The "Glamorous" Life of Auditions - Day 24

I've been burrowed into my own home for the last 4 days getting over 7 scenes into my noggin. Trying not to feel overwhelmed but needing to push my memory sense to the brink because I had 2 other scenes to memorize for the last audition and now I've got the "chemistry" read to get back into, as well as keeping Shakespeare fresh on my mind. Times like these, you have to thank you body and mind for just keeping all of these words/scenes compartmentalized. Knowing I have to pull off 2 distinct characters this evening
with 17 pages of dialogue with monologues everywhere, it's hard not to stress but with stress comes easy mistakes...breathe, breathe through it all and keep pushing through. A few words at a time and it's yours, I'm one scene away on a piece that may not be used this evening but I should be comfortable with "just in case..." 4 days isn't enough but with my schedule it'll have to do. All day, every day with breaks in between, playing Pac Man on the Playstation just to jolt my mind out of the heaviness of the words as well as catching an episode here and there of shows I'm missing. These may seem like distractions, but if well paced, these slight distractions help my mind hone in more on my text...I can't just sit and memorize 17 pages, my brain needs breaks to ingest, process and solidify what I'm trying to get across and nothing does it like chomping down on some ghosts. I can't wait for this evening to be over, to only have the "chemistry" read (it's where you and a few others are in consideration of the role and they bring you in to see if you pair well with another particular individual playing another role) coming up in another day, a small piece that I memorized while driving about town for the next evening, with Shakespeare as well to perform, my mind can finally just relax - HA! TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN is all I can keep harping on...do not take it for granted that you're a natural, times like these will come up and only because you've trained meticulously in your craft will you be able to deal with this type of hecticness. Even with this training I've felt like my brain was just going to curplode, how much more can I put up there and then...voila, another scene. It's one thing to get a script, get it down and even that has it's own difficulties but to get pieces of a story here and there, to create each scene from your mind because it has to come from somewhere if you don't have the full story and to understand it as well as making sure it comes across, that my friends is art. I usually don't stress about the words being stamped in my brain but understand the more you have it in your being, the easier the words and the more you're able to play and that's the fun stuff. If you can't play, you're not enjoying the process so get it down as much as possible folks because writers wrote for you to help tell the story but if you understand the character, the words will make themselves known as well. After reading sides, I make a quick assessment as to who my character is and as I keep looking over my lines, I discover what makes my character tick. What does this person want, why do they need it, and how are they going to get it in this scene, I need...no I have to win, I have to get what I want...how do I do that? Training with get you through this gauntlet quickly and instead of taking extra time to break things down, you'll be able to process it while constantly re-reading the scene but I wouldn't be able to do that without spending most of my time in classes, getting critiqued, being pushed and trying to see the task at hand can have different perspectives. Every actor can look at a page and decide what's happening but it's up to an artist to discover how to get it in a unique way, your way that should be different from the hundreds of other actors walking into the room. Go out on the limb, discover the unknown, challenge yourself to find your unique imprint on the scene and "fail" - keep "failing" until one day it clicks...not for you, for them! Although I was called in for Libby and Shelita, my heart leaned towards Libby in this play - I just wanted her so bad because I knew it would be a challenge. I read the monologue and scene 1 of Libby and was asked to get prepared for Shelita, so I changed my clothing into business attire and started in on my Shelita scenes feeling I must've been too "exotic" for the look of Libby - feeling bummed. Get back in only to be asked to read the Libby monologue again and while doing so was getting yelled instructions by the incomparable Saundra McClain - be older, have fun now, louder etc. I stayed in and I'm now officially booked as LIBBY in Bee Luther Hatchee at the Sierra Madre Playhouse next! I didn't even have to touch Shelita which I would've given my all but my heart was true on Libby, so WAHOO to infinity, another dream role at another new theatre with my mentor Ms. McClain!

During these past few weeks, it was that time of year again to go on my hard core Master Cleanse which I've been in a love/hate relationship for over 15+ years. No eating, no drinking anything else but the lemon/green raw cane sugar/cayenne pepper and the teas, water and salt water flush for that movement necessary to scrub a dub-dub those insides! It's been a while since I've decided to do at least 12 days and so I made it all the way to 13 and would've done at least one more day had it not been for a friend's Born Day celebration I'd like to attend in a few days at one of my favorite Puerto Rican joints for mofongo deliciousness. I lost around 10lbs which 1/2 should be back in no time since it's mostly water but I feel fantastic, I made it surprisingly without any truly hard, crappy days that I usually experience and that's with working in the bakery at the same time. I did lose inches and that's my main focus plus I could see the toxins leaving my tongue. When you start, there's a white, yucky weird coat that comes over your mouth and as you get clean, your tongue turns bright pinkish/red. Even with 12 days you can still see the splatter of whiteness but by the 13th day, my tongue is free and clear. Coming out of this kind of detox is just as important so please do your research, but I started with the alkalizer in the morning, pineapple juice in the afternoon and since I've done this for many years, I now know I can do soup but mostly the broth as my first bowl. However, my 2nd bowl, I put a bit more veggies in to fill my very empty tum tums. Every body is different so take time to learn, I've gotten a bit sick before by rushing off my cleanse because of an event I had to be at with fantastic smelling goodies and the feeling after isn't worth it. Read everything you can and make a choice on a cleanse you can stick to and feel good on. The Master Cleanse is a hard one but I believe it's one of the most affordable and easiest to stomach because once those toxins leave, you do feel energized enough to keep working, working out lightly and just moving about. You do smell foods like a super power so I warn you on that ability you'll develop as the cleanse goes on! =) I believe a good cleanse can heal the body and also make it stronger for any other disease that's ready to attack. No, you won't die...I promise and doing it for just one day is better than never I say. With so many choices to clean, take a look and get into feeling just as great about your insides as you do your outsides, healthy inside and out is truth here! My first breakfast the day after was a 1 soy free-egg, veggie omelette with some organic potatoes which really just tasted like steak to me - yummers!!!

Got to witness some serious love the other day which made me so happy internally. We tend to focus so much on the negative, so much in only our points, we forget the beauty and simplicity of love. Let's keep pushing the love folks, there's enough hate to go around and I'm just tired of the fear-hatred that seems to be on loop for most folks. That's not life, it's not living and I don't want to spend one second allowing it a breath in my sphere. Being here is difficult enough, dealing with day to day is heavy enough, my soul isn't built to perpetuate hate and I refuse to be a part of it. Whatever you think is so important in your life that you must make others feel less than or preach to, isn't worth it. Live by example and you won't have to shout your message if someone is interested, just let be - unless you are promoting love truly with every fiber of your being, there is nothing else to do or say that is so important...life is short, choose love always and you will see yourself feeling happier now in you and your art! Go out there and change the world, one being at a time, one kind gesture at a time, one role at a time...

The "Glamorous" Life of Auditions - Day 23

Another theatre audition but this time for the LGBT community! I love the fact that my art can take me any where, do anything and I've learned to come from such an open space I don't carry the negativity the world can dump on one's soul into my life anymore. Beliefs, I chuck them at the door because I've learned that they have no room in my artful creations because with beliefs come judgements and you must let that go before becoming any character or you end up playing one character...all the time...I ain't got time for that! I've always taken pause to hear what one's beliefs will stop someone's work, but then it does nothing to contradict violence on any level. I've always wondered what that judgement was and decided it would not be a part of my being...if I'm willing to be violent, horrific etc, what is the issue with any other issues in my art? Art is produced to make one think and that's all I want to be involved in. Artful work that creates conversations. Understand where you stand but also question it as well and hopefully you come up with a space of realizing how and why you may judge. Walking into this tranquil building was exactly what my senses needed, filled with love, eye art and even a rock-glass sidewalk so to speak. Rocks...the way "different" people must make themselves in order to deal with the world and all of it's glorious judgements, only to be smoothed away by love's water, only love. I love being around love...I don't care what type of love it is, if it is pure love, I am in bliss being able to be near it, witness it and with my beast, be a true activist in it and let's not confuse it by going into utter madness shouted by ridiculousness, human love in it's purest form is the most transcending light to shine in this dark, cruel world. Let love be...for the love of God, this world would be better if we'd just let love be. This play seemed raw, fresh and life realizing so getting to go in for a "homeless woman" was fun but I went from that to a militant to a hooker in no time as I read for them. Good times and I took a day and a half to memorize 6 pages of a monologue which turned into 3 pages when I signed in. After reading I was asked to read for 2 other characters which I quickly grabbed, was able to ingest between 2 other females auditioning and then in again. 2 pager, then 4 pages of cold reading all putting it out there...boy does improv, training in my craft and just being confident in my work pay off in times like this. Sometimes it's just best to get in and get it done, don't waste too much time trying to get it perfectly because you can't - it's been 7 minutes and there is no way unless you're one of those speed memorizers, so let it go and be...be you! What they get is what they get, they asked for it and you did it - that is all that matters. I felt great about it but it's gone, I'm on to the next 2 lead female audition for another big theatre happening next week, with over 8 scenes to place in my head as I finish up my show this weekend as well as work - I do not let my mind linger on past projects. Loving auditions and letting them go is the name of the game here, you'll be happy and feel more free once you learn this part of the audition process - difficult, yes but then this game opens up. Aaaaaaannnnnnnnndddddd I get the callback for the "Hooker" role which may contradict my other callback if it includes a booking for them both, so we'll see what happens this week - looking forward to having to make some tough choices, love when that happens!

I'm now 2 weeks down in Shakespeare's lovin' of "Twelfth Night" as Maria and although a "lower" budget production, it speaks volumes to diversity and acceptance. Although nervous having never been given the opportunity to audition in this realm to then book it and perform it, I've been finding my own voice in a smaller, but very intricate role in my character. I don't have as many lines as the major part of the cast but I am involved throughout the play which has taught me to be ever so present. Having to crawl back and forth as well as acting as if I can scale walls to get a partner on the wrong side of the stage or a forgotten scarf needed by my fellow actor...making things work within the scene yet still get it together for mine has given me so much growth in my work in a different manner. For a bit, I felt maybe no one could really see me nor care but as I walk past folks to my car and hear them whisper "She's a really good Maria" just makes my heart burst. Now I'm sure there's been negative comments as well, but I haven't heard them so I'm not focused on that aspect. I get people have their own ideas on who my character is, I'm just excited for the freedom given by Kate Jopson who's done Shakespeare since a child and still willing to give room to other artists exploring what this story and their character means to them. To be told I'm pleasantly understood and that I have a firm grip on the text was my heart's worry - I laugh because only if they knew that I'm just reading it the only way I can, I haven't been trained any other way and since we're not having to do it in iambic pentameter (thank God) I'm okay with not stressing about the rhythm of the text. What a wondrous experience to be able to explore this other tongue and get wonderful reviews while doing so (see below's link to L.A. Times review.)  Docu-trailer follows with some behind the scenes footage for your viewing pleasure - ENJOY GOODNESS!

 http://www.latimes.com/la-et-cm-twelfth-night-burbank-review-20160720-snap-story.html

Whilst doing all this theatre, I must support it as well whenever I can and although it's usually tough, every once in awhile it lines up just enough for me to race there from work and catch a show after a crazy weekend of shows and work being about 2 minutes before show. Gotta check out "Armadillo Necktie" written by Gus Kreiger and directed by Drina Duruzo which each of the characters had for me as the viewer. Unapologetic in their flaws, blinded by their own virtues hindering them each to see what it takes to truly change someone...which comes from within. Brilliantly written, with fantastic direction and as I saw these artists giving it their all with the lingo I began to look within to see if I'm so wrapped up in me that if someone was to view my scenes in my life if they would look so confined. I hope not, but hopefully this play will open some sleepy eyes to seeking the truth, the real truth...in everything and in everyone. We like to just believe...for some reason, we believe whatever into truth because someone told me so, that's reported as such, this is what I see but there is always so much more to discover if only you'd release these chains that bind. With complexities in whom you're attracted to, who you decide to listen to without question, to die for what you believe is oh so right...but is it? Where are all our convictions leading us? When will we learn to step in and help? When will we realize we may be the problem as well? These are just some of the questions I pondered watching this show featuring a non deterring Capt., a following Sergeant, a questioning Muslim, a Good 'Ole Boy and a self sacrificing Woman in a bunker filled with who's who and what each is after. I won't say more except you must take a moment to catch this gem if possible, good theatre is hard to find in L.A., support the ones that are!

So after hearing all the terribleness sent over Twitter about Leslie Jones I decided to send out love. It's not much and maybe she'll never receive it but you must do what you can when you can to help spread love...quit standing by and waiting...waiting isn't helping, you must do whatever it is in your own space to make change happen. I not only went to support "Ghostbusters" but I sent a picture out of me and my beast in front of the theatre with a message - U win, despite hate, despite being black, despite being a woman #f@%khate-Ichooselove #loveforleslie! SPREAD LOVE...this world is in dire need of your art and love, get to work arties!!!

The "Glamorous" Life of Auditions - Day 22



A few lines for another short film I got to do at home! Practice, practice, practice makes mo perfect - even when I think it's just delivering lines, I find something else to fill in the gaps and why not?!? I have to tape this, I should make it more interesting for myself in doing so...and so I did. Creating something else to do within the scene on top of the directions given can create more depth in character, it may not be something they need to see per say, but it may be something you need to do as an artist to feel like you're not just coming in, saying a line and exiting. Sometimes that may be what they want but if I'm at home, putting this tape up, I'm pretty inclined to do what I want to do - take it or leave it. So with these moments of getting an opportunity to audition, I push the envelope by creating as much as I can since I'm in the comforts of my own surroundings. Things I would have to mime are no longer an issue, need to drink in my scene...voila, glass with drink in hand is how I roll. This may be too much information for some casting offices etc. but remember we're discussing how we feel as an artist putting up tape for them to view. I'd rather have a "set" per say in my audition than a "professional" look of a blank wall...I've heard the word distracting...is a movie distracting? Seriously, whatever makes you happy as you go through this process is the only thing that matters! I'd rather them see what I may do on set with props etc, than just staring blankly into the camera saying my line because that's not what is going to happen in the scene anyway...you're going to have to walk in, knock on the door, wait a beat, push the door open, wait for camera, look at blocking etc, etc, etc. Just make it happen in whatever you feel is professional for you but don't not do it because you feel it's not good enough...don't ever miss an opportunity just because you think it's not in the "right" setting. Get it done and do it the way that makes you smile as you send the tape in, that way you practice all the things you need to do so to feel comfortable that pertains to the scene/character - this will prep you for the set in so many ways without you even considering it. Drinking and saying your lines at the right moment is an art form guys, as well as chewing so don't knock the chance to work it out every chance you get! This scene was just coming in, seeing the girls drinking, taking a swig delivering my lines and exiting to leave...I decided to make my character look for her shoes as she raced in whilst putting her earrings on, taking a swig still trying to talk and enjoy the drink, kiss my baby girl and race out. I need life in my scenes, I'll always choose some kind of life and with these home auditions, I'm able to put my training into good uses without feeling rushed or pushed...because no one is there to tell me otherwise. Take creative freedom, use all you've got and leave whatever you can possibly in that audition...don't let the word "professional" hinder you into the safety of the masses - SHINE like you were meant to and keep it moving! You've made their job easier so enjoy doing it at the very least!!! I frame the camera to show the glasses but keep it at the edge so when I go in to kiss my 'lil girl, it's actually out of frame for the shot so it doesn't look like I'm kissing air on the camera. Consider all of your choices whenever possible before you shoot so you can create clean takes without a bunch of fuss because even though you're at home, no one wants to be taking a half day on this madness, you've got other things to work on so get to it!

With all the make-up plastered on my face for days on end, it's a difficult matter to keep your skin in tip top shape while on set but regardless of the time you must make an effort to protect your skin so that it may look just as fresh and anew the next day. It's your face that's on camera so if you don't have a routine for these days of layered stuff on your skin, let me suggest my favorite daily cleansing routine set for "set life." Coconut oil is your best friend...use it! It's a wonderful make up remover to start so take a handful and get it all over your skin...really rub it in good and get that caked on mascara off your eye lashes, let it sit for maybe a minute or so and then tissue off feeling the junk just  melt away. Take a look at that tissue...that's just the surface of it all, that make up is embedded into the crevices/pores of your skin. 1st step down, onto the next prepping of clean skin phase and you go in with some witch hazel. I'm out of my Dickinson's brand but I've got a back up from Target for moments like these, so always have some handy, it's great for the skin and not as drying as well. Cotton swiff your face and take another look at that madness...you're two layers in and you've barely cracked the goo! Whatever mask you have in your cabinet that you use, grab that and gets to masking the dirt away. I usually have several different choices to use on any given evening pending on what my skin calls for but I usually do a clay/mud mask to start. Let that sit for 10 min's or so and then finally you gets to wash with your facial cleanser. You're still not done, nope not yet it's not that easy to keep your skin glowing on set days. Go to the fridge and grab that apple cider vinegar, pour, dilute with water, cotton ball it and swipe over your face allowing it all to air dry. Now, finally now you're ready for whatever your evening moisturizer is, so slather that on and now you may get your shut eye for the next day knowing your skin is thoroughly cleansed and set ready with little to no chance of pesky pimples to form. This may seem like a process but having to cover up skin break outs during camera time is harder so go for the steps in order to make sure your face is camera ready after a day of make-up, powder, powder and more powder has been dumped on your lovely skin. I do this every time it's a foundation, make-up day because my skin just wants to be left alone and will act up at every given opportunity to let me know who's boss, I just have my methods on fighting back and appeasing the beast! No one wants to spend an extra 20-30 minutes at night cleansing the skin but it beats waking up and dealing with the unknown for the next's day shoot...so make it a ritual and know you're treating your body/skin right and that's all it wants...to feel appreciated as well.

Happy to announce my clip on the "Mistresses" was shown via FB (link below) with the full episode shown last night on the 4th of July (what a way to celebrate)- catch the clip here and got to ABC for a full episode https://www.facebook.com/Mistresses/videos/1319310238098927/
Also a scene I will remember for the rest of my life and oh so happy it made it in the film (thanks Michael Showalter for keeping my dream alive) is officially out on Blu-Ray at:  https://www.amazon.com/Hello-My-Name-Doris-Blu-ray/dp/B01F08XCAG/?tag=sphe-hmnid-media-fb-20 as well as some streaming services! Please check out "Hello My Name is Doris" and watch Sally with Tyne kill it being the legends that they are...trailer below!

While all of this is happening I'm still pressed hard against the wall and challenging my art in my first ever production of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" as Maria. Feeling overwhelmed by the text of it but enjoying the fact that I'm in the wondrous hands of our female director Kate Jopson who has not only decided to take this charming piece into a more grounded, real and dark direction but has included a plethera of ethnic actors who will be speaking their native tongue throughout. You'll hear Tagalog because we've got Filipino leads, Portuguese as well and even some Korean words thrown around by yours truly...whatever your idea may be about Shakespeare, come get another perspective starting July 16th by Coeurage Theatre in Burbank - it's pay what you can! Loving the fact that I get to be a part of such a diverse cast once again with a set built by "Flyin' West's" set designer - JR Bruce as well as seeing a female director who knows this work so well, she's willing to go there and risk!!! Gloriousness!

Don't ever stop believing, it may take years, it may feel like trudging through mud but if you truly are passionate about your craft, there is no time limit, just moments of dreams coming true. Hold on to that and celebrate...celebrate each hard earned step towards your goals in this business and never let anyone nor yourself deter you from giving yourself the chance to do what you love! Go on...let the fear move you into being FEARLESS!!! Had some first timers at Korean BBQ (thanks for trusting me Eugene & Tuka - kimchee & meats celebrating...FEARLESSNESS!