I am well into rehearsals for a new play called Strange Gods, a drama that deals with Roman Catholicism, the Church, its traditions and how the institution conducts itself in day-to-day life. I am playing Fr. Karl Henshaw, a parish priest who is frank, irascible, prone to gossip and using some colourful expressions. Despite being known as "Hacksaw Henshaw" by Separate School students, Fr. Henshaw is a good judge of character. I am eagerly taking up the challenge of developing the character of Fr. Henshaw. I was surprised when the director saw fit to cast me on the spot at the audition late last November. Normally one expects to have to wait for a call back before getting cast.

Last year I played Rev. Arthur Beebe in a production of A room with a view. I generally got favourable comments on my performance, people noting marked improvement since I undertook some private coaching sessions with Jim McNabb, a respected actor and drama teacher here in Ottawa. Still, there is always room for improvement. I am told by my best friend and confidant, Mika Kocks, that my acting technique can still use some refinement. I honestly appreciate constructive criticism, as hard as it is to hear at times, because without it there would be no improvement in performance. I hope with more experience on stage and more training I can refine my technique and succeed in getting cast in productions put on by some of the higher end theatre companies in Ottawa. Time will tell.