The Parchment

by Maria Mastroyannis

MTC,

Thank you.
Thank you to all of us for being honest and passionate.
Thank you for being the place where we can not only speak our minds, but where we encourage and expect each other to speak from our hearts.
It’s why I became an actor, struggled to become an actor…in order to find that place from which to be honest and real.
Thank you for being the place where we can put all that into our work, unfettered by the noise and clutter of what’s expected ‘out there’. Read the rest of this entry »

by Kenneth Requa

For a recent table read of the Untitled Prom Musical, I asked those participating if any of them would be willing to bring their laptop and read from a digital copy of the script. The musical has 9 speaking parts, and the script is nearly 100 pages long, which is a lot of trees and toner to use on a very early draft that will be outdated as soon as it’s read. Many were able to oblige, and those who asked for paper copies didn’t do so because they’re in the deforestation business. There is a tangible difference between reading from (and certainly taking notes on) a digital copy versus good old-fashioned laser-jet and paper. This is a creative process, and the tools we use can have an effect on our perceptions of the work. Read the rest of this entry »

by Ginger Steiner

Boys wrestling

My brother inspires me, all the hard work and dedication he puts into a traditional family sport (Swiss Wrestling), that he loves. Despite the toll it is taking on his body. (He is the one about to get tossed) Read the rest of this entry »

by Maria Mastroyannis

Recently my family and I went to Portland, OR on vacation–one, to visit some good friends and two, because we love hanging out there.  We stayed in Hawthorne, in the southeast section of the city, east of the river.  In some ways, Portland is the opposite of LA…everyone in Hawthorne has a vegetable garden, everyone rides their bikes everywhere and it feels green, green, green, and shady.

On our first evening walk (and we walked everywhere) we stopped for some tacos, and watched as about 25 nude bike riders whizzed by.  Welcome to Portland!  The next day a passing biker cheerfully recited some poetry at me–by the sound of it, made up on the spot.  Cooky things like that.  As for the vegetables everywhere, I was impressed.  Sometimes it’s hard enough keeping up with our local farmers’ markets, let alone growing our own vegetables. Read the rest of this entry »

by Kenneth Requa

My high school World History teacher had a big sign up in the front of his room that said simply, “Warum”, which is German for “Why”. It may seem a bit cynical. After all, it’s more fun to ask “Why not?” But, it’s often an important question to ask of ourselves, and one I asked myself when I was recently invited to join MTC.

Why get involved with a theater company like Mutineer? There is a finite amount of time in a week, so why commit an indefinite amount of time and energy to THIS group? That is time and energy that won’t be spent at the gym or at the piano. It’s a commitment that will, inevitably, prevent me from doing something ELSE that I’d like to do.  In a world where technology allows us to parcel out our time and energy in smaller and smaller packets, why fragment it further? Read the rest of this entry »

by Myron Davis

I have unashamedly been listening to Michael Jackson’s 2001 Number 1 hit “You Rock My World” on repeat in my car. I’ve watched the full-length short film and various other music video-length versions of the same. As I watch the video two thoughts go through my mind: 1) Calling him talented would almost be an understatement. 2) What a waste that he’s dead.

My writing/producing partner, with whom I’m working on a web series, attended the funeral service at the Staples Center with his wife. While visiting them a few days after the service, his wife handed me the funeral booklet with personal messages from family and friends along with photos of MJ. One message struck me; it was from his sister LaToya. She said that while watching the 1980 Grammys, he began crying because he had only won one Grammy. He promised her he would win more Grammys and sell more records than anyone on his next album. Read the rest of this entry »

by James Utt

When I first arrived here, a local friend told me the L.A. rule regarding left turns:  “After the green light changes back to red, two cars are allowed to turn left. If a third car tries, it will be honked at or cut off.”

Seeing my skepticism, my buddy offered to test the theory at every intersection for the next half hour.  Sure enough: Two cars, no problem; Third car, derisive honking.  It took me a while to acclimate, but I could see the reasoning.  After all, without that protected left arrow, sometimes the only cars able to get through the intersection were the two turning after the red light.
Read the rest of this entry »

by Taylor Coffman

photo by steev-o

From a young age, I’ve just been one of those people who aims to please… probably not the healthiest thing… probably still isn’t. When I think of myself as a performer, it’s pretty clear how this need manifests–the joy I get from making people laugh… making people think… inspiring people… There is a distinct connection between myself and this hope to connect to others–for them to “like” me.

But, I often wonder: When does this “need to please” become destructive in art?

As I write, I often get feedback. Much I actually take; some I try to apply, but it doesn’t quite fit. And, I have to ask myself: Who does this play belong to? Me? Or them? Or everyone? Read the rest of this entry »

by James Utt

MTC will soon decide upon its next production.  In addition to budget, cast size, set design and other considerations, there is the eternal debate:  Comedy or Drama?

It’s doubtful that any theatergoer seeks out one format exclusively.  I know I don’t. For example, in the span of a week, I saw Oleanna at the Mark Taper, Dame Edna at Ahmanson, and The Elephant Man at Andak Stage Company.

I recently saw shows that blended elements of both. The barbed political wit of The Geffen’s Farragut North and the dating ridiculousness of Macha Theatre’s He Asked for It lightened their darker subject matter. Read the rest of this entry »