User's Blogs

<ul> <li> First that didnt make any sinse how he got lose with out charge without nothing.</li> <li> He shoot Trayvon because Trayvon had skittles and brisk.</li> <li> A little mad but god will make a way.</li> <li> good nite Talent Page family.</li> </ul>

<ul> <li> <strong>Today is a day that god gives us to live each day like its our last.</strong></li> <li> <strong>I had so much fun today hang around and ate cookies.</strong></li> <li> <strong>I act,clown around, and sing everyday before i go to bed.</strong></li> <li> <strong>That's a good great day.</strong></li> <li> <strong>Have fun acting you miss a line dont get upsit just laugh.</strong></li> <li> <strong>Goodnight Family on talent pages</strong></li> </ul>

<p>  </p> <div> How I Knew</div> <div> A message from beyond the grave</div> <div>  </div> <div> Henry David Thoreau, who was an American author, poet, and philosopher once quoted "Go in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined".  </div> <div>  </div> <div> They say that when you're on the right path in life things will either fall into place, or in my case I strongly feel I was sent a message.  So let's rewind back to January of 2011.  I had recently made the risky decision to ditch working in corporate America where I was making good money, and receiving decent benefits.  Yes, call me crazy doing this at the age of 36, and feel free to consider me even more of an insane person because I bailed on the corporate world to pursue acting.  After ignoring my true dreams of becoming an actress for over fifteen years my heart finally made the sensible side of me give in.  Trust me, I had doubts and most people would consider my new path in life irresponsible and completely unrealistic. Somehow I just knew this was the direction I needed to go.  I found myself enrolled in college again after a 12 year hiatus, but this time as a theater major.  I'd been told all my life by numerous people that I missed my calling, and should have been an actress.  I thought I pretty much had it in the bag when I began my first theater class, boy was I wrong.</div> <div>  </div> <div>  </div> <div> So now let's fast forward to March of 2011.  The semester was about halfway over, and man was I getting my butt kicked big time.  I found out pretty quickly that I didn't have the first clue about acting, and was sucking in every way possible.  I couldn't get anything right, and I felt like my professor really had it in for me.  I also had no idea how incredibly hard the craft of acting really is.  I was mentally exhausted after every class from always trying to retrain my brain.  It was a pretty humbling and trying experience.  Around this time I was ready to throw in the towel on acting, and scolded myself repeatedly for my preposterous decision, but I refused to give up.  Only the strong survive in Hollywood, and no one becomes a pro at anything right away.  I kept with it, and periodically applied for acting jobs on craigs list.  My perseverance finally paid off.  I ended up receiving a call while at work on a Friday night around 6:00 PM from one of the craigs lists postings I responded to.  A local production company was casting for a spoof reality show that profiled loss prevention workers.  They had chosen me to play a twice convicted prostitute that got busted for stealing condoms.   Yes, I know I was going to play a rather shady character, but heck we all have to start somewhere right?  Even better, they were filming in the town I live in.</div> <div>  </div> <div> So I get to the location which was an organic grocery store.  I was greeted by the very friendly cast and production clue, and was briefed a little on what my part entailed. My heart began to race with excitement, and I was a giddy as a school girl.  As the time came closer for my first scene insecurity began to set in, and I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to pull it off, but I did.  I was even complimented by one of the camera men for my tough trashy girl persona.  When we finished shooting my first scene I walked outside for a break.  I was on cloud nine.  Then suddenly I stopped dead in my tracks.  Right in front of me stood the funeral home that handled my fathers death back in 1995.  I guess it was a combination of not going to that side of town for many years, and being so wrapped up in my part that I didn't pay much attention to my surroundings.  A rush of painful memories that I had suppressed surrounding my fathers tragic passing all came rushing back to me.  I felt my knees buckling, my body going limp, and tears filling my eyes. I quickly turned around and walked the other way so no one would see how upset I was.  "Why?"  I shouted while hitting my fists against my thighs.  "This is sick and wrong that I'm playing a trashy hooker next to where I said my last goodbyes to my fathers deceased body!"</div> <div>  </div> <div> I immediately called my mother, and told her what was going on.  My mom is probably on of the most level headed people I know.  She was able to calm me down right away.  Of course she was very sympathetic to the fact I was filming in a very sensitive area, but assured me that my dad would've never wanted me blow an opportunity like this.  As soon as the phone call ended I realized she was right.  My father was one of the most unselfish people I had ever known, and would have scolded me for doing anything to blow this chance I had just been given.  I took a few deep breaths, got myself together, and as weird as this sounds I even laughed a little to myself about the irony of the whole situation.  Suddenly I had probably one of the most profound and epiphanies I've ever experienced.  My father had a very sick and twisted sense of humor, which of course was passed down to me.  As crazy as this sounds I knew at that very moment my dad had somehow found a way to communicate with me. It would be just like my father to get in touch with me in a funny way.  I looked up at the sky for a moment, and without a doubt I was convinced my father was telling me I was on the right path.  My dreams of getting into acting just sort of vanished when he passed away, but from this day on they were completely resurrected.  For the first time since I had made these recent and risky life changes I was whole heatedly confident that I was on the right path.  My father seemed to have gone out of his way to let me know in a very odd way, but I guess he figured this was the only way he could get his point across to me, and most importantly let me know he was still around watching over me.  As I still gazed up at the clouds I said out loud "thank you dad", returned back to the set, and nailed the rest of scenes I was in.</div> <div>  </div> <div> When you have acting and performing in your blood there is just no way to ignore it.  It's a very tough road being a struggling actor, and making ends meet.  However, for me it's all worth it when I go on stage or camera and I know that I'm entertaining others.  The art of acting itself is also a constant challenge no matter how much you study it, or how much experience you have, but giving up will never be an option for me.  </div> <div> And besides, how could I let my father down?</div> <div>  </div> <div> It's now November of 2012.  I just finished up with my second college play, and I'm hopefully getting signed by an agent soon.  Yes, I'm exhausted working and being a full time student as well as working three side jobs to make end meet, but I know it will pay off one day.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Again, thank you dad.  </div>

<p>  </p> <p align="right"> Bryn Berg</p> <p align="right"> September 19, 2012</p> <p align="right"> Philosophy 112</p> <p align="right"> Paper 2</p> <p align="center">  </p> <p align="center"> “Nerds Are a Beautiful Thing”</p> <p>                I find it really sad that nerds seem to be so harshly stereotyped.  I feel that when society hears the word “nerd” we typically picture an individual adorned with coke bottle glasses, plaid pants pulled up too high, and a white shirt filled with pens in the breast pocket. Nerds are also known to not have the most exciting personality, and lack a little in the social skills department. However, during the 1980’s a new trend began to take place.  Many movies started to emerge where nerds came out on top, were the heroes, and even ended up getting the hot girls.   I mean who can forget the film “Sixteen Candles” where the infamous foreign exchange student Long Duck Dong hooked up with a girl after being in town for less than three hours?  Or Anthony Michael Hall who referred to himself in the movie as “king of the dweebs”, yet managed to land the most sought after school at his high school?  And of course there was the main star of this flick Samantha Baker who was the typical, unpopular, and awkward teenager almost any girl could relate to.  Even she ended up with hottest guy in school at the end.  Another example is the cult classic “Revenge of the Nerds” about a group of well, nerds in college.  They were outcasts at school, but in the end they used their smarts to prevail, and destroy the jocks. </p> <p>                Even though these movies are known to be comedies, I feel they relayed some very important morals.  Just because an individual is enthusiastic about computer programming, science fiction, math, crafts, art, cooking, etc. does that make them a terrible person?  How can having a passion for particular thing be wrong (as long as it’s something that’s not hurting others)?  For example are we really going to knock a scientist for loving his or her research so much that they just don’t put a lot of thought in their appearance in regards to the fashion department?  Is it such a sin that such a person might always be so zoned in on finding a cure for a disease  like cancer that they just don’t see being popular as a priority?  Or perhaps they may stumble upon a member of the opposite sex that they are interested in, but may have trouble asking them out simply because their talents are more in the extreme smarts department versus having social skills.  A super model or high school cheerleader may become grossed out by the above described person hitting on them.  However, in the long run is the girl better off with the beefcake jock that can barely put a sentence together, or a not so blessed in the looks department mathematician?</p> <p>             Like the scientist mention earlier, am I a nerd because I love anything and everything to do with acting?  I must confess my idea of a good time on a Friday night is watching a live theater performance even if it’s out of someone’s garage.  I often get teased because I always have some sort of book of plays that I’m reading or memorizing a script for a production I’m in.   I simply can’t help it.  I live breathe and eat acting because I feel it is one of the most beautiful forms of artistic expression, and you can make your viewers ponder deeply about human nature.  I am so addicted to acting that my appearance suffers greatly a lot of the time.  At this present time in my life I’m working full time, in school full time, and have several roles in the Mt. San Jacinto College play this semester.  This schedule does not allow me much time to get dolled up, or dress up in the trendiest outfits.  A majority of the time you will see me in beat up sweat pants, dorky t-shirts, and flip flops. If I’m judged on a frequent basis for my nerdy exterior then so be it.  Getting my degree in theater arts so I can spread my enthusiasm for what I love is way more important than looking like I should be on the cover of a Vogue magazine. </p> <p>             They always say it’s what’s on the inside of a person that counts.  Individuals shouldn’t immediately be written off because their interests and priorities are wrapped up in things other than their appearance.  Seriously, I would much rather hang out with a shy wicked smart individual who wears glasses with thick lenses and parts their hair down the middle than a Chip n Dales Dancer.   We need to stop being so closed minded in regards to individuals considered nerds because we could be missing out on possibly learning and growing from someone else’s extreme passions.  I have been knocked all my life for befriending those who are known as nerds, but let me tell you I’m a better and well-rounded person as a result of my actions.  The knowledge I’ve acquired from people society considers nerds is priceless.  In my eyes nerds rule, and as so many of the nerd themed movies from the 80’s showed us that nerds always come out on top in the end.  They always seem to use what they love to advance us in things like science, technology, and medicine.  If I’m ever lucky enough to be called a nerd trust me I will take it as the highest form of compliments. </p>

<p>  </p> <p>  </p> <h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="margin: 0px; position: relative; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 30px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(192, 161, 84); "> Ding Ding Ding!!! I have an idea. "The New 2nd Half of the Years Resolution"</h3> <div class="post-header" style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em; color: rgb(153, 119, 85); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(192, 161, 84); "> <div class="post-header-line-1">  </div> </div> <div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1865080535480548129" itemprop="articleBody" style="width: 568px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(192, 161, 84); "> So I had a very serious reality check this week in regards to a flaw in my personality.  I've been aware of it for quite sometime, and I've come close to sabotaging relationships, jobs, opportunities...you name it.  I would love to use the excuse that as an actress I'm more overly sensitive, and access my emotions easily than others. Nope!  I'm not going to lie to myself any longer.  It's time to nip this in the bud and break the cycle.  The truth of the matter is that I'm being very self centered.  There is only a very small percent of the population that is actually out to take advantage of others.  Most individuals these days are just trying to do the best they can with the resources they have.  Because of these limited options some folks might have to make a certain choice, conduct themselves in a specific way, have rules and procedures they must follow, etc.  It's probably no reflection on anyone around them.  T<span style="background-color: white; ">he backbone of acting consists of learning to put yourself in the shoes of any character you're playing.  Well....shame on me!  I should be even more aware of the fact that you never know what's going on with those around you unless well,  you've walked a mile in their shoes.  </span><br /> So I've come up with a plan.  I managed to get my original New Years resolution accomplished a little early.  So what if I make what I'm calling a "New 2nd Half of the Years Resolution"?  It's kind of like those accelerated college degrees.  You complete your goal in 6 months instead of a year.  I'm pledging that from now on I will NOT take things so personally.  I'm no longer going to be selfish, and my first reaction will be to look at what the person I feel has hurt me is going through, and the big picture.  It will no longer be about how my feelings were hurt.  I will also make sure that I take 24 hours to assess anything that has made me angry before taking any sort of action because 9.5 times out of 10 I always find that I blow these types of situations way out of proportion.  Hello Mcfly????????????  I think it's about time for this to sink in through my thick skull.<br /> <br /> Happy New 2nd Half of the Year, and please feel free in joining me.  :)</div> <br />

<p>  </p> <p align="center"> “A Rampage That Taught Me Some Life Lessons”</p> <p align="center">  </p> <p>             As an aspiring actress I have never been much for action movies.  While action films have a lot of brilliance behind them in regards to special effects and stunts they are just not my cup of tea.  I am moved by films where the focus is more on dialogue and the acting.  My choice of an out of the norm film for me to view was pretty simple, and I went with an action flick. I searched through my roku menu and went with a film called “Rampage”.  “Rampage” received three and half stars from roku, and three stars on imbd.com.  It was filmed in the year of 2009 when the economy was at the height of financial ruin.  The synopsis of this film listed on roku is “Desperation drives a bitter small town man to don a bullet proof vest, grab a semi-automatic weapon and attempt the largest killing spree ever.”  The film was stars Brendan Fletcher, Shawn Sipos, and Lynda Boyd.  It was directed by Uwe Boll.  I must say this film really surprised me.  I assumed it was going to just be about some crazy man going around and shooting up people, but it actually turned out to be much deeper than that.</p> <p>             The movie opens with some really great shots of the main character, Bill Williamson burning all of his clothing in a secluded area possibly to cover up evidence of something illegal.  The film then flashes back in time to the week before. You find that Bill is a young man, most likely in his early twenties, still living at home, and not really going anywhere in life.  It is also evident that Bill is not very happy about his present situation.  As the day goes on you see how angry Bill is as he gets into multiple arguments over petty things with various vendors throughout town.  Bill then joins up with a friend of his who seems to feel his pain.  While all of this is going on you hear clips of various television and radio broadcasts talking about how greedy, materialistic, and selfish humans are.  This could have possibly been trying to point out that this was a huge reason why our economy crashed.  I really liked how they put these clips in intermittently during the film.  At this point in the movie I was questioning the dialogue and acting  because it didn’t seem very deep.  However, it did suddenly dawn on me that this film was most likely a satire of people’s reaction to the economy so the silly deliverance of the characters lines actually fit.</p> <p>             The conflict of the film was a huge shocker.  I was particularly intrigued by the way they set up a certain shot when Bill was driving back to his house after his day out harassing local vendors.  The picture was shaking like they jerked the camera around on purpose.  I first chalked this up to B rated filming, but I realized it worked really well because it made me very nervous anticipating what was going to come next.  Bill was in his room building a bomb, and you see him pulling out an armored suit, and a huge gun.  Bill is also communicating with his friend about their plan to go on a shooting rampage.  There are more intense clips of broadcast going more into depth about greed, the state of the economy, and the country being at war.  I started to like the main characters acting more and more because he kept you guessing.  He was able to put a comedic spin on crazy behavior. </p> <p>             My hypothesis that this movie was a satire seemed to prove correct when Bill and his friend went into town and started shooting at anyone and anybody.  At one point Bill went into a hair salon with is enormous gun, and badgered all of the women present.  When Bill left one lady just said “what a d*ckhead” and business went back to business as usual.  This is not a typical reaction most humans would have however this could have been implying that people had become numb to violence and crazy behavior.  Next Bill went into a bingo hall.  No one seemed to even be bothered that a man walked in with an enormous weapon.  They just kept right on playing bingo.  This is also not your typical human response.  This could have be pointing out that people have just become so focused on making or winning money that not even the extreme threat of their life could take their eyes off the prize. </p> <p>             Bill and his friend were supposed to meet up, but Bill took a detour and robbed a local bank.  When he joined up with his partner in crime, he ended up killing him.  The movie is then at the place it started where Bill is burning all of his evidence.  Bill then proceeds home with the large stash of cash he has acquired.  No one suspects he was the killer because he had a mask on the entire time concealing his identity.  You then see his parents baby him because they are so worried about him witnessing all of the killings that he was actually behind.  It also came out that his friends (who he killed) body was found.  His mother then mentions to Bill’s father that they probably need to get him some counseling because of everything they think he’s been through.  The ironic thing is that his mother is a psychologist, and is totally oblivious to the fact that her son is completely loony. I loved this plot twist.  It also made it even more humorous that Bill’s parents were almost modern day cardboard cut outs of Ward and June Cleaver. </p> <p>             The film ends with Bill posting a broadcast on the internet of how he is over society, it’s hostility, and it’s greed.  However Bill has committed many murders of innocent people, and robbed a bank.  This was a brilliant way to prove how hypocritical and self-righteous members of the human race can be.  You then see a caption that Bill disappeared never to be seen again. </p> <p>             I was pleasantly surprised by this film, and it has made me realize that I shouldn’t be so close minded when it comes to action movies.  Science fiction has been used so many times over the years to make political statements so why can’t action films be a portal as well?  I’m actually really disappointed with myself for never taking this into consideration.   This movie not only had a unique editing and filming style, but also made some really important points about the state of our country during 2009.  Individuals had been so used to living in comfort that when the economy crashed so many people who had never seem hard times could barely deal with a less than upscale lifestyle.  I also feel that Bill’s rampage was a brilliant example of the war our country is involved in.  A lot of people feel that there is no rhyme or reason to what our country is fighting for, and many men and women have been killed needlessly, thus there was really no explanation for Bill’s actions.  Bill’s mother being a psychologist and not seeing how crazy her son was is another important factor of the movie.  They could have been trying to show us that people have chosen to bury their heads in the sand, and tune out all of the horrible events going on around them.  I could go on and on about other morals this movie taught, but I feel that I have picked out the best intents of the film. </p> <p>             This movie did have the elements of an action movie with all of the shooting that happened during the rampage, but it was not overdone like some action flicks.  It was just enough to show the viewer that horrible killings were taking a place, so we could focus more on the films intents.  I’m very shocked that this movie is not more well known, and would even recommend it as something to be shown in college psychology, or sociology classes because of its deep meanings.  "Rampage" had a great impact on me, and it made me very aware that I have perhaps tuned out a lot of what’s going on around me.  My life is always crazy busy, but now I realize my scattered schedule is not so relevant.  It's actually very small potatoes compared to all of the issues taking place in our society.  This film will never let me forget this. </p>

<p>  </p> <p style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "> This was a blog I wrote back in March of 2008 after being blow away watching a new series at the time running on HBO called "In Treatment".  This particular scene was life changing for me, and caused me to do an about face on how I see dating, relationships, and marriage.  We can't judge anyone for who they fall for, and also have a clear understanding of this when playing any character.</p> <p style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">  </p> <p style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">  </p> <div> <p> HBO has struck again with another riveting series.  Over the years they have blessed us with shows, and documentaries that have impacted my life.  Just when I thought the golden age of HBO was ending with the season finale of "The Sopranos", a new show had been born to continue the rein.  This time the premium network cable channel has gone back to basics.  There are no special effects or fancy scenery; it is all about the acting. </p> <p> The series revolves around one main character, Paul who is a brilliant therapist.  His practice is run in very cozy and roomy office out of his home.  The series runs 5 nights a week.  The first four nights of each week we witness the sessions of 4 very complex characters that are Paul’s patients.  To make matters even more interesting there is a curve ball thrown in on the fifth night of each week.  We find that Paul is actually in therapy himself to try and fix his failing marriage, and to come to terms with his growing feelings towards Laura, one of his patients.</p> <p> Anyways, I never meant to sound like some wanna be critic writing this blog.  I will get down to the nitty gritty while this is all fresh in my mind.  My entire life I have always perceived psychologists as people who can stay out of unhealthy situations because they have the right tools mentally.  The ironic thing is that I see now that even the most mentally educated people are just as human as we are.  Up until I started watching this show I always felt that one stayed in the wrong circumstances such as a bad relationship, living situation, job, etc because they did not love themselves, and did not feel they deserved better in life.  As I began to grow older I started to believe that all of my bad relationships and flings were a result of my own insecurities.  While the majority of these experiences were probably a result of my own past self esteem issues I was recently taught from this show that there are other important factors involved.</p> <p> In last nights episode Paul was at his therapy appointment with his therapist, Gina.  Gina is a very close friend and colleague of Paul’s.  Both of them know a lot about each other, or so they think.  For awhile you watch Gina and Paul push each others buttons with psychotherapy Jedi minds games.  Paul intermittently lets his guard down, but becomes angry at Gina each time this happens because she has won at the game.  Each time this occurs Paul shuts off his vulnerability and finds a way to insult Gina.  Gina is tough as nails, or so we think.  For weeks you watch Paul’s insults towards Gina roll off her back like water.  As time went on you slowly see Gina breaking down.  Last night Paul finally pushed Gina too far in telling her how she broke one of her patient’s hearts to pieces.  Paul has assumed all of this time that she blew her only chance at happiness to obey the code of therapy ethics in never getting involved with a patient. </p> <p> Gina finally breaks.  Within seconds it is revealed that Gina is not the hard by the book emotionless person we thought she was.  You see Gina tear up and defend herself.  Gina explains to Paul that she was very fond of this male patient, and even "wanted to eat him up".  However, she was not in love with him.  You learn that Gina was actually married for a number of years.  Gina admits that her husband cheated on her many times, and made a fool out of her.  She even stayed with him until his death.  My first reaction was to judge her as a weak woman who didn’t love herself, as this how I felt about my past similar involvements.  Little did I know how far off base I was in my whole thought process.  Gina assures the audience that she is a very confident self loving person with simple dialect.  I am still left wondering why she tortured herself for years by staying with her husband.   After a few agonizing seconds of anticipation Gina tells us, "I loved the person I was around him".</p> </div> <div> <p> As quickly as the last few grains of sand drop through an hour glass my whole viewpoint on relationships and dating is forever changed.  I see it so clearly now.  I now understand why so many people close to me have chosen be terrible marriages and attachments. And more importantly, the missing puzzle piece to my past dating experiences has been has been found.  Ever since I watched this episode I have gone through my sorted dating timeline.  There were men that made me feel sexy as hell, guys who accepted me for all of my faults and even loved me for them, and fellows I could be myself to my entirety around.  I feel so lucky to have been introduced to this show.   I have such an inner piece now.   Because of this one particular plot line I can forgive myself for staying around too long in certain romantic situations.  I have come to realize that at times the euphoria certain men gave me out weighed their shortcomings in their overall treatment of me, but only temporarily.  As a long time number cruncher I always end up creating a "T-Account" of any situation I am pondering.  If the debit and credits, i.e. the good and bad traits do not balance out, or if the bad traits out number the good traits it results in me cutting my losses. </p> </div> <div> <p> Maybe it is a combination of my stubborn accounting background, and reading the book "He’s Just Not That into You."  Or perhaps it is simply because there has never been a man in my life that has been so extraordinary that I was willing to put up with his cheating or poor treatment.  All I know now is that I have to remember Gina’s situation could be the case with many of those close to me.  These individuals I speak of are my long term dear friends and family members.  They are of a different kind of love that is much simpler to grasp.  One thing I have always known about them is that their presence in my life is a gift from heaven.  Because I am so fortunate to have these people in my life I must never forget to support them if they are dealing with what I will now call a "Gina situation."</p> </div> <div>  </div>

<p> This was a story I began writing a few years back, but never finished.  My mother had an aunt by marriage who was one of the most dynamic individuals I have ever known.  Tragically her brother was killed in WWII, and his bedroom was always kept as a shrine.  I remember visiting my mothers aunt back in 1998, and seeing the room for the first time.  As soon as I began looking at all of his belongings I got chills.  It was as if I was picking up on unresolved sorrow her family never dealt with.  I also felt for a breif second that possibly that Marion's (my mothers aunts name) brothers spirit may have not passed on yet because he didn't feel his family could let him go.  This unfinished piece was inspired from these events.</p> <p>  </p> <p style="text-align: center; "> "Marion's Brother"</p> <p style="text-align: left; ">  </p> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; "> <br /> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; "> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> "I need to speak with you as soon as possible".  I said to her.</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> "We have a lot of preparation to do before tonight, can this wait?" She asked.</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> "No, I'm afraid it can't, I have information that I must relay to you before your group begins this evening."</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> "You, mean about the paranormal activty in your mothers aunts home?"</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> "That is correct."</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> "Be at the house as soon as you can Erin, I am getting into my car as soon as I hang up".  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> As soon as the line went dead my body became paralyzed by fear.  I had told no one of my ghostly relationship.  Of course everyone close to me had thought I had gone around the bin, and for all I knew, I had too.  I was about to expose the one thing in my life that was pure, and belonged to me.  I was about to admit how selfish I had been in keeping a perfect man in limbo.  I couldn't go into Marion's home as I knew Evan would be there so I stayed in the car.  I would have to confess the events of the past few months to Sylvia outside the house.  As I waited for Sylvia I looked over at the for sale sign stuck in the grass in the front yard which now read "sold" on the top.  It almost looked like Evan's tomb stone.  I kept telling myself that I was doing this because truely loving someone sometimes means setting them free.  I heard the familiar sound of the diesel engine of Sylvia's mercedes.  I slid down in the seat of my car, and broke into a cold sweat.</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> Sylvia's vehicle pulled up behind me and parked.  As soon as she cut the engine, and got out of her car she walked towrds me.  As soon as she approached my car I rolled down the window.  "We can't talk in the house" I said.</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> "I know." she replied  "Why don't you get out and we will talk in my car".</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> I took a deep breathe, and slowly got out of the car.  Somehow Sylvia picked up on my energy, and helped me to the passenger seat of her automobile.  As soon as I was safely seated I put my head between my legs to combat the dizziness my lighthead had brought me.  "Take your time."  Sylvia said.  "Relax my child, you have done nothing wrong. I am hear to help you, I am a medium and taking care of these situations is what I was born to do."</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> I began to shake violently.  After tonight Evan was going to be gone.</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> "I I...." I could not get the words out, where did I begin?</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> My shaky hand reached into my purse and pulled out the tatered picture of Evan that I found months ago.  I then gave the photo to Syliva.  "Yes" she said "This is the man I saw in the house during our survalence, it all makes sense now."</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> "What?" I asked.  What was she talking about?</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> "On almost every single cluster of EVP's we heard a man calling 'rin' we thought maybe it was a pet he once had, or some sort of game.  Now I know he was looking for you.  Your mother also mentioned in passing that you were often staying out most of the night since Marion's death.  This is where you come at night, isn't it?</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> "Yes". I whispered</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> "The energy that surrounds you is nothing like I have ever seen before.  You have spiritual abilities that are very strong."</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> "What the hell was she speaking of?" I asked myself.</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> I actually began to laugh.</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> "Don't do this to yourself" she cried.  "I am dying to go into more details of how special you truely are, but time is very crucial right now.  You must tell me everything about Evan."</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> I realized I never did tell her his name. </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> "I don't know where to start."  I cried.</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; ">  </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); line-height: 18px; "> "Begin from the time you first came accross the picture." she said quietly.</div> </div> </div> <p style="text-align: center; ">  </p>

<p>  </p> <div class="ecxmsonormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: rgb(42, 42, 42); font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; "> <span style="font-size: small; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-family: Calibri; line-height: 20px; ">          Sadly, there was no way around it.  From the very beginning of my life it was pretty much a given that I was going to be prone for obesity.  I was even born a very pudgy baby.  The genes run like wildfire on both sides of my family.  My mother was determined to protect my brother and I from becoming heavy children.  She stuck to her guns, and never kept junk food in the house, cooked very healthy meals, and let us indulge in treats on a limited basis.  Despite this amazing upbringing of love my mind rebelled against all of the nutritional lessons my mother had taught me.  By the time I was 6 years old I was sneaking food from the pantry, and would jump at the chance to always go to a friend’s house in hopes that they would serve me an abundance of unhealthy snacks.  At almost every party or function where food was around some adult would have to intervene and tell me to stop eating.  I remember in fifth grade at a class party I snuck into the kitchen and ate five donuts in a row.   I was a very insecure child who hurt inside a majority of the time.  I got picked on a lot in school because I had difficulties learning.  At the time they did not know how to diagnose my issues, but it was later determined I have ADD.</span></span></div> <div class="ecxmsonormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: rgb(42, 42, 42); font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; "> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; ">               Right after my twenty first birthday my father passed away very suddenly, and turned my world upside down.  I turned to food for comfort.  My food binges lead me to a fifteen year struggle with yo yo dieting, bouts of bulimia, and abuse of diet pills.  In the year 2000 at 215 pounds I was even outed by a federal drug sniffing dog while waiting to cross the border in Tijuana.  I was smuggling diet pills back into the country that I did not have a prescription for that I had purchased at a Mexican pharmacy.  Luckily when the canine put his nose on one of the pockets I had concealed the pills in I thought really fast on my feet and said "oh sweetie you must smell my dogs".  Thank goodness it worked and the border patrol agent only scolded me for petting a working dog.  Looking back I am so ashamed I stooped that low to lose weight.</span></div> <div class="ecxmsonormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: rgb(42, 42, 42); font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; "> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small; line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 20px; ">           In 2006 after getting out of a very bad relationship I was at my highest weight ever, 230 pounds.  My eating was out of control, and it also didn't help that I had been chained to a desk for 8 hours a day in corporate America for over a decade.  I felt so unhealthy, and had no energy at all.  I started the process of trying to get gastric bypass, and even consulted with doctor who performed Carnie Wilson's surgery in 1999.  The insurance company declined the procedure stating that my health problems were not severe enough.  I was devastated because I thought it was my last hope in trying to win my weight battle, but really I was only trying to cheat the system.  I am very thankful now that the insurance company did not award me the surgery because many individuals have had complications from it.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; "> I started taking baby steps in my weight loss, and began working out.  I managed to lose 30 pounds from exercising a lot, but it did not come off easily because I was still not eating right.</span></div> <div class="ecxmsonormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: rgb(42, 42, 42); font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; "> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; ">           When 2010 came around I made a pledge to myself that I was going to make an effort to start concentrating on the things I wanted in life instead of things I didn't want.  I was a victim of the economy, and had been laid off my job.  I decided I would never go back to corporate America because I was miserable.  I had always wanted to get into acting and film making since I was a child so I decided to pursue this.  I had no idea how I was gonna do it, but I knew I would find a way.  A friend of mine helped me land a job at local gym with flexible hours so I could go back to school to major in theater.  Once I was finally on the track of what I had always wanted in life I started to not need food so much as a crutch.  I also realized I didn't love myself, and had to stop poisoning my body.  I was very lucky that after all the damage I had done to myself I was still healthy.  I worked out harder than ever doing strength training, yoga, kickboxing, zumba (my very favorite workout), and spinning.  I created a diet that cut out junk and fast food.  I also made substitutions for the bad food I used to eat, for example instead of eating chips, I would always have raw almonds on hand, or eat unsalted popcorn.  I also loaded up on the lean protein.  I still will have a cheat day once week so I don't completely deprive myself.  By October of 2010 I weighed in at 158 pounds, and was a size 10 versus the size 20 I used to be.  I had more energy than ever, and I didn't want to hide out from the world anymore.</span></div> <div class="ecxmsonormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: rgb(42, 42, 42); font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; "> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px; ">    </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small; line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 20px; ">   I am very passionate in sharing how much fitness has changed my life, and make it a habit to constantly research and educate myself when it comes to diet and exercise.  Knowledge is power!  For example, I will be the first person to admit that I have a WICKED sweet tooth.  I began to research the internet for help.  I came upon an article that suggested a sudden sugar craving could be your bodies way of saying it's dehydrated.   When I feel the cravings coming now I drink water ASAP.  I have found that about 80% of the time my urge to grab candy goes away.  Who knew it was something as simple as that?  </span></span></div> <div class="ecxmsonormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: rgb(42, 42, 42); font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; "> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small; line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 20px; ">           I now weigh in at 146 pounds, and was accepted into the theater and performance program this semester at the college I attend, and landed a part in their play.  I love acting until I can't love it anymore.  To me it's not about the money, it's just something in my blood.  There is no greater feeling than to know you have made your viewers or audience ponder and question life and think deeply about human nature.  I am also considering becoming a personal trainer as well as a group x instructor.   It's never too late in life to go after what you truly want.   You deserve it!  Just take it slowly, and one day at a time.  Changes such as weight loss don't happen over night, they take time.  It's perfectly okay to take baby steps.  I wish it hadn't taken me fifteen years to figure this out, but at least I finally did, and trust me I am still very much a work in progress.  There is always hope if you just believe in yourself.</span></span></div>

<p> I was recently in the play "Passengers" this semsters for school.  One of the the best experiences of my life I must say.  As an aspiring actress I have chosen to take the route of receiving my training through college courses.  Therefore I am required to write papers on various plays, scripts, and characters.  One of my assignments this semester was to put together a character analysis of Mrs. Evans which was one of my roles in the production.  Below is my take on what Mrs. Evans life could have been like before her scene in the play.  There is a spolier alert if you are not familiar with "Passengers".</p> <p>  </p> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="1807422399" style="text-align: right; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; width: auto; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; height: auto; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal; margin-right: 23px"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Bryn Berg</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="1371066748" style="text-align: right; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">THA-201 </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="77938069" style="text-align: right; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Character Biography </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="1741815459" style="text-align: right; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">February 10, 2012</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="2118737328" style="text-align: right; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal">  </p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="1853315046" style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Character Biography for Mrs. Evans</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="1413396661" style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal">  </p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="1970900448" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">I will just keep it simple, and introduce myself as Mrs. Evans.  I was born April 1, 1905 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  I always felt a little cursed that I entered this world on April Fools Day as life managed to pull a series of pranks on me.  My mother was an immigrant from Denmark, and came to this country with her Mormon family at the age of ten.  My father was born in the United States, and was also a Mormon.  Sadly he was raised in the religion when polygamy was still being practiced.   Therefore he still felt entitled to always having multiple women around even though he was married to my mother.  Poor mom always felt that she just had to put up with my fathers running around because she had hardly any education, and spoke very poor English.  I started to question the dynamic of our family at a very young age.  I was instructed to follow the beliefs of the Mormon Church by both of my parents yet my father was running around on my mother. </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="2135840405" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">I was the only child in the family, which was unheard of in the Mormon Church.  Mom suffered many miscarriages after I was born, and pretty much just shut down emotionally.  I always got the feeling she married my father because she felt it was what her family wanted, and didn’t know anything else different.  My father did provide for us though with his job as a press operator for a large publication company.  My parents were both very thrifty with their spending, and we lived in comfortable home that they managed to hold onto even through the depression.  The depression taught me to always be very frugal, and never live too lavishly.  Because my parents were both very introverted I never became the most outspoken person, and was very shy.  I kept to myself in school, and watched all of the pretty girls become cheerleaders, land handsome boyfriends, and attend their proms.  I was a plane Jane that just blended in with the paint on the walls.  I stood five foot six, and always maintained a weight of around one hundred and thirty pounds.  My hair was thin, straight, and dirty blonde.  I must say it is on the more gray side now.  My clothes were mostly hand me downs from other members of the church, never designer labels.</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="1283003969" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">  I did however do very well in school, and always made straight A’s.  During my senior year of high school I was accepted into Brigham Young University.  I also landed a part time job at a local flower shop.  This is where I met Harry.  Harry was always coming in to buy floral arrangements for what he said were his clients.  He was traveling salesman for circus supply company.  I loved his jolly personality, and his extreme drive to succeed.  He was always very impressed at how organized I was with his account, and how quickly I put together the numbers for the totals of what we sold to him.  He said I was a savvy little no nonsense businesswoman.  Oh how he made my heart flutter, and I would anticipate each time he came into the shop.  One day he surprised me by asking me to lunch.  I could not believe this handsome young successful man was interested in me.  We started dating, but I had to keep it a secret since he was not of the Mormon faith, and I knew my parents would never approve.</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="2021681677" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Our meetings were always short, and they always ended up with me helping him organize the figures for all of his clients.  They felt more like business encounters.  I didn’t mind.  As long as I got to be with Harry I was happy.  Harry did not show me much affection, just an occasional peck on the cheek, but he called me his girl.  I would have done anything for Harry.  I wanted to be his wife.  My greatest fear was this never coming to fruition.</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="1196091125" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">One day while I was in school my class was interrupted.  A staff member pulled my instructor out of the room, and I was asked to go with them outside into the hall.  I could tell by their faces something was terribly wrong.  My professor told me to sit down, and kneeled in front of me.  “There has been a serious accident, your parents were both just killed in a car wreck.  I’m very sorry.  Is there anyone we can call for you?”  </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="1699162561" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">There was no one.  My mother and father were my only family.  All I could think about was running to Harry, but then I realized I didn’t even know how to get in touch with him.  I became numb at that point, and proceeded home to make the necessary arrangements.  Not many would attend the funeral because of my father’s well-known philandering lifestyle.  I called the flower shop to let them know what happened, and to leave word for Harry to call me.  There was some insurance money from my parent’s accident, and the home I grew up in was left to me.  I decided not to finish the semester, and take a leave of absence from my job.  My boss and his family were very compassionate, and even offered to help me money wise if needed.  I let them know I was left in a decent financial state.  I then waited and waited for Harry to contact me.  My employer let Harry know of the tragedy that occurred in my life, and he said to send me his deepest condolences.  After a few weeks Harry apparently inquired on my financial status, and the owner of the shop informed him that I was probably set for the remainder of my life because of my gift of business smarts.  That night Harry showed up on my doorstep with the shops cheapest bouquet of flowers, a silver gold band, and asked me to marry him.  It was I thought the happiest moment of my life.  Harry claimed he did not buy me a fancy ring because he knew I liked to keep things practical.  I was not very impressed, but I didn’t care.  I was going to be Harry’s wife.  Nothing else mattered.  We went down to the Salt Lake City courthouse the next morning.  After the ceremony I pranced outside with my head held higher than ever because I had landed Utah’s most eligible bachelor.  I could see other women whispering as we passed by, but I knew they were just envious of me.  Out of the corner of my eye I saw the Salt Lake City Temple where I should have been married to a decent Mormon man.  So what if I wasn't going to what Mormons call the Celestial Kingdom where I would be in paradise for time and all eternity!  It would be worth suffering in the after life and residing in a lower kingdom knowing I had this short time on Earth with Harry.  My existence was now a fairytale.</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="1823728565" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">The honeymoon was over very quickly; in fact there never was a honeymoon.  As soon we got back to my house Harry instructed me to put my parents home on the market, and asked me to provide all of the records of my current finances.  Once he looked them over Harry told me to go to the bank and put his name on all of the accounts.  Again, I did as he asked because I just wanted to make him happy, and I was terrified of losing him.  Sadly, I learned very quickly that I never had Harry.  I was just an asset he acquired to get ahead in life.  The proceeds from my parents home were used to move us to the Midwest where his circus supply company was located.  He had me purchase two homes.  One was for us to live in, and the other he claimed was for his office, and to entertain his clients.  Harry was hardly ever home, and still never showed me much affection.  I tried my best to look attractive for him, kept our home immaculate, and organized his work affairs with ultimate precision.  I also tried my best to conceive a child, but was never successful.  I thought having Harry’s offspring would make him love me.</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="1251471621" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">People around town began to whisper about strange instances occurring at Harry’s home office, and that Harry had fetishes for odd women circus performers.  One day I dropped by the other home to find Harry engaged in a sexual act with a bearded woman named Annie.   After five years of marriage I realized I was invisible again just like when I was growing up, and I numbed myself.  Mom had taught me this all too well.  I faced the fact that Harry only married me because of my business sense and my inheritance.  I couldn’t leave the marriage because all of the finances were in Harry’s name, and I would be penniless. And so for the next fifteen years I just resigned to being Harry’s secretary, accountant, and housekeeper.  I moved my things into another room in the house. Of course Harry did not kick up a fuss about it.  I never complained, or questioned anything Harry did.  He made very good money, and I was careful to never spend too much of it.  I turned a blind eye, and a deaf ear to all of the notorious affairs Harry was engaging in with circus women throughout the country.  I even put up with Harry’s stick in the mud mother coming to visit from time to time, and was always cordial to Harry’s friends and colleagues who I have to say could be quite obnoxious most of the time</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="831934309" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">On April 1, 1955 I received a knock at the door around 11:00 PM.  Harry was out of town for a so-called business trip.  My heart sank as I found two police officers standing on the porch.  They both removed their hats, and told me Harry had been killed in a circus accident.  The men asked me the familiar question “is there anyone we can call for you?”  Once again there wasn’t. My marriage to Harry hadn’t been a fairytale of course, and most of me had come to almost hate him.  However, the young hopeful girl still buried inside of me kept loved him like crazy despite everything.  She not only loved him, but also still had a zest for life.  This sassy young lady residing inside of me would try and poke her head in from time to time when I was frustrated and sad all throughout my married life, but I refused to let her surface.  I could feel her crying inside of me, but I kept my  emotions buried.  Once again, I had business to take care of.</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="1137577483" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">I made the arrangements for Harry’s funeral, at a local church, and asked each of Harry’s closest colleagues and friends to spread word of the details of Harry’s service.  None of Harry’s acquaintances had ever taken the time to get to know me, but were surprised at how efficiently I handled everything.  They even complimented on what a pleasant lovely lady I was, and didn’t understand why Harry never brought me around more often.  With my spirits lifted from my recent recognition I was prepared to get the funeral under way.  I had no idea that I was about to walk into a series of landmines.</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="1863303140" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">When I got to the church, and the casket was opened a completely made up clown laid inside the coffin.  I was horrified at the mistake the mortuary had made.  The minister and guests had already begun to arrive.  I was too stunned to stop the service, and the mockery that began to take place.  The next hour was pretty much a blur, and I was too in much shock to stop the minister from telling racial jokes.  Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse a S.W.A.T. team showed up, and helicopters began to circle the building.  Apparently a terrorist got confused, thought the church was a government office, and called in a bomb threat.  And then I saw her!  I saw Annie hiding in the corner of the church. The next thing I knew I woke up on the couch in my own home surrounded by a group of acrobats from one of the circuses Harry worked with.  Apparently I had collapsed in the church.  They were gracious enough to take me home, and watch over me until I came to.   They were even kind enough to call the mortuary for me, and track down Harry’s body.  Little did I know I was going to be thrown for another loop.  Harry had been cremated by mistake, and I was to meet a Mr. Wade at the local bus station tomorrow afternoon to collect Harry’s ashes, and return the clown’s body.</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="445243144" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">That night I couldn’t sleep of course so I went through the mail that had piled up, and learned that a handsome sum from Harry’s life insurance policy was due me, and my investments had grown rather handsomely.  I was going to be very set financially, but what would I do with all of this excessive money?  I had never done anything for myself before.  I could take a trip to Hawaii, take piano lessons, and buy an actual piece of clothing with a designer label.  I still had plenty of life in me that I had never lived.  I stopped my train of though immediately.  How dare I think such thoughts so soon after Harry’s death.</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="1245413571" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">The next day I met Mr. Wade at the bus station to make the trade.  I just wanted to get it all over with.  I was almost embarrassed for Mr. Wade, as he was trying to smooth everything over and avoid a lawsuit.  The last thing I wanted was to drag things out any further.  It was still a shock though when Harry’s remains were handed to me in an urn, and my curiosity got the best of me.  I never really knew the exact details of how Harry was killed.  Mr. Wade informed me of a serious of tragic events that led to Harry's death when the fat lady landed on him while watching a circus performance.  I felt a little better knowing that Harry did at least not suffer, and was killed on impact.   </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="1160752354" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Just when I thought the trade was complete, and everything was behind me Mr. Wade advised me that he found a bracelet in Harry’s pocket.  “Did Harry actually remember me on my birthday?”  Finally, I was going to be appreciated for all I had done for him.  I was so excited inside I thought I was going to burst.  I examined the beautiful gold bracelet in total awe.  Mr. Wade then informed me that it was inscribed.  Butterflies were swarming inside of me.  I knew the words wouldn’t be </span><span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">lovey</span><span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">dovey</span><span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">, but I thought at least they would say something along the lines of “happy birthday Eleanor, thank you for everything you do”.  However, I was wrong and found it said “to my darling, Annie.  I’ll love you always Harry.”  Harry had made a fool of me once more even after his death.  I wanted to throw the bracelet on the floor and stomp on it, but what good would that have done?  Mr. Wade tried his best to console me.  Bless that mans heart. I tried my best to keep my composure as Mr. Wade and I said an awkward good bye.  Our whole conversation was like watching the waves of a turbulent ocean.  So many ups and downs, and finally when I saw the message on the bracelet it was like a tsunami hit.  </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="664080044" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX207775333" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">After Mr. Wade was gone I stood in the middle of the bus stop frozen for a moment.  I couldn’t ignore that young girl hopeful inside of me anymore.  She all of a sudden became a voice of reason.  All of Harry’s friends and Mr. Wade had paid me so many compliments.  I really wasn’t invisible.  People actually respected, and liked me.  I had my health, and plenty of years left of living.  I decided that I would never let anyone dictate my self worth again.  Harry was a selfish man with creepy fetishes.  “The joke is on you Harry!  I am the one reaping the benefits now.  I’m off to travel the world, and guess what, your not invited!”  I thought to myself, and began to grin like a Cheshire cat.  I threw Harry’s filthy ashes in nearest trashcan, took off my black hat, and pranced out of the bus station.  My mouth began to almost hurt in a good way from the delicious taste of liberation.</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="1647025970" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal">  </p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="1299600857" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal">  </p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX207775333" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX207775333" paraid="722172533" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal">  </p> </div> <p>  </p>

<p> This semester I was lucky enough to be part of the production of "Passengers" by Sam Bobrick.  I was even more blessed to play two very different roles which was a tremendous help in exploring my range of acting abilities.  This was a brilliant play full of some of the darkest comedy, but also had some very deep morals to it's stories.  One of my roles was Marsha, and elderly, crazy, violent woman, who felt her heart was in the right place.  I had so much fun wearing an dumpy dress, and putting on a grey wig that was actually worn by my director when she performed on Broadway.   My second role was Mrs. Evans who was middle aged woman mourning her husbands death that occured from an accident while watching a circus act.  This play that was directed by Shezwae Powell a former Broadway and West End actress.  She is an amzing women, and I feel like I hit the acting lottery in getting to work with her.  As students we were asking to write a personal essay on what we learned from this experience.  I have pasted it below.  I am not the best writer, and I got a little carried away.  I grew so much as an actor during this production, and would love to share some my own personal techniques that I acquired while being a part of this play  in regards to my craft.  There are also a few spoiler alerts if you are not familiar with the play.  Parts of this essay might also be a little confusing because they refer to a few inside jokes with our cast.</p> <p> Enjoy!</p> <p>  </p> <p>  </p> <p align="right"> Bryn Berg</p> <p align="right"> May 5, 2012</p> <p align="right"> THA-201 Section 3284</p> <p align="right"> Personal Essay</p> <p align="right">  </p> <p align="center"> “A Much Better Role”</p> <p>             The night of January 18^th, 2012 I was given some of the most exciting news of my life.  I was informed that I was going to be part of the cast of “Passengers”.  I was even awarded the role of Mrs. Evans which I was so hoping to play.  A little over a week later on the first day of rehearsal I was even more surprised to find I was not only playing Mrs. Evans, but also the role of Marsha.  I felt I had struck the acting lottery, but was a little worried.  Even though I had been studying theater and acting for the past two semesters I had not been in a play since sixth grade.  I knew I had my work cut out for me.</p> <p>             For some reason my choices on how I played Mrs. Evans came very naturally.  There was so much of her story I could relate to in my own life.  Ironically I had told my recent ex-boyfriend at the time that dating him was like being stuck in a fun house (not so far off from the circus) due to the fact that he had been untruthful to me about so many things, and had so much drama going on.  I was pretty much humiliated like Mrs. Evans was when she was given the bracelet that was meant for Harry’s mistress.  I discovered through a lot of snooping around on facebook that my former boyfriend had a girlfriend in another state.  He was even low enough to ask me to take the airport to see her.  He of course told me he was going to see his family. </p> <p>             This scene also reminded me so much of a death that occurred in my family back in 1995.  Sadly our loved one that passed away was a good hearted soul, but was involved in a few questionable business dealings we were not aware of.  This all came out right after this individuals death, and I watched his poor wife not only deal with losing her husband, but also learn some terrible truths of the man she loved.  She had always been a very reserved, kind hearted, conservative, and very proper woman.  After her better half left this world I watched her change and evolve over the years.  I think she felt that she had to be the perfect wife, and convert to a religion she really didn’t completely have faith in.  This woman developed into the true person she had always been.  The transformation was beautiful, she turned out to be a fun, smart, full of life woman with a little bit of naughty streak.  I patterned  Mrs. Evan’s character after this lovely lady, and also channeled in the recent experiences with my ex-boyfriend. </p> <p>             I felt that what was vital in ensuring this scene stayed true to the brilliant comedy behind it was that Mrs. Evans was not over acted.  I remembered in the comedy “The Naked Gun” for Priscilla Presley’s part she was very subtle in her role even though her character was involved in some of the most preposterous and silly events one could ever imagine.  I feel that, because she made these choices while staring in this movie it complimented the film so well. It was hysterical that she was this classy reserved lady that almost seemed oblivious to the fact her boss was a criminal, and that she was having an affair with Leslie Neilson’s character (Frank  Drebin) who was pretty much a total ding dong police officer. </p> <p>             As the performance came closer I remembered something that I had learned about Sean Penn (one of my favorite actors of all time) when writing a paper on him last semester.  He had had said that when he plays a role he simply focuses on the hidden truths of any character he plays.  I had acquired so much knowledge over the past few semesters on acting, and I was trying to incorporate everything I learned into both Marsha and Mrs. Evans.  It was way too much for me, and impossible for me to do.  It suddenly dawned on me that I didn’t have to do this, and this was the reason why I was struggling with my craft.  It has always been said there is no right or wrong way when it comes to performing.  I made the risky choice to go through everything that had been taught to me by my acting professors, and pick out what I felt was most important to always keep in mind while on stage.  I went back to basics, and chose three things to zone in on.  In my introduction to theater class the professor stressed over and over again “have fun with your part no matter what you are playing, because if you’re not having a good time on stage neither will your audience.”  Second I took into account what was mentioned to me many times last semester in my acting for commercials and television course which that acting is “listening and reacting”.  I feel this is what acting is in a nutshell, because this is how all of us as humans interact and communicate with each other.  My third decision was a huge gamble, but I do feel it paid off for me in developing Mrs. Evans and Marsha for the production.  I decided that I had to find my own original way of playing a character like Sean Penn has.  I really pondered why I have always loved acting so much, and why certain performances of actors had stuck out and some didn’t.  The answer actually came to me very quickly.  When I perform I want to be able to deliver my lines and mannerisms in a way that will make the viewer stop dead in their tracks and be able to put themselves in the scene, feel what it would be like to be in the situation if it occurred their own life, and walk away possibly having a whole new perception on their personal beliefs, learning to not be so harsh on themselves, reconciling with someone over a silly disagreement, the list can go on and on.  I found that this is what made certain performances so memorable to me.  I made up my mind that this was going to be my Sean Penn style of acting.  I never forgot my who’s, when’s, or why’s though, and kept them very accessible as well as the stories I had created for my parts. Once I started going this route everything just became so much easier, and Marsha and Mrs. Evans just took on lives of their own as well as their character quirks. </p> <p>             I pretty much had Mrs. Evans summed up, but because of my new choices I wanted to convey to any women or man watching the play that we as people should never let someone who has hurt and humiliated us dictate our self-worth or self-esteem.  Life is too short and precious to waste and pine away and cry over an individual who has wronged us, and there is no situation in life we can’t turn around no matter how bad it seems at the time.  I know this from many personal experiences in my own life. The dialogue between Mr. Wade was between Mrs. Wade was hysterical, but it has always been said that behind a good comedy there is truth.  Through all of the ups and downs I have been through during my life I have found a way to laugh at whatever is going on no matter how morbid the circumstance may have been.  Throwing the urn away during every performance was pure liberation for me because I was also tossing remnants of bad relationship, and in a silent way having the last word.   I so hope I projected this energy and my own personal morals to this story to our audiences.</p> <p>             My last minute choices also helped me give birth to a new Marsha.  I’m not proud to admit this, but I have been around people with mental issues for most of my life.  There are members of my immediate and extended family that have bi-polar disorder, depression, manic depression, and problems with substance abuse.  Because of this I have a lot more patience with people that are a little off their rockers, and sympathetic towards them because I know that under their illness most of the time there is a beautiful person.  Sadly, they just can’t help it when their brain chemistry is off.  I also feel individuals may behave in certain ways or have strange quirks to protect themselves from past traumatic events.   There is no way around it.  When a person displays behavior as a result from a mental illness it is going to be funny a lot of the time because it is out of the norm.   One of my family members actually laughs at themselves and their bizarre actions after they have balanced out after a manic episode.  That is they have learned to cope.  I chose to bring all of what I have mentioned above into Marsha’s character.  I wanted it to be known that Marsha was a wacko, but she really thought her heart was in the right place, and that well she was creating a much better world.  However, if she was given some professional help everyone would see the normal and amazing woman she most likely is.  I wanted her character to be funny because I have witnessed by watching family members that there is a lot of humor involved when being treated for a mental condition.  I also saw Marsha as a woman in her late seventies, and tried to make this believable by hunching over to make myself appear shorter, and grabbing my back like I was in pain after hitting Ernest. I also remembered a crazy person that I saw when I was stuck in a hospital emergency room on Friday night a few years back.  Two police officers handcuffed him to a wheelchair and stuck him the corner.  He kept making this crazy smile with his mouth open.  I patterned my crazy smile after this man.</p> <p>             Before each performance I would go through all of my lines, and rehearse with my cast mates as well if there was time.  I also got into the habit of reading through all of my lines for an hour each day a month before the performances started even though I knew them down pat.  When the production would start I would get in my own zone and read through the scripts again.  I would also have Seferino say random things to me that would push my buttons.  That got me really pumped up to go on stage and not be mad at him, but his character.  I also would pace back and forth quietly with my crazy face on and swing my purse around while thinking of the Wicked Witch of the West theme song from Wizard of Oz.  Myself, Sefarino, and Callie also had a ritual we did right before going on stage. We would stand in a circle and touch hands to make sure we were all in sync with each other since there was so much blocking.  As I would wait behind the curtain to go stage I would literally make myself believe that this scene was real, and I was dying to jump in. </p> <p>             For Mrs. Evans I did not have much time between scenes.  I would change quickly, and literally block out everything and anything going on around me.  I would look at the cut up pieces of my ex’s sweatshirt so I would not forget what I was going to be throwing out at the end of the scene.  The two characters I played were very different extremes so I would also stop, take many deep breathes and picture the disposition of my prim and proper grandmother.  Next I had eye drops that I would insert to make me remember how many tears Mrs. Evans must have cried.  I also had a mental timeline where I would picture the entire messy service that took place with the clown in her husband’s casket.  As creepy as it sounds I also envisioned Harry’s body being cremated, so that I wouldn’t forget how horrifying it would be to not see your better half one more time in the flesh.  It was also very important for me to touch base with James right before the scene started so the connection between our characters was established. </p> <p>             I could go on and on forever about how much I learned and feel I have grown as not only as an actor during this play, but also as a person.  There is one thing I would like to bring up that I wish I had done differently.  After the play was over I had a deep conversation with Callie about how she viewed our scene together, and what she felt the moral of the story was.  She brought up some vital points that I had missed, and feel if I had known her take on the scene my performance would have been a lot more heartfelt.  Going forward I will always take the time to sit down with any other actors I am working with, and listen to how they see the plot of any story as well as the characters.  To me one of the lessons “Passengers” teaches us is that everyone views life and its meaning very differently, and we as humans get so caught up in our own day to day craziness that we often forget this.  What’s important to one person might be completely irrelevant to another.  I will take this message I acquired from the play, and always remember that in of my future roles it very important to take the time to listen to how other actors I am working with see the story and characters through their own eyes because their views could be polar opposite from mine.  And hopefully by using this new found tool I can at least create a much better role than can maybe influence the audience to contribute in making “a much better world”.</p> <p>  </p> <p>  </p>

<p> Yes, another school assignment.  This semester my acting professor required us to do a research project on a paritcular actor.  Right away I chose Sean Penn.  I have always been blown away be his amazing talents as an actor.  I learned even more about Penn when I wrote this paper.  Penn is actually a shy person, and a little insecure in large crowds, and will never not have a drink in his hand.  This is my personality as well.  People always think I am this uber confident individual, but I fight with insecurity big time.  Sadly I must admit I have used alcohol to losen up many times when I am around others that I feel have educations and life experience way beyond my own.  What I love most is Penn's simple acting style.  He has studied method acting, but simply goes by finding the "unsung truths" about any character he plays, and expands on this.  It works for him because he still sought after after 30 years in the business.  I must also confess that I have a little bit of his rebelious and stubborn streak in me as well. :)  I had to show a clip of one of his performances.   I chose the notorious scene in "Mystic River" where he finds out his beloved daughter has been killed.  No matter how many times I watch Sean Penn in that scene it breaks my heart.  The academy award was well deserved for Penn that year.</p> <p>  </p> <p align="right"> Bryn Berg</p> <p align="right"> November 18, 2011</p> <p align="right"> Theater Arts 112</p> <p align="right"> Actor Research Project</p> <p align="center">  </p> <p align="center"> “Exploring Sean Penn”</p> <p>               Sean Penn marches to the beat of his own drum when it comes to Hollywood.  He has had run in’s with the law, a few violent outbursts with the paparazzi, and has no problems voicing his strong political opinions.  Penn humbly admits to these events and personality traits.  His stubbornness in always wanting to get his vision across in the way he plays a character, or directs a film paid off.  Penn is now often pointed out to be one of the most talented actors of his era, and is even described as “a kind of modern-day Marlon Brando”.  Penn is best known for his “intense emotional acting style”.</p> <p>             Sean Penn was born on August 17, 1960 in Santa Monica California.  His mother Eileen Ryan was an actress.  His father, Leo Penn was also in the entertainment industry.  Leo Penn taught drama at the Actor’s Studio.  Leo Penn had to leave Los Angeles abruptly in the 1950’s due to the fact that he was blacklisted from Hollywood for not testifying in the anti-Communist trials taking place at that time.  Penn’s father then relocated to New York, and landed a Broadway role in “The Iceman Cometh”.  This is where Penn’s mother and father were united, as Eileen Ryan also had a part in the play.  The pair married and settled back in Los Angeles where Leo Penn went on to be a well respected television director.  The marriage produced three sons.  Michael was born first, followed by Sean, and then Chris.  The artistic genes managed to be passed onto these offspring.  Sean’s oldest brother Michael is a very talented and established musician, and Chis was also an actor.</p> <p>             Ironically those who were around Sean when he was growing up would have never thought his path would lead to becoming a famous actor.  Sean was very timid and introverted when he was a child, but it was very clear that he was fascinated by filmmaking.  Penn had possession of a Super 8 camera, and was constantly creating films.   His interest in film simply wasn’t a childhood phase.  After graduating high school Penn sought out to educate himself beyond filmmaking, and landed an apprenticeship at the Group Repertory Theater, and studied with a famous drama instructor, Peggy Feury.  During this time Penn also acquired knowledge of the technical side of stage production.  By the time Penn was twenty he managed to produce his first play “Terrible Jim Fitch” written by Leo Herlihy, who was also the author of “Midnight Cowboy”.   Shortly after this Penn decided his best bet in perfecting his craft would be to spend some time working as an actor in New York.  At this stage in his life he studied method acting.  In no time he was already starring in the Broadway play “Heartland”.  In 1981 his Broadway performance caught the eye of a casting director, and thus began his jump from the stage to motion pictures.  Penn was cast as alongside Timothy Hutton as a military cadet in the movie “Taps”, and received rave reviews for his performance.</p> <p>             After Penn finished up his role in “Taps” a much more self-assured Penn moved back to Los Angeles.  He had no idea his career was about to explode.  Penn was chosen to play the part of the notorious stoned surfer in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” in 1982.   Even though this character was not the starring role, his performance was loved by many.  At this point in Penn’s career it was evident he could pull of comedy very well, but chose to move forward in playing more dramatic and complex roles such as criminal, a shady lawyer, a musician, an inmate on death row, a political gay activist, and even a mentally challenged man.  Penn was almost always highly praised for his amazing performances, and many thought that he was passed over too many times by the academy because as mentioned previously he is not considered your conventional Hollywood actor, and does not adhere to the typical Hollywood rules.  Penn finally won an Oscar for “Mystic River” in 2003 playing a man that was broken and consumed by his daughter’s death.  He also achieved another academy award for his portrayal of political activist Harvey Milk in the motion picture “Milk” in the year of 2008. </p> <p>             A very successful acting career is only a slice of the pie that makes up all of Sean Penn’s talents.  Penn has written and directed movies such as “The Indian Runner” which was about two brothers on the opposite sides of the law, and “The Crossing Guard” which starred Jack Nicholson.  Again, these projects did not disappoint viewers or critics.  Penn’s writing even evolved into journalistic aspect, and he visited Iraq in 2005, and voiced the events he witnessed for <em>The Chronicle, </em>and was asked to be a guest speaker on the “Out of Iraq Forum” which is put on by the Progressive Democrats of America.  Penn also became very involved with the horrid events of Hurricane Katrina, and an advocate for expressing and reporting his concerns for the victims affected. </p> <p>             Penn has many individuals in his life that have been influential for some of his many career milestones.  Penn “credits Malcolm McDowell as the best actor with whom he’s worked”, and has stated that he “became an actor because of Robert De Niro”.  Penn also quoted that Daniel Day Lewis “may very well be the greatest actor ever recorded to the screen”, and that Clint Eastwood is “one of the few legends who isn’t a disappointment”. </p> <p>             Penn once mentioned “I’ve always operated under the notion that audiences don’t always know when they’re being lied to, but that they always know when they’re being told the truth.  If there are what I think are unsung truths to be talked about in a film, through a character, through a story, and that dominates the piece, that’s the key for me.  I think the biggest thing is to not participate in the damaging, lying cinema”.  This quote I feel is such a key to Penn’s success in all aspects of his career as an actor, director, writer, producer, journalist, and political activist.  Penn has never tried to be anything he is not as a person as far as Hollywood goes, and even received a lot of heat for it.  After over thirty years in the business Penn is still continually sought after as an actor, and we as an audience can always be guaranteed that Penn will find the “truth” in every character he plays.</p> <p>  </p> <p align="center"> References</p> <p align="center">  </p> <p> AEC One Stop Group, Inc. (2011).  <em>AEC One Stop Group, Inc   </em></p> <p>             <em>Sean penn</em>.  Retrieved November 17, 2011,</p> <p>             from <a href="http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800019044/bio">http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800019044/bio</a></p> <p>  </p> <p> IMBd.  <em>IMBd.</em></p> <p>             <em>Biography for Sean Penn.  </em>Retrieved November 17, 2011,</p> <p>             from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000576/bio">http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000576/bio</a></p> <p>  </p> <p> Rebecca Leung.  (2007, December 5).  <em>Rebecca Leung</em></p> <p>             <em>Sean Penn:  just the Beginning.</em>  Retrieved November 17, 2011</p> <p>             from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/12/01/60II/main586211.shtml</p>

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX111294830" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX111294830" paraid="83090691" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Yes, another assignment from last semester.  I had to listen to a play, and critique it.  I chose this particular play because it had to do with politics, and I was also taking a political science class.  My professor this semester made such an important statement last week in class.  She feels that it is imparitive to not always continue your training as far as an actor, but to educate yourself on EVERY subject possible.  I think she is so right about this because acting is about human nature, and reinacting others life experiences.  Knowledge is power, and the know you aquire, the more you can bring to the table in any part you play. </span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCX111294830" paraid="83090691" style="text-align: right; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Bryn Berg</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX111294830" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX111294830" paraid="745754170" style="text-align: right; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">THA 101 Introduction to Theatre (section 3615)</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX111294830" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX111294830" paraid="1366098639" style="text-align: right; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Play-Listening Assignment</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX111294830" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX111294830" paraid="851891693" style="text-align: right; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">April 29, 2011</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX111294830" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX111294830" paraid="10661232" style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">“The Best Man Won”</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX111294830" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX111294830" paraid="619383297" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">“The Best Man” is a delicious play written by Gore Vidal that gives a lot of insight on the irony</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> and sad truths</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> of the political world.  The plot is based on two men running for president in the year 1960.  Both candidates are competing for the endorsement of the current President</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">, Art </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Hawkstarter</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">.  The main character, Bill Russell is the former secretary of state,</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> and</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> is</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> one of the two men aspiring</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> to b</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">e the next president.</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">   President </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Haw</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">k</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">stater</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> is very pleased with all of Bill’s work in politics, and has a lot of respect for Bill as well.  President </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Hawstater</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> confesses to Bill at the beginning of the play that he will not be endorsing him.  His decision is mainly based on the fact that Bill was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and has never had to struggle financially.  Because Bill has always had money President </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Hawstater</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> feels he could never have all the citizens of this countries best interest at heart, or relate to a lower income bracket.  Bill takes everything that is said to him with a grain of salt, and remains calm.  Bill’s response is that he just wants to keep everything honest.  Bill also implies that he refuses to pretend to be something he is not, does not practice any religion, and does not try to cover up the fact he ran around on his wife many times.  President </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Hawkstarter</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> confides to Bill that he is dying of stomach cancer, and he wants to make his last</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">day</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">’</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">s count, so his endorsement decision is very near and dear to him.  Bill is very sympathetic to </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Hawkstarter’s</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> condition.  We are also introduced to Bill’s wife who is very much like him.  She is honest, does not care about the latest fashions, and appearances do not matter to her.</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX111294830" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX111294830" paraid="1813074266" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">We are soon whisked away to the next scene of the play where meet Joe Cantwell, the other presidential hopeful.  </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Haw</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">k</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">starter</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> pays Joe a visit to enlighten him on the good news that he will be receiving his endorsement.  Joe does not give </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Hawkstarter</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> any time to get a word</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> in</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">, and immediately launches in on how he has found dirt on Bill Russell.  Joe</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> goes on and on about how he was able to get</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> his hands on all of the medical records pertaining to</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> a</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> nervous breakdown Bi</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">ll had a few years back, and that he was</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> going use it to his advantage</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> in every way possible</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">.  </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Hawkstarter</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> is comes to Bill’s defense right away, and tries to explain to Joe that he was just overworked at that time, and that he was blowing this information about Bill’s mental state way out of proportion.  Joe is so self-centered and wrapped up in winning the election that he even misses out on </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Hawkstarter</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> telling him that his days on Earth were numbered by his illness.  To make things worse, Joe jumped to conclusions and assumed that </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Hawkstarter</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> would not be endorsing him.  </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Hawkstarter</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> changes his mind on routing for Joe becau</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">se he jumped the gun too fast</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">, and feels that a good president never acts too quickly.</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX111294830" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX111294830" paraid="516126597" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">The plot then focuses again on Bill Russell as his campaign manager makes a huge discovery about Joe Cantwell’s past.  It is brought to Bill’s attention that while Joe served in the army he was involved in a homosexual act.  Bill does not want to expose any of this information to the public, and feels that it is really not that big of a deal.  Bill wants to just play fair, and win the election by being honest.  Bill would love to put a stop to unclean way the game of politics is played.  </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Hawkstarter</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> tries every way to convince Bill to use this scandal against Joe, but he refuses.  </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Hawkstarter</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> throws his hands up in the air, and tells Bill he is weak, really must not want to be president because he is not willing to play dirty, and announces that he will not endorse either of the men.  Shortly after this </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Hawkstarter</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> is taken to the hospital and passes away.</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX111294830" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX111294830" paraid="296210557" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">Towards the end of the play Joe Caldwell and Bill Russell have a showdown about the negative facts they have on each other.  Bill is not worried about anything Joe will expose about his past breakdown.  Bill remains present and all ears when he finds out a man that Joe served in the army with would be arriving to defend the accusations made about Bill.  Joe also pressures Bill in every way possible to drop out of the running for president by bargaining with him, and states that he would give Joe pretty much any political position </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">of his choice if he was running the country</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">.  Bill declines Joe’</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">s offer</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">.  When Joe’s friend from the army arrives he pretty much clears Joe of any possible queer activity while serving in the army.  Bill is satisfied with what he has heard, but still feels Joe is a disgusting and unscrupulous person.  If it were up to Bill he would rather just give a statement to the public exposing what he knows of Joe’s character.</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX111294830" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX111294830" paraid="1948362395" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">At the end of the play Bill simply steps out of the race because he can no longer stand the filthiness of everyone and eve</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">rything to do with politics.  </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> Bill he implies politics should be honest and simple.  Bill tells his press secretary to inform his political party (it does not state if he is a republican or a democrat) to now have a governor that is not very well known to take over in the running for president.  </span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX111294830" style="text-indent: 48px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX111294830" paraid="1594407526" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 48px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal"> <span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">I loved every second of this play.  </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> I was blown away by the acting.</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">   All of the actors were so natural, and I had to keep telling myself that they were just playing parts, and not actually involved in politics.</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">  There was also a lot of twisted humor that I found extremely funny and amusing.</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">  I was able to visualize every scene very clearly, and even felt I was in the room with everyone.  The morals of this story are so important, and makes you realize that stepping on others to get to the top will eventually catch up to you.  It also raises some important questions.  Is a person that will stop at nothing to hurt others for success really fulfilled and satisfied deep down inside?   Is it better to ignore what you truly believe in, and lower your standards when </span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">going after your dreams?  Bill was not willing to do this because he would have been miserable if he had been elected president as he would felt he won because he had stooped to Joe’s level, and played his dirty game.  The only small complaint I had with this reading is that towards the end the actress playing Bill’</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US">s wife seemed</span><span class="TextRun SCX111294830" style="font-family: Times New Roman, Serif; font-size: 12pt" xml:lang="EN-US"> to possibly not be putting her all into her part, and a little disconnected.  Other than that I would jump at the chance to see this play live.</span></p> </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX111294830" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-left: 0px"> <p class="Paragraph SCX111294830" paraid="876942142" style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0px; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, 'Sans-Serif'; color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: normal">  </p> </div> <p>  </p>

<p> This was my first attempt at writing a script.  The characters were actually based off of former members of a Curves that I used to work at.  I actually received an "A" on this project for school, and it was chose to be acted in front of the class.  Since I wrote the script I got to direct the scene.  It was so interesting that all I needed to explain to my volunteer actors is that this story is about love, and acceptance of all.  That was all I needed to explain to them.  Annie is one of the most amazing women I have ever known, and the love she spreads is like a drug.  I took bits and pieces of my former conversations with Annie, and incorporated them into the diaglouge.  As an aspiring actor and writer I always find that when I use my own life experiences it helps me tremendously.  Enjoy!</p> <p align="right">  </p> <p align="right"> Bryn Berg</p> <p align="right"> April 1, 2011</p> <p align="right"> THA 101-Introduction to Theatre</p> <p align="right"> Playwriting Exercise</p> <p>  </p> <p align="center"> “Annie’s Cal Oak’s Burger Confessions”</p> <p align="center">  </p> <p align="center"> Dramatis Personae</p> <p align="center"> Annie</p> <p align="center"> Mildred, <em>friend of Annie</em>.</p> <p align="center"> David, <em>cashier and server at Cal Oaks Burger.</em></p> <p align="center">  </p> <p align="center"> <em>The action takes place at Cal Oaks Burger.</em></p> <p align="center">  </p> <p align="center">  </p> <p align="center"> <strong>Act I</strong></p> <p align="center">  </p> <p> Scene- <em>It is around 11:30 AM on a cold and cloudy spring weekday morning</em>.  <em>Cal Oaks Burger is a hole in the wall type restaurant located across the street from the California Oaks Sports Park in Murrieta, CA, and is in the heart of a shopping center.  The establishment is small, dimly lit, has about ten beat up booths to seat its patrons; there are large windows on the left hand side of the room that give a view of the parking lot and another restaurant that serves Mexican food. The entrance faces a pet grooming shop, and next door is a dry cleaners.  The wall at the front of the room is littered with a large variety of cheaply made flyers advertising local businesses.   In the front corner is a stack of tired looking menus, a self serve soda fountain, and a depressing counter to order your food.  Behind the counter is the kitchen with appliances held together at places with duct tape.  The floors are also very scuffed up.  Even though the place is not a five star dining experience it is kept fairly neat and tidy, and a very sanitary place to eat.</em></p> <p> <em>            Mildred sits at a booth thumbing through the Pennysaver occasionally glancing at the entrance of the restaurant as if she is anticipating a guest.  Mildred appears to be around sixty five years of age, grey hair styled in a very fashionable shoulder length bob, and is wearing a very classy put together outfit.  One could assume Mildred would really not belong in such a place, and would most likely fit in at a country club.  Mildred does have a very kind look about her, and radiates loving energy.  In rushes Annie to the booth where is Mildred seems to have been waiting.  The women embrace each other immediately.  </em></p> <p> <em>            Annie is a middle aged, heavy set, around five foot six, has dark shoulder length brown hair, and a pretty face.  She seems to be in very jolly spirits, and out of breath from being late perhaps.  Annie is wearing more comfortable clothing.  She has on a cotton print top, and leggings.  One could assume that Annie is more common folk that does not worry as much about her appearance as Mildred does.  </em></p> <p>  </p> <p> Annie.  Mildred!  It’s so good to see you again.  Oh how I’ve missed our daily work out                                   conversations since Curves closed down.  [Annie is <em>out of breath from rushing into the restaurant.  As soon as</em> Mildred<em> sees </em>Annie<em> she gets up out of her seat, and the two women embrace</em>.]  I’m so sorry, I’m late as usual.</p> <p> Mildred.  Oh my sweetness, I don’t mind.  What a treat this is for me to finally catch you.  You look wonderful.  [Mildred <em>pulls back from the embrace to view</em> Annie’s <em>appearance</em>.]  You must be keeping up with your workouts and dieting.</p> <p> Annie.  Well, I had a little money left over from the trust fund last month, and bought me a pair of these sketcher tone up sneakers. [Annie <em>pulls up one of her feet like a crane to show </em>Mildred<em> her prized purchase,</em> <em>and</em> Mildred <em>is fascinated</em>.]  Been walking five miles a day, and let me tell you these puppies work.  This wide load tooshie of mine has never felt so firm.</p> <p> Mildred.  Well it is working for you my dear, you look fabulous.  Would you like to go order lunch? [<em>The two ladies walk up to the counter to order their food.  They take a few</em> <em>minutes going over an old menu, make their decisions, and pay for their meals, and return to the booth Mildred was formerly occupying</em>.]</p> <p> Annie.  Mildred you didn’t have to do that, I was going to get lunch today.</p> <p> Mildred.  Now now, you are a very busy lady, and you do so much for everyone.  That was the only way I knew how to sneak and pamper you.  [Mildred <em>gives off a nervous laugh</em>.]  Now it’s been over four months since our last workout together at Curves. I want a full report on you.  Our workout conversations used to be the highpoint of my day, and well I think a lot of the other members would coordinate their workouts so they were coming in at the same time as you.  You could read the phone book, and entertain us all you are so much fun.</p> <p> Annie.  Aw shucks Mildred, can I just shrink you down, and put you in my pocket?  You sure know how to make this ole gal smile.  You look fabulous as always Mildred.  So are you still doing the private yoga sessions?</p> <p> Mildred.  I am, and I am still keeping up with my golfing over at the colony. </p> <p> Annie.  That’s great.  I wish I had the patience to play golf.  [<em>Both of the women laugh at the same time.]</em></p> <p> Mildred.  How is that handsome son of yours doing? </p> <p> Annie.  Well, you know he has been working over at Big Cheese Pizza since he got out of the military.  He was promoted to a manager a few weeks ago.</p> <p> Mildred. That’s wonderful!</p> <p> Annie.  Ya, but I wish he would knock off the drinking.  He spends his money so carelessly.  He got his truck repossessed last week, and he owes me about five hundred bucks now for helping him get it back.  You would think that boy would have some sense after two tours in Iraq.  [Annie <em>throws her hands up in the air</em>.]</p> <p> Mildred.  How old is he again dear?</p> <p> Annie.  Twenty five.</p> <p> Mildred.  Give him some time, he is still young.  [Mildred <em>pats</em> Annie’s <em>hand to console her</em>.]  I’m sure he is still healing from all the horrid things he saw over there.</p> <p> Annie.  I know, and I need to remember that Mildred.  I am just lucky he came home safe from that shithole country.  [Mildred <em>and</em> Annie <em>perk up as their food is brought to the table by the server</em>.]</p> <p> David.  [<em>In a thick Asian accent</em>.]  Would you lovely ladies like anything else?</p> <p> Annie.  Mildred?  [Mildred <em>shakes her head</em>.]  No thanks David, you always know how to take care of your customers, maybe a little too well.  [Annie <em>pats her belly, and the three of them all laugh together.</em>  David <em>walks away, and</em> Annie <em>looks to</em> Mildred.]  I figured since I have been a good girl on my diet for the past week I can cheat today.</p> <p> Mildred.  I think I am bending the rules as well.</p> <p> Annie.  You are having a salad Mildred!</p> <p> Mildred. A salad with all of the fixens Annie can be higher in calories than a cheeseburger with fries.  I am just telling myself that I am eating greens so it is okay.  [Mildred <em>chuckles, and pours a healthy amount of salad dressing onto her plate.</em>]</p> <p> Annie.  Did I tell you about that nightmare cheesecake my sister sent me?  [Mildred <em>and</em> Annie <em>both begin to devour their food</em>.]</p> <p> Mildred:  [Mildred <em>finishes chewing a mouth full of her salad</em>.]  No you didn’t, but the only issues I have ever had with cheesecake is my pants growing a little too tight.</p> <p> Annie.  Well, that was my problem exactly. [<em>Both women start to giggle</em>.]  Anyways, my sister sent me this fancy pants cheesecake that she ordered from QVC.</p> <p> Mildred.  The television shopping channel?</p> <p> Annie.  That is the one.  Apparently that big shot fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi has branched out into designing and selling cheesecakes.</p> <p> Mildred.  You don’t say?</p> <p> Annie.  Like that guy really needs anymore money.  So the cheesecake came to my house in some special nuclear bomb like wrapping that kept everything nice and cool.</p> <p> Mildred.  Wow!</p> <p> Annie.  I opened the package, and inside was this 12 inch heavenly cheesecake with the most beautiful plaid design on top.  I lost all control, grabbed a fork, and chowed down on it.  I was like a crack addict on a binge, I couldn’t stop.</p> <p> Mildred.  Oh Annie, I wish I had the guts to say the things you do.</p> <p> Annie.  [Annie <em>laughs</em>.]  I had eaten over two thirds of it in only two days.  I was so ashamed of myself, and my digestive system literally felt like it was going to shut down.  I ended up taking the cheesecake outside to the trash bin. </p> <p> Mildred.  Good for you Annie.  I don’t know if I could have parted with the rest of it.</p> <p> Annie.  Well, I almost didn’t.  Once I got back inside the house I couldn’t stop thinking of going and getting it out of the trash.</p> <p> Mildred.  Oh Annie…..</p> <p> Annie.  I didn’t do it Mildred.  You want to know what I ended up doing?</p> <p> Mildred. Don’t keep me in suspense.</p> <p> Annie.  I grabbed my Dawn dishwashing soap from the kitchen sink, walked outside, opened the box in the trash bin, and dumped it all over the cheesecake. [Mildred <em>loses all composure, and starts laughing uncontrollably</em>.]</p>

<p> Last semester I had was required by my acting professor to watch a professional play.  I chose to see a performace of a play called "Rafta Rafta".  It was an amazing and spiritual experience.  I learned so much from watching this play, and continue to use this knowledge as an aspiring actor.</p> <div class="ReadMsgBody" id="mpf0_readMsgBodyContainer"> <div class="SandboxScopeClass ExternalClass" id="mpf0_MsgContainer">  </div> </div> <div dir="ltr"> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; font-size: 12pt">Bryn Berg                                                                                                                   May 18, 2011</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; font-size: 12pt">Theatre Arts 110</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; font-size: 12pt">Live Performance Critique </span></p> <p align="center" class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0pt"> <span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; font-size: 12pt"> </span></p> <p align="center" class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0pt"> <span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; font-size: 12pt">A Critique of <i>Rafta Rafta</i></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0pt"> <span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; font-size: 12pt">            The Old Globe presented Ayub Khan-Din’s <i>Rafta Rafta</i> on April 22^nd, 2011 on the Donald and Darlene Shirley Stage (a proscenium stage).  Khan-Din is an established playwright, and mostly known for writing the play “East is East” that was made into a successful film in 1999.  Khan-Din developed <i>Rafta Rafta</i> for England’s National Theatre, and it was an enormous hit which led to this production being performed in the U.S.  This production was produced by special arrangement with The Agency (London) Ltd.  <i>Rafta Rafta</i> was directed by Jonathan Silverstein.  The story takes place in present day in Bolton, which is a middle class neighborhood of Greater Manchester, UK.  The story is based around two Indian families that immigrated to the UK who are the Patel’s and the Dutt’s.  The parents of each family came to the UK in their very late teens.  The play opens with a wedding between the son of the Dutt family and the daughter of the Patel family.  This pretty much set the tone for the plot as much of it revolved around the aftermath of the families joining together. </span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0pt"> <span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; font-size: 12pt">The set was a simple replica of a two story suburban home which was all that was really needed since the actors brought humor, fun, and vibrant energy to the stage.  I actually had to bring myself back to reality during intermission because my mind had escaped me, and became so tied up in the internal conflicts taking place between all of the characters.  I found this play to be very educational in so many ways, and extremely enlightening.  A viewer of this play can be taught a lot about the Indian culture, the differences of viewpoints between older and newer generations of individuals, the big picture of the growing pains that come with a new marriage, and how important it is to respect your loved ones hopes and dreams in this life.  The recently married son in this play was not able to perform sexually for his new bride, and had a breakdown because of the severe stress he felt from his family not understanding him.           </span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0pt"> <span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; font-size: 12pt">            I feel that the performers were very well casted, and all had a great understanding of <span class="ecxapple-style-span">Stanislavski's “magic what if”.  The entire audience also seemed very engaged during the whole performance.  This was evident from the many laughs that came from everyone surrounding me.  The giggles were a result of the many humorous lines, and scenes during the performance.  The dialogue was delivered flawlessly, and everyone was very natural and did not over act.  I was also very impressed at how well all of the performers connected with each other, and the relationships were believable. The younger performers faced a challenge that was executed in such a talented fashion.  They were of Indian decent, but had to put on a British accent since their characters were born and raised in the UK.  Never once did I see any of them go off track from putting on the pretend accents.  I did notice an interesting contrast between the older and younger cast members though.  The actors that played the parents appeared to be much more relaxed on stage, and I also observed that they were having fun.  The actors playing the kids of the parents (they were either in their late teens or early twenties) were great, but did not seem as comfortable on stage. </span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0pt"> <span class="ecxapple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; font-size: 12pt"> My favorite actor was Geeta Citygirl Chopra who played Lopa Dutt, the mother of the newly married son.  I chose Chopra for many reasons, but the one that stands out the most is that she seemed to be having a blast with her part, and relishing being on stage from start to finish.  Chopra had a lot on her plate when it came to her character.  She had to be the peacemaker between her the huge conflicts taking place between her husband and son, her new daughter in law and son, as well as other various family members.  There was also the factor that she was carrying around the secret of being unfaithful to her husband when she was very young.  Chopra was also very pro-active in helping her partners in every scene, and expressed her objectives with precision.  This led to me always being able to visualize her characters super objective which was for her entire family to blend together peacefully, and to respect and understand one another. </span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0pt"> <span class="ecxapple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; font-size: 12pt">            The script was a simple story, but beautifully written.  I would even go so far as to say it was brilliant.  It is a plot that anyone can understand, and most likely relate to no matter of your age, class, or education level.  The script reminds us of important morals in life that are so obvious, yet we easily forget them a lot of the time.  The play to me conveyed that tensions between family members sometimes occur due to the fact that they only want only the best for one another.  This was especially prevalent between the father and newly married son.  The dad wanted his son to work a steady factory job like he did so he could provide security for his new wife and any children to come.  Having a blue collar profession was enough for the father, and gave him everything he wanted in life.  His son wanted more than what his dad was pushing him to do career wise.  The son was born with a taste for the arts, and a lot of creativity.  His father could never seem to embrace this (it was revealed in the play that a major reason for the difference, as previously mentioned was that his mother secretly had an affair with his best friend so he was not his biological father).  The dad was constantly poking fun at his what he thought was his offspring for always listening to classical music, and not having a sense of humor.  The author of this play reminds us that even in a family dynamic every individual is unique. Even though originality can throw a wrench in a family we must embrace and respect it.   It will also ensure that you do not waste any time being distant from a family member or relative over small personality misunderstandings.  At the conclusion of the script you see the father finally giving in to his stubbornness regarding the differences between him and his son.  You actually see the dad getting this lesson the playwright is through my eyes trying to teach everyone, and shows the plays purpose.  I viewed it as a ray of sun sunlight poking its head through on a cloudy day.  His character almost even seemed childlike when he made this change in himself because he was so excited about having a new relationship built on actually getting his son’s personality.</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0pt"> <span class="ecxapple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; font-size: 12pt">            I think a large amount of this plays success is owed to the director, Jonathan Silverstein, and of course the playwright,</span></span><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; font-size: 12pt"> Ayub Khan-Din. <span class="ecxapple-style-span"> In the play program Silverstein mentions that he knew this would be a challenge for him as a director as he is “a nice Jewish boy from Rhode Island”, and didn’t know how to relate to Indians living in Britain.  However, he took the title of the script to heart.  <i>Rafta Rafta </i>in Hindi translates to “slowly, slowly”.  Silverstein was able to take this as meaning “as in any relationship, it takes time to get to know one another.  This is a lesson to which anyone, no matter what culture they are from can connect”.   I feel Silverstein’s approach was basic, but extremely profound.  This play will always have a huge impact on me for the rest of my life because it was such a powerful learning experience, and has taught me to have more patience with the members of my own family.</span></span></p> </div> <p>  </p> <p>  </p>

<p> Last semester I decided to take a piece from Ibsen's play "A Doll's House" for a monolouge.  Ibsen has always blown my mind as a writer, and was so ahead of his time.  During the time this play was written it was almost unheard of for a woman like Nora's character to take a stand as a woman, be her own person, and admit she was an independant thinker.  My professor gave us a format to follow in disector our character.  It was pretty much a Stanislavski or Method Acting type of approach.  I have found more and more that this technique works best for me.  Understanding a character inside and out is essential in playing a part as well as putting yourself in their shoes, and finding your own way of substituting it with a situation(s) similar in your life.  Below is what I submitted to my professor.</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; font-size: 12pt">Bryn Berg                                                                                                                   May 18, 2011</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; font-size: 12pt">Theatre Arts 110</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> Character Analysis for Monologue #2</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>Play:</b>  Ibsen’s <i>A Doll’s House</i></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>Character:</b>  Nora Helmer</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b><u>Givens</u></b></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>Age:  </b>Late twenties</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>Birth Place:  </b>Norway</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>Education Level</b>:  Finishing school</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>Economic/Social Status</b>:  Nora’s family is upper middle class.  Her husband is a well respected business man on the verge of a promotion for the bank he works for.</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>Greatest Dream</b>:  Nora wishes to be independent, and no longer have to cow tow to what the men in her life want her to be.  Nora no longer wants to be seen as just a pretty doll.  She wants to have her own thoughts and opinions, and most importantly to be taken seriously as a human being.  She realizes this at the very end of the play.</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>Greatest Fear</b>:  For most of the play Nora was terrified of her husband finding out about a shady loan she had taken out to actually save his life.  At the end of the play it was being imprisoned in her husbands doll house for the rest of her life, and never having her own identity.</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>Historical Facts About Nora Helmer</b>:  Nora was a housewife living in the late 19^{<font size="2">th</font>} century Norway.  During this time women were not allowed to be independent thinkers.</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>Where and When is My Character (Location, Weather, Time, and Season)?</b>  This play takes place is in the late 19^{<font size="2">th</font>} century in Norway during the Christmas season which would make the weather very cold.  The story appears to take place over the course of a few days in Nora and her husbands home. </p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>What happened just before the scene/monologue started?  </b>Nora’s secret of her the money she borrowed illegally was revealed to her husband, and he says horrible and degrading things to her for what she has done. Her husband has also learned blackmail will take place from one of his enemies.  In a sudden plot twist the threat of blackmail is suddenly lifted, and Nora’s significant other changes his tune about his feelings for Nora.  He gives her a long speech about how everything in their lives will go back to how it was.  Nora’s husband has no regard for all of the humiliating insults he has just thrown at Nora, and expects her to just sweep everything he said under the rug.  Nora has a sudden epiphany, and realizes she can no longer pretend to live as her husbands doll, and finally speaks her mind.</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b><u>Other</u></b></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>General Relationship:  </b>Torvald is Nora’s husband of eight years.</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>Specific Relationship</b>:  Nora is smothered by Torvald, and by the end of the play feels that he is holding her back from being her own person with her own thoughts and opinions.</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>Help/Hurt Nora</b>:  Torvald can help Nora because he can give her a very comfortable and secure life financially.  Torvald can also provide her with a decent place in society.  Torvald can hurt Nora by being selfish, and expecting her to exist to fulfill just his needs.  He is totally oblivious to the fact that Nora wants to be heard, and seen as her own person.</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b><u>Destination:  Where/When/What</u></b></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>Objective (What does Nora want from Torvald right now?):  </b>Nora wants her husband Torvald to see her as more than an ornament.  She wants to have finally have a serious conversation after eight years of marriage.  She has already made up her mind to leave their marriage, but wants Torvald to understand that she is departing because he won’t let her be her own person. </p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>What happens to Nora Helmer’s world if she does not achieve her objective</b>?  In my eyes it would be very devastating to Nora if she was not able to get through to Torvald about her feelings.  She spent eight years in a smothering marriage pretending to be happy.  Nora chooses to leave the security of her marriage, and asks for no financial support from Torvald.  In my opinion Nora was doing a beyond risky thing for a woman in her time in order to try and prove her points.  Nora was most likely not going to be living a financially friendly existence.  If she did not get through to Torvald, struggling for the rest of her life could all been for nothing.</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal">                 <b><u>Obstacle</u></b></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>What is standing in the way of Nora Helmer achieving her objective:  </b>Torvald being extremely stubborn, and not understanding that Nora is so much more than just a doll.</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in"> <b><u>To Do</u></b></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>What actions/tactics would I use when playing Nora Helmer to achieve my objective?</b>  I would want Torvald to apologize to me, and stand up and fight for my right to be my own person.  The tactics I would use are mock, press, shake, silence, terminate (as in terminate the marriage), shield, and hush.</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> <b>“IF” Life experiences I will use to try and identify with Nora Helmer’s character</b>:</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin-left: 0.25in">  I felt very trapped in corporate America for many years, and like Nora I played the part of acting like I loved my job, and experienced having many of my ideas to better the companies I worked for shut down by managers.  I also feel that many of my managers just wanted me to be a robot or, like Nora “a doll” that just did my job, and never kicked up any fuss.  Back in 2009 I knew I was going to lose my job as the company was downsizing.  I toughed it out so I could get unemployment.  The day finally came for me, and others in my department to get the ax.  Like Nora I wasn’t sure how I would support myself as unemployment is not a lot of money.  However, being free from fake people, and incompetent managers was more important to me.  I was actually trying not to smirk when I was given the huge speech by human resources about what a company must do to survive, and even tuned most of it out.  I finally just said “I want to help the company save time so you can just cut this short, give me my last check, and tell me what I need to sign”.  I then proceeded to drive down Winchester road in Temecula, rolled down my window and shouted “I’m free!”  That was my way of slamming the door as Nora did at the end of the play.  I was so excited to start a new life of not being chained to a desk all day, and going after the things I really wanted. </p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin-left: 0.25in"> I can also use a past relationship with a guy that pretty much abandoned me, and said demeaning words towards me and my family that still after five years haunt me to this day.  A few months after this all took place he called me up out of the blue thinking I was still in love with him, that we could just pick up again, and that I was over the traumatic things he had said and done.  I will also use this to put myself in Nora’s shoes as Torvald pretty much did the same thing, and though his hurtful words would just roll off her back once he found he would no longer be blackmailed. </p> <p>  </p> <p>  </p>