Elizabeth D'Onofrio: Actor, Writer, Producer, Instructor

Happy Birthday

2009-06-30T11:51:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday, Bro!

Catching up with me and Toni. Wooo! Whooo!

NYC Workshop 09 and Yorkshire NY

2009-06-12T10:26:00.003-05:00

The workshop this year went very well. It was great to see and work with previous attendees and new people. The range of ages and experience was also very nice as an instructor to work with. I would like to thank Gina Bonati (Actress, Instructor, dancer) for her great input and presence at this years workshop. This year we had of course our fabulous over fifty gals, Philamena, Betsy, Cheryl, and Judy, our math teacher, Cristen, four actresses in training, two working actors, and a writer, Ash. Special thanks to Matt for his time taping and taking pics and to Heather for finding the space and helping me out. I had a great time in NYC visiting family and friends. After which, I flew up to Buffalo, to meet my sister-in-law, her husband, and my four new nieces and nephews. Also, not to mention how lovely it was to spend time with my mother-in-law, MaryAnn, and her significant other, John, and of course, my baby girl, Alicia. Special thanks to my mom for caring for Killer while we were gone. So, looking forward to next years workshop. This time I think I'll spend a bit more time in NYC. Although, the time factor actually saved me from doing needless shopping.

2009-05-14T09:35:00.004-05:00

Gearing up for NYC? Just weeks away. For a little peak on what you will be doing during the workshop check out Toni and I on Abc 4's Good Things Utah
www.abc4.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=92048@ktvx.dayport.com&navCatId=8

Register now limited seating available. Because of this years economic crisis the fee is only 100.00 for the four hour workshop. Please see my workshop page on this site.

Tuned In or Tuned Out

2009-04-28T10:28:00.001-05:00

On Wednesday, President Barack Obama will address the nation with a 100-day news conference. For the event, Obama requested airtime from all the major networks.
And while ABC, CBS, and NBC will broadcast the conference, Fox has declined.
Why you ask? Well because there is a live American Idol result show scheduled at 9:00 and we know what is most important now don't we..

Workshops Utah and New York

2009-04-17T08:26:00.002-05:00

Gearing up for my workshops. First stop, Orem, Utah where I will be conducting an Acting Workshop at Timpanogos Harley Davidson on May 9th. Look for me on Utah's abc 4, "Good Things Utah" on May 7th, along with my sister, Toni, promoting the workshop. Those not in Utah can see the video online at http://www.abc4.com , "Good Things Utah," after it airs. Then on to NYC on June 6th at The Tank in Hell's Kitchen. Looking forward to seeing annual participants and new participants. Space is filling up for both workshops so be sure to visit my workshop page to sign up.

NYC Workshop

2009-03-24T08:13:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone,

I am gearing up for the annual NYC Workshop this June. Please see my workshop page to sign up. This year will be a nice combination of actors of all ages and types. Instead of just doing cold readings we will be actually doing relaxation and sense memory exercises along with improvisations. It is actually going to be an Acting Workshop as opposed to an Audition Workshop. Those of you that also have monologues that you would like to work on please bring them in. Looking forward to working with you all again and meeting and working with new students of the Art.

Seeing Green

2009-03-17T09:08:00.003-05:00

Happy St. Patricks day. Now that I am a Halladay, I can celebrate the day as if I was Irish. So dressed in my blue and green bathing suit, I will head out on the beach, and do the pub crawl today. I'll take some pics of the many bands playing and the spring break partiers. Also, if any of you have St. Patricks day pics you want posted, email them to me and my next blog will consist of national parties. Wooo! Weee!

2009-03-10T06:46:00.003-05:00

Pub crawling on Duvall Street, joining Hemingway's ghost for cocktails at Sloppy Joes, and visiting his house, and the Southernmost point. Of course, not to forget where Tennesee Williams wrote some of his finest plays, and the fine old mansions that made it through the worst of Hurricanes. This is what makes up Key West. The last time I was there I was a mere 16 year old. I remember that is was always a party. We took the Key West Express right from our back bay and from there it was coctail history, informable and fun. We even got Mardi Gras beads.

I'm Married

2009-03-04T07:53:00.002-05:00

Last Sunday, February, 22nd, 2009 in front of family and friends, I became Mrs. Shawn Halladay. Well, actually Elizabeth Jean D'Onofrio Halladay. Not only is that a mouthful, but it will cover the whole Marquee. Just kidding, my stage name will remain the same. Only now everyday will be a D'Onofrio Halladay (pronounced Holiday). Merry Wedding to those of you that get the inside joke. The weather was beautiful and for high season the traffic here on the beach was light. It was great seeing friends and family. Then on to Key West for our Honeymoon. What a great place to pub crawl, and I mean crawl. All in all, it was a wonderful week, and Shawn and I are so happy to continue our lives together.

A Pic and Poem

2009-02-12T08:30:00.003-05:00

The Howling Moon

Thats what his friends

used to call it,

Full moon lights up the sky

Hovering between the clouds

what a beautiful site on a

warm gulf coast winter night

seen through whiskey eyes

thoughts of how beautiful life is on the beach

Smiles creep up on our faces

through troubling times

Nature speaks it's lovliness

Classes, Coaching and Workshops

2009-01-13T08:56:00.002-05:00

Despite the economy it had actually been a good year for my classes and private coaching. Classes on Fort Myers Beach are fun and educational. We are currently working on scenes that we will actually perform at the local Coffeehouse.
I am also currently experiencing the great opportunity of coaching teens on their monologues for entrance auditions into Colleges and Universities. "Break-a-leg" to Krysten Tapp on her upcoming audition for entry into Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. She is a wonderfully talented young lady.
Its time to start preparation for the annual NYC Workshop that I will most likely conduct in June this year. My son has met and worked with many young actors that are interested in attending the workshop and I am looking forward to meeting and working with them and of course instructing the wonderful and talented ladies of the Yahoo group that attend annually.
I am also ecstatic to say that one of my workshop students, Heather Bunch, is really doing well developing an acting career for herself in NYC.

This summer I will also be instructing a preteen and teen class in Fort Myers. So anyone that is interested in any of the above please contact me through this website and come and join in on the education and fun.

How we can help

2009-01-12T08:45:00.003-05:00

Well, the holidays are behind us and we are living 2009. We will soon have a new President and a renewed hope for the future. It is really sad though, that the world is in turmoil and it has affected each and everyone of us personally. Sometimes we tend to ignore what it going on in the world until it hits home. Now that it has we must come together and help our new President clean up the mess. There are a couple of things we can do from our home and that won't cost us a dime. Please see the emails I have received lately regarding petitions we can sign from the comfort of our homes.

Dear Friends,Quincy Jones has started a petition to ask President-Elect Obama to appoint a Secretary of the Arts. While many other countries have had Ministers of Art or Culture for centuries, The United States has never created such a position. We in the arts need this and the country needs the arts--now more than ever. Please take a moment to sign this important petition and then pass it on to your friends and colleagues.I have just read and signed the online petition:"Secretary of the Arts"hosted on the web by PetitionOnline.com, the free online petition service, at: http://www.PetitionOnline.com/esnyc/ I personally agree with what this petition says, and I think you might agree, too. If you can spare a moment, please take a look, and consider signing yourself.

Hi, I've just signed this emergency petition calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, you might want to do the same. Already over 600 people have been killed and the death toll is climbing daily. Read the email below to learn more...
Dear friends,
The bloodshed in Gaza is escalating −− the death toll now stands at over 600 people and rising, almost half of them civilians and over 100 children dead.[1] As Israeli tanks, airplanes and artillery bombard thickly populated urban areas, hitting UN schools yesterday, thousands more have been injured and 1.5 million terrified civilians have no escape from this prison−like enclave −− the borders have been sealed. Hamas continues to fight and fire rockets deep into Israel: 11 Israelis have died, including from friendly fire. Our worldwide call for an internationally−guaranteed ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides has begun to ring out loud and clear, winning the support of leaders in Europe, the Middle East and beyond: hopeful outlines of a deal are emerging.[2] But Israel is rejecting a truce for now and escalating its offensive, while US President Bush is blocking a negotiated UN ceasefire, trying instead to impose a skewed alternative that could legitimize Israel's suffocating isolation of Gaza.[3] Enough is enough: these civilian deaths can't go on, and we can't let Bush and co block a fair, negotiated ceasefire. 250,000 of us have signed the ceasefire petition, let's make it half a million −− we'll publish it in a hard−hitting ad in the Washington Post and deliver it in meetings with UN Security Council members −− follow the link below to see the ad, sign the petition, and forward this message to all your friends and family: http://www.avaaz.org/en/gaza_time_for_peace/98.php?cl_tf_sign=1

Our efforts really can make a difference −− Israel's own foreign minister admits that international pressure, if intense enough, could ensure a ceasefire. As the international community debates and delays, civilians are dying by the day. The top UN official in Gaza says, "There's nowhere safe in Gaza. Everyone here is terrorized and traumatized." Opposing a United Nations resolution, Bush reportedly proposes to exclude Hamas from any ceasefire deal and leave Israel a free hand, something that would guarantee that the violence continues. That's why we're targeting incoming President Obama and US decision−makers, as well as the European Union and other international leaders, to pursue a fair and stable resolution. To be lasting, a ceasefire must protect civilians and end all attacks −− Israeli bombings and incursions as well as the rockets Palestinian factions fire into southern Israel. International supervision is desperately needed at the borders, to reopen Gaza's borders and crossings for food, fuel, medicine and goods, to prevent weapon−smuggling which has only grown under the blockade, and to monitor and enforce the ceasefire on both sides.[4] Hamas, which won elections in 2006 and now runs Gaza, suggests it will agree to such a ceasefire.[5] It should be challenged to live up to its word just like Israel. There is no military solution for either side −− it's time for world powers to step in, advancing a fair deal to protect civilians on all sides and let them live their lives in peace and security. Sign the petition now at the link below and send this message to everyone you know −− we'll publish it in The Washington Post and elsewhere, and seek face−to−face meetings to deliver the petition with the Obama team, the UN Security Council and European leaders: http://www.avaaz.org/en/gaza_time_for_peace/98.php?cl_tf_sign=1 With hope and determination, Paul, Graziela, Ricken, Luis, Alice, Brett, Ben, Iain, Paula, Veronique, Milena and the whole Avaaz team P.S. We wrote to European, US and Arab leaders last week about our campaign, and received several responses −− now we need to escalate the pressure. For a report on many of Avaaz's other campaigns so far, see: https://secure.avaaz.org/en/report_back_2

Happy Holidays to You

2008-12-19T10:24:00.004-05:00

I found this picture off a blog about my brother. My sister, Toni was doing a charity at her Rib City's in Utah, and my bro, Vincent went to help out. What a wonderful family I have and I am very grateful. I spoke to Toni as she stressed through this successful charity. She is a great person and as you can see very beautiful. I don't usually post family photos because they seem to get stolen and pasted all over the web, but since I got this from there, well, why not spread some holiday cheer and let you all see how everyone is doing. Can you find the family resemblances? Check out the eyes and the nose area. This is my Happy Holidays to you.

Tis the Season....

2008-12-18T11:27:00.002-05:00

Yes, its that time of year again and I am sure we are all stressing and hoping that our finances will heal themselves after all the gift buying. I am excited that my son will be spending Christmas with us this year. Woo Wee! I didn't do much xmasey (not a real word) decorating this year, because it just seems funny to put up wintry stuff in sunny Florida. So I just opted for a small fake table top tree. Such a change from chopping down a real one in the mountains of North Carolina. Well, as much as I miss the North Carolina mountains and the hopes of a White Christmas, I am very happy to be celebrating the Holidays on the beach. Where the only winter gear needed is a hoodie and a sand shovel. Looking forward to the change promised in the years to come and hoping you all have Merry Holidays and cheer. Ah yeah! Margaritas instead of Hot Toddies. Mmmm!

Coming Down

2008-12-08T08:17:00.002-05:00

The play was great. Kudos to Fay Graetz for her wonderful play that gave us actors work and lots of fun. The venue at The Purple Heart Theatre was a perfect place to do a play about a boatyard. So I would like to Thank, Carl Conley, President of The Island Arts Foundation for letting us utilize his theater. I would also like to give Kudos to the actors, Mark List, Steve Vallo, Dan McWeeney and Keri Hendry for the wonderful job they all did to make the play, "On The Hard" a success. Special thanks to all the people of Ft. Myers, Naples, Cape Coral and Fort Myers Beach for attending. We had big houses for the run. For those of you that sent flowers and made the trek across the U.S. to see the play, Wow, thanks for your support of my career. Well, coming down from a play is a bit daunting as the roar of the greasepaint wanes, but the warm sunshine, sunsets, and the gulf waters that can be seen from my home will always nurture my soul sound. How can one not move on when they live in Paradise?

Tea with Grace

2008-11-26T08:17:00.002-05:00

I am honored to have represented the Arts at the dedication ceremony of The Island Sand Paper's new Purple Heart Theater. The special guest was Senator Bill Nelson's wife, Grace. She is a beautiful person inside and out. I had the opportunity of attending a tea with her and other fine ladies of the community. She spoke of all the third world countries she has visited and the rewarding insights she gained by connecting with tribal women. She spoke of all the crops being wasted here in Florida and how she is trying desperately to utilize the waste to feed the hungry. Like her name, she is full of Grace and compassion for the needy, not only in this country but in the world. She spoke of government uniting as the only way to clean up the economy and what we as Americans are facing. She has hope for the future and spoke highly of Bill Clinton and everything he has done for the world, also. I came home that day, so proud to be a woman in America. Even though Life is not the best for us all right now, we are still able to stand above many countries that only know life as struggle. I am so grateful to be able to put food on my families table tomorrow, and to give thanks every day. Happy Thanksgiving!

The play, the play, the play! Oui Vei!

2008-11-07T07:40:00.006-05:00

The play, the play, the play. That is all that is going through my head these days. Well, besides the 30 something pages of lines that I have yet to put to memory. Have about 15 pages so far, hidden in my ol' noggen. I had to replace my director, so I ended up directing myself, as well as playing the leading lady role. Everythings cool though. Well, except for some obvious stress that I am venting here. On The Hard is an original piece by my friend Fay Graetz. I met her in a screenwriting class and had the opportunity to read for her play with an audience. I really loved the idea and told her that I would work on getting the play out there. Good for my word, I did. Rewrites, rewrites and rewrites abound. Now I am happy to say that we have ourselves a very interesting, sometimes funny, dramatic piece. Besides the two leads, there are four characters, that only by living on the beach could I help my actors develop. Here's a little blurb about it.

On the Hard is a two act play about a husband and wife (couple?) infected by a dream to cruise the Caribbean. They’ve sold everything and moved aboard a fixer-upper in a backwater boat yard in Florida. It is a story about the ebb and flow of wanderlust, love and commitment.

Life is good with a new president, a play in the works, my classes filling up and a wonderful man that supports my endeavors. So if any of you happen to be down here in the tropics, the production dates are as follows:

November 28, 29, 30 and December 5, 6, 7
Friday and Saturdays at 7pm Sundays at 2pm

For more info and tickets please see: http://www.islandartsfoundation.org

President Obama

2008-11-05T08:11:00.002-05:00

What nice words soon to be spoken. I am so happy and proud to be an American and to experience such a wonderful historical event. Hope! Change! Woo! Wee! Wish I could elaborate on the subject, but I have to go. The Arts are calling me.

The Voyage of Life

2008-11-03T07:35:00.001-05:00

Life is a voyage. The winds of life come strong
From every point; yet each will speed thy course
Along,
If though with steady hand when tempests blow
Canst keep thy course aright and never once let go.

The Voyage of Life,
By Theodore Chickering Williams

This poem is in the play, "On The Hard"

Halloween 08

2008-11-02T07:42:00.002-05:00

As you must know by now. I love Halloween. This year I did a spoof on Sarah Palin. The button I am showing says, "Women for Obama", as I winked and blurted out "You betcha"! It was a hoot. It was a fun time at "The Veranda" that afternoon. The Veranda is two old houses put together that were built in the late 1800's. What a beautiful historic restaurant downtown Fort Myers. It is owned by a friend of mine whom he and his son also own the Rib City Grill franchise. If you remember, my sister has two in Utah, along with my brother who owns one. The people that gather there are Lawyers, Judges, Business owners, Mayors and mostly Republicans. Well, that's Florida. Even Joe Biden has been spotted at The Veranda. Why, am I plugging the Veranda, well, I just moved on from a two-year bartending gig there. I will miss all my customers, but I am now happy to say that I am joining a group of creative artist at The Island Sand Paper and The Island Arts Foundation. So starting monday you can find me working away at promoting my play and other festivities at The Island Arts Foundation Building on Fort Myers Beach. Saving gas by riding my bike and giving my time to benefit the Arts. http://www.islandartsfoundation.org and http://www.islandsandpaper.com. If anyone is interested in promoting the Arts in Florida, please drop by, call or email me there. Lots of fun things are happening on our little strip of Paradise. Check it out!

Whats in a name?

2008-10-31T07:22:00.003-05:00

Ok, in the last four years I have inquiries from two people that were trying to reach the writer, director Beverly D'Onofrio (Riding in cars with Boys). How can the name Elizabeth have anything to do with the name, Beverly. Hmmm! Well, I am honored to be confused with such a great woman. Although it seems weird to me that the two people that made this mistake reside in the same circles. So for those of you confused by the names Beverly and Elizabeth. I am Elizabeth D'Onofrio, known mostly for my Instruction of The Method and character roles in independent films. Not to mention the sister of actor, Vincent D'Onofrio. The best to you, Beverly. Looking forward to seeing any of your new work.

Got it!

2008-10-24T07:17:00.002-05:00

K, everyone, I got everyone I need for ON THE HARD. Woo! Wee! Its time to work really hard on getting this off the ground. You can see more about it soon on the Island Arts Foundation website. www.islandartsfoundation.org. Just stay tuned for it, it may not be up as of yet. Also, if you want to find out more about whats going on, on our island here in Florida, subscribe to The Island Sandpaper at www.islandsandpaper.com . You can subscribe online or have it mailed to your door. Even in Europe, I believe. We have lots of visitors here from around the world. Well, time for me to get to work on my lovely project. Yes, I just got the ok from AEA, for the Island Arts Foundation to have me work as a special appearance actor. So, gotta learn those lines and keep the others on their toes. K, now its time for you to all say, "Break-a-Leg".

ON THE HARD, again

2008-10-13T07:28:00.002-05:00

Hello all,

I am currently producing, directing and acting in a new play by Fay Graetz, called "On The Hard". I am still looking for two men, one in their 30's and one in their late 60's. I am going to start rehearsal on Monday, the 20th of October, so I really need to fill the cast now. I am also looking for someone interested in being my assistant director. Please let anyone that lives in the Fort Myers, Naples, Florida area that may be interested, know of this post. I will be holding auditions on Thursday from 6-8pm. Please contact me through my site email.
Thank you and have a nice day

Some more beach poetry

2008-10-07T09:45:00.005-05:00

Sliver of a moon

Sliver of a moon, lit brightly
by the recent setting sun.
Clouds forming castles in the sky.
Footprints in the sand leading
to the now dark waters of the Gulf.
All this magnificance just steps
from my doorway.
America's in turmoil
turn off the news and reach
out to what we still have
in nature.

One Hundred Steps

One hundred steps she takes
that leads to her footprints
in the sand.
The dark of night lit by only
a quarter moon,
reflects on the water like a spotlight
on the world's largest stage.
"All the world's a stage", her lover
quotes of Shakespeare, as she tells him
of her epiphany.
One hundred steps leading to her special
place where dreams come true.

*** Just say No to Palin:
no drill, baby drill, on my euphoric wonderland.

ON THE HARD

2008-10-01T06:46:00.003-05:00

I am currently producing a stage play called, "On The Hard". It's about people that live on their boats in a marina, and we are going to perform it here at The Purple Heart Theater, on the beach. Wooo! Weee! I'm so excited! I'm finally "back in the saddle". Well, actually "riding the bow". That may not be a quote, but I like it, so now it is. I am also going to play the lead in it, well, that's if Equity approves my Special Appearance Contract application. Oh God, got to get that done. So, right now I am working on all the paperwork and with the writer on rewrites. Her name is Fay, and she is a very talented woman and friend. So, being that Fay the hurricane didn't actually hurt us much on the beach, she came in a form of a playwright to reak havoc on the Art Community here. Just Kidding. It will be a "works in progress", and that is even more exciting. I'll tell you all more about it as it comes into fruition.

http://www.islandartsfoundation.org