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.)
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. Intrigued? Send Erin an e-mail at stutsreal@yahoo.com.
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?)
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. 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
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Happy New Year from Shawn and Doug!
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
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
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
November Update with Doug!
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
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
Thursday, October 16, 2008
October Update with Doug!
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
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
Sunday, August 24, 2008
August Update with Doug!
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
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!
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
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
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
June Update with Doug!
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
doug@dougshapiro.com Doug's LinkedIn Profile
Doug's MySpace profile
and, oy vey, I'm also on Facebook
Doug's song stylings on BroadwayDemo.com
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
doug@dougshapiro.com Doug's LinkedIn Profile
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and, oy vey, I'm also on Facebook
Doug's song stylings on BroadwayDemo.com
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