In 1978 I moved to Los Angeles from Fresno, California to study acting with Mako at East West Players. In 1987 I was employed at a picture framing store when I auditioned for Milan Kundera’s Jacques And His Master at the Los Angeles Theater Center. I got cast, and I got my Equity card.
Rehearsals with director/adapter Simon Callow and actors Madge Sinclair and Sam Anderson were life- and career-changing. Their brilliance, work ethic and kindness were eye-opening. When actors wanted to talk about their characters a bit too much, Simon would cut them off, politely but firmly, by saying “My dear, that is why it is called homework.” Madge Sinclair was a pillar of grace and wisdom. When she spoke about acting and life, I would cling to her every word. Madge taught me the value of time—mine and others’. “What is your time worth?” she would often say. She died at the young age of 57, and I am so grateful to have shared this show with her. Sam Anderson taught me how to work hard and yet have an ease and presence on stage (okay, I haven’t mastered that one yet). Since Jacques I have been blessed to share many laughs, tears and insights with oh so many wonderfully daring artists. Thank you, AEA, for guiding and protecting me on this journey.
Originally published in Equity News, Winter 2018.
