Earlier this year, I leaped into the professional acting world by auditioning for a play at the Lab Theater Project, a small theater in Tampa with an off-Broadway vibe. The Lab Theater Project produces original works through a collaborative effort between the playwright, director, creative director and actors. 

The process includes a few read-throughs before production begins to give the playwright time to revise the play based on feedback from the team. It’s an interesting process which provided a wonderful learning experience for this newbie professional actor. 

Another exciting bonus in participating in the world-premiere of COOLER, my name appears in the published script as the original cast, which feels like seeing my name in lights!

After final edits, production for the world premiere of COOLER by Craig Houk began in early April and we hit the ground running. 

COOLER introduces audiences to two legendary actors. Oscar-winner Jack Dunn returns from self-imposed exile in Alaska to face his oldest frenemy, Wade Henry, at his home in Connecticut. What begins as a nostalgic poker night spirals into a sharp, booze-fueled showdown where grudges are laid bare and legacies are up for grabs. 

COOLER reveals a darkly funny and gripping discourse about aging, ambition, and the roles we play when no one’s watching.

For my first professional appearance, I play two roles: Delia Sabatini, an elderly Italian neighbor and Judith Williams, Jack’s old lover, who returns to uncover past horrors.

COOLER was well-received by audiences. Jason (Jack), Kyle (Wade), Hippie (Wade – Understudy) and I loved hearing the laughs and gasps from the audience as the the plot unfolded. But more importantly, the playwright loved how his work came to life on stage.

While COOLER closed on June 1, the play is now available to watch online until June12. By purchasing an On-Demand ticket at LabTheaterProject.org, audiences can watch and re-watch Cooler at their convenience. On-Demand also allows for rewinding and frequent pausing snack and potty breaks.

On-demand tickets for COOLER are $35 with fees. Purchase your On-Demand Cooler Ticket by clicking here.

How to Host a COOLER Watch Party

After you purchase your On-Demand COOLER Ticket, you might as well try your luck at hosting a COOLER watch party with friends.

Prepare your buffet by throwing a green tablecloth onto a table. For added flare, fan out a deck of cards and toss in some poker chips. Add some dimension and height to the décor by placing a small red cooler full of ice in the middle of buffet as a centerpiece and fill it to the brim with readily available chilled beverages your guests.

Once your guests shuffle in, just keep dealing out the drinks and nibbles as you and your friends sink your teeth into COOLER.

Below are some menu item ideas that will pair perfectly with your COOLER Watch Party.

Drinks

• Bourbon/Alcohol-Free Bourbon 
• Beer
• Athletic Non-Alcolic Beer
• Coke

Eats

• Shrimp Cocktail
• Cheese and Crackers
• Meatballs
• Mini Baby Bells (Poker Chips)
• Ghost Pepper Wings 
• Deviled Eggs
• Trail mix
• Snowball Cookies
• Baked Alaska

Support the Lab Theater Project and the world-premiere of COOLER by hosting a watch party. I’m dying to hear what you think!