Much Ado about SOMETHING Amazing!

I tried to turn it down a couple times. My life always seems so full as it is. I shuttered at how much work it would involve volunteering with twelve kids attempting to perform Shakespeare (in the original language), especially twelve kids with English as a second language. And as far as I knew none had ever acted in any capacity before. It seemed quite challenging.  But I'm extremely glad I didn't miss this opportunity. About six weeks ago, because of the encouragement of a passionate parent/neighbor of mine,  I sat down with this local committed teacher, Sarah Coyle, who explained her big dream: to give her kids an opportunity to do something they'd never done before (and might not ever get a chance to do). Due to many school district cuts, public schools have no room for extras, let alone the arts. My heart melted and I agreed to direct this group of 4th and 5th grade students in scenes from Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing."

I first only agreed to one hour a week. The realized it needed to be two, then three hours, and on some weeks four hours with the last week being as much time as I could! And with a lot of prayer we pulled off two performances on Friday and I must say, they nailed it! I was so proud of them. (We have one show left next week). Needless to say I grew in love with them (even when they forget their lines and add lib things about Chuck E.  Cheese and Red Lobster. Yes it happened, and it was one of the funniest moments in the performance).

My mother-in-law painted facial hair for the guys. It added so much and gave them a boost of character.

The backdrop/set was designed and constructed in a great community collaboration (I love this word).
It all started from my neighbor who connected me to the school. Then she and another friend who is a part of my Church designed/painted the set. It's beautiful.

5th grade Victoria, in blue below, plays Beatrice. She will also get a scholarship to attend Broadway By the Bay's Youth Theatre Conservatory! There was even an article written about her and our production on Patch.com Read it here. http://redwoodcity.patch.com/articles/whiz-kid-performs-shakespearean-comedy.

The kids had never experienced wearing a microphone before. Having amplification added so much to the performance.

 My long time friend, Erica Wyman (actor and director as well, below in the pink), with her Broadway by the Bay connections hooked me with the Boys and Girls' club two years ago. And now she agreed to help partner in this little production. She arranged a great sound system and invited Broadway by The Bay's Development Director Tyler Bennet and Executive Director Jim Gardia, to watch the show. They greeted the kids afterward and just gushed all over them which made the kids feel so amazing! We are so thankful to Broadway by the Bay for covering our costumes, as well! They were a perfect fit for the show!

My favorite part was hearing the kids' reactions. They knew they had accomplished something beyond their abilities, they felt good about themselves, experienced teamwork, and they were already dreaming about a "Midsummer Night's Dream for next year"....We'll see about that..

Cisco Eos

Updated Demo Reel

Tony Gapastione Demo Reel 2 from Tony Gapastione on Vimeo.

Producing a short film

I'm creating a short film. It will be a short film for the 168 Film Project in LA.  It's a "speed film-making project so we have one week to write the script and one week to film & edit it.

If you'd like to participate in any way, (acting or behind the scenes crew) I have some needs.

SHOOTING  SCHEDULE:THURSDAY 2/17 START & FILM MUST BE EDITED AND OVERNIGHTED TO LA BY THURSDAY 2/24.

All films screen in Hollywood at the 168 Film Festival on March 31 -April 2, 2011.

We are also looking for donations to rent gear & provide food for the crew & talent who are volunteering for the fun & creativity of it.


More soon.

Mark Holthusen Shoot

Today I got to work with an amazing photographer, Mark Holthusen, who has a crazy creative style. Check out his work.  He's a world renowned shooter, International Photographer of the Year last year, Hasselblad Master this year and he's shooting a series of dime store novel covers. I was super stoked to be a part of some of his portfolio work.

The shoot was produced by Jason Santos (below in plaid) at Left Space Studios in San Francisco. Great space!
For my scene, Mark was recreating some old school Zane Gray type western shots

I got to pose as if I was being shot over a fence. The hat, gun, and fence would be added later and Jason Santos (the guy holding me) would be removed! Ahh the wonders of photoshop!

Here's the image we were recreating.

The ironic thing was just a couple years ago I was in the exact same studio space in western wear for Sony Buzz.

HP Commercial

Shot an internet commercial for HP on their campus, (days before APPLE bought it).
The commercial spotlighted software that was for small business owners. This particular spot centered around a catering business.

St. Francis Hotel Photo Shoot

Did a photo shoot for the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco on Union Square. One of those things were we don't get paid but in exchange, now my wife and I get to stay a night there in one of the King Luxury rooms! Stoked to use that for our anniversary in November. So, there I am, don't blink. I'm in the back..you can't miss that RED leash on the white dog.

http://www.westinstfrancis.com/


Perks: Got to work with a dog. And got to be shot by a great photographer from my hometown of Chicago: Elizabeth Fraiberg. Check out her great work.