Monday, March 21, 2016

Into the Woods...a conversation with a friend.


Into the woods,
It's time to go,
I hate to leave,
I have to, though.
Into the woods-
It's time, and so
I must begin my journey.*


Jean Ann Garrish has been part of my journey in New York since I arrived!  I remember auditing classes at HB Studio and hearing her sing in Helen Gallagher's class.  I was blown away and wanted to know her.


Since then, we have taken class together and become friends and colleagues.







The Actor's Friend (A.F.): When do you first get involved in the business?

Jean Ann Garrish (JAG): I got my first professional job in the industry right after I graduated college.

A.F.  What are you working on now?

JAG: I'm currently working with my editor on a comedic mockumentary web series that I wrote, directed and acted in. We'll be releasing the first episode in April on YouTube and Vimeo.

Trailer for "Composing Life":





I'm also getting ready to perform, with my band RED WINE + WHISKEY, at a benefit for the Drama Bookshop at 54 Below; as well as our album release concert at Rockwood Music Hall in May.  

A.F.  What classes have you taken with The Actor's Friend and how do you think they have helped you? 

JAG: I've taken some privates with Polly; and I'm a Super Trouper (a member of her accountability group). I'm also taking her #100daysinthelifeofanactor challenge. 

The way is clear,
The light is good,
I have no fear,
Nor no one should.
The woods are just trees,
The trees are just wood.
Into the woods
And down the dell,
The path is straight,
I know it well.
Into the woods,
And who can tell
What's waiting on the journey? *

A.F. How does being in the accountability group motivate you?

JAG: I hate to say it, but sometimes we're more accountable to other people than we are to ourselves. I know that if someone else is depending on me, I'll do everything in my power to not let them down. That's what accountability does for me. I don't want to go to the meeting and not have my homework done. If I was left to do things on my own, as the ultimate procrastinator, I'd get them done...eventually. Now, I'm right on top of what I want to do, and what I should do for my career.

Into the woods-
You have to grope,
But that's the way
You learn to cope.
Into the woods
To find there's hope
Of getting through the journey.*



A.F.   What are your plans and goals for the future?

JAG:  Ultimately, I'd like a career where I can work on both my own projects, as well as outside ones. I want to create projects and work on things that mean something to me while reaching an audience where those things will  hopefully mean something to them.

*Into the Woods
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim