I had dreamed of being a Musical Theater actor since I played the title role in Miss Locke's 4th grade production of “Winnie-the-Pooh” and I was 17 years old the first time I faced the choice of living a life of security or pursuing my dream. Having heard all the stories of unemployed actors I decided the “Starving Artist” life wasn't for me, so I shelved my dreams and pursued the steady paycheck. For the next 20 years I worked in the restaurant business and kept my toe in the showbiz pool. I had been in Orlando seven years, working at Bergamo's Italian Restaurant as a singing waiter/manager and as a part time Jake Blues at Universal Studios, when the terrible events on 9/11 happened. Shortly after I was severely in debt and working at an empty restaurant when a friend of mine asked: “What would you do if you had no fear?”. My answer was immediate and crystal clear...if I had no fear I would move to New York City and be an actor. I knew if I were to move to NYC I needed to get some things: out of debt, money in the bank, credits on my resume and my Equity Card. Over the next 5 years I worked my ass off and got out of debt while I did my 50 weeks as an EMC. Once I had everything I needed, including a futon to surf while I found an apartment, I began my adventure.
Life in New York was tough. I found a great apartment but had trouble finding a job that was right for me. After a different job each month for several months I got a lead from a friend about a job selling half price tickets on the street for “Altar Boyz”. It was February, but I had not held a steady job since October and the savings were almost gone, so I headed out to work on the cold, cold streets of Times Square. I was very good at the job and it would be my main source of income for the next 3 years. I made my own schedule and never had to ask anyone for time off for an audition, and audition I did. I auditioned for everything, but I booked very little. I had my ups and downs and many a day I wondered how long I would, or could, keep going. While selling tickets I made friends with people in the Improv Troupe “Eight is NEVER Enough”, and they invited me to audition for them. I got the job and spent the next year and a half learning how to do improv and working with some amazing, talented people. Three years after I arrived in NYC I signed an AGVA contract for an open ended off-Broadway run performing improv comedy in Times Square. I was happy. My dream of being an actor was now a reality. It wasn't the “Musical Theater” career I had set out looking for but I loved what I was doing. Thankfully I had been open to trying new things and that had served me well. Little did I know how beneficial it would turn out to be.
In Dec. of 2009 I got a note from a good friend that Stiletto Entertainment was looking for character actors for their new shows on Holland America Cruise Lines. I had never thought of cruise ships as a career choice as it seemed to me that they only hired pretty singer/dancers and I was an overweight character man who “moves well”. I sent in my headshot and resume, did a video audition, and shortly after I received a call offering me a job with rehearsals starting on Feb. 21, 2010 in LA. The plan was to rehearse for close to 7 weeks and then board the MS Statendam for 8 months. The rehearsal process was difficult and I had several days when I felt I was not good enough and that I was never going to be able to retain all the information I was learning, but thanks to the incredible vocal coaches, directors, choreographers and my cast mates I made it through rehearsals. Our cast is made up of amazingly talented people, and it is an honor to share this experience with them. The seven shows we perform are perfect for the Holland America passengers and they love the shows. As a good friend told me: “The people who love the shows are kind enough to let me know and the people that don't like them are kind enough not to.” Life on a ship is very different from life on land, but overall I would have to say this is the best job I have ever had...I get paid well to perform for appreciative audiences in great shows while seeing the world!
If you are unhappy doing what you are doing then make a change, take a chance, and be open to new possibilities. The following quote served me well during those dark moments that I believe all performers live through:
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” - Woodrow Wilson
