The "Glamorous" Life Of Auditions - Day 11 ( Audition 12 )

Improv, improv, improv is the name of the game and there are so many variations so don't feel that you have to make it to UCB or Groundlings in order to get considered. Those affiliations look awesome on your resume but I never felt like it was my jam...maybe in some time down the line but for now, I like the improv training I received from Lifebook with a more natural/realistic approach to improv. You have to find your own groove and study that in order to keep up with the many facets of this business because it's not all about just film/television or the stage. You've got voice overs and as I learned by booking recently - motion capture. The more training you open yourself up to, the more opportunities will make their way to you and with your preparation there will be no stopping you so don't limit yourself to one way, it'll only hinder your process. This audition was sent over by my agents where casting just wanted a minute of improv dialogue being in Vegas...any scenerio would do as long as it was simple/natural, nothing over the top. I had briefly skimmed it after coming up for air after a full 3 days of motion capture work plus working all weekend at my bakery job, so of course I read it wrong. I thought about this elaborate theme of "DRAMA" to make my audition different right down to filming it in the car with a small object that looked like an urn...only to glance at it over again before filming and noticed what they had stated they would like to see, so in my atrium space I went to mull over mode quickly on what I'd like to create. This is the wonder of improv training, things happen and all can be scraped in a matter of moments but if you've had to think quickly on your feet constantly the stories make themselves and so you go do. Voila, all done in a matter of a couple of takes because at the end of the day, it is what it is. Don't let things like this stress you out, let your work speak and everything that it is, will be. I never think "Will this be right?" WHY??? Art is always right, it's getting the point across crystal clear with layers that can be difficult - again, training always saves the day and the right training at that, so don't look down on being trained by a fantastic school/instructor. Never underestimate your time to focus on your work, however it comes about - train, train, train and then train some more. Boom - Done and on to the next!!!

These past 2 weeks have been pure bliss...crazy but ah-mazing! Finally getting the opportunity to be a part of motion capture and the first time experience has been wondrous to say the least, I wish everyone the chance for this coolness. Not only is the get up pretty cool ( itchy, tight and somewhat crazy to get out of if needing to use the bathroom ) but the fact of what it does...your digital image of your body...cray, cray! I never imagined in all this time that I'd get the chance to do something like this before being a known name...the director is the reason and his love for the theatre seemed to be the undertone of it all. Each one of us there, came from a theatre background and I realized no wonder he was so involved in the room during the audition process. He spoke to us clearly, knowing exactly what he wished to see and I knew then, I'd love the chance to be directed by him...every morning we've had movement warmups as well as vocal - I couldn't be happier! He even got us rehearsal time which was so needed since all of us had little to no experience in this type of production. Everyone was absolutely fantastic and here's to hoping to work alongside them again...even found out that some of them are working on a major film I had call backs for but didn't get for whatever reasons so I'm happy to have procured this work now. I'm looking forward to what it may bring later because work does beget more work and mo work is what I'm after, so let me keep polishing up my resume - there's no where else to go but up! I try to remind myself when I wasn't picked for a particular audition, that there were other plans that are in the works via the universe so try not to fight so hard or feel so bad when you don't book a particular project...something else is brewing, believe that! Never in these past 2 years did this type of work even cross my radar so again, keep at it, you never know what will come and when unless you stay in the game. I got a chance to work in the exact same space as "Jungle Book" and the picture below is only half the space, I couldn't give away the set up we were shooting for the day...WOWSERS!

I'm now getting the chance to see "Trouble Creek" come to life with a premiere set for this weekend with more pictures to come on a project I'm so humbled to be a part of as a Deputy...I mean, come on - who else would cast me with all this hair!!!! I remember being on the lot to try on the clothes in wardrobe and snapping a shot just in case this was all a hoax and they'd end up going with someone else, so I had to make sure I got one look in the uniform - HA! This show is shot so well, with fantastic performances and I'm thrilled you all will be able to partake for free - of course I'll post here as well but if you want it when it comes out, make sure you subscribe to Trouble Creek tv on YouTube for free!!! Here's another teaser/trailer below...yes to opportunities, even the ones you can't seem to imagine are possible in this moment!!! CHEERS....

The "Glamorous" Life Of Auditions - Day 10 ( Audition 11 )

Wahoo to words...lots and lots of them! Exploring the meaning of what you're saying because it's confusing, is just as much fun as spitting them out and being one that doesn't get too many wordy auditions, this one was sent to challenge me on all levels. With open arms, I decided to break this audition down while memorizing it because although given 5 days, with moving and prepping for my booked NDA, this was a tricky piece to get into my noggin! Constant communication on the audition with casting by David Jaffe made the process even more sweeter who sent another scene over so I'd get the jist of what "happened before." I love it when everyone cares about the script, getting it right and willing to help out instead of finding it all a nuisance equals zero wastes of time on everyone's part! Had an amazing experience with the writer Caleb as he watched my first take and asked if I'd do it more on the spectrum for my second so there was a different look - so interesting to meet this wonderfully, talented writer because when I tell you the words were magnificent...you just can't ask for better conversation pieces to give another look into the scope of dialogue because not all minority "speak" is stereotypical and I'm very happy to see the new outlook on verbal communication opening up in new, upcoming pieces. What a time to be alive...what a time to be on this journey...this gives me so much hope and I'm oh so proud to be making my mark as best as I can, while I can! Don't STOP - it's coming, just DON'T stop!!! Love slipping into my pj's after an audition - I always feel like it was work and now, it's relaxation/celebration time to understand what my art gave to me even if I felt off, I know it was the best in that moment, at that time and that is all I can ever ask for. Be gentle to yourself, understand it's okay to flub, mess up, feel like it's not your best but remember when you've put in the work, it's your all you can do for that moment and you can still book after so let it go by celebrating. Wine, pj's and a movie always puts it all back into perspective for me...find your happy place and dwell there after every audition!


Working on a secret hush-hush project now but will probably be able to post a few pictures when we're wrapped, that doesn't give away a thing as far as the production goes but it's been a wonderful 2 days thus far even with an 1 hour and 30 mins of traffic pretty much both ways. 3 more days are added and I'm in creative bliss, I even got to play a smaller role to boot! Everyone is so completely about it, we even had a rehearsal day before the regular shoot in our first week that I'm absolutely thankful for since so much work goes into this, with another rehearsal date coming up and 2 more days of shooting. Full days, good food, great cast and wonderful crew...first time doing anything like this and knowing it won't be my last. This may be an experience I need for future projects since I didn't get that opportunity on an upcoming, huge project shooting now in Atlanta - but everything happens for a reason...I just realized had I booked the play outside of Palm Springs that would've went straight into production after "Bee Luther Hatchee" - I never would've auditioned for this or had the opportunity to even shoot it. Always remember, if it's yours ( no matter how badly you want it ) the universe will work it's way to giving it to you and if it's not, there is nothing you can do to grab it...even a perfect read with all the skill sets needed so enjoy the process because other projects need/want your attention.

"Trouble Creek" is gearing up for it's release in about a month and not only are they working on my sound but we've got some picture here as well folks. Subscribe for free at YouTube here to be in the know http://www.troublecreektelevision.com/ 

Getting to work with Jason Gedrick and meeting Doris Morgado was such a highlight but the opportunity to be "Deputy Kirby" by the brilliant writers/directors - Stacey K. Black & Shea Butler has forever changed my journey!!! <3

The "Glamorous" Life of Auditions - Day 9 ( Audition 10 )

Another day, another chance to audition is how I like to look at it all and today I've been looking forward to this "fighter" role I thought I would have to pass up on because of timing. All's well and I was able to get the lines down and make it to Hollywood's Space Station Casting by 4:15p since I didn't want to be in the midst of traffic for my actual time of 5:50p. Got to see a younger crop of gals and although I questioned my being there, I figured I was there and I was going to show them the weight of this character...lucky for me, it was what they were open to so I was in heaven!!! First scene I played more concern so he gave me the chance to play a bit more "wanting to do it underneath" which he liked the change and for the second scene he asked for me to just do the scene as if I was warming up. Martial arts have been my life for so long, saying lines and showing skills come second nature, it's my blood and I hate that I haven't had more opportunities to play within this world. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for all this goodness coming now, but for years I've fought for this chance and yet it eluded me so it's absolutely wondrous feeling like I've finally found my time! When I go to a commercial print set for a major beer company booked as a kickboxer only to see terrible form from the lead taught by the "trainer" who has no clue herself, it makes me boil inside. To see dancers pretend to know how to kick a bag can be just as insulting as if I was trying to pass myself off as a dancer...I get it, it's the business and a hard pill to swallow when being a minority with a black belt can't seem to get me in the door but I at least get to see it changing. Kicking air and kicking a body/bag are 2 different things and you can always tell when someone doesn't know...pretty for pictures...maybe, truth - far from it and again, that's this business so whatever you're good at, bleed for...don't despair - just keep trucking along and when it's your chance, just SHINE and although you may not get it, know there is respect in the fact when they see real truth walk in. I could tell these girls for the most part had trained some just by their build, it wasn't the same teenie, tiny bods which is always a welcomed sight, especially since this film was leaning towards an MMA storyline. I was happy when he explained there would be days of choreography involved at an MMA facility so crossing my fingers that this opportunity is mine but if not, I know it's coming...it's coming because I can feel that it is and that makes my soul weep with joy! Keep groovin', your time is making it's way...

Just booked my first NDA project in a part I've never done and I'm looking forward to tackling this new character just to see what I can do. Although I can't talk about it, I have to say I celebrated with a movie ("Get Out") and din din at the Yardhouse which was steps away from the theatre. Had a nice, dark nitro coffee stout along with vampire tacos ( cheese melted tortillas ) with Korean marinated beef, what a nice way to enjoy the moments of bookings. The meal was different....just like the role I'd get to play and the movie was fantastic...as I hope to be! Never shirk on telling yourself to celebrate everything, every time your art gives, give back just as much - it'll make you smile more, I promise. I love that my art child loves the little things I can do and when I call on her, she explodes with giddiness, hoping for something else to make her look forward to the next task...we must cherish this creative creature residing within us, find a way to say thank you because they take a beating and keep at it anyway! 

After all that goodness I made my way to the gym today knowing my week had been so full it was my first day back this week. I decided not only a wonderful zumba class with the extraordinary instructor Alma who keeps me on my toes and my brain sharp was in order but to hit the sauna as well as get to the Pilates class ending with the steam room. Long day yes, but my body needed to release the stress of dealing with the set, dealing with lines and celebration eating at it's finest! Take care of oneself...it's the only you, you've got and your art can't stay sharp if you're not constantly keeping an eye over it so maximize this time to get into a routine of really working on you. I know this may sound silly, but if you don't care of you, who will? So enjoy moments of celebration, then eat, sleep and workout well balancing it all like the artist you are!!! 

The "Glamorous" Life of Auditions - Day 8 ( Audition 9 )


YES to getting another audition against "type" at Quixote Studios this week and although there was only one note given in 3 scenes, which I felt was off base, I still readjusted (even) though I felt it was completely wrong in that moment which is something you must learn to do because it's not your show, it's theirs  and went into my work. I rarely get military/police auditions although I feel I'm fully capable of portraying the character, however, my "look" has always gotten in the way so I've learned to pull my hair back, keep them in the braids and style it differently. There's this idea that only a certain look can be certain characters which is phooey because in the right costume, right hair/make-up done, you can look exactly as you need to be...it's all about having the right team! Don't despair, keep pushing for it, keep at it until...until you get the chance to play that role and make sure you dive in all the way so that no one can question that role on you ever. This is the reason I never complain when I get into wardrobe, hair and make-up...I want to look exactly as I should without my preconceived notions on how I could look better for the camera, because it's not about if I look good but if I look the part. If the director has no qualms about anything then I'm good to go, just get me in front of that camera please! I'm looking forward to the footage of Deputy Kirby in "Trouble Creek" because I've never had the true chance to even be looked at for a "cop" type role. I remember going in and having one of the guys state they couldn't see me as the Deputy because of my long, flowing hair I had waltzed in on with my flowing dress but when I came out of wardrobe with uniform on and had it in a quick bun they were aghast. They stated I looked great, exactly as a Deputy should look and I'm just happy the women ( Shea & Stacey ) writers/directors of the show could see past how I came in...it didn't hurt that one was also a hair/makeup stylist as well. It's just that easy (not - ha) and your chance is coming, just don't give in along the way. It can be daunting because the look is that it's either straight hair or if it's curly, it's the short type of curly but not past the shoulders which is mind boggling because it's been okay for others to have all types of hair but for minorities...it's interesting still on the look and style of a person of color but be mindful, not overwhelmed at this notion. I'm fighting hard and that's all you can do, you see it, acknowledge it and you push back hard. I will not straighten out my hair unless I'm shooting and even now, my straight hair is past my tush so it's still in it's own category nor cut it at this time, I work out way to hard and I love my hair's length, it is what it is and I will make these roles bend to me while hoping the people behind the desk are open enough for the work. Just keep plugging away, one role atta time and soon, your body of work will be able to speak for itself. Don't change the incredible, beautiful, unique you that you are to conform with ideas of what others may think the character looks like...be you and let that hold the weight that you are exactly what the character is!


And so, the callbacks happened...at an inopportune time as usual. I had picked up another hush, hush gig as a stand in ( haven't done it in years ) for 3 days since I was busy doing nothing but with much need for some money and had to speak to the 2nd as well as the 2nd/2nd AD about getting a callback that afternoon. I first asked if times could be changed via my agent but with bad reception, the e-mails didn't go through quickly so after a couple of hours I finally get the call. No can do with any time changes, it's a strict callback, yikes so now I must see if I can find a cover just to have a solution in my back pocket. The other gal standing in with me for another character was to be at work and although she called to see, she could not help out, a couple of friends I felt would be perfect were busy and I was out of any luck. I don't do this type of work often and I honestly didn't think I'd get it but when I did, I needed the work...especially to get towards my SAG health insurance. I try to keep myself as open as possible so I don't put any undue stress on my life but when you gotta work, you gotta work, so of course not having to do this type of work for years finally being a thing, I accepted only to be faced with the callback of the above audition...of course it couldn't happen on Thursday or Friday when I had nothing planned but a couple of other auditions. I finally had to speak up as it was rounding to the 5p time and I wanted to not only be professional but also courteous of their scramble they would have to face. I finally pulled one aside to be told to speak to the next person as I was asking/telling of my predicament, I couldn't help but to feel terrible putting anyone in this position because I couldn't keep the booking. The wonderful human being of an AD was actually more excited for me then me...he completely went bananas in happiness for me and assured me it was no problem and they'd love to have me back as well. I kept asking if I could help somehow, maybe go and comeback while someone else came in for the hour but he wouldn't hear of it, he wanted me to book the job. I was absolutely floored...I've never been on a set as anything below an actress and have someone root for me as hard as he did. I was so moved, I was in tears of thankfulness and humbleness. See, although I haven't stood in for ages and had a bad experience for a season on a show with a crazy actress, I actually like the work, I like the feeling that I am a part of the crew and I get to watch more of the inner workings of directors/camera operators/AD's etc all make magic. I've never felt above this type of work, I feel I actually get a chance to learn more about others and their positions and not taking it for granted when I step on that set to play a character. Humbling...I also see how most people can treat you when you're not the star and that is a pill all actors should take, but there are times when you get on a wonderful set and everyone is treated with respect and appreciation, lucky for me, this was one of those times. I then called the casting office I was booked through and I can't tell you how upset this person was with me...to the point of telling me to not go to my callbacks. YIKERS!!! With this dilemma, I decided to once again try to come up with another solution only to be shut down by this amazing human being of an AD ( awesomeness of Kyle.) He specifically told me to not worry about it, that he was excited for me and that he'd handle the situation, for me not to drop any more thought into it and I was truly in the clear...they got a friend to cover. Not long after I received a text from said casting office stating they had gotten a message from Kyle and all was clear for me to go to my call backs...I can't thank this show enough. For not only treating me like a human being, but for stepping in and rooting for me as an actress as well. I'd stand in for them anytime and as many times as I can in the future no matter what - love when everyone can understand the struggle no matter what position they're in and literally have your back! So, here I am, in this serendipitous moment of my callback working out this morning without a worry about rushing and getting to play a role I have yet to play. I can't speak of it since an NDA was signed but I truly know, I'm right where I'm suppose to be and for that I'm grateful! It takes a village for an artist...find your village and thank them hard - I actually stopped by the set just to drop off bundtinis to let them know that gesture would never be forgotten. CHEERS to being where you're suppose to be with others helping how they can and fighting to stay there!!!!