Changes (CLICK PODCAST)

Here are some links to sites that were mentioned on Tony's unscripted podcast.
Take Out Stories
Shop Doc
United Hollywood
Deadline Hollywood Daily.
Comedy Callback - the Show (Nov. 2007) part 2
Screen Actors Guild
Directors Guild of America
Writers Guild of America
American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes
YouTube - In solidarity
YouTube - Why We Fight

In Solidarity

Tony Figueroa

5 Easy Pieces to a Practical Workable Wardrobe (Click here for Podcsat)

Hi everyone.

Most of you know that my favorite athletic activity is shopping. After many years of dedicated hard work, I've perfected many shopping techniques. One of you recently remarked that when I shop, I'm as precise as a surgeon. While I've freely and frequently helped friends and family with shopping and wardrobe dilemmas, Tony has suggested that I share my advice with an actual audience.

The result is Shop Doc: Your Prescription for Style, Shopping and Success.

When I first arrived in Los Angeles I didn't have an extensive wardrobe and was on a very tight budget. At first I never felt confident putting outfits together for auditions or my many day jobs. I finally made a decision. I was going to put together a functional wardrobe consisting of just a few basic pieces that could create several combinations and take me anywhere. I've been working in Hollywood for several years now, and these 5 Easy Pieces are still the foundation of my professional and personal wardrobe. The individual pieces have changed being updated and upgraded as needed, but the pieces have remained the same.

I think they'll work for you too no matter what you do or where you live. Look for your pieces that fit your lifestyle and express your personality. Let's get started.

1. The Suit or Suit Equivalent
Your suit should consist of two pieces: a good fitting jacket and trousers. You should be able to button your jacket if desired. Trousers should flatter you figure (a boot cut flatters most figures.) Avoid styles where the legs go to extremes being either too wide or too narrow for versatility and longevity. In terms of colors I'd stay with darker toned neutrals like chocolate brown, navy, charcoal, and of course basic black. Choose something that will flatter your complexion. I also suggest looking for a seasonless fabric, perhaps a lightweight wool that doesn't cling or shine.

A matching suit may not be suited to your lifestyle or taste, so instead go for coordinating separates that create the look of a suit. A great black and white tweed jacket over a pair of black trousers for example. You don't have to match to be polished.

2. Jeans
Jeans have become the American classic. For more versatility stick to styles with darker washes. Boot cut or straight cut styles are best and work for most figures. Find a pair that's both comfortable and figure flattering. Sure you may try on several pairs, but don't get frustrated. There's a pair out there for everybody.

Avoid trendy embellishments like jewels, embroidery and decorative zippers. Rips and tears are a definite no! Remember this particular pair of jeans will be one of your wardrobe building blocks.

3. A Classic Long Sleeved Shirt
Check the fit at the shoulder and avoid any pulling or gaps in the front. Choose a fabric that suits your lifestyle. I love the durability and comfort of cotton. I love the fact that cotton/poly blends are easy to care for which means very little ironing. I love the rich feel and look of silk, but know it requires the most amount of care. (Luckily I have a fantastic affordable dry cleaner.) Again look for a color that flatters you, and makes you feel good. Some say that a basic white shirt is the ultimate building block of any wardrobe. It always looks fresh, professional, and is always appropriate!

4. A Classic Solid Tee
Surprised? No need to be. The classic T will look great under your suit jacket, or can stand alone over your suit trousers or jeans. You've got a ton of options; long sleeved short sleeved, capped sleeved, crew neck, V-neck. (Hint: when shopping for tees, consider how much of your arms you want to expose.) Please remember that I’ve specified a solid tee. That means no logos, advertising, or message tees.

5. The LBD (not to be confused with a cocktail dress)
The Little Black Dress can be dressed up or dressed down. It's ridiculously versatile. The perfect LBD is a dress that is appropriate day or night. Not only does it stand boldly on it's own, but can demurely go under your suit jacket, or go more casual when teamed with your long sleeved shirt. Avoid anything too short, too long, too tight, or too revealing (though a simple black camisole might take care of that.)

Your wardrobe should never put you into debt. My rule: Buy the best you can comfortably afford now. You may shop at one of the large retailers today, but in a few years be able to upgrade your basics at a specialty store or boutique.

These are my 5 Easy Pieces that I’ve sworn by for years. I've traveled with only these pieces in a carry on bag and have had many combinations at my disposal. They've worked for me and many of my friends whether they're fellow actors, homemakers, professionals or students. I'm sure they'll work for you.

Eventually you may want to expand your basic wardrobe and add the following staples:

A neutral colored Trench Coat
A Cardigan
A Turtleneck
A Pencil or A-Line Skirt
A great pair of Black Trousers (truly one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe)


There are so many choices available to you, so take your time shopping to find the best options for your figure, lifestyle and budget. Once you have your basics in place you’ll find that it’s very easy to continue to build a working wardrobe.


Check out the Shop Doc Podcast.
The current podcast has information on a hot long lasting lip color, an online shopping site where the clothing and accessories are sharp, edgy and European. You'll also get some practical advice for dressing for television appearances. Let's face it, more and more people are being called upon to appear in front of a camera.

Cornucopia

Cornucopia, An Hour of Storytelling and Other Delights for adults, features live music by String Planet with Novi & Larry, and terrific stories from D'Lo, Amy Stiller, Lupe Fernandez, Leo Baggerly, Tony & Donna Figueroa, and your host Ellen Switkes. Sunday Jan. 13, 2008 at 3:30 pm. Actors Workout Studio, 4735 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood 91602. Tickets are $8. Reservations encouraged 818.506.3903. Not for kids .
MySpace.com - Cornucopia

Hot Valley Writers

My story Abandonment Issues is in the Winter 2008 issue of Hot Valley Writers.

www.HotValleyWriters.com

In Solidarity


Tony Figueroa

Handwritten Theatre: On the record

Donna Allen-Figueroa is featured in

The First Handwritten Theatre Compilation CD
Four Women Each With a Drink in Her Hand
is now available.Four of the most popular monologues from the Handwritten Theatre podcasts are now available as a thematically linked CD. Spend an hour in the cocktail lounge of your mind with four women each with a drink in her hand and something important on her mind.

Perfect for the actress, writer, director or general theatre junky in your life. Click the title of this post, or point your browser to http://www.lulu.com/content/1705073 to order your copy now.

Four Women Each With a Drink in Her Handcontains

"I could tell you stories, but I don’t think you want to hear them."

"Leo speeds up when he sees a yard sale."

"I saw the obituary while I was recycling the newspapers."

and

"The swimming pool at the Econo-Lodge was empty."

"Santa Ho Ho No!"

Our Holiday Show is also the final episode of Season Two of Story Salon ON THE AIR. The theme is "Santa Ho Ho No" with Dan Tirman as our Featured Performer. Enjoy!

"Winn's 88 Blues" shot by Lance Anderson... Music by John O'Kennedy...

Recorded Live on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at The Coffee Fix in Studio City, California...

1:o3:22 / 58.1 MB / Rated: PG-13 (Some Adult Language and Themes)... Until we meet again in the New Year... "Thanks for the Download!"

Take Out Stories: Christmas Specials

We launch our Story Telling Podcasts with two holiday offerings.
Both stories are set at Christmas time in Puerto Rico.

First Donna has a story about why you should "Never name your food".

Then Tony recalls the first time he was "Santa's Helper".

Enjoy

Donna & Tony

YouTube - In solidarity

YouTube - In solidarity
by Tony Figueroa

Lets face it, nothing happens in Hollywood until a writer types the words FADE IN.

Comedy Callback - the Show (Nov. 2007) part 2

Comedy Callback - the Show (Nov. 2007) part 2

Every month or so I will pod cast an episode of Comedy Callback and during those weeks in between shows, I will be interviewing all sorts of people on the business of being funny. I’ll also be blogging and letting you know where you can find the funny.
If you have any thoughts or suggestions please drop me an ‘e’ at comedycallback@gmail.com.
And remember, life is short - so laugh hard!

Dan Farren

Part two of our show has a theme. I didn’t know it at the time, but I do now. Comedy and transportation.
Dylan Brody hits the road with a guy named “Doug”.
Beverly Mickins hits the road with Andre & Reggie.
And Tony Figueroa just hits the road thanks to a motorcycle accident.
Enjoy! Some mature language.

Story Salon Saturday (Saturday Night #2)

The second of our two shows recorded at the Coffee Fix in Studio City, California on Story Salon Saturday... Enjoy!

59:03 / 54.2 MB / Rated: R (Some Mature Content)

Story Salon Saturday (Saturday Night #1) CLICK PODCASTS

The first of our two shows recorded at the Coffee Fix in Studio City, California on Story Salon Saturday... Enjoy!

53:53 / 49.5 MB / Rated: R (Some Mature Content)

Story Salon Saturday (Friday Afternoon)

Story Salon Saturday opens on Friday afternoon (12am GMT) in a living room in Studio City, California. The producers of the show get together and share stories in an informal an intimate setting...

Please tell your own stories this Saturday and let us know if you do (storysalon@gmail.com).

Look for more posts throughout the day.

Thanks...39:50 / 37.6 MB / Rated: PG-13

Story Salon Saturday

Story Salon invites storytellers around the globe to fill the world with stories on Saturday, October 20th: Story Salon Saturday. Pick a time on that special Saturday to tell a story…to friends, to strangers, in a coffeehouse or your living room. Then send an email to storysalon@gmail.com and let us know what, where, and when you’re going to be joining storytellers around the world.

Listen in to Story Salon’s series of special podcasts to be posted throughout the day starting at 12:01 A.M. Saturday, October 20th (GMT) during which we’ll give a shout-out to every individual participate in the event.

www.storysalon.com

Special Summer Series: "All is Vanity"

The Second of our "Special Summer Series" recordings of Story Salon ON THE AIR. This month it is "All is Vanity." Our Featured Performer is writer, musician and radio presenter Julio Martinez. Enjoy!...

Recorded Live on Friday, July 13, 2007 at The Coffee Fix in Studio City, California...1:03:56 / 58.8 MB / Rated: PG-13 (Some Adult Language and Themes)...

Thanks for the Download!
Next Month's Featured Performer will be writer and podcaster Lance Anderson...

Tony Figueroa is "On The Lot"

TONY FIGUEROA
as the
"Tour Guide"
(Okay, "Himself")
Finally... all the
practical experience
has paid off!

On The Lot
Steven Spielberg &
Mark Burnett's new
reality show
Tuesday May 22nd 9PM
on FOX

Click here to see Tony Figueroa "On The Lot"

Commercial Representation
Pinnacle Commercial Talent
(323) 939-5440

Theatrical Representation
DALE GARRICK
INTERNATIONAL
(31O) 657-2661

childoftelevision.blogspot.com

March Madness

We continue to present our monthly "Friday Night Live" recordings of

This month it is "March Madness". Everything from drunken romps to stories of love. Our Featured Performer is Michael Lambert. Enjoy!...

Next Month's Featured Performer will be Marsha Clark (The Actress)...
Recorded Live on Friday, March 16, 2007 at The Coffee Fix in Studio City, California...

1:08 / 62.2 MB / Rated: PG-13 (Some Adult Language and Themes)...
Thanks for the Download!

“All’s Fair in Love…” (CLICK PODCAST)

“All’s Fair in Love…”
February 26th 2007 Posted in Podcast
We continue to present our monthly “Friday Night Live” recordings of Story Salon ON THE AIR. For the month of February all of our stories are about love. From romps with cowboys to heartfelt tales of family. Our Featured Performer is the one and only Dan Klass of The Bitterest Pill. Enjoy!…

Next Month’s Featured Performer will be Michael Lambert…
Recorded Live on Friday, February 16, 2007 at The Coffee Fix in Studio City, California…
53.52 / 49.4 MB / Rated: PG-13 (Some Adult Language and Themes)…
Thanks for the Download!

Story Salon: ON THE AIR... Appreciations

We kick off "Season Two" of the Story Salon Podcast (Story Salon: ON THE AIR) with a show filled with "Appreciations". Everyone from Muhammad Ali to Filmmaker Robert Altman. Our Featured Perfomer is Emmy Award winning writer, Joseph Dougherty. Joe talks about how Ray Bradbury has been a life long influence.... The first episode of our monthly "Friday Night Live" recordings features just a sample of the most compelling stories that have been told during our regular Wednesday Night shows. Enjoy!...

Next Month's Featured Performer will be Dan Klass... Blog Art shot by Joseph Dougherty...

Recorded Live on Friday, January 26, 2007 at The Coffee Fix in Studio City, California...

52.50 / 48.5 MB / Rated: PG-13...

Thanks for the Download!

Handwritten Theatre Sixteen: "I think it went well."

A Series of Brief Dramatic Pieces originally Composed in a Small Black Notebook with a Fountain Pen by Joseph Dougherty

More communication from the corporate world. Coincidence? You be the judge. Handwritten Theatre Sixteen: "I think it went well." Performed by Tony Figueroa

Running Time: 5:22 All Audiences.

Handwritten Theatre Fourteen: "I saw the obituary while I was recycling the newspapers."

A Series of Brief Dramatic Pieces originally Composed in a Small Black Notebook with a Fountain Pen by Joseph Dougherty

A cold, rainy, winter night in Los Angeles and a friend comes over late to see you. There's something she needs to talk about. You give her a glass of wine and sit down with her. She talks, you listen.
Handwritten Theatre Fourteen: "I saw the obituary while I was recycling the newspapers." Performed by Donna Allen-Figueroa