Book of Mormon @ The Pantages

Today, I had the chance to check out the hit-Broadway musical BOOK OF MORMON at the Hollywood Pantages Theater.  I had a great time!

The musical was very funny -- perhaps even moreso than SPAMALOT -- which is saying something!  The songs were catchy and the cast did a great job.  You can clearly see why this show swept The Tony's a few years back :)  I especially enjoyed the fact that the main character has a slight obsession with the City of Orlando!  I feel like in some ways I can relate.

Seeing the inside of the Pantages Theater was an added treat.  The theater is full of Hollywood history.  Located at Hollywood and Vine, it was built in the early 1930's.  When you walk inside, it's as if you are taking a step back in time.  In the 50's, this theater hosted the Academy Awards for a number of years.  Since then, it has been "the" place to see traveling Broadway productions.  I saw THE LION KING here late last year, but I still could not help getting excited when visiting the theater for my second time.

Enjoy some pictures I managed to sneak of the theater!  If you ever have a chance to check out this impressive building of Hollywood history, do so!  You will not be disappointed.

ANTM 21 - New Position!

It looks like 2014 is getting off to a great start for me!

Earlier today, I got a call from Rickie, my good friend and boss on America's Next Top Model.  Rickie was calling to offer me a promotion to the position of APOC for the upcoming 21st season!

APOC stands for Assistant Production Office Coordinator -- and it's a big step up from where I've been working for the past few years.  The position will have me serving as one of the two people in charge of the cast house where they shoot the show.  I was overjoyed when Rickie called to offer me this awesome promotion!

With this new endeavor, I will actually be entering a union.  It's the IATSE 871 Union - which is a union that was created for Script Supervisors, Coordinators, and Accountants that work in the entertainment industry.  When I called the union rep to set up my initial paperwork, she told me I am one of the youngest to ever join!  (As an added bonus this season, I will actually have a credit on the show!)

I'm excited for the opportunities this new season holds for me.  I know I'm still far from the ultimate goal, but this is a much welcomed step in the right direction.  A big shout out and THANK YOU to Rickie and everyone at the Top Model offices who have been so kind and have reached out with congratulatory notes.  It means the world to me :)

Here's to a great season!

Valerie & Ed

Look who I ran into today!  One of the celebrities from this past season of DWTS - Valerie Harper!

Valerie is a class act who took the ballroom by storm this season with her incredible and inspirational story.  She has been working in this industry a long time, so it was fun to hear her stories this season about working in the business.  She is such a kind, genuine soul.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Ed Asner today!  Ed is perhaps most well known for his role on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" -- but in recent days, he has had his fair share of gigs, as well.  His most recent role in the past decade was playing Carl Fredrickson in Disney / Pixar's "Up"!  Ed was a super nice guy who had me laughing the entire time we talked.  His sense of humor is so dry.  After talking to him for a bit, you can clearly tell that he has a lot in common with the character he plays in "Up".  :-)

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I always love ringing in the New Year because it's a chance to reflect on the past and make great plans for the future.  Last year, I was blessed to have a pretty great year staying busy doing what I love and pursuing my dreams.  This year, I'm hoping the streak continues.  And who knows - maybe move up a little?  :-)

Thanks to everyone in LA (and back home) who has helped me from the start.

Here's to a great 2014!

(Featured: Just SOME of the highlights of 2013)

SURVIVOR: Blood vs Water Finale

You know you are important when you have a seat with your name on it!  :)

Letters to Ashleigh - Milwaukee Magazine Follow Up

Hi, Friends!

I'm thrilled that a follow-up story about my upcoming documentary was featured in Milwaukee Magazine.  Check out the story and the EXCLUSIVE trailer by clicking on the link below.  And PLEASE help spread the word!  This is a story that NEEDS to be told!

Special Thanks to Mr. Mack Bates for supporting this project since it's inception and for helping to give our movie a special voice within the community.  Check out the link below!

http://www.milwaukeemag.com/article/1172013-ACalltoActionLetterstoAshleigh

Walt Disney Family Barn

Today, I had the pleasure of visiting the Walt Disney Family Barn in the heart of Griffith Park.  The park is just a short drive from me, and it was such a beautiful day today that it was a great opportunity to get out!  When I first arrived, I received an exclusive collectible sticker.  The sticker is your 'ticket' on the train that takes you to and from the barn.

The barn is actually a museum that was built in the backyard of Disney's house as a place where Walt could get away and play with his toy trains.  It's no secret that Walt Disney loved playing with trains -- so much so that he built an entire barn for them!

They say that the barn was the birthplace of Walt Disney Imagineering because it was here that Walt stirred up his original concept designs for the Disneyland park.  How inspiring!  Being inside the historic building, you can really 'feel' Walt's vibe.  EVERYTHING in the barn was touched and created by Walt and his closest friends.  The desks, the tables, the stationary, and all the train tracks.  It was so cool to see.

There's a few other things that make this location special.  For starters, it's the only Disney 'park' that offers free admission.  All other parks like Disneyland, Disney World, etc... and even his family and hometown museums require a fee to enter.  Secondly, it's the only place where you can collect an exclusive Disney pin that you can't find anywhere else.  For those who are die-hard pin collectors, a gift shop visit is a must.  Lastly, it's the only place where you can see an original train from Disneyland when the park first opened!  How COOL is that?!  

Overall, good times were had at the Disney Family Barn!  It's small and can easily be seen in about an hour, but it's worth the visit if you have the time!

RIP Richard LeParmentier

Richard LeParmentier passed away today.  He memorably 'felt the force' of Darth Vader's wrath as Admiral Motti in STAR WARS.  I had the pleasure of meeting him a few years ago, when he gave me his version of the 'force choke'.  Cheers to a cool guy who will be missed!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Lately, it seems like life has been in "fast forward" mode.  I haven't had much time to stop and take everything in since I've been so busy working.

Yesterday was my last day on Top Model for the season.  The time flew by SO quickly, and I'm really sad to see it all come to an end.  The crew on the show has become like family to me, and it makes coming into work every day just a little more special.  Once the cycle hits the airwaves this summer, we'll find out if we are back for another season.  Keep your fingers crossed for me that we do!

Today, I am back on set of Dancing with the Stars.  No down time.  No break in the middle.  I'm just hopping from one gig to the next.  I'm excited to be back with some familiar faces I haven't seen in a while, and I'm looking forward to meeting some of the new stars for this season.

Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll find a day off in the near future.  Until then, it's time to put the petal to the metal!

A Fond Farewell

Today, I had a lovely opportunity to guest star on a radio / blog show hosted by Betty Jo Tucker.  Betty Jo hosts the hit-show "Movie Addict Headquarters" where she chats about all things entertainment.  I was honored to be invited on her show to discuss the Milwaukee Summer Entertainment Camp.

During the program, I think I took quite a few people by surprise when I formally announced that I would be ending my camp after a fantastic four year run.  It was hard to say goodbye, but I know it's time for me to move on to the next great adventure.  In case you missed it, here was the bulk of my farewell announcement:

"For the last four years, our camp has done some truly incredible things.  We constantly raised the bar and achieved big goals.  This camp has been my life and I know when it's time to say goodbye and move onto new projects and even greater adventures.  Thank You to everyone who has supported us along the way.  Your trust in me; your sharing of your time every summer has brought me and our kids the greatest joy."

Before the show, I was pondering if making the announcement on Betty Jo's show was the right call.  After our hour long program, I had no doubts in my mind.  It was so nice to hear from all the wonderful people that called in and shared their positive thoughts and memories about the camp with me.  I felt like I have made a difference over the past four summers.

It's always tough to walk away from something.  Especially when you put so much heart and soul into it.  But I know my job here is done, and I know greater things await on the horizon.  Thanks to everyone for coming along with me on this camp journey, and I hope you stay with me for the next great adventure.

In case you are curious in listening to the entire hour-long show, you can have a listen by clicking here.

Christmas Eve in California

Well, this is weird.  For the first time EVER -- it's Christmas Eve and I'm not heading home to Milwaukee to be with my family.  While I am a little sad and lonesome, I've been able to find some Hollywood Christmas cheer that has definitely lifted my spirits.

For starters, I was caught in the middle of a Christmas Gangnam Style Flashmob on the way home from the mall today.  That was odd, but also kind of cool at the same time.



Then, I passed by a house that appeared to be owned by Clark Griswold.  The decorations outside were truly OUT OF THIS WORLD!  I don't think I've ever seen Christmas decorations that were quite this extravagant   Come to find out, the man who owns the house has done work with Disney animatronics before....Go figure!



Lastly, and perhaps MOST exciting, the Hollywood Christmas Caroling Truck passed by my house tonight! I had NO idea what this was until it came strolling down the block, but as the video will show, it was a magical site for people of all ages to watch.  I've never witnessed such a joyful holiday celebration where people were crazy with excitement and so much Christmas cheer.  I might have to stick around next year to see this pass by again...



My thoughts tonight are with my family and friends in Wisconsin.  I miss everyone like crazy, and I promise I'll be heading home again soon.  Until then, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Clay Aiken Concert

Tonight I went to see Clay Aiken in concert!  And it was AWESOME!  Back in 2001, Clay Aiken was runner up on American Idol.  In my opinion (and in the opinion of many people), he should have won.  He went on to have the highest-grossing album of the year.  Since then, he's lost a lot of fans and become a pun of a lot of jokes, but I still think his voice is incredible!

I've never been in the front row for a concert before, but there's always a first time for everything!  Clay and his crew put on an awe-inspiring concert that put everyone in the Christmas spirit.  I even managed to get a few great pictures on my cell phone!  Perhaps the most un-expected highlight of the evening was sitting next to Arsenio Hall, who was there to support his former competitor from "The Celebrity Apprentice".  Check out the pictures of my awesome night and be sure to listen to Clay's Christmas album to get in the holiday spirit!

DWTS - That's A Wrap!

It's hard to believe, but this season of Dancing with the Stars has already come to an end. Where HAS the time gone?! I've been lucky enough to receive some great exposure this season - working with some truly awesome 'All Stars' both in front of and behind the camera. Here's a few shout outs:

Gilles Marini

Gilles is one of the nicest guys I have ever met. He is humble, caring, and often times, extremely funny. I've enjoyed the time we spent at the dance studio getting to know each other during production. I learned a lot from him about how people 'in front of the camera' live their lives. I will carry the lessons he taught me onto my future production jobs.

Apolo Ohno

Apolo was another great guy I was honored to have met. It's not every day you have a chance to work closely with an Olympic gold medalist. (Much less the most decorated Winter Olympian of all time!) For a man who has won more medals than he can count, he is extremely down to earth and giving. (Lord knows if I won than many medals, it would go to my head!) I loved the fact that Apolo would constantly be pushing me to be the best I could be.

Dave Williams

Dave Williams is part of the Security Team for DWTS. He reminds me a lot of my dad because of his experience with the police, etc... We spent a lot of time together laughing on set about the funniest things. Throughout the season, we also had a special chance to witness history together - by watching the Space Shuttle Endeavour flyover Southern California. He's a great guy who's makes every day a little brighter!

Kathleen Smyth

I don't think I would have been able to do this cycle without Kathleen! We spent countless hours on set together making the best of the craziest situations. Even when things got stressful, we were able to push each other through and make magic happen. After the finale, we were the the two 'lucky ones' who had to stay and wrap the stage while everyone else went to the Wrap Party. Even though we missed out, we found a way to have just as much fun. It's always nice to create great new friendships in the most unexpected places while on the job. :)


There were countless other people that made this experience an enjoyable one. If I listed them all, you'd be reading for a while! This season was a crazy one, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to be a part of such a big show. It's a crazy feeling to be driving to work every morning while you hear everyone on the radio gossiping about the show YOU are working on. Plus, the chance to make new friendships is always a plus in my book! Now....onto the next adventure! Disney, here I come!

Just Another Day

Today at work, I was shot in the face will silly string.  The entire episode was recorded with a special slow-motion camera.  In case you are curious, it was done because we were testing the effects of silly string in slow motion on a person's face.  The video is below.  Enjoy!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Tonight, in the midst of all the crazy things happening at work, I was able to take a night off to enjoy, relax, and celebrate my birthday!  I joined a few friends and colleagues of mine for a few rounds of bowling and it was a lovely time.  Check out some pictures of my friends who came out to celebrate with me!

Aaron is a good friend of mine.  We met during a summer film camp the year before I moved to LA.

Jermaine and I work at the Red Cross together and have also been able to share adventures in the entertainment industry with one another, as well.

Here's another friend who's name is Aaron.  This funny guy works with me on DWTS!

When it rains, it pours...

There's a saying that goes, "When it rains, it pours".  I feel like that phrase sums up this industry pretty well.

Over the past two weeks, I've been offered a chance to work on four different shows.  Sadly, I've had to decline all of them because I'm already working on a show.  Most of the gigs I have had to pass up have been jobs that would only last a week or so (new pilots that are filming, etc...).  While they would have been fun to work on and cool experiences for the resume, it is what it is.  But there's was one offer that came across the table that was a little tough to pass up.

Alas, I like to think that everything happens for a reason.  I will continue to remain committed to the show I'm on now.  I don't want to be one of "those guys" who jumps around from show to show and is never loyal.  From what I've heard, that's NOT the way to get ahead in this industry!

Here's hoping I keep getting those calls after my current gig ends!

I'm going to Disney World!

This week, my parents, a ton of family and friends, and my roommate are all at Disney World.  I haven't been to the resort since 2005, and it's totally time to go back.

This December, I am FINALLY taking a vacation!  It's going to be a trip on a small budget, but words cannot describe how excited I am to go back and experience all the magic that makes Disney World feel like a second home.  I am also extremley anxious to meet up with some long lost friends that I haven't seen in over seven years!

Is it December yet?!?!  :)

Here's a quick blast from the past - a picture of me at Disney in 2005.

The World's Largest Potato!

Today, I pulled into the parking lot at work to find The World's Largest Potato!  Is that crazy or what?!

California NEVER ceases to amaze me!

ANTM is Coming Back!

I have GREAT news today!  I just learned that America's Next Top Model has been renewed for a 20th Season!  This is a huge accomplishment for the hard working cast and crew that have been making magic on this show for years.  A big congrats to all my friends and colleagues who work the show.  I am looking forward to coming back for another great season early next year! :)

Happy Mid-Season!

It's hard to believe, but we have already reached the half way point of our season.  This show seems like a blur because it's going so fast!

Last night, the cast and crew had a chance to celebrate during Tom Bergeron's annual mid-season party.  It was a wonderful party held at a super hip and trendy restaurant in Hollywood.

Highlight of the Evening:  Getting a picture with 'Uncle Tom'.  It was a great night that will not soon be forgotten!  Here's hoping the second half of the season goes just as great as the first!