Honored to announce that my play, "Miss Keller's Second Book" is a Semi-Finalist in this year's Eugene O'Neill National Playwrights Conference. The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center is the country’s preeminent organization dedicated to the development of new works and new voices for the American theater. The O’Neill has been home to more than 1,000 new works for the stage and 2,500 emerging artists. Scores of projects developed at the O’Neill have gone on to full production at other theaters around the world, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, and major regional theaters.

In "Miss Keller's Second Book," it’s been nearly 50 years since the notoriously reclusive Agnes Keller published her first and only book. Now, with her protective sister recently deceased, Agnes must face the pressures from outside her small sanctuary as she grapples with the inevitability of change, the tangled tethers of family, and the question of an artist’s obligation to the world.

My latest play, "Miss Keller's Second Book," was announced as a finalist in Chicago's Route 66 "Test Drive" New Play Workshop today, and I'm so happy about it! I was just working on a new draft of this one, and it's so encouraging to get this kind of validation to keep working on it.

Route 66 Theatre Company introduces, develops, produces, and exports new work for the stage that embrace the American spirit of exploration and risk.

Here's the synopsis for "Miss Keller's Second Book:"
It’s been nearly 50 years since the notoriously reclusive Agnes Keller published her first and only book. Now, with her protective sister recently deceased, Agnes must face the pressures from outside her small sanctuary as she grapples with the inevitability of change, the tangled tethers of family, and the question of an artist’s obligation to the world.

Many thanks to Literary Manager Frances Limoncelli and everyone at Route 66 Theatre Company!

Written and directed by talented SNL writer Chris Kelly, "Other People" is a wonderful indie film starring Jesse Plemons, Molly Shannon, Bradley Whitford, and more. It also has the honor of being one of the opening night films in the 2016 Sundance Film Festival in January! [UPDATE AS OF 2/24/16: THIS FILM WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING VIA NETFLIX SOMETIME THIS FALL.]

I had the fun of playing Cathy Columbo, a woman who inadvertently interrupts a very important family moment. It's a small role but it was a blast, and I can't wait to see this one. Congrats to the cast and crew!

Jesse Plemons and Molly Shannon in "Other People"  (image: Sundance Film Festival)

I'm delighted to announce my relationship with Eileen O'Farrell Management. Working closely with my agents Craig Holzberg and Stephany Burns and their team at Avalon Artists Group, Eileen and her associate Linda McCreary will be using their expertise and industry knowledge to help guide my TV & film career.

I'm thrilled to be working with them, and look forward to many productive and lucrative years together. Eileen O'Farrell Management is reached at 818-985-3136.

What an honor! I've been invited to join The Playwrights Union, which is a collective of theater artists writing for stage, tv, and film, who provide a community of professional and personal support for each other in Los Angeles. Membership is limited to thirty playwrights and "extended to those who demonstrate dedication and ambition as writers, as well as a spirit of generosity toward their colleagues." 

I look forward to working with and being inspired by these talented and prolific writers. A huge thanks to the membership for the inclusion.

Perhaps you're reading this blog from a homey spot in Hamilton, Ontario. Or maybe you're perched someplace lovely in Perth, Australia. It's possible you're wishing you had something new and truly fun to look forward to. What a crazy coincidence: y'all are in luck!

My short film "Open House" is an official selection in The Hamilton Comedy Film Festival (Oct 1-3, 2015) and Australia's 18th Over The Fence Comedy Film Festival (Oct 23-25, 2015 in Perth, plus a tour throughout Australia in 2016)! Both these festivals promise nothing but hilarity and joy. And don't we all need just a bit more hilarity and joy right now, for heaven's sake?

Yes. Yes, we do.

If you're able to attend either of these fun-fests, please clap and cheer extra loudly for "Open House" -- the quirky little short that could!  (And if you happen to be able to attend both these festivals, you are the focus of my extreme jealousy, so, congrats!)

Take a look at the trailer for the "Documentary Now!" episode 4, "The Eye Doesn't Lie" with Fred Armisen, Dale Dickey, and featuring my exquisite eye shadow:

That little neckerchief bit on the blouse was detachable, y'all. They do not make them like that anymore. And by that I mean I think they are not allowed to make that "fabric" from so many 2-liter Pepsi bottles anymore. Like, it might be against the law now. But, still. DETACHABLE.

Be sure to watch Thursday, Sept 10 on IFC. Only two more episodes in this first amazing season of the show!