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.”

To contribute to Rich Funmaker’s wonderful fund, go to http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/chatafun there is a little video of him as Chata.

“He’s a wonderful actor.  He can [do] the accents and the whole thing.”

Jodie Foster
 

“One of my favorite characters…one of the real treasures…”

Roger Ebert
 

I’m a firm believer that having a passion for accents, dialects and language is key to being a great accent teacher and I am happy to bring P.J. Ochlan on my team to help me help you. P.J.’s love for words and people make him a tremendous coach that translates to great results for you. His keen ear and ability to recreate dialects has enabled him to land various accented roles and after decades of honing these skills P.J. is now helping others do the same.

P.J. uses the techniques that I use which are focused completely on how the individual student learns. I have developed a strong and quick process for accent learning which encompasses the spelling out of new sounds sometimes derived from your natural accent. And P.J. uses IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) if that is more comfortable for you, whatever elicits the right sounds.

P.J. was born in Long Island, New York to Italian American parents and like me, was surrounded by many cultures in his neighborhood. He speaks German, has a good command of French (2 years of French Intensive at UCLA) and is learning Mandarin, so his aptitude for foreign sounds is extensive.

As an actor, P.J. has worked under directing legends that include Jodie Foster, Garry Marshall and Tommy Schlamme, producing icons including Scott Rudin, David E. Kelley, Brian Grazer, Carsey/Werner and Aaron Spelling, and for every major studio and network.

Among P.J.’s big screen achievements are several notable films including the role of Damon Wells in Little Man Tate, for which he was submitted for an Academy Award nomination.

On television, P.J.’s been a four-time series regular, along with guest and recurring appearances on numerous other top shows, resulting in several network submissions for Emmy nominations.

He’s also done over 30 national commercials and many voiceovers for which his skill at accents was a big plus.

P.J.‘s stage highlights include a Broadway production nominated for three Tony Awards and a critically acclaimed performance in Joseph Papp’s historic New York Shakespeare Festival.

On radio, P.J. currently serves as an on-air personality and Creative Director for several stations, where his extensive voice work includes several regular shows and features.

Among the other hats stacked up in P.J.’s career closet are stand-up comedy (including headline engagements at L.A.’s legendary Comedy Store), sketch comedy, hosting, writing and directing for both stage and screen. He also has frequent speaking engagements and serves as an announcer and emcee for special events and arts organizations.

Member of:

ATAS (Academy of Television Arts & Sciences)
SAG (Screen Actors Guild)
AFTRA (American Federation of Television & Radio Artists)
AEA (Actors Equity Association)



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