Guest Blog!

Happy Thanksgiving, readers! I know every year I think to myself how thankful I am to be part of such a wonderful show manned (and womanned) by such a hard-working cast and crew. Our latest guest blog is our first from an actor on the show: James, who plays Sebastian. He's one of our longest-running cast members ever, having joined the show by chance when his roommate freshman year pulled him onto set as an extra. A few well-delivered lines later, his frat boy character had a name and a permanent role on the show. James is a pleasure to work with, and often stops by the set on Tuesdays when he isn't shooting to see what goes on outside the fraternity at BHC.

James on set, freshman year, the crack den.

Picture a typical night in Allston. College kids are drunkenly pitching across the deck of the street as if auditioning for a sequel to The Perfect Storm. I'm sidling into a back alley with the intention of desecrating another brick-laden wall, but before I can so much as attempt to relieve myself, a hoodie approaches.

Despite his tenous grasp on mechanical motion, I'm slightly alarmed. I ponder the preponderence of knifings in the area, but the only thing set upon me as this stranger closes the distance is a hissed question of desperation: "hey man, got any bud?"

Unfortunately for Alexis, Sebastian is all out...for now.

I've had this happen to me before. People assume that Sebastien, the friendly neighborhood drug dealer, was simply typecast. He's obviously in the know: I mean, look at those rolled blunts! His wicked sense of meth preparation! Those bloodshot eyes!

Well, first of all: I wear contacts, guy! I get tired at night! As if the perilous nature of showing up on set without my lines memorized isn't enough, I also have to deal with these jerks on my Friday and Saturday nights. On set or off makes no difference - it's obvious that pitfalls abound. Good thing I learned constant vigilance from Mad-Eye Moody!

James and Chris, partners in crime, early junior year.

But I've gotten myself sidetracked. I set out to tell one story and got lost in another. So batten down the hatches! What I wanted to say was this: yes, if you follow Bay State, you'll know that my friendly dealer of a character was wanted for murder for a few episodes...but how else could the writers explain me going abroad? Conceivable alternatives were in short supply. But while I was overseas, I realized a thing or two about my life at BU. One of the realizations I came to was my love for Bay State, and for the people who are involved with it. I hold no great store in my own abilities as an actor - in fact, I think the quality of the acting shot up dramatically in my absence (and I do believe there was a correlation).

James and Chris, senior year, their characters now running the new fraternity at BHC.

With that being said, I was overjoyed to return to the cast and crew this semester. From my wonderful executive producers down to the poor souls on boom; from my freshman year roommate and accomplice in crime, Chris Bell (Davis), to the wonderful newcomers; in short, I am a lucky guy to have met them one and all. I enjoy everything about the show...and I hope you do too.

James on set on an off day, supporting the cast and crew.

Thanks for blogging, James! Stay classy.

Have a wonderful holiday break everyone! We'll be back in the studio next Tuesday, perhaps even shooting a certain 118 scene that cannot wait ANY longer.

I know what you're thinking: Episode 118?! Already?! But next semester is coming quickly, and we had a great writers' meeting last Sunday night to discuss the rest of the season and draw up a treatment for 118. We're bringing back an old favorite set or two, and getting out of the dorms for a little while. It's been about ten episodes since we've done something as crazy as we're about to do--but who would we be if we weren't constantly pushing the limits of the show? It's going to be epic, as per usual.

I'd call to wish you all happy holidays, but how am I gonna dial...without a finger?
-Jenn

Three Weeks!

Apologies, Bay Staters, for the delay in updates! It was a busy week and weekend.

So, flash back to two weeks ago: we started out the day in the good ol' RA Office.
Liz directed Ava, Davis, and Robin (not pictured) in a battle of wills for an early 117 scene.

Former actor Madison, "Mason," stopped by! Excellent.

The next set of the day was a new set: Gus's room.
Gus was tough, and didn't mind hitting the floor take after take. Morgan looked adorable, as per usual.
At the end of the day, weeks of hard work earned Claire the TCB award!

Flashforward a week later, we build Nina and Claire's room for an INTENSE Claire/Ethan series of scenes.

Amadeo looks flashy in her Charlie Chaplin blue hat.

We also build the newsroom, and shoot a Camryn/Grace 116 scene...

...Followed by an intense 116 Davis/Claire/pledges scene that was so hyped that several actors not scheduled for the day showed up to watch. Love it.

Lauren was a fan, Amadeo amused.
Greg earned the TCB award for his excellent acting (we knew we'd find the right part for you?) and for some great PA work week after week.

Alright, we're nearly caught up! James, Lauren, and Chris invite you to...this past Tuesday!
First set of the day: Alexis and Whitney's room. Serious argument goin' down.
Director Anthony coaches them on the best way to...well, you'll see.

Then, James ("Sebastian") returns, bearing Emily ("Alexis") some bad news.

Taylor: you made the blog. Congratulations.

After Alexis and Whitney's room, we moved onto the frat common room. Davis gives the frat pledges a talking to...and a mission.
Actors Alex ("Kyle") and Cody ("Zack") look very concerned.

Then, I am embarrassed to admit, that my long-running claim of never having won the TCB award was silenced. Thanks for the recognition, guys, it's been a great four years.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope to never fall so far behind on blogging again.

Please have all the turkey your roommate can buy,
-Jenn

This is a Party Set.

Apologies on the blog delay, readers! I have been down for the count with the swine. But, we're back in business, and have two shoots to catch up on!

First: Saturday shoot (10/24)

We started off building Camryn's apartment, with it's wheelchair-accessible hallways. Things are tense in that household. Are we seeing a speed bump here...or a roadblock?

Next up, Zack's moving in with some help from his older sister, Ava. He seems not too impressed with his new digs...maybe some sports memorabilia will spice it up?
And perhaps a party will spice it up even more? Lots of actors on set on a Saturday, and, honestly, the most crew we have EVER seen on a Saturday. You guys all rock.

Last set of the day? Alexis and Whitney's room. Alexis in her usual form...and Robin quite skeptical. Actresses Emily and Jenn both OWNED this short scene. Action/reaction for the win.

Today TCB goes to...Conrad. For letting us deface him on his first day on set. That's the kind of PA we like around here.

And so, with Saturday wrapped, let's move on to the shoot of the month (nah, the shoot of the year!)...

Tuesday (10/27) was RIDICULOUS. So many party scenes. So many actors. Last day of director trials. We had to shoot scenes out of order and all sorts of backwards because of actor conflicts. And somehow, we made it. Mad props all around.

So, I have only one photo to share with y'all of the set, and I think I must quote Anthony:
"This is a party set, y'all. Remember: THIS IS A PARTY."

TCB goes to all the crew members who rocked out director trials. Great job, guys! (The other four pictures will be on facebook, promise!)
Then, we all went to Sunset, and had the BIGGEST SUNSET GATHERING...ever. Like 20 people, yo.

So, I'm going to go back to bed, in hopes that I'll be ready for Bay State this Tuesday!
H1N1 will never defeat...the Rouge...
-Jenn