OPENING: Vigils at Kitchen Dog Theater

For the last six weeks, I've been directing an amazing play at the equally amazing Kitchen Dog Theater in Dallas, Texas.

Written by Noah Haidle (I also directed his play Mr. Marmalade in 2007 which earned me a DFW Theater Critics Forum Award for Best Direction), Vigils follows a widow who's firefighter husband is killed trying to rescue a baby from a blaze. However, instead of mourning his loss, she does what any normal person would do and locks his soul up in a box in her house. The play is beautiful, heartbreaking, surprising and... yes, a comedy.

The cast (the unrivaled quartet of Tina Parker, Ira Steck, Matthew Gray and Jim Kuenzer) will blow your mind, the technical team (genius extraordinaires Craig Siebels [set], John Flores [sound], Laura McMeley [lighting], Cristee Dixon [costumes], and Ruth Stephenson [stage management]) are brilliant, and my direction ain't half bad either.

It runs through October 10th, 2009 at Kitchen Dog Theater.

Check it out!

REAL HEROES: FIREFIGHTER - Out Now!

Real Heroes: Firefighter, the FPS game we wrote for the cool guys over at Epicenter, is OUT NOW for the Nintendo Wii. Check it out!

The game throws you into Engine Company 13 to battle dangerous blazes along side a ragtag crew of heroes voiced by James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), John DiMaggio (Futurama and Gears of War), Jaime Kennedy (Ghost Whisperer), Jenette Goldstein (Aliens), Jack McGee (Rescue Me) and Michael Jace (The Shield).

Featuring Epicenter's proprietary "Thinking Fire" technology, the blazes seem to have a mind of their own as the flames attack structures, potential victims and firefighters themselves.

The coolest part? A portion of the proceeds from the game sales will be donated to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.

Order your copy now at Amazon.com!

Become a fan on Facebook!

ON NEWSTANDS: Script Magazine (July/Aug 09)

The latest issue of Script Magazine is out!

For this issue, I wrote a heartwarming piece about the value of burning one's bridges in Hollywood. Sure, it's counter intuitive, but I feel I make a pretty compelling case. Sometimes, to protect yourself out here, it's best to simply light a match, take a step back and set a former business relationship ablaze.

All the names in the piece have been changed...

Oh, except for Craig's.

Buy your copy today or subscribe!

Burning Bridges

Illustration By: Lisa DiPaula

From the Forums

Several months ago, I had the fortune to interview Matt Nix, the creator of USA's hit, Burn Notice. We chatted about breaking show's twisty plot lines, Matt's writing process, and then we blew up a CIA outpost.

I was proud of the article (which appeared in the Jan/Feb 2009 issue of Script Magazine), and recently, my editor discovered it was the topic of a Burn Notice Forum thread.

Not only do the fans declare the article to be "THE best Burn Notice-related interview," but they also seem to think my name is Aaron Goldberg. Sure. Let's just call it an alias...

Read the full thread here.

Tiny Vaudeville #4 - Highlights!

Thank you so much to everyone who came down to the Echoplex Tuesday night to support 826LA.

Once again, the show was a huge success -- and we couldn't have pulled it off without the help (and boundless talents) of so many amazing artists: Ben Acker & Ben Blacker, Joel Spence, Dave (Gruber) Allen, Common Rotation, Derek Hughes, Brendon Walsh, Sean Watkins of Nickle Creek, Kat Parsons, John DiMaggio, James Urbaniak, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Ascott-Evans, Christina Galante, and all of the volunteers that help behind the scenes.

For those of you who couldn't make it, here are a few fun highlights of the evening:

The tremendous Kat Parsons brought the house down.

Brian Baumgartner, John DiMaggio and (not pictured) James Urbaniak
take on David Mamet in our ridiculous version of Glengarry Glen Ross.

Comedian Brendon Walsh hilariously pushes
the boundaries of good taste (you know, for the kids)

Common Rotation, phenomenal as always.

Dave (Gruber) Allen, James Urbaniak, and Brian Baumgartner

read selections from 826LA's latest collection of kids' thoughts on time travel.

Photos courtesy of incredibly talented LifeofReilly.

S.W.I.P.E. - Screen Grab

There is much news in the world of S.W.I.P.E.

Unfortunately, we're not allowed to discuss any of it. Top secret, and all.

In the meantime, our brilliant DP Tony Burns was kind enough to share this kick-ass screen grab of Agent Billdog Hicks (Max Hartman) doing what he does best: using excessive violence in the name of copyright protection. Enjoy!

More S.W.I.P.E. news to come.

Stay tuned...

Tiny Vaudeville #4

Yep, it's finally happening. We're bringing 826LA's hilarious Tiny Vaudeville back to Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 30th with comedy, magic, music and more! Wade and I are co-directing/producing and writing once again (along with the unrivaled brilliance of Acker & Blacker).

The one-and-only Joel Spence is back with house band Common Rotation to host another evening of guaranteed gut-busting side-splittery -- all done in the name of charity!

Who's starring this time, you ask? What amazing surprises do we have in store for you? Any cool celebrities? All good questions. For the answers, how about you come on down to the Echoplex on Tuesday night and FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF!

Past shows have included:
Appearances by Dave Foley, Buck Henry and Laraine Newman, Bob Odenkirk, Charlyne Yi, Kirsten Vangsness, Mark Gagliardi, Samm Levine, Martin Starr!

Musical Guests Pop Levi, Maria Taylor, Garfunkel and Oates, Claybo & Downs, Bhama Roget!

Performances by The Royal Shakespeare Company: This Week in Hagar and This Week in Beetle Bailey! Magic by Derek Hughes!

Jeremy Konner and Eban Schletter in the now-infamous battle known only as "Saw vs Theremin"!!

If that is the quality of evening we've consistently delivered, what are you worried about?! Tiny Vaudeville #4 will exceed your already high expectations! The first 200 to RSVP online with a donation of your choosing* will receive a receipt for your tax deductible donation.

* $10 minimum suggested, plus eventbrite fees. Receipts are issued only for pre-sale online donations - confirmation and receipt are sent automatically. All other tickets are $15 CASH ONLY at the door.

Check out this link to lock down seats => HERE