-How far will you travel?
Anywhere in the U.S. and Canada

-Is there a limit to the audience size?
I have performed for audiences of 5,000 and groups of 8-12 people. I personally have no problem either way but I do ask that whomever is sponsoring the show take into account their specific group. In other words, as a teacher, you know what “works” in your school. You can also imagine that there is some intimacy lost with a gymnasium of 1500 as opposed to a theater of 500.

-What is the cost to book the show?
$1900 / performance within MA, NH, RI, CT, NY, NJ, & Eastern PA
$1900 + Travel / When Flight required (Travel costs currently $600)
Multiple shows/block booking discounts available

-Is there an age limit?
Yes and no. I would not recommend the show for students below 7th-8th grade. Not because there is anything offensive but because conceptually the show is a little more abstract than a “D.A.R.E.” program or a motivational speaker. I also perform quite a bit for college age audiences. Freshman orientations find the show a perfect fit. The show is adjusted depending on the age of the audience.

-We are a private school, civic organization or religious group and our funding is limited. We want to book you but we do not have the entire amount. Can you help?
Maybe. There is a space to mention your special circumstances in the online booking form.

-Are there any technical requirements I should know about?
Yes. They are minimal but important. Please read my rider and suggestions titled “Tips For a Great Assembly” Basically I need a lit stage, a standard XLR microphone cable, and an electrical extension cord or powerstrip stage right.

-We have 1500 students and our auditorium holds 500? What do you recommend?
A few options. You could do just 1 or 2 grade levels. And then have me back every year or every other year. Or you could do multiple shows in the same day at a discounted rate.

-Do you perform just for students? What about parents?
I perform for all ages. The show was originally written to be performed in regular theater for a theater going crowd. I highly recommend getting the parents involved as much as possible. Sometimes I will do a student show in the day and then a parent show at night.

-How long is the show? Our periods are 45 minutes. Can you shorten the show?
The show is roughly 70 minutes. I can shorten it to 60 (maybe in a pinch 55) or extend it to 90 by either cutting some parts or having an extended Q& A or debriefing afterward. I cannot shorten the show to 45 minutes. If your periods are 45 minutes then you should block two periods for the show.

-Why do you talk about drugs? Are you an addict?
I am not an addict. I have never been in prison. I do not conduct a “scared straight” type program nor do I believe fear works as a long term motivator. But I do believe that love and compassion can help a person be their best. I talk about drugs because I grew up with my immediate family and friends who were addicts. Some of whom were taken from me.

-Is there religion or politics in your show?
No. Not really. There is certainly no bias either way. Those two things unfortunately often divide more than they unite. And I steer clear of making my personal opinions known in the show. However, if you read my blog you could probably piece together a pretty good mosaic of my feelings and opinions if you need to know:)

-What is your background and training?
I am not a psychologist or drug counselor or teacher. Although I have found myself in those roles, I am an actor and comedian. I hold a BA in theatre and communications from Evangel University and I have spent 6 years as a touring comedian. I sometimes consider myself a “performance artist” if I’m trying to impress artsy people. Or If my mothers friend’s are asking I refer to myself as a “doctor.”

So What DOES “dirt” stand for?
Dirt is not an acronym like D.I.R.T. It “stands” for nothing. Its just a provocative name for the show I decided on back in 2002. I chose it for several reasons.
1. First and foremost I noticed myself using the word or the image in just about every character.

2. The poem “I Am Dirt” ,which is read in the show as Pi’s entry in the town poetry festival, was written long before the show was conceived. I wrote it when I was sitting around and just empathizing with the thoughts and feelings of a young addict. It was also drawing heavily on my buddhist leanings in those days. The idea of the life cycle and reincarnation. It also fits in well with my Catholicism.

3. It was the name of the album I was listening to by Alice In Chains quite a bit. The lead singer of which passed away from a drug overdose. An event which many fans saw coming in his lyrics unfortunately. To this day that album takes me to a strange place.

4. Something I found out later was that I inadvertently used the title of a monologue section from a character by Eric Bogosian in HIS one man show “Sex, Drugs, And Rock & Roll.” There is really no similarity whatsoever to the show or character. Total coincidence and maybe a little sponginess on my part. Eric Bogosian was a huge influence on my acting and helped me understand exactly what could be done on stage. Which is anything I want!

5. Dirt is a street term for heroin. Kind of outdated though.

6. And the clincher was my Dad. He was a WWII veteran. When I was writing the show I was over his house hanging out watching TV with him. I asked if in the war he had any good luck charms. He showed me his dog tags with a St. Anne medal attached to it. But he then told me that really the only thing that he and some of the fellas did for “good luck” was to grab a handful of dirt and put it in their pocket before they took off. When they landed they would empty it back out. For the longest tie I carried dirt in a bag with me as a prop but it got too complicated with Homeland Security at airports.

7. Lastly, are two somewhat spiritual personal meanings for me too.

One of the noble truths of Buddhism mentions the ground on which I stand. Thich nhat Hanh translated it this way.
“My actions are my only true belongings.
I cannot escape the consequences of my actions.
My actions are the “ground” (sic) upon which I stand.”

And the prophet Ezekiel’s message in Chapter 37 was/is a guiding force in my life at times. This is the chapter about the valley of dry bones. The image of a man facing a barren wasteland and wondering if it can live again was very powerful to me as I confronted my own “teenage wasteland” and wondered if I could “live again” and possibly make a difference. This image of life coming out of the dry dirt.

Ezekiel 37

1. The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the Spirit of the LORD and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,
2. and caused me to pass by them round about; and behold, there were very many in the open valley, and lo, they were very dry.
3. And He said unto me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord GOD, Thou knowest.”
4. Again He said unto me, “Prophesy upon these bones and say unto them, `O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.
5. Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live
6. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.’”

So uhm yeah. Thats what Dirt stands for. Good luck fitting that into your grant proposal:-)