143+ Volunteers Needed - Casting Call! - Cedar Park, 7/14

I am not what you might ever or in any way call a religious man.

Nevertheless, I am committed to providing a voice for ALL opportunities for community service brought to my immediate attention, as long as it passes the sniff test for basic humanity, such as non-discriminatory practices and general fairness.

That said, reposted below is from my personal friend Robert Stewart, executive producer of a film that is sweeping festivals worldwide, Hombre y Tierra (I'm looking forward to getting a screener of it). This is an opportunity to not only work with a talented producer in a large-scale live entertainment event, but to also to assist the Hill Country Food Bank. Emphases and links mine.

As many of you already know, I took a volunteer position this year for a production hosted by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Cedar Park, to produce an amazing 10 scene dramatic presentation entitled, "Follow The Star", which narrates the entire life of Jesus, rather than the typical, stand alone Nativity scene. It is a huge undertaking. All proceeds of food and cash donations benefit the Hill Country Food Bank, which is now feeding and clothing some 450 families in the Cedar Park/Leander area. So...all my actor friends, and you know who you are, if you would like to volunteer your talent to this Production, help out a good cause, assisting those in need, please read the cast call below and I will look forward to seeing some of you on Saturday!

Follow The Star - Casting Call
Saturday July 14, 9 a.m - 1 p.m.
Actual Performances December 6-8 2012
Full Dress Rehearsal on December 5th
Additional Rehearsal TBD

Come one, come all to the Follow The Star Casting Call!. 143+ actors are needed! Be part of this amazing production. We need towns people, Roman soldiers, multiple, young Marys, Disciples, and young men to portray Jesus on the cross. Over 13 Jesus' are needed!
Stop in between the hours of 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. and sign up to be part of the cast. We will have some minor paperwork to fill out and then will be taking a head shot for reference. Bring your friends!

FOR MORE INFO: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Facebook

They've shot a trailer, too.

Besides, you could be one of 13 Jesuses (plural, anyone?). And that's just all right with me!

PLEASE NOTE: Bob is a tough fella and consummate professional - he demands, expects commitment. Don't audition if you aren't down with the work. That's a best practice for any volunteer, come to think of it.

Failure Analysis

For a little over a decade I've been trying to make a "go" of it in the entertainment industry, with mixed results. I'm finally at a place in my life, and, with myself, that allows me to admit it's just not gonna happen. Totally fine with it - I've got lots going on that fulfills me.

So I'm trying this thing.

I work long hours most of the week and when I get home I really just want to spend time with my loved ones. That said, blogging and other social media activities are a weekend distraction, a proper hobby. The fact is I was never really able to commit to the time and effort demanded of the Biz, even as I worked to "promote" and publicize the work being done in Texas (mostly Austin). Without regret or apology: I won't sacrifice the little down time I have attending events, volunteering my analyses, and "networking." I guess I'm kind of a curmudgeon.

I do enjoy writing, I love Texas entertainment, and I really dig social media - not as a job, come to find out. I found almost no satisfaction in promoting people's work that really didn't *need* the help. All-in-one producers are DIY to the death it seems, for good or for ill. More power to them. I'd rather help those who need it and want it, and, frankly, appreciate it.

So what EXACTLY is this thing?

My hope is that it becomes a community of cause-driven, civic-minded organizers ("dugooders") AND production personnel: a meeting place for the two to come together, get introduced, and work with one another. In addition, I'll offer perspectives and plugs on a variety of topics, especially as pertains to Social Media, non-profits (broadly conceived), community efforts, and Texas media production.

Social Media Engagement is the tool I'll employ to build awareness - and I hope others will join me. It's not about volume - it's about the quality of Followers, shares, Likes, +1s, etc. 

I like to think much can be gained from a sincere failure analysis - unflinching introspection. Ignoring what doesn't work and elevating the successes is, in my experience, a recipe for disaster. I've got many opinions & bones to pick, so, occasionally I'll take the role of gadfly and social critic. I like to rant, which some find entertaining, too!

Find me on Facebook - Like & post. Follow me on Twitter, @TexSHO - I follow back! 

Later today I hope to post on Social Media Engagement, and to highlight some upcoming events and opportunities to give back.

Sweet

Just downloaded the Blogger for Android app. Neat interface. I tend to favor ease & convenience of use, like Twitter and Facebook when on-the-go. No more excuses! (Except limited battery life.)

Videos for Change Contest for Nonprofits!

Go. Watch. Vote.
UPG Videos For Change

Lights. Camera. Help.

Lights. Camera. Help. is a great Austin-based PSA festival. I think submissions have closed but you should buy a badge and plan to go. There is prize money for non-profits, the entries are often wonderful, and it's a big networking opportunity for do-gooders!

KDRP Community Radio

KDRP is real community radio!

Howdy!

Welcome to TexSHO Central, where Texas Social (Media) Helps Out!

You might recognize me as Texas Horror Flix or TexSho; Micheal Hamm Lovecraft, or Mike Hamm. Perhaps not, and that's just fine, too. This ain't entirely about me, for once ;-)

I'm on the prowl for the Good Efforts in Texas, causes that deserve attention and support, things that improve the quality of life and infuse the community with a sense of purpose... all with a flavor of entertainment. This is a slight departure from my previous efforts that came with unspoken conditions: you see, friends, I wanted to be "in the business," and I convinced myself that the hobby of promoting Texas entertainment - web shows, independent feature films, shorts, crowdfunding, etc. - was fulfilling and that, someday, somehow, someone would recognize my dedication, skills, and talents... and reward me with position and status.

It don't work that way: I don't want to horn and worm my way into anything. I had to learn a couple of hard lessons, take a couple of socks to the chin, and gain some uncomfortable insights. So I'm gonna drop that pretension and just use my little virtual venue to highlight the efforts of those who work for something greater than themselves. I won't lie - there's some ego attached to this project, but that is the nature of Social. Occasionally I'll use this space to express an opinion; to editorialize; or, to satirize. I will always be frank and honest, and admit it I am wrong. I have a deep-seated need to be & do good, not necessarily to be nice. I tried that and it's BORING.

When I find them, when you send me in those directions, I'll post 'em here, on Google +, Facebook, and Twitter.


What's the mission?
To get YOUR cause noticed. That's it. Anything else is gravy.

What's in it for me?
Satisfaction, and maybe some good karma :-)

The whole thing is a Work In Progress, but perfection takes precious time and I have reason to believe that jumping in with both feet is better in this instance. I expect we'll play a lot by ear. Ya gotta get the foundation poured & the frame up before you can worry about the wallpaper.

Let's get this party started!

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