Originally conceived to be a blog about my acting endeavors, the lack of "news" on that front has lead me to move in a new direction. I'm always the lead role in my own life anyway, so at least the name's still relevant. Let's be honest, very few personal blogs are read if there isn't some kind of interesting spin to them anyway and I couldn't be less interesting. Therefore, this is merely somewhere to let it out, without worrying about who's reading, because no one is, which is fine by me.
The acting thing started to fizzle out as real life started to heat up. I've since become a delivery girl for a bakery, ended a 4 year relationship, got a puppy, left the delivery job, became a waitress, started working 60+ hour weeks at my full-time job on top of that and started a new relationship which is stressful enough in and of itself (that's for another post). To say the least, I'm tired.
It's getting late and my thoughts are all starting to blur together, making me wonder why I even bothered with this post to begin with. I guess I just wanted to get something up there for all of my loyal fans to enjoy. Stay tuned for more oh-so-mundane stories from my ever entertaining (boring) daily life.
Showing posts with label acting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label acting. Show all posts
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The long and short of it all
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.
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.
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
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.
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