The "Glamorous" Life of Auditions - Day 3 ( Audition 4 )

Another Commercial/Industrial...wahoo to my trust in signing across the board with my agency - I had given up a bigger agency a couple of years ago because of this "across the board" thing - but I truly know my agency believes in me. It's not about the immediate bookings, my agent has seen me through no bookings for almost 2 years before last and they still tell people when I walk in how great I am. My agent is a female as well, even had me try out her Russian meal and will watch actors in their own element before calling them in, she's all about your work and for that, I couldn't be more happy. I'm not a number, I'm a high level actress in her eyes and if she believes in me like that, how can I not go into every room and kill it. She gets so tickled when they call her back to tell her how good I am because she already knows and she's fighting hard for the world to know now which is something I never thought I'd have in my corner. There is a difference when someone views you as a money sign for the moment and when someone believes that you can be all that you dream...find those hands and take care of 'em every opportunity you can. The best part of this Frigidaire industrial/commercial is the beautiful women I got a chance to see...moments like these make my soul explode in happiness. We're all here, we're all fighting and we all want us all to succeed...it's a beautious thing to see it, feel it and know it! Surround yourself in the truthfulness of this, there are too many wishing negative, free yourselves from those clutches...there is better, I promise you!

Catching up on some clean fresh air, beautiful scenery and alone time - hikes required. It'll help if you're in need of some quiet time, a moment to focus, a chance to speak to oneself and listening...to your soul. Hiking is free and at a time such as these, a real cleanse to just let it go as you walk onward and upward. I let my mind wander and my steps just take me away for a couple of hours, much needed space - the break from social media, regular work, distractions - just me, my thoughts and my body moving forward. Nothing like a clarifying process of one's soul to get you back into the chaos to deal with what you must in order to live happily. Now isn't the time to disengage, it's easy to do so but it's better to stay in and fight...exhausting yes, I have to save my battles but I stay in although it's draining, for those that don't have the voice to do so. It's exactly like talking to brick walls but it's a conversation and I will no longer stand aside as simple things are said without a balance, it's no longer okay to make a snide remark based in nothingness without a more fact checked response. I don't understand having the internet at the tips of those fingers and yet still having this skewed viewpoint as if you can't look it all up, including the source you're checking it from. Working out is my get away...a leaving it outside time and I suggest you find yours because your sanity, your strength is going to be needed during some of these dark times. So give yourself permission to check out but check back in to stand up for what is true...humanity is too important to be pushed aside.

KEEP PUSHING FORWARD my Arties....

The "Glamorous" Life of Auditions - Day 2 ( Audition 3 )


After skipping out of an audition the day before, it was nice to get another call for a network show at CFB Casting. Although another rainy day which I love spending at home in PJ's when I can, I went out to enjoy another love of mine...auditions!!! One liners are welcomed, especially when I had other auditions to prep for as well as dress rehearsals/tech kicking my butt. The scene was me playing a police officer - I have no uniform so I went with a black dress shirt and black slacks as wardrobe, make do with what you have...don't stress about coming in costume if you don't have it - with one intro line and then the other characters part. I was asked when I entered the room, if I had any questions and since the other character's part was in another language I asked if I would hear those lines. When I was told yes, I knew exactly how I was to respond because I had made several choices with different scenerios and one being speaking back in Korean and being upset that she took me for Chinese. Wild choice but something to consider...she liked it! So much so I was asked to just play in another way, which I played like a normal cop and spoke some smack back casually telling the other character to get outta here. Improv, improv, improv...always be prepared with closing out the scene just in case, now some shows aren't about it and they'll tell you quickly not to do that because everything is so timed but as an artist, you must know how your character takes all the information in and the reaction of it all throughout including finding an ending for oneself even if not described on the page. Just think about it and do it if the opportunity comes up...again..."Preparation meeting opportunity..." this will make some surprises in the room easier to handle when nerves are at an all time high.  If you pick about 3 - 4 different paths to play, you'll get to at least 2 so aim big on even the smallest of parts and you never know, something wonderful may happen during the scene if they're smart enough to choose you because you're prepared to play! Keep going for it...not matter what, make choices unique to you and you'll start seeing the fulfillment in the auditions as well as the bookings! Create now with the "small" stuff because eventually it'll all become the "big" stuff you're waiting for so get to practicing my Arties your time is coming!

This past weekend was not only monumental but a glorious display of mostly women, men and children coming together constitutionally to march for so many things that are being attacked by our leaders. Yes, I wished I saw more of these women at the voting polls but it's a step and I'll always take a step. We have marched, fought and rioted since our Democracy has been in place hence the reason we live in the greatest country...to be able to defy what you feel is terribly wrong, to state your grievances, to yell, scream, cry about injustices is a right that we have in this county and make no mistake, you're able to sit behind a screen and type your feelings because someone fought for you to have that opportunity. Whether you agree or not, you have that right but know that someone sacrificed something to allow it to be so and is the reason I disregard posts when I read other humans belittling this beautiful gesture of ROARING. Some have been doing it all along, some just realized what needed to be done, some decided just to be there for their (selfish/curious) reasons - hopefully they learned something and some finally understood what others have been fighting for. If you've got a problem with signs that have the word "Pussy" on it but didn't quite get your panties in a bunch when you heard a recording of the leader elected to our highest office say it then you missed the point. If you think Black Lives Matter is racist because that's what you've been told and have no clue that they have marched for white kids that have been killed by police as well when the "All Lives Matter" didn't bother to show up, then you have again missed the point. If you think defunding Planned Parenthood that cost you basically a penny out of your paycheck but are okay with most of your tax dollars going to militarization/war then you're missing the point. If you're beginning to realize the Affordable Care Act is Obamacare and you've got the insurance but officially voted against it because you elected officials that want to dismantle it but still harp hearing "Making America Great Again" and yet having nothing to show for that except ridiculous cabinet picks set to defund arts as well...you're so still missing the point. If you didn't want all of this, great but there are people out there that these marchers are speaking for so that they can just survive...so while your brother is losing his LGBTQ rights, your neighbors their health insurance and friends are being attacked racially, please stop talking and let those who want to do something about it, at least try. Being a woman and still having to fight for the basic right of your own body is crazy and you as a woman have the "rights" of not having to wear corsets, be seen and not heard but obviously heard now, go braless, work if you so desire because women have been yelling, making "vulgar" gestures, marching for you so that you can sit around and try to discourage the same ideas that are allowing you to do what you're doing...speaking your mind. We're not equal...we may never be but I'd rather fight for more equality bit by bit than sit around and dismiss the fact that the reason I have it "so good" now is because...IT'S BECAUSE someone gave up the idea of being comfortable to fight so I can have more control over my body, so I can make more decisions on what's right for my health, so I can just be as I choose to be. I didn't get to march...I had to work and then go to my show that evening but I busted out my womanhood tea all day to have my body and soul humbly be reminded to thank the countless of individuals who marched on my behalf...for my healthcare, for my body, for my rights! Thank you to all those all over that showed up and showed out as the amazingly, strong, beautiful, caring creatures we are and will always be, let no one stifle your true self, your light and your ROARS!!! I'm there always in spirit if my body can't make an appearance...

Since you've been feeding your soul, how about your body? Realize the fuel you put in, is exactly what will be your output and for the long term. I've settled into less meat this year and after my cleanse in February, I'll go back to little to no meat or once a week. My body doesn't need it except when it does, I feel great and I know eating less but quality meats are what's keeping me together. I'm in an industry where appearance matters so everything I use on the outside as well as the inside comes from mindfulness. I grew up on meaty meats and I love a good burger but I also know it's unnecessary to have it everyday, all day...I can function on delicious greens, juices, veggies and fruits and still make it with strength. Whatever your choice is, do it consciously...and once your body adjusts, I promise you, the output will be just as glorious if not better. I don't really eat at fast food joints although I'll allow myself the occasional french fries, I've given up soda for real sparkling water not carbonated water drinks although wine must stay, eat way less meat but good meats when I need or crave it and have pushed dairy aside for the most part unless I'm out on a special evening. Small steps for a cleaner, healthier you and I never thought I'd ever be here but the choices that are out there are superb now...you won't miss much and when you do you can always go back but with more awareness. I can have a homemade brussel sprouts, to sprouted pizza, with basil, vegan parm/chedder, organic marinara with a kale/arugula/spinach/mushroom, orange bell pepper and red onions and still celebrate my Born Day with an amazing burger and some sort of churro doughnut thing! Don't feel like it's all or nothing, small changes can do the body good....one step at a time. Your art isn't built in a day, be gentle...

With all the goodness going around, "Bee Luther Hatchee" has been doing extremely well reviews wise, I have heard we've got one bad review but from the sounds of it, I'd have to say from a very cracked lens. As artists you must remember, critics come in different openness so don't be dismayed if you've received one bad review to many more glorious ones...focus on the good, I know it can be difficult but why do we pay attention to the one that wants to deter us? When I heard they decided to label our lead character as an "angry black woman" I decided right then, this review was null and void. Our director, being a black woman was very sensitive to that distinguished sentiment laid upon so many of us women of color that she was diligent in presenting the argument with layers and knowing that, seeing someone grasp at that very straw was exactly what I know that people use to validate their own feelings of coping. You hope critics come and see the show with an open heart and mind, however, some come broken in whatever they've been dealt with in life and take that to the writing. So far, that's been the only one that has decided to lean more towards the skewed viewpoint some may take when confronted with racial issues however, there are fantastic reviews by many more including the Huffington Post as well as the new one by Broadway News. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/587fdaa2e4b09d73ca337309?timestamp=1484774771935 and http://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/BWW-Review-Riveting-BEE-LUTHER-HATCHEE-in-a-Rare-Revival-at-Sierra-Madre-Playhouse-20170117. Never let one bad review change your performance...it's an opinion and if it's only one...well, we all know where that can go! I heard it used the word theatrical...for theatre - HA I say and one should keep in mind that playing to a full house instead of a few rows  in a theatre will have to be a bit theatrical so that people who are coughing during the monologue can be outdone by your words during a performance. You're out there giving art, someone isn't going to like it just because, so do not let that effect what you do but let it feed your soul to gulp it up and push forward especially when others keep validating your work ( although that shouldn't be necessary. ) Bad reviews to good reviews should never change your art process and once you get to a point where you can void out the negative maybe then you can take a gander while in a show, otherwise wait until the end as I usually try to do. Take critiques with a grain of salt, look at the critiques made and to what house...did they kiss up to the show with Al Pacino or some other Broadway star...do they prefer smaller houses to feel intimate...what was the last bad review and why? Never take these at full value, they usually have nothing to do with the show but how they've perceived it from their own experiences because you can get someone who loves theatre like Steven Stanley that walks in wanting to give you a good review because he just delights in the passion of the work. With that, I got a chance just to hang out with some castmates, Olivia and Jon for some much needed beer and snacks at the Congregation Ale House in Pasadena. Loving what artists bring to the table to tell a story...a difficult story but a much needed story to create discussion on so much more...shake ridiculousness off, have fun and create with all your being - ENJOY that always!

 

The "Glamorous" Life of Auditions - Day 1 ( Auditions 1, 2 & .... )

HAPPY 2017!!! I started with champagne, real hot cocoa with marshmallows and the traditional Korean rice cake soup to bring on 2017 especially since I had to work New Year's Eve as well as New Year's morning. So I spent the rest of the new day at home celebrating my dreams. New year, new goals, new ways of pushing and new you...gone is the past no matter how "awesome/good/terrible" it may have felt, it's done and you're present. Take your moment to reflect on how hard you've worked/didn't work and realize now is not the time to quit but to keep at it if this is your passion. If you worked harder, how do you work smarter this year? If you didn't work as hard as you liked, how can you motivate yourself to plunge in and not let rejection/excuses stand in your way? Last year was my best year yet and still, I'm no where near where I'd like to be...so I push forward by making sure I have better tools to start out this year. I'm lucky enough to come into the 1st month with a play I'm excited to be a part of, something that will lead to more discussions hopefully after being seen...but what's next? While you're busy you must get busy and create other things to do and I know it's hectic but it's never the time to sit on your derriere since you've got more to explore. Yes, you booked that show...yes, you doing that show but what are you doing actively now to keep it going so you don't get the "acting blues?" It's during the lull you become susceptible to negative energy and you can question what the hell are you doing all this for? You're doing it because you have to, it's in you and there is no way of letting go...this may change but if you're feeling like it's the place for you, then grab a hold of that and start creating, whatever that means to you. I decided a couple of years ago, that I wasn't just going to wait on T.V./Film auditions...that I deserved to work and I deserved to grow as an artist. So in came the theatre flow, the new media/web series jobs and the low budget/short film aspect and I haven't regretted a moment since. I'm building my own path, my own way into this business by whatever I need to do to stay focused and sharp...yes, I still have to work my day job whenever I can but at least it's not usurping my time to pursue what I love and it's also something I enjoy doing as well. It's pilot season, so I had to update some clips and include some new work so my agent can better sell me. I had a meeting with them - the agents - they discovered I wasn't repped commercially once again and expressed complete excitement to have the opportunity to do that for me this year and although I didn't want to be across board once again, I knew this was different because my agency is different, so I accepted. I've decided on another round of headshots are in order so as much as I hate this part of the business, I must do what's necessary to refresh. I also created another shout out to promote the play I'm involved in and out of 197 casting offices sent via email, 157 opened the card ( http://shoutout.wix.com/so/cLbbiFK0#/main ) so don't think all of your effort is going unnoticed. It feels like you're creeping along but as you do so, you're moving and that's the good stuff! Feel all the endless possibilities of the new year, ask yourself what you can do now/differently and get to work!!!

My 1st audition day went from zero to crazy in a matter of days because my audition count went from 1 to 3...two of them being around the same time frame of 11a - 11:45a but the last one at 1:40p. I had to notify one that I'd be running about 20-30 minutes behind and get to the first one as early as possible and of course that plan failed. It was a gloomy rainy day and I was moving slow to make sure I felt good before leaving the house. That meant oil pulling and apple cider vinegar with lemon and tumeric to soothe my throat since rehearsals have taken a toll on my instruments plus pulling outfits for all 3 auditions while making sure everything was in the car needed otherwise all while getting ready. First audition was for a nice AEA contract for a production outside of Palm Springs with travel and housing provided...only a quick 1 min. monologue requested so I didn't have to stress with it being dress rehearsal/tech week but I did have to review all the 1 - 2 minute monologues I had stored in my brain. I arrived on time and was ushered in quickly where I let it all rip with everything I had...so much so, I had the casting director nodding her head at me glossy eyed with tears, so I expect to be seen again in the future if my type was ever to be called upon. Although I felt I could've handled the start ( it began as soon as the show I'm currently in was ending ) the director there may have felt otherwise, so no call back but a lovely start in the theatre direction I want to take this year. I then raced from Hollywood to Culver City taking the streets for a 40 minute ride and went in for a mid-west mom in an industrial. Although the crowd was older looking, I did my do and was complimented for my choices during the takes but what made my moment there sweeter was another beautiful woman stating that she recognized me from "Married With Secrets" and that she adored the show. I was able to give her some info to maybe help her get cast since she was so excited about the fact of meeting me, I couldn't leave without giving her something! From there I raced to the final audition back to Hollywood only to see the most actors I've ever seen in a room waiting before...cattle call? UUUUURRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH! I signed in just to make sure in case I was wrong and it wasn't for the same audition. I used the bathroom and proceeded to wait for 15 minutes and when I heard one of the girls get called in say "Ah, it's about time....it's been 2 hours," I just stood there in bewilderment. How could casting do this and think it's okay...no one had came out of the room to even address the situation as I'd been there and maybe, just maybe had they respected actors and their time, they would've convinced me to stay as I've done only when I've had nothing to do and felt appreciated as an artist. They had actors leaving, call in the next actor...WOW! When the girl came back out and sat down to wait for her friend, I asked her again, how long had she'd been there and of course it was 2 hours...I then asked the next actor I saw approach the door to go in, how long he had been there and basically it was the same. At that very moment, I decided since no explanation was given on their part, since they never responded back to my e-mail stating that if callbacks were that evening that I would have to be seen by 5p since I had dress rehearsal past Pasadena, since I felt this was absolutely rude to do to people without stating such, I high tailed it outta there. This was a low budget short that decided not only to over book themselves making it a cattle call with times not even closely respected, so I would not give them my heart...it was undeserving. These will be the choices you will have to make...IS THIS WORTH IT? If at any time you feel unappreciated/not respected, get out of there. Would they wait for you...2 hours and counting??? It's definitely easier to leave when it's low pay but most decent to higher paying gigs wouldn't do this to you so that's not an issue...if you have to wait an hour ( which happens at the higher paying shows, rarely but it happens ) there is usually an explanation, a thank you for your time from the session runner and it's SAG rates so of course you're okay with waiting it out. I had dress that evening and felt I had wonderful auditions already done that day so off I went to enjoy lunch at home, peace of mind knowing it was the right thing to do for my soul and focused on the task at hand...getting my role in "Bee Luther Hatchee" one step closer to being "Previews" ready for the next evening! So glad I left...it wasn't worth it...aaaaannnnnnnnnnnnddddddddddd I get a call for another audition ( co-star, 1 line scripted ) for a network show for the next day with a casting office I hadn't been to in years. Thank you universe!!!

 
"Bee Luther Hatchee" has opened!!! First weekend with a wonderful review by Steven Stanley of Stage Scene L.A. ( http://www.stagescenela.com/2017/01/bee-luther-hatchee/, ) what a way to create discussion about what is happening now. "Libby Price" is another role marked off my character bucket list...she spans from young, traveling gal to mature, older woman through out the play and although I've got over 6 costume changes just in the first act alone, along with hair, it's been one hellava ride thus far bringing her story to life. Getting the opportunity to perform at the Sierra Madre Playhouse has been an absolute thrill - any new theatre is another goal done for me in my time of doing L.A. productions on stage. "Previews/Invited Dress" was an opportunity to reach out to those that had supported my plays in the past by attendance and money spent for free as well as inviting some "JANE" supporters to use their "mystery token/gift" perk on seeing the show, thanks Natasha for making this one. Thanks to my first family in L.A. - The Richardsons and my Lifebook crew ( Tuka, Erika, Kathleen & Sharon, ) for showing up on one of the most nerve wracking evenings and sticking around for talk backs after! It was wondrous to feel the energy of the play in front of an audience finally as well as hearing how it created discussion within themselves and their cohorts after. The stage is magically done by Christopher Scott Murillo, the lighting tells a story in and of itself by Derek Jones, scored beautifully throughout by Dave Mickey and directed gloriously by Saundra McClain...how lucky am I to be on that stage! To see friends like Tico, all weekend long was a celebration of the senses and an amazing kick to the show and I'm so very humbled yet proud to be a part of this cast/crew/production. Never in all these years would I have thought to be on stage not being a singer or dancer, yet here I am...truly blown away to be a part of such fantastic productions of art!!! Opening weekend includes opening night par-taying with patrons, critics, grant foundation appearances and our "family..." and now we're chuggin' along, all this work for all these months have finally lead up to pushing the discussion of appropriations, race and blood forward with just a show. Loving the theatre love...now go out and get you some!!!!