The "Glamorous" Life of Auditions - Day 22 ( Auditions 24, 25 & 26 )
I know new media won't pay the bills but if you're looking for some artistic/fun content then you've got a whole new world at your fingertips. I know the $50-$125 price isn't the most appealing, hell, your agent will rarely submit for these but understand all that you can gain just by being open to this slice of the business that wasn't even around 10 years ago! Look, this price will get you that Guest Star/Recurring on your resume which is needed in the long run as you try to make your way into the big budget world. It makes life easier for your agent as well to sell you even if they don't send/get you the job because 10% of $125...is $12 so you've got to do this footwork to build your resume and while doing it getting the experience plus new business contacts. Without new media, I wouldn't have quirky/deputy/uptight boss to pad my resume and it would be a hard job to get through via the regular casting means because sometimes you're just not seen as such and most offices have tons of out of work actors that they already know looking to fill the position. I wanted to be a character actor and to be taken seriously so if that isn't how this business sees you, you've got to take the extra steps to make it happen and get yourself on tape doing these type of roles. Being boxed into a category isn't a bad thing, that could be your bread and butter but for those of us in the floating space of "what the hell can we do with her/him," you can make that piece of the puzzle fit by doing your work and being a part of creative art in the mean time/in between time! Plus, who doesn't want the opportunity to play a vampire/werewolf??? This role was just a fun piece to do and for some peeps I already knew, hence the room being safe and the space to explore. I especially don't care if I book on these jobs, just being in a room of good friends always is added bonus to my day because I know they're rooting for me regardless. So, I get the callback ( can you tell which picture was taken when, you shouldn't because you should always try to look the same for your callback as you did your audition )...although no booking how fun was it to be a snap close to such a fun role. Allow yourself these moments of celebrating the fact that your friends trust you enough to call you in for a role they wrote, considered you as choice and giving you added play time to work your craft! What a way to spend time, to see the other actress they're considering, playing with different girls to see who works well together and understanding that there was nothing but love for you in the room. So off to the next audition...
Getting to play a nurse is always fun and something I'd like to do...this one was for a commercial but for a casting director I had been outta town years before and got a call to audition so I wasn't able to make it. So of course, not getting the opportunity no matter how many times I submitted was a pleasant surprise to finally get in. I showed up early since this was located mid-wilshire and traffic was going to be a bear after 4p, I raced in and changed from the previous look to a quick updo with my hair only to realize I forgot my gel to tame my baby "gotta be free" edges running rampant in the wind from racing place to place, so said up do looked crazy, but you work with what you've got and although I waited for a bit, I was finally seen ahead of the time given. Nothing out of the ordinary, my hands again needing to be shown and I was out of there and on the road by 3:30p. I know commercials aren't my thing but I'll keep on trying until they are...don't ever give up in any aspect of this business because although they've all got ideas on what they want, you can either be the one to change their minds or open up their minds to different options...don't get discouraged, your time is coming and they won't be able to get enough of you soon enough! I mean, look at that goofy face just ecstatic in doing something I love...that's nothing but pure joy, even with things wrong - HA!!!
So, nothing like going from Vampire, to Nurse to workout clothes to discuss MMA for a fun show! I can't complain with days like this, getting to just do everything is exactly how I want it and being comfy on top of it, is an added bonus...yes to sneaks and one piece training gear!!! Yes to giving it your all on every role and yes, yes, yes to this journey we're all on, because it's fun guys...it's really just fun!
Listen, there will be heartbreak...you'll be so close to something you can taste and yet nothing. It can be the most difficult aspect of this journey you're on but you must keep moving forward and show them what they've missed! Case in point, I had a very huge audition for Marvel's Black Panther last year and my agency worked extremely hard in getting me into that office...one, I was at the cusp of height that was considered way too tall ( I'm 5'9 in shoes but flat footed I'm about 5'8 3/4 ) then came the aspect of me being a no name with a lighter tone of skin that they weren't looking for on this particular role, they specifically wanted a darker complexion but they were willing to see me after much back and forth with my team. She must be smaller than 5'9, darker complexion, she must know martial arts like she's a master, as well as speak with a South African dialect were the very specific rules...I haven't worked on my dialect in years. I decided I wouldn't go with the easier British sounding tone and opted to challenge myself to bringing a more traditional African sound mixed with Somalian/Nigerian subtleties since I've been told I have some traits and now with the DNA knowing I am 45% Nigerian I thought that was my safest route, harder but safer in my work. What was interesting was seeing a few people I knew who had no martial arts experience but the right look and I understood how hard my agents had worked just for me to be seen on this production. It took me the full 2 days of rambling throughout the house in my dialect to finally feel like it was a part of me, where I didn't hear the sound of my own voice and was annoyed...the martial arts, well that's just me if they're looking for traditionalist and not tricksters. I had a great time, finally doing some kicks/punches that were wanting to be seen of me and I was right at home in that room. I left not seeing not one person of my skin tone in the office or outside before/during/after my audition, I knew I wasn't even going to come close. 2 weeks later, I got the callback...I was in heaven, I knew I had the skills it was just the height and skin tone that was going to be my vice which is nothing I could do. I created a fight sequence and then I just did basic kicks/punches with a stick at the top to let 'em know I knew what I was doing and could hold a kick out if need be, then drop back. I knew this had nothing to do with me/my work at this point, it was whether they were going to work with me as I was or get someone shorter/darker skin tone etc, etc, etc. I found out I would've shot from January - May and I know this was an all changing role if done right but I wasn't the one...this role wasn't for me. I was devastated but I also knew there wasn't much more I could've done and that sucked...I celebrated to let go by really nice lunches for both auditions and I was happy I had the chance to be in the room not only once but twice for this film. I was close and that was all I could ask for! Although I missed out on this experience, I finished up the play I was in and booked my first video game in motion capture for Arch Angel by Skydance Interactive as the female lead for the first time in my life, doing fight choreography for a music video set to release soon as well as various films/short films during this haul but if I had quit, buried my head and/or spirit, I would've missed out on my next set of art work because I would've been too wrapped up in my own pity party. You gotta understand it's not always about you...especially when it comes to the bigger budget projects, all you can do is kill it in the room and go on to the next! This is why you celebrate after each step/audition - TO LET IT GO!!!! Bye and on to the next project....get going my arties, there's plethora of work out there with your name on it, go find them and SHINE!!!!
With all of this I said yes to being a part of the "2017 Short & Sweet" Festival this year since I was too crazy to get to the Hollywood Fringe again! Theatre is where it's at if you're looking to just work on your work and with so many new/interesting ideas that seem to pop off from these types of festivals, go create! I try to do one theatre freebie a year, one that pays just enough to cover my expenses so I'm either breaking even or coming out just slightly ahead and then I try for the big ones that have very intense rehearsals with equal amounts to pay for them under the AEA contracts and the bigger houses. You gotta keep getting out there and theatre is a lovely way to do it...not to the point where you're paying out of your pocket to be involved but strategically getting roles that will be either seen or good for your own damn soul as you waddle through this muck and mire of the show business landscape. Pretty much 10 - 10 minute plays that'll take up about 2 hours of your evening for either 2 or 4 days ( not much time commitment for the faint of theatre heart ) but they're short so rehearsals shouldn't be a burden. Lucky for me, I was involved via a wonderful writer/director, Kimba Henderson whom I've already had the pleasure of working with for several years along with my usual co-hort Derrex Brady. I was able to finally see the Stella Adler Theatre off of Hollywood and Highland as well as play with some dear friends. This was the 2nd year in L.A. for this festival, they hold auditions every year so make sure you're involved with the next one if time permits!!! They're international...so no excuses if you're looking for something to be a part of, whether you're a beginner or a pro, you'll have a wonderful time being on stage!!! Go to their facebook, like 'em and see when they're holding auditions in your area <3
https://www.facebook.com/shortsweethollywood/
I know new media won't pay the bills but if you're looking for some artistic/fun content then you've got a whole new world at your fingertips. I know the $50-$125 price isn't the most appealing, hell, your agent will rarely submit for these but understand all that you can gain just by being open to this slice of the business that wasn't even around 10 years ago! Look, this price will get you that Guest Star/Recurring on your resume which is needed in the long run as you try to make your way into the big budget world. It makes life easier for your agent as well to sell you even if they don't send/get you the job because 10% of $125...is $12 so you've got to do this footwork to build your resume and while doing it getting the experience plus new business contacts. Without new media, I wouldn't have quirky/deputy/uptight boss to pad my resume and it would be a hard job to get through via the regular casting means because sometimes you're just not seen as such and most offices have tons of out of work actors that they already know looking to fill the position. I wanted to be a character actor and to be taken seriously so if that isn't how this business sees you, you've got to take the extra steps to make it happen and get yourself on tape doing these type of roles. Being boxed into a category isn't a bad thing, that could be your bread and butter but for those of us in the floating space of "what the hell can we do with her/him," you can make that piece of the puzzle fit by doing your work and being a part of creative art in the mean time/in between time! Plus, who doesn't want the opportunity to play a vampire/werewolf??? This role was just a fun piece to do and for some peeps I already knew, hence the room being safe and the space to explore. I especially don't care if I book on these jobs, just being in a room of good friends always is added bonus to my day because I know they're rooting for me regardless. So, I get the callback ( can you tell which picture was taken when, you shouldn't because you should always try to look the same for your callback as you did your audition )...although no booking how fun was it to be a snap close to such a fun role. Allow yourself these moments of celebrating the fact that your friends trust you enough to call you in for a role they wrote, considered you as choice and giving you added play time to work your craft! What a way to spend time, to see the other actress they're considering, playing with different girls to see who works well together and understanding that there was nothing but love for you in the room. So off to the next audition...
Getting to play a nurse is always fun and something I'd like to do...this one was for a commercial but for a casting director I had been outta town years before and got a call to audition so I wasn't able to make it. So of course, not getting the opportunity no matter how many times I submitted was a pleasant surprise to finally get in. I showed up early since this was located mid-wilshire and traffic was going to be a bear after 4p, I raced in and changed from the previous look to a quick updo with my hair only to realize I forgot my gel to tame my baby "gotta be free" edges running rampant in the wind from racing place to place, so said up do looked crazy, but you work with what you've got and although I waited for a bit, I was finally seen ahead of the time given. Nothing out of the ordinary, my hands again needing to be shown and I was out of there and on the road by 3:30p. I know commercials aren't my thing but I'll keep on trying until they are...don't ever give up in any aspect of this business because although they've all got ideas on what they want, you can either be the one to change their minds or open up their minds to different options...don't get discouraged, your time is coming and they won't be able to get enough of you soon enough! I mean, look at that goofy face just ecstatic in doing something I love...that's nothing but pure joy, even with things wrong - HA!!!
Listen, there will be heartbreak...you'll be so close to something you can taste and yet nothing. It can be the most difficult aspect of this journey you're on but you must keep moving forward and show them what they've missed! Case in point, I had a very huge audition for Marvel's Black Panther last year and my agency worked extremely hard in getting me into that office...one, I was at the cusp of height that was considered way too tall ( I'm 5'9 in shoes but flat footed I'm about 5'8 3/4 ) then came the aspect of me being a no name with a lighter tone of skin that they weren't looking for on this particular role, they specifically wanted a darker complexion but they were willing to see me after much back and forth with my team. She must be smaller than 5'9, darker complexion, she must know martial arts like she's a master, as well as speak with a South African dialect were the very specific rules...I haven't worked on my dialect in years. I decided I wouldn't go with the easier British sounding tone and opted to challenge myself to bringing a more traditional African sound mixed with Somalian/Nigerian subtleties since I've been told I have some traits and now with the DNA knowing I am 45% Nigerian I thought that was my safest route, harder but safer in my work. What was interesting was seeing a few people I knew who had no martial arts experience but the right look and I understood how hard my agents had worked just for me to be seen on this production. It took me the full 2 days of rambling throughout the house in my dialect to finally feel like it was a part of me, where I didn't hear the sound of my own voice and was annoyed...the martial arts, well that's just me if they're looking for traditionalist and not tricksters. I had a great time, finally doing some kicks/punches that were wanting to be seen of me and I was right at home in that room. I left not seeing not one person of my skin tone in the office or outside before/during/after my audition, I knew I wasn't even going to come close. 2 weeks later, I got the callback...I was in heaven, I knew I had the skills it was just the height and skin tone that was going to be my vice which is nothing I could do. I created a fight sequence and then I just did basic kicks/punches with a stick at the top to let 'em know I knew what I was doing and could hold a kick out if need be, then drop back. I knew this had nothing to do with me/my work at this point, it was whether they were going to work with me as I was or get someone shorter/darker skin tone etc, etc, etc. I found out I would've shot from January - May and I know this was an all changing role if done right but I wasn't the one...this role wasn't for me. I was devastated but I also knew there wasn't much more I could've done and that sucked...I celebrated to let go by really nice lunches for both auditions and I was happy I had the chance to be in the room not only once but twice for this film. I was close and that was all I could ask for! Although I missed out on this experience, I finished up the play I was in and booked my first video game in motion capture for Arch Angel by Skydance Interactive as the female lead for the first time in my life, doing fight choreography for a music video set to release soon as well as various films/short films during this haul but if I had quit, buried my head and/or spirit, I would've missed out on my next set of art work because I would've been too wrapped up in my own pity party. You gotta understand it's not always about you...especially when it comes to the bigger budget projects, all you can do is kill it in the room and go on to the next! This is why you celebrate after each step/audition - TO LET IT GO!!!! Bye and on to the next project....get going my arties, there's plethora of work out there with your name on it, go find them and SHINE!!!!
With all of this I said yes to being a part of the "2017 Short & Sweet" Festival this year since I was too crazy to get to the Hollywood Fringe again! Theatre is where it's at if you're looking to just work on your work and with so many new/interesting ideas that seem to pop off from these types of festivals, go create! I try to do one theatre freebie a year, one that pays just enough to cover my expenses so I'm either breaking even or coming out just slightly ahead and then I try for the big ones that have very intense rehearsals with equal amounts to pay for them under the AEA contracts and the bigger houses. You gotta keep getting out there and theatre is a lovely way to do it...not to the point where you're paying out of your pocket to be involved but strategically getting roles that will be either seen or good for your own damn soul as you waddle through this muck and mire of the show business landscape. Pretty much 10 - 10 minute plays that'll take up about 2 hours of your evening for either 2 or 4 days ( not much time commitment for the faint of theatre heart ) but they're short so rehearsals shouldn't be a burden. Lucky for me, I was involved via a wonderful writer/director, Kimba Henderson whom I've already had the pleasure of working with for several years along with my usual co-hort Derrex Brady. I was able to finally see the Stella Adler Theatre off of Hollywood and Highland as well as play with some dear friends. This was the 2nd year in L.A. for this festival, they hold auditions every year so make sure you're involved with the next one if time permits!!! They're international...so no excuses if you're looking for something to be a part of, whether you're a beginner or a pro, you'll have a wonderful time being on stage!!! Go to their facebook, like 'em and see when they're holding auditions in your area <3 https://www.facebook.com/shortsweethollywood/ 
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