Show Stuff: If ...

Some simple tips for getting ahead in show biz:

If you are in show biz and you never see shows, see some.

If you are in show biz and you never produce, do it.

If you are in show biz and you never perform, do it.

If you get an invite to a show; respond - even if it's a no.

If you come to a show and you like it, say you like it.

If you come to a show and you hate it, say you like it.

If you come to a show and love it, tell your friends.

If you don't have any friends, get some.

If you want to work with a director, see their show.

If you want work with a writer, read their writing.

If you want to perform at a space, see a show in that space.

If you want to do a one-person show, see a one-person show.

If you want to write a play, see a play.

If you want to write a musical, see a few of them.

If you want to learn something new, take a class.

If you want to create a YouTube video, watch some.

If you want to be expressive, stop talking about it and do it.

If you want to be famous, look elsewhere.

If you have read this far, you are already a smarter person!

F*ck Like Bunnies

Kmart welcomes the return of Jesus Christ with this lovely display of wasted fur and pastel colors.

Show Biz Not Show Fun

I'm astounded by folks in show business who don't know what's going on in show business, who then gripe that they have no work and that no one knows who they are. Kids, it is truly a business. And like any good business person, one must take time to read a newspaper or blog or an online magazine every so often and see what's going on in the show biz world. Here are some good ideas ...
Take a look at the ads in the Sunday New York Times. It comes out on Sunday and is cheaper than a Long Island Iced Tea. These ads are often quite large and colorful. They let you know what shows are happening and who is involved. Maybe you will find out that a person you want to work with is involved with a new, exciting project. If you don't like the feel of paper, read the Times online. Once a week. 
Take a look at TimeOut New York. They break down events into categories, for easy navigation. For instance, if you are a comic, sketch performer, or improvisor, you can go to the Comedy section and read about upcoming shows. You can see what your peers are up to. You can learn about exciting, affordable venues that you didn't know about. It usually takes about 10-12 minutes. 
If you are an actor, you can read the Theater section. The articles are always short and provide information that might come in handy somewhere down the line.
And if you are a singer or musician, get this, they even have a Music section that has big ads to let you know about upcoming gigs, CD reviews and performances.
If you don't like magazines, read it online. Once a week. Preferably when it comes out on Wednesday. The Village Voice also comes out on Wednesday -- and it's free. Take a look at the listings. Read a review or two. And when you are done reading and taking some mental notes on shows that interest you, you can leave it on the train for another artist to enjoy. Sharing is caring.
And try to follow what your friends are doing. Facebook is a wonderful tool to find out what's going on with your fellow artistes. Take a look at their walls every so often, and perhaps even comment or "Like" their status when they are doing a show. Putting up a show is hard work. Maybe you can even see the show. You might be inspired to set a deadline for your own show. You might get some great ideas that you can steal. And best of all, you really can learn just as much at a bad show as a good one! I learned from seeing "Spider-Man" that you should never kill the villain at the end of Act 1! Never knew that.
If you want to be on Broadway, good for you. It's easy to get there. It's easier if you know what shows are casting and which ones are in development and which ones are currently playing. Take a glance at Playbill.com or Theatermania once a week. Shows and job listings are posted every day for all sorts of show biz professionals. And if you auditioned for the show and were sore that you didn't get cast in it, go see it. Maybe you will realize why you didn't get the role after all and you can feel better about yourself.
Did I mention that many of the methods described above are free? They are. Free. Free information that could help you get a lead on a new gig. Information that you could use to see a show and be inspired by it. Information that is vital to any business person. Because it's a business. 
And, if you think you can't afford to see any shows, there are many ways to get discount tickets ... but I am going to let you figure that out on your own! Try Google. It is an amazing new tool to get you the info you need.
Break a leg!

Party City

Last week I was at Party City shopping for "Spring-like" party decorations for the set of a show I'm directing in April. I found a package of over-sized cardboard flowers and butterflies in aisle 1, but since it was pouring rain, I figured I'd just come back and purchase them when the weather was a bit more tolerable.
I went back yesterday, and the perfect package of flowers and butterflies were not there! I looked around; up and down the aisles. No luck.
I cautiously asked a salesgirl for help. 
"Hi, I'm looking for those packages of cardboard flowers and butterflies that were on this wall here last week."
"Oh. We moved things around. Let's see. Here! Is this what you were looking for?"
"No. Those are paper Easter eggs."
"How about these?"
"No. Those are tiny bunny stickers. I'm looking for the over-sized cardboard flowers and butterflies. 30 in a pack? They were here last week?"
"Oh! Over here. These?"
"No. Those are window decals of birds."
"Let's look over here. Is this it?"
"No. That's a package of paper bunnies, eggs, and rainbows."
"Oh. Well, I guess we are sold out. Sorry."
I assumed she was right. After all, they were the most awesome, perfect cardboard flowers and butterflies ever. I started to leave the store, and right there by the front door, was a display rack filled with all sorts of flowery napkins, butterfly tablecloths, and the package of flowers and butterflies I was seeking.
I took 2 packs of my product off the rack and walked them over to the salesgirl.
"I found the product. Right there on the rack with the other Spring stuff."
"Oh! Great! I thought you were looking for Easter stuff."
I smiled as hard as I could, and paid for my flowers and butterflies.
This set is gonna be so great. 
But now, I am hoping it doesn't look like an Easter show. That would be confusing. Jesus does not rise from the dead at any point in the show.

Fruit at the Bottom

In case you were wondering ...

What To Wear?

I was going crazy trying to find something to wear to the opening of the show I'm directing at the Laurie Beechman Theatre on Saturday, March 19 & 26. The show is "Delilah Dix: Showin' My Business" and I knew that I had to represent! Finally, yesterday, I saw my dream outfit in the window of a shop near my apartment. And ... it's on sale. Lucky me! See you at the show. You'll find me.

Young, Gifted & Spidey

Last night I was among the 100 lucky folks to see The Spidey Project at The PIT, which was a fully-realized one-hour musical based on the Spider-Man character. It was created in 30 days with a $0 budget by a troupe of extremely talented and spirited artists. 
Director Justin Moran collaborated with Jon Roufaeal on the story and book, and Doug Katsaros and Adam Podd composed the catchy songs. The cast of 9 played numerous roles and were all pitch-perfect.

How did Spidey fly? Simple. Cardboard cut-outs of buildings held by cast members swayed down and up stage as the limber, athletic, and lovable Travis Nilan "swung" from building to building. The audience went wild. Not just because SPIDEY was flying, but because of the ingenuity and cleverness of the direction.
The "set" consisted of painted cardboard panels that recalled the comics. Peter was bitten by an invisible spider, and we bought it. Villains wore simple masks with logos on their T-shirts. And when Peter finally appeared in his trademark costume, the audience cheered.
Special mention must be made to Ryan Nelson who played the bully FLASH, and sang a hilarious tune about having a date at Chipotle. A news reporter played by Jon Roufaeal kept us up to date on the crimes being stopped by Spidey, and he even had a backstory that kept us cheering for him. Claire Nuemann played BETTY, a secretary with a crush on Peter, with perfect comic timing, and Liz Bachman was utterly enchanting as Peter's love interest, GWEN. The rest of the ensemble dazzled with their clear character choices and smart delivery. At the end of the show, which literally flew by, the crowd leapt to their feet. Together, we rooted for Peter/Spidey and together we experienced a story with a beginning, middle and end. It was magical. 
I am not a theatre critic (although I always give my uncensored reviews of every show I see) but, I am a "tenacious" audience member. I love to be in the audience with a group of strangers, having a shared experience. I love the energy of people around me. This is why I don't rent DVD's ... I actually go to the cinema. 
As I sat on the steps of the new PIT (no seats available), listening to the chatter of the excited audience, I remembered when New York seemed new and full of possibilities to me. I recalled seeing brilliant improv shows at midnight with packed houses, edgy downtown shows in spaces that one could barely locate (and this was before GPS!), discovering new acts like Kiki & Herb at the Flamingo on the LES, and being totally inspired to create my own stuff. I used cardboard boxes to make sets, old table cloths for backdrops, and Salvation Army finds for costumes. I used every resource possible and made hundreds of phone calls to everyone in my book to personally invite them to see my shows. A show needs an audience! 
I am older now. Alot older. And it was a great treat to see the "kids" of today doing the same thing. Creating art out of a response to what's going on in pop culture and using every resource they could find to share their vision with the audience.
As I walked home, smiling, and thinking about my next show at the PIT, I wondered how I would transform the stark (yet functional) space into a suburban backyard with $0. I wondered how I could continue to entertain and bring my artistic dreams to life. And I wondered if it was worth it, now that all of my friends are married, with kids, broke, gone for the weekend, or just not that interested.
As I rounded the corner of 24th and 7th, I came across a pile of garbage with large cardboard pieces strewn about. I took a pause and looked closer, and much to my delight, I found 8 panels with images of flowers and trees that would work perfectly for my backyard set! $0! Magic.
I cannot wait for my next show. I look forward to creating something exciting. I encourage you all to live your dreams. Age is not a factor. Money is not an issue. All you need is a dream and the drive to make those dreams come true.
Dream big. Live large. Love often. Fly.
xo Pete

Dix Takes On Sheen

Another promo for the show I've been slaving over...NAUGHTY!

Pizzae!

Comeaing soon to Ninth Aveanue!

Featuring Peppaeroni and Cheease!

Showin' My Business

I'm directing and developing this show crazy cabaret show with the divine Amy Albert called

"Delilah Dix: Showin' My Business" ... so I made this video to promote it.

I do hope you will come see it on March 19 & 21. You might just pee yourself.