It’s this type of reality-checking advice that Michael Kostroff gives to actors in his “Audition Psych 101″ Workshops. Michael Kostroff uses the Tyne Daly quote to illustrate how actors can get out of the mental merry-go-round we/they experience and just do what I’m/they’re there to do – perform a role and tell a story. “Audition Psych. 101″ is an actors’ workshop that addresses the mental challenges of auditioning, offering new ways to approach the dreaded process. It’s been presented all over the U.S., receiving raves from actors at all levels. I went to one at the Actor’s Equity Association a number of years back, and re-took it last week for a refresher.

He’s got a few more dates coming up: Friday, May 18th and Thursday, June 7th from 6-10pm at Shetler Studios, 244 W. 44th Street, Room 1208. Because Michael is a working actor and knows the financial deal, the fee is pay-what-you-can (with a suggested amount of $45).

For more information you can email Michael at info@auditionpsych101.com or visit the Audition Psych 101 Facebook page.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I am excited to announce that I will be a featured performer at Scott Evan Davis’ upcoming concert of his music, which has been published in his new album “Cautiously Optimistic.” Some of his work (and possibly his album!) is in the running for several MAC Awards this year, and this concert will showcase many of his new pieces. His music and lyrics are being acclaimed for their tight structure and heartfelt sincerity – check out some of the reviews listed on his Facebook Page. I’m also thrilled to be singing along with Natalie Douglas, Erin Lindsey Krom, Nikki Van Cassele, Joshua Dixon, Nicole Johndrow, William Blake, Vicky Modica, Erik Sisco, and other special guest stars.

Information:
One Night Only! Wednesday, March 14th at 8pm
$5 Ticket price + 2-drink minimum – CASH ONLY!

Don’t Tell Mama – www.donttellmamanyc.com
343 West 46th Street (Restaurant Row) New York City
Reservations and Information: Call: 212-757-0788 after 4:00 PM daily

Well, Bernie Wagonblast (who has an awesome name and who is an official voice of the New York subways, AirTrain JFK and Newark) decided to record and post a quick, 3-second, simple audio track of him wishing me well at “the audition” via Twitter; as he tweeted “Your wish, my command.”

I love it! Hear the full 3-second well-wishing here:

The thrill of singing in the Oak Room in and of itself was indelibly stamped upon my memory (and I’m not the only newcomer to New York to fall for its immense history and style).  I would return to the Oak Room a few more times to see full performances from Cabaret and Broadway alum, and put the venue on my “bucket list” as a solo performer (and later as a founding member of Marquee Five).

That part of my bucket list is not to be fulfilled, however, if the owners of the Algonquin Hotel wish to fulfill their own “renovation” list, which includes removing the Oak Room and remodeling it into a lounge for Marriott Reward Elite guests, according to Hotel General Manager Gary Budge.

What a shame it is, this news.  This total disregard for history, for music, for art, for what New York’s identity is.  I’ve been monitoring the Algonquin Hotel Facebook Page today, and most comments on the wall and on the official post regarding this press release has been devastated; most people claim that there won’t be any reasons left to visit the Algonquin Hotel again, once the Oak Room is no more.

Although Dorothy Parker once wrote “A little bad taste is like a nice dash of paprika,” this choice of action by the managerial Power that Be of the Algonquin Hotel leave nothing so spicy or delicious to my tongue.  At least I have a few memories of the Oak Room to keep for myself. I had wished future generations would be able to make their own in years to come – alas, this is not to be. And it truly…sucks.

*UPDATE 2/11/2012* – if you would like to sign a petition to send to the owners of the Marriott/Algonquin Salon regarding the Oak Room, please do so below:

Those who *have* listened to the CD can do us a great service by reviewing it! Just visit our CD page on Amazon.com and click the review link under the title. Just a few simple words will help our sales and our reputation grow.

Thanks!

-Sierra