Afterwards

Today was the first day I felt rested since my show this past Tuesday. It takes so much adrenaline, to not only perform, but to promote, promote, promote. And I am so glad to take a break from the social media tsunami of shameless self-promotion. There is a reason why people hire publicists.

The show itself felt pretty good. For the most part I was focused and present in the moment- which is all I can really ask for as an actor. My number one prayer to God before a show is always, “help me be authentic.” If the actor doesn’t believe it, the audience won’t believe it.

The audience was receptive, but I do get nervous when performing a dramedy because I won’t hear laughter during the more dramatic parts. I don’t know if the audience is listening or is bored. Note to future self: write more jokes in between serious moments.

Not that I am a seasoned pro when it comes to comedy or anything. I do watch a lot of stand-up specials on Netflix though. I am in awe of the well-seasoned dry comedian who delivers the perfect dead-panned joke while waiting for the audience to catch up to them. So much trust that the joke will land. But enough of that mumbo jumbo. In other news…..

I love autumn. The weather is crisp and perfect, football is on in the background, and the holiday season is among us. I take it all in and am grateful for those who take the time to decorate the neighborhoods. And for the first time in years, my local Starbucks came though on a little holiday cheer:

FINALLY!

Oakland Starbucks in the past, had been all “bah-humbug” and refused to offer the pretty seasonal cups. They left me with no choice but to venture out of my city limits in search of redder and greener pastures. Even Berkeley and San Francisco had more holiday cheer than Oakland. But now, in 2023, it looks like they finally came around and I am here for it.

Alright, gotta start prepping for my next gig. I will be performing a 20-minute excerpt of my other solo show, “All the Great New Things to Come” – a show about being a fourth generation SF Bay Area native, next month at the Marsh in San Francisco. Then again in January in the Outer Sunset in SF. Great Grandma Katie would be so proud. Cheers.

Born Again in Berkeley — 11.7.23

In 2013, 10 years ago, I attended The Marsh in San Francisco for the first time. A very talented SF Bay Area actor named Michael Sommers, was performing his one-man show there and I knew I needed to see it. I am positive this was the first time I had ever been to this venue, because I remember getting off at the wrong BART station on 16th street and then realizing I needed to be at 22nd Street. Needless to say by the time I rushed into The Marsh, I was out of breath. One shan’t be late for the theatre!

The show was called “A Vermont Boy in West Oakland” and of course, it was hilarious. Michael is a very gifted comedic actor. I was just beginning to get interested in solo performance myself around this time, so when I was handed a program that included information about solo performance classes being offered at The Marsh, I knew I needed to sign up!

I have been somewhat obsessed with solo performance ever since. Through the years I have written and performed many short 20-minute pieces including one full length show back in 2017 for fringe festivals; but I have never performed a full length show at The Marsh. This Tuesday, 11/7/23, I will perform my one-woman show, “Born Again in Berkeley” at The Marsh Berkeley. Consider it my “Full Length Show Marsh Debut”. And it only took 10 years. I hope you will join me. Oh, and after the show, there will be a “talk back” – Q&A with the audience. That is, if you have any questions. Or maybe you will just want to talk back to me. That’s okay- I can take it.

SHOW INFO:

November 7, 2023

“BORN AGAIN IN BERKELEY” (65 minutes- no intermission. Q&A after the show)

The Marsh Berkeley – 2120 Allston Way

Doors open at 7pm, Show starts at 7:30pm

BUY TICKETS HERE

“Theresa has a secret. In the San Francisco Bay Area, where people are flinging open their closet doors, Theresa is afraid she won’t be accepted. Help Theresa come out……..as a Christian.”