What are you doing on Thursday, September 20th around, say, 7:30 that night? If your answer isn't "going to hang out with the cast and crew of Plan 9 From Outer Space - LIVE AND UNDEAD at Columbia Place Stadium Cinemas to watch Plan 9 From Outer Space (the film) and the original Dawn of the Dead," then it's probably only because that was a really long statement and you had to stop to draw in some more breath before finishing it.
So yeah, this is what you should be doing that night:
Watching Plan 9 with the people of Plan 9.
It's going to be a great night full of laughter and terror and also popcorn, so come on out and spend some time with us. How often do you get to see Plan 9 on the big screen? Not often. Don't miss it!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
We've got lots of details...
We're absolutely back. September, late night, Trustus theater, main stage.
Most of the cast is back. Sadly, a few people couldn't return due to other obligations. We've got six new cast members - check out the cast and crew page for names now and, later, for bios.
We've got a lot planned over the next few weeks, so stay tuned for ticket information, further details, new promotional materials, and god only knows what else.
We look forward to seeing you again. Get ready for Plan 9 From Outer Space - Live and Undead 2.0. Bigger, better...undeader? More undead? Shit, I don't know. I should have thought of a catchy tagline. Plan 9 From Outer Space - Live and Undead 2.0 - Electric Boogaloo? No, wait...
Most of the cast is back. Sadly, a few people couldn't return due to other obligations. We've got six new cast members - check out the cast and crew page for names now and, later, for bios.
We've got a lot planned over the next few weeks, so stay tuned for ticket information, further details, new promotional materials, and god only knows what else.
We look forward to seeing you again. Get ready for Plan 9 From Outer Space - Live and Undead 2.0. Bigger, better...undeader? More undead? Shit, I don't know. I should have thought of a catchy tagline. Plan 9 From Outer Space - Live and Undead 2.0 - Electric Boogaloo? No, wait...
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Guess what?
We're back.
Yeah, we're back. More live, more undead. Bigger. I'm not going to say "better," because last time felt absolutely like perfection. But definitely bigger, because we're going to be on the Trustus Theatre's main stage.
Stay tuned for more details, because this is going to be crazy. Crazy awesome.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE - LIVE AND UNDEAD! LAUNCHES TONIGHT
This is it.
We made it.
Opening Night.
The Flying Saucers are ready to soar, the Zombies are ready to rise, and we just sold the last advance ticket for every seat in the house, for the entire 3 Night Run.
We are now officially Standing Room Only.
I will never be able to thank all of you enough.
My best friends and executive producers, Chris and Nick, my stage manager, Crystal, my entire Cast, my entire Crew, our financial backers, our forthcoming audiences, and all of our friends and family members who made this possible.
You're incredible, beautiful, and unbelievably generous - and I will never forget what you've done for me. Thank You All, a million times over.
This is proof that dreams can be made into reality. All it takes is an idea. A vision. And some drive. And some focus. Determination, courage, and perseverance. And having really great friends who believe in you doesn't hurt, either.
I feel like a kid again, on the night before Halloween - and I've got the coolest costume ever, and I can't wait to put it on and go on a rampage, into the night.
The following is a copy of a recent interview I did with Cindi Boiter from 'Jasper' magazine, which pretty much sums everything up.
Thanks again, to all of you.
We hope you enjoy the show.
See you IN THE FUTURE.
1. What should viewers NOT expect from the show?
They should not expect to be bored. If at any time the audience gets bored, we’ve failed. But we have taken extreme measures to make sure that we do not fail.Everything is on our side. All we need now are the Live Earth Audiences.
2. What’s been the greatest challenge?
The greatest challenge has been fighting against time itself, our universal adversary. The amount of time, money, and sheer human effort that it took to get 25 people together in a room, all at one time, over the course of three months, over and over again, and the myriad setbacks and struggles that we encountered – and are still encountering, even in this final week – in bringing Ed Wood’s universe to life, have been unexpectedly Biblical in scope and difficulty.
As a result, I have a completely renewed respect for Ed Wood, the man and the artist, and the trials that he faced in bringing his stories to the world. Creating art – whether visual, film, or performance – is not an easy job. Far from it. Our task, as artists, is to make it look easy.
3. Do you recommend folks who haven’t seen the film watch it (or Ed Wood) before attending?
Absolutely. I highly recommend seeing the film before coming to see the play. Don’t believe the claims of “Worst Movie Ever Made.” Although flawed, certainly, it is nevertheless incredibly entertaining. In my opinion, the “Worst Movie Ever Made” should equal “The Most Boring Movie Ever Made,” and Plan 9 is definitely not boring. Viewing the original film first will only enrich the experience of the “Live and Undead” version that we have created.
Another reason to watch Plan 9 from Outer Space, the movie beforehand, is that it may help you win your very own copy of it. We’ll be giving away 9 brand new special edition DVD copies of Ed Wood’s original film before each performance, based on correct answers to a list of ‘Plan 9′-related trivia questions devised by me.
And yes, I also highly recommend the film Ed Wood, starring Johnny Depp as Ed Wood. In addition to being a terrific film in its own right, Johnny Depp is especially brilliant as Ed Wood. I would also recommend any of Ed Wood’s other films, although I might be biased, since I’m a fan.
4. Who is the most likely of your actors to steal any given scene?
One of the things I really love about this story is that even though it’s a huge ensemble cast (18 people), there’s not a single thankless role. Everyone gets a chance to shine, everyone has great moments, and every character has classic Ed Wood dialogue – except, of course, for the non-speaking zombie roles. Their reward is that they’re the stars of the show in the way that the shark is the star of Jaws. They’re iconic, they’re everyone’s favorite characters from this story, everyone’s there to see them, and they didn’t have to memorize any lines.
Chris Bickel is incredible as Criswell, Mandy Applegate is perfect as Vampira, Scott Means is the ultimate Zombie, Larry Hembree is the best Bela Lugosi we ever could have hoped for, Nathan Dawson and Emily Meadows are adorable as Jeff and Paula Trent, and Nick Dunn is especially hilarious as Eros. And the list goes on and on. Everyone has the opportunity to steal any scene that they’re in.
If I had to choose one person, though, I would have to single out Gerald Floyd, as The Alien Ruler. He’s only onstage for about 7 minutes, but he is absolutely going to steal the entire show. He’s a comedic genius, and this role couldn’t be more perfect for him.
5. What is the appropriate alcohol to drink while watching the play — and will it be available at the Tapp’s Center?
Ed Wood’s drink of choice was Imperial brand Whisky, although I’m not sure if that even exists anymore.
The Whig will be operating a cash bar at Tapp’s during the show, so whatever gets it happening for you, dive in.
Just designate a driver, be responsible, and watch out for Flying Saucers.
6. Anything else you want to say?
The only other thing I’d like to say is that our main goal with this show, from the very beginning, was to have fun. We’ve been having fun with this story and laughing and having a blast in private rehearsals, nearly every night, for almost three months. And now we’re finally ready to let the rest of the world in on it. We want to share the laughs, the excitement, and the fun of what we’ve been creating all this time. We’re inviting everybody to this show as if it were a three-day party, with Plan 9 at the core of it. We’re going out there to honor Ed Wood and the spirit of his work, and to just have fun with each other. We want you to have just as much fun as we’re having onstage, and we hope to see you there.
We made it.
Opening Night.
The Flying Saucers are ready to soar, the Zombies are ready to rise, and we just sold the last advance ticket for every seat in the house, for the entire 3 Night Run.
We are now officially Standing Room Only.
I will never be able to thank all of you enough.
My best friends and executive producers, Chris and Nick, my stage manager, Crystal, my entire Cast, my entire Crew, our financial backers, our forthcoming audiences, and all of our friends and family members who made this possible.
You're incredible, beautiful, and unbelievably generous - and I will never forget what you've done for me. Thank You All, a million times over.
This is proof that dreams can be made into reality. All it takes is an idea. A vision. And some drive. And some focus. Determination, courage, and perseverance. And having really great friends who believe in you doesn't hurt, either.
I feel like a kid again, on the night before Halloween - and I've got the coolest costume ever, and I can't wait to put it on and go on a rampage, into the night.
The following is a copy of a recent interview I did with Cindi Boiter from 'Jasper' magazine, which pretty much sums everything up.
Thanks again, to all of you.
We hope you enjoy the show.
See you IN THE FUTURE.
1. What should viewers NOT expect from the show?
They should not expect to be bored. If at any time the audience gets bored, we’ve failed. But we have taken extreme measures to make sure that we do not fail.Everything is on our side. All we need now are the Live Earth Audiences.
2. What’s been the greatest challenge?
The greatest challenge has been fighting against time itself, our universal adversary. The amount of time, money, and sheer human effort that it took to get 25 people together in a room, all at one time, over the course of three months, over and over again, and the myriad setbacks and struggles that we encountered – and are still encountering, even in this final week – in bringing Ed Wood’s universe to life, have been unexpectedly Biblical in scope and difficulty.
As a result, I have a completely renewed respect for Ed Wood, the man and the artist, and the trials that he faced in bringing his stories to the world. Creating art – whether visual, film, or performance – is not an easy job. Far from it. Our task, as artists, is to make it look easy.
3. Do you recommend folks who haven’t seen the film watch it (or Ed Wood) before attending?
Absolutely. I highly recommend seeing the film before coming to see the play. Don’t believe the claims of “Worst Movie Ever Made.” Although flawed, certainly, it is nevertheless incredibly entertaining. In my opinion, the “Worst Movie Ever Made” should equal “The Most Boring Movie Ever Made,” and Plan 9 is definitely not boring. Viewing the original film first will only enrich the experience of the “Live and Undead” version that we have created.
Another reason to watch Plan 9 from Outer Space, the movie beforehand, is that it may help you win your very own copy of it. We’ll be giving away 9 brand new special edition DVD copies of Ed Wood’s original film before each performance, based on correct answers to a list of ‘Plan 9′-related trivia questions devised by me.
And yes, I also highly recommend the film Ed Wood, starring Johnny Depp as Ed Wood. In addition to being a terrific film in its own right, Johnny Depp is especially brilliant as Ed Wood. I would also recommend any of Ed Wood’s other films, although I might be biased, since I’m a fan.
4. Who is the most likely of your actors to steal any given scene?
One of the things I really love about this story is that even though it’s a huge ensemble cast (18 people), there’s not a single thankless role. Everyone gets a chance to shine, everyone has great moments, and every character has classic Ed Wood dialogue – except, of course, for the non-speaking zombie roles. Their reward is that they’re the stars of the show in the way that the shark is the star of Jaws. They’re iconic, they’re everyone’s favorite characters from this story, everyone’s there to see them, and they didn’t have to memorize any lines.
Chris Bickel is incredible as Criswell, Mandy Applegate is perfect as Vampira, Scott Means is the ultimate Zombie, Larry Hembree is the best Bela Lugosi we ever could have hoped for, Nathan Dawson and Emily Meadows are adorable as Jeff and Paula Trent, and Nick Dunn is especially hilarious as Eros. And the list goes on and on. Everyone has the opportunity to steal any scene that they’re in.
If I had to choose one person, though, I would have to single out Gerald Floyd, as The Alien Ruler. He’s only onstage for about 7 minutes, but he is absolutely going to steal the entire show. He’s a comedic genius, and this role couldn’t be more perfect for him.
5. What is the appropriate alcohol to drink while watching the play — and will it be available at the Tapp’s Center?
Ed Wood’s drink of choice was Imperial brand Whisky, although I’m not sure if that even exists anymore.
The Whig will be operating a cash bar at Tapp’s during the show, so whatever gets it happening for you, dive in.
Just designate a driver, be responsible, and watch out for Flying Saucers.
6. Anything else you want to say?
The only other thing I’d like to say is that our main goal with this show, from the very beginning, was to have fun. We’ve been having fun with this story and laughing and having a blast in private rehearsals, nearly every night, for almost three months. And now we’re finally ready to let the rest of the world in on it. We want to share the laughs, the excitement, and the fun of what we’ve been creating all this time. We’re inviting everybody to this show as if it were a three-day party, with Plan 9 at the core of it. We’re going out there to honor Ed Wood and the spirit of his work, and to just have fun with each other. We want you to have just as much fun as we’re having onstage, and we hope to see you there.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
TOP SECRET 'Plan 9 From Outer Space' DVD Giveaway and Trivia Challenge Random Answer Key REVEALED!
We'll be giving away 9 brand new DVD copies of Ed Wood's 1959 classic, 'Plan 9 From Outer Space', before each performance.
Along with a copy of our poster by Dre Lopez, it's the perfect souvenir to take home from your 'Plan 9' Near-Undeath Experience.
This is a special edition version that includes extra features, such as interviews with Johnny Depp, who played Ed Wood in the movie, 'Ed Wood', and more!
After my Directorial Introduction Speech, I'll be posing 19 questions about the film to the audience. Whoever answers a question correctly wins a copy of the movie.
If you're already a 'Plan 9' fan, these are things you should know. If you're not that familiar with the movie, rent it or watch it online today!
Or, you can just review the following Top Secret confidential random answer key, and create your own cheat sheet before the show.
The only problem is, you won't know what the questions are, unless you're as psychic as Criswell...
Good Luck
Watch Out for Flying Saucers
See You At The Show
1) 'The Solarmanite'
2) 'Dictorobitary'
3) Long distance electrodes shot into the pineal pituitary glands
4) Four
5) 'Somebody'
6) Because of DEATH - Because all people of Earth are IDIOTS!
7) Albuquerque
8) The 'Higher Echelon'
9) Big Army Brass
10) Vitamins
11) Jeff's pillow
12) Mac
13) San Fernando
14) 'Danny Boy'
15) A 'Modern Woman'
16) An 'even dozen'
17) 'Flying Saucer Field Operations'
18) Approximately 39 times
19) 'Graverobbers From Outer Space'
Along with a copy of our poster by Dre Lopez, it's the perfect souvenir to take home from your 'Plan 9' Near-Undeath Experience.
This is a special edition version that includes extra features, such as interviews with Johnny Depp, who played Ed Wood in the movie, 'Ed Wood', and more!
After my Directorial Introduction Speech, I'll be posing 19 questions about the film to the audience. Whoever answers a question correctly wins a copy of the movie.
If you're already a 'Plan 9' fan, these are things you should know. If you're not that familiar with the movie, rent it or watch it online today!
Or, you can just review the following Top Secret confidential random answer key, and create your own cheat sheet before the show.
The only problem is, you won't know what the questions are, unless you're as psychic as Criswell...
Good Luck
Watch Out for Flying Saucers
See You At The Show
1) 'The Solarmanite'
2) 'Dictorobitary'
3) Long distance electrodes shot into the pineal pituitary glands
4) Four
5) 'Somebody'
6) Because of DEATH - Because all people of Earth are IDIOTS!
7) Albuquerque
8) The 'Higher Echelon'
9) Big Army Brass
10) Vitamins
11) Jeff's pillow
12) Mac
13) San Fernando
14) 'Danny Boy'
15) A 'Modern Woman'
16) An 'even dozen'
17) 'Flying Saucer Field Operations'
18) Approximately 39 times
19) 'Graverobbers From Outer Space'
Monday, March 19, 2012
For Matt...
We dedicate our production of 'Plan 9 From Outer Space - Live and Undead!' to Matthew Pickut
"With every step of our lives, we enter into the middle of some story which we are certain to misunderstand."
- G.K. Chesterton
"With every step of our lives, we enter into the middle of some story which we are certain to misunderstand."
- G.K. Chesterton
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Cast and Crew bios have landed!
Want to know more about your favorite cast member? Now you can...assuming that Army brass hasn't muzzled them. Just click on the "Cast and Crew Bios" tab at the top of the page and start reading. More bios will be coming in the next few days, so keep checking back.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Ticket options
We want to make sure as many people as possible get to see Plan 9. At the same time, we're dealing with certain limitations - we only have one hundred chairs, and we've got two gigantic pillars that make seating a little tricky. Even with all of the chairs set up, though, we've still got some room left. Empty space that's just not being used.
So we're selling standing room only tickets. They're available through Brown Paper Tickets, and will also be available at the door - unless they sell out along with the seated tickets, too. With the amount of interest we've seen so far, with the number of tickets that have been sold more than three weeks in advance of the show, it's entirely possible that EVERYTHING will sell out - so the sooner you buy the tickets, the better.
To choose standing room only tickets, just choose the date you want to attend and click "Begin Order." You'll have the option to choose either general admission (seated) tickets or standing room only tickets. Once the seated tickets sell out, it will be the only available option displayed.
Don't wait until the last minute, Earth people. For there may not be tickets available...IN THE FUTURE!
So we're selling standing room only tickets. They're available through Brown Paper Tickets, and will also be available at the door - unless they sell out along with the seated tickets, too. With the amount of interest we've seen so far, with the number of tickets that have been sold more than three weeks in advance of the show, it's entirely possible that EVERYTHING will sell out - so the sooner you buy the tickets, the better.
To choose standing room only tickets, just choose the date you want to attend and click "Begin Order." You'll have the option to choose either general admission (seated) tickets or standing room only tickets. Once the seated tickets sell out, it will be the only available option displayed.
Don't wait until the last minute, Earth people. For there may not be tickets available...IN THE FUTURE!
Guess what we've got...
Oh, yeah. We've got a poster. I'm going to let it speak for itself. Dre is awesome.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
New crew members? You bet we've got new crew members.
So as it turns out, running the financial side of things - Kickstarter and associated rewards, ticketing, front of house, taxes, reimbursements, all that stuff - takes a whole bunch of time. I really didn't realize just how much time it was going to take. Now I know, and as it turns out I was stupid to think I could do that AND prop design on top of acting in the play.
That means I have to step down from prop design. Well, that's not fair to Andre, because even though he's a very talented dude, that's a lot for him to worry about. I'd already been thinking that we could use a dedicated special effects guy; despite the fact that the movie is horrible in so many ways, there ARE some special effects, and we want to translate those to the stage in a big, beautiful way. On top of that, we needed to start looking for dedicated stagehands in the near future.
Luckily for me, Columbia is crammed full of talent. And luckily for me, I know a whole lot of those talented people. I'd already been thinking of these two guys for special effects and prop design, but I knew they were both really busy and I didn't figure I'd be lucky enough to actually get them for the play. As it turns out, I was wrong - they expressed an interest to Chris, and we officially brought them on board this week.
So welcome Sam VonCannon and J.J. Shepherd to the crew. Sam will be doing special effects and prop design, and J.J. will be doing prop design along with designing some of the set pieces we'll be using to make everything look just as Ed Wood would have wanted it if he'd staged his movie as a play. They'll also be doing all the behind-the-scenes stuff with UFOs, just doing all kinds of crazy stagehand stuff.
Both of these guys are insanely skilled at what they do, and we're all really glad to have them on board. Combined with Andre, all three of them are basically my dream team when it comes to stuff like this. So, yeah. This is going to be awesome.
I continue to think that I couldn't possibly be more stoked for this show, and then things like this happen to make me MORE stoked. Eventually I am going to just have a heart attack. I hope I don't have a heart attack. That would be awful. But possibly unavoidable, if things continue this way.
That means I have to step down from prop design. Well, that's not fair to Andre, because even though he's a very talented dude, that's a lot for him to worry about. I'd already been thinking that we could use a dedicated special effects guy; despite the fact that the movie is horrible in so many ways, there ARE some special effects, and we want to translate those to the stage in a big, beautiful way. On top of that, we needed to start looking for dedicated stagehands in the near future.
Luckily for me, Columbia is crammed full of talent. And luckily for me, I know a whole lot of those talented people. I'd already been thinking of these two guys for special effects and prop design, but I knew they were both really busy and I didn't figure I'd be lucky enough to actually get them for the play. As it turns out, I was wrong - they expressed an interest to Chris, and we officially brought them on board this week.
So welcome Sam VonCannon and J.J. Shepherd to the crew. Sam will be doing special effects and prop design, and J.J. will be doing prop design along with designing some of the set pieces we'll be using to make everything look just as Ed Wood would have wanted it if he'd staged his movie as a play. They'll also be doing all the behind-the-scenes stuff with UFOs, just doing all kinds of crazy stagehand stuff.
Both of these guys are insanely skilled at what they do, and we're all really glad to have them on board. Combined with Andre, all three of them are basically my dream team when it comes to stuff like this. So, yeah. This is going to be awesome.
I continue to think that I couldn't possibly be more stoked for this show, and then things like this happen to make me MORE stoked. Eventually I am going to just have a heart attack. I hope I don't have a heart attack. That would be awful. But possibly unavoidable, if things continue this way.
Friday, February 17, 2012
The Kickstarter is over, and...
We exceeded our highest goal. I am usually not a man of few words, and I'm even more rarely rendered speechless, but this has pretty much done it.
I don't really know what to say, because nothing seems to do justice to how amazing you've all been. Through giving donations, through providing encouragement and moral support, through getting just as excited to see this show as we are to produce and perform in it. All of you have been simply amazing throughout this process, and I can't possibly thank you enough. You are absolutely wonderful, and without you this just wouldn't be possible. Not just the people who donated. All of you. This wouldn't be possible without all of you pushing us, cheering us on, and helping us out in ways that help make the dream become a reality.
On that note, I'm going to get a little personal here, because since I have power over this blog, I can get a little personal. Because it's late, and I've been awake and working nonstop since 7 AM this morning, and I think I've found some words.
I stopped acting after high school. It was something that I really enjoyed doing, but I never really found a way to pursue it after high school. I didn't go to USC and get involved in theater there, and I didn't really know how to get involved in any of the local stuff that was going on. So I just kind of...left it behind. I got a full-time job, moved out on my own, and became absolutely focused on "growing up." I messed around with writing for a bit, but eventually I dropped that, too. I forgot what I was good at. I forgot what I enjoyed doing, because I was consumed with work, consumed with struggling to make ends meet and to get myself into a position where I could be financially secure.
I've never lost my love for entertaining people, though. I've never stopped making people laugh, I've never stopped entertaining my friends in various ways. But somewhere along the way I forgot how to entertain myself. I forgot how to really open up and exercise my talent. As I grew older, as I worked more and more, I just...stopped remembering to try. I stopped pushing myself. I let the acting become nothing but a memory. The same with the writing.
Last year I had a chance to try out for a production of Reservoir Dogs. Shane was in it with me; I think he only really went to try out for it because I was going, and he wanted to give me some support. He's a really great friend that way. I was surprised as hell that I got a part, considering that I hadn't done acting in years, and I have no real way of judging my own level of talent. He got a part because he's really, really awesome. Actually, he got the part that I wanted to get. But it worked out just fine. We had a ton of fun with a fantastic cast; I got to shoot guns, shout a lot, and use a ton of profanity. I got to do that with a friend, while making new friends.
What's more, it made me remember. It woke something up inside of me. I was there, surrounded by an insane amount of talent, and I remembered that I was talented, too. I had something to give, something to offer, a talent that I'd let lay dormant for too many years. I couldn't get enough, exhausting as it was. Despite rehearsing for hours in the 90-plus degree summer heat, I craved it. I wanted to show everyone what I could do. I showed them, and they loved it, and they wanted me to do more.
And I knew that I had to do more.
So I am.
I won't put acting down like that ever again. I may not do a ton of it, and I will probably never be famous. I have a lot of learning to do, a lot of polishing that I never did during those formative college years. But I'm up for it, and I'm going to enjoy the hell out of it. I'll still be entertaining my friends, but I'll be entertaining strangers, too, for a change. I may even pick writing up again and see if I can hammer out some sort of play. My friends have been telling me for years that I need to write a book or a screenplay. Maybe I need to write a play, and then I need to stage it.
But whatever I do, it's partly because of you. All of you who have supported this project in some way, all of you who have been cheering me on for years, all of you who have been pushing me to do more with my talents, all of you who have inspired me. Without you I'd still just be working, working, working, and my talents would still be locked away and forgotten. But I won't forget again, because you won't let me. You refuse to let me.
And that is why I cannot possibly thank you enough, or find words which truly express just how much your support means to me, personally.
Thank you. So very, very much.
I don't really know what to say, because nothing seems to do justice to how amazing you've all been. Through giving donations, through providing encouragement and moral support, through getting just as excited to see this show as we are to produce and perform in it. All of you have been simply amazing throughout this process, and I can't possibly thank you enough. You are absolutely wonderful, and without you this just wouldn't be possible. Not just the people who donated. All of you. This wouldn't be possible without all of you pushing us, cheering us on, and helping us out in ways that help make the dream become a reality.
On that note, I'm going to get a little personal here, because since I have power over this blog, I can get a little personal. Because it's late, and I've been awake and working nonstop since 7 AM this morning, and I think I've found some words.
I stopped acting after high school. It was something that I really enjoyed doing, but I never really found a way to pursue it after high school. I didn't go to USC and get involved in theater there, and I didn't really know how to get involved in any of the local stuff that was going on. So I just kind of...left it behind. I got a full-time job, moved out on my own, and became absolutely focused on "growing up." I messed around with writing for a bit, but eventually I dropped that, too. I forgot what I was good at. I forgot what I enjoyed doing, because I was consumed with work, consumed with struggling to make ends meet and to get myself into a position where I could be financially secure.
I've never lost my love for entertaining people, though. I've never stopped making people laugh, I've never stopped entertaining my friends in various ways. But somewhere along the way I forgot how to entertain myself. I forgot how to really open up and exercise my talent. As I grew older, as I worked more and more, I just...stopped remembering to try. I stopped pushing myself. I let the acting become nothing but a memory. The same with the writing.
Last year I had a chance to try out for a production of Reservoir Dogs. Shane was in it with me; I think he only really went to try out for it because I was going, and he wanted to give me some support. He's a really great friend that way. I was surprised as hell that I got a part, considering that I hadn't done acting in years, and I have no real way of judging my own level of talent. He got a part because he's really, really awesome. Actually, he got the part that I wanted to get. But it worked out just fine. We had a ton of fun with a fantastic cast; I got to shoot guns, shout a lot, and use a ton of profanity. I got to do that with a friend, while making new friends.
What's more, it made me remember. It woke something up inside of me. I was there, surrounded by an insane amount of talent, and I remembered that I was talented, too. I had something to give, something to offer, a talent that I'd let lay dormant for too many years. I couldn't get enough, exhausting as it was. Despite rehearsing for hours in the 90-plus degree summer heat, I craved it. I wanted to show everyone what I could do. I showed them, and they loved it, and they wanted me to do more.
And I knew that I had to do more.
So I am.
I won't put acting down like that ever again. I may not do a ton of it, and I will probably never be famous. I have a lot of learning to do, a lot of polishing that I never did during those formative college years. But I'm up for it, and I'm going to enjoy the hell out of it. I'll still be entertaining my friends, but I'll be entertaining strangers, too, for a change. I may even pick writing up again and see if I can hammer out some sort of play. My friends have been telling me for years that I need to write a book or a screenplay. Maybe I need to write a play, and then I need to stage it.
But whatever I do, it's partly because of you. All of you who have supported this project in some way, all of you who have been cheering me on for years, all of you who have been pushing me to do more with my talents, all of you who have inspired me. Without you I'd still just be working, working, working, and my talents would still be locked away and forgotten. But I won't forget again, because you won't let me. You refuse to let me.
And that is why I cannot possibly thank you enough, or find words which truly express just how much your support means to me, personally.
Thank you. So very, very much.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
How To Explain 'Plan 9 From Outer Space' To Your Parents
Dreading having to explain the premise of 'Plan 9 From Outer Space' to your folks?
Yeah.
Me, too.
And I'm the director.
"Well, y'see, the aliens are trying to warn us about the Solaramanite, a doomsday device, if you will. And so they raise the Earth dead to become a zombie army, y'know? To get our attention, and show us that they really mean business, right? And then the, uh - ... You know what? Nevermind. I'll just see you guys at Xmas."
Isn't it ironic that this film was released in '59 - and we're having to explain it to 60-something year olds?
Kinda spooky-like.
The short answer is that they didn't care then, and they don't know now.
And the fact is, 'Plan 9', for the most part, fell through the cracks of time and right into our loving arms. It's the inherited family brass, that turned out to be solid gold, with just a little care, attention, and some turpentine.
Let's educate the Earth - young and old, male and female, from all walks of life - about the full story of what happened, on that fateful day!
We need to give these people all the evidence, based only on the secret testimonies of the miserable souls who survived this terrifying ordeal.
The incidents!
The places!
My friends, we cannot keep this a secret any longer.
Let us punish the guilty.
And reward the innocent.
If our hearts can stand the shocking facts about graverobbers from outer space, they can withstand anything.
PLAN 9!
Yeah.
Me, too.
And I'm the director.
"Well, y'see, the aliens are trying to warn us about the Solaramanite, a doomsday device, if you will. And so they raise the Earth dead to become a zombie army, y'know? To get our attention, and show us that they really mean business, right? And then the, uh - ... You know what? Nevermind. I'll just see you guys at Xmas."
Isn't it ironic that this film was released in '59 - and we're having to explain it to 60-something year olds?
Kinda spooky-like.
The short answer is that they didn't care then, and they don't know now.
And the fact is, 'Plan 9', for the most part, fell through the cracks of time and right into our loving arms. It's the inherited family brass, that turned out to be solid gold, with just a little care, attention, and some turpentine.
Let's educate the Earth - young and old, male and female, from all walks of life - about the full story of what happened, on that fateful day!
We need to give these people all the evidence, based only on the secret testimonies of the miserable souls who survived this terrifying ordeal.
The incidents!
The places!
My friends, we cannot keep this a secret any longer.
Let us punish the guilty.
And reward the innocent.
If our hearts can stand the shocking facts about graverobbers from outer space, they can withstand anything.
PLAN 9!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Online ticket sales open now!
Hey, guess what? If you want to go ahead and buy yourself some tickets to see Plan 9, you can do that. Right now. Today. Sure, it's kind of early, but who doesn't love to plan ahead? I love to plan ahead. That's why I put this up:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/226560
Get your tickets now and you're guaranteed to, uh, to have tickets! Hooray!
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/226560
Get your tickets now and you're guaranteed to, uh, to have tickets! Hooray!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Rehearsals Are Now Underway!
After a remarkably fun and incredibly successful Cast and Crew meeting, which featured a screening of 'Plan 9 From Outer Space', introductions, orientation, scheduling, and the most hilarious Read-Thru ever - the undead are rising, rockets are being quickly set up, and the flying saucers will be in the air any minute!
A million Thanks go out to the entire Cast and Production Staff.
This would not be happening without your talent, time, and dedication.
And remember, my friends - we're not just making fun of a cheesy black & white sci-fi thriller from the 50's - we're LIVING a cheesy black & white sci-fi thriller from the 50's.
These are moments, and memories, that will last us a lifetime - now, and IN THE FUTURE.
Let's venture into the unknown. Unravel the mysterious. Unveil the unexplainable.
And let's have some fun.
A million Thanks go out to the entire Cast and Production Staff.
This would not be happening without your talent, time, and dedication.
And remember, my friends - we're not just making fun of a cheesy black & white sci-fi thriller from the 50's - we're LIVING a cheesy black & white sci-fi thriller from the 50's.
These are moments, and memories, that will last us a lifetime - now, and IN THE FUTURE.
Let's venture into the unknown. Unravel the mysterious. Unveil the unexplainable.
And let's have some fun.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Rehearsals Start This Week!
Monday Night Plans 1 Thru 9, From Outer Space
Following a Cast and Crew screening of the original 1959 Ed Wood sci-fi thriller/zombie horror masterpiece 'Plan 9 From Outer Space', we dive right in, with introductions, rehearsal schedules, and a Q&A.
After that, a full cast Read-Thru and a Production Meeting.
A busy night - with enough laughs, thrills, chills, spills, new friendships, life lessons, and homemade cupcakes for everyone.
And special thanks to Nick, for scoring us the VIP Clubhouse.
More Updates On The Way
Keep Watching The Skies!
Following a Cast and Crew screening of the original 1959 Ed Wood sci-fi thriller/zombie horror masterpiece 'Plan 9 From Outer Space', we dive right in, with introductions, rehearsal schedules, and a Q&A.
After that, a full cast Read-Thru and a Production Meeting.
A busy night - with enough laughs, thrills, chills, spills, new friendships, life lessons, and homemade cupcakes for everyone.
And special thanks to Nick, for scoring us the VIP Clubhouse.
More Updates On The Way
Keep Watching The Skies!
Monday, January 23, 2012
The cast is complete!
Please welcome Nathan Dawson aboard as Jeff Trent, our Leading Man Airline Pilot Hero.
And please stow your tray tables and return your seats to their full and upright positions, as we are now cleared for takeoff!
And please stow your tray tables and return your seats to their full and upright positions, as we are now cleared for takeoff!
Friday, January 20, 2012
This Kickstarter thing is getting crazy.
In just two days we've managed to get pledges totaling over one thousand dollars. That means we're halfway to our lowball goal in just two days. That is absolutely unreal. We'd like to raise at least three thousand - the more we raise, the better we can make everything. We've got a lot of insanely talented people lined up to do set design, prop design, and costuming. They are going to create amazing things, and they're going to be able to do it because of all of you.
The more we raise, the more we can absolutely blow this out of the water. And, in the end, the more the actors and crew will get paid. Everyone wins! So keep spreading the word, keep telling your friends about us. Your generosity so far has been spectacular, and we can't thank you enough.
Thank you. Thank you so, so much.
The more we raise, the more we can absolutely blow this out of the water. And, in the end, the more the actors and crew will get paid. Everyone wins! So keep spreading the word, keep telling your friends about us. Your generosity so far has been spectacular, and we can't thank you enough.
Thank you. Thank you so, so much.
Sneak peek at Vampira
Hey, here's a sneak peek at Mandy Applegate as Vampira, minus the wig. This is what you're in for, this is the sort of thing we're bringing to the table and we haven't even started really working on it yet, holy crap.
I don't even have words to express how happy this makes me.
New cast members announced! AGAIN!
We've got two new cast members to announce today!
First, welcome Chip Stubbs to the cast. He'll be playing General "find out what the HELL they want" Roberts. He's being joined by the world-famous Larry Hembree, who is joining the cast as Bela Lugosi.
This has quickly shaped up to be an amazing cast, and I'm pretty damned sure this is going to be the best time I have ever had in my entire life. But only because I haven't managed to convince Salma Hayek to marry me yet. Working on it. Until then, PLAN 9!
First, welcome Chip Stubbs to the cast. He'll be playing General "find out what the HELL they want" Roberts. He's being joined by the world-famous Larry Hembree, who is joining the cast as Bela Lugosi.
This has quickly shaped up to be an amazing cast, and I'm pretty damned sure this is going to be the best time I have ever had in my entire life. But only because I haven't managed to convince Salma Hayek to marry me yet. Working on it. Until then, PLAN 9!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
New cast member announced
We're filling the last few roles over the next few days. Today we're welcoming Mandy Applegate to the cast; she'll be playing Vampira. It's going to take a lot of work to memorize all of those lines, but we're absolutely sure that Mandy's got what it takes to do it. Congratulations, Mandy, and welcome to something beautiful.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
The Kickstarter is live, not undead!
Theater productions cost money. It would be wonderful if they didn't, but the reality is that they're expensive as hell. Even something like "Plan 9" is expensive. At the same time, we're not rich, and we want to keep ticket costs as reasonable as possible. How can we do that?
By raising as much money as possible. So, we need your help. Check out our Kickstarter page, here:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/875046548/plan-9-from-outer-space-live-and-undead
Then, just go nuts. Donate as much as you feel comfortable donating. Each donation will earn you a reward of some sort, because we love you and want to make you happy. If you want to sign up for multiple rewards but find that, for some reason, you cannot, please let me know on the Facebook event page. I will create a reward that combines the elements you want and add it to the list.
And if there's a reward that you'd LIKE to see, but don't see on there, let me know that as well. I'll see what I can do.
Thank you in advance for your generosity. You are beautiful.
By raising as much money as possible. So, we need your help. Check out our Kickstarter page, here:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/875046548/plan-9-from-outer-space-live-and-undead
Then, just go nuts. Donate as much as you feel comfortable donating. Each donation will earn you a reward of some sort, because we love you and want to make you happy. If you want to sign up for multiple rewards but find that, for some reason, you cannot, please let me know on the Facebook event page. I will create a reward that combines the elements you want and add it to the list.
And if there's a reward that you'd LIKE to see, but don't see on there, let me know that as well. I'll see what I can do.
Thank you in advance for your generosity. You are beautiful.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Cast and crew announced!
The majority of the cast and crew have been announced; the rest will be announced in the next few days. Click on the "Cast and Crew" tab at the top of the page to see the list, and keep checking back - the full list will be available soon.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
In the Beginning...
Years ago, while revisiting Ed Wood's undisputed masterpiece, 'Plan 9 From Outer Space', for the 19th time, it dawned on me that the backdrops and situations presented were uniformly simple enough that you could feasibly produce this story as a live action play. With all the hilariously bad dialogue, cheap sets, and terrible special effects intact.
As bad as it is, 'Plan 9' is a cinema classic, in my opinion. And I consider Edward D. Wood, Jr, to be a misunderstood genius, who was born too soon. In this day and age, he might have been an independent film giant, right alongside the likes of David Lynch and John Waters.
Far from being 'The Worst Movie Of All Time', 'Plan 9' is like an ugly puppy that you can't help but love.
In truth, I just wanted to be in it - be a part of it - inhabiting Ed Wood's strange universe.
Live in it.
Recreate it.
Leave my handprint on it, while remaining true to Ed Wood's original vision.
I set the idea aside in my mind and went on with my life.
Fast forward several years, to the rehearsals for the live action version of 'Reservoir Dogs', directed by Scott Means, and starring myself as Mr. Blonde, and my friend Nick Dunn as Mr White.
One night, between shootouts, the backstage discussion inevitably turned to the pros and cons of Movie-To-Stage adaptations.
"I always wanted to do a live version of 'Plan 9 From Outer Space", I told Nick.
Nick's response, as his face lit up, was beautiful in its inspiration and simplicity.
"That would be totally amazing! Why don't you do it?"
Suddenly that question wouldn't leave me alone. And neither would the answer, which was essentially, "There's no reason not to."
After further logistical talks with Nick, and with the encouragement of several other people, the idea quickly became a plan. Then the plan began to take definitive shape on paper, and in reality.
During a meeting-of-the-minds lunch with our mutual friend, Chris Bickel, the subject was brought up, to his enthusiatic approval. When asked if he wanted to be involved in the production, his reply was "Can I be Criswell?" - and our deal with the Dark Lord was done.
Now, here we are, months later - the perfect performance space secured, auditions over, personnel and cast being determined as of this writing, and we are now finally on our way, firmly poised on the precipice of Outer Space, putting the 9th Plan into action...
As bad as it is, 'Plan 9' is a cinema classic, in my opinion. And I consider Edward D. Wood, Jr, to be a misunderstood genius, who was born too soon. In this day and age, he might have been an independent film giant, right alongside the likes of David Lynch and John Waters.
Far from being 'The Worst Movie Of All Time', 'Plan 9' is like an ugly puppy that you can't help but love.
In truth, I just wanted to be in it - be a part of it - inhabiting Ed Wood's strange universe.
Live in it.
Recreate it.
Leave my handprint on it, while remaining true to Ed Wood's original vision.
I set the idea aside in my mind and went on with my life.
Fast forward several years, to the rehearsals for the live action version of 'Reservoir Dogs', directed by Scott Means, and starring myself as Mr. Blonde, and my friend Nick Dunn as Mr White.
One night, between shootouts, the backstage discussion inevitably turned to the pros and cons of Movie-To-Stage adaptations.
"I always wanted to do a live version of 'Plan 9 From Outer Space", I told Nick.
Nick's response, as his face lit up, was beautiful in its inspiration and simplicity.
"That would be totally amazing! Why don't you do it?"
Suddenly that question wouldn't leave me alone. And neither would the answer, which was essentially, "There's no reason not to."
After further logistical talks with Nick, and with the encouragement of several other people, the idea quickly became a plan. Then the plan began to take definitive shape on paper, and in reality.
During a meeting-of-the-minds lunch with our mutual friend, Chris Bickel, the subject was brought up, to his enthusiatic approval. When asked if he wanted to be involved in the production, his reply was "Can I be Criswell?" - and our deal with the Dark Lord was done.
Now, here we are, months later - the perfect performance space secured, auditions over, personnel and cast being determined as of this writing, and we are now finally on our way, firmly poised on the precipice of Outer Space, putting the 9th Plan into action...
The performance space - a quick and blurry photo.
Lesson learned - I should have used the flash. NEXT TIME I WILL USE THE FLASH.
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