mikemitchelljr.com

So, I arrived in Japan, Narita airport, around 5p on July 22, 2010. I am contracted to be here until April 1, 2011.

It sounds like an eternity. But, if I’ve learned nothing else thus far in my life, it is that time really does fly!

I quickly became overwhelmed once I realized I was asked to come early before the initial contract start date to fill-in for someone–meaning I had to learn the show in only 3 rehearsals as apposed to the usual 3 weeks! Choreography has always been my weakest suit. And the singers in the show Big Band Beat “move” a lot more than I was anticipating. LOL.

And if that wasn’t enough, I started getting sick. My voice left me! I’m not sure where it went. But, it was no longer with me. All top notes and falsetto–GONE! My stress level was on the rise. They recommended an ENT specialist with whom I made the earliest appointment. I had a picture of my vocal chords taken [for the first time] and was diagnosed with a bronchial infection and my chords were swollen due to that compounded with the fatigue and jet-lag of traveling. I was prescribed 5 different sets of pills. 2 cough suppressants, an anti-inflamatory, an antibiotic for the infection, and a steroid. I would be taking 4 pills every 3 hours and the steroid in the mornings for 3 days only.

Well, it’s Sunday, and my voice is back! We have a dress rehearsal tonight, and I debut TOMORROW!! I’m no longer nervous and/or overwhelmed, but excited and anxious! It’s going to be a great show! Everyone is so talented and sweet. I’m looking forward to the short 8 months of Big Band Beat that lie ahead!

The album is finally complete and available for sale on iTUNES and Amazon.com!!!
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=327979116&s=143441
Please rate, comment, and spread the word!!!

Seeing as though there is no actual “hard copy” of the album, I wanted to take a moment to write an “album insert” if you will, giving credit to the studio(s) and/or musician(s) that help make this possible.

SO LONG, OUT THE WINDOW, ROOM 322, UNSOLVED, COURTNEY-SUE, I’M NOT SURE, MY SONG, & JENNIE:
Written by Mike Mitchell Jr / All Vocals by Mike Mitchell Jr / Recorded & Mixed on Garageband by Mike Mitchell Jr

NOW I KNOW
Written by Mike Mitchell Jr / All Vocals by Mike Mitchell Jr / Recorded at Wolf Den Studios in Tulsa, OK /
Mixed by Robert “Big Wolf” Rogers / Acoustic Guitar by Ryan Redding

THE CHANCE, AS FOOLISH AS I, & AGAIN:
Written by Mike Mitchell Jr / All Vocals by Mike Mitchell Jr / Recorded at The Smooth Spot in New York City /
Mixed by Michael Kevin Walsh / Grand Piano by Mike Mitchell Jr

So, Just to update this thing–since it’s been a while–I recorded VO for Goldman Sach’s Investment Bank the other day. I made my month’s rent in about an hour. That’s always nice! And bonus for wearing ANYTHING I wanted! I love these VO gigs. I was in flip-flops, jeans, AND A HAT!

Also, I gave my website a little pick-me-up! Hope ya like? It’s a little more cohesive, I feel. I’m happy with it for now.

 And lastly, but definitely not least, my album AROUND THE CORNER has officially been submitted to iTUNES. ::CROSS FINGERS:: nothing goes wrong.  It doesn’t seem like a September release is possible, but at this point…I’m glad it’s out of my hands! Pscheww.

Lataz.

So, We just wrapped production on the pilot episode of the TV Show I wrote!

I was lucky to have amazing actors on board that donated their time and brilliance to the project!

James, my director/editor friend is busy editing it as we speak. I can NOT wait to see the finished product. Then will come the daunting task of trying to get a network to even listen. Either way–I’m happy with it and would not take back this past weekend for anything. 12/13-hr days, 4 days, 40 scenes, countless locations!! WRAPPED! Feels good.

As for VO–been freelancing with Access Talent–a very reputable voice over agency here in New York City. I just had an audition for McDonald’s radio the other day and got pooped on by a giant bird on the way! They say that’s good luck–so we’ll see if I get the job.

And lastly, but certainly not lease…I’m self-releasing my first album on iTUNES on 9/9/09!!! I chose that date b/c I needed enough time to get it in order, September is my birth-month, and 9/9/09 is a cool, easy number people can remember It’s gonna be about 11 tracks of all original music of course. 4 of them I recorded at the Smooth Spot Recording studio in NYC a couple years ago, 1 from Wolf Den Studios in TUlsa, OK a few years back, and the rest all new from Garageband (I’m just now mastering more and more each day!)

There is currently a facebook “EVENT” for it. SO, if you are on facebook, look me up and friend request me and I’ll send you the link so you can be sure to be reminded of it’s release! The album is titled “Around the Corner.” As I hope so many things are just around the corner.

‘Till next time…

Love,
me

It’s been a while since I’ve written anything.  Funny how so many journal entries begin with “It’s been a while.”

Anyway, the Junie B. Jones tour is going well.  The itinerary is the best part.  I’m getting to see California for the first time and Vegas here I come!  Matthew Schatz, who plays Herb, is leaving the tour for personal reasons, and his replacement, Aaron Keller should be joining us on the 18th.

In other news, the other day I got a call from a Melissa from Access Talent.  It is a pretty reputable voice over agency, who got my information from Robin Carus (former casting director at Theatreworks USA), and they are very interested in meeting with me upon my return to NYC in June!  I’m very excited about this development.  I’ve always wanted to do voice over work.  It is actually the first professional thing I ever did in my career.  When I was 13, I did voice over for a Footlocker commercial!

Also, Jim Daly, my agent from BlocNYC, says that Binder Casting is interested in seeing me for the role of C.C. in Dreamgirls.  A few entries back, I remember writing about having to turn down that role, offered to me by the Palace Theatre in New Hampshire, to do Chuckleball at the Snapple Theatre in NYC.  I joked about maybe getting the chance to play the role someday on a bigger scale.  I really hope that could be coming true!!

Stay tuned.  More to come…

So, yesterday I had a meeting with Jim Daly, a talent agent with BlocNYC.

After about 20 minutes, I whipped out 32 bars of Being Alive, followed by a 2 min. serio-comic monologue.

We talked some more and then I was given a contract! Woo hoo!

Well, I’m off for a meeting with a manager from Serendipity Entertainment. Let’s see if lightening can strike twice.

So, I’ve actually had an idea for a television show for quite some time now.

And I’ve finally written the entire pilot episode, a treatment, and a couple subsequent episodes.

My friend, James Papadopoulos, a fairly successful, freelance editor, director, producer, has agreed to help me shoot the pilot!

Most recent developments include James locating a company willing to loan us camera and lighting equipment in exchange for a “cut of future profits,” as well as someone who may be able to shop around our finished product!!

I’ve almost cast the entire episode using extremely talented actor friends, and I spent the day with James yesterday going over the script in detail, and discussing things like insurance, expenses, and a shooting schedule.

I’m very excited that what was once a mere idea in my brain, is now a script, a cast, and a possible future!!

STAY TUNED!

tentative title: the boys who brunch (registered with the writers guild of america #1290989)

For the sports fanatics out there:

I probably lived a lot of guys’ dream yesterday. I had to write a post about this.
I understand the opportunity was wasted on someone a little undeserving/appreciative, and for that I really am truly sorry. Haha.

As someone who doesn’t really care about sports or know anything about sports, I wasn’t even aware of how fortunate I was until it was all over.

Chuckleball was asked to perform at the annual Yogi Berra Museum Golf Outing. It was held at this beautiful country club in Mont Claire, NJ, at $2,500/plate, for the Yogi Berra Museum.

I was singing, literally, 2 feet away from a table that had Rudy Guiliani, Yogi Berra, Don Mattingly & Co. seated around it.

There was a picture taken with the cast and Yogi that I will post shortly.

I have since been schooled on the legend that is Yogi berra, and in retrospect am very honored to have been apart of the event. Also, another exciting part of the evening was getting a plate of the Steak that everyone else paid $2500 for.

Regardless of my lack of knowledge or interest in baseball, I did know it was a special day when I saw Rudy Guliani smiling at me as I sang to him. After all, I do live in the city he turned around!

So, the Freedom Train tour came to it’s end on May 2, 2008. I’ve since been back in NYC, currently living in Washington Heights. It sure is far, but beautiful. It’s by far the largest apartment I’ve lived in NY. You definitely get more for your buck up here.
I’ve been on quite a few auditions (about 10), with about a 60% callback rate (about 6). The callbacks make me feel like I’m not completely senile in thinking I can do this thing, but at the same time, they don’t pay the bills. I would LOVE a job right now!!! I’m financially and artistically starved!

The closest and most amazing things I’ve come to tasting thus far is the role of Simba for Disney’s Hong Kong show/Cruise Line and most recently, a callback from Tara Rubin Casting for “Pepper” in the Broadway production of Mamma Mia! The ship would be a great way to save money and see the Bahamas and well, I don’t have to explain why Broadway would be the ultimate!!!

I’m extremely terrified about my callback for Mamma Mia! because the dance cut is first at 10a. I am a “singer who moves well!” NOT a dancer! Hahaha. This is the reason I DID NOT go to the dance call. However, I suppose this is necessary. I mean, from what I know, Mamma Mia! does have some dancing in it. They sent me the sides and I’m as ready as I can be. Justin Senense, a great friend I’ve made from the show Chuckleball, has been called back by them in the past and is 10X the “dancer” I am, and has agreed to show me the combination. Let’s pray this helps me!!!

So, that’s the update. Just here, in the waiting room, hoping for my number to be called soon. I’ll take all the prayers you have time to make.

Love,
~me

So, tour began the morning of January 14th (my brother’s birthday–happy birthday, Matt!)

Here we are 5 days later, and the cast already knows way too much about eachother, and we’ve already done way too many shows it seems.  We are all exhausted.  We joke that it feels as though we’ve been on tour for MONTHS already!
Luckily, we have 4 days of relaxation.  I’m currently back in NYC for 2 days, and we head out Monday morning to Alabama.  Monday and Tuesday are both travel days and we won’t have a show again until Wednesday.

But, with all that said, and all the complaining and exhaustion, it does feel REALLY good to do theater that means something.  It’s one thing to get paid to do what I love, but to actually have the opportunity to tell an important story such as this one, adds a whole other level to it.  The show is very physical and when my legs and back hurt, I just remember how the slaves didn’t have icy-hot to use afterwards, or knee pads, or gel soles in their shoes to absorb the shock of jumping.

I’m really blessed and I’m very grateful for this opportunity.  I love the cast (if any of you are reading this–SERIOUSLY, we lucked out! That van would feel a lot smaller with any other people!), I love the show, I love the story we’re telling, and I love that I’m living my dream!

TTYS!