Rat Rios

I have some news to share that I’m very excited about: The Cold Plunge, a radio play written and directed by Sunny Bleckinger IS OUT IN THE WORLD!

I invite you to listen to this absurdist comedy drama that is so deeply human and heartwarming/breaking, so utterly strange at times you’re like, “Wait, come again?” but with it all so purposeful and CORRECT and fitting nicely like a favorite sweater.

Voicing Myrna was a highlight of my artistic career. (I seriously had so much fun, I wish I could do things like this everyday.) This was one of the projects that got me through a very tough year, and I’d like to think I helped get Myrna get through the murkiness as she did with me. Thank you Sunny for entrusting me to portray her.

You can find all four episodes on any podcast platforms! Also can we get three cheers for radio plays? MORE OF EM PLEASE!

Original artwork by Dan Gluibizzi

KOALLABY’S PLAYING A SHOW AND YOU’RE INVITED!

One of the musical projects I’m a part of ✨KOALLABY✨ is throwing a show at Framework Saturday, Jan 10th! We have the very cool Brites joining us on the bill, and a very, very special guest Sudie flying in all the way from ATLANTA to grace us with their musical artistry. I have known Sudie since 2009 and we haven’t played a show together in far too long. I personally guarantee your socks will be blown off. (Peep these photos of us from 10ish years ago 😭)

There is a $10 suggested donation, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Come hang out!!!! Doors open 7:30pm with music starting at 8pm. BYOB!!!! Flyer by me!!!!

Does this photo of a Lonestar precariously close to the Juno-6 make you as anxious as it does me? Are you wondering why I would post this photo of me performing in the dead of winter when it’s currently so dang hot outside? Does the heavy coat make your forehead start to sweat? Do you love me? Could you learn to love me?

Anyway, guess what?! GUUUEESSSS WHAT? Shaking the Tree Theatre is having its 21st birthday party on Saturday, July 20th and yours truly will be playing a Rat Rios solo set.

The two productions I’ve done with Shaking the Tree have forever altered my DNA and have allowed me to grow as an artist, performer, and human. I deeply love this theatre and I hope you’ll come out to celebrate with us. Tickets are absolutely free with RSVP - link to those tickets are in my bio.

I’ll see you there so I can threateningly gaze into your eyes while I sing about going insane. Awww. So sweet! 🥲

Photo by

I have spent the last two months crafting this magical, tragic — (dare I say TRAGICAL?) — absurd, sinister, and delightful piece of theatre with the best group of people at Shaking the Tree. My flabber do be gasted by the sheer amount of trust present in the room to not shy away from achieving our wildest dreams, to dare to try (and sometimes fail), and to see just exactly what we can get away with. Feeling safe enough to play and fully explore is a huge testament to the team of people involved, all of whom I love and respect dearly. It has been a beautiful process and I think we dance between macabre and charming quite well.

The magic within this show does not fully activate without you, our audience. You are essential. What you, individually, bring into the space has a profound effect on Briana and I, which is the most electrifying thing about live theatre. What you believe is tantamount to what is the truth of this story. I am so proud of our work and I really, truly, wholly hope you are able to join us for a performance.

The Brother and the Bird runs throughout May 18th. Ticket link is in my bio.

All photos are by the talented

(P.S. I love you Sam)

Picture this: it’s Saturday 3/30 in Portland, Oregon. Spring is in full swing as trees are budding with green, blooms are waking up from their botanical cocoons ready to stretch their petals, and we’ve entered that sweet spot in the season. You know what I’m talking about…the sweet spot where the breeze still requires a sweater, but when the sun shines at full blast, your skin momentarily ripples with goose flesh as it adjusts to the warmth and something is activated deep in your core. So back to Saturday in spring: you’ve had a really good day. You’ve spent time doing something you love, you’ve eaten a meal that makes your taste buds feel like they’ve just entered a dream, and you’ve witnessed a really gorgeous sunset with someone whose company you like. Dusk rolls around and you’re wanting to continue this day of celebration, so you decide to stroll on over to Star Day Tavern. What’s this you hear? Music coming from the bar? But shoot! You don’t have money for the cover. Oh? This show is free? Well how about that.

Just like the tulips blooming in my garden, a brand new baby blooming band called Koallaby is make its first appearance into the world. I would so love for you to be there and witness our AWAKENING! We are sharing the bill with (who has some wonderful guests and ._ playing with them) and . Music starts at 9pm. I will serenade you. See you there.

SHOW ALERT!!!!

On a warm summer’s night in August, the breeze was a-blowin, the crickets were a-chirpin, and I joined a new band. We have crowned ourselves KOALLABY and have our first show SATURDAY, MARCH 30TH AT 9PM at . We are sharing the bill with and and could not be more stoked. AND GUESS WHAT THE BEST PART IS? IT’S FREE. THAT’S RIGHT, you get aaaaaaaaall this for free. WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE!!!!! You simply must be there. 21+

We opened Young Americans by Lauren Yee at a year ago! This play was my entire life for 5 months, and Lucy remains a part of my DNA forever. I absorbed her. is doing a festival weekend (starting today!) of three of Lauren Yee’s new plays, so you should definitely check them out.

I just sent off a big, scary audition. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted something as badly as this one…🤮🤢🫠🫨🤧🤕 Don’t ask me about it, because I won’t tell you. Lol. I’m out of my comfort zone already just admitting that I want something badly.

Thanks to Rob for always doing the absolute most for me last minute.

Stills from Further In. You can watch the whole film on my website. Link is in my bio.

Shooting this film with such a great crew was a deeply special experience for me.

Always learning, always getting better.

Blood Wedding by Federico García Lorca at Shaking The Tree Theatre. We run until November 11th. Tickets are going faster than my super ability to eat an entire wheel of vegan cheese in record time. Faster than Rasmus is to christen the litter box mere moments after I clean it. Faster than a knife fight in a phone booth. Faster than a person can clutch their pearls when they see a monkey riding an alligator. Faster than a bad batch of spoiled curry can go right through you. Faster than it took you to read this entire thing.

https://www.shaking-the-tree.com/tickets.html

Photo by Gary Norman.