From the Midwest to Hollywood

I recently received the role of Balthazar in The Knightsbridge Theater’s new production of Much Ado About Nothing. My role is not large, but I am eager for my first Shakespeare experience. I am also excited because the production is set in the 1940’s, just as the soldiers are coming home from World War II.

True, being in a play will limit my availability for other acting opportunities over the next couple of months. However, I think the long-term benefits of acting in the play will outweigh the costs. Acting Shakespeare should improve my ability to portray characters completely, and I hope it will help prepare me for meaningful and period pieces.

Allow me a moment to explain myself. Though certain roles appeal to me now, I also have a “someday” category in my heart of hearts. I would someday like to act in movies with excellent messages, the sort where one would rightly be glad such a message is heading out into the world. For example, I put The Shawshank Redemption and The Pianist under this classification. My other “someday” yearning is to do movies set in the past–say in the 18th or 19th century–and perhaps even in Great Britain. I have a real tender spot for the British Isles.

Now, if my availability for film acting is ever to be limited, I think early on in my career is the best time. A casting director could call me in the next couple of months, offering me a role in her newest motion picture—but this is more likely to happen later on than it is now.

I am excited about the play’s 1940’s setting because it allows for three swing dancing numbers. Back in Wisconsin, I learned to swing dance at The Art of Dance Studio for a ballroom dancing competition. I am eager to refresh my skills and to learn some new fancier moves for the show. Our dancing director has referenced throws and “holding girls upside down.”

The show runs October 26 to November 25, though an understudy will play my role the last weekend, when I plan to be in Colombia. If any of you is in LA, please come and see the show! Acting in a play matters so much more to me when people I am close to are present.