Wednesday, Jan. 07, 2004 | 10:21 AM

Acting Class yesterday was just fantastic. My professor announced that he is directing a movie�not some fly by night thing�like, an actual movie for a Hollywood studio. He�s a theatre director, and this will be his first movie (a la Sam Mendes.) It�s really exciting.

Also, I watched a scene done by two students that blew me the fuck away. Seriously, I was floored. The scene was from the play, Proof. One of the actresses was pretty good, but the other one was magnificent. I had to choke down sobs I was so moved by what she did. She was so visceral. I love seeing people do that well because it makes me want to work harder.

My scene partner this time around is a very talented actor�he does a lot of Mamett and he�s very quick. We�re doing a scene from the movie, You Can Count on Me (if you haven�t seen that movie, you should�it�s stellar.)

My benefit performance is in two weeks and I�m getting psyched for that and then Company auditions are right after and I�m so glad because working is what makes me happier than anything and I miss being onstage like crazy.

After class I treated myself to a couple DVD�s�You Can Count on Me, Melvin Goes To Dinner, and The Ben Stiller Show. I watched a bit of Stiller yesterday, which I bought mostly because David Cross and Bob Odenkirk of the fabulous Mr. Show were both writers, and Bob was one of cast members. Some of it fell flat but some of it was downright hilarious�almost as good as Mr. Show (although really what could be as good as that?) Overall, a wise purchase I would say�especially since one of the episodes has a commentary track that includes Ben Stiller, Brent Forrester (very funny comic/writer), and Bob and David! HEAVEN. Sheer fucking heaven.

Today after work I�m seeing LOTR again�Matt was going to join Angus, Michelle, and I but he has to work. I miss him like crazy�haven�t seen him since I got back. I need to have another of our ten hour conversations.