Sometimes happiness comes in the form of a big purple hippo....with a tutu!

In the summer of 2010 I was holding my beautiful Godson, Zephyr, while Mommy (BFF Mim) was getting some well needed rest. He was only a few months old and I started telling him this silly story I created for my 1st and 2nd grade theater school students. It was about a bunch of animals that perform in a circus. And the lead character was a ballerina....a hippo ballerina. To my surprise Mim had woken up but stayed in bed in the other room and listened to my silly little story. When I was done she came out and urged me to write it down. I didn't.

Months had gone by and I continued to teach at the theater school, audition in NYC, perform and try to make ends meet. I went away in Nov/December to do a show in Westchester, NY and when I returned I had no paycheck, work, nothing....the bills piled up. I quickly got an Off-Off Broadway show in NYC where I was lucky enough to stay with Mim and Jay in Queens during the rehearsal/shows. Mim and I got to talking about my students who I was still teaching on Saturday mornings. I would tell her stories about my kids and the stuff they came up with in the story-telling portion of my class. Again, Mim urged me to write down my hippo story. Again...I didn't do it. I'm lazy! :)

Well, my show in NYC ended and I immediately started rehearsals for Nunsense - the show I'm currently performing. Then, my best friend, Beth, passed away and my world was turned upside down. I wasn't able to go home for her services, which still haunts me, but Mim and I traveled to our hometown of New Bedford, MA for a much needed family visit right after Nunsense opened. In the car ride up to Massachusetts I kept questioning whether or not I was supposed to be performing. But I always question why I would be given the gifts I've been given if I wasn't supposed to use them. Then, Mim asked God to send us a sign as well as asked Beth for her guidance to show us both if we were on the correct paths in life. I can't tell you the amount of signs we both received while home in New Bedford, on the car ride back to NY and since then. It's been 2 months since Beth's passing and I still receive signs that she is here with me still cheering me on. I am reminded through these signs that I'm supposed to be where I am today. And that ALL things have a way of working themselves out.

Oh and I FINALLY sat down and wrote my hippo story. POPPY AND THE MAGIC TUTU It has gone through three rewrites, and I've recruited a new friend, Greta Kleckner, who I met at the dinner theater I'm performing at. Greta and I have the same energy for performing and both believe we were put here on earth and graced with gifts that only God can grant and to use those gifts for good.

This had my brain working double time. And so the small birthday party business I started after Christmas - STAR OF THE DAY EVENT PRODUCTIONS - has now blown up to be a full scale entertainment company that will specialize in providing entertainment for special events, theater arts workshops, and original children's musical with fun music, colorful characters and wonderful moral lessons.

The script is receiving a lot of interest and we are hoping to have the show finished and ready to go for a fall tour around PA, NY,NJ and my hometown of New Bedford, MA. Ever since I was a little girl and I was introduced to the arts I wished I could go to a school like FAME. Well, I didn't get to go to FAME, but even better I attended New Bedford High School. Approximately 5,000 students and a theater and music program that would make any Performing Arts High blush! The sad thing is that my hometown, like most big cities, has taken a hit in the arts within the education system. The once booming marching band is finally starting to rebuild but has a mere 40 members. The music teachers and drama instructors are doing what they can to make sure these city kids get a great arts education but I feel its not enough. I was blessed to have received the arts education I did in a public school system which led me to the successful career I currently have. I want to give back. It is my goal to receive a grant to do a New Bedford Elementary School tour. To provide our show to more than 1,000 pre-K - 2nd graders at no cost to the schools. It takes money...and lots of it. But, it WILL happen. Mark my words!

I want to create a company where the employees as well as the audience have fun. That they are treated with honesty and integrity. That the performers will keep coming back over and over and over again! That we can continue to create original shows that will keep actors working and that our company can continue to educate and enlighten.

I will also be looking for sponsorships for the show. I'm talking to Carters, Toys R Us, Gap, Hasbro, and many others. Their partnership will allow Star of the Day Event Productions to perform nationwide and maybe allow a child to see their first live performance. I never want to take for granted what I've been given and I want to encourage our youth to strive to be more, take risks, and to follow their dreams. If I didn't do any of that I'd probably be sitting at a desk complaining about hating my job, single with 50 cats, and watching others do what I am meant to do.

IN OTHER NEWS....

• May 7, 2011 - OPEN HOUSE Accents Modeling and Talent Agency - Bethlehem, PA
  
• May 9, 2011 - Cat in the Hat - Allentown, PA
  
• May 13, 2011 - I will speak at Nazareth High School's Career Day about being a professional performing artist - Nazareth, PA
• May 29, 2011 - NUNSENSE CLOSES; HAPPY DAYS rehearsals begin
  
• May 30, 2011 - Cat in the Hat - Allentown, PA
• June 3-9, 2011 - The movie I was in last fall will be showing at the Hoboken Film Festival - Hoboken, NJ
• June 10, 2011 - HAPPY DAYS OPENS at the Pines Dinner Theatre - Allentown, PA
• Sometime in June 2011 - Table Reads for Poppy and the Magic Tutu.

Quote of the Week: "By striving to do the impossible, man has always achieved what is possible. Those who have cautiously done no more than they believed possible have never taken a single step forward." Mikhail Bakunin

Video of the Week: There is something about this commercial that just touches me deeply. I saw it for the first time during the airing of American Idol on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 and I just was so deeply moved by it. Enjoy!



Recipe of the Week: Lime Cilantro Saffron RiceOne box of yellow spanish rice
one bunch of fresh cilantro
1 lime

Make the rice according to the directions. Chop cilantro finely and add to the rice WHEN IT IS DONE!!! Zest the lime and add with cilantro and juice of 1/2 lime. ENJOY! It's soooo yummy. Chipotle grill makes a white sticky rice like this but I like using the spanish saffron rice. Knock yourselves out!

Kirsten 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 is currently performing for the Pines Dinner Theatre 2011 season as Sister Hubert in 'Nunsense' and Mrs. C in 'Happy Days The Musical.' 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. She also is the Program Coordinator/Facilitator for the "Reading with Cat in the Hat" literacy promotion program where she tours to at-risk communities and performs as the Cat in the Hat. 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 entertainment experience.
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Acting is Intense!

Hey everyone!

I have such wonderful news! Today I met with Donna Coccodrilli of Accents Modeling and Talent Agency in Bethlehem, PA. Donna contacted me on Tuesday, April 19, on my way into NYC for my showcase at Don't Tell Mama's to tell me I came highly recommended by Rebecca Tropeano Pieper-Bohun of Musik Makers. Sweet!

Donna explained to me that she is looking to expand her modeling school with the addition of an acting program. So we set up a meeting. Within the first half hour I knew I wanted to work with this woman and build an acting program one can only dream about.

Donna has access to agents and NYC professionals (which I happen to fall under that category since I do my fair share of performing in NYC.) The program will be very structured and curriculum driven. It will offer students and opportunity to explore theater, film, TV, and commercials. It will build their public speaking skills. It will offer dance and movement, monologue work, scene work, group skits, and a big showcase at the end of the eight weeks.

Now, I urge you all to come and check the school out on May 7th 1-3PM. All the instructors will be showcasing their own talent to show students they are going to get nothing but the best as their instructors.

If you attend the open house your name will be entered into a drawing for a scholarship for the inaugural acting program. All you have to do is show up!

The first acting program will run May 18 - August 6. Every other Saturday from 10:30am - 4:30pm.
Nunsense is still running at Pines Dinner Theatre in Allentown, PA where I am playing the role of Sister Hubert. Here is an excerpt from the show: We run Wed, Thu, Sun matinees and Fri & Sat evenings. There are dinner/show packages AND show only tickets. So come on out and have some fun with a bunch of nuns!


Also, on Tuesday, April 19th I sang at Don't Tell Mama's in NYC for Seth Bisen-Hersh's 150th Showcase Celebration featuring all original pieces by Seth. I was blessed to have my husband with me that night to support me and also in attendance were Mim Paquin-Robinette and Samantha Morris, two of my biggest fans! Sam also brought her beau, Rich. I was so lucky to have 4 people cheering me on. I was smack dab in the middle of a great line-up of songs. My song that Seth chose for me is titled 'Love Me For Me' and here is the video from that night.


I can't tell you how much I love this song. Seth has an entire store of sheet music of his original tunes. You can check them out on his website.Check out some pics of Mim, Sam, and I at Bamboo 52 in NYC for post-show sushi! Yummers.



















Now, the business of me came across this article by co-founder of The Savvy Actor, Kevin Urban. Kevin is a great guy running a very successful business in NYC for actors AND acting himself. Enjoy the article. It's great.

Getting paid what you deserve [savvy actor]

As actors, we need to believe in our worth and price ourselves accordingly by asking for what we want. I was reminded of just that when my agent sent my check for a print job that I booked. The check was nice, but it could have been a lot nicer…if you know what I mean. At the time, I decided that I was not going to discount my services.

This particular shoot was in Philly and the actual client was not there, but a rep from the advertising agency was. While waiting for hair and makeup, the client called and said that he’d like my head to be shaved for the shoot.

At first, I was like no way. I’m not shaving my head. They should’ve specifically cast a bald actor or at least let me know at the casting call. While I was thinking it over, the photographer came up to me and said “Ask for what you want and make it worth your while.” HUH! I started to seriously consider it. It was a print job so my agent would get 20% commission. I was already making $3,000 for the job. My agent was going to get $600 and figure 28% would also go toward taxes.

As I started to think about my price, I also started to think about how long I would be bald and how being bald would affect my business. I’ve been bald before and I know that it would take at least two and a half months for my hair to grow back. In that time, I wouldn’t be able to audition for commercials because I wouldn’t look like my headshot. $10,000 was the number that jumped in my head. I figured that I would need at least $10,000 to change my look because taxes and my agent’s commission would eat up a significant portion of the money. I also wanted to cover my expenses for the two and a half months that I wouldn’t be auditioning.

Once I settled on my price, I called my agent, told her the situation, and that I would do it for $10,000 plus the $3,000 I was already getting. My agent was so supportive and agreed – $10,000 was the “absolute minimum” because she couldn’t send me out until my hair grew back. My agent called the ad executive and told them my number. They got back to their client and he countered with $7,000. I said no. I did the shoot anyway – with a hat on.

At $7,000 I would have had to pay my agent $1,400 making my cut $5,600 before taxes. Financially, the money would have been nice, but all in all, I would’ve had to have taken 3 months off from auditioning or get new headshots. Neither option really made sense. Don’t get me wrong, it was hard to turn down the money, but it was the right decision. More importantly, I really didn’t want to shave my head. I knew that it would grow back, but I wouldn’t have been happy for two months while waiting for my hair to grow back and not auditioning. I put a number on what I was willing to accept and stuck with it even though the money they offered was nothing to sneeze at. I was willing to walk away rather than take the lesser amount and devalue myself.

In an industry where there is a need to please others in order to work, it’s easy to discount our services because we want that work! I’d like you to consider “Asking for What You Want and Need”. You may ask for it and not get it, but you’ve got to value yourself. Hey, I didn’t get the money I asked for, but I’ve got my hair. Overall that makes me happier than if I’d taken their offer.

Kevin Urban is a professional actor/singer and career coach with The Savvy Actor who aims to share his entrepreneurial vision by empowering clients to achieve their dreams. While in college, Kevin in love with the syllabus. The syllabus allowed Kevin, A graduate of Elizabethtown College with a BA in Communications focusing on PR, Marketing and Theatre, to stay on top of grades, perform and swim competitively. As an actor, Kevin has performed since the age of five, working in Theatre, TV, Film and Commercials. www.kevinurban.com

********

Now, this article is one of many I've read on this subject and it's not the first time this subject has come up in my life. I have conversations with many close friends about knowing my worth. My friend Kelly and I would have hour long conversations about knowing how to put a price on my worth. She is a tutor and as her tutoring business grew, so did her worth. She was able to put a minimum price on her tutoring and she doesn't back down. Another dear friend, Mim, and I have gone back and forth about me accepting things for free or on verbal agreement. Now, being new in the business I accepted things for no pay to get my name out there and network. I'm still relatively new but I'm also becoming more and more established. Recently I have had the opportunity to set a price to my worth and not back down. And it's rolling along. And it feels good. So, never devalue your worth.



Now for the biggest announcement of all! My company Star of the Day Event Productions is officially on the map. I have started to put together a staff, board, FB page, and so on. The creative team has already met to go over the first full-scale children's musical and work on rewrites and talk about the music. We have already posted auditions for the table reads in June. We are getting all the paperwork together to file to be a non-profit organization. We are also organizing the materials needed to get the birthday business up and running for the summer! We are looking to book a series of performance workshops both in PA and NYC. We are looking for investors for our children's musical so we can tour with the show around the east coast. We are hoping to set sail come the fall! It's all so exciting. We are looking for a logo and soon a website. I have teamed up with Greta Kleckner, another professional actress living in PA. She is helping with the music arrangements for the shows as well as a full-time member of the staff when all the paperwork is in and accepted. Star of the Day Event Productions will also provide professional musical entertainment for corporate parties, fairs, festivals, weddings, etc. We are full scale entertainment company ready to make you all the Star of the Day. Upcoming.....

• April 30th - Teaching a 1 hour Speech and Diction class at Accents Modeling and Talent agency
• May 7th - OPEN HOUSE for my new acting intensive at Accents Modeling and Talent Agency from 1-3PM. Bethlehem, PA
• May 13th - Career Day presentation at Nazareth Area High School
• Now - May 29th - NUNSENSE!
• June 10 - August 21 - HAPPY DAYS! The Musical!

Thanks for stopping by folks! Stay tuned....

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "Commitment leads to action. Action brings your dream closer." ~Marcia Wieder

Kirsten 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 is currently performing for the Pines Dinner Theatre 2011 season as Sister Hubert in 'Nunsense' and Mrs. C in 'Happy Days The Musical.' 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. She also is the Program Coordinator/Facilitator for the "Reading with Cat in the Hat" literacy promotion program where she tours to at-risk communities and performs as the Cat in the Hat. 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 entertainment experience.
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Giving Back and not Giving Up

Thanks to everyone for an amazing benefit on Monday April 11th. Please check out the article about the event. I had no idea the event was even being covered. All of a sudden I'm being interviewed. It was crazy. The event made $1,000. It was slightly less than I had hoped for but it still raised more than some people expected. The overall feeling of the evening was that not enough is being done for these families and many of the guests hope to see more fundraisers continue to pop up. As a matter of fact, my husband's new boss at STAPLES is looking for a local community charity to support and Michael suggested the Allentown Family Fund. So, now I am trying to think of new and creative ways for my husbands store to raise money.

At Monday night's event, there was a lot going on. In one room there was a Tricky Tray set up with 20 prizes. We made over $200 on the Tricky Tray. We had great prizes like 6 course dinner for 2 with wine pairing, tickets to 2 different theaters, salon and spa gifts, jewelry, and all sorts of amazing stuff. Many people went home happy! Some not so much but it was all in good fun and for a great cause.

In another room there was entertainment with local singers and musicians from the Lehigh Valley. There were local celebrity bartenders selling their own cocktail creations and donating all their tips back to charity. There was some amazing foods like oysters on the half shell, scallop ceviche, pork pate, tabouli, sushi, and lots more. We had a collection for the Second Harvest food bank as well. All in all it was a successful event!

Check out one of my songs: Dance Ten, Looks Three








IN OTHER NEWS....

• I will be playing Mrs. C in Happy Days The Musical at Pines Dinner Theatre from June 10 - August 21.
• I am working on my next children's musical and will hopefully touring this new children's musical in the Lehigh Valley area in the late summer early fall and then hopefully along the eastern seaboard. And who knows..maybe nationally!
• I will be forming my own non-profit theater company. Recent events have proved that I need to form my own company. Too many issues have been coming up that disrupt my ability to live my life. Poor business practices have been getting under my skin and it's now time that I set my feet firmly on the ground and put my non-profit experience and performance experience to the test. I have so many supportive friends that have already agreed to lend their expertise and advice to help me to get this going. I'm so excited!
• Don't forget to check out my new website.
• I'll be starting a new cooking VLOG on YouTube. There is no title right now, but a lot of people ask me for my recipes and how I get a month's worth of groceries for hardly any money and so I'm going to start a VLOG. My first blog will come out in May and I hope you'll all check it out!
  

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“It's a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy.” ~ Lucille Ball

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: This is some insanity that Mim and Jay introduced me to a couple of years ago. INSANITY!



RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo with Grilled Chicken over Pasta.

Ingredients:
1 lb chicken tenderloins
1 lb pasta ( I use penne or tricolor rotini)
1 jar Alfredo sauce
3-4 sun-dried tomatoes
Olive Oil
salt and pepper
Garlic
crushed red pepper

First boil water for the pasta. Next, salt & pepper the chicken and grill. In a saute pan add the alfredo sauce and heat. In a blender add sun-dried tomatoes and about 1/4 c. olive oil. When full blended add to alfredo sauce. Add 1 t garlic, s&p to taste, crushed red pepper to taste. When it comes to temp, add the grilled chicken to the sauce. Finish cooking the pasta. Drain well and pile the pasta in a bowl and top with the sauce and chicken. I sometimes top it with parmesan cheese. Enjoy! It's yummy!

Kirsten 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. She also is the Program Coordinator/Facilitator for the "Reading with Cat in the Hat" literacy promotion program where she tours to at-risk communities and performs as the Cat in the Hat. 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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Sometimes Music is the Best Medicine

Tomorrow I will join a dozen other musicians from the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania to give back.

Back in February a natural gas explosion took the lives of five people and displaced many others. I was sitting in the living room of my friends apartment in Queens when I first read about it. The article I read said the Red Cross was collecting bedding and clothes for the more than 70 people displaced by this explosion. I turned to my friend, Mim, and said "Ooh, when I go home I have to go through my closet and donate some stuff" to which she replied "You should have a benefit."

Now, I haven't lived in the area for very long. Under 4 years. I had been spending a lot of my time in NYC or gallivanting across the country on tour or doing other theater-related jobs. I didn't consider my roots or ties here very strong. UNTIL!

I posted a Facebook status wondering if there was any interest for local singers/musicians to help out with a benefit to raise money for the victims of the explosion. Almost immediately, I had a dozen people write to me saying "YES", "Absolutely", "Count me in!", "What do you need me to do?" I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of support.

Now, I have many years of special event planning experience...with budgets...big ones. But, by the grace of God, this event is going to be a success with a budget of $0 and all due to the gigantic hearts of the owners of the Starfish Brasserie and the local musicians.

When I sent out a general Tweet on Twitter asking if there were any local restaurants or venues willing to host the event, Starfish stepped up to the plate. Not only did the owner offer his restaurant free of charge but he is also providing hors d'ouevres for the guests AND donated an amazing 6 course dinner for 2 with wine pairing as a Tricky Tray prize. I use Facebook and Twitter a lot to network and get the word out about shows I am performing in. I didn't realize how many people were seeing my tweet or FB statuses and spreading the word. Mr. Donald Flad, Jr. a local to the Bethlehem/Allentown area and a member of the Lehigh Valley Tweet-up group I belong to jumped up and started the buzz about the event to all the local chambers and bars and restaurants and through his Twitter account. The United Way caught wind and said they'd like to help since they established a fund for the victims: Allentown Family Fund.

So here we are...almost 3 months after the fact but the need is still great. The event went from this small idea into this big amazing event with 13 vocalists, a country bluegrass band, local celebrity bartenders, the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, a radio station, local events bloggers, Tweeters, Facebookers, and so on...all caring about what happens in their community. And I had something to do with that. I've always had a big heart and a soft spot for the less fortunate. And whenever I find myself complaining about not being able to go on that vacation, or buy that pretty dress, or having to clip coupons - I always stop and remind myself of the roof over my head, the shoes on my feet, and the food in my refrigerator. I remind myself of the loving husband I get to hold hands with, the cats I get to cuddle with, and the car I get to drive (albeit old and beaten). I am reminded of the friends and acquaintances who care about me and the things I care about and go to great lengths to help me do this for those who cannot help themselves.

I may not have millions to donate to the Allentown Family Fund myself but I do have something that can help. My God given talent. My voice. My heart. And I am finding out how lucky I am to have met all these amazingly talented singers and musicians who didn't think twice about donating their time and talent for others.

I was having a conversation with one of the singers at the rehearsal for the event about what life is like without the outlet to sing and perform. Empty. Lost. So by using what God has given us to create an event that will help more than 70 victims of the explosion it also fills a void as a performer. That need to get up there and do what we were put on earth to do. So what better than to combine our passion for what we do with the need to help these families so desperately trying to rebuild their lives.

Now come on out to event!! You will not be disappointed.

PERFORMERS:
Cindi Greatsinger
Courtney Haines
Allie Wertheim
Allison Saba
Carol Broughton
Ryan Kelly
Janis Greim
Michael Pilgermayer
Wendy Borst
Bob Cohen
Christine Hjorth
Rebecca Pieper-Bohun
Kirsten Almeida
Wooden Nickel

EMCEE: Oliver Blatt

Celebrity Bartender: Donald Flad, Jr.

Tricky Tray donations from: Starfish Brasserie, Pines Dinner Theatre, Civic Theatre of Allentown, Shine Salon, Biltmore Inspirations, Mary Kay, Avon, Premier Designs Jewelry, Hava Java, Intuitions Spa, After 9 Designs, Tastefully Simple, Scentsy, Willow House, Bamboo Pink, Lia Sophia, Pampered Chef, iTunes, SoulDoll, and more...

Restaurant and Hors D'ouevres donated by: Starfish Brasserie

Sound donated by Michael Pilgermayer

Accompanist: Lucille Kincaid

Promotional Support: United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Donald Flad, Jr. LehighValleyLive, B104, Laini's Little Pocket Guide, Starfish Brasserie

LEHIGH VALLEY MUSICIANS PERFORM TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE ALLENTOWN FAMILY FUND

Monday, April 11, 2011
7 -9 PM
Starfish Brasserie
51 West Broad Street
Bethlehem, PA

$15 Cash
Tricky Tray Tickets: 1 - $1 ; 10 - $5 ; Arms length - $10
Cash Bar

http://www.starfishbrasserie.com/events/monday-april-11th

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." ~William James

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: I am not posting a video in this blog. I will be taking video footage of tomorrow night's benefit and posting it in the next blog. Stay tuned!

Angels all around us

In loving memory of


BETHANY L. PACHECO BRUM
9/29/1976 - 3/6/2011

Beth lost her battle with Melanoma in only one short week. It has not been easy. I am trying to do what I know Beth would want me to - keep on keepin' on.

If I didn't believe that people's spirits stayed with us in some way, shape, or form before Beth's passing, I certainly do now.

The day of Beth's wake, which I could not attend due to contractual obligations for a production I'm currently in, I kept receiving signs she was near me.

The first sign I got was inside a book Beth gave me for my high school graduation. It was a coffee table book: 125 Years of Broadway. I remember the book and even used it in college as a reference for research papers. What I never realized is Beth wrote a message to me in that book. Blue ink on blue paper.

Seeing this reminded me of how much Beth believed in me and how she was always one of my biggest cheerleaders. Now, 2003 has come and gone and I can tell you I was NOT on the cover of any book, but I didn't become a professional actress until 2008 so I have until 2018 to get myself on the cover of a book. :) I'm working on it, Beth!

Every day I think of her and I miss her so much.

On June 24-25 I will be part of a Relay for Life team in my hometown of New Bedford, MA walking in Beth's memory. Please consider making a donation to Relay for Life and sponsor my walk. Just click the logo below. Any amount helps! Thank you in advance.

Upcoming events:

Thursday, April 7, 2011 8 PM $5

Allentown Brew Works

Nunsense!

Pines Dinner Theatre

Now through May 29, 2011

Don't Tell Mama

150th Showcase Celebration featuring Seth Bisen-Hersh's original music

Tuesday, April 19, 2011 7pm

$12 cash PLUS 2 drink minimum

Don't forget to check out my website! Mim at SilverVoiceNYC has been working hard to make my site great.

There are so many things happening in my life right now that I it's hard to keep it all straight.

1. Benefit for the victims of the Allentown Natural Gas Explosion on Monday, April 11, 2011 7-9 PM $15. Star Fish Brasserie, Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA
2. ONGOING - New Program Coordinator/Performer for Civic Theatre's 'Reading with Cat in the Hat'. I'll be portraying the Cat in the Hat while also promoting literacy to at-risk youth.
3. Invited to be a program educator for the Allentown Cultural Arts Camp. I'll be teaching students age 8-12 acting, storytelling, theater, voice, etc.
4. ONGOING: Filming health industrials at the Lehigh Valley Health Network Teaching Hospital. Currently I'm preparing to shoot Patient Care for Depressed and Suicidal patients and I'm also training to give birth. I'll do the acting from the waist up while a simulator does the actual birthing because I don't know nothing about birthing no babies!

Quote of the Week: "Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. And lo, no one was there."~ Author Unknown

Video of the Week:



NO RECIPE OF THE WEEK :(

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.


Audio
Video
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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.


Audio
Video
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Twitter

I was lost but now I'm found...

Hey everyone! It's been about a month since my last blog and I can explain....

I have been very busy getting ready for my current show 'The Legend of Johnny 15' produced by the Serious Theatre Collective in New York City. I'm quite proud of this project, but it didn't start out that way.

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.

Last Friday, the show opened to open-minded audiences and great reviews. People are loving the show. We had large audiences all weekend. Now, there are only two more chances for you to see the show at the Parkside Lounge in NYC this Friday and Saturday, Feb. 18 & 19. The show starts at 8pm and is $20 (cash only). I recommend you get there by 7:30pm if you want to get in. The venue is on the small side and we are expecting big numbers this weekend.

I'm getting a chance to kind of 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 proud to say the show 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.

If you are in NYC this weekend, PLEASE check it out.

THE LEGEND OF JOHNNY 15

Parkside Lounge

317 East Houston Street
New York, NY 10002-1103
(212) 673-6270


Take the F train to 2nd Avenue and walk down to Parkside Lounge locate on E. Houston and Attorney.

Serious Theatre Collective also just chose me as their current actor to profile on their site. So check out MY INTERVIEW on their site. We were asked some questions related to the show. We had the choice to answer as ourselves or as our characters. I chose me. I also chose to not seriously answer every question. Can you guess which ones are a load of crap?


Also, don't forget to check out my new website. It is still being worked on by Mim at SilverVoiceNYC and her ideas are going to have my site looking amazing. If you need to mp3s of you singing for upcoming auditions or need a website, please contact her.

Coming up....

Friday & Saturday Feb 18 & 19 Final 2 performances of 'The Legend of Johnny 15'

Friday, February 25th - Showcase at Don't Tell Mama's on 46th Street in NYC

February 26-March 11 - Rehearsals for my next project, Nunsense at Pines Dinner Theatre. Rehearsals are long so if I lose touch with you guys during this rehearsal period, please be understanding. For some reason, I keep taking projects that have less than 2 weeks to get a show up. I think I've lost my mind.

Quote of the week: Life is like a litter box. When shit happens just cover it up and walk away. ~ Kirsten Rani Almeida

Video of the week:


Recipe of the week: Brown Rice Salad

Ingredients:
1 bag of Minute Brown Rice
1 can chick peas
1 can corn
1 can black beans
olive oil
chives
dill
lemon juice
rice wine vinegar
onion powder
garlic powder
S & P

drain and rinse the corn, beans, and chick peas and add to mixing bowl.
cook the rice according to package.

In a small bowl, add 2T rice wine vinegar, 1T lemon juice, 1T Olive Oil, 1/2 t each of dill, chives, and garlic powder. 1/4 t of onion powder s & p.

mix well and add to canned ingredients. When rice is done drain thoroughly and mix into all the other ingredients. Great hot or cold. Makes a ton of servings and lasts for an entire week.

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' 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.