What happens next?

Actually, I am hoping to land a job in my field(s) in Toronto, either at a radio station (preferably talk radio) or newspaper, though my first love will still be acting and comedy. You may click on any of these to see my resume for each area. In the summer of 1998, I actually was on the air at CFRB 1010, as a finalist in the annual "It's My Talk Show" contest. Out of a field of hundreds, I finished a close second. SECOND! Not bad, eh? (Of course, that and a toonie will get you on the subway....) 

I did my first Toronto TV spot, a guest appearance on YTV's System Crash, which aired early in March of 1999, followed by another spot in October of that year. I also did my first musical in years (and my first RAPPER part ever!!!) for Trinity Theatre's production of Job and the Snake in November, 1999. (Hey, I warned them that a 40 year old white Jewish guy was not the best choice for a rapper, but they insisted!) 

In 2000, I did two System Crash guest episodes, and in 2001, THREE MORE! I also had a lead in a Neil Simon play, Laughter On The 23rd Floor, and garnished very good reviews. You will be seeing photos from this play shortly, once they are scanned in. Actually, once I find them. (I got a scanner in early 2002 though I am still unsure as to how it works.)

I discovered that I have a hidden talent as a proofreader/editor, and from June to October 2000, was a full-time proofreader at Transcontinental Digital Services, which for me was the most rewarding non-acting position I ever had. I was also the editor/proofreader for the program book at the 2001 Toronto Jewish Film Festival, where I acquitted myself admirably, even if the job was too short. In November 2001, I landed an assignment in my field, as a proofreader at Que Net Media. These places have recommended me to anyone who will listen. With any luck, my future employer will discover that they can't live without me, and both parties will benefit greatly.

My biggest "break", if you will, came in the spring of 2002, where I landed a three-year part-time contract for RoadInfo, where I announce the major road closures in Toronto. The advantages of this job are numerous: I set my own hours, more or less (except for emergencies due to weather or really bad accidents); I work at home, usually without pants (those of you who know me well know how important that is to me); I have a pager paid for by the company; and I have my medications and most dental work covered, situations I am not used to. In any case, this is by far the longest job I have had yet, and I intend to keep it until 2006 (my contract was extended for another year), and hopefully beyond!

At the same time, I convinced a doctor, who was always asking me why I was peering through newspapers and magazines (to check for errors), to try me out as a proofreader. Using my skills, I helped him turn his reports into proper English (without, I pointed out, knowing a thing about the medical terminology). Although just a few hours a week, that job too has been steady, and may expand as well in the new year.

I do also take occasional related jobs, such as in November-December of 2002, when I was a marker for the Ontario high school literacy tests. Although I did well (they extended my contract), I was shocked and appalled to see the low standards of spelling and grammar that have permeated our schools. That is, until I remembered that this was the result of Tory cutbacks. Now it all makes sense. And woe betide us. But that's another story.

Of course, I will continue auditioning for any other openings in theatre, television and film. However, due to a recent lack of  inspiration, dedication, and a good agent, the much-anticipated comedy monologue/routine has been pushed back a while. But it WILL happen! Watch this space! (Maybe this year?)

I also have done research for enough material to fill three Star Trek trivia books. All I need now is a publisher who can guide me through the process (that agent thing would help here as well). So in the near future, you may see me on TV, in film, on stage, or in print, as well as on  radio. "Be seeing you!"

Click on the Jester to return to my home page.

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