The Glamorous Life of Auditions - Day 15 & 16/17


Although I didn't get the final call of booking for the apocalyptic short, I did however get another audition for the same casting director for a 6 episode web series being produced by some good peeps for the following week. Great role as a female deputy in a small town...again, not specifically for an African American character because when do you see this played out? This is where you as an artist know that you know...when YOU'RE called in against type casting, when the cd takes the time out knowing they're not looking for YOU but she needs YOU to be seen, when you may think you have no chance in hell but you go because she believes in YOU and the room watches. Again, I have to make changes within the schedule to work with my other schedules for the day - of course apologizing because it's usually not this hectic but having to do what I got to do to get it all done. The CD was ever so understanding once again and allowed me to change my times which I barely made but got there. 3 pages of good interesting dialogue and I decided to play this role in more of film mode, I've seen tons of web series and I've noticed a through line in most with the acting but that wasn't me today. My choice was going to be subtle in this situation and take the hit of whether they loved it or hated it...regardless the cards are already stacked against me so why not do something for myself artistically. This role wasn't written for me, a minority and on top of it a female...in a small town as a deputy but if they decide to roll with it then they would have a plethera of story lines to create just from this simple fact. Difficult enough for a lady, more difficulties ahead for a black female character instead. Whether they take the risk or not isn't the main focus, my goal is to make them realize they must consider it at least and to do that, I have to give them something different, I have to be different and bring who I feel this character is in this small town by feeling discriminated against as an ethnic as well as a woman but still having the strength because I know these people. All these nuances must be added but I must also give off a vibe of "knowing my place because I haven't been accepted to a certain degree." This can only be done with subtlety, too aggressive and I'm seen as a woman with a chip on her shoulder ( how do I know, I've been called that, ) too passive and it's fake, too involved and I'm too eager...see how it can come across as a minority female immediately - the delicate balance when you've got to come up with someone in a slight position of power but with some extreme circumstances. I didn't want to go all balls to the walls with this because I understand what it is to be from a smaller town, being a minority female and at times with some position of stature so my play can't be the same as most females even walking into this role because that isn't my place given in the world...at least not yet. I do get how I should've played her with dictating strength but I wanted this character layered with some hardships, why? Because she's gone through it to be where she is and has to play a game...will it read? If I do it right...and then the energy in the room, the engagements felt from the writers, the cd happily smiling and then the redirects with a note that the only reason they were giving them to me was to see me do it again, they actually adored my choices. WHEW, risk gambled and won! I do it again with the notes which they love, they thank me for showing up/showing out and i leave quickly to see not one other female that looked even close to my background there. These are the moments I am strengthened in to grow as an artist, because it lets me know that someone is willing to take the risk on your art but you've got to explode in the room each and every time so that this opportunity can be created for someone else plus more the next time. That they'll consider different casting because you as an artist came in and showed them truth in their character and for a moment, they forgot who they actually had in mind for the role. I don't know yet if this role is mine, but that feeling in the room is - trust your work, it's not the booking...it's the response, the bookings will come, go in and do your art! With that, I received this message later which I had to share to make my point for you and me as well...

This leads me to the next point...knowing when to say no. Not all auditions are worthy of your time, energy and art, understand this. At the beginning we all feel like we must make every audition, we must say yes to every call, we must do, do, do...dodo! Realize your power in this business as well. Ask yourself if this role is truly something you want to do, will it create new work and the kind you want? Will it give you more connections? Is it a wonderful working experience? This business needs you, your craft, your work...yes, they can find it easily elsewhere as well, but it's not you nor your work so value your outlook on yourself. That means not to submit to anything that may seem a bit off to you as you read it. Sometimes, just by the ridiculous description I immediately pass - why? No need to try and convince the person who wrote it, that you may be right for it because they were so specific down to the mole on the right shoulder that they have their vision and it's something they don't want to deviate from. That's not my job at this moment, to make you see the wonderfulness of me and that I could play that role if given the opportunity by begging for the audition, I'm not here to fight for that, I've got bigger battles to deal with and if they can't see past what they've typed, don't waste an ounce of time on it because most likely, it's not going to go well. I remember seeing a post about a new "super hero" types needed to make a film or something and they were looking specifically for 20-27 ( and you must be of that age period...written several different ways it seemed ) don't waste their time or yours it stated...a martial artist which I was, minority which I was, some stage combat experience which I have, height requirements I think I fit as well but because I can look the age but am not, I saw how they discussed that on the page and decided not for me. I guess if it was worded differently I would've taken the time to submit when being tagged by multiple people but it seemed they were to be unmoving so why bother on this one? Then there were posts via casting sites online about it and people of course began to tag and tag me again, which I saw but didn't even waste a moment because when it's written so specifically, there is no room to breathe and I'm not there to create that, regardless of how I feel I may fit, this notice went on for what seemed like months as I've seen others like this and I just chuckle. Some other times you finally get the sides and realize it's not something you want to do now. I read a notice, submitted and the scene given was a 3 way getting hot and heavy...I decided to look up the director ( little experience ) and then went into the other sides. Written okay but nothing I felt I could use to grow from as an artist so I decided not to submit my audition tape, now grant it, I feel nothing wrong with doing a girl on girl scene or 2 girls and a guy etc., but if it feels like it's there just to be there or nothing to it or just something to add to make the film more enticing for the masses, it's not for me. These past 2 auditions happened right at some of the busiest days of my year so I took note on how I felt, what was written in the audition notices and said I pass! One of them told me of an audition on the day of my callbacks and show, stated the sides were posted ( on a day that was a bit free to read them and get them in my noggin ) but when checked...no sides. Then there was the slightly testy note about how actors should be professional and keep their times and if you absolutely must, then and only then should you just come in between the times etc, etc, etc. I was put off by this blatant "power/annoyed" move over actors to make us feel uncomfortable if we were having some sort of crazy day to rearrange all of that because by God this audition was the end all be all of all auditions. HA! I not only wrote them a note stating I needed to change times because of work, to call backs, to stage but that the sides weren't posted as stated. NO ANSWER, not a single response of anything...imagine me doing that after them reaching out. I can understand the issue of it being busy and crazy for you but the lack of respect towards artists isn't taken lightly in my books. Send that energy over the internet or in person and I know enough now to just leave it at that, I will not give you my work for you to not appreciate. A few days later, the sides are finally posted but now it's crazy for me and it's only a couple of days before the audition, I decide with the sides that it wasn't funny enough, nor good enough for me to even make the effort of what I would have to put forth in order to make the audition. Glad I didn't go, had a better time at call backs and another audition for the same CD immediately. The next audition sent me a notice of a time between 1-4p which for me without a specific time means cattle call...I refuse to do these unless I absolutely have nothing to do for the day and am bored out of my mind. This posting also stated the sides were up with of course no sides to be found...this audition was passed as well, no need for me to keep looking this mess up to see if sides finally made it in, no need to print them out, no need for me to memorize the words to feel prepared, no need for me to break this scene down to give them something different, no need for me to ask to get off work early and race to an audition that had no time to give me a specific time as if my time wasn't important enough. No need...trust your instinct, if it feels off to you, you have the power to walk away at any time, your work means more to you than stressing yourself out for some project that could care less. Value your art, time, energy - this is difficult because any booking can be another step but realize not all steps need to be taken and with people already making you feel less than for choosing this path you must stay in tune with your worth. You're worthy of respect, worthy of goodness ( regardless of where you're at in your career, ) worthy of love, worthy of it all but you've got to know that you are and demand nothing less. YOU ARE WORTHY! YOU ARE WORTHY!

Working all weekend long while still trying to make our God daughter's sissy poo's Born Day along with celebrating Memorial Day with cool peeps was exhausting but inspiring. Understanding I may not agree with all things America but I love that I can do so by the lives of many people that made it that way and with this I give gratitude from the depths of my being. During these reflective moments and long weekends, getting to be inducted into the "Fairies" play time is happiness to my heart...floating around with the kiddos and getting massive glitter sprinkled into my hair along with smores to finish off the night. Love the adulting aspect of drinking wine and eating cupcakes too but truly enjoy the fun time into kids imaginations of just being/creating because that is fun. Remember the fun in all of this guys, we have to work so hard we forget this is suppose to be fun too! Drop all the seriousness of it all as an Actor sometimes and just go out to play, forget about all the noise, put on dem wings and play my magical creatures, that's the way we create the good stuff!!! Go create my arties, have fun while you're doing it and just keep doing all of that on repeat as much as possible!!!

The "Glamorous" life of Auditions - Day 14


Do you short??? If not, consider it/go for it...short films when shot right can be a beautiful way to get scenes for your reel and work your art as you gain more film experience. With the ideas of shorts now because of our new media and with the pay of $50 - $125 for an 8 hour day, it's a better contender than most student films at times because you're not only being compensated as an artist ( even if it's only gas money ) but most likely you'll be working with a more professional crew who also realizes and appreciates your time/talent which means you'll most likely get some footage for yourself and if not, at least you got paid for it. Not to say student/college films can't be professional, but I do know I've done more of those in the past with little to nothing to show for it...not even a screening so push for better choices on your work, you deserve at least that. Yes, the "competition" is a step up but again, you're only competing with yourself and it's only a matter of time before you have your opportunity on the bigger stage so relish into that push of harder work, better talent pool of artistry because you'll be in the spotlight soon dealing with names/award winners and may never even get seen, so start fighting now to understand this side of the show. Build from quality and you'd be amazed to see where it will take you/what doors it'll open, difficult - yes, but this business is so start putting in work now, no easy roads here if you want to be taken seriously as an artist. Your shots should rival superstars, your talent should be on par with academy award winners and your work ethic like none other and because you do this, you'll attract quality, deservingly so. Yes, we've all put some things out there we may cringe on, but what you cringe on is someone else's goal/gold so keep striving for the best in your work so when there is an opportunity to look at you, they see you in all the light that you are.  This short was an apocalyptic short, another genre I'd love to be a part of so I do what I can to get in and audition even if it means being one of few to less minorities that gets seen. It's a wonderful piece and although I had to flip flop schedules and work it out with the cd, they were understanding with my hectic schedule of shooting and show times. They asked for a Saturday I knew I'd be shooting the guest star role in 6 episodes of the web series I have coming up, which I still had to get out by 6p to make it to my show at 8p in Hollywood, so with Saturday scratched they checked my avail for the following Saturday which my schedule was just as intense. The CD asked if I wouldn't mind being seen on a Sunday ( Mother's Day ) with the kiddies and I agreed even though I knew that day was just as crazy, just more doable than the rest. So basically it was a driving job Friday afternoon, rush to eat with line run throughs for the show and then 8p hit the stage, Saturday 10a call time to set with as many scenes as they could shoot, jumping all over the 6 episodes which I had spent the past week diving into ( all week because it was more than 20 pages of dialogue including many monologues ) because the shooting schedule changed from 2 weeks prep to one. Released at 6p with enough time to grab a snack and 8p showtime. Got up early to work Sunday morning from 9a - 1p, raced out of there to get to the audition at 1:30p making it 5 min's late, auditioning for the director and CD in the room which I had spent in between pages of my shooting script to memorize this audition and hoping none of it failed me now. Read twice with adjustments and knew I had made an impression in the room and was told as such but I was too pressed to really let that sink in because I had to race out of there to get to my 3p showtime after. This is what training is meant for, times of such pressure that most people would crack...having to memorize a guest starring role in 6 episodes with over 20 pages of dialogue and breaking it all down for each scene, memorizing audition material at the same time and racing all over town to get it done while still trying to hold down a job and a show. That's a lot of words floating around your cranium and if you don't appreciate the simple fact that you can do that and deliver a performance that works up the room that hadn't even considered you, then you're missing out on the beauty of your work. I usually don't read feedback from auditions because in the depths of my being, I no longer have to...I realized I have given it my all and I changed the room after my performance, you're an artist, you know when the other person is engaged, you feel that energy shift happen and you revel in that space. I had to share this because you must know that regardless of feedback, it doesn't make nor break you...so only read them or accept them if you know within your work you won't be moved. I have learned not to let bad reviews affect me as well as good ones....they're just that. How did I feel in the room? What did I accomplish? Did I change myself into my character as worked? Did I move them to pay attention to my choices? If all these things happened, I am validated within myself and you must trust that in your work. It's nice to see these but I'm more proud of doing my "job" as an artist in the room...with that I was called back the following Sunday with just as much crazy happening that day as well, except I wasn't able to hang out to get as many screen tests with all the other characters as I still was in "Archer From Malis" at 3p. It may have been the deciding factor but again, I know I blew them away and even when you blow them away, you may not get the role which is okay because you know that it was their loss in not making that final leap. I've been told plenty of times - "We should've went with you..." whatever that means because I know they should've but oh well and on to the next project that will take that risk on me because if you think I blew you away at the audition....wait until we get on set to start shooting and I've had time to crank out the meaning behind the story. Realize that, you are greatness and someone is lucky to have your work in their project, you will only make it shine because you've worked hard to do so.

 I had to celebrate with all the craziness and celebrate I did with the most hearty of meals on my meat day, cheat day! 1 day a week and 1 day the past week I decided it was a "Houston's, Hawaiin Steak night" treat - I haven't had in years, while memorizing pages with the following week treating myself to my homemade pork meat & sausages ( with no nitrates/organic ) from Whole Foods - my spicy, spaghetti. Although my body doesn't take as much meat as it use to, it's still a treat to eat such wonderful food and then get back to what I know feels better in my system. Life is short, enjoy what you enjoy but understand and listen to your body...too much of anything doesn't make you balanced, so find your balance that's in line with your spirit because this is such an important facet of your life. Your nourishment and your health directly affects your output on your art, so be aware as you feed your soul! This industry can/will make you feel guilty for your weight but we are all different so therefore you have to change that stigma and that's by being healthy and putting the strongest version of you out there. It doesn't require you to be skinny or anything other than yourself but it does require you to be in your right mind ready to battle the madness of this industry otherwise you'll be wrecked by the crazy this business can bring. So strong mind, healthy body because you will need it all on this journey forward, don't skimp on yourself ever, your art is counting on you!

With all of this mayhem, we're officially closed on Sophacles - "The Archer From Malis" this weekend to some really great reviews which were a pleasant nudge letting me know I'm working forward in my art. Diversity is key and I will always be a part of that fight somehow, from showing up to auditions I know I probably won't have a chance in to working whenever I can on projects that promote this component. Loved sharing the stage with this group of talented, non-traditionally casted band of artists - Reginald, Elmira, Lester, Regan & Rosie - who went up in 10 days at the Getty Villa and then put in more work to understand the work at the Lounge Theatre. Constant trust in each other with so much exposition in dialogue that if one of us would falter, we'd step in saving the scene until we all knew that we knew. Can't believe this tremendous opportunity given to my craft that will be cherished for the rest of my life, this role told me I can do whatever I put my mind to do if just given the chance, thank you Malik of Griot Theatre Co! Got to see both directors of my 2 upcoming play projects, along with my girl Christianne during closing weekend and am just ready to dive into another short, christian play for Kimba Henderson which I'm in rehearsals already to put up one performance by June 3rd ( that's right, 11 pages of 2 person dialogue with 4 rehearsals...I can do this - ha, ha, ha ) while starting my first Shakespeare rehearsal June 1st with Kate Jopson! WAHOO to jumping all in and on to the next!!! Goodbye to Lemnos, goodbye to my sword, goodbye to my Terminator boots...for now...

With all of this going on, I still had table reads to make for the web series I can't announce as of yet but I can say it's a role I'm totally excited to play because I've based the character on 2 other character portrayals I've loved on T.V. that I've meshed together and can't wait to explore her even more. We've had to be downtown for two days along with a photoshoot day that will be released with upcoming announcements and I've shot for one full day, half the scenes at Invisionate Studios in Burbank. One more day to go to get the rest of my scenes and I'll be able to tell you more...Season 2 is killer!!! So excited to be a part of this project...so much content goodness for this layered character because I've created her as such....you're gonna love...or hate her - HA!!! Keep going for it all arties, we change notions one role at a time, one show at a time - walk in all that sunshine and enjoy the journey!

The Glamorous Life of Auditions - Day 13

When you keep focus on it, the universe answers! The more you audition and keep auditioning, the more you'll feel comfortable in your own skin so go out and audition for it all...turn down the ones that don't work for you but audition, audition, audition. Even though you're in the midst of a rigorous production, exhausted and brain fried, go audition because you're in the center of the heat, don't waste any of it regardless of how you feel, you may find yourself booking in the craziness of it all. When it rains, it pours for us artists so make sure you've got your cups/barrels/buckets out, collecting all that lovely art downpour. It's not about what you're working on now, it's what's happening next to keep you focused and in line with your purpose. Don't slack off on submissions, rehearsals, studying because you're involved in something now...work towards tomorrow constantly so you don't have to take whatever is thrown your way, but you as an artist can give yourself choices on what you'd like to be working on next. So as I've been plowing through this "Archer of Malis" production, I've tackled on Shakespeare and now an audition for a comedy with "Greek" undertones called "Vonya, Sonya, Sasha & Spike" as the housekeeper Cassandra that falls into "Greek" spells...hilarious and at my first place of big plays that started me on my theatre quest/journey - ICT in Long Beach. Again, I'm in front of Michael, the director and Richie...my home, I know they're rooting for me! It's always lovely walking into the room knowing the casting is proud of your work and they trust whatever you bring. I do get some questions about being AEA this time which is interesting but I brush it off and use it as a positive in the room. No matter what is asked in the room, it stays positive for you...sleuth it out later but in the room, it's all good and I stayed with that energy! I saw their faces and knew I didn't disappoint as well as some outburst of chuckles so you leave with that, understand your work from there...the room got it and got you most importantly, whatever else happens, happens. I know I rocked that audition, I know they were watching my every move, I know I did what I was suppose to do in that room all the while being crazed with Greek already...which actually helped me understand what was going on within the text of their play. I got to see a variety of ethnicities auditioning for the role which made my heart smile ( so good seeing your face Desiree ), little steps! I realized after that for the role, they may have been leaning towards a non AEA member since the main characters would probably be AEA so I wasn't even shaken in the slightest that I may not get it plus it would've interfered with Shakespeare and we would've been in a whole different conversation because of it. Know your power in the room and leave it at that, I realize that when I don't book it's outta of my hands because I've done the work, your "booking" as a struggling artist will be either call backs or another audition for the same casting office for another role/different show. Understand that you're building relationships and the casting directors that know you are showing love for you by either calling you back or getting you in on another project. That's your job when you're at the "bottom" of the chain, your job is to make them trust your work/art and for you to show up each and every time you walk into the room to the best of your abilities for that day. If they don't call you back, hell, their loss especially when you know what you're made of, don't let the "bookings" tell you how good you are. You've been in the trenches going all in for many years, sometimes it takes that for the industry to catch up with you but you've got to keep at it, at your work fearlessly. You just need a few casting offices that trust your art and then it's off to the races as everyone else catches on so don't falter when it's a "bad" day because if you've put in your work as you should've, you'll still be better than most and what one office passes on another will capitalize so keep pushing forward my dears...not everyone is going to like/believe in you but not everyone has to in this town...remember that my fellow artists, it's going to save you a lot of heart ache if one cd doesn't get you or you bomb in the room and they decide never to give you another chance. THEIR LOSS always...and you keep moving forward because we "fail, fail and fail again" ( and by fail I mean maybe not making clear choices, not making any choices, not putting in the work etc ) before we even come to success so let's start right now, right here without all that extra baggage. They like you when they keep calling you in, they like you when you get a call back, they like you when they're getting you in for different projects...they like you, they really like you just keep showing up to play! Although for whatever reasons I didn't get another call for this, I know I'll be in front of Michael, Richie and directors/producers again...rockin' it real hard because that is my training.

Still working on my body as well as my appetite and nothing gets by this. It's all or nothing with workouts as well as my food pleasures, I like committing hard core so with that, I decided to make my one day of hike/aqua zumba into just a full out 2+ hour hikers in the morn. Why? Because I'm cray, cray! So I've been hiking up La Tuna for several months here and there but it's been in my regular routine once a week for the past 3 months and I climb high which takes me 1 - 1 and 1/2 hours of hiking up and jogging down. I decided it was time for graduation and to get up to the next highest hill...alone. I put my big, girl pants on and hiked what seemed to be forever with my legs on fire and as I slowly descended hoping that I had actually made the right turn to end up where I started, I knew that my mind will always be the pusher of my body. It starts with your mind telling you regardless of the situation, you will make it through, just keep one foot in front of the other. As people come and go in your life, as disappointments rain down, as rejections seem to never end...one foot in front of the other. It doesn't have to be big steps, it just has to be forward for the most part...no one to compete with except yourself because it is you and only you at the top of the hill/in the room. It took me over 2 and 1/2 hours to get up this monster and down to the car with my legs feeling like they were jello, my foot even having a weird muscle cramp to the point I was limping for a couple of days but I still hit up aqua zumba the next day and then let it heal for the next few days. The following week on Wednesday, I was at it again and made even better time - see hard work towards what you love pays off, it may take time but it always pay off, you just got to be brave enough to see it through! Don't give up because the first hill took the wind out of you, instead know that you're better than that and trudge up that 2nd/3rd hill and let them all know you're here to stay because that is what you're made of. Seeing burnt trees still standing majestically inspired my will to know that regardless of what you look like on the outside, if you've got the will/fortitude to keep going/live, the world will get the opportunity to see your beauty but you've got to fight for that and keep fighting for that with every breathe. So breathe and keep those feet moving my loves!!! Then celebrate by eating just as well whenever you can as much as you can. This time, I celebrated with happy hour at Sun Cafe, Studio City - vegan deliciousness for a cheaper cost...soy chorizo lettace wraps, zucchini tacos, mac & cheese and half size strawberry shaker at $13 total, see you can eat out and still be within a budget whenever you can splurge a bit. It may not seem like much but taking yourself out to eat a really wonderful meal can change your perspective of this town, life and work so make sure you're still out there celebrating all the victories no matter how big or small, make it special to you as an artist. When you get to the top, make sure to take a good look around you, see what it took to get you there and then do it all over again taking notice of all that you hadn't before! Go get 'em all!!!! 

My other celebration ( because not everything is centered around food...well... ) after such a crazy week of work, shows, auditions and shootings I also took time out to watch an oldie but goodie - "How To Marry A Millionaire"...life is good, take it all in and learn to appreciate all works and in that appreciation, you'll find yourself digging in even more! YES!!!!

The Glamorous Life of Auditions - Day 12


Oh happy day...now that I'm eye balls deep into Greek I've finally gotten an audition for Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night!" Yes, I'm really late at writing about this because it's been more than hectic for me which I'll get into but since I've gotten my feet wet in Sophacles, I guess my next dream role was something in Shakespeare. I AM SCARED poopless ( this audition was for Couerage Theatre too, ha )...I've never trained in any of this and have shied away from these styles because usually minority peeps aren't invited to the party for the most part, especially in L.A.'s theatre scene. I don't understand, but I am an artist so I want to - every fiber in my being is needing of new explorations and challenges. To do the same ole, same ole isn't where I'm at in my career, right now I'm taking the advantage and opportunity of being an out of work, not highly paid artist so if I'm going to put in for my art, I want it to constantly be something I think I can't do so I can keep creating characters to use later. I've put my heart and soul into being Odyssea (Odysseus) and am pleasantly surprised that although I felt like crying at times because of the stress of it all, that I rose to the test. Instead of shurking into the crevices, I decided to go out in a ball of glory instead and so I did with my audition as Viola and Feste. I prepped myself with a british dialect only to arrive, ask a few questions to the other actors in the room and realized no accent was required so I scrambled to de-accent real quick before walking in all flustered. I was just honestly happy to be in the room and hoping not to make a fool of myself so not to embarrass the director calling me in. Although I had went in with one intention, after realizing what they may want instead, I was open to anything and everything in the room. Thank goodness for the upcoming, wonderful female directors who are open enough to understand rawness in ability at times. She gave me a shot, then another and I left truly realizing what I just stood my work on....myself. No I haven't taken Shakespeare or Greek classes, no I've never even ran them in my acting classes but as an artist you understand human beings...human conditions...human emotions and that's what you give. Don't let the fact that "you haven't done" deter you from even trying even if you feel like you fall flat on your face, the fact that you even tried is what counts but you've got to have put in the work already. Yes, some are natural and can spill it all out but to get the true essence of being in your work takes years of study, years of working through nerves and years of critiques/adjustments. So, if you've been putting in the time, energy and effort, trust your art which is exactly what I'm beginning to do. Give it to me...give me the opportunity and let me see how high I can fly, I'll go there...I've been trained for it no matter how anxious I feel inside. With that, I received a callback for the role of Feste but during such, I was also asked to cold read Maria and I took that as a sign that I must be doing something right. So without further adieu, I'm officially Maria in my first ever Shakepeare production/audition in "Twelfth Night!" I can finally say that and have it on my resume and during which time I also received a call to be the understudy of the Sci-Fi play I thought I had bombed in but had to turn that down since I was already committed to "Archer of Malis." Trust your art, trust the work you've poured your being into, trust the sacrifices you've made to become better, trust this journey you're on will reward you for your persistence and search for truth...TRUST...you just gotta TRUST!

It's been a joy being a part of such a wonderful cast of characters and doing a role that really is written for a male...white male at that. With every "thanks for playing that role because I would've never saw it that way" to "wonderful work" I know I'm truly paving a different outlook within my own means. You as an artist must challenge the ideals of what has been passed down as our "laws" of life in order to give new, perspective on old teachings, if you don't do it then who? This is what art does, it shifts focus, changes views, opens hearts and challenges minds...then there is change, so keep looking out for the things that will not only challenge you as an artist but the audience as well, this will make your work all worthwhile as you struggle from day to day just to survive. I've loved seeing all these beautiful faces at the show celebrating along with me as well as the great energy sent. It's a difficult beast to deal with Greek plays because it's not most people's cup of tea, so the house can be light at times but it has been eye opening to hear the response of the people who get it with everything in them. By doing this play, it has given me the confidence to make sure I keep tackling this type of text until I know that I know in this genre as well! Wahoo to all the peeps that have shared this experience with me and having the NAACP once again come through our production was another push in letting me know, I'm on the path I was meant to be on....stay true!!!

During the one of the most busiest times of course I booked a co-star finally and although one line I had a blast doing all of it. Getting the opportunity to meet and chat with another South Korean native, Yunjin Kim, was inspiring as well as seeing how humble/grateful actors can be. Sitting around just chatting about life, work and family was nice and funny. Sometimes we hear and see the ugly sides but it's just refreshing to see the goodness of everyone too regardless of where they're at in their careers, no one being bigger than, just thankful and gracious. I'm a lucky gal to have been on set finally and just be treated with all out graciousness by everyone including the bigger stars. This opportunity also taught me how to speak clearly as well because the director caught me off guard by asking me "what I felt when I said the line," because of course I was giving the line in a more sexual way which made it funny in my mind and I just don't think the idea ever crossed their minds. When asked, I started in that I felt....but he was already off and ready to chat about the scene with the other actors and rightfully so - he asked me to just throw it away. Which is too bad in essence, because that line could've had so many meanings if explored but you do what the set wants you to do and so it was done, line thrown away but next time, I'll have a one word answer and yell out "SEXUAL" immediately - HA!!! To celebrate all of that goodness, I decided to check out the best burgers in Santa Clarita since I was done around noon and splurged by buying myself lunch at a local, non-chain joint and came up with this yumminess! Kimchee burger, mac and cheese with a stout milkshake...this is the life! Make sure to eat it all up every chance you get!!!!