NYC...what is it about you?

Hello!!!

Well, I'm excited to announce my website www.KirstenAlmeida.com has received a face lift. I love everything about it. It represents me to a 'T'. Please check it out!!

I'm so excited to be back to my regularly scheduled blogs! So much has happened this past month that I hope I can fill you in without rambling on...but then again, it wouldn't be ME if I wasn't rambling, right?

So first and foremost, I just completed a very successful run of the new rock musical 'The Legend of Johnny 15' at the Parkside Lounge in downtown NYC with the Serious Theatre Collective. I worked with this group in 2009 on 'Professor Von Awesome's Traveling Caravan of Cautionary Warnings' and had a blast.

When I was first approached by STC I was reluctant to take a role in a show about fetishes because, well, it's just not me and I live in PA. I wasn't sure if it would be possible for me to handle the schedule and commute but like I always say if it's meant to be it'll take care of itself.

Well, it certainly took care of itself. I got a chance to rock it out and get some R&B singin' in. As an artist, I love being challenged (even if it means a freak out and lack of confidence in the beginning, right, Mim?) Now, I'm so proud of this show. It is quite clever and really needs the attention of industry professionals to help it go further. I can see this show becoming a late night cult classic. It's fun and quirky but intelligently written. I'm honored I was sought out for this role.







Here I am with the band: Ari, Ricardo, and Andrew



The cast of The Legend of Johnny 15










I met up with this spectacular group of people for our cast party after my showcase at DON'T TELL MAMA'S in NYC. I'm very excited to have worked with the talented Seth Bisen-Hersh. I've already been asked by Seth to return in April to sing some of Seth's original compositions in celebration of his 150th Showcase. How exciting is that? I'll keep you updated on the date for that! I hope you all can make it.




Now to get to work on Nunsense. I'm so happy it's finally here. I've been looking forward to this gig for months now. I've already started learning my lines and I have the first act memorized. I'm hoping to be 90% off book once rehearsals start so I can concentrate on the music and dance. I've always played Sister Leo in the Nunsense productions I've done. Now, I have to learn new music for Sister Hubert. I'm excited about it but I figured getting off book will be the smart thing to do so I don't have to tackle too much during a 2 week rehearsal process.


Theater school also starts back up this weekend. I'm starting a musical theater component with my classes since I know how talented they are. With my grades 1-4 I'm teaching them an entire scene from Stuart Little: The Musical. I have actually played the small little mouse four or five times in my life. I just love the show. It's cute and has great scenes for this age group.

Now, for my high school class I have no idea what to do with them. They all want to do American Idiot, Rent, In The Heights, etc....I wish I could convince them that musical theater existed before 10 years ago. Now, don't get me wrong, I like all of these shows...they are high energy and fun but I want them to appreciate ALL musical theater. And maybe I'm asking too much of myself since I only have 3 more classes with them, but in the end I know that the musical theater component for all my students will be a success.

I have some news that is exciting that isn't theater related...I have recently been asked by a few local christian music artists to join forces. I haven't made any concrete plans to work with these folks exclusively since it's all so new to me, but I will be meeting with them once Nunsense opens. I'm excited to finally get some of my music I've been working on with my vocal coach and dear friend, Khy, heard by people in the christian music industry. For those of you who don't know, the vibe I'm going for is a cross between rock gospel and Kelly Clarkson. LOL! Sounds weird but I'll tell you, some of the stuff Khy and I have come up with is great! I can't wait to finally share it with all of you. Stay tuned for that....

The other big news I have is this:

LEHIGH VALLEY PERFORMERS UNITE TO RAISE MONEY FOR VICTIMS OF A NATURAL GAS EXPLOSION in ALLENTOWN.

I read about this devastating event while staying with Mim & Jay in NYC. I said "I'll have to go through my closet and donate some stuff" and Mim said "You should do a concert" SO that's what I'm doing. I've reached out to a ton of Lehigh Valley social networks to help me get the word out and have had a great response when asking professional performers to donate their talents to raise money. Also, the biggest shock I got was one of Bethlehem's finest restaurants The Starfish Brasserie offered to open his restaurant and provide Hors D'oeuvres for the event. How amazing is that? I spent almost 12 years as a fundraiser including special event fundraising so this comes quite naturally to me. If you are interested in attending the event here are the details:







Benefit for Allentown Explosion Victims
Monday, March 28, 2011
7pm
The Starfish Brasserie
Broad Street
Bethlehem, PA

$15 cash donation at the door (all proceeds to go to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley)
Bar will be run by the restaurant.

Performers include: Bob Cohen, Kirsten Rani Almeida, Ryan Kelly, John Monahan, Allie G. Wertheim, Christine Hjorth, Brian McKay, and many many others. All in all, we have about twenty local professional singer, musicians, and comedians. We hope you will all come out and support this very worthy cause. For more information about the blast CLICK HERE.


On the horizon.....

• more music writing
• a new children's musical in the works...written by ME!
  
• waiting to hear about a few gigs (fingers crossed)
• a trip to Richmond to meet my Abby
• MY THIRD WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!!!

Quote of the week: Where hope grows, miracles blossom. ~Elna Rae

Recipe of the Week:

Mickey's Spicy Broccoli

Ingredients:
One package frozen broccoli florets
crushed red pepper
minced garlic
S&P
Olive Oil


First rinse the frozen broccoli and let it drain completely. Meanwhile, heat a saute pan on medium and coat the bottom with EVOO and toss in the garlic. As the garlic starts to brown toss in the broccoli. Be careful for splatter. Coat the broccoli in the oil and garlic and add a couple shakes of the crushed red pepper. Reduce the heat and let the broccoli start to soften. When it gets to your preferred softness remove from heat. Add S&P to taste. Serve.


No picture available. It's really simple and SUPER tasty. You can also adjust the crushed red pepper according to your tolerance for spicy food. My husband usually adds a little and serves mine and then adds more before he serves himself. :)

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.

She is also the owner and operator of 'Star of the Day' Event Productions. A one-of-a-kind full service birthday experience.


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The story of Bob

Hey there. Welcome back!

I had such an amazing week last week and just had to share all the exciting stuff going on.

On Monday, I got to spend an entire day with one of my favorite people. Kelly Brandt is one of those people everyone should have in their life. Over the past few years we have become extremely good friends. She is the type of friend that would drive you to the airport right after a storm in 20 below weather at 5am....yup, she did that for me. She's also the type of friend that would go out of her way to see to it that you have employment options in your life. :) We had a discussion about me needing to subsidize my income in between gigs and she took it as a personal challenge. We have had numerous conversations about that topic and she never ceases to amaze me with her dedication to me and her other friends. So, I digress. I spent the day at her house on MLK day and she made some amazing chicken soup for me...and it was awesome. Definitely hit the spot on such a cold day and I will be making it for me and the hubster in the near future. As always, I enjoyed the conversation. I want to thank her for just being awesome and being a true friend.


Throughout the rest of the week I was put to work gathering information for my website to Mim Paquin-Robinette and SilverVoiceNYC. Please check out www.KirstenAlmeida.com. Color scheme and layout are still being worked out along with some of the content. But it up and running and I can cross yet another thing off my 2011 goals list.

Speaking of Mim...I got to spend Wednesday - Friday with Mim, Jason, and my beautiful Godson, Zephyr. I was so happy to be there and overwhelmed at how much he's grown that I didn't take a single picture. ME? Can you believe it? I practically walk around with a camera sewn to my hand. But there will be many next times...and I will take pictures. Now, I don't know if you noticed that this week's blog is titled 'The Story of Bob'...well that's because I learned so much about Bob from Zephyr. WHO IS BOB????? Why, to Zephyr, he's a confidant, a friend, a teacher, a playmate...he's everything. I mean every time I turned around Zephyr was speaking of this Bob. Bobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobob...... bobobobobobobobobobobob. I mean he must be very important for Zephyr to talk about him so often. Right? It was too cute not to mention...and since I love him and his parents I thought it quite apropos to title the blog in his honor.

I also had an audition in NYC this past week. First one in a long time. It was for NYC's Seth Bisen-Hersh. I was asked to sing in his showcase at 'Don't Tell Mama's' on Friday, February 25th @ 7pm. There is limited space so RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW. You can reserve now and pay at the door. It is cash only. $12 plus a 2 drink minimum. If you reserve please show because I'm responsible to pay for you if you don't show up. :( But, I'm quite excited to have this opportunity to get heard and seen in NYC by professionals in the industry. And it's two days before rehearsals begin for Nunsense so it'll be my last performance in NYC until June.



Up next for me is The Legend of Johnny 15. I'll be playing the Narrator and voice of the scanner. It's a rock/R&B style musical written and produced by the Serious Theatre Collective of NYC. Performances are Fri & Sat February 11, 12, 18, 19 and Monday February 14th (VALENTINE'S DAY). I'm extremely excited to be working with this creative group again after working with them in Professor Von Awesome's Traveling Caravan of Cautionary Warnings in the Fall of 2009.





I have auditions scheduled almost every day for the next month and I'm super excited about that.

On the teaching side of things, I'm back into the swing of things at Civic Theatre of Allentown teaching grades 1-4 and 9-12. Yesterday (Saturday, January 22nd) I sat in on the auditions for grades 1-4 for Civic's upcoming junior musical 'Seussical'. These kids are crazy talented and I'm beyond proud of them. They had to stand on the stage, 8 at a time, and audition both singing and reading from a side in front of EVERYONE (minus parents...they were not allowed. THANK GOD!) They were so good, guys! Having had the opportunity to see them audition and see more than what I get to see in class, I now know how much more I can push them in class and it is ON! After the auditions I headed to my high school class. I thought they weren't caring or listening when I would ask them questions about their characters back stories last week. I got a lot of 'I don't knows' or 'I think' or 'I'm guessing' and I would say YES you do know...you don't think YOU KNOW...you're not guessing YOU KNOW. This week when they got up there I could tell they spent time over the past week looking at their monologues asking important questions about their character and really defining their place and who and why and moments before, etc....several times in class I got teary-eyed and had to take a moment. These 'kids' are amazing creative creatures. They challenge me as their teacher but also as an actress. One of my kids wasn't getting it...I just walked up and started some improv as his 'to' and I saw the light bulb go off and he got it. And I just smiled and walked away so he could finish. It was a beautiful class yesterday and I can't wait to explore more with them. Bravo!

So this weekend I've been able to spend some much needed QT with the hubster. We saw a matinee of True Grit yesterday and it was awesome. We came home and I made grilled tuna with grilled pineapple and it was awesome. We watched a few back episodes of Parks & Recreation...all hail Ron Swanson....he's awesome! And then Mike suggested La Vie en Rose starring Marion Cotillard. I said yes! I was speechless. It was magnificent. Makes me want to smack myself for not working on my french more. Oops! Maybe I'll add that to my 2011 goals. Anyway, one of my new passions is foreign films. I've been watching a lot of them lately. And there are many more to see. I still want Mike to see Cinema Paradiso...still my all time favorite foreign film. If you haven't seen it, I urge you to pick it up. Such a simple story with beautiful music and cinematography.



I'm still working hard on my new business Star of the Day Productions. I have spent countless hours writing a business plan and researching online...I'm not quite done yet but I can see the finish line. I am trying to work on the logo. In my last blog entry, I put together something really quick to include in the blog. The logo is still a work in progress but my latest attempts are cleaner and simpler, as suggested by Mim who works with this stuff all the time. Here are some examples:






I think I'm leaning toward the one in the middle. It's colorful like me but simple. Let me know what you think. Drop me a line at kra@kirstenalmeida.com


Quote of the Day: " Singing is a way of escaping. It's another world. I'm no longer on earth. " ~ Edith Piaf


Video of the Week: This clip is from a season 2 episode that was guest starring Megan Mullally who is married to Nick Offerman in real life. I think Ron Swanson is so ridiculous that of course I heart him!





Recipes of the Week: Grilled Lime Cilantro Tuna w/Lime Cilantro Rice

Grilled Lime Cilantro Tuna

Ingredients

1-1/2 lbs fresh Ahi Tuna (frozen/previously frozen is not the same)
Juice from two limes (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup olive oil
4 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
2 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro

Directions Combine ingredients for marinade, put in plastic bag with fish. Marinate the tuna for 30-60 minutes. Remove from marinade and place on grill. Grill to desired doneness. We prefer medium rare and it is delicious. It is easy to overcook tuna. You can always cook it a little more. A thick steak should take no more than 8 minutes for medium rare.

1-1/2 lbs tuna usually serves 4. You eat a much smaller piece than you would a steak. Leftovers are good the next day on a sandwich or salad.

Number of Servings: 4

Lime Cilantro Rice

1 teaspoon vegetable oil or butter
2 tsp. fresh cilantro
2/3 cup white basmati rice
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Lime

In a 2-quart heavy saucepan, heat oil or butter over low heat, stirring occasionally until melted. Add rice and lime juice, stir for 1 minute. Add water and salt, bring to a full rolling boil. At boiling, cover, turn down to simmer over low heat until rice is tender and the water is absorbed, about 25 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork.

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.

She is also the owner and operator of 'Star of the Day' Event Productions. A one-of-a-kind full service birthday experience.

Visit my website.

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.

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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

Take it on the run...

Oh, I just love cheesy 80s music! Can you name the song and artist of the cheesy 80s song referenced in the title of this week's blog?

Moving right along...(awesome song from an awesome childhood movie! NAME IT!)

A few months ago I discovered a program called 'Couch to 5K.' For months I've been saying 'Oh I'm going to start that 'Couch to 5K' thingy tomorrow.' But did I? NOooooooooo

Well, lately, I've been de-cluttering my life and my house, organizing, and prioritizing. I'm becoming more accountable for my actions. And in the midst of it all what did I do?

*************DRUM ROLL PLEASE*********************

I completed week 1 of the 'Couch to 5K' program. And I feel great. I'm not sure why I didn't do this months ago. Several high school friends shared stories of their running experiences and how it has changed their lives (Magda, Marjorie, Erin, Abrah) and I kept thinking 'I can't do that, I can't run!' Boy, was I wrong! This program is awesome. And thanks to Heidi letting me in on the iPod app secret it's even easier. In just one week, I'm running and I feel great. The app is really cool too. You use music from your iPod and there is a voice that tells you when to switch from running to walking. For me...the music I have on shuffle each workout is a bizarre mix of cheesy 80s songs like 'Eye of the Tiger' and 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' to Linkin' Park, Kelly Clarkson, and Pink.

The funniest part is the day I started, I left my house quite early (well, early for me!) and took off through my development and up behind me where the retirement village is. They have nicer (clay) walkways. There were tons of little old ladies out for their morning walk. I had my headphones on listening to the program and of course the first song that comes on is 'Eye of the Tiger.' Not seeing the group of ladies at first I started punching an imaginary punching bag because, well, what else am I supposed to do listening to that song? I don't live anywhere near the Philly Art Museum, and besides, I'm doing 'Couch to 5K' not 'Couch to Stair Master on Crack.' I digress.... I didn't see the group of ladies as I start punching the air and have this big grin plastered on my face. I rounded the corner and there they were. Without missing a beat I tilted my head and said 'Mornin' and continued on. They probably thought I was a drug addict. But I don't care because I felt great!

Along with the C25K I'm also determined to cook lighter for me and the hubster. Michael and I came to an agreement. We'll have fish once to twice a week AND one vegetarian meal a week. We are also cutting out red meat. I'm also making sure we have healthy portion sizes. The only day we are allowed to 'cheat' is Football Sunday. Since we both enjoy watching all the games neither of us want to spend a ton of time in the kitchen preparing.

Oh, wait! I bet you are wondering what the heck any of this has to do with 'the Business of ME!'?
Glad you asked.

A big part of any successful business is organization and accountability. Right now, I'm taking a few months to regroup and take care of personal business. As part of this regrouping, I'm doing what I can to keep me healthy, active, and accountable in my acting career. I am still submitting to agents and casting directors but have cut back on my trips to the city to save some money. So, I'm working on the aspects of my business I can work on while I take the time off like:

• Getting fit
• Getting organized
• Prioritizing
• Working ($$$)
• Apartment searching (Thank you, Doug, for sending me the list of sublets)

When the holidays have come and gone, I want to hit the ground running again in NYC. I'm going to look and feel great and be so prepared that I will be an unstoppable force. There. I said it. Now you can all hold me accountable too!

Thank you for following along and for your support.

Upcoming Performances:

Spotlight Cabaret

Thursday, October 7, 2010
8 PM
Allentown Brew Works
Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA
$5

My set this month:

We Deserve Each Other (Me & Juliet)
The Portrait (A My Name is Alice)
Summer in Ohio (Last Five Years)
Shine (Spitfire Grill)

Don't forget to bring your books.....after the cabaret there is an open mic!!

Quote of the week:
"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare." - - Juma Ikangaa, Tanzania

Recipe of the week:

Pan Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
zest of 1/2 lemon
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 onion powder
1 tsp seasoning salt
4 T panko bread crumbs
EVOO

Dressing:
2T EVOO
1T Lemon Juice
1 T White Wine Vinegar
Salt & Pepper
2 T Chives
2 T Parsley
1 T garlic

Combine in a bowl and mix well. Microwave for 1 minute until warm.

wash, pat dry, and butterfly chicken breasts
lightly coat the chicken breasts with EVOO. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Sprinkle on top of the chicken breast only. Leave bottom plain. Once you have each breast lightly coated get the non-stick skillet nice and hot with some EVOO in the bottom.

Place the breasts coating side down and DO NOT TOUCH for 2 minutes. A nice crust will form. Turn them over turn the heat down to med-lo cover and let them slowly pan roast for 15-18 minutes. Internal temp should be 170.

Remove from heat and let rest while you make dressing. Plate and drizzle dressing over the top.
Low cal....low fat....full flavor!

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.