According to Merriam-Webster the definition of déjà vu “is a tedious familiarity.” A
few days ago I experienced this sensation of familiarity, however it was anything but
tedious. A few summers ago some recognizable Exlocum artists Tia McDonald, Brielle Webb, Logan Riley Bruner, Jason Wilks, Ana Krutchinsky, and myself had the opportunity to study Shakespeare abroad in England with the British American Drama Academy (BADA). The experience was quite the special one. If we’re keeping up with the whole French theme it had a certain “je ne sais quoi.” We came back with new perspectives on Shakespeare, life abroad, and the entirety of theater itself.

At BADA we had the pleasure of working with Ian Wooldridge. Ian is a tremendously experienced teacher, not to mention has no trouble drawing his students in with a classic British accent. Well… last week Ana, Jason, Brielle, and I had to do a double take. We participated in a carbon copy of the monologue workshop we had done with Ian overseas just a few summers earlier in our very own acting class at the one, the only, Professional Performing Arts School. We arrived nervous, giddy, and swagged out in our Oxford University sweatshirts. We each presented our monologues along with our fellow PPAS classmates. Ian was reiterating facts and ideas that he had taught when we were in England. However, the experience could not have been more different. As artists we tend to obsess over whether or not we are growing, getting better, or “learning talent.” The workshop with Ian helped me to realize that growth happens naturally over time. A watched pot never boils. The Jason Wilks that got up to deliver a bone-chilling Angelo from Measure for Measure is not the same Jason that played the Friar from Romeo and Juliet in that stuffy BADA rehearsal room just a short while ago. Artistic development happens naturally as we evolve as people. So next time you feel like you’re trapped in the same patterns and habits; whether it be a monologue, song, painting series, etc. Remember that change doesn’t happen over night. It takes time and sometimes a little déjà vu.

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Power, lust, and oh so much blood. Intrigued? Well, get ready because Oscar Connelly is directing an entirely student run production of Shakespeare’s most iconic play, Macbeth. The cast is an extremely diverse group of students representing multiple grades and majors at The Professional Performing Arts School. We kicked off rehearsals a few days ago with a read through of the play. The energy in the room was indescribable. Everyone was overflowing with ideas of how to make this production one for the books. Someone once told me, “A director is the person who loves the play more then anyone else in the room.” This statement could not be more true of Oscar. It is extraordinarily evident that his mind is constantly focused on the world of Macbeth. With a director that has such a strong passion for the play, it is impossible for the cast not to feel the same. Today I had my first rehearsal as the Witch. Full transparency, I was nervous. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to live up to the outstanding ideas Oscar has for the character. However all my worries quickly faded away when we began. It’s a wonderfully safe environment that gives you the freedom to be brave and make bold choices. Look out for more posts about the rehearsal process, kickstarter, and performance dates! I am brimming with excitement to continue working with such an incredible group of people tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow…

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Always be ready for anything. That’s probably the main thing I learned while working on the pilot episode of Falling From Grace, written by the amazingly talented Logan Riley Bruner and Jacob Wade. It was midnight on a Sunday when Logan asked me if I could be a part of the project. Literal crazytown! By Tuesday I was playing the extraordinarily complex character of Grace alongside a cast of insanely fantastic individuals (Including familiar faces: Oscar Connelly, Peter Santiago, Jeremy Vance Suarez, and the founder of EX LOCUM Ana Krutchinsky). My costume for the first day of filming was sopping wet hair and a ridiculously heavy sweatshirt in 90-degree weather. Like I said, being ready for anything is a must.

The series deals with some pretty serious topics that you ordinarily wouldn’t want to talk, or even think about. However, it’s our job as artists to face issues like these head on, to put them under a microscope for the rest of the world to see. If we don’t shed a light on them, who will? That’s the beauty of art. It helps you to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Shooting Falling From Grace was undeniably a wonderful experience. Everyone involved made me feel so unbelievably comfortable even if I had only met them five minutes earlier. It was filled with endless laughter, singing, dancing, apple juice, and oregano. Prepare yourselves for some killer bloopers.

Money is a thing so promote some good karma and check out the Kickstarter Campaign! We will repay you with endless smiles and hopefully more projects like this one! Get your popcorn ready because the first episode of Falling From Grace comes out soon.

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“Ex locum” is the Latin term for “Out of place.” This website is for anyone who has ever felt or feels as though they are on the outside looking in. We all have moments where we feel like no one can understand what we’re going through. This is a place to celebrate those moments because they help shape us into the extraordinarily interesting people we are meant to become. As artists we have a unique opportunity to connect with a community of people who understand the struggles we face every day. The endless hours spent wondering if we’ll ever be good enough, drinking countless cups of coffee to stay awake during rehearsals, or getting writers block before finishing the last verse of a song. Its our job to support those who are feeling lost in this “concrete jungle where dreams are made of ,” so that the great moments can feel even more unbelievably fantastic. The moment you finish your first short film, absolutely nailing a turn sequence you practiced for what felt like years, or when the first show you ever directed gets a standing ovation. Moments like that help you remember that it’s all worth it. This website is to help remind you that as an artist there is no such thing as loneliness because we are all right there with you whether your feeling as confident as Kanye or as lost as Sharpay when she didn’t get the lead in High School Musical. So cheers to celebrating your wildness and originality because even if you feel out of place there surely will be a place for you here.

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