Wulfson

WHEN: Sunday, October 19, 2008
8:00 PM to 11:00 PM

WHERE: Brooklyn Lyceum
227 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
Click here for the Google Map

COST: Free. Donations requested to help with cost of rental and tribute CD.

RSVP: Not required

The concert will joyfully celebrate as many of the different kinds of music that Harris loved, composed and played as we can fit into a few hours – from bluegrass and klezmer to experimental electronic and beyond. There will be dancing. Musicians are encouraged to join in – please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to perform, and bring your instrument if you just want to join in the jam at the end.

To play, sing or perform at the concert: contact Sarah at snappysarah@gmail.com or Jordan at jordanshapiro1@gmail.com.

Who's the Good Voice Boy? Who Is It? I am! Oh, Yes! I! Am!
"Tea With Zoey" is a short film project that explores the power of friendship and the search for true identity. Starring Zoey, a Shi Tzu-Yorkie mix (voiced by Marisa Miller Wolfson) and Piper, an overweight terrier (voiced by me), this serious and important film is a paw-in for the Oscar. The movie is written by Kate Cook and will be shown in December as a part of the Brooklyn Filmmakers Collective Showcase.

Dougbytes
***Thanks so much to all of you who tuned in to see me as The Process Server (Servin' the Process...Baby.) on All My Children. I appreciate the support and my Aunt Linda is allowed to write all my reviews from now on.

***I will be playing the role of Mr. Denny, amongst others, in a reading of Lawrence Rush's musical adaptation of Pride and Prejudice on November 10. As of this writing, I do not know if it is open to the public or just people who want to give it lots of tasty money. I do know it has fellow FODs Gretchen Goldsworthy, Lucy Sorenson, and Gordon Stanley.

***DougToons is coming even closer to fruition! Animator/Graphic Designer Ken Truhan has drawn the characters and is now plugging away on the animation.

***I completed my High Holy Days gig, singing with the Park Avenue Synagogue. Easily my most challenging singing gig to date, but I had the chance to work with some incredibly fine singers for the holiest of occasions. There were four binders of music to learn, and the exceedingly talented and quite Kosherlicious Mary Feinsinger took hours of time out of her busy composing and teaching schedule to help me get every one of those songs recorded onto my iPod so I could study. That's a great friend and I believe one of my kidneys should probably be hers should she need it--even if I only have one left at the time. Thank you, Mary.

***Every Wednesday morning I pow-wow with fellow artists Stuart Green (in abstensia while he's on tour), Marisa Miller Wolfson, Faith Sandberg, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) Every Friday morning is a conference call with fellow voiceover talents J.J. Myers, Nadette Stasa, and Pete DeMeo.

***I continue to coach with Joan Bogden for voice-overs. She's been helping me expand my marketability beyond the funny quirky read and we're laying down some tracks next week to bring to my agents.

***I finished up "A Taste of Telsey" with casting director Tiffany Little Canfield at Actors Connection. The class covered all the areas that Telsey + Company casts: from monologues to on-camera technique for film, TV, and commercials. When this comes up again, I recommend it highly.

***I'm still continuing to monitor casting sessions and meet casting directors weekly at The Network.

***Every Thursday at 7:00 a.m. Jill Burk and I continue to be the voices of New York Times for InTouch Radio reading news and periodicals for the visually impaired over the air. By the way, one can hear the broadcast by registering at intouchnetworks.org, but then must be able to verify that they are visually impaired. Tell your visually impaired loved ones to sign up, and then bring the pizza and beer over at 7:00 am to listen to us!

***I continue to sing Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Renee Jarvis, Christopher Preston Thompson, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) We're led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks. The sermons are now podcast! (The choir is not.) I'm still compiling a list of potential subs, so let me know if you're interested. Two Sundays ago, I sang an a cappella medley of Duke Ellington's "Come Sunday" and "What Color is Virtue? What Color is Love?"

Please Don't Panic! I'm as busy as a botox syringe on a soap opera set--but for you, I'll find the time. Should you require the voice of your Halloween Fright Fest, the guy to sing your Samhain jingle to celebrate the end of the harvest, or a commanding thespian to embody the role of Joe the Plumber, let's create something great together.

And now the monthly Two (by which I mean Three) Items of Interest for FODs...

Perhaps it's time to cut through the false e-mails...
Governor Sarah Palin, when she was mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, did not try to ban Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the Wasilla public library and Senator Barack Obama's campaign is not being backed by Hugo Chavez. With all the viral e-mails flying around, it's hard to weed out what is true about the candidates and what is not. Great websites for debunking untruths and urban legends are snopes.com (Click here for the political section.) and factcheck.org. Senator Obama's campaign also has a Fight The Smears website for this purpose. I could not find one on Senator McCain's site.

Perhaps it's time to go Vegan...
Do you consider yourself a vegan at heart but not in practice? My friend Marisa Wolfson Miller (who is getting a lot of play in this newsletter now that I think about it) has launched Vegan at Heart, a free online coaching program for animal lovers, treehuggers, and health nuts who want really practical, easy, fun tips on how to incorporate more heatlthy, compassionate, sustainable habits into their daily lives. Sign up here!

Perhaps it's time to talk with my husband...
Time to brag on my man for a moment. After eighteen years as an actuary, Shawn brought his industry savvy to the people side of the business four years ago to be a financial planner. His business has grown wonderfully and he is helping a lot of people start to save money and protect their loved ones. Have you been reading the news lately? Perhaps it's time to talk with him. He knows his stuff, will not try to sell you something you don't need, and is quite easy on the eyes. Send him an e-mail at scowls@alumni.princeton.edu to start the conversation.

Life is good here. Shawn and I attended my 20th High School Reunion this past weekend. It was great to see everyone again and Shawn made for some fine arm candy.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

As Always,

Doug

August Update with Doug!

2008-08-24T21:59:00.003-04:00

Hello my dear FOD's (Friends/Family of Doug)!
I'm back from parts north and singing my face off all over the place. Should anyone find my face, please send it back to me because audiences get a little uncomfortable when you don't have a face...unless it's the Bodies exhibit, but I digress. Also, save the date and prepare thyselves for FODapalooza III (Tuesday October 21, 2008) at People Lounge! Read on for details and then read to the end for a great on-camera commercial class and an audition opportunity!

FODapalooza III:
Join me for the third FODapalooza!

WHEN: Tuesday, October 21, 2008
6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
WHERE: People, in the Loft upstairs
163 Allen Street, New York, NY
See below for directions or go to the Google Map
COST: No cover, cash bar
RSVP: Requested, but not required.
RSVP for FODapalooza! here

Gather, ye FODs (Friends/Family of Doug), and meet your brethren at the third FODapalooza! Yes, we're near Halloween, but we're not in costume...unless you still have the High Holy Days spirit and want to come as "Baby Jewish New Year." In FODapaloozas past, accountants have bonded with singer folk, lyricists have found composers, and actresses have met men who actually want to kiss them. We'll have the upstairs lounge all to ourselves with the Wall of Rain and de-lishish Margermellon Wadderitas. (Translation: delicious Watermellon Margaritas, should the watermellons still be in season.)

Directions
People is just a block and a half below the intersection of First Avenue and Houston (the east end of the F and V train).

Dougbytes
***Thanks to a recommendation from FOD David Abeles, I will be joining the 16-person choir for High Holy Days with The Park Avenue Synagogue. Come join us!

***I made my debut at the Algonquin Salon, in the Oak Room of The Algonquin Hotel, guest hosted by Jennifer Wren and William Zeffiro (usually hosted by Mark Janas). The theme was "Noel, Cole, and Rock & Roll." I sang "Natural Woman" and there were other wonderful performances by FODs Helene Feldman, Johanna Weller-Fahy, Sierra Rein, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!). As always, Peter Napolitano was there to provide love, support, and organization.

***I'm back coaching privately with anyone named JOAN who will teach me. JOAN Barber for voice and JOAN Bogden for voice-overs. (By the way, JOAN Katz is an amazing life coach and JOAN Jubett is one of the best actors I know.) May we all be properly JOANed in everything we try to do in our lives.

***I'm starting the four-week class "A Taste of Telsey" with casting director Tiffany Little Canfield at Actors Connection. The class will cover all the areas that Telsey + Company casts: from monologues to on-camera technique for film, TV, and commercials.

***I'm still continuing to monitor casting sessions and meet casting directors weekly at The Network.

***Every Thursday at 7:00 a.m. Jill Burk and I continue to be the voices of New York Times for InTouch Radio reading news and periodicals for the visually impaired over the air. By the way, one can hear the broadcast by registering at intouchnetworks.org, but then must be able to verify that they are visually impaired. Tell your visually impaired loved ones to sign up, and then bring the pizza and beer over at 7:00 am to listen to us!

***I'm back for Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Renee Jarvis, Christopher Preston Thompson, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) We'll be led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks. The sermons are now podcast! (The choir is not.) I'm still compiling a list of potential subs, so let me know if you're interested.

Please Don't Panic! I'm as busy as an ant at a Labor Day picnic, but for you, I'll find the time. Should you require the voice of your Labor Day sale, a singer of your September song, or the harried dad in your back-to-school ad, let's create something great together.

And now the monthly Two Items of Interest for FODs...

On-Camera Commercial Class with Casting Director Nadette Stasa
I was taking Nadette's class in Boston when I booked my first national commercial and I'm fortunate enough to have access to her wisdom and energy every Friday morning in our voice-over support call.

ON-CAMERA COMMERCIAL CLASS
WHEN: September 4, 11, 18, 2008
7-10 PM
WHERE: THE STUDIO AT STRICKMAN-RIPPS CASTING
66 WEST BROADWAY (bet. Murray & Warren)
One block south of Chambers
1, 2, 3 A or C to Chambers Street
FEE: $299
REGISTRATION: e-mail nstasa@aol.com) or call 212-971-1989 to reserve your space and she will follow up with payment information.
This class is suitable for seasoned professionals who want a refresher, commercial actors who are not familiar with my approach to commercial work, actors seeking a basic commercial class and non-actors who are interested in doing commercials. The workshop is designed to take you from wherever you are and bring you to the next level. She is committed to leaving you with an understanding of what you need in order to succeed in the field of commercial acting.

Nadette Stasa is a freelance casting director who works with New York's top commercial casting offices including Strickman-Ripps Casting, Martine Casting, Toni Roberts Casting, Donald Case Casting, Foreground, Inc. and more. She has also run New York sessions (primarily voice casting) for Maura Tighe Casting. Nadette has more than 15 years of experience as a casting director, and 12 years of experience coaching and teaching commercial acting. In addition to her casting work, Nadette is an experienced on-camera commercial and voice-over actor. She was recently seen in network spots for Jenny Craig and Kleenex and currently can be heard as the voice of HBO Family Jam.

Join Doug, the Yuletide Jew!
I've signed up for season three with The Yuletide Carolers. Hey, if Hallmark can start thinking about the winter holidays, so can we. If you're interested in Caroling, Caroling Through the Town, contact Susan at susan@theyuletidecarolers.com and she'll send you the audition information when it's all set. Not to worry if you live elsewhere. There are teams of Yuletide warriors in New York City, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

Life is good here. Shawn and I spent some quality time on Fire Island and we're gearing up for the Bat Mitzvah in Florida of my niece, Valerie, (who is currently blow-drying the Torah after Tropical Storm Fay).

I'd also like to send out best wishes to FOD Ron Zacchi and Marriage Equality New York for The Wedding March on September 14, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Click on the link and see the great work they're doing.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, meet an old friend in person rather than on Facebook, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

As Always,

Doug

July Update with Doug!

2008-08-24T21:53:00.003-04:00

Hello my dear FOD's (Friends/Family of Doug)!
Greetings from beautiful and currently very rainy Annandale-on-Hudson, site of the Bard SummerScape series! It's an incredible place to be, amongst Mark Morris's Romeo and Juliet, a gorgeous production of Uncle Vanya, and the entire country of Poland in the opera King Roger and ballet Harnasie. But, read on to hear more about our show! (Oh, and I'm keeping the same "Please don't panic" section in this e-mail for those of you that missed the "easter egg" last time...)

OF THEE I SING...
I'm playing Francis X. Gilhooley in OF THEE I SING at The Richard B Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College. Here's the information, but, in all fairness, this show is completely sold out. No spouses, no agents, no family members with one month to live. I might be able to swing a ticket for the invited dress rehearsal on Thursday, July 31 at 2:00 p.m.

WHEN: August 1-10 2008
(Click this link for the times on each day. They vary a lot.)
WHERE: The Richard B Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College,
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
It's a college. Street addresses don't apply in their universe. Here's the downloadable map and driving directions.
COST: Tickets, priced $45, available by calling (845) 758-7900, or by clicking here for their online box office.

"Love Is Sweeping the Country" in this delirious lampoon of campaign shenanigans centered on the romantic entanglements of bachelor candidate John P. Wintergreen. This production of Of Thee I Sing is this my second go-around with the wonderful Will Pomerantz as director, and it will also include the characterysingydanciness of FODs old and new:

CAST: Gretchen Bieber, John Bolton, Michael Dantuono, Marcus DeLoach, John Deyle, Amanda Flynn, Andy Gale, Chad Harlow, Amy Justman, Lauren Lukacek, Natalie Reder, Brian Russell, me, Jennifer Sheehan, Rich Silverstein, Tom Treadwell, Danny Visconti, Mitchell Walker, Don Whitmore, Christopher Williams and Nikol Wolf!

STAGE MANAGEMENT: Kate Hefel (Stage Manager), Annette Verga-Lagier (Assistant Stage Manager), Chris "Chintz" McCloskey (Production Assistant)

MUSIC: James Bagwell (Conductor), Sharon Bjorndal (Assistant Conductor), James Bassi (Assistant Music Director), Kathryn LaBouff (Diction Coach)

CREATIVE TEAM: Will Pomerantz (Director), Louisa Thompson (Set Designer), Caleb Levengood (Assistant Set Designer), Justin Townsend (Light Designer), Adrianna Desier Durantt (Assistant Light Designer), Carol Bailey (Costume Designer), Sarah Cubbage (Assistant Costume Designer), Amy Altadonna (Sound Designer), Scott Brodsky (Properties Director).

You may now send me the "Say hello to..." e-mail for the names of people you've recognized.

Dougbytes
***After the run ends, I'll be back every Thursday at 7:00 a.m. when Jill Burk and I continue to be the voices of New York Times for InTouch Radio reading news and periodicals for the visually impaired over the air. By the way, one can hear the broadcast by registering at intouchnetworks.org, but then must be able to verify that they are visually impaired. Tell your visually impaired loved ones to sign up, and then bring the pizza and beer over at 7:00 am to listen to us!

***I will also return to my Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenute Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Renee Jarvis, Christopher Preston Thompson, and Alexandra de Suze! (Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!) We'll be led by the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks. The sermons are now podcast! (The choir is not.) I'm still compiling a list of potential subs, so let me know if you're interested.

Please Don't Panic! I'm as busy as a marriage clerk in California (can I hear an "AMEN!"), but for you, I'll find the time. Should you need a face to represent your California winery, a bass/baritone for your musical about the Redwood Forest, or the voice of the Golden Gate Bridge, let's create something great together.

And now the monthly Two Items of Interest for FODs...

Acting Success Now!
If you feel like you're banging your head against a wall in your career, have a thousand reasons why you can't possibly do what you're meant to be doing, and would like to experience a tangible way to have success as an artist now, you need to be taking Robert and Michelle's free one hour seminar, Acting Success Now. They hold these sessions both in New York City and Los Angeles. I attended the free seminar and subsequent (paid) weekend in February and have been working non-stop ever since. It has culminated in this current gig in which I'm sharing the stage with phenomenal talent, a huge staff, and one of the better theatrical contracts I have ever worked. Robert and Michelle Colt have warm hearts, a candid demeanor, and a whole lot of integrity. Check out their website, and then do this one for yourselves. You don't have to be an actor.

Great Chiropractor/Nutritionist
Shawn and I both swear by Dr. Karen Wright, our chiropractor/nutritionist. The beds in actor housing have been...challenging...and I've thrown out my back twice. I returned to the city this past Monday, had an appointment with her, and am back in place. She knows her stuff, is always researching to learn new techniques in the field, and is a joy to be around. Shawn and I have sent about twenty people to her over the past few years and people love her. Give her office a call at (212) 286-2013 to set up an appointment.

Life is good here. The combination of this production's seasoned veterans and promising new talent makes me step back and appreciate what a blessing it is to have been hired and then paid to do what I love the most. Rather than the usual 18-year old who can play piano, we have a team of four accomplished musicians looking after our every cut-off and vowel sound. We have singers who embody the vocal quality I'm working on with Joan Barber. We have comic actors who time their schtick correctly and then throw the focus where it needs to go in order to move the story we're telling. We have vastly different yet equally valid creation processes going on all around us. It's like a cupcake from Billy's Bakery in theatrical form.

I've also been hitting the gym daily and chopping vegetables like crazy for the diet prescribed by Dr. Wright. I've lost 4 or 5 or 6, no wait--5, oh--4, okay--6 pounds. I'm choosing to believe that it's plateauing there because the vast amount of weight I have been shedding is being counterbalanced by the massive amounts of man muscle I am packing on.

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday, meet an old friend in person rather than on Facebook, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

As Always,

Doug

June Update with Doug!

2008-06-18T11:59:00.003-04:00

Hello my dear FOD's (Friends/Family of Doug)!
Thanks to all who braved the storm and came to FODapalooza II at People! A great time had by all, made all the better by their signature drink which we were calling "Margermellon Wadderitas" by the end of the night (made with fresh watermellon!). Read on for news and for opportunities to sub at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church!

The New Musical...

I will be returning to 1950's Russia on my birthday. (June 30! The day all your coupons expire, so get to the grocery store fast.) Prospect Theater Company will be bringing back a concert version of Iron Curtain for this year's 10th Anniversary benefit.
WHEN: Monday, June 30, 2008 (My birthday!)
(Also the one-year anniversary of Jeff Bratcher and Alexandra de Suze! Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze!)
6:30 - 7:30pm Cocktail Reception
7:30pm Concert Reading of Iron Curtain
Post-Show Party with Artists

WHERE: The Engleman Recital Hall, Baruch Performing Arts Center
55 Lexington Ave (at 25th St.) NYC. Here's the Google Map

COST: $100 tickets - Cocktail Reception, Concert, Post-Show Party
$60 tickets - Concert & Post-Show Party
available by calling (212) 352-3101, or visiting www.ProspectTheater.org.
Are there comp tickets for members of Actors Equity you ask? No! It's a benefit, people --
for a company that's bringing amazing original work into the world. So, pony up and I'll see you there!

An uproarious musical comedy set during Broadway's Golden Age of the 1950's! Follow the adventures of an unsuccessful composer / lyricist team as they are kidnapped by the KGB and taken to the USSR to ghost-write communist propaganda musicals. Will they choose fame or freedom? Don't miss this encore concert presentation of Prospect's 2006 sold-out production.
Book by Susan DiLallo * Lyrics by Peter Mills * Music by Stephen Weiner.
The morning after this gig, three of us will hop on a train and head up to Annandale-on-Hudson to begin rehearsals for the next show...

The Old Musical...
Remember when I said three of us will be hopping a train the morning after Iron Curtain to start our next gig? This is it! I'll be playing Gilhooley in OF THEE I SING at The Richard B Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College.

WHEN: August 1-10 2008
(Click this link for the times on each day. They vary a lot.)
WHERE: The Richard B Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College,
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
It's a college. Street addresses don't apply in their universe. Here's the downloadable map and driving directions.

COST: Tickets, priced $45, available by calling (845) 758-7900, or by clicking here for their online box office.

"Love Is Sweeping the Country" in this delirious lampoon of campaign shenanigans centered on the romantic entanglements of bachelor candidate John P. Wintergreen. This production of Of Thee I Sing is jam-packed with the wholesome goodness of FODs! Not only is this my second go-around with the wonderful Will Pomerantz as director, it will also include the characterysingydanciness of FODs Marcus Neville, Rich Silverstein, Amy Justman, Andy Gale, Chad Harlow and Nikol Wolf! Not to mention the piano stylings of Jim Bassi! Check out the article on Playbill.com.

Dougbytes
***I recorded a demo of "Climb" for composer/lyricist team Marisa Michelson and Josh Cohen. Marisa has just been chosen as an honoree with the American Musical Voices Project: The Next Generation with Signature Theatre in Virginia. The song should be on their website soon.

***Every Thursday at 7:00 a.m. Jill Burk and I continue to be the voices of New York Times for InTouch Radio reading news and periodicals for the visually impaired over the air.

***I continue to sing through my Sunday mornings at The Madison Avenue Baptist Church with choir director Paul Stephan, singers Renee Jarvis, Julia Mintzer and Christopher Preston Thompson, and the fabulous Reverend Susan Sparks. The sermons are now podcast! (The choir is not.) By the way, you know who is taking over for Julia when she moves to Boston? Alexandra de Suze! Surely you've heard of Alexandra de Suze! This coming Sunday, I'll be singing my first Sandi Patty solo! See below for subbing opportunities.

Please Don't Panic! I'm as busy as a marriage clerk in California (can I hear an "AMEN!"), but for you, I'll find the time. Should you need a face to represent your California winery, a bass/baritone for your song about the Redwood Forest, or the voice of the Golden Gate Bridge, let's create something great together.

And now the monthly Two Items of Interest for FODs...

Be a sub for the The Madison Avenue Baptist Church
Remember that time, a couple of paragraphs ago, when I talked about seeking subs for my church gig? Well sit down, we're going to talk about this. Every now and then, one of the four of us can't be there on a Sunday, and if someone is to take our place and make the money, it should be you. So, I'm compiling a list for our truly extraordinary music director so we're never in a bind. If you are a professional singer, are a proficient sight-reader, can handle styles ranging from classical to gospel/rock to gregorian chant, will work hard on the music before you show up to sing, and feel pride in being the vehicle that brings a loving and accepting congregation closer to their spiritual needs, e-mail me with your voice part and contact information. Please do not pass this on to your other singer pals. I am only comfortable recommending you, the known quantity. (Unless you know Barbara Cook or Cheyenne Jackson. They'll be okay.)

Phenomenal Voice Teacher now has a blog...
I study voice with the incomparable Joan Barber. She is an excellent technician who goes the extra step to understand the anatomy behind vocal technique. One lesson, I showed up and she had downloaded and article entitled "Special Considerations in the Vocal Training of the Bass Singer." Well, now you can benefit from her too. If you're in New York City, check out her website and sign up for a lesson. If you live elsewhere, you can check out her blog "Being Vocal". Enjoy. Learn. Sing. Tell her I sent you. (By the way, a voice lesson makes for a great birthday gift. Did I tell you mine's June 30? I'm just saying...)

Life is good here. Shawn's parents are coming into town this week and on Friday, we'll be heading to Henry's End Restaurant to celebrate Father's Day (last Sunday), my birthday (June 30--did you know?), Shawn's and my second wedding anniversary (June 18) and his parents' 50th wedding anniversary (June 20). Said the man taking the reservation, "Oh, no pressure here!" Final touches are being put onto the apartment before their arrival: new air conditioner (the old one doesn't leak anymore, but doesn't blow cold air either. The heat wave was interesting.), q-tip holder, and THE BEST THING EVER--The Tie-o-Matic: I'm actually giddy with excitement about this one.

I did not run this week, but I did walk to work, ate vegan lunches, and did not get a cupcake from Billy's Bakery. Oh, Billy's Bakery. Why can't I quit you?

Take some breathing time for yourself, tell me your birthday (mine is June 30), pull up your pants and wear a belt, and thanks for being in my life. Please let me know what's going on in yours!

As Always,

Doug Shapiro
(917) 929-0998
www.dougshapiro.com
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Doug's song stylings on BroadwayDemo.com