The E Word

There's nothing like writing an audition notice to get my theatre juices flowing. I can't wait to get in a room full of talented people and play! What will happen? Magic, I'm sure - in ways I can't imagine or plan for.

Speaking of not imagining or planning for something: I went to the Texas Freedom Network's holiday party at Donn's Depot. They're a great group of people, and I was having a wonderful time drinking Fireman's Four on them. Then someone came by and pushed the blackjack table they'd scheduled. OK - why not? I joined the already full table as an observer. Everyone was in great spirits. And it didn't take me long to realize the dealer was top notch.

Of course, this was a corporate holiday party, where a lot of people didn't know each other, so they had name tags. I had written my first and last name on mine. What does this have to do with blackjack? All of a sudden, the dealer said "Sharon Sparlin! I'm Russ." (His nametag only said Russ, so I knew this already. What was his point, I thought to myself.) It was Russ Wiseman of the Dougherty Art Center. I had just booked his space for the auditions a few days earlier. Austin is truly a small town.

If anyone needs a good blackjack dealer - hire him (off hours only, of course).