I'm back Pendejos!!!!!

Why the long break?  Like you all missed me!  No one even knows who the hell I am?  I talk shit about acting, dickwads that want to be actors, and occasionally, write about some credible, talented people.  

In a nutshell, I've had a lot of stuff happen, both bad and good, that kept me locked in fear from sharing anything with you!  I decided, on this early April 11th, to start anew.  Evolve. Cambiar.....de Sexo! Ay!  That's a Spanish joke.  Won't work in Ingles!  Trust me.  

As you can see, I changed the name of the Blog from "El Comandante" to "El Comandante de La Brea & Melrose".  Why?  If you care to ask?  

Just talking about acting shit only reaches those of us that are pursing a career in Hollywood. Meh!

I love my neighborhood, and Lord knows how many drinks I've slammed down at the establishments between La Brea and Fairfax- on Melrose.  That's not including the places in Larchmont Village, and all the new spots opening in the area.

I'm not a restaurant critic, but I want to offer some insight on where a fellow neighbor, from whatever field of work, can easily kick his or her boots up, order a Sarsaparilla, and enjoy the night without all that Hollywood Bullshit!  

I am evolving.  Into what?  Who the hell knows?  A stupid ass fool posted this on FB, but it makes sense, cuz we all striving to connect with one another on some level. 

" I flip out to easily!  I'm not perfect, but I expect people to approach life with respect and common sense.  I'm guilty of disconnecting, falling victim to playing with my phone when I'm alone at a bar, coffee, shop, restaurant, etc.  However, I love the nights when you just want to be left alone, yet you end up having a great conversation with a fellow artist.  That makes the other shit I deal with on a regular basis all worth it.  Conversation!  Good night my friends!"- Wise Latino Actor ;)

Doin' It and Doin' It!

"WHERE THE FLIPPITY FLAP have you been?" You're probably asking.  Probably not, but I'd like to think that you missed me.  As the title says, I'm Doin' It!  It takes a lot of time, energy, stamina, endurance, exercise, caffeine, and other shit to keep you up so you can Do It!


I can't believe that my last post was in February!  To my two, faithful, followers:  I apologize.  I really missed writing and ranting.  However, I have been productive.  


1. Hosted a reading of play that the company I am partnered in (Working Artists Lab)is producing this fall.  We did a reading of one of the plays.  It's a 9/11 themed one act about....Well, you'll have to come check it out when it's up.  There's a second play ("Midnight Mass") which we will also be showcasing in conjunction with "Los Embrujados: The Haunted Ones".  Both plays were written by my friend, and esteemed playwright/actor/Labyrinth Theater Company member- Mel Nieves.


2. Plugged away at the script for a short film that I have been developing for over a year.  My friend and writing mentor (who shall remain nameless cuz she's famous) loved my adaptation of her short play.  She gave me a few notes, and I finished it this morning at 3 AM. Now it's time to get some money. Anyone want to support?  


3. Putting together a fundraiser, which Veev Acai Berry Spirit, kindly donated some product for us to serve.  Muchas Gracias and Obrigado!  It's going to happen at my friend's gallery (Gallery 9)in May.  The event is to help raise money for Working Artists Lab's production of the plays I mentioned and for a yet to be mentioned cause that Gallery 9 supports.  Check out their massive efforts to build a Peace Center in Sierra Leone. This is just one of many wonderful things that Lisa Schultz (founder) and Heidi Huber-Kalin (Right Hand Wonder Woman) are doing!  If you want information on the event, message me on this blog with your email or send it to angel@workingartistslab.com.


4. Started auditioning again!  Thank the Heavens!  I was starting to think that I was 86d from this town, much like I have been from a few bars....that was a while back though.  In the meantime, I was inspired by Greenlight Coach Jessica Sitomer's "Get It Done" call to arms and started a video blog. It's a character that I'm developing for a future web series.  The feedback I'm getting is great.  I even got removed from a Facebook page, because some of the viewers of that page may find it offensive.  No hard feelings though.  The gal who runs the page is a classy pro.  She's doing her thing.  I'm doing mine.  If I ruffle some feathers, well then I'm doing something right.  At least I think so.  Check out the videos:

If you want to see what other things Rahman has to say, subscribe to the channel.  A new video will be up every week.


As you can clearly see; I'm Doin' It!  Gettin' It Done!  Gotta take charge of my career.  If  you were thinking that "Doin' It" was in reference to something else....well then great minds think alike!  Cuz LL Cool J does the same thing.  At least that's what he says in his song.  Peace out!

El Oscar and other things....

It's good to be back on the blogging horse.  I wish that I could be an awesome blogger/actor/writer/producer/badass boyfriend....


But I have to sacrifice a few of those.  I won't say which.  I will say that producing is a MOFO!  When it's all said and done, it's just done.  It's like a fling or brand  new relationship.  Hot, heavy, crazy emotions, and then "Bye Bye".


Because today is such a crazy day for important Hollywood, types, Ahem!  I have to make this short so I can get my makeup, wardrobe, and pick out the right wig.


I'll just say that "The Artist" was a cute film.  Sure, the acting was good.  But, how is it that people get wowed by an art form that was done 80 years ago?  Does this mean that we are ready to start watching hand drawn Popeye cartoons again, as opposed to computer animated stuff?  Actually....that would be pretty chingon!


You all know my pick by now.  I think the message was clear, and here is a link as to why I feel this was the most powerful performance/film of the season.


I love a longshot!  Go Demian!  Thank you Chris for making such a wonderful film!  Salud!

Cause I'm Proud to Be An American Is the Worst Pinche Song Ever...next to Macarena!

Here it is....What is America!?  Send your thoughts.

Keeping The Ball Rolling

I've been working on an adapting a wonderful, short play (that deals with a very poignant topic) into a short film, for well over a year.  It's a wonderful piece that my very talented friend and I couldn't pass up to produce for ourselves.  It's an opportunity to create our own work, as you have to do in this very competitive industry.  How hard can adapting a five page play into a short film be?  Should take about five minutes.  Right?  Sheeeiiiiiittttt!

There's a little thing called RESISTANCE that gets in the way.  It tells you to take your time.  It tells you that adapting a five page play into a film where the two characters have to experience a full arc, without talking to much on screen, and giving the audience an understanding into their history, and that their choices have to be justified (all in a screenplay under 10 pages so that you can create a proper budget), while trying to meet a deadline of creating a complete film in time for next year's festival cirucuit.....should only take an hour.  So, chill out.  Do it later.  Have a glass of wine, or six.  F'n little BITCH this RESISTANCE is.  Damn!  I sounded like Gollum there.

Resistance is one aspect.  There's also the millions of ideas that keep popping up in my head.  I must have at least three to four projects that I am currently developing.  Am I crazy?  Am I transferring one addiction to another?  I know that I can only get one thing done at a time.  Right now, my priorities are the short film and a 9/11 play that a talented playwright, friend wrote.  Let's not forget that there are things like relationships, work, pets, and...Did  I mention work?  Thirty five hours a week baby!  I gotta have health insurance and pay the bills.

So, when all is said and done; the film is complete, the play has ended its run, and I'm still hustling to get more Film and T.V. credits, what happens?  Do I just keep spewing out ideas and try to make them happen?  The Documentary?  The next play to get Working Artists Lab Actors working? The countless web projects I have in my mind?  Some ideas may fall by the wayside.  Naturally, inspiration for another will overtake the development of another project.  I really wish I could just create for a living.  I know the hustle won't stop, but at least I know that I'm helping create something that will make my friends, collaborators, and myself relevant. Got just keep it going!

I have been away! So sorry!

Producing is a Puta!  However,  I decided, a long ass time ago- before I was a member of an "upstart" theater company in Los Angeles- that I would put up a play that dealt with 9/11!  I was going to be the gran Chingon to put this baby together.

Well....a lot of booze, some sobriety, more booze, more sobriety, allergies, and headaches later....I'm finally dipping my toe into putting up the right play.  That play is "By The Dawn's Early Light" by my talented friend, Mel Nieves.  

We're starting with a reading.  It's going to be great to be back on stage.  Mainly, I'm excited to present the opportunity for people to give to a 9/11 relief charity.  Working on the details now, but I promise to give more up to date information...at least every other day.

Thank you for checking in with me!  El Comandante is out!

Annie Freeman: Versatile, Theater Actress who lives in L.A., loves being on stage, and is damn proud of it!

El Comandante likes to raise his fist in the air to those actors that are committed to their art and who do things their way- REVOLUTIONARY STYLE!  Annie Freeman is one of those actors.  She's always prepared, professional, talented, ego-less, and very generous with her fellow actors.  She gives you so much to work with. She is a GAMER!  Not like the gamer in my one of my earlier entries.  Hehehe!


She is my first "Spotlight on an Actor" type of story, interview, thing....


Our conversation went, something like this:

EC: When did you start training as an actor?  

AF: I started my training in elementary school.  I was cast in a production of the "Wizard of Oz" when I was seven years old.  I was one of the munchkins (laughs).  I remember waiting in the wings and watching everyone in the show, studying their performances.  I learned the lines to the whole show.  My mom was a house cleaner.  She would take me along to various jobs, and I would perform the whole show while she cleaned houses.

EC: Imagination.  Crucial part of an actor's training.

AF: Definitely.

EC: Can you recall, when you were "bit by the acting bug", and decided that this was what you wanted to do professionally?

AF: When I was cast in the "Wizard of Oz". Then, instead of growing out of a childhood hobby,  it grew into a career. I have studied many forms of acting disciplines, dance, musical theater, classics.  I went to a performing arts school in Junior High and High School.  Around High School, I realized that I preferred straight drama as opposed to musical theater.  

EC: Where else have you trained?

AF: I went through the theater program at USC.  During my junior year, I spent a semester at BADA in London.

EC: L.A. is the film capital of the world.  For many actors, theater is a waiting room for to stay sharp while their number gets called for a film or television role.  How do you respond to this?

AF: I think it's unfortunate that theater is "just a stepping stone" for film and television work.  I love working in both mediums, but you don't get the same spontaneity from film work.  There's a lot of stop and start.  It's a different discipline, very visual, and it relies on editing.  I love it too, it's just a different art form.  With theater, you have a connection with the audience.  You have to be on your game all the time.  At the Archway Theater, where I have worked on two productions directed and produced by my business partner, Steven Sabel, we have had the privilege of working with some talented actors who love working in theater and are dedicated to it.

EC: You've done quite a lot of Shakespeare?  Where are some of the notable venues and companies that you have worked in?

I have played Ophelia twice, in London and at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum.  I played Rosalind in "As  You Like It" at the Redlands Shakespeare Festival.  Recently I was Lady M at the Archway's inaugural production of "Macbeth: Shakespeare's Natural Born Killers". 

EC: You created a physicality for Lady Macbeth that I haven't seen in your previous work.  How do you prepare for a role?  What was different about your preparation for Lady Macbeth?

AF: I approach every role differently. Sometimes from the outside in, and sometimes from the inside out. I have had the privilege of studying various techniques, from physical acting methods such as LaBan and Viewpoints, to text training with scansion and determining operative words. As I learn more about the character through reading and re-reading the text, I discover what approach I want to use with them. Steven, the director, and I really worked on finding the center of energy for Lady Macbeth.  She references in the play that she wants to have the will, strength, and drive of a man to fulfill her desires.  Steven and I collaborated on where in the body this drive would be centered and worked from there.  Working with classical text is extremely helpful, because there is so much in the words that you can work off of. Once you understand the text, it's much easier to figure out what direction you want to go with the character.

EC: You're a certified  Yoga teacher.   You apply Yoga to your prep work and to your process.  How is Yoga helpful in achieving the ultimate goal for an actor of "being completely in the moment"?

AF: Yoga helps connect your body to your breath.  Through deep breathing, fluid movement, and held poses, an actor can develop a deeper level of body awareness.  This can help an actor connect his voice with his movements on stage.  In turn, the actor will be less distracted by tension, allowing the actor to get out of their head and live out each scene in the moment.

EC: Lee Strassberg pointed out in his book "A Dream of Passion" that Yoga and meditation are great tools for relaxing the body, but they do not help address the issues of tension that an actor deals with- tension that stems from emotional blocks or trauma.  Obviously you disagree with this point.  Why?

AF:  I don't necessarily disagree with it. Take for example the role of Ophelia.  I feel that the character was purposely underwritten.  Her predicament was such that she couldn't express her thoughts, vocally, due to fear.  I believe that she carried a lot of tension in her throat.  To develop the character, I had to identify what causes tension in my throat, that would make it difficult for me to speak.  Yoga is mainly about creating space in the body, and with certain characters, you want to be able to have that space and liberation in the body part(s) where their motivating energy is focused. However, due to the emotional situations of some characters, I believe it is more important to tap into where they are restrained, where there isn't that "space". Yoga teaches you how to access those parts of the body, but I believe you must dig deep into the character's emotional core to be able to actually create that tension.

EC: You are currently performing in "The Trojan Women" at the Archway Theater, under the direction of Steven Sabel.  What character are you playing?  How did you approach this character?

AF: I'm playing Andromache.  Unlike Lady M, I developed Andromache from the inside out.  Andromache is dealing with a lot of internal pain due to the war, having witnessed the terrible slaughter of her husband. I use visualization, imagination, and some substitution to relive the pain that she is going through. 

EC: Is there a contemporary spin on "The Trojan Woman" like there was with "Macbeth"?

AF: No. Steven and I felt that it was important to keep the original Greek setting.  Aside from the Getty Villa, there aren't many places in Los Angeles where you can see Greek tragedies in their original context.

EC: Why do you feel this play is relevant today?

AF: It deals with the loss of loved ones due to a war.  That really hits close to home now with troops being pulled out of Iraq.  It's amazing the reaction we are getting from the audience.  I've had people come up to me after the show, not expecting to be so affected by the play.  

EC: Do you have plans to pursue bigger film and television roles?

AF(laughing):  Yes!  I have an agent, and he sends me out.  For now, I'm really enjoying being on the stage.

EC: Do you have dream role?  What is it?

AF: Hedda Gabler.

EC:  Ooohh!  I could definitely see that.

AF: Yeah.  It's a role I would really love to tackle.

Annie Freeman 

Annie has been training in the practice of yoga for more than eight years, and has been instructing students for four years. She completed her 200-hour instructor training in 2009, and has since been teaching a wide variety of styles and levels, including Yoga for Kids, Mommy & Me Yoga, Pre-Natal Yoga, Yoga for Seniors, and Hatha and Vinyasa Flow Yoga for all levels of practitioners. Annie has taught at various studios and fitness centers throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, including Triad Yoga, Sports Club LA, Avalon Senior Center, and the USC Lyon Center. Annie developed the original yoga classes for the NYSP Trojan Kids Camp in 2008, and has taught other workshops for kids at Triad Yoga and YogaWorks. Annie has served on the management teams at YogaWorks in Westwood and Triad Yoga in Irvine.

As a graduate of the theatre schools at the University of Southern California and the Orange County High School of the Arts, Annie has extensive training in theatre arts. She has also studied classical acting at the British American Drama Academy and Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. Annie’s stage credits include a variety of classical and contemporary roles, including world premieres of original productions. For the past five years, she has also been teaching acting classes for children through after-school and summer programs.

"The Trojan Woman" runs for two more weekends, Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 26-29, and February 2-4. The show will close on Saturday night, February 4th.  Curtain is 8pm for the Thursday-Saturday shows and 2pm on Sundays.

The Archway Theater is located at 305 South Hewitt  Los Angeles, CA 90013, in the heart of the Arts District.

For tickets and information, go to http://www.archwayla.com/ or call (213)237-9933.