Note from Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications: Delaney Heil is my Mentee in the Aztec Mentor Program at San Diego State University (SDSU). An Honors Program Student, Delaney is studying Public Relations, Advertising and Applied Communication and is Minoring in Biology. This interview was part of Delaney’s PR assignment and as her Mentor I wanted to give Delaney an opportunity to be published, thus, her guest interview post! Many thanks, Delaney!
SDSU Aztec Mentor Susan J. Farese, and Mentee Delaney Heil
Delaney Heil (Courtesy Photo)
Greatness from Small Beginnings:
How Public Relations Can Arise Anywhere
An Interview with Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
By Delaney Heil
SAN DIEGO – Most public relations practitioners begin their careers by studying the subject in school. But Susan Farese of SJF Communications had a very different introduction into PR.
Instead of Susan obtaining a degree in PR she began in Nursing and Musical Theater.
“I received my bachelors and then masters degrees in Nursing and was a military nurse for 12 years. Since 1990 (after leaving the military) I have been a consultant, with several geographical moves in between. Fast forward to circa 2005, 2006…when my daughter was involved in professional and community productions I wrote a press release for the kids that were featured among the adults,” she said.
As the years went by, through her daughter’s participation in theater, Farese volunteered to write promotional announcements for the productions.
“In 2011, the director of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ in San Diego was impressed with my promoting the production and recommended me to join the board for the San Diego Musical Theatre,” said Farese.
Farese created the position of Marketing/ PR on the board, which turned into a consulting and staff position. After 5 years, it prompted her to begin freelance PR services with her business SJF Communications. She specializes in PR marketing and doubles as a social media coach, blogger and mentor.
Her specialty is in entertainment PR, linking back to her theater background.
“Somehow because I worked theater PR for five years, I cultivated so many contacts. I just feel comfortable in this industry. Additionally, I have been providing PR for musicians as well.”
Becoming established in San Diego wasn’t easy for Farese. “I had to compile and/or edit a list of media contacts, build a database, provide ongoing media relations, write and submit press releases, provide email marketing, online calendar submissions and social media posts, create a business website/blog and attend many productions and events as well as other duties. I joined organizations and networked. “It’s a challenge, but I like it. Actually, I love it! I’m still establishing my brand.”
Farese assured that despite the challenges, there are many benefits to being a PR practitioner, such as exciting interpersonal challenges and events. “Connecting with people excites me. I enjoy getting the word out, mass communication, everything involved with it,” said Farese.
Farese believes that the most important thing for future practitioners to remember is “to be assertive and confident in themselves. And to have a positive attitude…No matter what!”
Many thanks Delaney!
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Factory Seconds Brass Trio Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni Left to right: Jesse McCormick (Horn), Richard Stout, (Trombone) & Jack Sutte (Trumpet),
The San Diego State University School of Music and Dance is thrilled to announce a visit and performance by the Factory Seconds Brass Trio on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at the SDSU Smith Recital Hall. This free, one day residency features instrumental and chamber music masterclasses, culminating in a formal concert with select SDSU students.
Established in 2013, the Factory Seconds Brass Trio members include Jack Sutte (Trumpet), Jesse McCormick (Horn), and Richard Stout, (Trombone). Each member occupies the Second Chair position in their respective section with The Cleveland Orchestra, and all are faculty members at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory.
All events with the Factory Seconds Brass Trio on May 1st are free and open to the public, thanks to the Student Success Fee at San Diego State.
The schedule for the May 1st event includes:
2pm – Trumpet, Horn and Trombone Masterclasses
4:30pm – Chamber Music Masterclass and Open Rehearsal
7pm – Concert in Smith Recital Hall
Dr. Eric Starr, Lecturer, Brass Chamber Music and Performing Arts Internship Coordinator, states “Factory Seconds members are truly world class musicians. This is an incredible opportunity for our students to learn from, and perform with some of the foremost brass players in the world today”.
Quote from Richard Stout, Factory Seconds Brass Trio: “We are delighted to be reconnecting with old friends and making new ones; that this concert will include a chance to perform with SDSU students makes it a special event we are looking forward to.” -Richard Stout
Quote from SDSU Trumpet Student Lindsay Ross: “Many of our studio faculty members also perform in the San Diego Symphony, and other ensembles in southern California. In addition to having these perspectives, it will be a great opportunity to have other perspectives from other professional symphony orchestra musicians and studio professors.” – Lindsay Ross
The mission of San Diego State University’s School of Music and Dance is to provide the highest quality education for performers, choreographers, educators, researchers, and those who may be in fields related to music and dance. In addition, the School of Music and Dance is committed to provide the general student, our future audience, with the deepest understanding and appreciation of music and dance. The School of Music and Dance serves a varied intellectual and ethnic student body in a culturally rich environment.
Through specialized faculty/student contact, the use of technology, an international programmatic focus, and our relationship with community, regional and national organizations, the School provides career development opportunities, enhances critical thinking abilities, and nurtures new generations of artists,choreographers, teachers, scholars and other professionals. Ultimately, the School of Music and Dance serves as a dedicated resource for excellence in performance, choreography, teaching, research, and creative activity.
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I spent a delightful afternoon wandering about by bird watching and enjoying nature’s foliage, views and more at the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy – a Southern California nonprofit land trust which is part of the nearly 1000-acre San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, bordered by the northern San Diego areas of Solana Beach, Encinitas and Rancho Santa Fe.
I began my solo stroll at the ‘green’ San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center (2710 Manchester Avenue
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007). The volunteers and rangers were very helpful with information. I gave a donation and visited the interactive exhibits. The Nature Center sells limited items such as maps, books, snacks/drinks etc.
I embarked on my journey by following the beautiful trail. Here are some photos from the day!
Nature Center and Trail
Feel free to hover over/click on each photo to see the name and enlarge it.
I visited during low tide and was able to see a variety of shore birds at the mud flats. The trail is quite easy to navigate (it also includes ADA accessible boardwalk). There are natural-looking overlooks and benches for those who’d like a rest, or just sit and observe!
Bird Watching!
Feel free to hover over/click on each photo to see the name and enlarge it.
Bufflehead
American Wigeon
American Wigeon
White-Crowned Sparrow
White-Crowned Sparrow
Mallards
Snowy Egret
Yellow Common Throat
The Mallards!
MallardMallards
More Bird Watching!
OspreyDouble-Crested Cormorant
Enjoying the Surroundings!
Feel free to hover over/click on each photo to see the name and enlarge it.
I also enjoyed admiring the foliage and surroundings. Here’s a peek at what I saw that day…Spring has sprung indeed!
Arroyo Willow
Climbing Milkweed
Sea Dahlia
Pine Cone
Torrey PInes
Such a wonderful day!
Snowy Egret
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My husband and I recently thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon at Santee Lakes. We walked around several of the lakes for fitness and I did some incredible bird watching!
As I have stated before, #TorreyPinesStateBeach is my ‘go to’ place to walk for fitness, stroll, socialize, observe the #artinnature and #natureasart. I like to visually capture interesting images.
Here are a few images from my most recent March, 2018 visit…I also saw a whale spouting, but it was so fast I couldn’t capture it quickly enough with a photo!
The Entrance to Torrey Pines State Beach
Things Happen in Threes!
Wouldn’t you know…I glanced up and saw a pelican, dolphin and helicopter in the distance!
Things Happen in Threes!
Some images from the afternoon!
Rocks within rocks!
Ocean movement
Lovely waves!
A Sandpiper Enjoying a Snack from the Ocean!
And a Classic Sandpiper Pose!
And a classic Sandpiper Pose!
A Seagull in Flight!
A Seagull in Flight
Shells a Plenty!
Shells a Plenty!
Pelicans in Formation on Parade!
Pelicans in Formation on Parade!
Ocean Friendship: A Pelican with a Dolphin!
Ocean Friendship: A Pelican with a Dolphin!
Dolphin Fin!
Dolphin Fin!
Dolphin Swimming!
Dolphin Swimming!
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My Power of One 5th Act of Kindness, San Diego March 1, 2018
(San Diego, California, March 6, 2018). There was an ‘Act of Kindness’ in San Diego on Thursday, March 1st from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Halo Cinematic, benefiting Rachel’s Women’s Center (a Drop-In Day Center at Catholic Charities for homeless and low income women in East Village). This fifth Act of Kindness in San Diego was sponsored and led by Sue Vicory, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, humanitarian and the CEO of the global brand “My Power of One”.
According to Ms. Vicory and My Power of One, ‘March 1st was our 5th Act of Kindness in San Diego. We gathered for a photo shoot with photographer Aram Khachaturyan on a movie set at Halo Cinematic and gathered up supplies to deliver to a day center for women. Five carloads were delivered.’
Here is a photo montage video courtesy of Sue Vicory:
“The mission of ‘My Power of One’ is as simple as understanding how significant we each are within humanity with our every word and every action making a difference. These words and actions are our legacy and fingerprint within humanity. We pride ourselves in doing intentional and sometimes anonymous random acts of kindness. Be the Miracle is our catch phrase.” – Sue Vicory
Sue Vicory, recently was an Indie Film Showcase’ panelist at the Sundance Film Festival and will be an upcoming panelist representing Women Filmmakers at the Cannes Film Festival in May, 2018. More information about Sue Vicory can be found at her Website, her YouTube Channel and in a 2016 Interview.
Social Media Hashtags for the March 1st event: #MPO1 #ThinkOne #ActofKindness.
(San Diego, California, February 24, 2018). There will be a special ‘Act of Kindness’ in San Diego on Thursday, March 1st from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Halo Cinematic, benefiting Rachel’s Women’s Center (a Drop-In Day Center at Catholic Charities for homeless and low income women in East Village). This fifth Act of Kindness in San Diego is sponsored and led by Sue Vicory, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, humanitarian and the CEO of the global brand “My Power of One”.
This unique day of celebration will include collecting, organizing and ultimately distributing a variety of donations to Rachel’s Women’s Center. There will also be a star-studded photo shoot of local celebrities with photographer Aram Khachaturyan from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. as well as entertainment on a film set at Halo Cinematic in Mira Mesa (7620 Miramar Rd Ste 41 San Diego, CA 92126). There is very limited space available with a maximum of 30 individuals at any given time throughout the four-hour event. Caterer Simply Fresh will be providing food for the event.
“The mission of ‘My Power of One’ is as simple as understanding how significant we each are within humanity with our every word and every action making a difference. These words and actions are our legacy and fingerprint within humanity. We pride ourselves in doing intentional and sometimes anonymous random acts of kindness. Be the Miracle is our catch phrase.” – Sue Vicory
Sue Vicory, recently was an Indie Film Showcase’ panelist at the Sundance Film Festival and will be an upcoming panelist representing Women Filmmakers at the Cannes Film Festival in May, 2018. More information about Sue Vicory can be found at her Website, her YouTube Channel and in a 2016 Interview.
Social Media Hashtags for the March 1st event: #MPO1 #ThinkOne #ActofKindness.
Thanks to my friend’s recommendation, my husband and I recently visited the Miramar Reservoir for the first time. Located in the Scripps Ranch area of San Diego, Miramar Reservoir is a place loaded with nature and atmosphere! One of those ‘hidden gems’ in my opinion. Nearly 5 miles of paved trail (and a few areas right next to the water) surround the ‘lake’.
Want to go fishing? You can obtain a fishing permit, bait & tackle from the facilities and concessions stand. Apparently the reservoir is home to largemouth bass, crappie (lol), bluegill, channel catfish, sunfish and trout. There are minimum size & amount limits.
Also visit the concession stand (opened Wednesdays through Sundays) for the following:
Hungry or Thirsty? Grab some snacks & drinks!
Up for some exercise with a bike ride? You can rent bikes for adventures on land!
Yearning for the water? You can rent kayaks, motorized boats, rowboats even pedal boats! Read here about restrictions and use of float tubes as well
Or, like us, simply power walk, or simply stroll the trail loop.
What are you waiting for???
Directions: Take #15 to Mira Mesa Boulevard traveling East. Take a right turn onto Scripps Ranch Boulevard, then a left on Scripps Lake Drive. You’ll see the entrance on your left.
Feel free to click on these photos from our afternoon at Miramar Reservoir! You can click on each one to see a better view.
First of all, the ‘geese patrol’ greeted us!
Geese welcoming us in the parking lot. Miramar Reservoir. Photo By SJF Communications
Geese welcoming us in the parking lot. Miramar Reservoir. Photo By SJF Communications
Geese welcoming us in the parking lot. Miramar Reservoir. Photo By SJF Communications
Some beautiful images of the Miramar Reservoir from our walk
(Click on each for a larger view)
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
This signage invites you to rent and enjoy a paddleboat!
Signage at Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications
A few images of the boat dock…
Boat Rentals, Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications, 2018
Boat Rentals, Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications, 2018
And finally, more geese!
(Click on each for a larger view)
Geese! Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications
Geese! Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications
Geese! Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications
Ah, and a beautiful bougainvillia as well!
(Click on each for a larger view)
Beautiful bougainvillea at Miramar Reservoir, Photo by SJF Communications, 2018
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A place that never ceases to amaze me is Torrey Pines State Beach! It is located between La Jolla and Del Mar, California and approximately 1.5 miles West of Interstate 5 at Carmel Valley Road in San Diego. Here is a cool visitors guide for Torrey Pines State Beach including parking rate information from the San Diego Tourism Authority as well as information about the Torrey Pines State Reserve. Daily rates: $10-15 Monday-Thursday; $12-20 Friday-Sunday and Holidays.Click for info on Annual Passes.
#TorreyPinesStateBeach is my ‘go to’ place to walk for fitness, stroll, socialize, observe the #artinnature and #natureasart. I like to visually capture interesting images.
Here are a few of my photos from yesterday’s walk.
Beautiful Torrey Pines State Beach! Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Sandstone Cave-Like Area! Torrey Pines State Beach Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Amazing Sandstone Rocks! Torrey Pines State Beach Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
A very lovely shell amidst the rocks! Torrey Pines State Beach Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Heart Rock Torrey Pines State Beach Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
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#202-204, Barracks 16, 2nd floor above Women’s Museum
Hope to see you at this engaging, non-traditional, interactive (and hopefully fun) journey “Capturing your Creativity with Haiku”- for the fun and health of it.
Bring your open mind, active imagination, sense of humor, zest for life, quest for fun while learning and willingness to participate. Satisfaction? Poetically guaranteed!
We will chat about Haiku as a Japanese poetry form with ease of use, explore the benefits and value of Haiku as a cathartic, therapeutic, stress management tool and actively participate in several creative Haiku opportunities and challenges!
“My Power of Oneis a privately held e-commerce apparel and accessories company with the intention of being a catalyst for inspired positive action which supports community based organizations throughout the year with our acts of kindness. We are supported by a bi-coastal Board of Advisors.
Please help me welcome Susan Farese of SJF Communications as our newest and boldest My Power of One Board of Advisor for 2018. I have worked with Susan on multiple occasions which has lead me to ask her to take on Director of Entertainment for the Global market. As a nurse, veteran, SAG actress, tap dancer and PR/Marketer she is the perfect choice after a long search. Susan gets to craft her own duties and fulfill them to her heart’s desire. Welcome aboard our ship of endless inspiration and empowerment. http://mypowerofone.com/advisory-board “
-Sue Vicory, My Power of One
Susan’s Quote:
“I am thrilled to join forces with the talented philanthropist, filmmaker, empowering colleague, friend and kindred spirit Sue Vicory and embark on this exciting new inspirational journey with the phenomenal ‘My Power of One” Board of Advisors. Sue Vicory is one of a kind. Her purposeful ‘power of one’ spreading kindness while giving back is an inspiration to all”.
-Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
My Power of One Logo Courtesy of Sue Vicory, MPO1
It’s always a pleasure to work with Sue Vicory on a variety of programs and projects.
Update: As of 12/16/17 at 4:32 p.m. p.s.t, SJF Communications has a winner for the Family 4 Pack to “Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A Pirates Christmas” (San Diego)!
Thank you to those who responded! We will let you know if anything opens up for more complimentary tickets.
PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL – A PIRATES CHRISTMAS, is a flying, singing, and swashbuckling holiday show performed in the style of British panto. Pirates plan to kidnap Peter Pan as a Christmas present for Captain Hook. Can Peter, Wendy, and Tinkerbell foil their scheme?
And look who is starring in it!!!
ASHLEY ARGOTA OF ABC FAMILY’S “THE FOSTERS” (Tinkerbell)
RILEY COSTELLO OF NBC’S “HAIRSPRAY LIVE!” (Peter Pan)
CLARICE ORDAZ OF FOX’S “SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE” (Tiger Lily)
MARK RYAN OF STARZ’ “BLACK SAILS” (Captain Hook)
DAVID F.M. VAUGHN OF BROADWAY’S “SHREK THE MUSICAL” (Smee)
AUDREY WHITBY OF NICKELODEON’S “THE THUNDERMANS” (Wendy)
How do I win?
Be the first person to:
1. Click on and complete our Contact Form ( between 9 a.m. p.s.t. Saturday, December 16th and no later than 11 a.m. p.s.t. Sunday, December 17th) to WIN a family 4 pack of tickets for Opening Night, December 21st at The Balboa Theatre! Add name, email , phone and then comment: Peter Pan and Tinker Bell Tickets. Thank you!
The catch:
Winner must post on Social Media
that they attended the Opening!
More info below:
Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A Pirates Christmas is Directed by Bonnie Lythgoe and choreographed by Mario Mosley, with book by Kris Lythgoe, Michael Orland (American Idol) serving as musical arranger and supervisor, and Andy Street serving as Musical Director. Chris Wood will serve as Associate Producer and Chris Wilcox will serve as Lighting Director. Casting is by Executive Producer Becky Lythgoe. This will be the second holiday season of Lythgoe Family Panto in San Diego, and their first in this larger venue.
PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL – A PIRATES CHRISTMAS is a flying, singing and swashbuckling holiday adventure performed in the style of a British panto. Step into the Balboa Theatre and embark on a wild quest with Tinker Bell, Wendy and Peter Pan, as they try to put a stop to the plot of some dastardly pirates who plan to kidnap Peter as a present to Captain Hook. Filled with big laughs, magic, dancers and contemporary songs by everyone from Taylor Swift to the Bee Gees, this family show has a little bit of something for everyone.
PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL – A PIRATES CHRISTMAS will play a strictly limited engagement of 12 performances from December 21 through December 31, with the official press opening on December 21, at the Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Avenue, San Diego CA 92101.
Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased in-person at San Diego Theatres Advance Sales Windows located at 1100 3rd Ave (corner of 3rd & B St) across from the Civic Theatre, via phone at (619/760/858) 570-1100 Mon-Fri 10a-6p, or anytime online at http://sandiegotheatres.org/peter-pan-tinker-bella-pirates-christmas/. Golden Tickets, which allow the ticketholder (children ages 4 – 12 only) a special on-stage experience during the production, are available for an additional $60.00 each.
“I am so excited by the great cast of Broadway and television performers we have assembled for our second San Diego production,” says Kris Lythgoe, the show’s author and President of Lythgoe Family Panto. “San Diego is a huge supporter of the Arts and we are proud to once again expand panto productions with San Diego Theatres.”
“We are thrilled to be expanding to The Balboa Theatre this season allowing even more families in San Diego and the surrounding communities to share in the magic of Panto!” says Becky Lythgoe, Producer and Co-Founder of Lythgoe Family Panto. “Ages 3-103, children, parents, and grandparents all coming together to sing, dance and share in the joy of LIVE theatre. This for us encapsulates the spirit and beauty reflective of the holiday season!”
Lythgoe Family Panto produces fun, musical theatre the whole family can enjoy. Known for their creativity and involvement in television hits “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” the Lythgoes are dedicated to bringing affordable theatre to families across America. Based on the Grimm fairytales and others, each story has been modernized with topical scripts for parents and well known pop songs for kids.
The Lythgoes pride themselves on creating a memorable experience a family can share together. This December, Lythgoe Family Panto will offer their largest season yet, with 4 different productions playing concurrently in Laguna, Pasadena, San Diego and Houston.
Lythgoe Family Panto established their reputation with productions at Pasadena Playhouse including A Cinderella Christmas starring Lauren Taylor, Alex Newell and Morgan Fairchild, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A Pirates Christmas starring Sabrina Carpenter and John O’Hurley, Sleeping Beauty and Her Winter Knight starring Olivia Holt and Lucy Lawless, Aladdin and His Winter Wish starring Ben Vereen, Jordan Fisher, and Ashley Argota – and A Snow White Christmas (the original of this production) starring Ariana Grande and Neil Patrick Harris.
Thanks and hope to see you at PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL – A PIRATES CHRISTMAS!
San Diego Actors Theatre presents a site-specific theatrical production of Edward Albee’s THE ZOO STORY, October 28 -November 12, 2017 (Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2 p.m.) at Pioneer Park in Mission Hills, San Diego. Of note: 2018 will mark the sixtieth anniversary of The Zoo Story.
PEC: When I founded the San Diego Actors Theatre in 1985 with a lot of help and support from my late husband and many theatre artist friends, I was one of only 2 women directors in San Diego. Directing in legitimate theatre has traditionally been a male-dominated profession. When I founded the SD Actors Theatre, I put that out of my mind and just went after what I wanted to do. Thirty-two years later, however, I see that there still is gender inequality. A woman director needs to persevere, be strong, and quietly fight for what they need and want in the theatre. Chip chip chip at the glass ceiling.
SJF: Why did you choose to direct TZS?
PEC: I’ve always loved this play. I admire Edward Albee. Themes and language are philosophically intelligent and provocative of thought and emotion. Simple and economically viable to produce –I Hope. In the natural park setting as the setting in play.
SJF: Any challenges with directing this show?
PEC: I enjoy directing. It has gone beautifully well. It is always about the director’s choice in casting. I’m working with two talented pros.
SJF: Favorite moments/scenes?
PEC: My favorite moments in the play are when these two actors are at their most vulnerable. That is the strength of the play – when we are able to see man’s humanity and sometimes man’s inhumanity to man. There is a lot of that in our political climate and political culture. Man and woman need to do better each and every day.
SJF: Best shows you have directed or best roles to date in your career?
PEC: Best shows directed – Eleemosynary by Lee Blessing was my professional directorial debut in SD. Performed in some good roles in The Miss Firecracker Contest & The Perfect Party. Have really enjoyed roles played in many staged readings SDAT has produced over the years. Directed a staged reading of Dinner With Friends recently that was beautiful.
SJF: What don’t we know about you
PEC: I’m currently in grad school for another degree. Was an associate with the Sisters of Providence order for a short time.
SJF: Dream role or show to direct?
PEC: Dream Role: Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf – told you I liked Edward Albee. Lady Macbeth & Hamlet. Every show I work on is a DREAM ROLE as a performer or Dream Show to direct!
SJF: Advice to other directors, new directors etc.
PEC: Advice – collaborate is key. Makes everyone happier.
SJF: Pet Peeves
PEC: Pet peeves – not listening. Monologists in social conversations. Lack of empathy or compassion.
SJF: Inspirational quote?
PEC: Inspirational quote from a Nigerian priest at the Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France – “try to do better” and another favorite is “your life is not about you.”
SJF: Anything else?
PEC: I’m crazy about my 2 handsome, smart, and talented sons – Matthew and Nicholas. They are the LIGHT of my life.
Byron La Due (Jerry) ‘The Zoo Story’ by Edward Albee
Byron LaDue (Jerry)
SJF: Why did you choose to audition for TZS?
BLD: Patty texted me to do what I thought was a reading of Zoo Story. Turned out to be live, in the park and playing the crazy guy.
SJF: Any challenges to your role?
BLD: Lines, lines, lines.
SJF: How do you identify with your role personally?
BLD: How? I never answer questions like this. I’ll use one of Jerry’s Lines. “I have no feelings about any of it that I care to admit to myself.”
SJF: Favorite moments/scenes
BLD: The whole thing is a gas. Fred as Peter getting all worked up over a bad thing to call Jerry. All he comes up with is, “You’re a …..Bum.” Cracks up me and Jerry.
SJF: Best roles to date in your career
BLD: Paul Gauguin in The Musical Paul Gauguin
SJF: What don’t we know about you
BLD: I collect Motion Picture Soundtracks beginning with Hercules with Steve Reeves in the early 50’s.
SJF: Dream role?
BLD: Harold Hill –Music Man
SJF: Advice to other actors, new actors etc.
BLD: Don’t give up your day job.
SJF: Pet Peeves?
BLD: Actors who don’t learn their lines.
SJF: Inspirational quote
BLD: “I won’t ask of myself to become someone else, I’ll just be me.”
Fred Harlow (Peter) ‘The Zoo Story’ by Edward Albee
Fred Harlow (Peter)
SJF: Why did you choose to audition for TZS?
FH: I really didn’t audition. Patricia called me last year to do a staged reading and it snowballed from there.
SJF: Any challenges to your role?
FH: Listen like I’ve never listened before.
SJF: How do you identify with your role personally? How?
FH: Peter doesn’t like to make waves. He also follows the rules, however tell me the rules and I’ll find the loopholes.
SJF: Favorite moments/scenes
FH: Favorite moment must be the ending, it should appear that it comes out of the blue.
SJF: Best roles to date in your career
FH: That is a difficult question, it’s like asking my favorite movie. I love all of the roles I’ve played and can’t single out any one of them.
SJF: What don’t we know about you?
FH: My cell phone is just a cell phone. I don’t text, tweet or post pictures of my dinner or cat.
SJF: Dream role?
FH: If I could sing it would be Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. What a story, what a journey!!!
SJF: Advice to other actors, new actors etc.
FHL Have fun at auditions. It’s your time to play and have FUN! If you need to get nervous save that for opening night but never for an audition. Believe me they can smell fear.
SJF: Pet Peeves?
FH: People who don’t use their turn signals. Trust me it’s not a sign of weakness.
SJF: Inspirational quote
FH: If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.
Josh Guicherit Stage Manager ‘The Zoo Story’ by Edward Albee
Joshua Guicherit (Stage Manager)
SJF: Why did you choose to stage manage TZS?
JG: I thought it would be a great opportunity to get involved in San Diego theatre, I knew it was a role I was capable of filling and I appreciated the team that worked on the piece.
SJF: Any challenges to stage managing?
JG: There are many challenges of stage managing and few rewards, so I’ve been told. For me the most difficult part is simply keeping track of everything all at once.
SJF: Favorite moments/scenes
JG: My favorite scenes involve Byron, playing Jerry, making strange noises and accents. I laugh every time he does his dog-eating-food impression.
SJF: Best shows you have been part of as actor or technical staff in your career
JG: My favorite show as an actor was probably playing Don Armado in Love’s Labour’s Lost.
SJF: What don’t we know about you
JG: You probably don’t know that I once volunteered for the Special Olympics and got to stand in for the singer performing the iconic song “Let It Go” from Frozen.
SJF: Dream role or show to act in etc.?
JG: My dream role is Iago from Othello.
SJF: Advice to other stage managers etc.
JG: It’s a lot of work. Just take everything in chunks and get to know what your director wants. The rest changes with every show. Find a way to relax at the end of the night.
SJF: Pet Peeves
JG: Chewing with your mouth open.
SJF: Inspirational quote
JG: Do whatever makes you happy.
SJF: Anything else?
JG: There’s always something else isn’t there?
Thanks to Patricia Elmore Costa, Byron LaDue, Fred Harlow and Josh Guicherit
