Stein Takes Aim at Casting Directors

He calls himself Stein. This one-name actor’s one-man show “Can’t Make It as an Actor in L.A.” is his slightly comedic tirade about the tendency of casting directors to brush off his undiscovered talent.

According to the program bio at Santa Monica Playhouse, Stein performed this piece for some three months before director Paul Bennett came on board to shape it into “sharper, cleaner theater.” The results are not evident in what remains an industry in-joke that isn’t even funny to the industry.

During the play, Stein recounts mundane incidents from his professional life, which, by his own accounting, has been distinguished so far only by his extraordinary chutzpah. (According to Stein, he is solely responsible for a security door at Universal Studios casting offices.)

In the parlance of the casting industry, Stein is a “charactery” kind of guy who exudes a certain craggy appeal. However, this particular vehicle is a vanity showcase in reverse, exposing his professional weaknesses rather than his strengths. On top of that, Stein has not even bothered to change the names of the casting directors in question. And he wonders why he’s not working . . .

* “Can’t Make It as an Actor in L.A.,” Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St ., Santa Monica , today at 7:30 and 9 p.m. In July at the Wooden - O Theatre, 2207 Federal Ave., L.A. Fridays, 7:30 and 9 p.m. $10. (310) 358-2764. Running time: 50 minutes.