Craig Perra Interview

D'oh! Technology! Sometimes you fail us! Things don't work, and you end up not posting a great interview with local Placer and Sacramento actor Craig Perra. A couple weeks ago Craig Perra was our storyteller for a very fun True Story. He's an experienced stage, and tv star, appearing on Lifetime, Katie (talk show), and locally at Stand Out Talent in Roseville, and now Blacktop Comedy! He shared everything from his time on the TV show Living With the Enemy, and being stabbed in Canada! None of us were expecting that level of honesty, but we sure appreciated it.

I had a chance to interview Craig after the show. He's a really great guy, who is trying to make the world a better place, and help people end their porn addiction. His website, and program, The Mindful Habit is a really valuable resource if you're struggling with porn addiction. If you know someone who is dealing with porn addiction, I would strongly recommend contacting Craig. We're not turning this post into a commercial, but his struggles have highlighted the challenges of dealing with porn addiction alone. 

Meet Craig Perra:

If you were a super hero what powers would you have? Why? Iron Man. His strength lies inside.

What's your lucky number? 10

What was your last dream about? Getting stabbed in the neck.

Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets? Why? Sunsets - they are way pretty and I've never been a morning person.

If you could breed two animals together to defy the laws of nature what new animal would you create? A dolphin and a human . . . think how cool that would be.

Do you prefer liquid soap or bars of soap? Why? Bar soap. I kick it old school.

Whats your favorite type of tree? Why? Palm Trees. They always make me feel like I'm on vacation.

Dinosaurs or Dragons? Why? Dragons. They spit fire.  

Who was your first best friend? My cousin Chris.

Which fictional character do you wish was real? Hulk.

What makes you nervous? Deadlines.

Have you ever given someone a handmade present? What was it? My wife says I can't say "yes, a cock sandwich." So, no. I've never given someone a handmade present.

What was your favorite school subject? Why? Psychology - I'm nuts.

What is your favorite book? Why?  The Autobiography of Malcolm X. I admire those that fight for those less fortunate and challenge the system.

Whats your preferred playing piece in monopoly? Top hat

Do you have any superstitions? We are all energy

Whats your favorite animated or cartoon program? Attack on Titan

Whats the last thing you took a picture of? A foam roller that I like at cryotherapy. It's bumpy.

Adrien Brody in 'The Library Book'

Have you seen this Adrian Brody commercial for Jameson whiskey? Thank god I'm lazy! I was working on one Google Chrome tab, having forgotten to close another. Suddenly, I'm hearing Adrian share his thoughts with a librarian. I realized it was on the other tab, and clicked over, ready to close the page, but heard the conversation, and I was hooked.

Of course, I know it's just a script, but I loved the simplicity of the story. The simplicity felt real, which is what kept me watching. It was a small moment, which made it feel more powerful. Both characters listening to each other, and talking, thinking, contemplating, laughing, and flirting. They behaved honestly, and normally. And, I loved it! Just watching a couple people, was entertaining. There was a tension. Their was an attraction that kept me hooked too (I'm also a sucker for Before Sunrise and Before Sunset because of the romance and attraction. I could watch those movies every day. In fact, maybe I will watch Before Sunrise again).

I felt like I was watching an improv scene and the improvisers realized they didn't have to race to another location, or plant a bomb that would go off in 3 minutes. That would be some really manufactured tension. Instead, "what are these two characters going to do with their lives," was enough tension. Everything they needed for the scene was between the two of them.

I always hope to skip over Youtube commercials. As soon as those five seconds of pre-roll are over I'm skipping the Budweiser ad (I'll watch the Geico ads), but I stuck around and watched a 8 minute commercial. Bravo Jameson. You got me.

I was lucky to have forgotten to close my Youtube tab. Otherwise, I doubt I would have seen it. That reminds me of improv too. Improv is such an intimate, and impermanent art. Each scene is for small audience. You can record improv, but everyone agrees, "there's something missing," in the video. It's not the same. There's something special about being in the moment as improv happens. I felt like I was in the moment watching the Jameson commercial, feeling I was special that I didn't miss this film among all the other produced works. A rehearsed work that made me feel in the moment? That might sound ridiculous, but that's what happened in my head.

Enjoy!

 

Best Hikes in Placer County

I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. -John Muir

Walking is the great adventure, the first meditation, a practice of heartiness and soul primary to humankind. Walking is the exact balance between spirit and humility. -Gary Snyder

I love going for a walk, but don't do it as nearly as much as I should, or I would like to. "Would" and "should" are so different. I don't know why I just lumped them together. I want to walk more, but always find reasons I should do something else. I'm sure you have thoughts like that. Our inner monologue gives us all sorts of suggestions. You should answer emails, clean the theater..... or write a blog post.

I guess I could write a blog post about hiking. .

I'll do that. I just hacked my own should, and turned it into a want. Take that brain!

Walks are the perfect place to work on your improv.....by not working on your improv. Let your mind float and find new inspiration without actively seeking anything out. Here are, in my opinion, the five best hikes in Placer. All are easy to moderate hikes.

Hidden Falls Regional Park

With over 30 miles of trail, you'll always discover something new every time you come to Hidden Falls. The Park is well maintained, and remote

Clark's Hole Trail

Despite the terrible name, it's a great hike. Though short, less then one mile, the trail ends at a swimming hole. Perfect for the final days of summer. Grab some lunch, and spend a afternoon here.

Foresthill Divide Loop Trail

Grab your comfy boots, because you'll be on this trail for awhile. Plenty of beauty throughout the 8.7 mile hike. You have great views of both Lake Clementine and American River.

Olmstead Loop Trail

I should probably find some synonyms for "beautiful," because here's another trail that offers beautiful views. Located near Highway 49, this 8.6 mile course is easy to navigate. Plenty of trail markers to let you know which way to go.

Tinker's Cutoff Trail

It's short, .3 miles, but who doesn't love discovering a waterfall? The waterfall is year round. I should note that while the hike is listed as moderate, parts could be considered difficult. Be safe.