Finally!!! Booked!!! It's a "Michelob Ultra" national commercial. What a nice way to round out the year.

Tonight I am a panelist on the Showfax Actors 101 Seminar titled "Creating an Image: How to Create and Market Your Best Self". I am always nervous when appear at these events, but it seemed to go over pretty well. One young lady was so kind to bake brownies for the panelists, they were soooo good. Thanks!!

Callback: "Michelob Ultra". It flows like "butta". I've got a really good feeling about this one. Everything just seemed to click from the very beginning. Screening: "The Girl With A Pearl Earring".

Screening: "Cold Mountain". Renee Zellweger steals every scene that she is in.

Audition: "MasterCard" @ Alyson Horn Casting. It goes well. The session runner told me that she sees my postcards all of the time and was surprised that I do them myself. She even told me where I can get some really good quality glossy ones that are reasonably priced. Audition: "Michelob Ultra" @ Kathy Knowles Casting. It goes really well and I am really right for it. The character is a stage manager/PA. I figure I'll just go in with a "Good Morning, Miami" feel to it. LOL!! While I am there I squeeze in to get seen for a "Washington Mutual" print go-see.

Audition: "Miss Match". This is my second time reading for the show this season. Hopefully I'll get to work on the show. I see Ryan O'Neal on my way in to read. Screening: "Monster". Charlize Theron is incredible in this film. I hope she gets her due.

Screening: "Open Range". Q&A with Robert Duvall, Annette Benning & Kevin Costner.

I have a producer session for "Reba". It's 2 lines. I have to stop going in on some of these roles. I would have passed if I had known more about the role. I didn't even go all that great. I am glad that they think of me, but I want them to think of me in a different light. After that I had a really good audition for "Progressive Auto Insurance" at Craig Colvin Casting. One of these days I am going to book at his office, I usually get close. I'll book in due time. I did a drop-off today @ April Webster Casting and ran into associate Mandy Sherman. She knew who I was right away and asked if I was still working on "Good Morning, Miami". She gets all of the postcards I send out. Maybe one day I'll get to audition for "Alias" too.

Yes!! My first pilot audition of the season. Hopefully this is a sign of what is to come for me. It is at Landsburg/Fiddleman Casting. Terri Fiddleman brought me in for the first TV gig that I ever booked. It was for "Friends". The pilot presentation is for ABC Family called "This Time Around" which is based on a movie-of-the-week. They went over my resume and saw that I have been working quite a bit and asked about the Spielberg/Hanks experience. I felt the read went well; I did everything that I wanted to do in the room. It would be nice to get a callback.

I thought this was kinda funny. I looking at this "Good Morning, Miami" fansite and the topic of the day was why was the show having a bad season. Someone inquired about the character that I used to play "Robby" they said "Whatever happen to Robbie? He was so cool". I gotta tell you I got a kick out of that!!

Screening: "Bad Santa". The star of the film, Billy Bob Thornton, did a Q&A session for SAG members in attendance. He is a really cool dude. I was even able to get a photo with him.

Commercial audition: "Sears".I have a dear friend who is one of the most talented people I have ever met and I mean ever. Her name is Erin Seaborg. The business side of acting, for her, wasn't nearly as exciting as acting itself. I asked her to give me some of her headshots and I would pass them around while I did my own drop-offs. She had attended some casting director workshops and I knew which ones. I would selectively drop off her photos at the places that I thought she had the best chance of getting called in. The last photo that I had of hers went to Zane/Pillsbury Casting. They cast NBC's "Miss Match". Brett Greenstein called her in and she booked the role!! She was non-union so she was able get her SAG card from it as well. The show aired tonight and she looked great. Congratulations Erin!!

Happy Birthday mom!!! She would have been 70 today. Tonight I attend the Hollywood premiere of "In America". It was pretty neat; I even walked down the red carpet. I got off of it quickly so I wouldn't get in someone else's photo. I enjoyed the film for the third time and hung out for reception afterwards. I even saw a few people that I knew. Thanks Jim.

My friend, Jonathan Julian, has a commercial audition today that he thinks I am also right for. I call my agent and 10 minutes later I have my own appointment. It was for a "Dodge" spot and it goes really well. Screening: "In America" After the screening I run into the highly-acclaimed director of the Jim Sheridan. I know Jim through a former girlfriend. He invites me to the premiere which is tomorrow in Beverly Hills.

Today I have a film audition @ Henderson/Zuckerman Casting. The film is called "Lost in Plainview"; the role is of a small-town, country guy. He runs into 2 girls in trouble and eventually gets killed. The audition is for the director and it goes really well. Afterwards I have a producer session for UPN's "All About The Andersons. Screening: "Japanese Story"

AIA Career Day is what is on my agenda today. Not so much because I'm looking for direction in my career, because I have to stay busy. Today is the one year anniversary of my mother's death. Without question, this is the most difficult thing I have ever been through. I don't know that it gets easier with time. It gets.........different. It has tapped the rawest emotions in my core self. I don't think I ever cried at a film before she passed. These days I rarely see a film where I don't shed a tear at some point. (You can keep that between us though.)

Cool! I get to be a reader today. Henderson/Zuckerman Casting, who I have been a reader for in the past, has asked me to help out on an indie film called "In Your Eyes". It's a short session with the Producers/Writers/Director. It goes well and they ask for my headshot at the end. I also have an audition scheduled for and another project at this office next week.

7:00am and I'm back on-set for my last day on "The Terminal". Looking at the schedule it seems that my scene will be shot today. All of the vendors supported one another while they were shooting which was great. I watched Lydia do her thing and I was up soon after. A background actor in Lydia's scene got an upgrade to principal when he was asked to dance in the scene by the cinematographer. No lines, just dancing, I can't wait see that scene in the film.

Right before my scene was to be filmed Steven threw in another shot on the spot. Another background actor who was working in the Starbucks was also upgraded on the spot and given several lines with Tom Hanks. Two people upgraded in one hour. Finally it was my turn to work. I had some other choices to help make my little bit of dialogue my own. I wanted my ideas to be heard so I waited until I was miked for sound and knew Steven was listening. I wasn't going to change the dialogue that was written, but I figured that I'd kinda throw it out to the universe when I was warming up before we actually rehearsed it. IT WORKED!!! After the second take Steven came over to me and asked me to add the line I was doing in rehearsal. It was over in a flash and Tom & Steven shook my hand and thanked me. Steven laughed and said "you've got the line of the movie". I just hope it survives through post-production. Afterwards I, Lydia and the others hung out and watched production for the rest of the day. I also asked Mr. Hanks for a photo and he was more than happy to pose with me. 119 days after that drop-off it's finally done. Well not really, my promotional energy will continue to use it to get more auditions for studio films. Since we ended up staying a little longer than originally booked we were in the hotel longer as well. I figured I was due more per diem money in addition to what I had already gotten, but I wasn't going to ask for it. Sure enough Lydia got hers and came and told me that they had mine waiting for me. I could get used to this!! Peace!!

This officially let me know that this surreal experience was OVER and I was going back to my regular life. When I was leaving the set i started my car and the headlights wouldn't turn on. WHAT!!! Yeah, no headlights. I fiddled with some things for a little while and they eventually came on. Back to the hotel for a good nights sleep before driving back to Hollywood in the morning.

I'm off today from "The Terminal" which works out perfectly because my agent calls with a callback for a "Domino's" commercial. The callback goes well; I'm due for some commercial bookings.

One year ago today I said what was to be my final goodbye to my mother. Without question, this was the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. I miss her dearly. Another 6:30 call today. The weather is quite brisk in the morning; I think the elevation is about 3,000 feet. I love seeing the snow-capped mountains in the distance. According to the shooting schedule the group of vendors that I am a part of is shooting first thing this morning. I get a little breakfast, into wardrobe & I'm ready to go. The big question is: are they ready for me? I sit in my trailer, reading a script, and doze off. Then there is a knock on my door. They are ready for me. Finally!! One moment I'm asleep and five minutes later I'm in a scene with Tom Hanks. Things change fast in Hollywood, well make that Palmdale.

A wonderful surprise for me today was the entire office from Debra Zane Casting visiting the set. It was Debra herself, associate Tannis Vallely and assistant Christiana Celeste. They picked today to visit because many of the people who booked a weeks work were working. They were genuinely happy for our group; they even stayed and had lunch with us.

After lunch it was back to work. We were finishing a huge scene from the previous day involving hundreds of background actors. Watching Tom Hanks is quite interesting. I don't see him as an "intense" actor; he seems very relaxed and just does the work. We wrapped another 12 hour day and it was back to the hotel. Oh yeah, Mr. Hanks gave us all Lotto tickets. He is a first class guy.....I didn't win though.

I'm back in Palmdale and my 6:30am call is welcome. I'm eager to work, but it isn't to be today. I wait, wait and wait some more. I hang out on set a bit and watch the others do their thing. Three of Steven Spielberg's kids make cameos in the film as well. 10 1/2 hours on set, but camera time for me. Back to the hotel, dinner and I hit the sack early.

This morning's 6:30am call time came after a restless night. Today's shooting schedule said that the vendors would be in the first two scenes of the day and the very last scene of the day. The hours came and went. I slept in my trailer for a while, and then hung out on-set. We broke for lunch, and then afterwards we were wrapped for the day. 8 hours on-set, but they never got to our scenes. We will are scheduled to be back on Monday.

I signed out and shot some hoops with Diego Luna. I'm not a b-ball player, but I didn't know my game was THAT bad. I suck!!

INT. Stephon's stuffy studio apartment-7:07am-

SFX: (Phone ringing)

Stephon: (After checking caller ID: "Dreamworks") Hello?

Production:
Stephon?

Stephon:
Speaking.

Production:
I'm sorry to call you so early, but Steven just arrived on-set and wants to shoot your scene today. Is it possible for you to come to set right away?

Stephon:
Ah....yeah of course.

Production:
Cool! Thank you so much. Look for me when you get here, I have very short hair.

Stephon:
Okay, see you then.

So that was my wake up call this morning. I've had worse calls. All of the sudden everything is NOW! The location is in Palmdale, about 70 miles away.

Put clothes in the dryer from last night
Shower & shave
Fill my cars' radiator with coolant, since I have a leak
Go to ATM

I'm finally on the road. It's a beautiful drive through the mountains of Southern California. I don't think I'll ever get used to the mountainous views of this region. It's pretty flat in Virginia Beach where I grew up, so the is a real treat.

I arrive at the location. I can't believe this. It is the largest set ever built for a movie. They constructed a whole airport terminal. I check in with production and get to my trailer and the first person is Lydia Blanco. I've known Lydia for a couple of years, we met doing workshops. I remember when she was new in town and a little frustrated with being non-union. Well here we are working together on a Spielberg production with Tom Hanks & Catherine Zeta-Jones. Dreams do come true.

The set is unbelievable to say the least. It is Hollywood magic at its best, you really get the feeling that you are leaving on a flight. I am part of a group of 5 airport vendors. We are introduced to Mr. Spielberg and he seems like a really nice guy. Shortly after I see Tom Hanks & Catherine Zeta-Jones. Tom is very funny and engaging. Ms. Zeta-Jones is absolutely beautiful, very sweet and doesn't take long show why she is a star.

We are informed by one of the AD's that since Steven put us in this scene at the last minute we will get one extra day of work added. This is great news; it'll pay for my trip home for the holidays. During one of the set changes I had a few words with Mr. Spielberg. I thanked him for the opportunity to be a part of his storytelling. I also told him that I thought I was the only man in the world who had never had coffee. He laughed and said maybe he & I are the only two.

The next 6-8 hours were spent rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest players in the industry. After wrapping for the day, me and the other vendors checked in our hotel, met for dinner and called it a night.

I receive a call from "The Terminal" production saying that I won't start tomorrow; it has been pushed to the following day. Okay, what's another day right? I mean I booked this role over 3 months ago. I'm patient, LOL!!

A friend of mine, Gwendolyn Oliver, had a script reading of her screenplay sharing her experience of having a brain tumor. Powerful, moving and quite beautiful to say the least.

These days I'm looking forward to breaking through to the next level in my career. I'm kinda sitting in a great position, but I don't want to continue to be an actor who only does bit parts. I pride myself with being "patiently, impatient". Great things are happening for me, but I have to keep the pressure on to keep on a steady plane of progress. I think a change is on the horizon as far as my hair style goes, I am getting tired of wearing my hair in dreadlocks. I have already discussed it with my agents and I think it will happen sooner than later. Now that it seems like "Good Morning, Miami" is a thing of the past it may be a perfect time to do it.

Finally a commercial audition this week!! I get seen for a "Domino's" spot @ Ross Lacy Casting. It goes well. It would be nice to book a commercial or anything else these days.

Yeah!! Cool I have an appointment for "The Shield" today. The role is an addict who is being shaken down in a crack den. Its fun and I think I am pretty right for it, I'll hope for the best. Regardless, I feel that it goes well.

Today I have my wardrobe fitting for "The Terminal" @ Universal Studios. It is always funny to me when I am standing in my underwear just five minutes after meeting the always female wardrobe person. In most other lines of work that would get me arrested.

I guess this answers my questions on if I will be back on "Good Morning, Miami" or not. I think the answer is a resounding "NO!". It appears that I have been replaced in the role of "Robby" the stage manager. There is now a Latino female in a very similar role. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted and I must say that I am quite curious as to what happened. I asked my agent, but she was never able to get an answer from the casting office. I'll have to chalk it as something that seemed too good to be true. When I went back at the start of this season it seemed that I would be around a lot. The director, Peter Bonerz, in the last episode I worked actually requested that I have a desk on the show. I'm sure this is leading to another door opening for me. It's not everyday that 3 lines turns into 14 episodes!! Onward & upward!!

Today is busy!! This is a good thing, since it has been a little quiet as of late. First, I have a really good commercial audition for "Old Spice" @ Sheila Manning Casting. Then I read for USA Network's "Monk" for CFB Casting. The role was a Rastafarian cook in prison with a Jamaican accent. Must be the hair, huh? Anyway, I work on the material with two of my actor friends and got to a good place with it. The audition went well, I'm not sure how right I was for the role, but it went well. That is all I can ask for. Lastly, I participated in a screenplay reading for a new film that is setup at Universal Pictures. The director is Franc Reyes, he directed "Empire" last year starring John Leguizamo. I was surrounded by a lot of really talented performers and it was a blast. Mimi Rogers was there as well. I got into that through a friend, Nicole Gomez Fisher, called me at the last minute to participate. Thanks Nicole!!

Bright and early and it's already time to go back to LA. I'm sick as dog!!! WHAT!!! Yeah, I got hit with something overnight. I am not looking forward being on a plane all day feeling like this. But I guess I have no choice.

THE FORMAL NIGHT!! This means I have to wear a suit. Not my favorite thing to do, but without a tie I was okay. Tonight there where some who weren't in attendance last night. It seemed like everyone was married with kids. Or had "been" married with kids. I was one of the few that hadn't done either, at least not yet. Again it was great to see everyone. Me being an actor came up several times. This is always a funny thing for me. I feel kinda goofy saying it. I'm proud of what I've accomplished, but it just feels funny mentioning it among those who aren't in the business. A few had actually seen me in a couple of things on TV and thought it was kinda cool. So all in all it was a really good trip. I got to reconnect with some people I hadn't spoken to in a very long time. I'm looking forward to the next one.

LAX. Bright & early. Ready to Rock 'n Roll!! I'm off to my hometown of Virginia Beach, VA to attend my high school class reunion. Interesting, to say the least. Can I tell you that I absolutely love going home? It's the best feeling. It's just so "regular", so "calm". Make no mistake my hometown has it's "issues" too, but compared to NY & LA I feel like I am in a time warp back into a time when things were more "simple". So I show up at the reunion and recognize people right away. Many of the names came to me instinctively. Most people looked pretty much liked themselves with the additional years added. I don't know how I looked to others. Quite a few didn't recognize me at all. That didn't surprise me. I wasn't really known for much other than my skills on a BMX bike. At least that's all I remember. Some knew I had become an actor and had questions about it. Others found out and were kinda shocked by it. I can see why, there wasn't any of it while I was in high school. There were many people that I thought would be there that didn't attend. Maybe they'll be there on the second night.

WHAT!!! I have a print go-see today. I don't get those too often. It's a worldwide ad for "Nissan". Wish me luck, I'll need it.

Today I have an audition for "Significant Others". I'm not really sure what kind of a show it is. I think it's like a reality show, but they are using real actors. Thankfully!!! Anyway, the audition is totally improv, which I haven't done in a while. My partner is willing to go for it and it comes off great. I don't know if we'll be cast, but we showed well I thought. My agent calls this evening with my schedule for "The Terminal". Actually it's the schedule for the entire production. Wow, I can see exactly what days everybody is working in what cities. It looks like I am working for 4 days out of 7 days. This weekend I am going back to Virginia Beach, VA to attend my high school reunion. I don't know why I feel this way, but I am a nervous wreck. At the same time I am truly looking forward to it. Actually, it feels good to "not" know what to expect.

There is no pressure on me, I mean I wasn't voted "class president" or "most likely to succeed" or anything like that. I'll be surprised if more than handful of people even knew I existed back then.

No, I've never been married and don't have any children, at least not yet. I never went to college and there was absolutely no hint in high school that I would be an actor. It should be very interesting; I guess I'll see what happens.

More Spielberg research going on tonight. This guy is amazing!! I am so looking for to working with him & his team.

Tonight I spend time at Barnes & Noble doing more research on Steven Spielberg. I really want to know "how" he works. It's a small role that I have booked and I really want it to make it to the screen. I'll be doing a lot more research over the next 3 weeks.

This afternoon I go straight to producers for new ABC comedy "I'm With Her". I can't complain about my theatrical auditions, but I usually book more.

This morning I have an audition for new Fox drama "Skin". I rehearsed it with my man Jon and was ready to go, but when I read it with the casting director the words wouldn't come out. I finally asked if I could start over, the CD said yes. The next time felt really good. It was taped for the producers, so hopefully I'll get a callback. I stop in to see my commercial agents today because I told them that I am considering cutting my hair. I had my dreads stuff up in a hat to give them a hint of what I might look like without dreads. Also my agent calls with the final details of my travels plans for "The Terminal". They will put me in a hotel in Palmdale and give me a daily per diem for meals.

This evening SonHui calls me herself, she is on the road to recovery, thankfully. She sounds groggy, but like herself. It just goes to show that we aren't guaranteed another day or another moment even. There have been a lot things lately that have made think about my life. Tonight at the gym a young guy collapsed after leaving the sauna room, he was okay moments later. I don't know, I'm starting to think about family in a different way. I mean I am really close to my family; I talk to my little brother Todd in Virginia every day, several times a day usually. I think my thoughts are transitioning to having my own family. Hmmmm...........

Today I stopped by the casting office of "The Terminal" with a small token of my appreciation for everyone who works there. Debra wasn't there, but Tannis and Christiana were. Tannis greeted me with open arms; she was so happy that I was cast in the film. She told me how sure Steven was about choosing me. She reported that he said "This is the only person for this role". I auditioned on a Tuesday morning, they sent tapes overnight the same afternoon to The Hamptons in New York and he was on the phone Thursday morning with the booking.

Alright!! Tonight is the second episode of "Good Morning, Miami". I enjoy the episode until it is interrupted by the election coverage. Looks like "Ahnold" is the new man. Weird, to say the least. Maybe he'll help keep more jobs in LA.

Audition: "Roadrunner Cable". The audition goes well.

Today I get an appointment for new NBC drama "Las Vegas". I had dropped off a photo yesterday at the casting office and they called a couple of hours later. The role is a delivery guy. The audition goes well; hopefully I'll get a callback.

Audition: "UPS". It goes well! My agent informs me that I will be working in Palmdale, CA for "Terminal". Palmdale is about 65 miles from where I live. She was calling to see if I wanted to stay out there in a hotel while I shoot or drive in/out everyday and get a mileage credit. I guess I was trying to be nice 'cause I just said "whatever is the easiest". Right after that I ran into commercial queen Margaret Easley and she gave me several good reasons to stay in Palmdale. So I called back and informed my agent. I get word that I booked the UCLA trailer. BUT! There seems to be some question about the union status. I don't know why the CD called me to audition if it wasn't SAG. So I called the CD and she wasn't really sure what the status and wasn't too helpful really. She just wanted me to do it and not worry about it. She said to call the director and check with him. I called him and he said that they were trying to get it covered by a SAG experimental contract. Cool! He calls back and said that it wasn't looking good for the SAG contract and would I be willing to do it anyway. I told him "no" I wouldn't do it non-union. That's unfortunate; I was looking forward to working with a new, young director.

Bright and early I get a call to let me know that SonHui made it through surgery okay. I am dumbfounded by this whole thing. It adds to things I have been already thinking about in my life.

This morning I get an e-mail from a friend of SonHui, the friend that I accompanied to the wedding last week in Phoenix. My heart starts racing as I am wondering what was going on. I call her and she tells me that SonHui is in the hospital. She had had a brain aneurysm. WHAT!!! A week ago I was right there with her in Phoenix. It threw me for a loop, you never really think that sort of thing will happen to anyone you know. She goes in to surgery this evening.

Cool! My agent calls to tell me that my time on the feature "The Terminal" has been increased to a week. That is great to hear, I am really excited about this project.

Also, tonight is the big night!!! It's the second season premiere of "Good Morning, Miami". I think the show was fantastic!! Some of my lines were there and some were cut. I think the show has a great chance to be very important for NBC in the coming years if they get behind it.

Today I sent out an e-mail reminder for friends to watch the second season premiere of "Good Morning, Miami". It's amazing how many people are rooting for me, many I haven't ever met in the flesh. I really appreciate it. One young lady, Staci, got word that I booked a role in "The Terminal" with Tom Hanks. She happens to be really good friends with the casting associate that cast the film. She forwarded my e-mail message to her and the casting associate, Tannis responded that "Steven loves me" (my audition performance, that is). WHAT!!! Yeah, Steven as in "Spielberg". Cool!!! Here is the quote:

"one more thing...i talked to tannis and she said steven LOVES you! go get 'em baby! love staci"

The audition was like 3 lines, I couldn't figure out how he came up with all of that. I'll take it though. Maybe they were actually shooting all of the pre-audition conversation about me not drinking coffee. I've been doing research on Mr. Spielberg and I found that he doesn't drink coffee either.

Tonight I conduct a mentoring session at The Actorsite. I was asked to do it by the owner for members of the group. I was just sharing experiences for a couple of hours. It feels weird to be called a mentor, but it went pretty well.

I have 3 auditions today. The first is for a UCLA trailer. I was called directly by the casting director. It went really well. Next was an appointment an "ABC Diversity Showcase". It was okay, I think I was rushing over the material and missing the beats. The last one was for producers for "NYPD Blue". I felt it went well.

Audition: "Pop Secret". It goes well; I am paired up with my dear friend Keilana Smith. It was quite interesting. Keilana and I have dated on and off for the last several years going back to my New York restaurant days. More off than on, but always in each others lives.

Today I go in for a SAG experimental film. It's called "Zero Options"; the role is some street hustler. How funny. They have me pick any scene in the script for my audition material. I chose one that was "non-thug-like". It was between my character and a little girl; I was helping her with her homework. I don't think they expected that, so they had me read a "thug-like" scene totally cold. I felt that it went well, considering it was totally cold.

Wow, for some reason that wedding really did a number on me. It was so beautiful to see two people that were so committed to each other. I have to admit, it got me to think about certain areas of my life. Ahem, I'll leave it at that.

Cool!! Another audition from a drop-off. I have a producer session this morning for new NBC dramedy "Miss Match". I felt the session went well. Right after my audition I went straight to LAX to catch a flight to Phoenix, AZ to attend a wedding with a friend, SonHui.

Tonight I attend the season premiere party for UPN comedy "One On One". It was held at one of the series regular, Kelly Perine's house. He is a really, really great guy and one heck of a talented actor. I remember being in a commercial callback with him once and it was painfully obvious why he works so much. At the party I watched the show in his bedroom; I noticed that his room is larger than my entire apartment. WHAT!!! I better keep doing drop-offs!

COOL! Bright and early my commercial agent calls to tell me I have a callback later this afternoon for "Hyundai". YEAH!! The callback goes really well. I don't think I'll book, but that's okay. I'll get 'em next time.

This day really hatches a horrible memory for our country and the world. I gave blood again this year in honor of it. I know I should give blood more often, but I can't stand needles. I will get better at it though and try to give more often. I also had an audition for a "Hyundai" commercial. I was to portray a husband in his early 30's. It's funny because I usually feel like I'm a bit younger than that. I am learning to leave that way of thinking alone and just do the work. There are situations in which I'm right about it........I think. Anyway it went well and we'll see what happens. Then I had an audition for "Eve", a new comedy on UPN, starring rapper Eve. I felt like I was ready for the audition, but it didn't go all that well. The CD was really backed up and I felt she was kinda trying catch up therefore it was really rushed. I explained what happened to one of my buddies and he gave me a little trick to prevent that from happening again.

Drop offs, drop offs & more drop offs!!

Today I had an audition for a SAG short film at CBS Radford. After the audition I had planned to do some drop-offs on the lot. It was blazing hot and I wanted to sit in the shade while looking up addresses in my Pocket PC. I finally found shade right next to the stage where NBC's "The Tracy Morgan Show" shoots. It is also the former stage of "Seinfeld". Several people had walked back and forth when finally a gentleman asked me if I was lost. I told him "no" and that I was preparing to pass out photos on the lot; ya know "get my hustle on". He thought that was great. I could tell that he was somehow connected to the "The Tracy Morgan Show". He suggested that I drop a photo to the show, but I told him that casting wasn't done on the lot for that particular production. I told him that I'd seen the trailer for the show at the Academy Network Preview and enjoyed it. Turns out he was the father of Marc John Jefferies; one of the kids on the show. He is also a producer and let me read part of his script that was just greenlit. I informed him that I recur on "Good Morning, Miami" also shooting on the CBS lot. He then invited me to come in to watch rehearsal. It looks like a really funny show that is a mid-season replacement. I said I hope it doesn't replace "Good Morning, Miami", but with the lack of advertising it will be challenging for "GMM". I watched rehearsal, which was quite entertaining and saw, former rapper, Heavy D who is also on the show. Who was directing? "Friends" cast member David Schwimmer. Peace!

Cool!! I have an audition at one of the CD offices that I dropped off at while I was on the Universal lot last week. It's for "LA Dragnet"; the role is "B-Mo" a street hustler. I'm always a little apprehensive when I get these calls. I just have a hard time believing that an audience is going to buy me as a hard-core street dealer. There is a part for me in those stories, maybe the foot soldier that is now strung out on crack. I just don't think I'm the guy who brought 40 kilos of coke to the neighborhood. Anyway, there was a paramedic role that I wanted to be seen for instead. I called my agent and they asked the CD to see me for the other role. The CD said "no problem". I didn't get a callback, but I think they will consider me for the run of the season. I feel good about making the decision of requesting to be seen for the other role.

My audition for "The Guardian" went pretty well. I later got more insight into what they were looking for and I would have done things a little different. I have to make sure I get the entire character breakdown from my agency. I also get a call today for "LA Dragnet" for Tuesday. I believe it was from one of the drop-offs I did yesterday.

Today I was on the lot @ Universal for a producer session for UPN comedy "Rock Me Baby" through Susan Vash Casting. The callback went great and hopefully she'll keep calling me in.

Afterwards I went into my trusty HP iPAQ Pocket PC and checked for the addresses on the lot so I could do some drop-offs. I really didn't feel like doing them....well because I was just tired. It was hot outside, my car was running hot, my agent was having problems e-mailing appointment info for today, Friday and I wanted get home to make sure I had the info.

As I was ready to pull off to go home I stopped and said "what the heck are you doing? This is where you shine; this is where your magic happens". I take my seatbelt off, break out my computer and get a move on with the map of the Universal Lot. After taking forever to find the first drop-off and on my way to the 2nd I run into Susan Vash and her associate Reyna Karp whom I had just read for.

Me: (to self) Oh Sh*t, I'm not a stalker.
(Normal voice from across the street) Hi!

Susan & Reyna:
You're still here?

Me:
I'm doing drop-offs.

Susan & Reyna:
Gotta take advantage of the pass, huh?

Me:
Yeah, you never know when you're gonna get back on the lot.

Susan & Reyna:
Yeah, I guess your right.

Me:
Ya know, I pull out my little computer (showing them) and look up all of the addresses and get to work.

Susan & Reyna:
Wow! That is the coolest little thing.

Me: Yeah, gotta help the agents out anyway I can. Myself too, I get 90%!

Susan & Reyna:
You're smart. We'll do one for you. LaPadura/Hart Casting is right next door to us.

Me:
You're kidding. You wouldn't mind?

Susan & Reyna:
No problem. (I give them the photo that I have in my hand) (to each other) Who else is near us?

Me: Ah ladies, you're the best! Well have a great, safe weekend and THANK YOU. See ya.

I proceed to try and make a couple of others that I can't find and call it a day. Tomorrow I have a pre-read for "The Guardian" @ Sony Studios and you can bet I'll be looking for more magic.

Today I have the first commercial audition in the last couple of weeks. It's for "AT&T" @ Jeff Rosenman Casting. It goes alright, nothing special.

"Rock Me Baby" @ Susan Vash Casting goes well. Susan and her associate, Reyna, remembered me from previous visits to their office and postcards. They seemed really happy with the read and asked me to return for producers in a couple of days.

Okay Monday goes by without no call about "GMM". I do get an appointment for UPN comedy "Rock Me Baby" for tomorrow though.

Shoot day goes off without a hitch. I'm always amazed at how the writers come up with so much funny stuff while we are shooting. The actors always deliver as well. I haven't been booked on the next episode as of yet, but the casting director did mention something about it to me. I guess I won't know until I know.

Pre-shoots, pre-shoots, pre-shoots. I didn't think today would ever end. Trust me, I'm not complaining, I am glad to be working. The guest stars on the show this week are the "Queer Eyes For The Straight Guy" guys a.k.a. "the Fab Five". They have a funny scene totally playing themselves and are really nice people as well. After almost 12 hours on-set we are finished. A long day in sitcom world.

Okay, get this. I wake up this morning @ 9am because I need to move my car. As I walk out my door I see a "GMM" script. WHAT!?!? I guess I've been written back in. I'm in and out of the shower in a flash and on my way. I arrive at the studio and within 5 minutes the director, Peter Bonerz, begins placing me in scenes. Peter is definitely in my corner; he just seems to make sure that I'm around. So, in less than a day I go from being written out to appearing in 3 scenes.

A call comes in for another studio film audition for tomorrow; I hope I can make it somehow. It's not looking good because we have a lot of pre-shooting to do for Thursday's show.

Oh yeah, I think I got a desk on the show. Meaning a place where I normally am going to be. A really good thing.

GOOD MORNING, STEPHON!!!! Usually when my caller ID says "PRIVATE CALLER" it's my theatrical agent. The first thought that ran through my head was that I had been written out of the current episode. I was right. Oh well, it happens. At least I still get paid. Also, if I know anything about this show, it's that they re-write quite often. I could be back before it's over.

Today I have a lot of running to do; just the way I like it. I start in the morning at a Talent Manager Panel @ AIA. I'm not looking for a manager, but I usually pick up some useful info. Next is to a seminar entitled "Succeeding in L.A.". Hmmm.......not a whole lot picked up here either, but I will try to simplify my resume a little. I then rushed back to AIA to catch Casting Director Jane Jenkins. Jane and her partner Janet Hirshenson are the people behind The Casting Company. They cast mostly studio films. I really wanted to hear what she had to say. All in all, it was good, productive day.

Table read, "Good Morning, Miami" episode #2. This morning I tuned in to watch "Good Day LA". One of the co-host, Jillian Barberie, is going to be a guest-recurring character on the show. I wanted to see what she was like before the table read. WOW! This woman has a lot of energy. She's cool, hip and seems fun. She is perfect for the character on the show.

CUT to: 90 minutes later

I am sitting next to Jillian at the read and she is going to be absolutely fantastic.

It's as hot as can be and I'm on my way to Fox Studios for a producer session for "NYPD Blue". The associate casting director, Scott Genkinger, The role is a "murderous, thug type of guy". These roles are a real challenge for me. I'm not your typical "murderous, thug type of guy". I have to resist the temptation of trying to convince people that I'm mean. I have to just put "Stephon" in that situation and trust it. I just wanna have a good, strong read. It goes well enough, but not great. I spend the next hour doing drop-offs on the lot.

Show day!! What a long day. Today was kinda hectic, maybe it was because it was the first show of the season. I also missed a commercial audition. I hate missing auditions, but I guess I have a good reason. I think we've got some really good stuff. I always say that, I really believe the show has what it takes to be a "go to" show for NBC.

Back in the saddle at "Good Morning, Miami"!!! This morning we have the table read for the first episode of the season. I was happy to see the cast & crew again. I got meet Tiffani Thiessen; she is doing the first 3 of 4 episodes. Based on what I've heard from several people it seems that my character may be around quite a bit again this season. My commercial agent calls with a same-day call for a "Chevy" audition for Cathi Carlton Casting. I have booked 2 commercials through Cathi in the past. The audition went well.

Today I participate in the reading of a script that a young lady I used to work with in New York with wrote.

Drop-offs, drop-offs & more drop-offs!

NO!!!! The driver-side door handle on my trusty Honda Accord broke today. Now I have to get in through the passenger side or reach around and unlock the driver-side door. IT'S TOO HOT FOR THIS!!! No, really this is good. It just reminds me that it is time to get a newer car. I'm going to try to make that happen this Fall/Winter.

Today I have an audition for a big feature called "Terminal". This is really good news for several reasons. First, I dropped off the photo myself. I actually held off on dropping it off because I was going on vacation. As soon as I got back in town I dropped it off. Second, I had never been to this office before. Third, they do mostly A-list features; that is where I am focusing right now. When I get to the audition I see that the associate is someone that I met in a workshop years ago. She said she saw my photo come in and she called my agent. When I went in the room for the read the casting director, Debra Zane, said that she actually read my resume. She commented on the last line of the special skills section that says "Guess what. You're not gonna believe this, but I've never had coffee or any kind of alcohol. Never." She wanted to know if it was true. After joking around for a moment she stopped and said "you know what? I actually believe you". She should believe me, because it's true. Anyway the audition on tape went really well.

It's been pretty quiet audition-wise lately, but I keep very busy doing drop-offs. I had an audition scheduled for producers of "I'm With Her", a new comedy for ABC, but it was cancelled because they switched scripts. It was for Jeff Greenberg, the same CD that I booked "Frasier" through. I thought I was really right for it too, hopefully when they go back to that script I'll get seen.

Not one, but two auditions for "Dodge" today. I didn't feel all that great about either one though.

Tonight I do a workshop and the guest shares with the group that he always gets my postcards and I should give seminars to actors on marketing themselves. That is a real compliment. I told him that I'd plans for the future in that area.

Today I have a callback for that "Jimmy Dean" spot. I don't think the producers/director were interested in me though, maybe next time.

I have made the decision to increase my profile in the film world. Up to now I have specifically concentrated on Commercials & Primetime TV. I'm going to concentrate on studios films, the ones that usually get completed and released. I am not going to be turning other things down, but my focus will be on the big films. I figured "why can't have a scene or two in a million film"? Maybe I can. I'll at least try. Today I have an audition for "Little Black Book". It's a film starring Brittany Murphy, Kathy Bates & Holly Hunter. The audition, on tape, goes well.

Today I attend the Network Upfront Preview at the Academy of Arts & Sciences. This is a preview of all of the new shows on the fall schedule. It gives me a heads up on what is coming up on TV. It also helps if I get to audition for shows that haven't aired yet.

I have another commercial audition today, this time "Jimmy Dean" sausage.

Early morning flight and I'm back in LA by 11am. My audition is at 12:05pm, gotta like that. It's a fun spot for "Bud Light". Welcome back to LA Stephon!! It's good to be back, I had a great vacation. I wouldn't change a thing except for my sore leg, but it's getting better.

In the wee hours of the morning my train back to Virginia Beach is scheduled to leave Penn station @ 2:35am. The first red flag was that it wasn't on the schedule. Word is that it's stuck in Connecticut where there is a bridge malfunction. The next word is that it won't arrive until 4:30am at the earliest, which will make me miss my connection in DC. UGHHHHHHHHHH!!! It's not that big of a deal, it's just that my leg is still bothering me. I figure I can just wait or walk to Port Authority on get on the Greyhound Bus. Not a pleasant thought, I've taken the bus back and forth to NYC more times than I care to count. I check the schedule and it will be a 13 hour journey. I relent. I tell you, riding the bus really helps to keep me focused so that I won't have to ride the bus in the future. I call both of my agents to let them know that I will be back in LA on schedule. My theatrical agent says that it's already starting to pick up; my commercial agent has an audition for me as soon as I land.

It's great to be back in New York as always, I also don't regret leaving. There are so many stairs!!! I'm sure this was my sore leg talking. I knew when it was my time to move on and I listened to that voice. In the future I hope to spend more time there. Dinner with friends caps the evening.

That was a quick trip and I am back on the plane to the US. This flight took forever, it seemed like I was flying over Europe for days. I think because I was flying during daylight hours the whole time. Anyway, I eventually got back to New York. Tonight I met a several people from the Backstage.com forum. It was cool to put faces to names that I have met online.

There are a lot "ex-pats" here, Americans living abroad. I'm not sure if that term means simply "Americans living abroad" or if they are sorta "anti-American". I'll have to ask my brother. I don't think I could live there for more than a week or so, I would always be craving to go back to work. A lot of time is spent "at the bar" drinking and smoking. I don't drink or smoke, but I enjoyed seeing how things are different than here in the states. I have to say that I've never seen so many women in my life. I don't necessarily mean like "hotties" though there are plenty of those, just females in general. Maybe it has to do with all of the fighting that has taken place. Today I went into a castle near the Charles Bridge in Prague. Unbelievable!! I don't know how old it was, but it was old. You could see where the soldiers would shoot potential invaders from. Crazy!!

So here I am in Prague, Czech Republic in a lot of pain, but trooping through. I can see why several Heath Ledger films have been shot here. This place is so old, it makes LA seem like it was built in the 70's.

I arrive in Prague, zip thru customs and my brother is waiting. We can both hardly believe I am finally there. On to mass transit. I can tell this place has a lot of history.

After a restful night I am all packed and ready to get to JFK for my flight to Prague. I consolidated my bags to just one for the trip. On my way to JFK I stopped my old spot on 57th to get a manicure. Yep, I used to get 'em done every two weeks. I don't do it in LA for some reason. The plane for Switzerland leaves 2 hours late, there was a mechanical problem. Hours later I am in Zurich and the first thing I notice is that everyone smokes and I mean everyone. Four hours there and then off to Prague.

Bright and early to the train station for the trip to New York. It was cool riding the train through what most of America is. Lot of trees and rural areas. My thigh really hurts. I get to New York and have to go straight to Queens to get my plane ticket to Prague. It's a long day with 2 bags & back-pack. If I say so myself, I'm a trooper. It's 10:30pm when I finally get to my friend Genine's place in Harlem where where I am staying.

Back on the MX track for myself and my brothers. This time I have a bike to ride all day. A wonderful young lady named Stacy who I met last week let me ride her Kawasaki KX100. My brother looked good, but I had to let him have it AGAIN. I won 4 races, he won 2. There was this double jump I really wanted to do and my curiosity got the best of me and I went for it. I had the distance, but got shaky on the landing and fell. I bruised my thigh really good. I think it's gonna hurt for a while. Damn and I have a lot of traveling to do still.

Today is the day my brothers and I go motorcycle riding ourselves in North Carolina. I don't get to ride in LA so he thinks my skills are lacking. What he doesn't understand is that I study the sport like crazy through magazines, the internet, watching it on TV and actually going to the races. I study it just like my acting career. Of course I let him have it on the track. I beat him 3 out of 4 races. I could also barely walk at the end of the day.

Tonight I sit in on my old acting class. I usually do this when I'm in town; it's great to see some of the early Meisner exercises in action. The students usually have some questions about New York & Los Angeles as well.

YES!!! Budd's Creek, Maryland AMA National Motocross Series. I get a chance to see MX/SX phenon James "Bubba" Stewart do what he does best. It's unbelievable what he can do on a motorcycle.

Today I go a surfing contest in Virginia Beach and see a bunch of guys I used to Body board/Surf with back in the day. Several of them are doing very well in the sport. One, Jason Borte, is writing the life story of 6-time World Surfing Champion Kelly Slater. Another, Jeff Meyers, travels the world surfing for a living. I am so happy to see those living their dreams. Like me, they are really thankful for what is happening for them.

YES!!! I am out of here for a whole month of vacation. I am going to Budd's Creek, Maryland for a motocross race, North Carolina with my brother to ride motocross and hoping to get to New York & Prague, CZ. I'm sure there will be plenty babysitting of my niece & nephew, looking after my little sister and yard work. I'm looking forward to it all.

WOW!! I have a film audition today. I don't get seen for many films, but I am going to try to change that in the future. It's a straight-to-video film called "Gas". It seemed like it was kinda funny, but I was totally wrong for it.

Tonight, William Gregory Lee, the actor friend that I moved to New York with from Virginia had a reading of a script that he wrote. I'm really proud of him and I think he will get it produced. I read several smaller roles and enjoyed hearing his words for the first time.

Tonight I attended another SAG sponsored "Conversations" event. The guest speaker was Phyllis Diller. What a funny lady, you can really tell why she is a star. Even at 85 years old she is bigger than life. I am staying.