Obviously been quite some time, but things have been quiet on the home front. I must admit, I haven't exactly been super actively 'chasing the dream' these past few months. Sometimes a girl just needs a breather. There will ALWAYS be auditions and gigs, so long as you still have your sanity, and I quite frankly felt that I was losing my grip on my own, thus the break.
Shattered Focus, the film that I started working on in the spring, wrapped sometime early this summer and I hadn't done much of anything up until this past week. I finally jumped back in the saddle at a theater audition on Sunday. I was reading for 2 parts and had requested the sides ahead of time so that I could be familiar with and start to analyze the characters. The problem with this particular production is that it was made into a movie casting actresses who are so fitting for each of the parts, that it's hard to envision anyone else playing them, let alone try to recreate the characters in a "new way."
Nevertheless I made the trip across the river to a Sojo playhouse where I sat for 3 hours waiting to read for 5 minutes. (Isn't acting great?!) It's always tough being the out-of-towner, because it seems as though everyone around you knows someone (director, stage manager, the janitor...whomever) or they know each other from previous productions. Great! even more pressure to give a spectacular audition. (ya I know, typical, but hey a girl's gotta vent).
3 hours ticks by and they're finally calling for one of the parts that I want to read for. Yippee. Except that there's a decent number of women reading for this part, and every time the Board Member came out to call another one of us the woman next to me would say "Either one of us this time!" yet there always seemed to be someone else waiting to read for that part. So as you can imagine that got old REAL FAST. Finally I'm called into the room, sides in hand ready to really show them what I've got. "Ok can you just skip to the monologue on the last page of side 2 and run through that?" WHAT?! I prepped for the past week for this audition and you're only going to ask me to read a brief monologue, when there's a whole scene just waiting for my interpretation? "Oh sure, of course." Ugh.
Back to the waiting room I go, feeling less than thrilled, to wait to read for the other character. This time though, when the Board Member appeared, he came out to tell us who we'd be paired with to read for this last scene. Cool, not just a reader, but someone else auditioning for the character opposite mine. Our full names were barely out of the man's mouth when the woman I was paired with was darting to find us a quick rehearsal space. Whoa intense! but ok, I can appreciate her enthusiasm. And did I get the luck of the draw. As soon as we found somewhere to ourselves she was asking "Do you mind if I touch your face or grab your arm? I mean we're supposed to be mother and daughter so is that ok?" Of course. Anything to make the scene more believable, right? We were able to run through about 75% of the scene before we were called into the audition room. As we hurried into the room my partner turns and says "wow! you're really good!" What? Me? Really? This coming from a woman who's done the show twice in the past. Well now I'm stoked! We get in there, get it done, and I really think we killed it. I felt so comfortable with this woman and it seemed like we were really able to feed off of each other.
I pretty much floated out of the room, as I thanked everyone for the opportunity to audition (my partner had to stay behind to perform a monologue for her character) and per my usual I didn't bother to ask any particulars about when they'd be casting or if there would be call backs. In my defense, they seemed to be rushing towards the end (hence the quick monologue for character 1) but alas now I have to sit and play the waiting game for...well idk how long. Had the audition not gone so well, I might feel bad about all of this, but I really don't think I would have changed anything if I were to do it over again (yup I feel that confident) so if I'm not cast, I don't think I'll be that upset. And that is a small victory in and of itself.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Just keep your head above water
The internet. What a great way for those of us without representation to gather information about casting calls and available roles. Until you find yourself drowning in websites that prove to be less than legitimate.
Enter any of the following phrases (casting calls philadelphia, acting philadelphia, open casting calls, etc.) and you may find yourself bombarded with websites boasting "Free Casting Calls!" "Proven to Boost your Acting Career!" "Act your way to Stardom!" How is a person expected to weed through all of this to find the auditions and calls that are worth the time and are not scams? I don't have a foolproof answer but I do have some thoughts on the subject that may or may not be worth hearing. If you don't feel like listening, just scroll to the bottom of the post for a list of sites that I check daily. Each offers pertinent and accurate casting information.
Although the acting community didn't go around setting up faux casting sites littered with promises of fame, casting calls launching your career, and undeniably plastered with ads and links guaranteed to do nothing more than infiltrate your computer with viruses, these sites and the time that it takes to divulge each one has become the first road block in stopping those who aren't willing to sacrifice their time. There is no one site that will offer all casting calls available everywhere. You must be ready to invest some q.t. into sorting through all of the potential sites. It's not always fun but hey, it builds character, right?
In the never-ending search for the perfect role, keep in mind that you're probably not going to find it at this stage of the game. Most large roles for feature films are cast through agents and agencies, that's not to say that some don't stray from the norm and hold open calls, just don't get discouraged if you're not finding lead roles for the next summer blockbuster posted on public sites. Take time now to audition for and work on independent and student films. No they usually don't pay, but they'll offer great experience both positive and negative and give you material to use for your reel. Never ever think that you're too good for a role. You can always use these projects to experience new characters and sides of your personality that you may not have had the opportunity to unleash yet.
Remember, everybody, well maybe not the Olsen Twins, but everybody else had to be a nobody at some point. You'll get your chance. Work hard, practice your craft, take on every role you can find, and take deep cleansing breaths while sorting through those casting call sites.
As promised here are a few sites that I check on a regular basis and trust for accurate and up to date casting information. Enjoy!
1. Greater Philadelphia Film Office
2. Heery Casting Agency
3. Philip Jacobson
4. Alan Baltes Casting Blog
5. Theater Alliance of Greater Philadelphia
Enter any of the following phrases (casting calls philadelphia, acting philadelphia, open casting calls, etc.) and you may find yourself bombarded with websites boasting "Free Casting Calls!" "Proven to Boost your Acting Career!" "Act your way to Stardom!" How is a person expected to weed through all of this to find the auditions and calls that are worth the time and are not scams? I don't have a foolproof answer but I do have some thoughts on the subject that may or may not be worth hearing. If you don't feel like listening, just scroll to the bottom of the post for a list of sites that I check daily. Each offers pertinent and accurate casting information.
Although the acting community didn't go around setting up faux casting sites littered with promises of fame, casting calls launching your career, and undeniably plastered with ads and links guaranteed to do nothing more than infiltrate your computer with viruses, these sites and the time that it takes to divulge each one has become the first road block in stopping those who aren't willing to sacrifice their time. There is no one site that will offer all casting calls available everywhere. You must be ready to invest some q.t. into sorting through all of the potential sites. It's not always fun but hey, it builds character, right?
In the never-ending search for the perfect role, keep in mind that you're probably not going to find it at this stage of the game. Most large roles for feature films are cast through agents and agencies, that's not to say that some don't stray from the norm and hold open calls, just don't get discouraged if you're not finding lead roles for the next summer blockbuster posted on public sites. Take time now to audition for and work on independent and student films. No they usually don't pay, but they'll offer great experience both positive and negative and give you material to use for your reel. Never ever think that you're too good for a role. You can always use these projects to experience new characters and sides of your personality that you may not have had the opportunity to unleash yet.
Remember, everybody, well maybe not the Olsen Twins, but everybody else had to be a nobody at some point. You'll get your chance. Work hard, practice your craft, take on every role you can find, and take deep cleansing breaths while sorting through those casting call sites.
As promised here are a few sites that I check on a regular basis and trust for accurate and up to date casting information. Enjoy!
1. Greater Philadelphia Film Office
2. Heery Casting Agency
3. Philip Jacobson
4. Alan Baltes Casting Blog
5. Theater Alliance of Greater Philadelphia
Monday, May 25, 2009
Frosted Mini Wheat Personality
It's so easy to get discouraged in this industry. With the number of people pursuing the same dreams it's easier to be overshadowed rather than be the one in the spotlight. For today though, my attitude is one of confidence a positiveness, but that could be due to the fact that the sun is shining and I'm sitting by the pool doing nothing but relaxing. Tomorrow when I'm stuck at the office, surrounded by the 3 walls of my cubicle confining me to the monotonous minutia of the everyday, I'm sure I'll be singing a different tune.
Sometimes I completely understand what it's like to suffer from bipolar disorder, getting to know 2 completely different sides to my personality who function completely separate of each other. I find that each morning I wake up not knowing which will be the face that I wear for that day. The frosted side of my mini-wheat personality is unbelievable positive, walking through life with a "why not me attitude" about my hopes and dreams in the acting world. She spends her time scouring the internet for any kernel of information that could help move me forward, trying to find audition notices, and practicing my craft. The unfrosted side however spends her time in a dark place dwelling on inexperience, location (the east coast, instead of the west) and the overall small fish in a big sea scenario. Instead of contemplating the "why not" phenomenon she wonders "Why me? What could I possibly have to offer that is better than anyone else out there? I'm too old with no formal training to expect anything to ever come out of these endeavors."
I don't like her, but sometimes I have to wonder if she is just the realistic side of it all, trying to keep me from getting hurt too badly in the end, should the "big break" never come about. Can I really expect all that much to come out of Philadelphia? This isn't an industry that you can just sit back and let wash over you until the right wave rolls up to your shore. And it's also not an industry where you can go at it half heartedly, as a part time job. You need to be out auditioning for everything that's available without stipulations of time/commitment/other occupations.
I guess I have some thinking to do. But for today my frosted side is shining through and hey...didn't everyone have to start out as a no one once?
Sometimes I completely understand what it's like to suffer from bipolar disorder, getting to know 2 completely different sides to my personality who function completely separate of each other. I find that each morning I wake up not knowing which will be the face that I wear for that day. The frosted side of my mini-wheat personality is unbelievable positive, walking through life with a "why not me attitude" about my hopes and dreams in the acting world. She spends her time scouring the internet for any kernel of information that could help move me forward, trying to find audition notices, and practicing my craft. The unfrosted side however spends her time in a dark place dwelling on inexperience, location (the east coast, instead of the west) and the overall small fish in a big sea scenario. Instead of contemplating the "why not" phenomenon she wonders "Why me? What could I possibly have to offer that is better than anyone else out there? I'm too old with no formal training to expect anything to ever come out of these endeavors."
I don't like her, but sometimes I have to wonder if she is just the realistic side of it all, trying to keep me from getting hurt too badly in the end, should the "big break" never come about. Can I really expect all that much to come out of Philadelphia? This isn't an industry that you can just sit back and let wash over you until the right wave rolls up to your shore. And it's also not an industry where you can go at it half heartedly, as a part time job. You need to be out auditioning for everything that's available without stipulations of time/commitment/other occupations.
I guess I have some thinking to do. But for today my frosted side is shining through and hey...didn't everyone have to start out as a no one once?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
My momma always said "Don't count your chickens before they're hatched"
Turns out that my potential "life-changing" audition fell a little short, which I'm surprisingly not that upset about. I'm not so sure I was actually ready to take the reigns, throw caution to the wind and run blindly ahead.
In any event, there I was Wednesday morning about 30 minutes early for my audition. This being my first at an actual agency I didn't want to stroll in too early, especially since their office hours start at 930, and I got there right at 930. waited roughly 10 minutes and strolled down the block to the agency. Wasn't I surprised when I opened the door to find 4 other women already waiting! I guess the earlier the better. Anxious to find out what major part they were could be casting for opposite Reese Witherspoon, I picked up a set of sides next to the sign in sheet. What?! This couldn't be right. The character we were all waiting so eagerly to read for was "Really Emotional Girl."(REG) She doesn't even have a name? What a bummer. I mean let's be realistic here. You don't go from being an H-string player (or in my case, Really Emotional Girl) to the superstar. But I guess beggars can't be choosers, and anything was better than nothing, right?
The waiting continued (there was a technical issue so we waited about 30 min more than would have been necessary). Finally they began calling us in and it seemed as if everyone was coming and going really really quickly. In what seemed like forever and 2 seconds all at the same time. Amazing how that happens huh? Despite the nerves I got through reading the lines and was getting ready to pack to grab my bag when the Casting Director offered some direction and told me to go again. And then again, and yet again a 4th time. Was I that bad? The character that I had to portray was a crazed, emotional biddy...guess that doesn't come naturally to everyone, myself included.
I left that audition feeling pretty down, assuming that all of the takes were to try to get just one decent clip to use, so as not to have wasted any of her time by having me come in. I sulked around for the rest of the day and that evening. Turns out that I must have done something right though because I got a call the next day for a 2nd audition! Total shocker! Check me out.
So I prepped myself all that night with the direction that I was given. Watching YouTube clips, reading up on the character type. I felt much more confident going back for this second round. I mean wow, they weeded us out pretty quickly. Guess they're eager to get this filming underway. I strolled in as if I had been there a billion times, signed in and then noticed something. There were A LOT of different sides sitting on the table that once held only the sides for R.E.G. They were casting for much more prominent roles and I was only given the opportunity for this one?! It hardly seemed fair. Don't they know how wonderful I am (que sarcastic tone). Also, while I was sitting there, chatting it up with some of the other auditioners, I realized that they were still taking people for their 1st round of auditions. Why bring people back for 2nds when you're still recruiting for exactly what you're looking for.
In any event, I gave it my best hometown try and came out feeling okay. At least I got called back right? And like anything else, I can always chalk it up to experience.
Sadly about a week later the post for the casting was taken down off of the casting website. I'm only assuming that it's because they have finished casting the roles that they need. Now I have to wait until the movie comes out so that I can wallow in self pity as I compare myself to the girl who got the part, and ultimately tear her apart while telling myself how much better I would have done, had I been cast. In the meantime, I'm just sitting around waiting for my "next big thing."
In any event, there I was Wednesday morning about 30 minutes early for my audition. This being my first at an actual agency I didn't want to stroll in too early, especially since their office hours start at 930, and I got there right at 930. waited roughly 10 minutes and strolled down the block to the agency. Wasn't I surprised when I opened the door to find 4 other women already waiting! I guess the earlier the better. Anxious to find out what major part they were could be casting for opposite Reese Witherspoon, I picked up a set of sides next to the sign in sheet. What?! This couldn't be right. The character we were all waiting so eagerly to read for was "Really Emotional Girl."(REG) She doesn't even have a name? What a bummer. I mean let's be realistic here. You don't go from being an H-string player (or in my case, Really Emotional Girl) to the superstar. But I guess beggars can't be choosers, and anything was better than nothing, right?
The waiting continued (there was a technical issue so we waited about 30 min more than would have been necessary). Finally they began calling us in and it seemed as if everyone was coming and going really really quickly. In what seemed like forever and 2 seconds all at the same time. Amazing how that happens huh? Despite the nerves I got through reading the lines and was getting ready to pack to grab my bag when the Casting Director offered some direction and told me to go again. And then again, and yet again a 4th time. Was I that bad? The character that I had to portray was a crazed, emotional biddy...guess that doesn't come naturally to everyone, myself included.
I left that audition feeling pretty down, assuming that all of the takes were to try to get just one decent clip to use, so as not to have wasted any of her time by having me come in. I sulked around for the rest of the day and that evening. Turns out that I must have done something right though because I got a call the next day for a 2nd audition! Total shocker! Check me out.
So I prepped myself all that night with the direction that I was given. Watching YouTube clips, reading up on the character type. I felt much more confident going back for this second round. I mean wow, they weeded us out pretty quickly. Guess they're eager to get this filming underway. I strolled in as if I had been there a billion times, signed in and then noticed something. There were A LOT of different sides sitting on the table that once held only the sides for R.E.G. They were casting for much more prominent roles and I was only given the opportunity for this one?! It hardly seemed fair. Don't they know how wonderful I am (que sarcastic tone). Also, while I was sitting there, chatting it up with some of the other auditioners, I realized that they were still taking people for their 1st round of auditions. Why bring people back for 2nds when you're still recruiting for exactly what you're looking for.
In any event, I gave it my best hometown try and came out feeling okay. At least I got called back right? And like anything else, I can always chalk it up to experience.
Sadly about a week later the post for the casting was taken down off of the casting website. I'm only assuming that it's because they have finished casting the roles that they need. Now I have to wait until the movie comes out so that I can wallow in self pity as I compare myself to the girl who got the part, and ultimately tear her apart while telling myself how much better I would have done, had I been cast. In the meantime, I'm just sitting around waiting for my "next big thing."
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Make sure you look both ways first.
Did you ever wake up and feel like your "big chance" is never going to come around, and then it does (or something does that has potential to be does) and you find yourself scared shitless? It's a lot of emotion to wrestle with. On one hand you have the slightly responsible side of you reminding you to weigh all of your options and think carefully about the consequences of your actions. And then there's the completely irrational side of you asking if you're going to spend your life always wondering "what if?"
I feel as if I could potentially be there and what doesn't help is having a completely grounded boyfriend who lives in the real world. So here's my situation/dilemma in a nutshell. I recently and by recently mean 2 years ago, graduated from college with a degree in Graphic Design. Great! I thought, now off to the real world to find myself a job and start living like a big kid. So off I went to my first job, which lasted all of 3 months before I realized that I wasn't in the right sector of Graphic Design for me. I ended up going through 1 more job before landing in my 3rd since graduation, which is where I am currently.
While trying to figure where I wanted to be as a designer, I was also realizing that I had been suppressing some dreams that I allowed my realistic self to push to the back burner. Acting and singing. Since I had no formal training I started auditioning and participating in some student and independent films. Always secretly hoping that one of the roles will lead to meeting someone who as actually someone in the business. Of course it's a bit of a pipe dream at this point. And I find myself struggling between "hey get real, there are thousands of well trained actors out there trying to make it" and "you only live once. If you don't go out there and try, no one else is going to do it for you."
I started this venture about a year ago, while also holding down a full-time Graphic Design job. It's not easy and it's really limiting as far as what productions I can and can't audition for. I only have nights and weekends free, where as other actors who are pursuing their dreams full-time have all the time in the world because they are dedicating themselves 100% to their dreams. I'd love to do that, but again that damn realistic side reminds of the bills, loan payments, health insurance, grocery shopping etc that would be difficult to maintain if I weren't working a steady job.
At this point I probably have 6 films and a few musicals under my belt. And now I'm at my crossroads. Well maybe not THERE yet but definitely seeing potential on the horizon. I found a posting for principal work on a feature film with some big names in it. I wasn't sure that I fit the roles perfectly but figured I'd submit my headshot and resume anyway. I mean what could it hurt? Besides the posting had been made only a few days prior and I imagined they'd be sifting through resumes for at least a few days trying to weigh the best options to bring in for auditions. I guess I'm still pretty nieve, because I receieved a phone call that same day from the Casting agency requesting I come in for an audition...on Tuesday. Keep in mind, I work full-time. 9-5 M-F...damn the acting world. Why can't they work around my schedule? Since when doesn't the world revolve around me? Naturally I'm already thinking past the audition to, what if I'm cast? When are they filming? Where are they filming? How long is it going to be for? Don't get me wrong it would be a HUGE step forward to be cast, but it would mean that I'd have to leave my full-time, consistantly paying job. And in this economy who feels comfortable just throwing caution to the wind and saying screw it, I'm in!
So here I sit, my mind changing like the weather, especially since I don't have full details about anything. A few months worth of shooting might make it worth it, depending on pay of course. But only a few weeks really wouldn't because despite the great experience that it would be, I'd be left jobless. But who knows who you could meet on the set. Everyone says it's about who you know, right? I guess where I stand at this point is that I'll just go to the audition and take things from there. I must say though, taking control of your own destiny can leave you feeling helpless and lonely. Life was much easier when I thought that just wanting to do something was enough to get me there.
I feel as if I could potentially be there and what doesn't help is having a completely grounded boyfriend who lives in the real world. So here's my situation/dilemma in a nutshell. I recently and by recently mean 2 years ago, graduated from college with a degree in Graphic Design. Great! I thought, now off to the real world to find myself a job and start living like a big kid. So off I went to my first job, which lasted all of 3 months before I realized that I wasn't in the right sector of Graphic Design for me. I ended up going through 1 more job before landing in my 3rd since graduation, which is where I am currently.
While trying to figure where I wanted to be as a designer, I was also realizing that I had been suppressing some dreams that I allowed my realistic self to push to the back burner. Acting and singing. Since I had no formal training I started auditioning and participating in some student and independent films. Always secretly hoping that one of the roles will lead to meeting someone who as actually someone in the business. Of course it's a bit of a pipe dream at this point. And I find myself struggling between "hey get real, there are thousands of well trained actors out there trying to make it" and "you only live once. If you don't go out there and try, no one else is going to do it for you."
I started this venture about a year ago, while also holding down a full-time Graphic Design job. It's not easy and it's really limiting as far as what productions I can and can't audition for. I only have nights and weekends free, where as other actors who are pursuing their dreams full-time have all the time in the world because they are dedicating themselves 100% to their dreams. I'd love to do that, but again that damn realistic side reminds of the bills, loan payments, health insurance, grocery shopping etc that would be difficult to maintain if I weren't working a steady job.
At this point I probably have 6 films and a few musicals under my belt. And now I'm at my crossroads. Well maybe not THERE yet but definitely seeing potential on the horizon. I found a posting for principal work on a feature film with some big names in it. I wasn't sure that I fit the roles perfectly but figured I'd submit my headshot and resume anyway. I mean what could it hurt? Besides the posting had been made only a few days prior and I imagined they'd be sifting through resumes for at least a few days trying to weigh the best options to bring in for auditions. I guess I'm still pretty nieve, because I receieved a phone call that same day from the Casting agency requesting I come in for an audition...on Tuesday. Keep in mind, I work full-time. 9-5 M-F...damn the acting world. Why can't they work around my schedule? Since when doesn't the world revolve around me? Naturally I'm already thinking past the audition to, what if I'm cast? When are they filming? Where are they filming? How long is it going to be for? Don't get me wrong it would be a HUGE step forward to be cast, but it would mean that I'd have to leave my full-time, consistantly paying job. And in this economy who feels comfortable just throwing caution to the wind and saying screw it, I'm in!
So here I sit, my mind changing like the weather, especially since I don't have full details about anything. A few months worth of shooting might make it worth it, depending on pay of course. But only a few weeks really wouldn't because despite the great experience that it would be, I'd be left jobless. But who knows who you could meet on the set. Everyone says it's about who you know, right? I guess where I stand at this point is that I'll just go to the audition and take things from there. I must say though, taking control of your own destiny can leave you feeling helpless and lonely. Life was much easier when I thought that just wanting to do something was enough to get me there.
Monday, April 20, 2009
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