Gruesome Audition Injuries

An open conversation between the Los Angeles-based actors of “Gruesome Playground Injuries,” Alex Quijano and Mary-Bonner Baker, and director Sean Mewshaw, about the trials and tribulations, opportunities and practicalities, strategies and pitfalls of starting careers as professional actors in Hollywood. Drawing on years of experience paying the bills in commercials, scoring gigs as TV guest-stars and leads in independent features, and striving for starring roles in series and films, Alex and MB will do their best to wax insightful about what it takes to build and sustain a consistent acting career. An informal discussion followed by Q&A with the audience.

About the Performers:

Mary-Bonner Baker was born in Houston, TX and raised in Washington, D.C. and arrived in LA after journeys through London and New York, working in theater and independent film. On stage she’s played the home-wrecking Iza in “Witkiewicz’s Tumor Brainiowicz” at La Mama ETC in NY, and show tunes-belting psychiatrist Dr. Tallulah Stone in “The Lunacy Commission” at L.A.’s Kirk Douglas Theater. Mary-Bonner’s most notable screen roles include playing one of Tom Hanks’ ace secretaries in “Charlie Wilson’s War”, and a Florida state attorney in HBO’s Emmy-Winning “Recount.”  Her TV work includes shows such as Vegas, Criminal Minds, and Big Love. She has worked extensively in commercials, appearing in over twenty-five national spots for products such as cars, whipped cream, casinos — all the fun stuff.

A Northern Californian, Alex Quijano originally studied biology and played baseball in college, but his freshman year took an elective acting class and the bug bit. A decade later, he has so far been cast in over 50 national commercials and appeared on shows like Psych, Happy Endings, Criminal Minds, House, and Modern Family. This summer he will be working in residence at the Steppenwolf theater in Chicago.