The Birthday Dinner will be performed in Fletcher Hall's Auditorium.
The address of Fletcher Hall is:
421 E. Lewis St
Lafayette, Louisiana
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The Birthday Dinner Trailer
The trailer for The Birthday Dinner is finally finished. Very excited for everyone to see it. Many thanks to Jacob White and The Acadiana Open Channel for all their support and help. The trailer is clickable on the side bar to your right and on youtube.
Here is a direct link to the youtube video that is also on the sidebar.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QLV--jkZ04
Introducing The Cast of The Birthday Dinner
Very, very pleased to introduce my wonderfully amazing cast.
Jasmine Chapman – Jerýline Pete
Jasmine Chapman is a 22 year old native of Mamou, LA. She attends ULL and is both majoring and minoring in Biology and Chemistry, respectively. Hr stage credits include the productions of Crowns, Rosa’s Children, End of a Perfect Death, Jitney, Inspector Call, and Love Can’t Be Real. Jasmine plans to further her studies by enrolling into medical school and focusing her career towards dermatology.
Jasmine on Jerýline
“Jerýline is a very strong woman. The way she conducts her household is the epitome of a successful single-parent raised home. She is very grounded and rooted; the qualities that make Jerýline a rock that holds together and secure her family. Jerýline, even in the midst of troubled times, is able to step back and re-evaluate the situation and try alternate approaches to resolve the problem. She is completely opposite of me. In some instances, thinking of her character inhibits me from acting out my normal impulsive behavioral responses. I find myself thoroughly evaluating situations before I make decisions and before I speak. She is so humble and I wish I could be more like her. The way she eliminates stress in her life is really effective and less mind draining. However, one faulty characteristic of hers is that her method of absorbing and releasing stress is slightly disproportionate. She doesn’t seem to vent out enough, holding too much in, which could lead to a potential emotional breakdown. Overall, she’s awesome.”
Jasmine Chapman is a 22 year old native of Mamou, LA. She attends ULL and is both majoring and minoring in Biology and Chemistry, respectively. Hr stage credits include the productions of Crowns, Rosa’s Children, End of a Perfect Death, Jitney, Inspector Call, and Love Can’t Be Real. Jasmine plans to further her studies by enrolling into medical school and focusing her career towards dermatology.
Jasmine on Jerýline
“Jerýline is a very strong woman. The way she conducts her household is the epitome of a successful single-parent raised home. She is very grounded and rooted; the qualities that make Jerýline a rock that holds together and secure her family. Jerýline, even in the midst of troubled times, is able to step back and re-evaluate the situation and try alternate approaches to resolve the problem. She is completely opposite of me. In some instances, thinking of her character inhibits me from acting out my normal impulsive behavioral responses. I find myself thoroughly evaluating situations before I make decisions and before I speak. She is so humble and I wish I could be more like her. The way she eliminates stress in her life is really effective and less mind draining. However, one faulty characteristic of hers is that her method of absorbing and releasing stress is slightly disproportionate. She doesn’t seem to vent out enough, holding too much in, which could lead to a potential emotional breakdown. Overall, she’s awesome.”
Hunter Burke – Miles Zeeman
Hunter Burke is a 25 year old native of Broussard, LA. Graduating in the fall of 2007 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from UL Lafayette, he has since been hard at work on a career in film. His stage credits include the UL productions Closer, The Laramie Project, The Boys Next Door, and Hamlet.
Hunter on Miles
“In my first introduction to the life of Miles Zeeman, I came to the conclusion that he is not that different from me and the company I keep. His personality, attitude toward others around him, and character traits were all similar to people I interact with on a day to day basis. I considered this an easy character to undertake. But soon I realized the difficulty in portraying someone so steeped in reality. It is much easier for me, to play someone furthest from the person that I am, because it involves very little personal risk and vulnerability on my part. It’s all an act. But when the “real me” was under the microscope, I found it harder to make convincing and believable choices because I was constantly questioning the validity of them in relation to reality. Everything else I have done has been so theatrical. For me, Miles Zeeman is the first time that I have portrayed a living breathing person, on the stage. Finding myself unable to do this, I just did my best Sylvester Stallone impression for Miles. Enjoy…”
Hunter Burke is a 25 year old native of Broussard, LA. Graduating in the fall of 2007 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from UL Lafayette, he has since been hard at work on a career in film. His stage credits include the UL productions Closer, The Laramie Project, The Boys Next Door, and Hamlet.
Hunter on Miles
“In my first introduction to the life of Miles Zeeman, I came to the conclusion that he is not that different from me and the company I keep. His personality, attitude toward others around him, and character traits were all similar to people I interact with on a day to day basis. I considered this an easy character to undertake. But soon I realized the difficulty in portraying someone so steeped in reality. It is much easier for me, to play someone furthest from the person that I am, because it involves very little personal risk and vulnerability on my part. It’s all an act. But when the “real me” was under the microscope, I found it harder to make convincing and believable choices because I was constantly questioning the validity of them in relation to reality. Everything else I have done has been so theatrical. For me, Miles Zeeman is the first time that I have portrayed a living breathing person, on the stage. Finding myself unable to do this, I just did my best Sylvester Stallone impression for Miles. Enjoy…”
Amandah Baker – Emma Osmond
Amandah Baker is a 21 year old native of Baton Rouge, LA. She is a Junior at UL Lafayette where she is majoring in Performing Arts with a concentration in Theatre. In high school Amandah was a part of the school’s production of A Raisin in the Sun. At UL Lafayette, she was a part of Rape: The End Starts Now. After college, Amandah plans to continue her studies on a graduate level and follow the opportunities as they unfold.
Amandah on Emma
“Emma is a young woman in the midst of finding herself and a reason why she is so lost. Her confusion and her feelings of being lost in life leave Emma longing with a relationship with her father. Digging deeper into it, Emma finds anger towards her mother needing a reason or someone to blame for the absence of her father in her life. Jerýline is the person Emma chooses to blame, because she is the closest to her.
I’ve had a wonderful time unfolding this character, Emma. There were times when it felt like it was easy to connect to Emma because we are alike in many ways. However, there were also challenges in getting to the heart of Emma. Overall, I have enjoyed everything about my character and the whole process of this show.”
Amandah Baker is a 21 year old native of Baton Rouge, LA. She is a Junior at UL Lafayette where she is majoring in Performing Arts with a concentration in Theatre. In high school Amandah was a part of the school’s production of A Raisin in the Sun. At UL Lafayette, she was a part of Rape: The End Starts Now. After college, Amandah plans to continue her studies on a graduate level and follow the opportunities as they unfold.
Amandah on Emma
“Emma is a young woman in the midst of finding herself and a reason why she is so lost. Her confusion and her feelings of being lost in life leave Emma longing with a relationship with her father. Digging deeper into it, Emma finds anger towards her mother needing a reason or someone to blame for the absence of her father in her life. Jerýline is the person Emma chooses to blame, because she is the closest to her.
I’ve had a wonderful time unfolding this character, Emma. There were times when it felt like it was easy to connect to Emma because we are alike in many ways. However, there were also challenges in getting to the heart of Emma. Overall, I have enjoyed everything about my character and the whole process of this show.”
Jeremy Drewery – Kaden “KC” Channing
Jeremy Drewery, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a student at UL Lafayette where he is a Performing Arts major with a concentration in Theatre. Jeremy acting credits include Baton Rouge Magnet High productions of High Style Heist, The Haunting of Hathaway House, and Commedia del Arte Style For the Love of Three Oranges. At UL Lafayette Jeremy performed in Rape: The End Starts Now!, a production for the Hearts of Hope Crisis Center of Lafayette. With great dreams come great things and Jeremy is young, talented, and eager for opportunities to unfold. He plans to continue growing in his craft and upon graduation Jeremy hopes to travel to New York to pursue a promising career.
Jeremy on KC
“Many times have we all wished we could step back into our childhood recreating great memories? Playing the character of Kaden “KC” Channing has allowed me to do that. Surprisingly, playing a 15 year was quite the challenge, but I loved every second of finding KC and myself in him. I am grateful to be a part of this production and communicating the message of change to the audience.”
Jeremy Drewery, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a student at UL Lafayette where he is a Performing Arts major with a concentration in Theatre. Jeremy acting credits include Baton Rouge Magnet High productions of High Style Heist, The Haunting of Hathaway House, and Commedia del Arte Style For the Love of Three Oranges. At UL Lafayette Jeremy performed in Rape: The End Starts Now!, a production for the Hearts of Hope Crisis Center of Lafayette. With great dreams come great things and Jeremy is young, talented, and eager for opportunities to unfold. He plans to continue growing in his craft and upon graduation Jeremy hopes to travel to New York to pursue a promising career.
Jeremy on KC
“Many times have we all wished we could step back into our childhood recreating great memories? Playing the character of Kaden “KC” Channing has allowed me to do that. Surprisingly, playing a 15 year was quite the challenge, but I loved every second of finding KC and myself in him. I am grateful to be a part of this production and communicating the message of change to the audience.”
Jamel Small – Boris Osmond
Jamel Small is a 22 year old native of Lafayette. He is a Junior at UL Lafayette where he is a communications major with a concentration in Broadcasting and a minor in Theatre. Jamel made his theatre debut at UL Lafayette in 2007. His stage credits include UL Lafayette’s productions of The Exonerated and Subway 12. Jamel was also cast in a local film, Caught In The Mix, Directed by Tony Livings. Jamel’s plans are to pursue a career in Television and Film.
Jamel on Boris
“Playing Boris, I found myself being, depressed at times. I became depressed when I discovered who Boris actually was, how he was brought up, and how what he went through prevented him from being a father figure. I found myself somewhat connected to Boris through my own personal experiences of growing up without my father present, as he did. All together, becoming Boris made me wiser as a person; making life altering decisions. Although I’m not a father in reality, Boris made me never want abandon my kids when I’m blessed with them.”
Jamel Small is a 22 year old native of Lafayette. He is a Junior at UL Lafayette where he is a communications major with a concentration in Broadcasting and a minor in Theatre. Jamel made his theatre debut at UL Lafayette in 2007. His stage credits include UL Lafayette’s productions of The Exonerated and Subway 12. Jamel was also cast in a local film, Caught In The Mix, Directed by Tony Livings. Jamel’s plans are to pursue a career in Television and Film.
Jamel on Boris
“Playing Boris, I found myself being, depressed at times. I became depressed when I discovered who Boris actually was, how he was brought up, and how what he went through prevented him from being a father figure. I found myself somewhat connected to Boris through my own personal experiences of growing up without my father present, as he did. All together, becoming Boris made me wiser as a person; making life altering decisions. Although I’m not a father in reality, Boris made me never want abandon my kids when I’m blessed with them.”
Kenny Gabriel – Guy Channing
Kenneth L Gabriel is a 22 year old resident of Rayne, LA. He is acclaimed in productions such as What’s done in the Dark and Love to Hate at the New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center. He also appeared in Livin’ Fat and Fabulation: The Re-Education of Undine at Cite Des Arts and Rape: The End Starts Now at UL Lafayette. Attending UL Lafayette as a senior, Kenneth is a Theater major with a minor in Fashion Design. He is a member of Alpha Psi Omega, the Anthony Bean Community Theater in New Orleans, and Omni Artiste Production Company headed by Dr. Alexander Marshall. Upon graduation, Kenneth plans to continue his training and studies at the Mason Gross School of Performing Arts in New Jersey.
Kenny on Guy
“I feel good about Guy—comfortable and confident on playing him. My eyes have been opened by actually learning about him and growing with him. Tapping into a mirror-like world with real situations and relatable characters made transforming me into Guy much easier. Guy is a good guy, with a big heart and a big plan for himself. I like him because he was always hungry for more—never settling for what was in front of him. That became his tragic flaw in the end and he did lose out on someone who loved him more than he could imagine. I discovered Guy wasn’t afraid to follow his heart, but his insecurities placed many stumbling blocks in front of him. There is a plethora of things I can say about Guy, but the most essential truth about him (aside from his good looks :o)) was how genuine he was. He took all the opportunities that came to him, but he only used them for himself. Nonetheless, he was driven and was emotionally tied to whatever he did. He recognized and admitted his faults being very sincere through the whole process. I learned many things from Guy—I learned about humility, right vs. wrong, selflessness, and trust. He taught me that no matter what the situation, to address it with the utmost urgency and never to delay anything deemed important. I also learned that once you burn your bridges with some people, there is no going back to the world as it was before the problem began, thus remain honest and do what is right.
The most difficult thing I had to do was get into Guy’s heart and find what he ultimately wanted and needed. Trying to connect his heart to my own seemed near impossible, but in time it began to get easier. I’ve discovered that Guy, like everyone else, wants freedom. I feel the same way—I want to be freed from the shackles of societal stigmata and the guilt from mistakes that have been made in my life. Ultimately, aside from freedom, Guy wants atonement for something he knows can never be reversed, but he wants to at least try to change who he is for the better. Guy taught me to forgive and be forgiven, to love harder, be stronger, and embrace every moment good and bad moment of life because each moment shapes and molds us to be the dynamic individuals we are.”
Kristina Marshall - Judith Channing
Kristina Marshall is a senior majoring in Arts and Humanities at UL Lafayette. Her stage credits include UL’s productions of The Exonerated, Godspell, Medea, Auto DeFe, and Down Low. Kristina has also appeared in the productions of Insurrection: Holding History, The Apple Tree, and Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know. Most recently Kristina wrote and directed Rape: The End Starts Now!, a production that wrote for Hearts of Hope crisis center of Lafayette. Kristina plans to continue pursuing acting and music opportunities and use art as a means of changing the world.
Kristina on Judith
“Judith is a woman that is not easily figured out and is initially not easily tamed. Creating Judith has been a challenge and yet humbling experience. I hope that her strength and humorous approach to life and its situations are things that I will carry with me in my life.”
Kristina on Judith
“Judith is a woman that is not easily figured out and is initially not easily tamed. Creating Judith has been a challenge and yet humbling experience. I hope that her strength and humorous approach to life and its situations are things that I will carry with me in my life.”
Allison Schilhab – Ava Stone
Allison Schilhab is an 18 year old resident of Lafayette. Allison is in her freshman semester at UL Lafayette where she is majoring in Performing Arts with a concentration in theatre. She was a member of the Lafayette Performing Arts Academy where she performed in Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Skin of Our Teeth, WASP, The Beggar’s Opera, and Twelfth Night. She also performed in the St. Mary’s players productions of Carousel and Fiddle on the Roof.
Allison on Ava
“When I first read for Ava, I felt at home immediately. I thought Ava would be just like all the other libido-driven roles I’ve played in the past. Much to my surprise, Ava revealed herself as a complex character with deep emotions and motivations and an air of immaturity that made her challenging to play. Ava is this amazingly confident model who takes comfort and pride in the fact that she always gets what she wants. However, throughout The Birthday Dinner, Ava’s comfort and pride are shaken by change and the reality of life we all must face. For Me, Ava brought out the confidence we are all afraid to show for fear of being thought of as egotistical. And yet, with such confidence being revealed, a certain insecurity surfaced. An insecurity that rears its head when uncomfortable changes begin. As humans we are habit driven creatures and run from change as quickly as possible. This is the lesson Ava taught me the most – that, sometimes, change is positive and beneficial. She made me realize that you can’t hold on to things that aren’t right for you just because they feel comfortable and safe. Change makes us who we are, and change makes Ava grow and mature.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)