What a day today was. It started off with the table read this morning for the ABC comedy pilot “Hot Properties”. Several weeks ago I was told when it was going to be and at what time, 10:30am. I wasn’t required to be there, since they were not paying me for the extra day. It’s a smaller role that’s getting smaller and didn’t require being there for the entire week. Plus, I am pre-shooting, so I won’t be doing the live audience dealio. Of course I wanted to attend the table read, but wasn’t sure what my schedule would be, especially since I’ve been working on the indie film and have getting quite a few commercial callbacks/avails.

Anyway, I decide to go. So I’m driving over the hill to the WB studio and the 2nd AD calls @ 10:04 and ask if I’m making my way over. Of course, I then start thinking that I’m late. I told her that I thought it was @ 10:30, she yeah it’s 10:00 at Stage 9 for a 10:30 start. Oh, I was originally told 10:30 so I thought I was fine for getting there on time. As it turned out the whole cast was to meet at Stage 9 @ 10am for a shuttle to another location on the other side of the lot.

So I get there, park, go through the security gate and a golf cart is waiting to take me to the location. I hadn’t really thought too much about this job for some reason, I’m not sure why. I’m definitely excited to be part of the cast, especially since it’s a pilot. I think it’s just that I’ve been kinda busy in the last 6 weeks or so.

I get to the location and WHAT!!!! It totally caught me off guard. Geez, it’s been a while since I’ve done a pilot. There was like 60-80 people there. Production people, ABC execs, WBTV execs; I recognized some of the WBTV people from working with them on “Good Morning, Miami”.

So I find my name at the big table and sit down with the rest of the cast. Can I say that Gail O’Grady is beautiful and Sofia Vergara smoking hot. WBTV President Peter Roth thanks us all for coming and WBTV casting head Mary Buck thanks us too and sits beside me during the read. I was wondering to myself how many pilot table reads have they attended over their long careers. I’d say hundreds, if not thousands.

So the director, Andy Ackerman, introduces the cast with me first since I am at the bottom of the cast list. There were so many people in that room that it felt like we were shooting the darn thing! So we read it and it was funny, at least I thought it was. I mean, how can it “not” be funny, everybody is feeling good and has a job…at least for the moment.

Thirty minutes later the cast is back in the van while the writers start the notes process and begin with re-writes. I guess time will tell if I’m still in the script after the revision are done. My original 3 lines has already been reduced to 2; I’ll keep my fingers crossed.

After the table read I have a couple of hours before I am due back down in Norwalk for more work on the indie film “Boppin’ at the Glue Factory”. I get to set and I’m informed that our lead actor has injured his back while working. He was taken to the local hospital to be treated. He is in almost every scene, so it definitely threw a wrench into the schedule. The crew figured out how to keep shooting around him. It looks production will be down for a couple of days until he recovers, he is going to be okay.

Tonight was also when my intimate scene was scheduled. WHAT!?!?! Yeah, the moment of truth has arrived. I’m eating when a member of production approaches me and says “Stephon, have you met your wife yet?” I almost choked, It just sounded weird.

Anyway, I was introduced to this attractive woman, Dominiqua Lint. Yes, it was really awkward, but I tried to break the ice as best I could. I asked her if she was nervous and she replied yes and told her I was nervous too. We made small talk, ya know, “where are you from”, “how long you been in LA”, “do you like it?” She was great, cute and I felt like it could work.

The director, Jeff Orgill, walked me through the shot and made me feel comfortable. I mean for me it wasn’t so, so bad because I had already spent a lot of time with the cast & crew, but for her she didn’t really know anybody so I felt like I wanted to protect her. Not that she needed it. After they lit the set we were brought in. Dominiqua looked nervous. How could she not be?

So we takes our places so they can measure focus for camera. , Dominiqua is dressed in a sexy nighty and me, I’m in my boxer briefs. Ha!! Dominiqua whispered to me “are we supposed to like really kiss?” I looked at her and said, “Yes, it’s supposed to be like, real”.

Alright first rehearsal is up. I’m in my undies, on top of her, fresh breath strip in my mouth and ACTION!! We start going at it…I mean at it….I mean at it…..Finally the director comes in and cuts us. I wasn’t saying my lines. WHAT LINES?!?! You mean I have to talk too? Oh yeah, I have dialogue. I totally forgot. I couldn’t remember or hear anything...nothing. The director shows me our dialogue and we run it a couple of times. He says it looks great.

Okay, now “Pictures up! We’re going to shoot this one! ACTION!!” By now Dominiqua and I are seasoned pros. We are delivering the goods, kissing, petting, groping, the whole nine kid!…well almost. I mean, neither one of us was completely naked but still. CUT!!

The director says “That was great! We just need more moaning and Stephon more time at the top before you hear the noise the makes you stop and get up. He asked for more moaning, he got more moaning. “ACTION!!” This take was the crown jewel, we let them have it. “CUT!!” The director comes in says “We got it all, it’s beautiful, thanks”. The first thing I do is give Dominiqua a big hug and a thank you. She was great to work with, I couldn’t think of a better person to go through that with.

I’m convinced that they got it and it looked great because for the rest of the night I heard about it from the crew. They said that there was never that many people in front of the monitor at once. Done.

When I got home at 3am there was another script from the pilot at my door. I’m still employed!! My 3 lines that was reduced to 2 is now down to 1, but I am still in the script.

Audition: “Chex Mix” @ Beth Holmes Casting. Fun audition with a fun partner.

Audition/Pilot: “The Untitled Holly Hester Project” @ Joanne Koehler Casting. I felt a little weird about this one because I had to get re-scheduled and they kinda forgot I was coming in at that time, but I felt that it went well enough to at least get a callback. I think I am right for it. It’s just a few lines, but this character would definitely come back if it goes to series. I must say I’d be a little surprised if they cast me because I’m pretty similar in type the series lead.

Today I’m back as a reader for Dori Zuckerman Casting. It’s always interesting to see and hear the inner workings of how it all comes together. Today they found out that an actress who was already set to work in another film they’d cast was unable to work. It had something to do with her being emancipated or not AND she was supposed to start working tonight. Immediately, they got on the phone with the actress who had been the second choice. She ended up getting a weeks work in a film at a moments notice...starring Paris Hilton no less.

Audition: "T-mobile" @ Spot Casting. Goes really well.

Audition: "AOL" @ Judy Landau Casting. This is a two minute spot with wall-to-wall dialogue. I felt like I delivered it well. Hopefully, they'll bring me back.

Audition: "Southwest Airlines" @ Pamela Starks Casting.

Lots of fun, we get to dance.Shooting: "Boppin' at the Glue Factory". Another long, fun night.

Audition: "Hefty Trash Bags" @ Craig Colvin Casting.

Shooting: "Boppin' at the Glue Factory". I got to do a scene with Mews Small tonight. She was in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest". She was really cool to work with. I'm really happy to be involved in this production, I'm learning alot and having a great time with the cast & crew. I hope it gets a distribution deal.

For most current entries: http://www.stephonfuller.com/bioVII.html

Back on set in Norwalk for "Boppin' at the Glue Factory". I shoot a scene with Rance Howard; father of Ron Howard and another actress I knew previously, Barbara Kerr-Condon. Then I head back to Hollywood for a film audition.Did I mention that I have a intimate scene in the film. Yeah. WTF? Cool, I guess. I don't know how it's going to be shot, who my wife is or how involved it is. This is definitely going to be a challenge for me. Possibly a really fun challenge. I'M KIDDING!! It's just part of my job.

Audition: "Loveless in Los Angeles" @ Morman/Boling Casting. I felt really good about this one; so hopefully I'll get a callback.

My agent calls to give me the word that I've been released from the "AM/PM" commercial. WHAT!!! That's twice in a week. Oh well, I guess it's better than not having an avail in the first place. I guess.

Production from the pilot "Hot Properties" delivered my script and gave me the date, time and location of the table read. Cool, I'm still employed.

Audition/Producers: Pilot "Friends in the Morning" @ Landsberg/Fiddleman Casting. Man, these small co-starring roles are getting more and more difficult for me. I used to be so good at them, but the last year or so it’s been tough. Not knowing anything about the character is getting boring. Yeah, you can just make it all up, but I think it's a sign that bigger and better things are on the horizon for me. At least that's how I'm going to take it.

So, to sum it up, I don't think I was bad, but maybe just an "also-ran". At the same time I felt a positive connection with the Casting Directors and the producers.

I rarely miss auditions, but two days ago I missed a national commercial audition because I was committed to speaking to a group of actors from New York. I tried my hardest to get seen, but they were only seeing my type for a very short window and it was right when I was supposed to speak. Oh well, sometimes that will happen.

BUT!! My wonderful agents at KSA got me another chance to be seen. THANK YOU!

Audition: “Listerine” @ Craig Colvin Casting. This audition goes great! Craig calls me in often and I get quite a few callback, but haven’t booked…yet!

My agent calls about the “AM/PM” commercial. I am officially put on avail and the dates have changed to a date that I’m not working on the film. Cool! Hopefully, they really want to use me for the spot.

My agents calls back 5 minutes later and the dates have changed back to the original dates. Oh well, I can’t worry about it. We’ll see what happens. The bottom line is, if I book it, I’m shooting it.

Today was my first day on set for the indie film “Boppin’ at the Glue Factory”. My character is “Joe Tones”; he’s a late night security guard at a convalescent home. The script sounds like a lot of fun; it's a black comedy.

We are shooting @ Metropolitan State Mental Hospital in Norwalk, about 25 miles from where I live. It’s a real, operating mental hospital so that is a little odd, but it’s good for my character. The crew is great; I worked with the DP a couple of years ago on an AFI film.

Typical with film production it’s “hurry up and wait”. There were a couple of day shots that I was scheduled to do that we didn’t get to. When I finally got to film it was great! I did two scenes and the other actor was great to work with. I can’t wait to go back on Monday.

Okay, I didn’t hear anything else about the “AM/PM” spot. I’ll just say “no news, is good news”, because they didn’t release me either. Most likely, they would have booked it on Friday if they were going to shoot it Monday. I’ll just hope they are going to book Monday to shoot Tuesday. Time will tell.

Sounds of my pager start the morning with my commercial agent letting me know that I had been released from my avail for the “Star Wars/Lucas Arts” commercial. WHAT!!! I didn’t even know I was on avail! I call them back and get it all figured out. It was a misunderstanding on my part. I thought when they cancelled the callback that was the end of the line. Turned out, they cancelled the callback, BUT still put me on avail. Cool, I guess. I’ll book something soon.

Callback: “AM/PM” @ the first read was at Mimi Webb-Miller Casting, but the callback is @ Alyson Horn Casting. I’ve never booked through Mimi, but I have through Alyson. The callback goes so, so well.

I get to the production office and sign-in. They give me the size card from the first audition and it has complimentary notes on it. It also had some marks that I think are from the ad agency and director separately so I was feeling good. The shoot dates for the commercial are April 4th or 5th. I am scheduled to work both of those days on the film. I knew the dates conflicted, but the film is some days and some nights. Ooops. I informed the Casting Director.

I was paired up with a teen actor and immediately had a cool vibe with the director; he told me what he liked about my first read. So I tried to tap into that, but be open for direction. We did it about 5 different times and I tried to show something a little different each time.

After we finished, the CD asked my partner and I to wait in the lobby. We waited about 10 minutes before they released him and asked me to stay longer. 10 minutes later I was paired up with another young actor and we did it another 4-5 times. As I was leaving, she pulled me aside and said, “The director really likes you, can you call your theatrical agent and find out what you can do with your schedule for the film? Find out and call me back.” She then gave me her cell phone number.

I got on the phone with Production and explained what was going on. They said the 4th was a pretty heavy day for me, but the 5th I had just one scene. They could possibly move everything to the 4th. I passed the info to commercial production and let my commercial agent know what was happening. If they do, in fact, want to hire me for the commercial I do not want to miss out on it. Did I say I do not want to miss out on this job? Yeah I don’t want to………

Today I did another orientation for a group of actors from the Actor's Connection in New York. It went well, the actors were eager and had lots of questions about the LA market.

I got a call today to participate in a staged reading with The Robey Theatre Company in May. Arrgh! I was considering going to Vegas that weekend. But after thinking it over I probably should stay in LA and do some acting. I’ll go home in June.

What a way to start the week. I spoke to students at Reseda High School again this morning about going for what you want in life. The kids are interesting. Some are very difficult to reach, even just to say their name aloud while others are very expressive about what they want in life.

Over the weekend a friend, Joan Blair, contacted me about an independent film she is involved with. I know Joan from workshops and we worked on a project together a couple of years ago.

Anyway, she instructed me to send my URL to the producer. The producer called this morning and wanted me to meet the director on set...right away. So I drive from Reseda to Echo Park and see Roger, the producer. Roger, said he had just seen me in a commercial. Well I knew he was mistaken, I don't really have anything running at the moment. He thought about it for a moment and then I said "The Terminal"? "YEAH!" He replied.

He then takes me straight to the director who was in between shots. The director quickly gives me the low-down on the character and then has to resume shooting. Roger, the producer, says "that was pretty much your audition and tells me that the role is mine if I'm interested". I say "yeah, of course I'll do it." He says, "Great, I'll send a deal memo to your agent this afternoon." They check my availability(I told them that I was on-hold for the ABC pilot "Hot Properties"), gave me a script, get my sizes and agent info. My first day of about 6 or 7 is Thursday. This all happened in like 35 minutes.

Since it's under a SAG Deferred contract I wanted to inform my agent that they may receive a call about the project. Right then my phone rings and it's my agent. I thought they had already gotten the call, but no, the call was telling me that I was booked on the “Hot Properties” pilot. It's an ABC 1/2 hour comedy.

It's been a loooong time since I've booked two things in one day.

HAPPY EASTER! Today, I went to a play with a friend. It was "Medea" @ The Boston Court Theatre. The performance was incredible. Two actors that I did a play with last Fall were in the cast.

Afterwards, we stopped by the hospital to see our friend L. Julian Hamilton-Payne. We all do CD workshops together. He recently had one of his legs removed after having serious problems with blood circulation. It's hard to see him go through this, but his fellow actors at Actorsite are showing support for him in a big way. He has a lot on his plate concerning his recovery, but he cannot give up. Please keep him in your thoughts.

Today is my 4 year anniversary of resigning from my job at The Standard waiting tables. I still have a hard time believing it. I'm not sure why, I always knew I could do it, but the reality of it is still quite surreal. It has been a great rollercoaster ride to say the least.

I am very fortunate to have a great team around me. I developed a plan many, many years ago, stuck to it and it's working. Here's to another year in the game.

I had another session today at Dori Zuckerman Casting. Soon as I walked in Dori told me that the producers and the director really like me and are trying to put me in the film. I guess it helps to get compliments from the actors that are auditioning. Anyway, it was another great time being deep in the process of how it really works. Oh, and when I left the director also told me that they'll find something for me in the film. For me, that would be icing on the cake because just getting to work out with the actors is incredible in itself.

Audition: “Dell Plasma TV” @ Ross Lacy Casting. Lots of fun, it goes well.

I got a callback for the “Star Wars” commercial audition that I had this past week. It was the one that I kinda/sorta crashed when I missed the "Sprint" one, but before I could even call my agent back to confirm I received another call saying that it had been cancelled. WHAT!!! Yeah, I had to find out what that was all about. I was informed that they had cancelled callbacks for that particular role. Okay, that’s not hard to take. I thought, at first, that they decided that they didn’t want to see me particularly. Oh well, on to the next.

I worked as a reader today @ Dori Zuckerman Casting. It’s always fun for me to do. I get to listen to all of the “producer talk”, which is quite interesting and read with actors I see on TV and in films. Today I got to read with Guy Torry, Jennifer Elise Cox, Elise Neal, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Olympic champion Tara Lipinski and others. The thing that really tripped me out is that the director, Brandon Sonnier, is only 22 years old and has already had a film at The Sundance Film Festival. WHAT!!

It’s cool to see what choices these working actors make. I think the biggest thing is that they all take ownership of their performance. They are prepared and have lots of confidence. It looks like I’ll be doing more days as a reader in the near future.

Audition: "Sprint" @ ASG Casting. YES! I made it this time and it went great.

Audition: "AM/PM" @ Mimi Webb-Miller Casting. This one went really well.

Audition: “Sprint” @ ASG Casting. My first commercial booking in Los Angeles came from this office. It’s time for another! Usually, I am able to get through LA traffic pretty well, but today it was not to be. I missed the "Sprint" audition. I just couldn't get from Westside Casting to Riverside Drive in the valley in 30 minutes at 4 in the afternoon. The session runner was really cool about it and told me to come back tomorrow and he would squeeze me in.

I was wearing a suit for the audition, but I saw a few guys that were there for a "Star Wars" audition and they were dressed casually; how I normally look. My plan was to go to my car and change clothes and try to get seen for the other spot. They hardly even recognized me when I came back in dressed casually and they let me read for the other spot too. So it worked out really well for me.

It’s a busy day today with drops and appointments. I really don't want to go a year without booking a commercial; April 22nd ’04 was the last time I did a commercial. The clock is ticking! It would be nice to book a ‘couple’ of things before then. I've definitely had ample opportunities; in fact, I have 3 commercial appointments today.

Audition: "Burger King" @ Bad Girls Casting. This one goes pretty well after getting a lot of help from the session runner. She even let me and my partner watch the first take and do it over.

Audition: "Mastercard" @ Ross Lacy Casting. This one went great.

Audition: "GM" @ Ross Lacy Casting. This one went great too.

Check this out. I read for the pilot "Hot Properties" @ Dava Waite Casting a couple of days ago and, in all honesty, I thought I blew it. I mean, it wasn't a complete disaster, but I got tripped up on some words and you especially want to be careful of the that in a comedy.

Anyway, my agent calls this morning to say that they want to "pin me". "Pin me?" Basically, they are checking my availability and want me to let them know if my availability changes. They aren’t going to hire me yet, but are very interested. WHAT!!! I'll take that. Another cool thing is that it's through one of my two newer agents that I acquired since the merger of my theatrical agency.

Dori Zuckerman Casting called to ask me to be a reader next week for a film project. Cool!

Audition: “CitiBank” @ Cathi Carlton. At the audition I spoke with Danny Wooten. If you don’t know this guy you have most likely seen him. He works in commercials like you would not believe. I mean it’s incredible how often I see him. I can’t believe he didn’t already have a conflict in this category. Anyway, it’s good to see that he’s nice humble guy. Hopefully I can learn a thing or two from him. My audition goes well.

Audition/Producers/Pilot: “Hot Properties” @ Dava Waite Casting. Cool! I remember dropping off a photo for this a couple of weeks ago. Dava hired me for “Yes, Dear” back in the Fall. The role is a young doctor. It goes okay. The character was there, but I got a little caught up in some of the words. I’ll have my fingers crossed.

Audition “SBC Global” @ Joe Blake Casting. It was all good and think I’m sorta right for it.

Audition: “Amica” Insurance @ Crash Casting. In this audition they were looking for couples. I wanted to give someone a chance who wasn’t already auditioning for commercials on a regular basis. I made a few phone calls and ran into some scheduling issues. In the end I had two people show up. Ooops. The audition goes well.

Callback: “Miller-Lite” @ Joe Blake Casting. YES!! One step closer. This had to be the most fun I’ve ever had at a callback.

Audition: “Holiday Inn Express” @ Bad Girls Casting. Ahh, this one went okay. I don’t expect to hear anything though.

Today should be a heavy day for drop-offs. Gotta keep the ball rolling.

Tonight I went out with several people that I used to work with in New York at the Harley-Davidson Café. Can I tell you that I love these people? I experienced some of the best times of my life in New York. We laughed and traded stories for hours. It was great to hear about how everyone is doing. We are all growing up and changing (some absolutely shocking, others not so). It was an unbelievable job to have as an actor trying to make it in the City. I think the thing that made it such a great experience was that we knew it was magic in the making while it was happening. I wish I had more photos of my time there. Even though I don’t talk to them all of the time I really feel a strong connection to many of them. There are times where I would love to go back to 1995-98 for a couple of days. I don’t necessarily miss living in New York, but I really miss the experiences that I had.

As I sit here and type, I think that Los Angeles has been freakin incredible for me as well. I’ve had a great life, there isn’t a whole lot to complain about. There is a lot more that I want to accomplish and I feel like I have what it takes to accomplish it.

I count my many blessing on a continual basis. Not everyone is so fortunate as I. Lately there have been things going on around me that have made my heart heavy. A good friend of mine who had a brain aneurysm about 18 months ago had another situation recently and had to go into the hospital. Fortunately, she seems to be okay. Another friend lost her mother after a lengthy illness. I know, first hand, what she is going through and what lies ahead and I can hardly even talk about it. It’s so painful. A fellow actor that I do workshops with had one of his legs amputated last week after complications from a blood clot.

Between these, real life, situations of people that I know personally and watching the news sometimes you just wonder what is going on in the world.

The flipside of all of this is the children. Kids just equalize so much for me. I spoke to my younger niece and nephew this morning and I can hear them growing up over the phone. It’s truly amazing and inspiring.

Last week I changed a couple of diapers of my Goddaughter, Hazel. The act of doing it wasn’t the most pleasant thing I’ve ever done, but she was really cooperative and made it easy on me. The laughter of a child is one of the most pleasing things sounds I have ever heard in my life. I really hope to have children of my own one day.

Nothing but cricket sounds going on right now, but I’ve been doing my best to try to make some things happen.

SFX: Pager going off.

Cool, it was my commercial agent with a “Mazda” audition for this afternoon. YES!! And a couple of hours later my theatrical agent called with an audition for “Malcolm in the Middle”. I wasn’t sure if I was going to go in on “Malcolm” at first, but after discussing it with my agent I decided to. We don’t how many more seasons the show will be on the air and it looked like there was a slight possibility of the role returning.

Audition: “Mazda” @ Lisa Fields Casting. It goes really well and I think I’m right for it.

Audition: “Malcolm in the Middle” @ Stiner/Block Casting. I wasn’t clear that this was a pre-read, if I had known that I probably would have passed on it. Anyway, it was one of those really small ones where it’s kinda hard to figure out what is going on. I could make a choice and risk being way, way off or ask the CD what is happening in the scene. Barbie Block was very nice and gave me the low-down on what was going on.

To be honest, I didn’t feel like it went all that well, but I was funny. She gave me a callback to producers for 30 minutes later. The callback was nothing special for me. Actually, it was kinda frustrating because I used to be so good a getting these 1 to 5 line roles. I don’t want to get good at it again, I need to book more substantial roles and move on. Matter of fact, I think I am going to start a new acting class in the next couple of weeks.

Audition: "Miller Lite" @ Joe Blake Casting. Well I guess I'm available since I'M NOT IN NEW YORK!!! I'm kidding, I'm just glad to get seen.

It's official, I've been released from the "Levi's" campaign. They decided to "go another way". Imagine that!

This is something I've been thinking about for years; being a consultant for actors trying to move forward in the business. It's not a new thought, I've been considering it for years. I also think, in the future, I'll write a book and do motivational speaking engagements. I think I have something to say that can help others. There are specific reasons why I haven’t already done it, but I’m working on that. As it stands now I speak/consult quite a few times a year. I don’t go out looking to do it necessarily, but that may change. I would really like to do it in different markets around the country. Hmmmm……interesting.

Cricket sounds and drop-offs. That's about all that's going on with me these days. It has been very, very quiet.

I'm still on hold for the "Levi's" print job. I really don't think I'm going to book it at this point, but I guess no news is good news. The dates are March 3rd-6th and it shoots in New York, go figure. I’ve even taken if off of my schedule, so I think I’m mentally done with it. NEXT!!!

Today I conducted a workshop called "Perspective of a Working Actor" @ The Actorsite. I better get a job soon or the title will be "Perspective of a Wannabe Working Actor", LOL!! Anyway, about 20 actors showed up with great questions. I have a feeling I’ll be doing more of this in the future.

Audition: "DirecTV" @ Ross Lacy Casting. This goes really well and I think I'm right for it. How about a callback?

I attended a showcase tonight with personnel from 6 different casting offices. A scene from my script was read again and it went great. It was a little different read than the first time, but just as good. I'd considered reading it myself, but when I got there I overheard two actors already rehearsing it. There was a copy there from the last time it was read. It was weird to walked up and hear my words being rehearsed. I didn't tell the actors that I was the writer; I wanted to see what they would do with it. I was nervous, not as nervous as the first time, but nervous nonetheless. It was cool to watch and see the reaction of the audience. Wow, I gotta finish this thing!

My appearance on CBS Comedy "Yes, Dear" finally airs. I shot this last August.I have been doing really hardcore drop-offs for the last three days in the rain and I am tired. Matter a fact I am taking tomorrow off. I am sleeping all day. I’m sure I won’t, I’ll find something to do. Get this; I haven’t had a commercial audition in almost a month. That is odd for me, I’m sure it’ll pick up soon. Right??

Audition/Director ''Sister's Keeper" @ Barbara McCarthy Casting. It's a feature film. Ahh!! This one went really, really well. I read it once, he gave me direction and I delivered it like I knew I could. YES!!

Tonight we finally had our performance at the NAACP LA Theatre Awards. Our tech call was @ 4:3O pm, but we didn't get onstage until 6:30. Things were running late. Once we got on stage we didn't even get to run through our scene one time! The scene was pretty simple, but we have a few cues that needed to be set. Oh well, I guess we'll be winging it. Four hours later when we finally went onstage we rocked the house! Yeah, we did our thing. The scene was crisp, concise with a distinct beginning, middle and end. Of course, the technical part left a bit to be desired, but our job was the acting and we represented The Robey Theatre Company quite well.

The actual glitz of the show really snuck up on me. I'd only been thinking about the scene work, but when I showed up to the tech rehearsal on my freakin' skateboard I found what it was all about!! Yeah, I just hadn't really thought about it until I saw all these stunning women wearing evening gowns in the lobby. WHAT!?!?! Yeah, and then I walk in with my skateboard. Go Stephon!!

Anyway it was cool to be backstage with Larry Fishburne, Keith David, Tatyana Ali, Glynn Turman and many others. Tatiana’s manager or one of her "people" asked her to take a photo with “the soldier’s” (us). That girl is HOT!!!.....and sweet.

I have to tell you, I was honored to be included in the piece and in the company of the fine actors involved.

Audition: "Peep Show" @ G. Charles Wright Casting. Ahhh!! I think I bombed this one. I was being put on tape for producers. The first time I read was pretty good, I felt, but when G. gave me the re-direct I fell apart. I don't know why.

I felt I was really right for it, but when he gave me more info on the character it just threw me. When it was over, I went and sat in the lobby and looked over the sides to see where I went so horribly wrong. I could’ve gotten it right with another moment, but, often times, you don’t get “another moment”. This one really hurt. Oh well, on to the next!

Audition/Producers: “In Justice” a pilot @ Zane/Pillsbury Casting. This goes really well and I think I'm spot on for it.

Audition: “Bottoms Up” @ Dori Zuckerman Casting. Ah, this doesn't goes so well. I'm not sure what is was, but I didn't connect all that well with the character.

Another heavy day in the streets for me. I haven’t had an appointment for more than 2 weeks so I need get on the stick. I mean, I need to be on the stick all the time, but I ‘ve had so much other stuff going on that I’ve been a little distracted. Anyway, I got a lot done today and tomorrow there will be a least as much again.

I stopped by to see all of my agents today. I shared my colonoscopy experience with my commercial agent, we had a good laugh with that. My print agent, Jenny Vavra, assured me that I am still on hold for the “Levi’s” job in New York and my theatrical agent greeted me with audition for Wednesday for a pilot.

I dropped off for that pilot a couple of weeks ago, but they probably submitted me as well. Also, I got a direct call from Henderson/Zuckerman Casting for a film audition for Wednesday. I did that drop just this past Friday in the rain. Cool, two auditions for Wednesday!

Congratulations to my good friend Jonathan Julian. He has a recurring role in a series called “Noah’s Arc”. It is being described as a black, male version of HBO’s “Sex and the City”. He booked this from Now Casting almost two years ago and they finally got the funding to shoot multiple episodes. I think they have an order for 6-7 episodes and he is in 3-4. He even gets to travel to New York for one of them. It will debut on the Viacom-backed logo network this Summer.

Another friend, Jamie Aynes, book a “Papa John’s” commercial and another episodic. I'm not sure, but I think this might be her first commercial. I hope it runs alot and she makes a ton of cash. I’m thrilled for both of them. I hope that I can join the club of the working actor again soon.

Drops, drops, and more drop-offs today in the rain. I haven't had an audition in two full weeks. That should change next week. Right?!?! I better get some new postcards out Monday now that I have an airdate for "Yes, Dear".

Well today was the day for the "big" procedure. Which turned out to be not that big of a deal. I gotta tell you, this doctor stuff brings out the absolute worst in me. I think I'm generally a very nice person, but when I go to doctor/dentist if find myself apologizing for my bad attitude. I just hate going to get checked out. I was warned about the new levels of humility that I would find while preparing in the 24 hours prior to the procedure. I found every level and more.......ewww.

So here goes, I check in with the nurse. The first thing she asked me was if I was in the movie "Dahmer". I told her "no". She then gave me a gown and told me to strip to my socks. I did that and waited for her to return. She came back and took my blood pressure and set up the IV. Then I was wheeled back to where they would do they work. They put some Vicodin or Valium-type stuff ( I don't remember what he said) in the IV and a mouth piece in my mouth and it was lights out...........I woke up........later. I do know how long later, but I remember nothing.........NOTHING.

It's scary that a drug can do that to you that quick. Well, I guess it would be great if I was getting a face-lift or breast implants. When I woke up I felt like Anna-Nicole Smith must feel all the time.

Now I know why they required that I bring someone to escort me home. I was a complete wreck when the doctor explained the results afterwards. I remember them giving me my clothes to get dressed, but I have no recollection of dressing myself. I don't remember getting in the elevator to leave either. Scary. The doctor said everything looked normal. Cool.

I don't know why I'm losing blood, or from where. I don't know why my iron-levels are low or why I'm completely exhausted so often. I'll start taking vitamins, eating more vegetables and sleeping more than the 4-6 hours a night I now get. That better work because I'm done with doctors for a while.

Back on the subway. I'm on my way to another workshop. This time I skated from Wilshire & LaBrea to Wilshire & Western and caught the subway to the last stop on the Red Line which is North Hollywood. When I got off the train I had know idea where I was. I actually had to ask a police officer where I was and how to find Burbank Blvd. It was a great feeling to explore something new. I just got the call that my car is ready, I'll pick it up in the morning.
So I got the results for the MRI I had a couple of weeks ago. They say that my hip is fine, but there's a cyst on my spine. Huh? The discomfort is totally coming from my right hip. The cyst is nothing to be concerned about I'm told. I just don't understand how it could be coming from my spine; IT'S MY HIP DARN IT!!! Anyway, I'll schedule the physical therapy and call it a day.

Can you hear the crickets? I sure can. That’s cool though, I’ll just look at this as the calm before the storm. It seems that I’ve been so busy doing “whatever” lately that I’m not too stressed about not having any auditions.

I need to get some routine maintenance done on my car. So, since I had a workshop in Burbank tonight, I decided to drop off my car to the mechanic on the way home so I wouldn’t have to do it in the morning. The only thing is that the mechanics’ place of business is in Studio City and I live on the other side of the hill in Miracle Mile. I could’ve gotten a ride, but I wanted to, somehow, make it a bit more interesting. YES!!! My new skateboard!! Yeah I gotta skateboard for Christmas. My buddy’s car was stolen last year and my old skateboard was in it. I really enjoy skateboarding, I suck, but I enjoy it. I pretty much skate everyday at some point. Even if it’s just back and forth to my car from my apartment.

Okay, so I drive from the workshop place in Burbank to Studio City and leave my car with the overnight tow truck driver at the auto repair shop. So here I am skateboarding along Ventura Blvd at 10:30 at night. I was trying to figure out the bus schedule, but I didn’t know which one to get on. So, I figured that I would skate all the way to the Metro station at Universal Studios. I LOVE riding the subway!!! I don’t do it that often, but when I do I just love it. It reminds me of being in DC, New York or Atlanta. The subway in LA is clean and efficient, but unfortunately, it doesn’t go many places.

I take the subway to “Hollywood & Highland” and figure that I’ll catch the bus down Highland to take me home. I didn't see any busses when I came up to the surface so I skate down Highland, turn on Santa Monica towards La Brea. That little section of Santa Monica was a little sketchy with many men dressed as woman and other people just sorta lurking. I kept my speed up and tried not to look like a victim waiting to be taken advantage of. Here is where it got quite interesting for me. As I was crossing at Beverly and La Brea someone in a gold Jeep Liberty beeped their horn at me so I looked back and waved. It was dark and I couldn't really see who was driving, but I instinctively waved back in case I knew them. As the SUV passed I saw that it was a Caucasion man that I did not recognize. Then, he motioned for me to stop. I just kept going...FAST...saying "Oh sh*t" to myself. What the heck was THAT all about. Anyway, a really weird feeling came over me. I was thinking, "He couldn't have thought I was a girl". Then, I thought, maybe he knew I was a guy and he was interested. NOOOO!!!! NOT ME!!! No disrespect, but I am all about the ladies. Strickly T&A!! Well, I'm kidding, not just T&A, I like 'em nice, with a big heart and a brain helps too. For starters, they just HAVE to be "born female". The "born" part is really important after skating down Santa Monica Blvd.

The plot gets thicker. When I approached the next block, Beverly and 1st, I saw that the same SUV was waiting at the corner. WHAT!!! Yeah, this mofo must be out of his freakin' mind!!! Anyway, I just skated past and kept moving at a nice clip. He then drove past me, slowed up and then took off and turned right at the next corner. When I got to the next corner at 2nd street I looked one block in to Detroit and there he was. Yo, this cat needs to stop. I ain't tryin' to say that I'm Billy Jack or nuttin like dat, but this dude f*&k around and get smacked up! WHAT!!!! Anyway, I made it the rest of the way home with out incident.

2 more days until...............

Today we had our first rehearsal at The Vision Theatre in Leimert Park. It’s the actual space that we'll be performing in. Being on that big stage was really cool. The space looks to hold about a 1,000 guests and the piece is coming along really, really well. The director of the entire evening is actor, director, writer, producer Ted Lange.

YES I’m still in the running!! My print agent @ KSA, Jenny, calls to tell me that the shoot dates for the “Levi’s” gig has changed and that I am still on hold. This is great because now it won’t conflict with the performance with the Robey Theatre Company at the NAACP LA Theatre Awards. Cool.

It’s been a very quiet week. I haven’t had an audition since last Saturday. Oh well, I’m sure it’ll pick up soon. 6 more days until.........

Another dentist appointment. Well, it's not so bad, just a routine cleaning. I always schedule my appointments on Thursday mornings because that is when “Yoshiko” is there. "Who is Yoshiko? You might ask." Yoshiko is a masseuse. She gives massages while you're getting your dental work done. Yeah, only in Beverly Hills.

The first time I experienced it I got caught by surprise. I heard this sweet, sweet voice flavored with a Japanese accent.

YOSHIKO:
Would you like foot massage?

I looked up and saw this attractive woman with a huge smile on her face and wondered where I was. Then, I was like "Oh sh*t" my feet are jacked up this morning. Then I said to myself, "she'll just have to understand".

STEPHON:
Oh yes, thank you.

Now when I go in my feet are fully prepped, at least the best I can do, nails clipped and feet dipped in cocoa butter. Yeah!

Between the electric massage pad in the chair at my back and Yoshiko taking care of my feet, dentist appointments are one of the highlights of my week.

I’m speaking again. This is a second group from the Actor’s Connection in New York. This session went really. The actors had many questions about the LA market and I gave them my take on it…..for 2 ½ hours!

This piece I’m in rehearsal for is a bit of a dream come true, I really hope I get to do it. I have always wanted to be in a military piece and be a soldier. Ya know, work out, yell, march, that kinda stuff. YES SIR!! NO SIR!!

Anyway, at the top of the piece, our group of soldiers march on stage. Since I’m the last one to enter I do the count because I can see when everyone is in place. I already start sweating because my rhythm isn’t all that great. So they come up with a chant/song and I’m like “oh sh*t, don’t you guys remember how long it took me to get it right in the play?” I’m thinking, ‘can’t someone else do this?’ They hit me with this call and response thing which goes like this.


ME:
I don’t know, but I been told!!

THE TROOPS:
I don’t know, but I been told!!

ME:
Bow-legged woman ain’t got no soul!!

THE TROOPS:
Bow-legged woman ain’t got no soul!!

ME:
Sound-off!!

THE TROOPS:
One-Two!!

ME:
Sound-off!!

THE TROOPS:
Three-Four!!

ME:
Sound-off One-Two, ONE-TWO….THREE-FOUR!!

I know it sounds really simple, but you have to understand that I’ve got two left feet and take me a bit longer to get things right. After a couple of times, I had my rhythm. So if you see a guy who looks like me in a car next to you yelling some chant it might actually be me.

Audition “Partnership for a Drug-Free America” @ Ross Lacy Casting. Interesting situation with this one. If I book it, I will have to forfeit all session fees and residuals. WHAT!!! I’m kidding, I guess that is giving back huh? I would love to do it.

My hip is now officially a minor irritation in my life. I haven’t gotten the results from the MRI yet. I guess I’ll emerge from my denial and call them on Monday. Not a great day today. Actually, that's not totally true. I was on my way to the gym near Westside Casting Studios and I met this kid, a young actor named Harrison. I guess he was about 18 or 19 and from Charlotte, NC. Let me tell you, this kid was a breath of fresh air. It was so great to see someone so young with such a zest for life and appreciation for the freedom to pursue his dream. He was a good-looking kid, with incredible energy. He was type of person that would get the lead in a series with no experience, you just believed that he could pull it off. He looked like someone who would be on "The O.C." or "Everwood", but more real. Those kids on TV always seem so pissed about who knows what, but this guy was great. I begged him not to lose his spunk for life. He's fairly new in town and has a really good agency behind him. He was asking me some really basic question about the business. I really expect to see this kid going places. I just told to be himself. I purposely didn't ask his last name because I just feel that he is going to rise up the ladder very, very soon.

Screening “The Motorcycle Diaries”. What a wonderful, touching film. It was subtitled in Spanish, but I was still able to keep up with it. LOL! The writer Jose Rivera was in attendance and did a Q&A. This is his first produced screenplay and he has been nominated for an Academy Award.

YES!! Callback: @ Judy Elkins Casting for "Tropicana". It goes really well, I mean, we didn’t really do anything, but still....I’ll keep my fingers crossed.

Rehearsal was good for the scene with The Robey Theatre Company for the NAACP Theatre Awards. It’s a short scene, but still cool to find all the levels in it and I’m working with a great bunch of guys. I hope I get to actually perform it, but I really hope I get the “Levi Jeans” print gig in New York too. My print agent, Jenny @ KSA, says I am still in the running. We’ll see how it all shakes out.

Today I am speaking to a group of actors checking out the LA market from Actor’s Connection in New York. It was supposed to be yesterday, but many of them had trouble getting out of New York because of the inclement weather. I will discuss what my transition to LA was like and what they might expect if they decide to relocate.

This was pretty cool. After I spoke to the group of actors they were to meet a producer/director. I'd met this person several years ago at a workshop. I'd see her now and then and knew she was producing and moving into directing. Anyway, while catching up on what each other had been up to I mentioned that I started writing a script. She asked what kind of script; I was stumped at first. THEN it dawned on me that "I was talking to a producer and I am writing a script!!" HELLO!!

Anyway, I quickly formulated a pitch in my head and delivered it to her. She seemed to like the concept and then I told her that I recently had one of the scenes read at a workshop. She asked how it went and I told her "Great! There were 30+ people in the room and only the two actors performing it knew I wrote it. The response was fantastic." She said, "Do you want to direct it?" I said, "No". She said, "I wanna see it when you’re finished. I raise money for projects". I said, "OK, I'll make sure it happens". She said, "Just keep writing". She then handed me her business card and said, "I'll give you 6 months". I hope it doesn’t take me 6 months to finish it.

BAM!! One step closer. My print agent called to tell me that I'm on avail for the "Levi Jeans" job that shoots in New York. This is great news whether I book or not. I've been dropping off to this casting office for years and years without a call. Maybe this will start a relationship with them. Truth be told, I don't have a comp card so that's probably the biggest reason why I don't get out for prints jobs normally.

Today was spent burning up the pavement doing drop-offs. It’s a never ending thing. Actually, it will end; I won’t drive this town forever that’s for sure. I enjoy doing it, but I wonder if it has anything to do with why my hip is bothering me. Today was not a good day, as my hip seems to be getting worse. I should get the results from the MRI within the next couple of days.

Today was the first rehearsal for the scene that I am a part of for the NAACP Theatre Awards. There are 6 other guys participating and I worked with all of them in the play. It was great to see those guys again. I feel fortunate to be a part The Robey Theatre Company Family.

Audition: “Tropicana” @ Judy Elkins Casting. A great way to start off a bright Saturday morning. It went well, so we’ll see.

This afternoon I attended a workshop @ The Actorsite with 4 associates from 4 different casting offices. Usually, the guest will bring their own scenes to distribute, but when they have multiple guests’ actors, sometimes, bring their own scenes. This was a perfect opportunity to present a scene from the script I’m writing.

I’d already discussed it with a particular actor to read the male role. He had previously read a couple of others things I had written. I had two females in mind for the other role, but neither one of them were on the list for this particular event. Then I chose someone else who played a bit older than the character, but was a very, very talented actress, but she didn’t show up either. Soon as I found that out I ran into another actress, Erica, that I see at actorsite from time to time. Immediately I knew that she was perfect for the part.

I forget to tell the male actor not to tell her I had written the scene. I didn’t want her to get in her head about “the writer” being in the room. Anyway, she found out and was a bit nervous. I was nervous too, but I said “just have fun”. I resisted the urge to explain the scene and just let it go as written. I had re-written, re-written and re-written this scene; so I felt it was ready to be read. I knew that these actors are paying hard-earned cash to attend this event and I didn’t want to let them down.

When they hit the stage I was sweating bullets!! OH SH*T!!! None of the 30 people in the room knew I had written the scene, so I wouldn’t get any courtesy support. Here it goes, the first time anything I have written is being read for an audience. IT WENT GREAT!!!!! The audience was listening, laughing and they stayed in the moment. Talk about “waiting to exhale”? I don’t think I took one breath the entire time. I was so pleased with how it went. The actors really brought life to it. They nailed most of the beats that were there and showed me new things that I didn’t know about. I was so, so happy. Joe and Erica, thank you for trusting me.

This morning I had the MRI performed on my pelvis. I’d never had one before and was amazed at what technology can do these days. I‘ll get the results next week. I scheduled my colonoscopy/endoscopy; it's February 10th. That was the earliest I could get in. Three weeks is a long time to think about it. Ha!!

Three auditions today!!Audition: “ACE Hardware” @ Joe Blake Casting. This goes really well.
After the "ACE Hardware" audition I saw that Joe Blake Casting was also doing a beer commercial. Since I got the official word that my "Michelob Ultra" spot had been dropped after running a whopping one time in a year I checked out what was going on. I felt that they were seeing guys that were my type, so I had to figure out how to handle it. I checked the storyboard and I seemed to fit the specs. I decided to call my agent and see what she could do. Alicia put me on hold and made a call to the casting office at Joe Blake. To my surprise, the guy who answered the phone was the guy I just auditioned for! Ooops!! He told her "I just saw Stephon, he's not totally right for this. But we might be seeing more people later though." I had no idea that he would answer the phone. I felt like I had been outsmarted. Alicia and I got a really good laugh out of it.The great thing is that I can call my agents about things like that and they are very receptive. They don't get all weird on me. I don't do it too often, I try to pick my battles wisely. I think they have a lot of respect for what it is I'm trying to do.

Audition: “Starz” @ Sheila Manning Casting. I think this was the first time I've worked with a teleprompter. The gentleman that was there who I think was a producer seemed to be quite happy with the read. I kept the sides in case I get a callback. I booked the last time I auditioned at her office. Can lightening strike twice? I sure hope so.

Audition/Go-see: “Levi Jeans” @ Barbara Bersell Casting. YES!! I got an appointment! One step closer to New York! I never do this about auditions, but I really want to go to New York for this. I know I’m setting myself up for disappointment, but a brother can dream right? The "audition" consisted mostly of paperwork and poloroids, but I felt great about it! I'm not familiar with how things are done in the print world, I guess the next step is hoping for a callback.

So I go to my colonoscopy consultation this afternoon. Ugh!! The doctor gave me the rundown on the procedure……….you don’t want to know. I had done some research on the internet and was prepared for what he told me I had to do to get ready for it………you don’t want to know. I had planned on making the appointment for the procedure when I left, but after he told me that he wanted to check my esophagus for tumors and polyps I needed more time to think. He wants to go up my………..and down my………..all in the same day? What the heck is going on?!?! I’m going to get it done, I just needed more time to clear my head. I’ve had more people touching my body in the last three months than in the past 3 years!!! Not really….anyway……I can’t wait until this over.
Oooops!! The other night a friend of mine in New York called to tell me that she had just seen my appearance on "The O.C.". I had tried to find out when it was going to air. It was on my IMDB and then it disappeared. I thought I had been cut out or something. I didn't get to see it, but evidently I made the final edit.
Ben Guillory of the Robey Theatre Company called and asked if I would be interested in participating in a project they are doing for the NAACP Theatre Award Show. They are doing a short scene from “A Soldier’s Play”, written by Charles Fuller. I said ‘yes’ and am glad he thought of me. I’ll get to work with several of the guys from “Christophe”, the play I did last Fall.

I’ve been doing drop-offs pretty much since day one of moving to Los Angeles. I’ve also watched the commercial angle of it become less and less effective. I believe it’s because of the increase of submissions through the internet. Although, it dulls the edge that I get from being repped by a top commercial agency I think it helps actors that would probably have a harder time getting seen and that’s a good thing. When I look at the physical condition of a bin of submissions, it tells what is happening. At least I think it does. It has been instrumental in turning my attention more to theatrical drops over the years. I mean I still drop to commercial CD’s, but not quite as much as before.

Today, while at Westside Casting, I looked closely at what CD’s has drop spots in the drop-off area because I didn’t want to drop to anyone who calls me in regularly. Joe Blake Casting is somewhere that I audition on a fairly regular basis and have booked in the past, but I had not auditioned there in 6 months. What’s up with that?!?! Anyway, I leave a photo and several hours later I get a call for an audition for tomorrow!!

Now, I don’t think getting this appointment had anything to do with my drop, but it sure feels good think that it might have. Maybe, just maybe, I’m helping my agents to help me. It just makes sense, I get 90% and they get 10%.

Tonight I attended a SAG Affirmative Action/Diversity Department event entitled “The Invisible American” – A Diversity Panel Discussion. The panel consisted of four television showrunners. They discussed diversity concerns and constructive packaging of performers of color and performers with disabilities. It felt like a “who’s who” of who I knew when I lived in New York, which was a great feeling. I had never seen so many actors of color and disabilities in one place.

It was great to have these industry professionals in attendance, but I felt these four guest where already headed in the right direction as far as diversity goes. I think it would have been more effective to get people the we could sorta “put on the hot seat”. In a respectable manner of course. Like the showrunners of “Friends” (ironically my first television job). I lived in New York and I remember it being quite diverse. I think we are making progress we just have to keep pushing.

Today I went to see the orthopedic specialist about my hip. He checked it out and recommended that I have an MRI done of my pelvis. Ugh!

Today is 17th anniversary of one of my commercial agents, Alicia Ruskin, @ KSA. Can I tell you that this woman rocks!! I just love them over there. I have been there for 6 ½ years and it’s great. I feel like a baby because there are some clients that have been there for over 20!! Go KSA! I promise I will book again…..soon!

I saw Jenny, my print agent over there @ KSA. I don’t go out for print jobs often, quite frankly because I don’t have a comp card. Anyway, a friend told me about this big print gig for “Levis”. Normally, it wouldn’t be too big of a deal for me, but they were looking for professional bloggers and print journalists in my age range. I definitely don’t usually think of myself as a journalist, but for what it pays and a trip to New York I will be a journalist! I dropped my photo off last week and pretty much forgot about it, but Jenny called to make sure I was a “professional blogger”. I said “yes!” Then, later I got all weird about it. I mean I don’t get paid for writing, but I do have a blog/print journal. Anyway, hopefully I’ll get an appointment for it. A trip to NY would be a wonderful thing right now. I haven’t been to NYC for almost 18 months and that’s too long.

This afternoon I listened to a special on the radio about Martin Luther King and his path to greatness. Wow, he really put it on the line to make things better in the world. He knew he was going to die in the process. Thank you MLK.

Audition: “Scott Tissue Paper” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This one goes really well and I think I’m right for it. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for a callback. Tonight I attended a free Q&A with casting executive Rick Pagano. What a great guy! He’s real, he’s candid and very inspiring. He even told us that we can call his office to drop-off a photo in person. Ya know, not to come in and have lunch or anything like that, but to get your photo in the mix. He highly recommended doing drop-offs. I liked his “take control of your destiny attitude”.

Okay, so I went to the race in Phoenix and had a great time. Rain was not an issue, but the guy I’d been waiting to see race for 2 years, James “Bubba” Stewart, fractured his arm in practice right before the racing started. WHAT!!! Yeah, it’s a dangerous sport and these things are bound to happen. Anyway, at least it’s just a fracture and he’s not paralyzed or anything like that. The racing was still very exciting and my friend, SonHui, who invited me was really keeping up with the action. SonHui, had never been to a race was brand new to the whole thing. THANKS!!

As I was getting ready to leave Phoenix I developed a stomach ache of all stomach aches. I was in bad, bad shape. Then my flight was cancelled and the later flight they put me on was delayed by another 1 ½ hours. I was doubled over in the corner feeling like I was going to fall out. I started to feel a little better by the time I got back to LA.

Remember that muddy Supercross race I attended last weekend in Anaheim? Well my friend, SonHui, bought me tickets and invited me to Phoenix for the second round. This is just too cool of her. The stadium in Phoenix has a roof so rain shouldn’t be an issue. This is going to be a great race!

I have an audition tomorrow for a pilot at Henderson/Zuckerman Casting. The appointment conflicts with my flight to Phoenix for the weekend and I really don't want to change it. The question for me is why do they have me scheduled to pre-read for 1-2 lines? I've been straight to producers for them several times, booked through them twice and have worked as a reader for many sessions over the years. I really like the ladies.

Maybe there's some important part of this equation that I'm missing. Or maybe it’s just an over sight and I was scheduled wrong. I'm not one to generally look down upon pre-reading, in fact I welcome it, in most cases. I'm very careful about what I don't audition for. When I auditioned for "Good Morning, Miami" it was for 3 lines. I ended up shooting 14 episodes. Trust me; I don't look for reasons to 'not' audition. I need credits, experience and cold hard cash just like anyone else. However, I also feel that there is a time to say "thanks, but no thanks". I think now is one of those times. I just need to figure out how I'm going to handle it.

Am I just going not show for the appointment.
Call the assistant at my agency and pass on the project.
Talk to my agent about it and see what the dealio is.

The reason I think I might be missing something is because the particular agent who gave me the appointment did not question me about whether I was going to go in or not. She is usually quite vocal about what I should or should not audition for. hmmm........does she think I should do it?

CUT TO:

I call the agency to pass on the project. I tell the assistant that I don’t want to pre-read for this particular project. He puts me hold. My agent gets on the phone and says that she doesn’t think I should read for it whether I am going out of town or not. The role is too small. Done.

Audition "Disney" @ Lien/Cowan Casting. This one goes really well, but I don't think I'm all that right for it. Callbacks are Monday.

Rain, rain and more rain. I wonder how many motorists have gotten or will get tickets for driving with their wipers on and headlights off. Yup, if you need your wipers you have to have your headlights on. It's a new California State Law that went into effect on January 1st AND it's a moving violation. So buckle up, turn on those wipers and headlights, don't follow to close and.........just be safe.

The new season here!!! The THQ AMA Supercross GP Series begins tonight in Anaheim. This is motocross phenom James 'Bubba' Stewarts' first race in the 250cc class. I can't wait, but it looks like it's going to be a mud fest.

Stewart is the first African-American champion in major motor sports. Mega-star Tom Cruise has optioned the rights to his life story. The project is in development at Paramount Studios. Stewart is 19.

Audition: "FedEx" @ Cathi Carlton Casting. It goes well. A callback to start off the year would be nice.

Back in Los Angeles after two weeks of badly needed downtime. As I'm catching up on my mail I see a letter from my doctor. It's the results of the second blood test and the........other thing.

Anyway, it says, again, that my red blood cell count is low. I have some sort of iron deficiency anemia. She says I need to get a colonoscopy. WHAT!?!?! It's to see if I'm losing blood in my colon or if I have a tumor.

I don't have a tumor. I don't have a tumor. I don't have a tumor. I don't.........I'm not losing blood. I'm not losing......

I haven't even seen the orthopedic surgeon yet for my hip!!! My first question is always: "does it hurt?" She said, "you'll be asleep". What the Hell does THAT mean? It must hurt.

I know this "going to the doctor stuff" is smart and I have worked hard to qualify for medical coverage, but I'm not used to this. I just have to remember that: It just makes sense. It just makes sense. It just.......

The moment of truth is here. Today is the day that the motocross score will be settled among my two younger brothers and me. I will admit that I was nervous leading up to it. Why? Because the smack talk never, ever stops between us. I live for it. Truthfully, it's kind of a lopsided situation because they ride so much more than I do. I only get to ride when I am home in Virginia. So the last time for me was in July and it was so muddy that it didn't amount to much. I was quiet during the 45-minute ride to the track. My main thing is to not get hurt or damage the bike. I don't want my brothers getting hurt either. The main thing is that we get to laugh and that brings us closer as we grow older.

During the warm-up I got a chance to see what each of them had for me. Jeff looked way better than he did last time and Todd looked even better than that. The track was muddy in spots but Todd was still hanging it out. When I saw him do this double jump that I had never done my confidence in winning went further South.........for the moment. I had to figure out where I was going beat him on the track. I figured it was going to be in the turns and getting on the brakes later than him. Of course, bigger cajones help too.

In preparation for this impending battle, I've been studying all of the riding tips I could find online. My brother, Jeff, laughs at me doing this to get ahead. After getting to the track, I rode around and really studied the layout and practiced some of the drills I learned on the internet.

IT'S TIME!!! Here we are on the starting line. The bikes: Todd/2001 Suzuki RM125. Jeff/2004 Kawasaki KX250F. Me/2003 Honda CR125 w/FMF "Fatty" pipe. I was expecting Jeff to win the start because he was on the 4-stroke, but I was going for the holeshot anyway.

And we're off!!!! I win the race to the first turn with Todd hot on my heels. Todd passes me right out of the first turn and Jeff gets around me after I fall in the muddy second turn.. I was pissed. I felt I could win. I get up and back in the race and on the second lap I see Todd on the ground and I'm making up serious time in catching Jeff then I fall again in the same spot as before. Jeff wins the race, I'm second and Todd third.

The second race has begun. I win the sprint to the first turn again and don't look back. I lead the entire race and am completely in control. Todd and Jeff give me a lot of credit. Again, in the third race, I am the first one to the first turn, but I fall and Jeff and Todd get around me. Todd falls and can't start his bike. I almost catch Jeff, but run out of time. So far, Jeff has two wins and a second. Todd has three thirds and I have a win and two seconds.

A win is a win, but I didn't feel that Jeff deserved his. I mean he never passed anyone that wasn't on the ground already. I challenged him to two more races. Todd's bike had a crank-bearing problem and he was done for the day. I smoked Jeff wire-to-wire in the last two races. I told them both that they would never beat me again. Jeff is talking about flying me back home soon just for a weekend of racing. I told him to shut-up and send me a ticket!! Ladies and Gentlemen introducing the Winter Series Fuller Family Motocross Champion--Stephon Fuller!!!

I woke up this morning with motocross on my mind.....until I saw that we received several inches of snow overnight. Growing up in Virginia Beach taught me to take forecasts of snow with a grain of salt. Well surprise, surprise, no MX riding today.

My brothers and I talk "mad sh*t" on a daily basis about who has the motocross title in the family. The thing is that I only get to ride when I'm home while they ride quite often. I don't think they realize that the fact that they consider me a threat even though I don't get to ride much is a huge compliment.

They underestimate how much I study the sport. Living in Los Angeles means I get to see the best riders in the world race several times a year. I also read the magazines, study it on they internet and watch it on television. My approach is very similar to that of my acting career. For better or worse, LOL!!

It's $&*#ing COLD in Virginia Beach!!! I don't know how I'm going to survive 2 weeks of this weather; nevertheless it's great to be home. Lately, every time I go home I think about the possibility of moving back. I've only felt that way in the last two years or so. I have some unfinished dealings with the family business that I left ten years ago........at least in my mind. My father is completely impossible for me to work with, but I'd love to work with my brothers. Don't get me wrong I really enjoy what I do in Los Angeles, but I have many other interests as well.

Usually, I'm really anxious to go motocross riding with my brothers. For some reason, this time, I was low-key about it. When my brother, Jeff, asked if I was ready to go tomorrow I was kinda slow to react. There was no way I was going to cancel, but I wasn't pushing the issue. It's like twenty degrees outside and I live in LA!!

I'm finally leaving for the holidays. Usually, I leave earlier, but last year I booked a commercial at the last minute and had to buy a new ticket because change fee for the ticket I already had was so high. I don't think I have ever needed a break like I do this year.

Yesterday my doctor called to tell me that my liver is perfect, that makes sense I've never had beer, wine or any kind of alcohol. She also told me that I am mildly anemic. Ooops. I'm sure this is not a big deal, but I've never been sick or on medication in my life and I am sorta freaked by the thought of it. I'll get another blood test today and go from there.
Another doctor appointment, this time they take more blood for testing and request another type of sample........uh yeah. I wish I understood more about what they are doing and why they are doing it. Maybe then, I wouldn't be so concerned. Well, I'm only concerned sometimes, but when I'm concerned I'm really concerned.

Audition: "Project View" @ Cathi Carlton Casting.Audition: "Sharp Copiers" @ Francene Selkirk CastingWow, I thought I was finished for the year. I wasn't expecting to have anymore auditions. I'm not complaining, I'll look at it '05 starting off with a bang. '05 here I come!!! BUT I really wanna go home too.

Tonight I attended a SAG "Roll Film" Event featuring Lauren Graham star of the WB hit "Gilmore Girls". It's incredibly inspiring to hear the stories of people who are successful at such high level in this business. In anything really. Anyway, she seems like a wonderful, funny woman who is much taller than I thought.

Today a friend of mine read some of what I've written so far. Of course he said it was brilliant. What else was he going to say? No, seriously this guy is a pretty straight shooter. He's not gonna blow smoke for me. He said the dialogue was good, it made sense, it was going somewhere and it kept him interested. About a year ago I was listening to new music from a friend, Jamie Green. She is definitely one of my favorite artist, local or not. She is an amazing singer/songwriter. Anyway, I was listening to this particular song and started to see the video in my head, then I started seeing myself directing the video, then I started seeing it as the ending of a film, then I wrote the scene in my head. That is where is the inspiration of this script came from. It's amazing how clear I see the ending in my head.

Yeah! I wrote another scene.

I downloaded a demo copy of Final Draft and I actually started writing. I can't believe it. I wrote some stuff a while back, but this is different. It felt really good. I hope I keep it up.

Okay, today was a day of days for me. I was scheduled for "some" of the surgery on my gums. I was reluctant to go through with it because, simply, I can't afford it right now and all of this dental stuff is super expensive.
Fortunately, I have medical insurance, but there's always "your portion" that you have to pay. When I was there last week, I repeatedly explained to the periodontal specialist that I couldn't afford to do it right now. SHE repeatedly explained to me that I could. It was like this weird tug-of-war. Being a dental specialist in Beverly Hills probably made it difficult for her to understand "I'M BROKE!!!" LOL!!!

Anyway, she did a whole lot of talking about how she could make it work with my insurance so I wouldn't have to pay anything out of pocket. I was still reluctant. Ideally, when I get this work done I want to pay cash or mostly cash, but I was willing to listen.

By the time she'd finished talking she had set me up with an appointment AND given me a prescription for pain killers. I walked out of there pissed! I felt like I had been railroaded or something. Nevertheless, I figured, she knew more than me about dealing with insurance companies. Oh yeah, she scheduled the appointment on the same day that I already had a physical scheduled.

All right, so I walk in this morning and I am completely terrified. I don't know, the notion of surgery in my mouth sounds like insanity. She asked if there was anything she could do to make me more comfortable. I told her that my biggest fear was that I would get a bill for this procedure in four months. She assured me that it wouldn't cost me anything. I put on my headphones, she numbed my mouth and I closed my eyes for the next hour.
I survived.

I walked back to my car damn near in tears, in pain, on medication with stitches in my mouth. I took the back roads home, parked in front of my apartment and fell asleep in my car. I got tell you these days I feel like a woman going through her time of the month. Not that I know what that feels like but.........I just need to go home and do some very non-LA things for a couple of weeks.

Continuous: An hour later:

I'm at the Bob Hope Health Center for my Comprehensive Physical Examination (CPE). I have been trying to avoid this for two years. Excuse after excuse after excuse. It's been on my schedule to set up an appointment for over a year, but everytime it comes up I reset it for two weeks later. My mother lost her life to cancer, her mother lost a breast and another member of my family was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. I needed to get looked at just to be sure. I've been totally in denial about it, but 2004 has been dedicated to getting some things straightened out in my personal life. I have to say that I am very, very happy with the progression in that area. I feel I'm laying fertile soil to bloom in '05.

There has to be a script somewhere buried in my life. Or maybe I'm just naive. I don't know. Anyway, here I am in the examination room. I am given a smock to put on. So I'm thinking "am I supposed to be completely naked under here? Or should I keep my boxers on? I don't even know this woman." Oh yeah, I had requested a woman doctor to do the exam because, I figured, if I was going to do this I should really challenge myself. Yeah, some random woman who I've never met seeing me completely naked, that's a challenge for me. I am really a shy guy. Well, I mean, she is a doctor, but still. One night stands are different. I'M KIDDING......sorta....no seriously..........no sorta...........

Moving right along, the doctor comes in and asked me all kinds of questions about my medical history. Some I was able to answer, others I didn't really know.
Like "how's your father's health?"
Ooops, I don't really know, I haven't spoken to him in a year and half.

Or "when was the last time you had a tetanus shot?"
Ahhh, I don't know if I've ever had one.
Okay......well, you'll get one today.
Do I have to? I mean, why do I need one? Will it make me sick? Why, why why.....

I was sweating bullets. So she's doing all the routine stuff, cleaning my ears, checking my eyes. Everything looks great. My heart is fantastic. She keeps telling me how great a shape I'm in. Cool. Then she lays me down, mind you, I'm completely naked under this smock and tripping out. Oh sh*t, what's next? So she pulls the smock back and.........(fill in the blank)...........has me cough. LOL!!!! What!!!! She says "OK great". Before I recover from that, she has me bend my knees and turn over on my left side. Let's not forget I'm shy and naked under this smock.
This is where it got really, really crazy. As I was turning on my side, I saw her slip on a pair of surgical gloves. I heard that familiar "pop" when you snap them on. I didn't think much of it at that moment. When I turned over on my side I was face to face with a stainless steel table that had random medical stuff on it. The doctor came around to the table, picked up a tube of "gel" opened it and put some on one finger. MY WORLD STOPPED COLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh--no--she--isn't!! Oh--yes--she--is!!..............................And, my prostate is fine. ^$%*!!

R RESTRICTED
Under 17 Requires an accompanying Parent or Adult GuardianThis paragraph contains some material that many parents would find unsuitable for children under 17 years of age. Parents are strongly urged to exercise great care in monitoring this paragraph and are cautioned against letting children under the age of 17 read unattended. This paragraph contains one or more of the following: intense violence (V), intense sexual situations (S), strong coarse language (L), or intensely suggestive dialogue (D).

==================================================

DECEMBER 10th '04*This is hilarious.......or scary. Remember that "lovely young actress" that slapped the sh*t out of me a couple of days ago. Well, after getting comments about the situation from a couple of people I decided that I really needed to speak with her about it. She needs to know that she can't do that to anyone else. Therefore, I called her and it went a bit like this.

INT. Honda Accord Coupe.

Stephon sits in his car on a tree-lined street. He dials his cell phone.

Lovely young actress who will remain nameless (LYAWWRN)

LYAWWRN
Hello.

STEPHON
Hey LYAWWRN. It's Stephon, how are you?

LYAWWRN
I'm okay.

STEPHON
Good. I wanted to talk to you about the scene we did on Saturday.

LYAWWRN
What about it Steven?

STEPHON
Ahh.....when you slapped me.

LYAWWRN
Steven don't make a big deal about that-

STEPHON
It's Stephon. My name is Stephon.

LYAWWRN
Steven! As an actor you have to know that anything can happen in a scene!

STEPHON
No! I don't expect that someone is going to slap me the way you did.

LYAWWRN
I can't believe this--don't call me again!-(hangs up phone again).

STEPHON
Oh sh*t, she just hung up on me.

CONTINUOUS-2 minutes later.

SFX: Cell phone rings.

STEPHON
Hello.

LYAWWRN
Steven you're a pu**y and you'll never make it in this business.

STEPHON
You've got to be kidding.

LYAWWRN
You can't going around--

STEPHON
Did you just call me a pu**y?

LYAWWRN
Yes. You're a pu**y. (she hangs up again)

Stephon sits. This time completely, completely stunned.

STEPHON
She just called me a pu**y. WHAT? (Laughs) This chick is completely out of her fu*#ing mind.

I swear to you that's how the "conversation" went. She called me a pu**y. I can't believe that. It's makes no sense at all. Because she slapped me and I didn't like it I won't make it in this business? Well "that" makes a lot of sense. What a stupid thing to say. I guess now that she has said that I won't make it I should give up. Yeah.....crazy lady.

To be honest, this particular actress has intrigued me for some time. Intrigued in sense of she's really interesting to watch. I don't mean so much as an actress; although she is a fine actress, but more as a person. She's just like........I don't know. You never know what she's going to do next or who she going to offend. I would love to be a fly on the wall in "her world" for a week to see where she gets her sense of entitlement at the expense of others. I figured, either it's not the first time she has slapped someone like that or maybe she has been slapped herself like that.

I went to a dental specialist today for a second consultation. It was not pleasant. Not painful, just that I need a bit of work done.I was released from being on avail for the "Degree" commercial from a couple of weeks. No problem, I had released my self in my mind a long time ago. I was surprised to even get the call.

Screening: "Sideways". I enjoyed this film a lot more than I thought I would. It was really cool.

For some reason today was not a good day. In fact, it was the worst day I've had in a long, long time. I knew it when I woke up this morning. That doesn't happen to me that often. Ironically, it's has nothing to do with the dentist appointment or being released from the commercial.........or being called a pu**y for that matter. I think I'm just really, really tired and ready to go home for the holidays. It's been a great year, in a lot of ways, but I am ready for it to be over. I'll keep working until I leave though, I can sleep on the plane.

Callback!!! YEAH!!! I got a callback for that "DirecTV" spot I went in for last week. At the audition I was portraying someone on an exercise bike. I did a "California Lottery" commercial where I was on an exercise bike a several years ago and it was quite embarrassing. My cardio was not up to par; I was so winded it wasn't funny. I think I am in much better shape these days, hopefully I'll get a chance to prove it on-set.The callback went great.....I think. I couldn't understand a thing the director said. He had a really strong accent, I think it was french. At any rate I felt really great about it.A couple of weeks ago someone inquired about a manager I had for a short time years ago in New York. The actor was meeting with her and wanted to know what my experience was with her. I was honest and, in short, felt that she didn't help me too much, but I saw her help others. I felt she was signing me in order to get to my friend whom she "really" wanted to rep. She thought that I was the "brains of the duo" and if I signed he would sign. She was wrong about that; he didn't need me to make his decisions. Anyway, when this actor met with her she asked him to have me call her to catch up. So I called her and left a message and she called me back. It was the same as it was years ago when I was repped by her. She didn't want to know what I was up to, she just wanted to hear was my friend from way back then was up to. It's funny to think about it now. I remember back when I requested for a release from the contract I had with her, I heard through the grapevine that she said I would never work in New York. How wrong she was. Tonight I saw "Hotel Rwanda" again. This time lead actor Don Cheadle was there for a Q&A. He is completely amazing to me. This film is incredibly touching. It's hard to believe that stuff like this still goes on in our world......then again it isn't so hard to believe. This is a story that director Terry George had been trying get produced for 5+ years. I, for one, am glad he got it finished. Don shared a lot of things with us about his journey and also about the power of turning down projects that he doesn't want to do. I must admit that it's hard knowing how close I was to working with him in "Ocean's Twelve". The scene that I was cast in would have been with him and Elliot Gould. I'll get to work with him another time and another place.

Today I attended a director workshop with casting director/director Ellie Kanner. She cast the pilot and first year of "Friends" and "Dawson Creek". It was one of the best workshops I've ever participated in. The place where I have taken most of my workshops, Actorsite aka Hollywood Workshop.com, is really pushing forward in the area of bringing in directors/producers for actors to learn from. The entire session last about 5 hours. I actually had to postpone my dentist appointment because I didn't want to leave early and miss something.She broke us up in about four different groups. Each group had a different scene. The rest of the class other than the group that was reading anonymously gave feedback. Then, along with Ellie's professional feedback it was then delivered to the actor in a positive, honest and constructive manner. It was great to get such insight from a director. She even designated an assistant in the class to bring us in the room as we were coming in to read our scenes. She really touched on a lot of things that we sometimes forget. I definitely learned a thing or two or ten today.

Audition: "the bad girls' guide to life" @ Susan Vash Casting. My first pilot audition of the season. I haven't booked for Susan yet, but I have had been to producers several times. This a 1/2 hour pilot for UPN. I think I am really right for this role. I plan to make a strong choice and get to the next step. When I walked in the associate, Reyna Karp, told me that she saw me in "The Terminal". YAY!! I felt the audition went well. I really hope to get a callback on this one.
As I was leaving the Paramount lot, (after doing some drop-offs of course) I saw someone I recognized, but I couldn't place the face at first. In an instance it came to me. It was Katy Garretson. Katy was the 1st AD and also a director of "Frasier". She directed the first episode I did. I stopped and spoke to her for a bit, she was directing and episode of "Girlfriends". She said she really like the episode and had a photo of me when I had hair.Tonight I attended a SAG "Roll Film" Event that featured the cast of CBS drama "Navy NCIS". I met one of the regulars, Pauley Perrette, back in 2000 when I worked as a reader on a pilot @ Henderson/Zuckerman Casting. I remember reading with her back then and she just lit up the room.....and booked the pilot. For a while it seemed like everytime I visited my local Ralph's grocery store I'd run into her and we'd chat. I hadn't seen her in a while and it was really good to see her tonight and get to chat with her. Something she said to the crowd really struck me. She stressed having a life outside of the business and just dealing with real people. Not that Hollywood isn't real, but I think you can live your life in a vacuum if you aren't careful. I witnessed this woman, who is a series regular on a hit CBS drama, rush to catch a taxi to the screening of a short film that she is in.......in the rain. Yeah, that is what I call keeping it real. You go Pauley!!

SAG "Roll Film" Event featuring the cast of "ER". I can't tell how inspiring these events are for me. Just getting to hear someone else's story is the greatest thing for me. I am insanely curious about the most random things and I just love to know how people get to where there are in life. Anyone, not just performers. I'd worked with one of the cast members, Mekhi Phifer, back in New York on a film called "Hell's Kitchen". Actually, I got work with him in here in LA on "ER" too. I spoke to him briefly and even seem to remember me from the shoot in NYC. I don't think he did. How could he? They meet so many people? Anyway, I'm really glad to see his career keep moving forward, he seems like a great guy.

I've attended hundreds of CD workshops in my years of pursuing my career, but one of the ones I attended today was probably the most interesting. The guest, Scott David, was fabulous!! He gave us a bunch of info on how things work in his office, his background, the tone of their shows, upcoming projects and the like, which is standard. Instead of giving out sides, he paired us up and gave us one word or a phrase to base an improv on. I was so impressed with what everyone came up with. I really felt like I was surrounded by a group of very, very creative people.Anyway, here's where it got quite interesting for me. I was paired up with a lovely young actress and our topic was "family feud". We had about 15 minutes to come up with something. We decided that we were a couple that was attending a family outing and we'd planned to announce our engagement. Her father, "Frank", privately gave her the news that I was his illegitimate son from an affair. Hence, we were siblings. I didn't believe it at first because "Frank" has a drinking problem and often "runs off at the mouth". My fiancé convinced me that it was true and then dropped the bombshell that she was pregnant with my child. WHAT!!!

==============================================

R RESTRICTED

Under 17 Requires an accompanying Parent or Adult GuardianThis paragraph contains some material that many parents would find unsuitable for children under 17 years of age. Parents are strongly urged to exercise great care in monitoring this paragraph and are cautioned against letting children under the age of 17 read unattended. This paragraph contains one or more of the following: intense violence (V), intense sexual situations (S), strong coarse language (L), or intensely suggestive dialogue (D).

==============================================

Around this time, the improv took a serious turn; I suspected her of knowing all along that I was her brother. Of course things became heated (within the scene) and out of the blue she slapped the SH*T out of me. OH--MY--GOD!! I NEVER saw it coming. The slap had not been rehearsed or even talked about. Everything in my world turned white for an instant. Pardon my French, but what the &*^% was she THINKING? Maybe she was just in the moment and wasn't thinking at all. I was in the moment too but I didn't B*&ch slap her! Luckily, I'm a pretty mellow guy, but another actor that was maybe "a little unstable" might have whipped her a** on the spot in front of everyone. If that would've happened I would tried to stop it because I don't like to see men beat up women, but at the same time if you slap someone like that you open the possibility of getting your a** kicked. She never even acknowledged that it "might" have been a little over the top. She definitely didn't apologize. The only thing she said in response to "ooohs and aaahs" from the rest of the actors was "Please, I didn't hit him that hard". She never said a word to me at all. No apology. Nothing. I spoke to the guest about my headshot and before I could get to her, she had left. A couple of hours later my ear stopped ringing so I guess I'll live. I'll have to have a word with her next time I see her.

Tonight I attended a birthday party of a couple of friends who I worked with in New York at The Harley-Davidson Cafe. It was great to see them. Of course it made me think of the incredible experience I had in New York and that so many of us are still in touch. There are literally 20-30 people here in LA that I worked with at the restaurant. I still thinks that's amazing.

Screening: "Million Dollar Baby" with a Q&A with Hilary Swank. What a cool chick!! She plays a boxer in the film and has a banged-up face for much of it. Between that and "Boys Don't Cry" you would never know how attractive she is.

Audition: "Direct TV" @ ASG Casting. This one goes really well. I have one question. Will I ever book another commercial? ahhh..........of course I will. Actually, I got a residual yesterday for this really small commercial I did about 6 months ago. So I, at least, still feel like I'm a part of the commercial world. I might need to take another commercial course to refresh my chops in that area.
I saw "The Aviator" today. Well actually I saw the beginning and the very end. I left to go to the audition I just mentioned and came back because Leonardo DiCaprio, John C. Reilly and Alan Alda were going to do a Q&A. My friend and I sat in the very front row because she's a huge fan of Leonardo and wanted to be really close up front for the talk. To be honest, I'm a really, really big fan of Leo myself. When I first started taking acting classes I heard all this Oscar hype about him and wanted to check him out. I vividly remember watching him in the very first scene in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape". My little sister, Avis, has Down's Syndrome so I've been around it all of my life and I know what it looks like. When I saw that performance I became a fan for life. Of course there have been several other films like "This Boy's Life", "The Basketball Diaries", "Marvin's Room" & "The Beach" that I have enjoyed as well. The Q&A was great. Everytime I attend one I leave feeling extra inspired about the career choice I have made. I met Leo at an ATM in New York (57th & 6th) back in '97. I told him how much I enjoyed his work in "Gilbert Grape" and he was quite gracious. I went on my way and his friend came after me and asked if I was an actor and if I had a card.....of course I did. I gave it to him. I didn't expect to hear from them and.........surprise......I didn't, but it was cool to meet him.
Since we sat in the very first row and watched what had to be the widest screen in Hollywood I knew I'd need to see the film again......from another part of the theatre. I'll check it again out soon.

Ahh! This morning I went to a dental specialist to have my gums looked at. I'm planning to have some major dental work done in the future and I want to check the health of my gums first. The news wasn't particularly good, so I may have to get some work done there first.I haven't had an audition in almost in 2 weeks. That's cool. I'm not sweating it too much because I am so ready to get out of town for a minute. I can't wait, I'm tired and I need a break from all this running around.Screening: "Fahrenheit 9/11" with a Q&A with Michael Moore. I'd seen the film back in the Summer, but my friend Jennifer is a huge fan so I figured we'd check it out again. I don't know a lot about Michael Moore, but he is dedicated to his cause. I'm not particularly a fan or particularly "not" a fan, but I am very interested in his POV. It was cool to hear the things he went through to make such a docu-drama. His next film "Sicko" which will focus on the healthcare system is sure to make noise next year.