Impossible to believe summer is just about over and it’s impossible to believe that the strike continues. But what is most impossible to believe is that some folks act as though they had no idea that there was a strike. Under what rock, no matter what side of the issue they are on, could they have been hiding? There are none so blind as those who will not see.

Real actors don’t do scab work. That’s real actors–union, pre-union and all stops in between. Imagine someone so gullible who thinks this isn’t a very small town and that union busting activities will go unnoticed. Or that there won’t be some consequences. Imagine someone so vain or deluded as to think that they are getting called in now, and not before, because producers were struck overnight with their brilliance. They are getting called in because they are all that’s left.

And what about that Big Lie floating around that the union is tight-lipped and doesn’t want anyone to know anything. Completely false! The union wants to talk to everyone. We welcome all help. Call, ask questions or sign on to ditherswood@mindspring.com and say "Add Me’" to your list. Picket Post has all the latest news and views. Ask some folks in the 80-hour program or ask the non-union folks, not even in the 80-hour program, who turn out to march. But don’t fret, your questions will be answered.

On a related topic, no sooner did the last issue of Performink hit the streets before I got a call regarding the person who claimed to be a casting director and was charging a registration fee and making all the wrong moves. Seems this person was identified immediately and action is being taken. But that doesn’t mean this kind of unethical predatory business isn’t going to spring up again. Some folks just don’t listen. Don’t let unscrupulous people feed their egos and bank accounts preying on the uninformed. Educate yourselves and those around you.

Oh! And be on the lookout for any shoots–especially GM.

The Chicago acting community lost a long time friend when agent Chuck Saucier died at his home in Louisiana last week of throat cancer. Jane Alderman reports that, as of now, their is no service/memorial–"or in Chuck’s case, a party"–scheduled. But we will let you know.

Back to the business. The Illinois Film Office reports that "The Joan Cusack Show" and Hardball are systems go. It is possible that we may get Dragonfly and some part of Muhammad Ali. One Hour Photo has been scouting and "ER" will be in town soon. We are hosting independent films Tenfold (featuring the incomparable Maureen Steindler) and Freddie’s Dead.

Jane Alderman Casting is getting ready for "ER" as well as busy casting additional work for the thriller Soul Survivors. Other projects include casting two spokespersons for a Ket 9, the Kentucky PBS series on dance. And Tony Doborwsky booked a three-week stint on Til The End of Time, which unfortunately was recently shut down.

Okay, the guessing is over. It was Claire Simon who got the casting for Joan Cusack’s new show. She is also casting for the Indy Design and scouting for the John Goodman show. Booked for Hardball was Carol Hall, Casey Zeman, Christopher Lofton, Don Lewis, Freeman Coffey, Greg Sandquist, Jacqueline Williams, Kwami Amoaku, Marssie Mencotti, Ora Jones, Paul Turner, Steve Cinabro, Tom Milanovich, Vince Green, Julian Griffith, Dwayne Warren, Brian Reed, Michael Perkins and Alan Ellis, Jr.

Ashley Hoff of Baker and Rowley is off to California to pursue a writing career. Novels, he says, not scripts. He will be at the agency until August 18 and then his duties will be taken over by Vanessa Lanier whom he says is "an industry veteran, with 15 years in the biz and a welcome addition to the agency." Hail and farewell. Before leaving, Ashley wanted us to know that Anne Gregory was also booked in Tenfold.

Don’t forget that Lily’s has moved to 1301 West Washington and that their new number is 312/601-2345. Any registered talent is invited to stop by Mondays between 2-4 p.m. And they booked Erin Toney in a short film and David Cora in an industrial.

Thanks to the few interim agreements, some actors can work. Recently Hear Spot Run and Quotesmith.com, having signed an interim agreement, booked several actors for a national radio campaign. Those actors included Richard Henzel, Linda Kimbrough, Lisa Lewis (of Trench fame), Chelcie Ross and Mike Matheson. Dave Kappas of CED also booked interim spots for Wisconsin Dells and Iquest.com. Norm Woodel is again the signature voice of Fifth Third Bank.

Peace.

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