BE-e-e-e YOURSELF and avoid THE INVENTION OF LYING

For all you Disney aficionados out there, yes I did just quote the Genie from Aladdin. Perhaps it's because I know live with one of the Aladdin's from Disneyland's interactive stage shows, but I would rather think it has to do with the current theme of my life. As you all know I have been on the agent hunt, trying to find the right team to really go after this pursuit of being an actor in Hollywood. What I am learning is that no matter how hard I try to make someone see me a certain way, the only thing I can really do is present my honest self and that has to be enough.

I think the mind shift started just before Christmas while working with Ivana Chubbuck on a scene from THE INVENTION OF LYING. For the first time my work seemed to be awkward and out of place and I immediately knew why. I should give Ivana credit here as well for being so good at what she does that I was merely two beats into the scene and she stopped us because she knew we were off. In order to understand why we were off, let me explain how I got to this awkward place in my work. I may, or may not have brought up my virginity on this post before, and it may seem indulgent, or praise-seeking now- which is not my intention- but you need to know that my choice of abstinence has been an integral part in both my growth as a man, and as an actor. Ivana, as well as numerous other actor friends learned of this 'secret' about a year ago, and although everyone has their own opinions on the matter, most were supportive. However, with the information out there, I became suspect to intrigue and those opinions. Thus leading me to think I am missing out on something, and would it really matter if I just went and lost it. Some would even argue that I will never reach my full potential as an actor until I've had that experience.

Now, as an actor, I am constantly aware of my emotions, my needs, my insecurities, my strengths, my weaknesses, and so the chorus of voices that started to tempt me into all forms of sex, including a threesome for all you kinky readers out there, almost became unbearable. To some degree, I felt like I was loosing who I was. And good old Ivana came through just in the nick of time, by interrupting my scene partner and I with her wise words, echoing through the sound system of the studio. I didn't even have to say that I was trying an objective that I never use because she already knew I had chosen to play 'to get you to have sex with me.' To begin with, this objective was never going to get me to earn the right to get to the end of the movie, but for some reason the aforementioned 'tempting' chorus led me to believe it was a good idea. As Ivana so kindly put, 'Now if you were a player, I'd understand why you'd choose that, but you're not, and so that will never be an objective you can implore at this point.' She then gave me the nugget of truth that I needed to hear and that was to BE MYSELF. Casting offices, agents, managers aren't looking for actors who are trying to be something they are not. They are looking for actors who bring themselves to the roles and are comfortable with it.

As I sat there in front of a room full of actor-friends, fellow students, and strangers, the light bulb above my head must have shown brighter than the lights on my face. What happened next was incredibly humbling, and all the while encouraging. Ivana compared me, and my work, to that of a young Tom Hanks, in that we both are men of strong moral backbone and that is where are strengths lie. That's all it took. That's it. I recognized that my unique strengths set me apart and I need to embrace them in every aspect of my work.

Although it can be frustrating waiting for the time, my acting desires meld with the right representation, I have to believe in me and what I do. I have to believe that the right team is out there- and that right team will understand who I am clearly because I have totally embraced everything that makes me-me.

A TRUE SIDEMAN- CHANGE IS GOOD

Sometimes in life you have to stir the pot to keep the excitement alive. Since I last posted anything here, I have finally begun to embrace change. For years, my closest friends have told me that I needed to get a different agent, a better manager, or basically just a better team to help me get my foot in the door. I entertained those comments with polite obligation, all the while maintaining my loyalty to the agency that gave me a break to begin with, hoping that something would happen. My hopes were raised to new heights after the HOUSE booking, but nothing really came of that progress all spring. Once I realized for myself that a change was needed, I set a date to walk, regardless of whether or not something else was lined up, and I did. Honestly, it felt amazing. I have the whole world ahead of me and the freedom to meet with whoever I want to truly discover the best team to help me break into this business in a real way. Although I have had some near signings with a couple big agencies, the cards haven't fallen into place yet. I am not discouraged though because in the meantime, my work as a performer has grown leaps and bounds through the constant work with Ivana Chubbuck. In fact, because of the toolset I have been acquiring and fine-tuning with her help, I took on the lead role of Clifford Glimmer this summer in the Tony-Award winning Warren Leight play, SIDEMAN. This amazing and eloquently written piece takes the audience on a journey through the memory of Clifford Glimmer on the night before he leaves the dysfunction of his family behind to go pursue his own life, embracing his own, independent, manhood. The show has been a true test of growth in that I have numerous interactions with the audience through the form of monologues, which can be deadly for any actor if the relationship is not established between the actor and the audience. It is truly amazing how sometimes life imitates art, as to some degree I am having to move into the next phase of my life and embracing the changes that are involved with the progression. Granted, my relationship with my parents is a complete 180 from Clifford, but in becoming my own man out here in Hollywood I have had to face the flames of change, challenge, religious opposition, and self-doubt head on and overcome them on my own. Like Clifford, no longer can a depend on my parents to protect me, provide for me, or plan for me.

My growth through the past year can best be described in the different stages of John Eldredge's The Way of the Wild Heart. Through each stage from Boyhood, to Beloved Son, to Cowboy, to Ranger, to Warrior, to Lover, and to King, I find myself truly growing into my own manhood, and away from the safe little world of innocent, naive, Anderson Reid Gormly. This progression will only serve to make my work as an actor stronger as I no longer approach the work from a place of weakness, but rather that of power. The experiences I have been through, the battles, the opportunities to perform, the challenges embraced, have aided me in becoming my own version of a True Sideman- A man that knows himself and his capabilities so well that he can swap in and out of numerous roles and stories and find the win in his objectives and ultimately being a jack-of-all-trades.

If you are in Los Angeles this weekend August 27, or 28th. Come check out the last two shows of SIDEMAN at the REP EAST PLAYHOUSE in Newhall-

NEW YEAR- NEW YOU- WHAT'S IN A NAME?

As I believe I may have noted in the last posting, after a five year stint of being "Anderson Reid" professionally, I am returning to just simply being "ME." The version of me that I have always been- "Reid Gormly." I don't for a second regret going by Anderson in my acting world for the last five years because I realize now that it was part of my journey that I needed to work through and discover that as an actor, the best I can do is just be myself, and not an idea of what I need to be to be successful. The most successful actors don't necessarily make a million dollars, although let's be honest- that would be amazing, but rather, they are the ones that are to put it simply, honest in their work.

By making this return to Reid, I must say that there is something truly freeing a

bout not trying to uphold the regal demeanor of ANDERSON. I am

eternally grateful to my parents for being so meticulous while naming me and for endowing me with such a rich family name in ANDERSON. It is a name to be proud of and one that

I do cherish and for the last five years, it has lea

d me on a journey of self-exploration and digging through all that I am. There have been highlights, as well as lowlights during the arc of this time, and as I move into a chapter of my life in which I am overwhelming content with who I am as a person, as an actor, and most importa

ntly, in Christ, I felt it time to close the chapter of my life that from here on out will be known as THE ANDERSON CHRONICLES.

So together, we step onto Hollywood Boulevard and back into the casting offices full of life, personality, humor, drama, emotion, love, style, and a renewed swagger as the one, the only, REID.

Bringing it All Home

WOW! Since my last posting so much has happened and I can hardly believe how everything begins to culminate and build on the things previous. I finally moved into the MASTER CLASS with Ivana Chubbuck because my previous coach, Ben Davis, who is a genius, wouldn't allow me to stay in the Advanced Class any longer. By working with the "Big Dogs" as I like to think of it, I have been so inspired to continue on in this endeavor, but ever more so importantly, I am encouraged to trust my own instincts all the more. Long gone are the days of allowing someone else inform me of how they see me as an actor and what I should be doing. I know myself the best, which is ultimately why over the Holiday break, while I was home in Atlantat, I decided to return to who I really am- and that is Reid Gormly. The Actor- Anderson Reid- was just that and actor- it was an idea- it was an attempt to fulfill a "requirement." But Reid is the person- he always has been and always will be. The timing of all these shifts is so particularly fitting because I returned to my original "House" in my name, I booked my first TV audition in over two years--I booked a co-star gig on HOUSE. And prove my point on everything building on something from before, I did a workshop in November with the Casting Director who remembered me and brought me in for the part, and on top of that three years ago, I worked some private catering gigs for an Executive Producer, who happens to now be on HOUSE. Now, he may or may not have gotten me the gig, but there is so much possibility in the world that he very well may have.

As I write this, I have just finished my day as Doctor #2 on one of the most anticipated episodes of the season. Hugh Laurie was such an amazing actor and generous man and I hope to one day work with him again. If anyone out there from HOUSE is reading this- that's you- Greg, Katie, Eli, Hugh, Marianne, Amy, Vince, Paul, Marla, Angela, Lisa, thanks for an amazing day---I will gladly be on "Lockdown" with you guys again anytime

I GOTTA FEELING....

The universe is spinning and throwing my mind, my body, my hopes, my dreams into warp speed. I am not sure where it is taking me, but if I was an astrologist, I would say I believe that the stars are beginning to align for me. I am at a place in my life where I am taking the reigns back and putting myself out there in my relationships, in the dating world, in my acting, in my writing. I am tired of resting on my laurels and staying comfortable. I can't even believe I am quoting Black Eyed Peas, by saying "I gotta feeling....that tonight's gonna be a good night," but I am- in the perspective of this year. For years I have said, "Oh no, I won't get in a relationship until I am settled in my career," but the energy fields are spinning and pushing everything into one nuclear reaction throwing all into orbit at once. In the midst of the chaos of the unknown I am living in, the only source of peace in that nucleus is the joy that I receive in Christ. I choose to trust the promises of the Lord and lay it all out there and give it all back, releasing control. I choose to float into the atmosphere and let it have its' way with me, trusting full well that it will land me on the mountaintop I have dreamed of for so long.

This entire commitment to let go is inspired by the need to refuse to settle. I will not settle in my pursuit for the woman the Lord has set out for me. I will not settle into the isolation of my apartment thus preventing myself from being able to find that one. I will not settle for the status quo when it comes to my diligence in the pursuit of acting. I will not settle for unearned loyalty. I will not settle with the excuses of a weak demo reel, nor inexperience. I choose to take charge and pursue excellence in this pursuit. I will not settle for mediocrity in my writing and therefore, choose to stir the pot to create a masterpiece. I choose to make myself available for love, no matter the fear of being hurt, or being forced to be vulnerable. I choose to commit my ways to the Lord and in all my ways acknowledge Him. I choose to make a difference each day in the lives of the people I interact with. I choose to live for each day, one day at a time, trusting that the sum of my days will add up to the Lord saying to me, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." I just gotta a feeling......

"A lot of things are true, even if they never really happen."

On March 13, I became the Academy Award nominated character, Billy Bibbitt for the first time in the Repertory East Playhouse production of ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOOS NEST. I have to admit that in all my life, this is the most fun I am having as a performer. It is the perfect part for me, at the perfect time in my life. It most assurdly the surest testament to my growth as a performer and I am honored by Director Mikee Schwinn for giving me this opportunity. Ken Kesey's infamous tale has taken me on a eye-opening journey into my own mind to find what it is that I am really afraid of, and what it will take for me to overcome those fears and break through to the other side. As posted in the last blog, why we do what we do, there is something truly magical that takes place when I make my way through the double doors of our psych ward and enter into Nurse Ratched's manipulative playground. Anderson Reid disappears and all that matters is Billy and what he wants, what he needs, and what he hopes. There is nothing else in this life that can even compare to the feeling of having all of those emotions right at my fingertips. And although we don't necessarily perform for the praise of man, it is highly encouraging to find out that your work is being so well-received. It is a sure-fire sign that I am operating right in the midst of where God needs me to be. And although the Chief says "a lot of things are true, even if they never really happen," I am convinced that what happens for those two and half hours on that stage is the most honest work I have ever been a part of------

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO-

Here I sit on Monday, February 16,2009 having just completed a 9-week run of the classic Broadway tale of West Side Story. Little did I know four months ago what I was getting myself into upon stepping on to the Hudson Mainstage for an audition. What seemed like another measely audition, turned into an opportunity ripe with challenges and obstacles that would only serve to enhance my skills as an actor. From the intense choreographer of Arthur Ross to the precise nature of fight choreography, being a part of MTLA's West Side Story has become one of my proudest moments as an actor. I have done many curtain calls before, but last night as we took our final bows, I knew I had been a part of something truly special. Furthermore, I knew what it meant to be a storyteller.

It was an enormous blessing to work with a cast so perfectly picked and to watch each of us grow as performers. Part of the joy of Live Theatre is that it is always unpredictable. No matter how many times you have rehearsed a project, it is always a fresh show where anything can happen- as there are no reshoots. Perhaps the reason I feel so strongly about this production is because of what it gave back to me. In a last minute pinch, I was thrown into playing the lead of Tony after having virtually no rehearsals. Rather than shying away from the opportunity, the confidence that has been building inside me as an actor rose to the challenge and faced the "gauntlet" head on. It was probably the best thing that could ever happen to me because it forced me to trust my instincts and to trust in my abilities. I didn't have the time, nor the luxury, to worry about what might happen. I am proud to sit here before you today and say that the show went as smooth as could possibly be hoped for considering the circumstances. In fact, when the show ended, I spent the first ten minutes on Hudson Avenue, alone, bent over, exhaling and reminescing on what had just transpired. I thanked my God for granting me the confidence and I let the overflow of emotion pour out of me and onto that street. No one in the audience may ever know what it took to put that show on, but for the 34 of us in the cast, we all worked together, "having each other's backs," which in turn led to a highly emotionally charged show. I will say that although it was fun to be "Tony" for two shows, it was all the more exciting to hop back into my role as "Big Deal" for the final 6 performances.

In reflecting upon the 36 shows I just completed, I realized that it is difficult for people who don't live in this world to understand why it is that we do what we do. To them I say this- As Actors/performers, we are priviliged to have the right to tell stories, to explore those issues that no one else wants to explore, to investigate our own emotions with the hope of our work inspiring hope, or change, or even accountability in the lives of the audience.

When it was all said and done- 3500 audience members, 108 hours of performances, 36 shows, 34 performers, 8 Jets, 2 nights as Tony, all off of 1 audition-----PRICELESS!