Rich Funmaker

Rich Funmaker (yes, his real name!) came to us to help him create a scintillating character and venture into a new and exciting world. Rich, a 9 to 5 working man, wanted to create a persona completely unlike himself for a fund raising event, ToFightHIV.org

After several accent classes, teaching him a Mexican accent, I then handed the reins to my associate, P.J. Ochlan.

P.J. had created characters for one man shows and really comprehended this process. Rich needed to be funny and topical and P.J has had headline engagements at L.A.’s legendary Comedy Store. This was a perfect fit.

Read what Rich Funmaker wrote about his experience with P.J.

I worked with P.J. for several months preparing for a fund raising event. The task was daunting because I chose to create a Latina drag queen character named, Chata.

I’m by nature a quiet, shy, straight guy so I was challenged on many levels. I’m not an actor or drag performer and haven’t had any experience performing. I starting learning an effeminate Mexican accent. I was fortunate that P.J. had experience with this accent.

The process wasn’t easy but P.J. was very patient and encouraging. I would say the process was closer to improvisation because there wasn’t a script, just a loose concept of the show. This allowed the character Chata to slowly develop over time.

During this time P.J. shared his experience with performing in front of people, the importance of timing, awareness of the performance energy, staying in character, and finding the rhythm of the moment as the character. I now have a deeper appreciation of the craft of acting because of my time with P.J.

All this work culminated with the fund raising party on January 29, 2011. The party was a blast and my friends were so surprised and amazed by my transformation. I owe so much to P.J. for his contribution in creating Chata.

I have thought of continuing to work as the character of Chata, and I’m missing her already. This experience was cathartic and incredible.”