From audition to the callback another student film producition but this one with a $100 a day pay included for the NYFA in Burbank, so of course I go because some money is way better than no money for work I'd do for free pending, when time permits - crossing fingers now. Again, it's a project and a role I haven't quite done yet so let me state, diversify now, while you can, whenever you have the opportunity. Do not allow yourself to be stuck into a box, that'll come and maybe it's going on now so accept jobs that'll push your boundaries of art so you don't have to fight so hard in the future to prove you can do it! I also decided this year that my work speaks for itself and I wouldn't submit on projects with no pay unless it was a role I haven't done or for friends I've shot with before. Listen my arties, there comes a time when free isn't an option, when you've paid your dues, when you've been struggling for far too long and because you know you'll bring your work to work, that you as an artist deserve some sort of compensation. Gas money is good at the bare minimum but even after getting some roles you'll move on to wanting at least $50 a day to cover maybe a day at work and although that doesn't cover most of it, it covers some of it and you did something you loved while getting paid. You deserve that as an artist and it's hard to demand that in this business because most people want to do it for free...GOOD, let them find those people. Starting out, needing that experience and wanting that credit is fine, but as you're paying for training, paying for headshots to audition, paying for clothes to look the part, paying for gas to get to the audition, paying by not getting paid from your survival job, paying for an opportunity that you may hear nothing on...eventually you must decide for yourself that you deserve something for the work you put in. Don't feel guilty about that, you as an artist putting in your time should be able to make some sort of living wage. So if it's free, I'm hoping you're getting a good lunch - wonderful, much needed experience - a new connection, if it's gas, I hope it's a role you need in your wheelhouse plus some good food and I say anything above that is working actor status so appreciate and go in to kill it! The audition is super late with an 8pmer which I have to try to change if possible but the timing was from 7p - 9p so I kept it as is. The call back happened late at night with a day's notice and once again, since I work on weekends, it fell right into my job time. I tried with all my might to get it changed from 12p to 1:30p since I get off at 1p, no can do because they have the room until 1p and taking the audition til 12:45p. They were super kind to try and work it out for me and my job stepped in letting me leave after 3 hours to make this audition and then I returned in good faith back to it for work the last hour I missed. This rarely comes up but boy am I thankful I work at a job that adjusts with me as well as rooting for me, you can't find too many places that do, so when you do, you hold on...it may not be all you want it to be but if it's a better means to an end and you enjoy yourself, don't be embarrassed working at a place that most people would find "cliche." Screw those people, the ones that judge you for going for your dreams, the ones that most likely gave up on theirs and so they make fun of how you try to make it happen. The only one having to pay your bills while pursing your art is you and if you like what you do, screw them all. I enjoy the restaurant business, I just don't want it to be full time and so if the person's idea of being funny is "So, you're an actor...what restaurant do you work at?" Say it proudly, say it knowing you haven't discarded what makes your soul happy. "I work at an amazing, bakery that serves fantastic breads, croissants and meals that have upgraded the community I live in...plus I get to work towards my art, which makes it all worthwhile...thank you very much...so what do you do? And do you love it?" Then walk away, stanky face if you wish...they don't deserve your breathe...save that for your creativity!
With such a full day I ended up going with my beast who drove me to the audition then to an indie of the 9:55p show of "Reparation" at the Monica Laemmle to see my "Al Pacino" Ms. Virginia Newcomb gracing the big screen touching on the subject of PTSD. Loving every minute of watching a story that needs to be told come to life and knowing my girl is a part of it...making art, making a difference. Check for it in a town coming near you and support good Indie work so that besides all the blockbusters, this industry becomes aware of stories that make you see something in a more humane way, challenges you to become a better person or makes you question what you may truly believe is right by seeing another perspective. Even got to eat next door at Flower Girl with some tasty vegan plus dishes with some much needed local beer to celebrate - thai quinoa with tofu and some of the tastiest gluten free mac and cheese around...YES PLEASE!
Speaking of my celebration of friends (after filming a small ditty for another play at Greencourt directed by my last director Ms. Kate Jopson), I hit up a one woman show happening at Two Roads Theatre in Studio City - "Women on The Verge" by a very talented female writer I've had the pleasure to work for, Ms. Kimba Henderson. I've had my own one woman show in the back of my head for at least 4 years so whenever I get a moment to check this type of show out, to help me flesh out my ideas, I do so. You leave inspired, knowing it'll be your time soon to give that kind of all of your art. This show runs for another couple of weeks, don't miss it...especially if you're looking for some heart string tugs!!!
Tis the season of Halloween goodness and even though I'm not the biggest fan, (unless I'm at Knott's shooting lasers at zombies) my beast shares a Born Day in this very fun month that he enjoys immensely. Decided to check out "CreepLA" this year because 2 actors I know and love (great work Bill & Graham, both pictured) had parts in this totally weird, mind jacking, artful interactive, expression of haunt going down all month. Theatrics with a high level of creep factor including neck grabbing and breathing down your neck while getting black dots on your face randomly and looking at disturbing images to really put you in the spirit of this season. This is fashioned after a real artist who pushed many envelopes in the 70's, so I appreciated the mind behind it all. I'm always curious at the idea that when people push their art in whatever form, when fear is challenged, these creative beings can be marked heretics, loons, devil worshippers etc. etc. etc. from others who don't understand. I hope one day, someone can just create freely without this type of societal judgement being thrust on their work...one day...until then, I'll keep appreciating as many forms of art that I possible can see and I encourage you to do the same - scream on my beauties!!! One day, I'll have a horror film as a main character under my belt...
Just wrapped up on the upcoming web series "Trouble Creek County" coming 2017 and I can't tell you how much it meant to finally be seen past my hair, past my look and into my art for reals...because being a Deputy isn't in my "box" as this industry would put it. Bohemian, maybe art teacher etc but to be given a shot at this was the difference when women are in the room. Women who understand the art/work is what counts and the "look" can be worked around the role and worked they did! They could've picked the other gal at the call backs with her hair already pulled back but they took a shot on me and for that I am eternally grateful. These are the moments and times you know as an artist, that you were finally seen...all that character work you put in trumped what you looked like on the outside. I had a hair and make-up team that was outta this world and they just dove in unafraid of my hair and skin! Most of the cast and crew were from "Major Crimes," I even had a stand in ya'll which was so very cool. I had to take a pix with her, just to let her know how much I appreciated her...I stood in before for over a season and a half for someone ridiculous years ago and I will never be what that person was to me - NEVER! Vera was awesome and always around paying attention, even when I wasn't - couldn't have had a better stand in so chatting and getting to know this beautious creature were in order! Sound wrapped around my leg, wardrobe on and I was "Deputy Kirby" ready to act with this amazing team supporting us all, including a female camera operator which is so rare to see and such a treat when you do! Reading words created and written by 2 phenomenal women wanting to tell a story...this is the good stuff ya'll. Sometimes you get blinded by the glitz and lights of it all, but the well written, passion project that has something to say will always have my heart! Don't get so obsessed with the brightness that you forget to pay attention to the gems, the rough around edges that are waiting for a rough around, talent like you. You never know, you may meet Shea and Stacey in the room, cheering you on wanting to work with you as much as you'd like to work with them talented beings! Don't I look like a cop??? And if they can make me look like one, then all is possible...GO GET IT GUYS!!!!
I also got a chance to catch the premiere episode of "Cheetah in August" at the Downtown Independent recently which is coming to Bawn TV first on Oct. 25th and then Amazon Prime Streaming Nov. 1st. Getting to hear all the "oh no she didn'ts and uh, uhs" during the showing made it quite clear that "Karen" was exactly who I wanted to portray her as...I am quite proud of releasing her into my art portfolio all with the graciousness of the Bawn men (Anthony and Brentley) seeing my art again and I truly can't wait for you to get a load of me, especially if you know me. I'm loving being a part of a smaller movement of work trying to push up against the "system" to create diversity, dive into story telling and make art happen for those usually not considered. Understand that you have a place in this world, you've just gotta open your eyes to the other voices shouting to get your attention. Yes, this business is difficult and built against you, but find your space and push your dream forward by being well prepared/ready to go whenever the opportunity arises...now is your time, take it! DON'T EVER STOP and have fun along the way!!!
From audition to the callback another student film producition but this one with a $100 a day pay included for the NYFA in Burbank, so of course I go because some money is way better than no money for work I'd do for free pending, when time permits - crossing fingers now. Again, it's a project and a role I haven't quite done yet so let me state, diversify now, while you can, whenever you have the opportunity. Do not allow yourself to be stuck into a box, that'll come and maybe it's going on now so accept jobs that'll push your boundaries of art so you don't have to fight so hard in the future to prove you can do it! I also decided this year that my work speaks for itself and I wouldn't submit on projects with no pay unless it was a role I haven't done or for friends I've shot with before. Listen my arties, there comes a time when free isn't an option, when you've paid your dues, when you've been struggling for far too long and because you know you'll bring your work to work, that you as an artist deserve some sort of compensation. Gas money is good at the bare minimum but even after getting some roles you'll move on to wanting at least $50 a day to cover maybe a day at work and although that doesn't cover most of it, it covers some of it and you did something you loved while getting paid. You deserve that as an artist and it's hard to demand that in this business because most people want to do it for free...GOOD, let them find those people. Starting out, needing that experience and wanting that credit is fine, but as you're paying for training, paying for headshots to audition, paying for clothes to look the part, paying for gas to get to the audition, paying by not getting paid from your survival job, paying for an opportunity that you may hear nothing on...eventually you must decide for yourself that you deserve something for the work you put in. Don't feel guilty about that, you as an artist putting in your time should be able to make some sort of living wage. So if it's free, I'm hoping you're getting a good lunch - wonderful, much needed experience - a new connection, if it's gas, I hope it's a role you need in your wheelhouse plus some good food and I say anything above that is working actor status so appreciate and go in to kill it! The audition is super late with an 8pmer which I have to try to change if possible but the timing was from 7p - 9p so I kept it as is. The call back happened late at night with a day's notice and once again, since I work on weekends, it fell right into my job time. I tried with all my might to get it changed from 12p to 1:30p since I get off at 1p, no can do because they have the room until 1p and taking the audition til 12:45p. They were super kind to try and work it out for me and my job stepped in letting me leave after 3 hours to make this audition and then I returned in good faith back to it for work the last hour I missed. This rarely comes up but boy am I thankful I work at a job that adjusts with me as well as rooting for me, you can't find too many places that do, so when you do, you hold on...it may not be all you want it to be but if it's a better means to an end and you enjoy yourself, don't be embarrassed working at a place that most people would find "cliche." Screw those people, the ones that judge you for going for your dreams, the ones that most likely gave up on theirs and so they make fun of how you try to make it happen. The only one having to pay your bills while pursing your art is you and if you like what you do, screw them all. I enjoy the restaurant business, I just don't want it to be full time and so if the person's idea of being funny is "So, you're an actor...what restaurant do you work at?" Say it proudly, say it knowing you haven't discarded what makes your soul happy. "I work at an amazing, bakery that serves fantastic breads, croissants and meals that have upgraded the community I live in...plus I get to work towards my art, which makes it all worthwhile...thank you very much...so what do you do? And do you love it?" Then walk away, stanky face if you wish...they don't deserve your breathe...save that for your creativity!
With such a full day I ended up going with my beast who drove me to the audition then to an indie of the 9:55p show of "Reparation" at the Monica Laemmle to see my "Al Pacino" Ms. Virginia Newcomb gracing the big screen touching on the subject of PTSD. Loving every minute of watching a story that needs to be told come to life and knowing my girl is a part of it...making art, making a difference. Check for it in a town coming near you and support good Indie work so that besides all the blockbusters, this industry becomes aware of stories that make you see something in a more humane way, challenges you to become a better person or makes you question what you may truly believe is right by seeing another perspective. Even got to eat next door at Flower Girl with some tasty vegan plus dishes with some much needed local beer to celebrate - thai quinoa with tofu and some of the tastiest gluten free mac and cheese around...YES PLEASE! 
Speaking of my celebration of friends (after filming a small ditty for another play at Greencourt directed by my last director Ms. Kate Jopson), I hit up a one woman show happening at Two Roads Theatre in Studio City - "Women on The Verge" by a very talented female writer I've had the pleasure to work for, Ms. Kimba Henderson. I've had my own one woman show in the back of my head for at least 4 years so whenever I get a moment to check this type of show out, to help me flesh out my ideas, I do so. You leave inspired, knowing it'll be your time soon to give that kind of all of your art. This show runs for another couple of weeks, don't miss it...especially if you're looking for some heart string tugs!!! 
Tis the season of Halloween goodness and even though I'm not the biggest fan, (unless I'm at Knott's shooting lasers at zombies) my beast shares a Born Day in this very fun month that he enjoys immensely. Decided to check out "CreepLA" this year because 2 actors I know and love (great work Bill & Graham, both pictured) had parts in this totally weird, mind jacking, artful interactive, expression of haunt going down all month. Theatrics with a high level of creep factor including neck grabbing and breathing down your neck while getting black dots on your face randomly and looking at disturbing images to really put you in the spirit of this season. This is fashioned after a real artist who pushed many envelopes in the 70's, so I appreciated the mind behind it all. I'm always curious at the idea that when people push their art in whatever form, when fear is challenged, these creative beings can be marked heretics, loons, devil worshippers etc. etc. etc. from others who don't understand. I hope one day, someone can just create freely without this type of societal judgement being thrust on their work...one day...until then, I'll keep appreciating as many forms of art that I possible can see and I encourage you to do the same - scream on my beauties!!! One day, I'll have a horror film as a main character under my belt...
Just wrapped up on the upcoming web series "Trouble Creek County" coming 2017 and I can't tell you how much it meant to finally be seen past my hair, past my look and into my art for reals...because being a Deputy isn't in my "box" as this industry would put it. Bohemian, maybe art teacher etc but to be given a shot at this was the difference when women are in the room. Women who understand the art/work is what counts and the "look" can be worked around the role and worked they did! They could've picked the other gal at the call backs with her hair already pulled back but they took a shot on me and for that I am eternally grateful. These are the moments and times you know as an artist, that you were finally seen...all that character work you put in trumped what you looked like on the outside. I had a hair and make-up team that was outta this world and they just dove in unafraid of my hair and skin! Most of the cast and crew were from "Major Crimes," I even had a stand in ya'll which was so very cool. I had to take a pix with her, just to let her know how much I appreciated her...I stood in before for over a season and a half for someone ridiculous years ago and I will never be what that person was to me - NEVER! Vera was awesome and always around paying attention, even when I wasn't - couldn't have had a better stand in so chatting and getting to know this beautious creature were in order! Sound wrapped around my leg, wardrobe on and I was "Deputy Kirby" ready to act with this amazing team supporting us all, including a female camera operator which is so rare to see and such a treat when you do! Reading words created and written by 2 phenomenal women wanting to tell a story...this is the good stuff ya'll. Sometimes you get blinded by the glitz and lights of it all, but the well written, passion project that has something to say will always have my heart! Don't get so obsessed with the brightness that you forget to pay attention to the gems, the rough around edges that are waiting for a rough around, talent like you. You never know, you may meet Shea and Stacey in the room, cheering you on wanting to work with you as much as you'd like to work with them talented beings! Don't I look like a cop??? And if they can make me look like one, then all is possible...GO GET IT GUYS!!!!
I also got a chance to catch the premiere episode of "Cheetah in August" at the Downtown Independent recently which is coming to Bawn TV first on Oct. 25th and then Amazon Prime Streaming Nov. 1st. Getting to hear all the "oh no she didn'ts and uh, uhs" during the showing made it quite clear that "Karen" was exactly who I wanted to portray her as...I am quite proud of releasing her into my art portfolio all with the graciousness of the Bawn men (Anthony and Brentley) seeing my art again and I truly can't wait for you to get a load of me, especially if you know me. I'm loving being a part of a smaller movement of work trying to push up against the "system" to create diversity, dive into story telling and make art happen for those usually not considered. Understand that you have a place in this world, you've just gotta open your eyes to the other voices shouting to get your attention. Yes, this business is difficult and built against you, but find your space and push your dream forward by being well prepared/ready to go whenever the opportunity arises...now is your time, take it! DON'T EVER STOP and have fun along the way!!!
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