Issuu

“In a city with a perpetual identity crisis, surrounded by people struggling to be someone else, we are all almost what we think we should be………..almost…..NOT quite!”

It’s an unspoken rule, a measuring stick if you will; by the time you are in your 30s you will be happily married with 2.5 kids, a house, and a successful career, your 40s will be those greener pastures you have always dreamed of until you ride off into the sunset. In a matter of weeks, J finds himself with none of these. A single chubby gay man in his early 40’s trying to start all over again. With the help of his three best friends, they approach life with the realization that everything they thought they knew is all a sham. While waiting to feel “grown-up” they discover that it is a neverending process in which we are never quite there. In a city with a perpetual identity crisis, surrounded by people struggling to be someone else, we are all almost what we think we should be……….. almost…..NOT quite!

Where It B

If you have read the synopsis, I cannot begin to was with a solid, stable man that I loved, we ha down I was miserable. I was confused. I had e with me?

I had no creativity in my life, I had isolated mys a matter of days I turned my life upside down. real estate gig for a consistent paycheck as a re this would change my life, but I had to try. It wa climb out of that hole. I realized that my friends

I began to date and realized that I didn’t know h the nurses and we would laugh until we were in the man who planked on my chest (Is this sex n drove. They would beg me to write them down

I am a writer, actor, singer, overall creative. I pr is never too late to live no matter what the world is simply life. As they say in Steel Magnolias, “

I hope people watch it, I hope they enjoy the ov story and work in the relationship of Jonny and are even though they seem so different. There these actors have created some characters tha

Began

o tell you how close it is to my reality. I was 1700 miles away from any of my family, but I ad a huge house, two beautiful dogs and I was a real estate agent building a career. Deep everything I thought I was supposed to have to be a successful “adult.” What was wrong

self, and I had worked hard to believe this was the life that made sense to me. It wasn’t. In I went from a 4,000 square foot home to a little 800 sqft mouse infested shack, I quit my eceptionist at a med spa, I saw my sweet pups every other weekend. I had no idea how as a very dark time in my world, but with the support of some amazing friends, I began to s were my family and my lifeline.

how it worked anymore. It seemed so weird. So I would take stories to the spa and tell n tears. Stories about the guy who licked my face like a dog in the middle of the bar, or now?) or the one who surprised me by wanting me to hold “him” like a gear shift while he n and then one day I thought, why not?

rocess life through my art. I wanted to talk about life, rules that we accept, believing that it d says about age. Most of all, I wanted to laugh! This show is part comedy party drama, it “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.”

ver the top silliness of someone like the character of Jonny, but fall in love with the love Luke. I hope they become addicted to Sam and Todd and Mark. Feeling how close they e are so many unique and crazy people in this universe we have created. I truly believe at can be beloved. This may seem weird and crazy, but honestly, it truly is just my life.

What do you do when you have an idea for a sitcom, have it ready to film and the world stops for a Pandemic? You bring the show to life through video calls. Meet the cast and characters of â€œAlmost Not Quiteâ€? for the first timeand glimps who they are during COVID -19 Pandemic and their stay home stay safe lives.

The dream was just over the horizon, I could finally see the light peeking through. After almost a decade, the independent series I had written loosely based on my life (the chubby gay bear with a midlife crisis) was cast. We had a film crew in place. We had shoot dates ready to release to everyone…...and then COVID-19 decided it wanted a co-star credit. I was devastated. To be honest, I sort of froze. I wasn’t sure what to do. I had fought for so long to make this happen, I believed in this story, and these characters with all of my being. As we all began to process our new isolation and reality, as we made sure our loved ones were safe and healthy, as we got ourselves in check I began to think. There were some clear truths about my life that this virus could not change. I am a fighter, I never give up AND we needed creativity and some silliness more than ever. I wasn’t going to be able to film the first season within our new parameters, the logistics and number of people close together was not feasible at this time. So what? These characters still existed within the minds of myself and cowriter Leonardo Poareo. How would they continue their lives in the midst of a “Stay Home,

Stay Safe” order? They wouldn’t just stop existing so why should we? So we began to write. I contacted all the actors and they were willing to follow my crazy suggestion. We decided to write miniscenes, at first following Zoom calls between characters and then, most recently, sneaking peeks into the characters’ worlds. This would allow us to let the audience get to know the people in this universe more before the full series would be filmed and released. On a technical level, it would allow our actors to develop their characters in a very personal way and mesh in an ensemble cast. Although, directing and writing for the boundaries of a webcam is not easy and with the added constriction of not having access to just grabbing a new set piece, it has allowed me to access a well of deep creativity inside of my directing. We have only begun to release scenes, although it feels that we are always filming. I think the editing of Jason Shuffield deserves a shout out as we get better and better. People should definitely follow our facebook to catch new mini-episodes every week. www.facebook.com/ almostnotquite

Almost Not Quite Stay Home Stay

Meet Jonny, Todd, Mark, Sam, Luke and Dr. Se Episode 1 Meet Jonny, our eccentric and over the top leading man and his oh so handsome fireman boyfriend, Luke, as they do the only thing they can do in this quarantine, take a video call. Times are hard, but this mismatched duo sticks together.....apart.

Episode 2 Get to know Jonny, Mark, Sam and Todd. They are as different as can be, but the best of friends. When all you can do is video chat, theyâ€™ll give it a go.

e vs Safe

ecret Episode 3 Jonny and his boyfriend Luke are feeling the tension of isolation in this video phone call, but in the end their love and a lot of humor will see them through!

Episode 4 Check in with Mark & Todd from the webseries Almost....Not Quite. Mark can’t let Todd know he has feelings for him, so he schedules a call on Todd’s sex cam business. Can Mark be more awkward? Don’t worry, Todd is clueless.

Episode 5 Join Jonny and Luke as they continue trying to keep their relationship strong even when they canâ€™t be together through this quarantined world. Even big strong Luke, gets a bit tipsy and needs his man sometimes.

Episode 6: Jonny has invited his boyfriend Luke onto his friend call and Sam is not too happy about it. All of the friends are feeling the edge of being in quarantine for so long.....Well Mark and Sam are, Todd never letâ€™s the world get to him!

Are you ready, is the internet ready, is the world ready...I 10

Episode 7 Jonny is feeling stressed and decides to turn to his trusted therapist....no stalker...... no therapist.

Episode 8 Jonny is taking his health in this quarantine very seriously. Todd is pretty sure it might be a bit too far.

IS COVID -19 ready to meet Jonny and his crazy friends? 11

Jonny is the nucleus to one chaotic molecule of friends. Jonny is larger than life, passionate, eccentric at times, overly sentimental, stubborn as an ox. He may sometimes come off as a caricature, but this is partly by design. Jonny has a big heart and can get hurt deeply, so the ridiculous persona protects him from feeling things too close. He is a natural entertainer and is known for bringing the color commentary to life. Jonathan Shuffield

How much of you is Jonny and how much is it you having fun with the character? I get asked this question a lot, actually. I think Jonny has a lot of my qualities, since he is based on me. I can be larger than life and loud and love to laugh, but I get sentimental and I love to think seriously about life. I like to be motivational. I think I write Jonny always on like 10 or 11, but personally I go from 1 to 10 and all numbers in between. I also really enjoy my alone time, I think Jonny thrives on being with other people. Now that you have had time to be Jonny are you going to change him when filming? With the decision to write and film these vignettes instead of waiting until this pandemic is over to film the full season, we have been offered this amazing gift. Each actor, including myself, gets to sit with these characters and sink into their skin. We’ve been “given” (?) the luxury of time, we get to watch our performances and tweak things if we want. I think it would be natural for me to evolve my portrayal of Jonny a bit as I get to know him as a three dimensional character and not just lines we wrote on a

page. He will always be crazy and over the top, that’s his charm, but there might be a bit more nuance, layers I’ll bring. 3.For Jonny - Jonny You have been freaking out because of Covid -19 who are you worried more for you or Luke?Freaking out? Excuse me, I have been a NORMAL level of concerned, it is not my fault if others are not as good at sharing their authentic feelings! If people are not “freaking out” they are either on their way to a melt down or a government agent behind this.....or an alien, it could be aliens. Where did you say you were from again? And more concerned for Luke or I, hello I am concerned for us both for many different reasons. One, I have fans, I started my media career again, I’m on a college radio show, people rely on me to be in their lives. I can’t take that from them. So yes, I’m concerned for me, but Luke is a fireman, I mean like a sexy real fireman, not a stripper, although sometimes he does a little dance for me, sorry I got distracted, yes so a fireman, so he sees a lot of people and like helps them in a fireman way. I worry with that much contact, like is he safe, is he being sanitized? I don’t want him sick, I just got him back in my life. In all honesty, I love him, I don’t want to be without him, I worry all the time. Also, I really don’t want us to have to have sex in hazmat suits. Tell us why?

For Jonny - Can you tell us more about how you met Luke? I’d love to say we locked eyes across the room at a big charity event, but let’s get real. My man likes a guy with some meat on his bones, so we met on a personals site for chubilicious men like me and the men who know a good thing when they see it. He drove two hours to meet me for our first date and promptly accused me of wearing eye-liner because my eyes were too bright. Shouldn’t that be a good thing? In the end we talked til 4 in the morning, he was amazing, I connected with him deeper than I thought possible. He didn’t even kiss me, but we couldn’t get enough of our time together. Now fast forward through like 7 or 8, maybe 9 break-ups and quite a few years and here we are. We have changed a lot, I think this one is the charm. Jonny which one of your friends did you meet first? You are asking me to remember like two decades, and we both know I am too young to have friends that long. I met Mark first, college...I wasn’t exactly enrolled, but I had a crush on the professor. Anyways, if you know me, when I see someone I think would make a good, interesting friend I just zero in. I bugged him non-stop for weeks, he wanted nothing to do with

me, but eventually I wore him down. The first time I made him laugh I knew we’d be great friends. Next came Sam, she lived in my building. I was going through an HGTV phase so I was constantly just breaking my apartment, the super stopped answering my calls and Sam sort of took pity on me. I’d bake cookies, she’d fix my sink, or bathtub, or my entire living room wall. We’d talk and next thing you know, she reluctantly liked hanging out with me. Finally, there was Todd. I’d walk to work everyday downtown and Todd was always there under the overpass, looking great for a person without shelter, (seems like a better way to say that.) Guys were always soliciting him, not that he minded, but I just wanted to help him. I’d share my sandwich or whatever, we would talk on my lunch breaks. He was like sunshine, like bright and always confident and happy. Finally I couldn’t stand it, I convinced him to move in with me at my apartment. I wanted to give him a home, since his family took theirs away. We clicked, we just got each other, my life has been happier ever since. Now here’s my family, we are odd and mismatched, but we are the best friends you will ever meet.

Jonny if you were on a desert island which of your friends would you like to be stuck therewith? Why? Is this like that weird bible story my mom would tell me as a kid, like the lady had to cut her baby in half? So, yeah, I will not hurt a baby. I need all of them. If Sam isn’t there who would build us a shelter? There would be no plan to get off the island if Mark wasn’t making a list of the needed tasks and calculating distance by like seagulls or something. Todd could throw a party in a POW camp on execution day, he knows how to keep your spirits up. Of course, I would throw together a broadway review complete with grass skirts and coconut bras and make them all take part. Nothing keeps you sane like a project! So this family is a unit, everyone is needed. Sidenote, can I take Luke? I sort of love him and he would probably be the one person who would keep us alive, that’s important. When does this boat leave?

Jonathan has worked within media for over 20 years. He started a nonprofit organization called “SHYNE” in 2005 that battled prejudice and discrimination through the use of the arts. SHYNE debuted “The Concert For a Hate Free World,” a completely volunteer driven stage production with choir, orchestra and even an opening interactive film put on at The Wenatchee Convention Center in 2009. He has been an activist since coming out in an article in The Wenatchee World at 20 years old and accepting the presidency of the Wenatchee Valley College Gay-Straight Alliance a few years later. He has produced theatrical plays, independent film as well as talk shows for radio and podcast. He has dreamed of this show for over a decade and is extremely excited to continue his mission to be a part of the continued growth of the LGBT community.

Jonathan Shuffield 15

Todd lives in the moment, he enjoys every second as it comes. He knows just how much he can get with his good looks, and feels no shame. He live by the motto, “Know your strengths and accessorize them!”

Todd

He dreams of being an actor and plans to ride this ride as far as it will take him. His default is always the positive cheerleader and he feels it is a waste of energy to even think about the negative. He is not the brightest, but his sincerity makes up for it.

Did you know about Todd when you read for characters? If yes Tell us How you chose him? If no what was your anticipation when reading? I originally read for and got cast as Todd back in 2013 on the first iteration of this show. Coming into casting this time I had a fairly good grasp on Todd and it wasn’t much of a choice to stick to Todd as a character. Now that you have been able to try Todd out during Stay at home do you like the personality? As an actor I find empathy in all my characters and don’t judge them. For Todd where I find empathy is his desire to make everything okay and happy for his tribe. He represents the inner kid inside us all who somehow can still find pure pleasure in the smallest of things.

Sergey Grankin

This is for Todd - Todd describe to us what you do. Hey gurl! You know the better question is WHO do I do and I’ll tell you, I do a lot. I’d describe it but most of the guys had to sign an NBA or something. I’m also an actor, dancer, gym goer, runner, and of course an aspiring model. And only for a limited time, I have a sex cam show online. Todd tell us about your friendship with Jonny. Oh Jonny is the best. He’s my good Judy who is also my roommate, who is also my best friend. We hang out a lot. Even if he’s going through something we find a way to make it fun. Plus we hear each other’s sex calls so it’s like we’re almost Eskimo sisters. I think that’s what those are. 5. Did you meet Jonny before the others or did you have those friends before meeting him? I met Jonny when he took me in off the streets. I was really doing fine, you know the daily grind, looking for the daddies to buy a dinner or two. Really thought Jonny wanted to buy me a dinner too but instead he was just trying to help a sister out. Later I made the mistake of meeting Sam and Mark. Todd, what do you look for in a man you want to have a relationship with? I don’t really do relationships but my general requirements

for a man are- Money, a career, a nice car, a big.... house. Maybe two. Yeah sometimes I can handle two big houses. Not three. That sounds impossible. Just way too much.... cleaning. Todd do you approve of him and Luke’s relationship? Oh sure, anyone Jonny likes I like too. I’m easy that way. Plus Luke is a fireman so we all get the benefits just looking at his firefighting legs in some nice jeans. I mean listen, they’re getting along and seem happy but if Luke tries to pull something, then I’ll put on my stilettos, my nails and some hoop earrings and come for that bitch. Ideally to the fire station to see if there’s a replacement Luke I can sample for Jonny. It’s called being a good friend sweetie.

Sergey Grankin as Todd: From the early days of the hit radio show OUTSpoken to the Martini Lounge podcast, Sergey has a strong background in broadcasting. A columnist, writer, actor, host and improv performer, you can always expect a refreshing perspective and humorous approach to all his work. Born in Kyrgyzstan, raised in Washington State and now thriving in LA, he is excited to join the cast of Almost…. Not Quite.

Mark is an MIT graduate and a professor of mathematics. Mark views the world through the logic of numbers. In his opinion everything can be reasoned and has order if we just choose to find it. He is more comfortable teaching his “world” to others than actually interacting with fellow humans. He has a soft side but keeps it close to his chest. When reading for parts did you want to be Mark or any character? Tell us what? Of all the characters that were being cast, I only had my eye on Mark. While in real life I’m not the mathematic savant that Mark is, I absolutely grew up as a geek/nerd, so I felt it was something I could easily bring from my own experience to the character.

Mark

How did you hear about Almost Not Quite? I first heard about Almost… Not Quite through a casting call posted on Actors Access. And funny enough, while I only ever saw myself auditioning for Mark, somehow I accidentally submitted for the character of Sean as well, and ended up sending in videos for both. I received the callback for Mark, and the Sean mistake was never mentioned again… Being Mark now during stay home stay safe do you like how you portray Mark or do you want to adjust his personality a little when filming starts? If yes, why? If no, what do you like? Before the quarantine began, we were all able to do a table reid through the entire script, so I had the opportunity to spend a few hours getting a feel for Mark as a I read aloud with the whole cast. By the end, I

Reid Schmidt

felt like I had found a stable footing for Mark, so I carried that through to these “Together Apart” quarantine shorts. There was the episode where Mark is having a full-blown breakdown and losing his grasp on reality, but other than that, I feel like I’ve been fine-tuning his quirks and neurosis ever so slightly, and want to carry that over when we start shooting the series proper. Mark what up with you and math? Math is just the universal language! Spoken languages may separate people, but numbers can always bring us together. They’re constant, they bring order, they have an order, they’re simply the one thing you can depend on. Most things in life have multiple interpretations, may it be analyzing European literature or looking at interpersonal relationships, but with math and numbers there’s no room for error. You either get it, or for most people, you don’t, and numbers are the one time I can safely say I get it. Mark do you like Todd? If yes tell us what you like? If no why are you calling his service in disguise? I understand that we all need to stay in high spirits during this quarantine, but please don’t make me laugh! Todd and I are merely friends. And I wish him the best with his webcam service, I can admit he’s aesthetically attractive

enough to make this a lucrative business, but it’s not the type of thing I would personally take part in Mark, why did you let your facial hair grow it really looks weird? You have people using this quarantine to do things they’ve never done before. They’re baking sourdough bread, they’re learning to sew. I have never had facial hair in my life, so I thought I would take advantage of this time alone to try it. But it was promptly rejected by those closest to me, which further cements my belief that I shouldn’t change, and my life should remain a constant. Mark this quarantine seems to be taking a toll on you do you think you might get psychiatric help? I’m fine thanks, how are you? Reid Schmidt as Mark: Jersey Boy at heart, Reid grew up on the East Coast and attended college in Boston before ultimately making the move to California. His interest in acting began with a school production of Guys & Dolls, and continues today with short films in Los Angeles. An avid fan of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Reid looks to the stars of yesteryear for inspiration in his life. He enjoys spending time at the movies and making terrible puns out of his name. 19

Sam: Strong, self-reliant, Sam lives by the motto “If they love you, fuck ‘em…….If they hate you, fuck ‘em….It’s the Lesbian way” Her core group of friends are three gay men, she’s not sure how this happened, but she doesn’t fight it. She sees herself as the only thing between the guys and sheer chaos. Puppett how much of you is in Sam? Though Sam is sarcastic and biting, underneath it all, she is very loyal to her friends and is the voice of reason in their little group. I think I would get along with Todd a lot better than Sam does, but

Sam

on a deeper level she loves him dearly. In that way, I connect with Sam’s loyalty, intelligence, and commitment to her friends. And who doesn’t love a little sarcasm? (a lot of people) Did you want to be the character Sam when you read for the part? I was hoping to be cast in that role, but was also open to other parts if the creators saw a better fit. Ultimately, I was thrilled to be cast as Sam. Sam isn’t one of the sitcom character types I’m most comfortable playing, and I have a tendency to want to go bigger, so I’m working hard to find the character and ride that line. It’s fun to push myself. How did you learn about Almost not Quite? I saw a breakdown (casting call) for Almost Not Quite on Actors Access, and I was really excited to see a sitcom full of LGBTQ characters!

Puppett

Now that you have been Sam for a few phone chats do you like her or do you want to change her a little when filming starts? If yes Why? If No describe what you might do differently? Sam is the straight man, despite being the only member of the main group who is not a man. On these calls, her smart sarcastic self seems to be at the forefront, overshadowing her patience and understanding. I’d like to find a little more balance between those pieces of Sam, while still driving points home as the voice of reason, and I think I might have a chance to play with that more soon. I want to be careful to remain sarcastic and straightforward without being too mean. A pandemic can really get under your skin though! Sam, Girl you have some attitude are you always like this or in momma mode with Jonny? You seem to be very protective of Jonny, can you tell us why? Sam is very protective of Jonny; he’s been her best friend for a long time. As a butch lesbian, Sam is a pariah in a society that values feminity and conventional beauty in women, and shuns gender nonconformity. She’s experienced the heartache that comes with constant judgement and harassment, and so she feels an affinity for Jonny and his

experiences as a heavier man. The two of them cannot hide or blend in the way Todd and Mark are able to, when needed. They understand each other’s pain in a unique way, and are deeply bonded. Sam has seen Jonny get hurt in a lot of relationships, and she is ready to go to bat for him even when he doesn’t think he needs someone on his team.

Puppett as Sam: Puppett appeared on stage in the LA premiere of Taylor Mac’s HIR at the Odyssey Theatre. Their on-screen credits include a Guest Star role on MTV’s Catfish: The Untold Stories, Co-Star in a Comedy Central Pilot, and supporting roles in Drifter (feature film) and The Mid-Autumn Dinner (short film). She is in an upcoming episode of the web-series City Kitties, to be released in June 2020, and was recently accepted into the Women’s Weekend Filmmaking Challenge where she will be starring in a short film.

Luke is that rare creature, a masculine gay man that is very comfortable with who he is. He fought hard to come to this place in his life and has found a calm confidence in knowing what he wants now. He plays the central character’s (Jonny) love interest, he was the one that got away that has now found his second chance. How did you hear about Almost Not Quite?

Luke

I was going through casting notices on the Actors Access website when I came across Almost… Not Quite, back in the beginning of January. I really connected with the description of the show that said something like, “while waiting to feel ‘grown-up’ they discover that it is a never ending process in which we are never quite there.” And, there was something endearing about the way Luke and Jonny were described, and so I submitted myself to the casting notice. You have me convinced that you are in love with Jonny and that you miss him. Now that you have been Luke for several quarantine calls do you like the way you have created his personality? I’m having a wonderful time playing Luke! When Jonathan Shuffield asked if I would be interested in doing a quarantine video chat scene, I was thrilled. Such a wonderful way to be productive and creative during this time; working on our characters by creating these virtual vignettes, which also allows us to build/connect with our audience. It’s brilliant! I’ve done my best to bring the writers’ vision for Luke to life, based on the scripts I’ve seen and conversations we’ve all had. Of course, there is always more work that can be done because there is so much more

Effie Cacarnakis

to Luke. At the moment I feel like we are just scratching the surface...

yes, indeed, I got the part! What do you use as your inspiration for Luke?

Not to give anything away, but as we continue to work on the show through the quarantine video chat scenes and eventually the filming of the full episodes, we are sure to discover what Luke had to go through in order to be in a place where he loves himself, his life and is now ready to be in a relationship with Jonny.

Luke is such a protector, nurturer and he is happy in his life, but this was not always the case and I can absolutely identify with all of that. I’m the oldest of four and I have children of my own, so I tend to fall into those roles naturally and have a lot of parallel experiences.

It looks like you were made for the role of Luke, tell us, did you read for Luke or how did you get the part? Right off the bat, I just knew Luke was right for me. Shortly after submitting myself for Luke, I got the request for the first round of auditions. I immediately started focusing on the similarities between us, the way Luke dresses and how he walks, etc. I also came up with my own backstory for Luke based on the two scenes I had read and the character descriptions I’d been given. I felt like I had a deep understanding about Luke and the dynamics of his relationship with Jonny. And apparently, the production team agreed, because a few weeks after the initial audition I was at the second round of auditions, and then a week later Jonathan Shuffield gave me the news that

I have no clue about the training, sacrifices and dynamics required of fire fighters, but growing up on a small ranch it was expected that I help out as much as was needed and without complaining, and that meant missing out on the things other kids my age were doing. It was then that I learned the importance of jumping into action and avoiding unnecessary waste, and I see a lot of that in Luke. So, I do understand the obligations, sacrifices and physical labor required for the greater good of your family (or fellow firefighters). Luke Tell us what you like about Jonny? Jonny is joy! Not to say that he doesn’t have highs and lows like all of us, but he just warms your heart regardless. He is totally himself at all times no matter

the venue or the people around. Nearly everything about his life and decisions is based on his feelings...

Luke, what do your Fireman buddies think of Jonny?

Well, the guys at the station are very supportive of me, and they take a lot of pride in being protective of their token gay. When firemen from other stations give me a hard time, Luke, Jonny seems to be high maintenance is this a turn on or my guys have my back. The guys have only met Johnny a something that may be a problem long run? few times, and Jonny did have some heightened emotional What??? How dare you call Jonny, high maintenance?!?! I’m experiencing going on each joking. But, Jonny is very sensitive to labels like that. of those times, so that was awkward. And, they know all I would say that Jonny just feels more than most of the rest of us about my years of back and allow ourselves and I would never want him to stop. However, forth with Johnny, but I would there have been times when his, shall we say, heightened say they are supportive of our emotional experiencing was at a less than opportune moment. relationship. Although, they And, because I tend to be a bit more diplomatic I’ve been have expressed concerns about left having to explain about Jonny to my friends, family and coworkers or get him out of a jam with total strangers. That can be falling back into old patterns, but they would love to see me problematic, to say the least, but I accept that about Jonny. settled down. And, that is intoxicating to someone like me who spent a lot of time not only hiding who I really am, but layering on a persona to satisfy who I thought the world expected me to be; living like that makes following your feelings impossible. Which is why Jonny is such a badass, he can’t not be himself.

Luke, what is up with you and Sam? She’s just jealous of me! I’m joking. Seriously, though, I can’t say that I know exactly what it is that makes Sam hate me so much. I imagine it has to do with the volatility of my relationship with Jonny over the years. Maybe the way Jonny has described those events is the reason.

Effie Cacarnakis hails from the glamorous and Utopian Inland Empire.He discovered his love of theater at the age of 6, when he played the “wisest” of the Three Wise Men in the church Christmas Pageant. He credits his love of film/television to his mother, who introduced him to classic movies like Cleopatra, Gone With The Wind, and Some Like It Hot, and old TV shows like Bewitched, I Dream Of Jeannie and The Addams Family.

I’ve tried to explain my side of things and my intentions to Sam, in order to make peace for Jonny’s sake, but she’s not having it. I believe she sees me as a disruption to her relationship with Jonny, as if I’m stealing him away from her. Luke do you think Jonny’s friends are going to be a problem and cause Jonny to choose between you and them? if yes Why? If no why? The choice is theirs. I’m willing to coexist in harmony, and I would never ask Jonny to choose between me and his friends. That would be cruel, I know how close they all are. They even seem to have a special language with each other that I just don’t get, maybe I’m not supposed to… His friends don’t make it easy for a guy to integrate into the group, almost like they’d rather Jonny was just single forever. If I make Jonny happy, why shouldn’t they be supportive? Perhaps, if they were also in serious relationships themselves, they might be more open minded… Except Todd he’s cool. Regardless, I’m not going anywhere. I’m in it for the long haul with Jonny.

Effie is a graduate of the USC School of Theater, Bachelor of Fine Arts program,and also studied theater at the British American Drama Academy. He has many fond memories of performing on stage in Los Angeles and London, in productions like A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Angels in America, The Barbarians, Cannery Row, The Cave Dwellers, Execution of Justice and Twelfth Night. He has also been featured in a variety of commercials and print campaigns since his early teens. Effie and his husband Nick have two children, Katarina and Nico. They live in Pasadena, CA.

Dr. Secret

Mike Baker

Dr. Secret is a chameleon of sorts. We aren’t even sure in the first season if he is a real doctor. He is obsessed with the lead character of Jonny. He becomes what he needs to keep himself close, he is always popping up as different “characters” How did you hear about Almost Not Quite? I saw it as a casting on Actors Access, and the role sounded like a lot of fun. What inspired the creation of the Dr.’s personality, he is creepy yet likable in a sick twisted way? I imagined what Peter Sellers has done with many films and the Count from Lemony Snicket a bit and infused it with my own goofiness. I think he has to be somewhat likeable, so the audience is happy when they see him in episodes interacting with Jonny so often What do like and hate about Dr. Secret? I like that he’s inspired by films to create interesting characters and that he’s really driven(even if it’s obsessive). Well, actors can’t really hate their own characters, buttttt I’d say, from an outside perspective, that I dislike that he’s rude/mean in reference to Johnny’s friends. Doc What are your rates I would like to make an appointment? I’m completely booked at the moment, but if you would be so

kind as to send me a full body shot(no winter clothes where I can’t really “see you”) and a list of hobbies and places you like to go, I can work out a quote based on what I think I can do to fulfill your needs... therapeutically speaking, that is. Doc without breaking doctor-patient confidentiality can you tell us what diagnosis you would give a colleague about Jonny? He really needs to learn to be free...I have very specific excersises I prescribe for that(but those details are only for clients) and he needs to stop listening to what others advise so much...”friends, boyf....relationships, family members, etc”. Doc what would you tell someone who stocks another and manipulated that person to do minor sexual acts without them knowing? Sometimes manipulation, as some people call it, is really just one person helping another draw out their true inner desires and feelings... and I believe stalking is usually just a sign of true affection. As long as everyone is happy, no

harm no foul...which is again a therapeutic term for “just don’t hurt anybody”. Thanks, Mike... and... It’s been my pleasure, Dr. Secret Mike Baker as Dr. Secret: thrilled to join the cast of Almost...Not Quite as Dr. Secret. He has been seen in several short and independent films over the years as well as on tv in Cuff Me if You Can and most notably as Norm in the CCFCU commercials. Favorite onstage roles include Leo Bloom, Brave Sir Robin, Fagin, Simonides/Boult, Tobias, and Judas. He is also known for his Groucho, Willie Nelson, and Jimmy Durante impressions and his show “Mike on Mime” which toured the US under direction of Richmond Shepard. Mike is a musician and co-founder of the band The Mistery Machine, as well. Throughout the years they’ve performed all over, including Las Vegas(where they opened for The Platters) and Japan, and recently released their EP “Phaze:ONE” which includes the song “We’re Best Friends” from the award winning short film Li’l Chit Chat.

EX &

XECUTIVE PRODUCER & Director Jonathan Shuffield Jonathan has worked within media for over 20 years. He started a non-profit organization called “SHYNE” in 2005 that battled prejudice and discrimination through the use of the arts. SHYNE debuted “The Concert For a Hate Free World,” a completely volunteer driven stage production with choir, orchestra and even an opening interactive film put on at The Wenatchee Convention Center in 2009. He has been an activist since coming out in an article in The Wenatchee World at 20 years old and accepting the presidency of the Wenatchee Valley College Gay-Straight Alliance a few years later. He has produced theatrical plays, independent film as well as talk shows for radio and podcast. He has dreamed of this show for over a decade and is extremely excited to continue his mission to be a part of the continued growth of the LGBT community.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Jason Shuffield Jason Shuffield has been in entertainment for over two decades, from podcast to radio, television to print, he never stops creating. Jason prides himself in working just as hard behind the scenes as in front and is never afraid to jump in to get the work done. As a producer, he takes on projects he believes in and loves helping them find their voice........oh and check out his TikTok!

WRITERS Jonathan Shuffield

Jonathan Shuffield is an accomplished writer being published in many online and print media outlets. From his first published piece at 21 in his local newspaper, The Wenatchee World, he has gone on to write interviews, op-ed and news pieces. With extensive background in sketch writing and narrative he is poised to take on the episodic format in a new and exciting point of view. 32

Leonardo Poareo

“Leonardo Poareo is a writer originally from San Pedro, now living in Simi Valley. He graduated from USC with a master’s degree in public policy, and when he’s not working in the policy field, he loves to find ways to make people laugh and think. He is also married. No, his wife did not make him write that.”

Leonardo

Leonardo can you describe what it is like to be a writer for a show? Getting to write a dramedy with a kindred comedic spirit is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Add to that the grittiness and diversity of topics we cover, and I’m lucky to write something unique that I’m proud of. Even though writing is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. Yes, I’m a recovering journalism major. When writing do you and Jonathan share all the characters or do you write certain aspects and he writes others areas? For the most part, we share the characters, and vibe off premises that way. However, there are characters Jonathan almost exclusively writes, like Nova. I need to spend more time learning the parlance of drag queens, haha. Which character is you favorite? I enjoy them all for different reasons. Currently, I find Sam to be especially intriguing because of her struggles over gender identity and her battle to not be perceived as the token lesbian of the group. But I love them all! Now that most of the cast have had a chance to be the characters during Stay Home Stay Safe. Are you happy with the way they portray the characters? if yes Why? If no what would you change? I’m happy because they all make it known throughout their performances what the characters really want and need. Tell us about yourself. Follow me @nardrageous on Twitter and Instagram and you’ll find out all about me.

What to Watch For: Episode Synopsis: Episode 1 (pilot): Jonny is distraught after his break-up with his husband Sean and calls upon his friends Sam, Mark and Todd for help. It is not at all clear if Jonny is equipped to survive on his own.

Episode 2 Sam, Mark and Todd have rallied around Jonny since his break-up and convince Jonny to go to the gym to get in “dating-shape.” Mark ends up dating a guy half his age and Jonny almost ends up in traction and they ALL end up feeling their age.

the friends try to encourage Jonny to stop hiding by creating a personal ad and picking a date for him. Things go horribly wrong for everyone.

Episode 3 -

Episode 5 -

The friends decide to take Jonny for a night on the town. Jonny runs into an old flame, Luke, and ends up ending the night with him only to find pictures of Luke’s supposed ex still in frames. Mark deals with dating a younger man.

Jonny decides to see an unorthodox therapist who turns out to have more to reveal than Jonny.

Episode 4 After feeling rejected by Luke, Jonny has descended into the depths of depression, so

Episode 6 After Sam and Jonny decide to help out during a fundraiser at the local LGBT center, Sam gets into an altercation with the emcee drag queen which culminates in all the queens going on strike. (To Be Continued)

Episode 9 Todd takes the boys out for a spa day. Things get a bit tense when they discuss the pressure for gay men to stay “beautiful.” Jonny’s new agent proves to be a handful.

Episode 10 Sam struggles with her gender expression as her relationship with Trace becomes more demanding. Mark meets his Dad’s fiance, while still struggling with his relationship with his father. Todd and Mark discuss possibilities and Jonny can’t figure out what he wants.

Episode 11 -

Episode 7 (part 2) Drag queens continue to strike forcing the friends to have to fill in. Luke delivers a grand gesture to win Jonny back and everyone ends up in jail. Love still seems to be in the air for everyone.

Episode 8 -

(Part 1) The big wedding day has arrived for Mark’s dad and Mark is not ready! The friends rally as Mark contemplates what he should do. Speak now or forever hold his peace? Luke confronts Jonny about acting distant, Sam and Trace make a big decision.

Episode 12 (Part 2) As each friend is dealing with their own issues, the friendly cater bartender keeps the alcohol flowing. Things get out of hand for each in turn, and actions are taken by all the friends that could have ramifications that cannot be undon

Mark struggles with news that his Dad will be visiting and needs the friends help so his Dad will not find out he is gay, but Mark’s Dad has some news of his own. Sam steps up to teach the boys to be “real” men.

Melinda Earhart Melanie Salisbury

Supporting Cast Melinda Earhart is an over-sexed and sassy talent agent. She finds societal conventions a bore and makes up the rules as she goes along. She is so far wrong that she is right again.

Melanie Salisbury plays the role of Melinda Earhart, an over-sexed and sassy agent. Melanie trained at The Arts Educational School in the UK and made her professional debut at the age of 11 dancing in a London/UK tour production of The Nutcracker with the English National Ballet. At 16, Melanie began a career in musical theatre. From On The Town to Chicago from Sweeney Todd to Company and much more.

Supporting Cast

Jasmin Singer as Trace:

Jasmin Singer is an actor and author living between West Hollywood and New York City. Notable works include the memoir Always Too Much and Never Enough (Penguin Random Houseâ€™s Berkley, 2016) and the forthcoming VegNews Guide to Being a Fabulous Vegan (Hachette, 2020). She has recently appeared in Moonzstruck: the Musical at Los Angelesâ€™ iconic The Cavern Club Theater and is a leading character in the 2020 film, The Bra Mitzvah. Favorite credits include Sanctuary: A Radio Play (Symphony Space, NYC), New York, New York: A Helluva Town (New York City Center), and the animal rights-themed documentaries Vegucated and The Ghosts In Our Machine. She co-hosts the Webby-recognized Our Hen House podcast (now in its eleventh year). 40

Jake Jensenâ€™s entertainment career began in Atlanta and Miami where he booked a variety

of music video, print, and commercial shoots. After booking a couple of major national commercial shoots in Miami, Jake has been in LA for five years. He recently booked a major feature film and has also done two theater productions in LA. In addition to acting Jake also enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and the beach in Southern Cal. He is also a certified Sport Psychology Consultant (CMPC) with a doctorate in Sport Psychology, and works as both a consultant and professor of Sport Psychology.

Supporting Cast

Kyle Sing hails from the trenches of storefront and black box theater in the great city of

Chicago. A playwright, screenwriter, and actor, Kyle made the jump from stage to screen in 2015 in the family suspense thriller, End of Fall, and now resides in Los Angeles. A fan of Shakespeare, Ibsen, and Mamet, Grindhouse and Kino film, taco trucks and muscle cars, Kyle is a producer of blue-collar, existentialist dramatic art, and is stoked to join the cast and crew of Almost..Not Quite.

Raymond Abel as Nova Kaine:

Raymond Abel Tomas who was born and raised in South Texas- a true Tejano at heart, is heavily influenced by the Tex-Mex/Tejano culture. He began performing professionally on the American stage at the age of 13. Whether on screen or on stage, his goal to bring more humorous Latinx content to mainstream entertainment and have a career path much like his childhood idols: John Leguizamo, Carol Burnett, Martin Short, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robin Williams.

Talking to the LGBTQQIP2SAA world one publication at a time.