I'M BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'M BACK!!!!!

I've been off the blog.  Now I'm on it again.  The hurricane, the election, all the myriad events of my life up to and including my first wedding anniversary have distracted me from setting pen to paper. 

So what to write about?  What's really important to me, the creative process.

I'm nothing without the time and space to make theater.  I don't feel good about myself unless I am working on a project or planning the next one.  I've long since given up any hope of getting a "normal" job or a secure career (although my stagehand work is stable and both pays the bills and prepares for the future).  There is something about the theater-making experience that stabilizes me and focuses my energies that is unlike anything else I've found in my life.

Part of that inner clarity and connection comes from the fact that I've trained my entire life to make working in theater my natural state, first as an actor, then a stage manager and stagehand, and now as a director.  In some ways I am most at home in a rehearsal hall.  The act of watching a play come to life is still completely astonishing to me.

What do I make of it?  Nothing.  I just have to continue.  Sometimes, it's not good to think too much about yourself.  I'm blessed these days to be worrying about others more and me less.  I guess that comes with confidence and maturity.  At least I hope that's why.

Now for the shameless plug part.  Please visit my new website http://www.alexandercarney.com which was put together by my friend Ceilon Aspensen, who operates the web development firm http://coderustlers.com/  Ceilon is the bomb and her work is tremendous.

There's No Business Like Show Business Like No Business I Know

I'm a lucky guy. 

I work in show biz!!!!

"There's no business like no business like show business like no business I know.
Everything about it is appealing!
Everything about it is a show!"

I spent my day today putting together scenery, assembling props, and generally being useful at 30 Rock for NBC, primarily for Saturday Night Live.  I watched Kelly Clarkson soundcheck her spot on SNL ---- and I got paid for it. 

I often think about how hard I've worked to get here.  You know, it's been worth it and I would do it again in a minute.  I have no regrets.

But I know what prices I've paid...

I work when there's work, as many hours as I'm called to do.  

I go through periods of unemployment, simply because that is the nature of the business.  Feast or famine.

But I get to be involved in the world I dreamed about when I was a kid.  And I like it that way.

Sure, I do other things --- but all of them are in the business of show.. 

I direct (whenever I can), I act (rarely) and I write (more and more).  I teach (acting)

I also exercise daily ---- which I love intensely. 

But ONLY when I am working in show business do I feel that I am useful --- and it's been that way since I was 13, from the day I decided I would get involved with this world of work I love so much..

If you feel the way I do, you will find your way into the artform.  I guarantee  it.  Your life might not look like the one you fantasized about when you were a kid but you will find your way.  (Lord knows, mine is nothing like what I intended --- but it's a good life and I am proud of having come as far as I have).

Part of why I enjoy my life now is that I worked very hard when I was younger to prepare myself for this time of my life.  I know how to do the things I wanted to do; act, direct, teach.  Granted, everything is an evolving process ---- but I put in the hours, days, weeks, years to earn my place at the table.

New Beginnings...

Who else to welcome in the New Year?

I took a prolonged break from this blog.  I felt overwhelmed by the technology, the concept of social networking, and while I was going through the process of getting married I didn't want to share my thoughts and feelings across the web.  I actually do believe some things are private, such as ones home life.

I am back.





For the coming year I have several resolutions:

1. To teach acting
2. To live simply
3. To save money
4. To exercise consistently

Beyond these simple goals (which in private I have concretized --- because without specifics, there can be no success).

I will writing here about my personal journey as both a person and an artist....two roads that are inseparable.  I welcome your comments and feedback.  Let's build a community of like-minded people, dedicated to living well and making beautiful things.