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    Showing posts with label acting. Show all posts
    Showing posts with label acting. Show all posts

  1. Poetry, Comedy, Acting, Feline Love

    Thursday, May 2, 2024

        




        







            It’s May.  Wow.  If you, New Yorkers, are looking for things to do locally, here’s some stuff I’m involved in to varying degrees.


    ·        May 6th -- Poetry and Prose – I’m one of three featured readers for the Phoenix Reading Series at Shades of Green, 125 E. 15th Street, NYC. 6:30pm. Sign up for the open mic if you are so inclined.









    ·        May 8th -- Comedy – Comedy Dungeon show at HOWM at the Selina Chelsea  Hotel, 518 W. 27th Street, NYC. Randy Epley’s show. FREE! 8:30pm.

    Just come on over for laughs



    ·        May 9th – small acting role in “BRING THEM BACK!” (a dark comedy by David Willinger) at the Theater for the New City, 155 First Avenue near 10th Street, NYC. 8pm.  There are 8 performances, but May 9th is opening night for this play that includes video. I’m in the video part.  


    Theater for the New City Presents 

    Bring Them Back 

    A Meta Dark Comedy 

     

    Written and Directed by David Willinger

     

    May 9-19, 2024 (8 performances)

    Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm

    Sundays at 3pm 

    Theater for the New City

    155 First Avenue

     New York, NY 10003 

    General Admission: $18. Students/Seniors: $15 

    For tickets, visit:

    https://theaterforthenewcity.net/shows/bring-them-back/

    Runtime: 90 minutes (no intermission)



    ·       June 14th – Comedy – my Almost Summer Comedy Show on City Island at The Artist (formerly the Starving Artist Café) run by Elliot and Monica Glick, 249 City Island Avenue, Bronx, NY.  $15 cover; NO minimum.  You can even BYOB.  Menu of light fare and delicious desserts by Jenny's Sweets available for separate purchase but not required. The hilarious line-up will be Tom Brennan, Paul Hallasy, Joe Fulton, and me, of course.  8pm (7:45 recommended) Laughter guaranteed!




     

    For those familiar with my feline friend, Mustache, she and I are still going strong.  She and I had our affection session today and yesterday.  I admit that sometimes my main motivation to go into the store where she lives is to see her.  So when I don’t have anything I need to buy there or no money to buy it, I go in to check my pathetic checking account balance on the ATM.  She finds me and begins our love session while being very verbal about it.  She continues to be a loving part of my life, and me, hers.

     



     

    So much love to CGG-M ❤❤❤

    Mindy Matijasevic, May 2024 🍷

     

     



    Posted by Mindy Matijasevic at 12:32 AM | Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  2.  


     

     









    I was a middle school boy in a scene from Greg Fuchs’ play “School Drill” in the BOOG City Arts Festival two Tuesdays ago.  It was fun for a few minutes to be a boy.  That night of the festival was in Bushwick, Brooklyn.  It is an interesting neighborhood.  To me, it seemed like a blend of the Bronx, the East Village, and the West Village.  Many food trucks, much colorful artwork on the brick buildings, and very lively. 





    There’s no pay involved, but it was fun.  The weird part was I hadn’t realized this was for the BOOG Festival until I was there.  When I was asked to do this, though it was by the man who runs the festival, I thought this was a separate thing.  I was under the impression a friend of his, who teaches middle school in the Bronx and works with particularly challenging students, needed actors to perform in a play that he and his students wrote, but I didn’t connect that it was for the festival.  His class had read Anne Frank, the play, and then wrote their own scenes tied to confinement. 

     

    Though I have not been accepting unpaid acting jobs due to my pathetic financial situation, this touched my heart.  I’m a Bronxite.  I spent several decades teaching adults who weren’t able to complete their basic education for many very different reasons.  One year, we also read Anne Frank.  It was very eye-opening for many.  So I agreed to do it.  I wanted his students to feel the magic of their words being acted out on stage.  I mistakenly assumed we were performing in the school for the students, parents, and staff.  However, there were no rehearsals, and it was being done in Brooklyn.  I was very puzzled.  








    I tried to dress as a 12-year-old boy using whatever items I owned.  I even brought a jacket to cover any sign of boobage.  When I left my house, I realized I forgot to wear sneakers.  I had sandals on and red toenail polish.  I worried that middle school boys would torment their peer for looking like a girl.  I didn’t go back upstairs because I was afraid I was running late.  It turned out that I worried about many unnecessary things.  It was not at a school.  The play was written several years ago.  No middle school students would be there.  It was at a lovely performance space, IVY HOUSE STUDIO on Troutman Street, where most performers shared poetry and music.



    Greg Fuchs, playwright
    Mindy Matijasevic, actor
    after the scene from
    School Drill

     

    That evening of the festival was hosted by the talented and beautiful Didi Champagne who also performed later with her band Blueberry High Heels.



    Didi is the one in the long black dress.

     

    Regarding health concerns, the specialist I met with was wonderful!  He introduced himself as Marc.  That was a first in my experience.  I am grateful he was who I saw.  Seemed like a beautiful human being.  The next step is I get another CT scan in February (instead of in a year).  Then we look at it again and decide if a biopsy should be done.  I am okay right now.  So let’s keep on having a good time as much as we can! 

     

     

    Tremendous love to CGG-M  ❤❤❤

    Mindy Matijasevic, September 19, 2023

     

     

    Posted by Mindy Matijasevic at 6:10 PM | Labels: , , , , , , , , , | 2 comments | |

  3. Do It With Passion

    Tuesday, June 11, 2019








    When I saw this, I was immediately reminded of a place I once worked as 
    an instructor. 



    As time went on, it became apparent that my students were very happy in my class and made much progress.  The administration saw that and gave me more classes.  However, they were mystified at my success with my adult students.  Yet, I was not welcomed to be on the staff development committee for years even though I expressed interest.  That changed toward the end of my time there when we had a director who was able to appreciate me.  I didn’t doubt that the staff could create lesson plans and curricula; it was the relationships with students that needed attention in my view.  Most of the teachers welcomed and enjoyed what I did.  Some administrators (who also taught) looked very annoyed.  Some didn’t attend.



    Eventually I was mocked by administration for being “passionate” and 
    “sincere.”  Yes, you read that right.  Everything my students loved about me apparently annoyed some admin people.  It should have been a good experience working at that place, but at best it was a very mixed bag.  My joy was with the students.  They were generally so appreciative.  Seeing them excited about learning and creating with the written word thrilled me and them.  I approached many administrative tasks with equal enthusiasm, but there was often resentment.  Yet they seemed to like the good results.  Whether it was calling students or making a celebration or working on a committee for a project with our parent organization or planning a staff development session, I like to do my best.  Otherwise, it feels meaningless.  Plus when I sign my name to something, I like to feel proud.  If that’s a problem, that is sad.



    I guess my point is I don’t know how anyone in the helping professions can 
    do a meaningful job without sincerity and passion.  For those depending on sincerity and caring, it is a nightmare to find neither.



    In the acting part of my life, if there is no passion and sincerity, bye, bye.  They are not interested in phony baloney.  It’s so disturbing that the education field would accept (and sometimes prefer) anything less than sincere and passionate.



    Since I also do comedy, and comedy often comes from unfunny shit, here’s a clip of comedy about this crap.  Enjoy.


    https://youtu.be/0HZp50J5tkY?t=293



    Please plan to come to my comedy show on City Island on 9/13 @ 7:45pm.  
    Ten bucks to enter.  Basket or jar passed around for the comics.  Lots of laughter and intelligent comedy.


    http://starvingartistonline.com/






    Love to CGG-M 



    Posted by Mindy Matijasevic at 8:42 PM | Labels: , , , , , | 3 comments | |

  4. I'm "A Mobster's Wife"

    Tuesday, May 14, 2019









    Hey people.  The series I’m cast in shoots a scene I’m in next week.  Exciting!  Then another scene in June that I’m in.  I play a mobster’s wife.  LOL.  It’s funny to me because I don’t want to be anyone’s wife in real life, never mind a mobster’s.  My ex was problematic enough.  I like being my own wife.  She’s great.  Not in the housework department, but that’s not the most important thing.


    This Friday, I am going to be working on a sizzle reel that began last 
    summer.  We thought we were done shooting, but more is needed.  I’m glad we are going to see this to completion.  I’m dying to see the footage and use it in a reel.  I cried on camera when we shot last summer.  The scene was with my angry “son” and it echoed much of real life, so it was easy to cry.  It actually would have been harder not to cry.  I received a lot of praise for my acting, but I felt compelled to tell them I was actually reacting.  The director told me that was what good acting is.


    I admit I haven’t been on the comedy stage in a while.  I also haven’t 
    written new material in quite a while.  I have to work on that. 


    Lots of challenges in my life.  Trying to just blog about the positive.  But 
    things are not just hunky dory.  I’m grateful for many things.  But I have many challenges.


    To all those who are feeling depressed, limit how much news you watch.  
    Put on a game show or a comedy or turn off the tv.  It’s toxic to have a narcissist in the White House supposedly leading the country.  I know this on many levels.  Seriously.


    For those of you who like to plan ahead, mark your calendars for 
    September 13th.  I’m putting together a comedy show on City Island.  It’s a lovely area of the Bronx – a fishing community. 


    http://starvingartistonline.com/



    I would love to see you there.  Details to come.  Laughter absolutely 
    guaranteed.


    With appreciation, Mindy


    Love to CGG-M 














    Posted by Mindy Matijasevic at 11:49 PM | Labels: , , , , , | 3 comments | |

  5. Panic, Hope, & Waiting

    Sunday, April 7, 2019












    Readers, if I haven’t expressed this lately, let me say now that I appreciate your interest very much.  Each time I blog, I can see the number of views, and I thank you.


    A couple of days ago, I learned that my unemployment benefits are over.  
    I had misunderstood when that was going to happen.  But now it’s here.  I need part time and/or freelance work.  I am not totally panicked yet.


    I had applied for an audition for a tv series.  I was asked to come in, and they had sent me sides (pages of the script), so I was able to prepare at home.  I felt ready to do my best.  I accept that the rest is out of my control.


    I got to the building exactly on time though I had wanted to get there 
    early.  There were a bunch of people outside.  I was informed that the person in charge was running late.  I know others were bothered by that because they had other commitments scheduled afterwards.  Personally, I was so relieved.  I love not being the late one.  I’d rather wait for the casting director.  I had hoped to get to a poetry reading afterwards, but I didn’t know if I’d make it.


    While waiting, I saw and received hugs from two men I know from the 
    entertainment world, and I met three women who I hope to remain connected with.  We waited, talked, shared, etc., etc.  When the director showed up, she was such a positive presence.  What a terrific spirit.  Worth the wait, in my opinion.


    My audition went very well.  She asked me to stay and read for two other 
    roles as well.  I was thrilled!!!  She gave me time to get familiar with the lines and come back in when I felt ready.  In the meantime, she was auditioning other people for many different roles.  I knew chances were getting slim that I’d get to the poetry reading.  A friend was the featured reader, and I wanted to support her, but it was looking less likely.


    I read for the other two roles.  She gave me good feedback.  The timing 
    would be Goddess-sent if I get cast in this.  It’s paid work.  It would bring me to a level where one is noticed for other opportunities as well. 


    Before auditioning, I signed a non-disclosure agreement (and I’m not even 
    an ex of Trump’s), so I can’t say what the show is or anything close. 


    I’m going to try, after today, to not think about it.  I don’t know when 
    decisions will be made.


    Meanwhile, I have two more auditions coming up this week.  One is for a 
    play I find intriguing but doesn’t pay.  However, a former acting teacher always told us that you get discovered from stage work, paid from film work.  The other is for a paid gig, but not as many days of work as the tv series I auditioned for and not as career-changing.  I don’t always have 3 auditions in one week.  Now that I do, I hope nothing conflicts with anything else. 


    Oh, people!  I have difficulty going on in my life as well, including a new 
    pain in my left foot, but I’ll leave this on a hopeful note.






    Love to CGM!

    Posted by Mindy Matijasevic at 7:21 PM | Labels: , , , | 7 comments | |

  6. Acting and Poeming

    Wednesday, April 3, 2019














    I had a blast being in A Sketch of New York.  We performed at the 
    Sonnet Theatre in the Producers’ Club on 44th Street.  One of the
    wonderful things about acting is being able to be what isn’t easy to be in 
    real life.  In one of the sketches, I was to complain about being on a long, slow line.  Ad libbing was welcomed.  I had a ball.  I was able to stick in 
    some comedic lines I came up with.  The director, Joe DiNozzi, was great to work with.  His assistant and, I believe, co-producer Darien DeMaria was wonderful to work with as well.  They both wrote the sketches and included a hilarious sketch by John Ordover.  The cast was a bunch of characters that I enjoyed.  It all made me realize how much I miss acting.  Stand-up comedy is wonderful and background acting work pays money, but I realized how much I miss acting. 



    Backstage at a rehearsal.




    Night of the show! 




    I have two auditions coming up.  I don’t have a hundred years left, so I 
    truly hope something great happens. 


    For the first time in months, I made it to the poetry workshop I love 
    attending.  The poem I brought was cooking in me for a long time, and then took maybe twenty minutes to write.  When I got to the workshop, I saw people I hadn’t seen before in addition to the folks I expected to see.  I sat there worried that the people who didn’t know me would hate my poem.  I typically worry about the wrong stuff.  This was one of those times.  After I read the poem aloud, the feedback was wonderful.  A few suggestions were made to improve it further.  I welcomed those suggestions.  I was so happy with the whole experience.  Thank you all who contributed to the feedback, whether aloud, in writing, or both.  I make the trip to get the feedback, so thank you very much. 


    Other things are going on too.  The most important is one I can’t publicly 
    write about due to privacy concerns.  I just hope I live a long enough time to be able to mend a relationship central to my heart and then have time to enjoy it.







    Posted by Mindy Matijasevic at 4:36 AM | Labels: , , , , , , , | 2 comments | |












  7. I can’t believe my taxes were done over a month before they are due.  It’s been so many years since I was on top of it.  That was one of many things that had gone out of control.  This time, I averted the deadline crisis.  It’s nice to visit how the other half lives.


    I had contact with someone extremely important to me.  I hope it’s a 
    beginning of something good.


    I auditioned for and got cast in “A Sketch of New York.”  I’m glad about 
    that.  It’s a bunch of short comedic sketches about life in NYC.  We have seven rehearsals and will be performing on March 29th and 30th at 6pm and March 31st at 1pm.  Details to come.  In the meantime, you can mark your calendars if you think it’s something you’d enjoy.


    There’s something so magical about acting.  Being in a character’s 
    circumstances is a great way for me to use my empathy.  Teaching was also a great way, but what works for students doesn’t always jive with administration.  Some leaders nourish and deliver; some destroy. 


    Today I applied for a job out of actual desire and not just out of need.  I 
    keep checking my email for a response, but nothing yet.  I’ve got to stop thinking about it.


    One week from now, on Tuesday, March 19th at 8pm at Taj II Lounge, 48 W. 21st Street is “Own the Stage.”  $15 on line; $20 at the door.


    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/own-the-stage-tickets-57909823842?aff=ebdssbdestsearch



    The show starts at 8pm no matter what the Eventbrite says.  Only the 
    performers need to arrive much earlier.  I’ll be doing comedy in that show.  There are singers, rappers, poets, and comics.  The audience decides who performs a second time.  The judges decide of the folks in the second round who wins the prizes.  So you get to be involved. 












    (love to CGG-M)

    Posted by Mindy Matijasevic at 8:26 PM | Labels: , , , , , , | 0 comments | |