The "Glamorous" Life of Auditions - Day 27
Getting these lines into my bones whilst sitting on the passenger side to visit fam bam in San Luis Obispo. Mini vacay somewhat for someone who hasn't had a break since the beginning of the year and of the course the disappointment with having to cancel some Vegas time only to find out that was unnecessary but too late to get it back. Home auditions are awesome-sauce in this case, traveling possibilities happening at your fingertips so I take 'em and use 'em to the best of my abilities. This goodness was for a recurring co-star on a pilot in Atlanta with a cd I've been trying to just get a taped audition with, so finally...but with me in a new place, it was going to have pluses and minuses. Backyard looks great and the frame up different and nice (again, screw "professional" - you get what you get...period unless you call me back and state you want something else) but the cars in the background were totally lame along with a crow that only wanted to caw while I spoke. YEAH, good times but again, I don't ever stress about these, I assume they have peeps in mind and just using this gesture in case of. So with car noise, cawing crows but great background, I got it done and although with slow internet speed, uploaded and sent before the deadline of the following day. Keep doing these folks...even to no avail or maybe you've had better luck with 'em but either way, never stop having the opportunity to audition but giving yourself that gift, even if it seems to be a waste of time. It only takes one...just one to put you on a different map, don't leave yourself outta the game because you're too worried about how you'll take care of it, how you'll get there, who you'll stay with...it will all fall into place, someway, somehow...JUMP NOW!!!!
What's the best way to replenish, get inspired and be motivated to work hard??? Go see a play you didn't get into and more importantly watch the other actress they chose. It's not about self deprecating, it's about learning all the while as a creative. The reasons you weren't picked are out of your hands, don't dwell on that aspect of the business, you did your work, they loved you, there is nothing else but to sit back and pay attention. I love seeing my fellow actors get a role "we" all went for, at least it's in my circle and that is goodness waiting to be spread about, I also enjoy just watching other choices to see a different perspective on character. Plus, when you get to make a day of it by spending some time with your homie you haven't had a chance to see in eons, it makes it all worthwhile. I have very few people I trust my art/soul with and it's hard for me to get out of my comfort zone and just go hang out, I'd rather be home memorizing lines, cleaning up, watching a show...anything but going out but in this line of work, being seen is just as important if you pick them correctly. Sure, I hear the "networking" word thrown around, but if it's at a bar, hanging out just to maybe get a chance to chat with "someone" connected - no thanks. My networking is getting to a show I auditioned on Opening Night, seeing and getting hugs with love from the Artistic Director and Casting reinforcing my relationship with the same people who believe in me to call me in time and time again. I don't waste my energy, instead it's focused on the ones I love and trust most because this "networking" circle gets bigger in and of itself, no need to push...solid work will create those relationships with ease and then there will be more to talk about instead of the "So....what do you do?" I still want this role and eventually it'll be mine but for now, I'll enjoy my girl Tamika doing her do and getting that pitcher of Sangria in as well as scarfing down a 3 dessert tasting whenever I get the chance - Long Beach's Sevilla is now a happy place, especially with the use of a Groupon!!!
Last week I was a reader for 2 days and this week I was asked to help run a casting session for 3. I almost said no but thought to myself there is more to learn in this process...I've always wondered what causes one to be called in and another not to be and I received 1st hand experience into this world that is invaluable. I got to see preconceived notions of what "All American" was and what "Good Looking" is considered, as well as if a "celebrity name" is dropped as a reference, how hard it must be to deviate from that unless you're open enough to still think outside the box which also goes towards whomever the director may be as well as casting who must push that. I decided to take it upon myself to see if I could get anyone I knew that fit into the box as well as outside the box in and discovered how truly hard that could be and why management/agent may want all these different type of pictures to help push your work. Disappointed...very! Although 4 of the people I sent over were called in with much coaxing on my part...even having to link an IMDB page to one so casting could see different looks which helped the person get called in. The flat out no's were hard to take...the "he/she's not leading guy/gal material," the idea that it must be of a certain race only because that's what is stated is mind boggling. This was a difficult process but for those of my peeps that showed up, they showed out and that is where it lies. When you get the opportunity to walk into that space of an audition, you must bring it all...I know it may feel like it may not be for you but someone may have fought tooth and nail to get you into that room, DO NOT WASTE IT, show them out each and every time so that even though you may not book the role, you leave them knowing they need to call you in for something else. My experience on Day 2 with an actor was memorable so I have to comment on the exchange. The director and I decided to read a bit more than the scene had initially been called in for - WHY? Because there was a different color there to add and play with that wouldn't have happened with just the regular part, most actors were fine with it...one was not and boy did they voice their opinion about it. DO NOT BRING WHATEVER YOUR ISSUE IS WITH YOU FROM OUTSIDE...stay in your car, get over the road rage, your argument with friends or family but your audition starts when you get in the car! That person you may be flipping off may be going to the same place as you...hell, may be the casting or the director or even a friend of the production, don't let it start there. You got an audition, you were chosen...someone wants to see you and give you a potential job...this is what you fight for day in and day out, why ruin it with asinine behavior. I politely gave the heads up to this actor that there would be an added scene, this person would have at least 30 min's to just look it over when I stated it to them so they wouldn't be caught off guard in the room I was met with a "That would've been nice to know earlier..." (insert snotty voice here) - I politely asked if they needed the page since I had that in the room and if there was anything else...he looked at me to tell me "No, is there anything else..." WOW! I have been chatting with every actor that comes in, giving pages when certain ones didn't have it, telling them what they may expect in the room and yet, this is the response. I went in the room, did the scene with the actor and as this person left I simply stated that I had the rudest encounter with an actor outside about the extra page and if we (casting) could just leave that out for this person since it was such a problem, the director was a bit appalled and stated "let's not get into it with them." When I exited the room to get the next creative, I politely told that person that they were no longer required to read that page, it was unnecessary and we'd stop at where this person had worked to. They then stated more politely that they had pulled it up on their phone but I again reinstated it wasn't needed and not to worry about it. I gave this person my all in my read and watched it go as expected. The person had lost even before stepping into the room - you never speak to someone as if they're below you, not just because of who they may be, but would you like to be spoken to that way as well? Hopefully this person learned something today, I won't mention it to the casting director but this type of behavior already states what you'd be on set and no one really wants that on set for the most part nor do I want to be a part of helping that type of behavior anywhere near a set if it's in my power. The rewarding aspect is seeing all of your friends that you referred kick butt in the room, some got callbacks but all did well so that made me feel like I did something right...especially when one of the actors were one of her fav's!!! Best way to end the 3 day work session and store a wondrous memory of being on the other side of the table...I could see myself doing this one day...one day...especially the part for fighting for different, interesting choices that don't fit the mold. This is exciting...something else to look forward to!
A little escape to somewhere tranquil, off the beaten path, towards nature will always give your soul something to smile about. Moments at the beach for reflections will dig up some amazing life lessons that we should all partake in and although I never get to the ocean as much as I like, when I go, I realize I'm in the presence of greatness and all that chatter in my mind just subsides to the majestic beauty of all this grandeur. We must be like water...we must be like water...flow, constantly moving towards yet slowly etching our way, making our mark amongst the toughest of opponents, those unmoving, long standing ideas of what art, what we, how we present it is standard...our rocks. But low and behold, those hard surfaced rocks smoothed away by the constant, consistent crashing of waves and there we leave our marks that we've been here, pushing our art...our way into the crevices of long held ideals - WE FLOW!
So how do we celebrate? We celebrate with donuts...and lots of 'em! While hangin' in Grover Beach, you must do Surfside Donuts and although the pickin's are less adventurous during the week, I still ended up with a PB & J powdered deliciousness all up in my belly! I celebrate my non bookings, I celebrate my bookings, I celebrate my good days and my "bad" because art is a celebration folks, don't hold out...it's the small steps that get you to the big bang ones so don't skimp. Your mind needs it, your body craves it and your spirit couldn't go on if you don't remember to celebrate because this business can wear on you to the point that you've felt you haven't accomplished anything and that's not true. There is no way you can work on your art viciously without getting better, there is no way you can keep on auditioning without booking something if all is in order...there is just no way, the universe doesn't work like that so don't convince yourself it does. CELEBRATE...do it now, honestly look at where you were and how far you've come, you can perform in front of people now, you can make choices, you want this...see how much you've grown. Don't let this business do it's business by beating up your spirit, you must fight back, you will fight back and you will reap all the goodness you've sacrificed for but you've got to give your body, mind & soul some lovin' in order to fill the well of inspiration to keep you looking past the negatives into the light of it all because it comes but you've gotta hang in there long enough to see it. I'm hangin' in - let's hang in together, makes for a much better journey!
Another short film audition done did for a very understanding group of casting/directing/producing people. When you can request a certain time and they gladly make sure you've got it and then send another message the night before to thank everyone for coming out and if you can't make your time, they want you to still come and they will fit you in anyway. The meeting was a breeze, I was able to read twice with a slight adjustment and was out of there as quickly as I had arrived. Appreciation for the arts and that everyone respects everyone...we all have lives but understanding the work behind it just to express your art is a gift. I usually now ignore any notices that come in and have a negative undertone to it, if you can't appreciate all I must do in order to even step into that room then you don't deserve my art. Work runs late, I hit traffic all the way there, I almost get into accidents because of crazy drivers, my headshots got water spilled on them because of crazy drivers, I spent all night with these sides and the list goes on and if you can respect that then I can definitely respect the fact that you've got a ton of actors waiting (that'll give me time to wind down,) and you're spending time in the room with everyone (because you're interested in seeing the work) so I will be chill and happy instead of stressing out walking into that meeting. This one is paying $100 a day along with some deferred as well so who can be mad at making some money while doing what you love and creating another credit as well as making some more connections. This business is just getting tougher, pay is getting tighter and known/haven't been known for a minute stars are coming in for roles you may have been given the opportunity before to audition but no longer is that case. On the other hand, with all this new media, work has opened up if only you're open to step into this new playing field because you never know where it may lead. I could be having way less auditions and little to no bookings but I'm out here fighting the fight for these smaller projects and they're coming along. "Love Handles" made it to TV One's site and created a path for me to be on a pilot for Discovery coming up this Oct. in "Married With Secrets." Going out for a low budget film only to find out later the scene was with Sally Field and Tyne Daly has pushed me a bit further and wouldn't be surprised if that was the reason behind my recent huge NDA audition because sometimes your work begets more work. Booked another smaller production as a Deputy in "Trouble Creek County" (a role I've always wanted to play) but is linked with the crew of "Major Crimes." Don't be so wrapped up in the name of it all, the pay of it all that you miss the opportunities that lie within it all, you're never too big to at least take a look into a project because it could lead to some beautiful places. Of course you want to be paid the big bucks and be on the big lots working on the big sets with the big stars but there's work out there to build different characters, work on passion projects and meet up and coming people that are pushing the envelope and want you to do it with. I've honed in to these type of projects and with each one I've done it's with purpose...know what you're working towards, how it helps you move forward and if it's worth your time, what becomes of you to do this? Each step is another step waiting to happen so go take those steps baby!!!
WAHOO to callbacks and especially for those callbacks for amazingly, huge change if booked - this is my big NDA audition I had a couple of weeks ago, had let go because I figured I didn't have a shot and then get a message from my agent saying "Guess What?" YESSSSSSS - this is a huge casting office and this role would be absolutely wondrous but I'm happy I was seen in the first place. It was such a big deal and my agents fought hard just to give me the chance to be seen...and seen I was. I'd rather book this one but if not, just to have made it into that office, to then be called back was close enough to a booking for me to celebrate. I made another connection, another place saw my work and that is another step in the right direction because for me, my art speaks for itself, I'm just waiting for opportunity. I want to change their minds in that "big" room and I have failed miserably in the past risking my different approach but for the most part, I pleasantly surprise them enough to keep having them call me back until I get the chance to book something in that office. I want to book something in this office...it's the stuff dreams are made of and to be a part of this project would be a "I could piss in my pants" kinda moment. Send all the love, I'm hoping to hear something in the next couple of weeks about this one but I'm okay, I know I did my do and for that I can only hope to keep getting shots like this one. Getting this one audition, lets me know that next year will only get better in the audition process and I am looking forward to moving forward in my work that I have built upon for years. I had to change my clothes into a cooler dress after this audition so I could just enjoy the rest of the day...EATING - ha, ha, ha but really, I did eat to celebrate this one! Go enjoy those steps from all that hard work you've put in and watch the goodness come pouring out. All those classes, all those rehearsals, all those looking into scenes and looking into them even further...the time is coming and since you're already ready, all you must do is stay ready my arties.
Got a chance to meet the cast and most of the crew behind my lovely next project - "Trouble Creek County!" I'm Deputy Benita Kirby and honestly, this role is going to be absolutely divine for me to play - I CAN'T WAIT!!!! The fact that I'm getting this opportunity to play this type of role is just another punch letting me know I'm suppose to be here. I rolled up on Raleigh Studios in high spirits on a Saturday morning with happy signs and art to greet me to remind me of all the goodness surrounding me. Sandwiches and home made desserts already starting it off, I'm gonna love being a part of this because everyone is thankful for being able to do it and that makes me happy. I get to have some scenes with Mr. Jason Gedrick himself..."Iron Eagle" man...my Appa loved those films so once again, I get to cross another person off my daddy made me watch growing up list and he's absolutely gorgeous to boot! You can like Trouble Creek on Facebook here - https://www.facebook.com/TroubleCreek/?fref=ts, follow all of us on twitter at @TroubleCreektv as well as subscribing to https://youtu.be/Hqej02NfRrI and catch the episodes as soon as they air! Got a chance to take a picture with the wonderful casting director Jane Bacon, who has kept calling me in to project after project once she saw me, believing in my work and now we get to celebrate with pictures! Let your work show, people out there do believe in it and will do what they can, when they can to get your art out there...you've just gotta believe you've put in the push and it's time! Go show them all!!!
Made my first interview of the year and with the upcoming project "Cheetah in August" for BHL - Black Hollywood Live hosted by Shar with the link below. Being able to introduce my character as well as stating the fact that we are one, in it all is the underlying message for me being able to play this role. You can catch this on Amazon Prime or BawnTV. Next weekend will be the world premiere of the first episode happening downtown which will come with a lot of pictures so don't worry, I'll keep you posted on all of the celebratory goodness although it's the night before my 1st day of shooting, I can't wait to see what all of our work has brought us. Like Cheetah on Facebook here - https://www.facebook.com/cheetahinaugust/?fref=ts. What a wonderful set to be a part of, these Bawn men will have you laughing through your 13 hours on set as well as just wanting to get the best shot for everyone involved. Glad this message is being pushed through art, one more step towards more LOVE in this world regardless...because LOVE is LOVE! 
