This is a long one guys but bear with me because this audition takes place over the course of 2 days and I wanted to get in the whole process. Got the word of an audition for ABFF (American Black Film Festival) in New York, 2 monologues due by 3/20/15, it's 3/19/15...I got's to get to work!!! Sometimes you get these challenges that ruffle your artist feathers, don't shun them. GO ALL IN and see how you shine, you never know what kind of situation you may be in when you book a job, so give yourself the opportunity to handle multi-tasking, multi-memorizing, multi-being because you can and you will and you must if you want to be in this industry. No one waits for or on you until you're the star and even then, why not be the one that can handle being overwhelmed...even when it doesn't feel like you're doing it so good because practice makes as close to perfect as you see it. Don't wait, do it now, stretch and grow into the true artist you see yourself as. I've never done one of these challenges but I figured, why not? 1 full day to get it down, let's do it!
http://www.abff.com/star-project/
Scroll down and take a look at the monologues...this will make for good practice and if you don't have one, you should carry one in your back pocket at all times.
I picked #4 "Engaged" and #7 "Prey" because I felt these would give me 2 different character ranges to play with and show. The rough 1st versions are below (yikes) as well as the copy of the monologues I chose but you can see where you may start and then where it can go so don't judge yourself harshly. If you're training and working your craft, regardless of how you feel about a last minute audition, you'll do the best with the time given that you can. Some will be better, some will be worse...who cares, just have some fun and if you book the part, you'll know that you'll rock even harder when you get on set because you are after all, a trained professional!
My way to memorize, my prep
Again, don't judge the first try, just do it and from there you can start building the bones so to speak, but see what happens and if your instincts feel right about the part. There will be changes, there will be icky parts, but as you wrap your head around this, your art will slowly start working, you'll feel new choices, try new things but it's the things you like that are unique to you...that's the part I love. That's the part I had to learn to really give full voice to and believe me, there are still times I don't commit fully and I'm always upset then because I know I didn't let my art speak. So, do your damndest, just do it and you'll enjoy this process so much more! That's when auditions become about having fun and then letting it go! My first raw cuts of my 2 monologues below for ABFF Star Project 2015 in my jammies yo!!!
Submissions, submissions, submissions - don't rely on your agent, make sure you're putting in work as well because those low budget films paying only $100 isn't on your agent's radar but it should be on yours. It's a role to add to your resume and it could end up being a great film to be involved in or it's just a way of working your craft on a character you haven't gotten to. More submissions, equals more auditions and that's more time to practice on your craft so do it, don't make excuses it's a job in and of itself but if you don't do it...who will?!?! Keep busy, stay sharp...I'm so there and heaving up that road with you. Newsletters, updates whatever you can do to keep your name swirling around this crazy, awesome business of acting.
Gettin' in the work...it's a constant process, all day - every day! WAHOO!
At Quainphoto shooting my submission - something I never do but if you've got a significant other, a friend or a phone why not have the best possible video you can for the day? I don't always have the time for it, but when I do...life is good unless you've got helicopters...hovering, while you're trying to shoot! Life man!!!!
And now...hunger strike and of course L.A. traffic -
Last but not least, the submission is in! WHEW - made it!!!
I'm not good with the concept of auditions...I like to work on the work but in order to get to point B you must travel through point A. I've learned slowly over the years and because of my wonderful acting coaches I've had the pleasure to come across to just let my work speak for itself - regardless of if I book or not, I've went into the room and did what my art asks me to do. Now I steadily train with Allen Levin of Lifebook who has instilled in me the confidence of my art and workshop classes to hone in on my dreaded fear of auditions with Pamela Azmi-Andrew. You gotta surround yourself with support and with people who push you. Go get uncomfortable, do it with the support you need as an artist by people who truly want to see you win - not the ones who just want your money but the ones who believe in you! Come on Day 3 =)....
Oh and the final take on the monologues...one shot for the "Prey" and that's the 2nd version, 2nd take of "Engaged." You can check out Mike Quain at www.quainphoto.com
Great Job Leilani! Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteAh Dustin, thanks so much man, I appreciate all those good vibes and the support! It's a journey =)!
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