Happy Halloween

Well, it's Halloween Weekend and I'm bored. I was off this week from work and I can't tell you how much it sucks to be off from work and not be able to do anything. I had an audition in NYC this week that ate up a chunk of change for the bus ticket to and from ($40). So it left the rest of the week up to my imagination. I worked on music of course and Mike and I ran some errands on his day off. I guess the most exciting thing to happen this week was the introduction of the Wii to our household.

Mike's parents gave it to us about a month ago but we didn't have the right hookup for the TV so we had to wait until we could buy one. So we did that on Monday and got it hooked up. I love it. In just 4 short days of Wii Fit I've lost 1lb. I think that's awesome. I love the Hula Hoop game. I feel like a complete idiot when I'm doing it but afterwards you can certainly feel what muscles it works. I've also started doing the Wii Yoga training. That is awesome. I'm adding 2 poses a day. I also tried the 'rhythm parade' which is like marching band. I'm a marching band geek and it's not right. The whistle is off the beat of the music and then they throw in these circle you have to hit on time which is also not on the beat and yet on a completely different rhythm from the whistle or the music. It's hard and I am very angry with it! ;)

I'm still battling this darn cold. It's back and forth from head to chest cold and now back to head but with some super massive post-nasal drip. I've tried a ton of natural remedies for it and it's not working. I'm frustrated. Post-nasal drip can really wreak havoc on the throat and as a singer that sucks. So I'm taking it easy.

Tomorrow is Halloween. Mike and I are going as a couple to a party in North Jersey. Mike's high school buddy, Bob and his wife, Suzanne are throwing a shindig. We never get to see them so we are heading up there for the night. We were supposed to head to MA this weekend for the first of two band finals for NBHS Marching Band but with money being tight plans changed.

We are going as Ned and Maude Flanders from the Simpsons. Now, since Maude is dead I'm going as Maude the angel. Mike thought for shits and giggles I should go as Zombie Maude but Ned and Maude are folks of God so I thought the angel would be more appropriate. The pictures I have of Maude show her in a hideous pink skirt, light pink sweater, and halo. So I headed over to the local thrift store and voila! I got everything I need for under $5. AWESOME. I'll be sure to take pictures and post them in next week's blog.

I also wanted to bring up this jackass in Arkansas. I'm thrilled that he is resigning. I am all for free speech but you have to know your words can come back and bite you in the ass. And sure enough. Not only will he not be on the board of ed anymore but he has gained hundreds of thousands of enemies. I think he was hoping to rally people against gays instead he rallied anyone with a brain against him. Epic fail!

This is a rather short blog this week. Please be safe this Halloween. Watch out for the little ones in the streets. Don't eat candy that looks tampered with. If someone gives you an apple as a healthy alternative keep it as a weapon when some punk tries to steal your candy bag. And please, OH GOD, please, don't drink and drive. But above all...have fun. Unleash your inner kid and have the time of your life.

Upcoming.....
Zephyr's baptism next week...Zephyr is my godson and he's totally cute! I haven't seen him in almost 2 months and I cannot wait!!!!!! He will be 5 months at his baptism. I'll be sure to post pictures (with his parents permission of course). Mim, his mom, has her debut opera recital this coming Friday, November 5th in association with Opera for Humanity.

I will NOT be performing in the November Spotlight Cabaret but will attend and sing a few ditties (depending on my vocal health) on November 4th. I'm hoping to perform their Christmas cabaret the first Thursday in December. Stay tuned.

I have hit a snag in my website that I'm hoping to solve in the next few weeks. I don't think November 8th is going to be a feasible date to get it to go live. Now, if I'm lucky, it'll be up and running by December 1st.

I have an interview for a customer service job in Allentown. This will be a 2nd job for me. Things have been really tight and I am really trying to pull myself out of this funk!

I'm still trying to build a client base of my coaching business but the economy is really kicking everyone's butt and as a result really kicking mine. Grrrrr.......

Well, I'm keeping positive and I know something amazing will happen soon!

Thanks for following!




Quote of the week:

"I've seen enough horror movies to know that any weirdo wearing a mask is never friendly."~ Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)

Recipe of the Week: Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

1lb ground lean turkey

1 can each black beans and kidney beans

1 large can crushed tomatoes

1 small can tomato paste

1 jalapeno pepper seeded and ribs removed diced finely

1/4 onion diced finely

2T garlic

2 T Chili Powder

1 T Cayenne Pepper

1 t paprika

1 T Worcestershire sauce

1 bottle dark beer OR 1 1/2 c chicken or beef stock

First sweat the onions in some EVOO. When almost translucent add garlic and jalapenos. When cooked thru set aside.

In a crock pot on HIGH add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, spices, beer/stock and Worcestershire and stir well. Once all the spices are combined add the onion/garlic/pepper mix. (For extra heat add some hot sauce or hot salsa)

Cook this on HIGH for 1 hour. When you reach an hour, brown the ground turkey in a pan with salt & pepper. Add to crock pot mixture. Switch setting to LOW and cook one more hour.

Serve in a bowl and top with shredded cheddar and sour cream.

This is a mild chili. For added heat you can add extra jalapeno, chili seasoning, and cayenne and even some hot sauce. ENJOY!

Video of the Week: Enjoy this little Halloween video I found on YouTube.

Kirsten Rani Almeida received her B.A. in Theater and Speech from Wagner College. For twelve years, Kirsten doubled as a professional fundraiser for a large non-profit arts organization and an actor, director, choreographer, and playwright. She has performed in more than forty shows all over the U.S. She spent four months touring the country with the Omaha Theater Company's production of 'The Little Engine that Could' as the Red Dress Doll. She performed nearly 80 performances in 36 states. In New York City, Kirsten was part of the cast for the award-winning 'Skin Deep' by Mary Lynn Dobson (Fringe Festival winner 2009) which has won top honors from the 2010 Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival and originated the role of Lavender Blue in the eerily funny 'Professor Von Awesome's Traveling Caravan of Cautionary Warnings.' Kirsten appeared in the U.S. premiere of 'Scandalous! A new musical based on the life of D.H. Lawrence' in New Orleans and appeared at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in the World Premiere musical 'The Butterfly Project' which raised money for children's cancer research. Other credits include Children of Eden (Mama Noah), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat(Narrator), Hello Dolly!(Minnie Fay), Beauty and the Beast(Silly Girl & Madame de la Grande Bouche), The Sound of Music(Mother Abbess), Annie(Star-to-Be), Oliver!(Widow Corney), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying(Rosemary), My Fair Lady(Featured Dancer), Promises, Promises!(Featured Dancer), Nunsense I & II(Sister Leo), Gypsy(Tessie Tura), Guys & Dolls(Featured Dancer), Back to the 80s(Debbie Cox), Seussical the Musical(Gertrude), Snoopy!(Sally Brown), Pippin(Featured dancer), Carousel, Godspell, Little Shop of Horrors(Chiffon), and many more.

In film/tv, Kirsten has appeared in the upcoming comedy 'Big Guns', 'Three Chris'', and filmed the independent short 'Westfield' with Clocktower Productions. She has also appeared in two episodes of 'The World's Most Astonishing News'.

She has also appeared as a guest artist with the Newark Boys Chorus and Triad Ensemble and the Spotlight Cabaret with Allentown Public Theater. She was a founding member of the Boonton Parks & Recreation Theatre Company for young performers where she not only directed and choreographed the shows for the company but also acted as lead fundraiser, costumer, lighting designer, marketing director as well as scenic and props designer. Kirsten also taught dance for the recreation department to children ages 7-12. Kirsten has also dabbled in play writing for children's theater. Her twisted version of "The Three Little Pigs" (a musical from the Big Bad Wolf's perspective) was produced at Playhouse 22 in East Brunswick, NJ.

Kirsten teaches drama classes at the Civic Theater in Allentown, PA to grades Pre-K through 4. Kirsten also offers an audition class to high school students which helps students audition confidently. Her effective teaching style is requested by groups in PA and NJ and NY.

Audio Samples

Musical Theater Demo

See you at the finish line...

Some people may misconstrue confidence with arrogance. There is a huge difference. When Coca-Cola airs a commercial and says our cola is better than the other brands it's not because they are arrogant it's because they are confident that once you buy their cola you will not want another cola for the rest of your life.

Well, in my business, it's not so different. I am a product. I don't care how you look at it but I have branded myself with the help of my career coach, Doug, and I am now on a quest to sell my product. ME!

So I have a branding statement that says who I am and what I can offer. And I know I can bring it. In recent phone call, Doug reminded me to ask myself three questions before I accept or deny a role:

1. DOES IT PAY? (A very important question when you are running your own business)
2. Am I dying to play this role?
3. Will it help advance my career?

Now, you must answer at least 2 and preferably all 3. But, by placing value on my talents, it sets a precedent that you are worth the money and that you are great business owner. Do you think Coca-Cola would still be in business today if all they did was give away their product for free? I think not!

Look, it has taken me a long time to even be able to say I'm good. You should hire me. And, ok, maybe I don't say those exact words, but I've come pretty close.

"I have passion and guts, I want this and it shows!" - Scott Alan (I'm a Star)

I have been afraid to sing that song in my Spotlight Cabaret just because of the title. But the truth is in order to have a successful business you have to believe in your product (yourself) before you are going to convince an agent, director, choreographer, casting director to believe in you. Believing you are a star doesn't mean you are arrogant or conceited. It means you are confident in the talent you possess and that you value yourself. When you value yourself, others see the value in you.

Since I started running with the C25K program (WEEK THREE COMPLETE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) I have had alot of time to think while I run. I think about how much I dislike my part-time job in the kitchen. I love the place and the people...I just don't love the job. Because I'm not doing what God placed me on this earth to do! I do it because right now I have to and because it's going to give me the freedom to do so much more with my acting career in the future. I think about how awesome it would be to be on Broadway. To join the greats that have graced the Great White Way. I think about how amazing it will be to star in a movie, a sitcom, a national commercial. Then I think...WHY AM I JUST THINKING THIS???? I SHOULD BE DOING DOING DOING!!!

This next week is a dark week at the dinner theater before they open their next show. I'll be heading into NYC for a few auditions...get some of the rust off...and I'm making a point to set up appointments with other people in the business to stay connected while I am on this short break.

Running has afforded me alone time to get back on track in my life, my health, my relationship with my husband and with God, and it allows me a chance to be selfish. I'm a people pleaser. Anyone reading this that knows me knows this is true. I always want to make sure I have time for people and when I don't or I can't follow through on a promise, I beat myself up over it. I always want people to like me but in three short weeks of running and having these great conversations with myself I realize I don't even like myself 100%.

So, going forward, I hope everyone can understand that in order to achieve my goals and see my dreams become a reality, I have to make my acting career a priority. It may seem like I'm going to fall off the face of the earth but I have to do this. For me. I'm not going to make it on Broadway by working in the kitchen of a restaurant. I know many of my friends will understand that this is the career I have chosen and will also support and embrace the choices I make even if they are not necessarily the choices you would have chosen for yourself. Michael and I often talk about me having to get a full-time desk job again but then we both realize that I'm so close with all the progress I've made in two short years, that I need to keep going. I can't give up.

Like my new found love of running...I'm not giving it up. Why on God's great earth would he give me these talents and not have a purpose for them. In time I'll find out that purpose. Until then, I can only keep running and chasing after my dreams. See you all at the finish line.



Updates.....

• Had a blast in Lancaster, PA with Kelly, Amanda, and Kelly's cousin Christina. There were clowns. SCARY clowns. And they threw suds at me. Not cool!
  
• Completed Week 3 of the C25K program.
• Tried a new veggie: parsnip. Not a fan...yet.
• Started arranging my first medley for my one-woman show.
  
• I was contacted by a director to audition for an upcoming show ... A VERY GOOD THING
• The house is STILL CLEAN.
• Bronchitis is almost gone...shortest bout ever!
  
• Hit a snafoo with the website...working on getting that fixed so I can get it up and running. I'm learning all sorts of things about webpages. Grrrr
  

Quote of the week: "So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains
And we never even know we have the key." ~ The Eagles

Recipe of the week:
Meatless Shepherd's Pie with Horseradish-Cheddar Potatoes (Rachel Ray recipe)

Serves 4-6

A variety of veggies rich in vitamins and nutrients are in this meatless shepherd's pie.

Advertisement

Ingredients

• 4 medium-large starchy Idaho potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into thick slices
• Salt
• 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3-4 tablespoons chopped chives
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups super-sharp white Cheddar
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 6 medium portobello mushroom caps, wiped clean, gills scraped, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves finely chopped
• 1 medium-large onion, chopped ( I use leeks)
  
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 small bundle Dinosaur, Tuscan or black kale, stemmed and thinly sliced
• A few grates nutmeg
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cups mushroom stock* or vegetable stock
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

* available in soup aisle of the supermarket

Preparation

Pre-heat the broiler and put a rack in the middle of the oven. Arrange individual casseroles or a large casserole dish on a baking sheet and set near the stove.

Put the potatoes and the parsnips in a medium pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, over high heat, then salt the water and cook until the potatoes and parsnips are tender, 15 minutes or so. Drain and return the potatoes and parsnips to the hot pot. Add the horseradish, milk, chives, salt and pepper, to taste, and mash to desired consistency. Stir in 1 cup of the cheese and the egg.

Meanwhile, heat a Dutch oven or large skillet over high heat with EVOO (4 turns of the pan). Add the mushrooms, and the rosemary leaves and cook for 10 minutes. Stir in the carrot and onion and season liberally with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook for 5 minutes more, then stir in the garlic and the kale and season with nutmeg. Cook until the kale wilts, about 2 minutes. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and the stock and bring to a boil. In a small skillet, over low heat, melt the butter, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then stir it into the sauce to thicken. Transfer the vegetable mixture to the individual dishes or large casserole. Top with the mashed potatoes, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and brown under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve.

Video of the week: I really fell in love with this new video. With everything going on, the more we support it the more those who choose to be ignorant won't be able to ignore it. It sends a message not only for the Trevor Project but anyone who has ever felt like they're trapped in darkness with no hint of light. Believe me, there is light and it does get better.





Kirsten Rani Almeida received her B.A. in Theater and Speech from Wagner College. For twelve years, Kirsten doubled as a professional fundraiser for a large non-profit arts organization and an actor, director, choreographer, and playwright. She has performed in more than forty shows all over the U.S. She spent four months touring the country with the Omaha Theater Company's production of 'The Little Engine that Could' as the Red Dress Doll. She performed nearly 80 performances in 36 states. In New York City, Kirsten was part of the cast for the award-winning 'Skin Deep' by Mary Lynn Dobson (Fringe Festival winner 2009) which has won top honors from the 2010 Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival and originated the role of Lavender Blue in the eerily funny 'Professor Von Awesome's Traveling Caravan of Cautionary Warnings.' Kirsten appeared in the U.S. premiere of 'Scandalous! A new musical based on the life of D.H. Lawrence' in New Orleans and appeared at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in the World Premiere musical 'The Butterfly Project' which raised money for children's cancer research. Other credits include Children of Eden (Mama Noah), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat(Narrator), Hello Dolly!(Minnie Fay), Beauty and the Beast(Silly Girl & Madame de la Grande Bouche), The Sound of Music(Mother Abbess), Annie(Star-to-Be), Oliver!(Widow Corney), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying(Rosemary), My Fair Lady(Featured Dancer), Promises, Promises!(Featured Dancer), Nunsense I & II(Sister Leo), Gypsy(Tessie Tura), Guys & Dolls(Featured Dancer), Back to the 80s(Debbie Cox), Seussical the Musical(Gertrude), Snoopy!(Sally Brown), Pippin(Featured dancer), Carousel, Godspell, Little Shop of Horrors(Chiffon), and many more.

In film/tv, Kirsten has appeared in the upcoming comedy 'Big Guns', 'Three Chris'', and filmed the independent short 'Westfield' with Clocktower Productions. She has also appeared in two episodes of 'The World's Most Astonishing News'.

She has also appeared as a guest artist with the Newark Boys Chorus and Triad Ensemble and the Spotlight Cabaret with Allentown Public Theater. She was a founding member of the Boonton Parks & Recreation Theatre Company for young performers where she not only directed and choreographed the shows for the company but also acted as lead fundraiser, costumer, lighting designer, marketing director as well as scenic and props designer. Kirsten also taught dance for the recreation department to children ages 7-12. Kirsten has also dabbled in play writing for children's theater. Her twisted version of "The Three Little Pigs" (a musical from the Big Bad Wolf's perspective) was produced at Playhouse 22 in East Brunswick, NJ.

Kirsten teaches drama classes at the Civic Theater in Allentown, PA to grades Pre-K through 4. Kirsten also offers an audition class to high school students which helps students audition confidently. Her effective teaching style is requested by groups in PA and NJ and NY.

Audio Samples

Musical Theater Demo

It ain't easy being green....

As in sick! :(

I have managed to fight off bronchitis for 3 years. I haven't had a bout since September 2007. The good thing is I know what it is and I know what helps it go away quicker...so consider it gone!

With the cough here, which is what I try to avoid at all costs, I will scale back on my singing and physical activities. I will make my big concoction of bronchitis remedy (shared with me by Alicia Picone). The remedy is for sore throats but it has such amazing ingredients that I make it anytime I have respiratory issues. And it works.

In a large pot, boil 6 cups of water with 6 chamomile citrus tea bags (DECAF ONLY) and slice up some ginger and toss that in. Let it boil for 10 minutes. remove from the heat and add 3 T honey and 4 lemon wedges. let it steep for 1/2 hour. Strain the concoction into a 2 qt pitcher. Drink it hot...drink it cold.

Chamomile is a natural anti-inflammatory. So when you have a sore throat due to coughing, etc. it really is great. It's also a mild sedative. So a cup of strong chamomile tea an hour before bed will help you relax and have a good night's sleep. I have a bag of organic chamomile flowers that I bought from the Reading Terminal Market in Philly while on tour. I love having it loose so I can control the strength I need when I need it.



Ginger helps eliminate chest congestion and the accumulation of mucus. By adding lemon and honey to this concoction and sipped while still hot, it becomes a natural expectorant.




Honey is a natural antibiotic and is packed with antioxidants. It's a no-brainer for a natural remedy for colds, flus, and respiratory problems involving mucus and such.




Lemon helps cure that nagging itchy throat you get when coughing all the time.



Within a few days, you'll feel much better and you can get back to your normal routine. Who wants to be out for the count when there is so much to do!?



This week I also discovered a new facial scrub. It's amazing. For years I have used Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask and more recently their Oatmeal n' Honey Facial Scrub. The facial scrub lasts FOREVER! I just finished using up the last of what I had which I bought last September. A little goes a LONG way! Trust me. When I went to replace it I couldn't find it anywhere!!! I was panicking. BUT, in the last store I stopped in I saw a new product ~ Pomegranate & Raspberry Natural Facial Scrub. All I have to say is AH-MAHZING! I have t-zone skin and 'pore' issues on my nose. This product promised to refine those pesky pores in the first use. Guess what? They delivered! The best part is it was $2.50. When I had that fancy job o' mine I used to pay ridiculous amounts of money for Lancome products (which don't get me wrong are GREAT!!!) but without the fancy job I could no longer afford Lancome. I needed to find an alternative. Someone recommended the Oatmeal n' Honey Scrub and I loved it. But I think I'm going to stick with this new product for a while. I'm tellin' ya, if you have been looking for something that just makes your skin feel soft and new and your pores more refined...try this product. And for $2.50 you can't go wrong!

• I have an interview in 2 weeks with ProTalent w/ agent Jen Nagy. I'm very excited. They are a Philly based talent agent with a new location right here in the Lehigh Valley. There is more and more commercial, print, tv, and film being cast out of this area. I'm quite excited about meeting with Jen. I'm using the rest of this week to get better from this nasty bronchitis and then I'll be kicking it into high gear to prepare for this meeting. This could open a lot of doors for me here and Philly. I'm still on the hunt for a NYC agent but this is a very good start!
  
• I'm still working on my one-woman show. Being a little under the weather gives me a chance to concentrate on the writing and research that goes into it. I've received some nice suggestions for songs and I'm taking the time while I'm on vocal rest to listen to all the songs I don't know so I can make informed decisions on whether or not I think they would fit into the show.

• I'm still taking on new clients. Right now, I only have Monday and Tuesdays available for new clients.
  
• I'll be offering an audition technique class in late November and in mid-January just in time for the Spring audition frenzy in Philly and NYC.
• I'm working a lot at the restaurant and it's helping me fulfill my personal goals.
  
• I'm starting to book more jewelry shows as well. Remember, I can always send you a catalog and you can show the book around and you can still earn free jewelry. I know this is a crazy busy time of year and not everyone can hostess a show in their home. For anyone interested, I'll be having an open house jewelry show at my home in early November to celebrate my FIFTH BIRTHDAY with Premier Designs. I'll be sending out an evite soon for that. :)
• I'm soooooo excited that my godson's christening is coming up. With my break from auditioning I haven't been able to get into the city to see them. Mim has been gearing up for her Opera Recital with Opera for Humanity on November 5th. Unfortunately, I am not able to go because of work and it being the same weekend as my godson's christening.
  
• Also, coming up is Working at Mystic Vision Players. Many of my dear friends will be in it and it's sure to be a great production. Some of the performers are: Kelly Brandt (who just finished playing the Fairy Godmother in R&H Cinderella), Letitia Townes, Khy Garner (my vocal coach), Howard Whitmore, and many others.
  
• This Saturday I'm heading to Lancaster, PA on my only day off to get the crap scared outta me. Last year, I joined my friend Kelly Brandt and many other friends on a trip to Long Island to get the crap scared outta me and I'm back again this year for another round.
• My niece Lizz is a freshman at my old high school and is carrying the Almeida torch as a member of the NBHS Whaler Marching Band. NB just held their home comp on October 9th and came in 2nd place with a score of 77. This is already 2 places higher than they finished at finals last year. I'm so happy they have new blood in there that cares about the success of the program. I was hoping to get home for a comp but working the weekends kinda prevents that from happening.

Quote of the week: "There is no telling how many miles you will have to run while chasing a dream." ~Author Unknown

Recipe of the week: I have received so many requests for this recipe that it only made sense to include it in my blog this week.

Baked Portabello Alfredo Mac & Cheez

Cheese Sauce
2 T flour
2 T Olivo (butter alternative)
1 block of white cheddar shredded (part skim)
1/2 c grated parmesan
1t onion powder (or if you like onions, saute and add to cheese sauce)
1t garlic powder
1t ground nutmeg
s & p
1c chicken stock (I use organic, low-sodium stock)

Other ingredients:
2 servings 1/2 box penne or rotini 4 servings an entire box
5 portabello caps (scrape out gills and remove stems)


Pasta: Boil water while you make cheese sauce. The pasta and sauce should be done at the same time if you time it right.

Sauce:
melt butter in sauce pan and add flour. Make sure flour is fully cooked. Add 1/2 the chicken stock and whisk in pan until smooth. you will see it's already getting thick. Add the cheddar cheese a little at a time. (I grate the cheese right over the pot and stir occasionally). Once all the cheese is added in, add the s & p, onion and garlic powder, and nutmeg. Stir well. Once it's all mixed add the grated parmesan cheese.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Mushrooms:

Slice evenly and saute in a pan with NO butter, oil, or liquids. You want a dry saute so the mushrooms get nutty and meaty flavored without getting soggy.

Put the cheese sauce back on the burner and bring the heat up. Add the other 1/2 c of stock and bring to a simmer. When the side start to bubble add the pasta to the mushrooms and add the cheese sauce. Stir well. Top it with a little more grated parmesan and stick it under the broiler until the top gets a little crispy.

ENJOY!

Video of the week: Inspirational and Amazing!



Kirsten Rani Almeida received her B.A. in Theater and Speech from Wagner College. For twelve years, Kirsten doubled as a professional fundraiser for a large non-profit arts organization and an actor, director, choreographer, and playwright. She has performed in more than forty shows all over the U.S. She spent four months touring the country with the Omaha Theater Company's production of 'The Little Engine that Could' as the Red Dress Doll. She performed nearly 80 performances in 36 states. In New York City, Kirsten was part of the cast for the award-winning 'Skin Deep' by Mary Lynn Dobson (Fringe Festival winner 2009) which has won top honors from the 2010 Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival and originated the role of Lavender Blue in the eerily funny 'Professor Von Awesome's Traveling Caravan of Cautionary Warnings.' Kirsten appeared in the U.S. premiere of 'Scandalous! A new musical based on the life of D.H. Lawrence' in New Orleans and appeared at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in the World Premiere musical 'The Butterfly Project' which raised money for children's cancer research. Other credits include Children of Eden (Mama Noah), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat(Narrator), Hello Dolly!(Minnie Fay), Beauty and the Beast(Silly Girl & Madame de la Grande Bouche), The Sound of Music(Mother Abbess), Annie(Star-to-Be), Oliver!(Widow Corney), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying(Rosemary), My Fair Lady(Featured Dancer), Promises, Promises!(Featured Dancer), Nunsense I & II(Sister Leo), Gypsy(Tessie Tura), Guys & Dolls(Featured Dancer), Back to the 80s(Debbie Cox), Seussical the Musical(Gertrude), Snoopy!(Sally Brown), Pippin(Featured dancer), Carousel, Godspell, Little Shop of Horrors(Chiffon), and many more.

In film/tv, Kirsten has appeared in the upcoming comedy 'Big Guns', 'Three Chris'', and filmed the independent short 'Westfield' with Clocktower Productions. She has also appeared in two episodes of 'The World's Most Astonishing News'.

She has also appeared as a guest artist with the Newark Boys Chorus and Triad Ensemble and the Spotlight Cabaret with Allentown Public Theater. She was a founding member of the Boonton Parks & Recreation Theatre Company for young performers where she not only directed and choreographed the shows for the company but also acted as lead fundraiser, costumer, lighting designer, marketing director as well as scenic and props designer. Kirsten also taught dance for the recreation department to children ages 7-12. Kirsten has also dabbled in play writing for children's theater. Her twisted version of "The Three Little Pigs" (a musical from the Big Bad Wolf's perspective) was produced at Playhouse 22 in East Brunswick, NJ.

Kirsten teaches drama classes at the Civic Theater in Allentown, PA to grades Pre-K through 4. Kirsten also offers an audition class to high school students which helps students audition confidently. Her effective teaching style is requested by groups in PA and NJ and NY.

Audio Samples

Musical Theater Demo

Shine on me....

First and foremost, Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband, Michael. My in-laws came up from south Jersey to celebrate with us. They took us to Emeril's Chop House in the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, PA, and it was delicious! I don't normally eat red meat, but how could I NOT have a steak at a steakhouse? So I had the Lobster Bisque followed by a NY Strip (which I still have most of it in my fridge.) Then I thought I would have room for chocolate bread pudding and guess what? I WAS SO WRONG!

Michael enjoyed Emeril's BBQ Shrimp followed by a filet mignon and apple pie. His parents got the free range chicken and grilled sashimi grade tuna respectively. And everyone was quite happy with their meals. It was a very nice evening out and it's nice to have his parents here in PA.

We will be hosting his parents this Thanksgiving as well. So we are looking forward to that.






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Last blog I mentioned I was singing in the Spotlight Cabaret for Allentown Public Theater. I was really worried because I've been fighting this stupid cold for three + weeks now. I finally got the sinus congestion under control and this week I started with more tightening in my chest. Before the cabaret started I let the stage manager know that there was a possibility I wouldn't be singing my encore song.

I got up to sing my set and something wonderful happened. I sang as if I wasn't sick. I put every ounce of my heart and soul into and just let God do the rest. I couldn't believe it. I felt great! The one downside...we didn't bring the video recorder so there is nothing to share :(

I was feeling so much better about things I decided to go ahead with my encore song. It was the first time I'd ever sang this song in public. I was scared shitless! But I got up there and sang. The song (Shine from Spitfire Grill) is about someone realizing her life has value and she is worthy of love. I know I can remember a time in my life where I questioned those very things. And I think about how blessed I am to have a husband who loves me no matter what and that I have family and friends that will walk over hot coals for me. And I know my life has value. So, last night, I just put all of that love into the song and I did 'Shine.' After the performance, Bob Cohen, one of the other singers, came up to me and hugged me. He thanked me for sharing my gifts. Before last night I'd never met Bob. I'd seen him perform but we'd never been formally introduced. Now, we are in talks to 'gig out' together in the Lehigh Valley. He sings often with Big Bands and full orchestras and would love for me to join him. How awesome is that!?

I also had an acquaintance in the audience that told me after the show that I gave him goosebumps. This is why I do this. If you are given such special gifts, it is our duty to share them and enrich the lives of others. I'll gladly continue to share.

I love performing in the cabaret. It allows me to:

1. Perform when I'm on a break
2. Try out new music for when I get back into auditions
3. Pick songs from roles I'll never be able to play.

I'll be taking the month of November off from the Cabaret to give myself a break, focus on my personal life, and concentrate on my one-woman show. I'm very excited to be working on this one-woman show. I have been working diligently on documenting stories from my life to use in my show. I have no idea which ones will end up in the final product but I'm having a blast laughing as I write them down. One, in particular, is a story about why I HATE clowns. That story will most likely end up in the show. I'm just glad I can laugh about it now. You'll have to check out my one-woman show to find out. :)

I'm taking song recommendations as well. I know a lot of music but I'm looking to really put together a strong show musically. I'm interested in taking songs that have been overdone and rearranging them to fit my singing style and breathing new life into them. So, please email me if you have any suggestions.

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A follow-up on my Couch to 5K program....

Today, I completed my second week and I can't say enough good things about this program. It looks as though I'll be putting off week 3 and beyond to catch my husband up. This evening, while out at dinner with his parents, he learned that both high cholesterol and heart disease run in his family. So he's agreed to join me on this quest for a healthier lifestyle. I'm so excited. So we are both going to start at week 1 and work our way through the program together. I'm so proud of him.

As of today though, I've already lost 6.8 lbs and have worked my way up to 2.34 miles. It's pretty amazing.....it happened so fast. We'll be running marathons in no time....LOL!

I'll post before pictures when my hubby and I start at week 1 next week. I'll post pics of our progress every month. I'm so excited to share this with all of you. I hope that we will inspire others to get fit and healthy.

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I also wanted to announce that I'm very close to launching my website...FINALLY! I have to some fine tuning to do and small details to comb through and then it'll go live. I'm hoping to go live by November 8th.

I'll have pages dedicated to:

• My professional acting career
• My coaching services
• My 'side jobs' like sewing and jewelry
• Upcoming performances
• Links
  

So stay tuned....much more to come!

Thanks everyone!

Quote of the Week: "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." ~Oscar Wilde

Recipe of the Week:

Turkey Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppin' Shrimp. (Serves 2)

10 Jumbo Shrimp (cleaned, peeled (leave the tails), and deveined)
5 slices Turkey Bacon
Pepper Jack Cheese
Sliced Jalapenos
Skewers

Seasoning:
1t cayenne pepper
1 pinch salt
1t black pepper

Dipping Sauce
4T Low Fat Ranch Dressing
1T dried cilantro
1-2 shots hot sauce

Combine Seasoning in a bowl and set aside.
Make Dipping sauce and refrigerate.

after cleaning shrimp put them in a bowl w/ water and sliced peppers and microwave for 90 seconds. set aside.

Cook turkey bacon til it's cooked but slightly 'rubbery'. Cut pieces of bacon in half. Drain shrimp and pat dry with towel. mix shrimp with seasoning. Take a piece of shrimp and layer on a piece of cheese, slice of jalapeno, and wrap in bacon and slide on skewer. REPEAT until all shrimp are done. Stick under the broiler for 3 minutes or until the bacon becomes crispy.

Enjoy!


Kirsten Rani Almeida received her B.A. in Theater and Speech from Wagner College. For twelve years, Kirsten doubled as a professional fundraiser for a large non-profit arts organization and an actor, director, choreographer, and playwright. She has performed in more than forty shows all over the U.S. She spent four months touring the country with the Omaha Theater Company's production of 'The Little Engine that Could' as the Red Dress Doll. She performed nearly 80 performances in 36 states. In New York City, Kirsten was part of the cast for the award-winning 'Skin Deep' which has won top honors from the 2010 Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival and originated the role of Lavender Blue in the eerily funny 'Professor Von Awesome's Traveling Caravan of Cautionary Warnings.' Kirsten appeared in the U.S. premiere of 'Scandalous! A new musical based on the life of D.H. Lawrence' in New Orleans and appeared at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in the World Premiere musical 'The Butterfly Project' which raised money for children's cancer research. Other credits include Children of Eden (Mama Noah), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat(Narrator), Hello Dolly!(Minnie Fay), Beauty and the Beast(Silly Girl & Madame de la Grande Bouche), The Sound of Music(Mother Abbess), Annie(Star-to-Be), Oliver!(Widow Corney), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying(Rosemary), My Fair Lady(Featured Dancer), Promises, Promises!(Featured Dancer), Nunsense I & II(Sister Leo), Gypsy(Tessie Tura), Guys & Dolls(Featured Dancer), Back to the 80s(Debbie Cox), Seussical the Musical(Gertrude), Snoopy!(Sally Brown), Pippin(Featured dancer), Carousel, Godspell, Little Shop of Horrors(Chiffon), and many more.

In film/tv, Kirsten has appeared in the upcoming comedy 'Big Guns', 'Three Chris'', and filmed the independent short 'Westfield' with Clocktower Productions. She has also appeared in two episodes of 'The World's Most Astonishing News'.

She has also appeared as a guest artist with the Newark Boys Chorus and Triad Ensemble and the Spotlight Cabaret with Allentown Public Theater. She was a founding member of the Boonton Parks & Recreation Theatre Company for young performers where she not only directed and choreographed the shows for the company but also acted as lead fundraiser, costumer, lighting designer, marketing director as well as scenic and props designer. Kirsten also taught dance for the recreation department to children ages 7-12. Kirsten has also dabbled in play writing for children's theater. Her twisted version of "The Three Little Pigs" (a musical from the Big Bad Wolf's perspective) was produced at Playhouse 22 in East Brunswick, NJ.

Kirsten teaches drama classes at the Civic Theater in Allentown, PA to grades Pre-K through 4. Kirsten also offers an audition class to high school students which helps students audition confidently. Her effective teaching style is requested by groups in PA and NJ and NY.

www.facebook.com/q2mekitteh

www.myspace.com/kirstenalmeida

www.youtube.com/singingnj5

www.twitter.com/kirstenalmeida