Yesterday I had the opportunity to sit in the studio audience for the taping of Vancouver’s new sitcom “Package Deal.” The program features a fully Canadian cast, including one of my coaches: Jill Morrison. I had no idea what to expect as Greg and I walked onto the bleachers and found a seat in the front row. There was music playing, and I was jumping up-and-down in my seat with excitement. The set was extremely detailed, and as I observed my surroundings I was struck by how important story truly is to us as a species. I mean, someone spent months designing the location, finding and/or building all the set pieces, decorating it so that it felt like a home – for what? For story!

The set serves no other purpose, than to be a vehicle for story. The actor’s then would have had to explore the set, endowing the objects with meaning, and making themselves believe that the set isn’t a set at all, but a home. For what? For story!! I’m just getting myself so excited about this. There is a reason why we spend so much money making films and putting on live shows. There is a reason why there are people (I would put myself in this category) who dedicate their lives to learning how to act, dance, sing, paint, create… it’s all for STORY! It’s not just about entertainment. It’s about the human need to share, and to communicate their ideas, thoughts, feelings, and personal interpretation of the world with those around them. It is about the human need to make an impact in the lives of others by making them think, cry, laugh, curl up in fear (in a theatre when I’m afraid, my feet always come up with me on the seat), or shake with rage. I mean, I remember being very tempted to throw Ian McEwan’s book “Atonement” across the room as I read it. Through art we help the other party to understand our point of view. Through art we foster empathy, and provide a way for others to relate to and understand one another. Yes, we tell stories to entertain… but there is just so much more to it than that.

I digress. Getting back to Package Deal, I learned so much from watching the actor’s in their work. The script is literally getting rewritten as they go, and so the actors need to be quick on their feet. Were there line-flubs? Of course, but when they happened the actors didn’t make a big deal about it. It’s all apart of the job. What differentiates a professional from a… well, not professional, is the way they deal with the mistakes.  You have to be able to laugh at yourself, and then move on.  Above all, watching this taping reminded me that what I’m studying to do is fun.

I’m studying to be an actor because I love to tell stories, because I believe that I have something to say and contribute to this world, and because I love to laugh. Sometimes I think I forget this, and watching the taping served as a very welcome reminder.

If you live in the Vancouver area, I would recommend that everyone try and make it out to a taping of the show. They film Thursdays from 6-10pm (but doors open at 5:30 – show up early to get a good seat). I had an amazing time, they had someone in the bleachers with us to keep our energy up by playing games and giving out prizes, and they handed out pizza for a nice late night dinner. I learned and laughed a lot.

To reserve tickets e-mai: packagedealtickets@gmail.com.

Cheers