As Producing Artistic Director/Superman, I wear many hats. One of those hats is of course, Producing. Another hat would be Artistic Director.  Of course, sometimes there comes a time to take my PJI hats “OFF!” and put on a couple of other hats- those hats that constitute your classic “Triple Threat.”

February of two-thousand ten is just such a time for taking HATS! off. In the interest of promoting my abilities to the greater Philadelphia community, I’m posting my headshot and resume! But watch out, Philadelphia theatre! I’ve already sent hard copies of these bad boys to both the Arden Theatre Company and 1812 Productions! I’m no fortune teller (one can only wear so many hats!!!!) but I’m pretty sure that once those envelopes get opened I will be the hottest ticket on Broad Street (Look out, Ben Dibble)! I say play it safe: book now, or forever hold your peace.

HEADSHOT

RESUME

Hey everyone! It’s Alexis! As you may or may not know, I’m a graduate of the Arden Professional Apprenticeship. In its 17th year, the APA Program is one of the most distinguished theatre training programs in the country. Apprentices spend a 10-month season with the Arden working in every aspect of the company’s fday-to-day operations. Distinguished alum include the Technical Director of the Wilma, the founder of Azuka Theatre Company, and Grammy-award winning artist Jill Scott.

I recently had a chance to sit down with the current class and ask them a few questions about how it’s going so far. I’m told it’s the first episode in a series that will span the entire year. Sure, they look fresh-faced NOW- but just wait until December (two words: Popcorn. Machine.)

If you’re still craving more info about the APA Program, click your linkies here. And be sure to check out www.ardentheatre.org for information on upcoming shows and events.

Thanks to all who attended PJI’s GALA! It was a night of comedy, laughs, comedy laughs, jokes, spinning wheels, comedy jokes, and a clown on crutches.

We could write a whole entry about everything that happened at GALA. But as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words- especially when you are the kind of writer that uses the same words over and over. So instead of 20,000 words (19,000 of which are either “comedy” or “butt-noodle”) , here are a bunch ‘o pictures, taken by cameras. Probably.

Jack Larson and Hope Harvey are All Over! the Barrymore Awards.

Hope and Jack have “TMF” with perennial Barrymore nominee Ben Dibble.

PJI Producing Artistic Director/Superman Alexis Simpson. In a fancy dress!

Stand-up comedian and stand-up dude Luke Giordano

Local clown Kristen Schier ensures all are amused and/or terrified.

Local sensation Jaime Fountaine hosting the Rant-O-Wheel.

PJI fan Raisha Price is the first to brave the mighty wrath of the Rant-O-Wheel!

Many entered the Rant-O-Wheel contest, but there could be only one winner. Contestants wove tragic tales of pinkie toes, stealing ceramic horses, and Gary Busey’s real estate bum deal. In the end, no one could deny the tale of a saucy make-out session with Kanye West its day in the sun! Congratulations, Meg Walsh!

File Photo of Rant-o-Wheel winner Meg Walsh.

We’re gonna let you finish, but Beyonce really deserved to win.

Be on the lookout for more live comedy events from PJI, including an improv show based on Mike Connor’s Travelogues. Until then – happy joking!