The "Glamorous" Life of Auditions - Day 41 & 42 ( Audition #46 & #47 )
When you start doubting yourself as an artist, take a moment to realize how far you've come in creating, from maybe extra work, to stand in work, to featured work, to bit parts, to co-stars, to guest stars, on to recurring/leads as you open yourself up to other forms of art in this business like voice overs. It may not be as big as you hoped nor as fast as you like but it's happening...slowly but surely. Notice the types of auditions that are beginning to circle your work...remember those days when it was all freebies/student projects etc and that's why putting yourself out there during the audition process is so invaluable, you actually get to see, be reminded of how much you've grown. Every now and then, more often now than not, I get a huge audition that reminds me what I'm pushing for and how it may very well be a step to change everything...yes, it's a bummer when I don't get it but the fact to have the opportunity to even be in the arena, given a shot and then making the most of it is one step closer to the dream. I was too tall, too light toned, too unknown for the Black Panther but after stepping into the room, I was one of a few that got the callback. This recent audition I had to sign a NDA form, came in as voice work but soon changed to a self submission taping with talent being seen in New York, London and L.A with the chance to fly out of the country if booked. Big deal and overwhelming, so I took the time to really study the script/text and try to make every action doable within my comfort zone while trying to find off moments not given but true to my character. Don't take for granted that you're so good at something that you'll "wing" it or just put it together at the last minute...you don't find your unique moments that way. Sure, you'll come up with something, I always do but I'd rather slowly plod my course because other things always talk to me and I either end up using that or letting it go as I play build the layers. Step one: memorize the lines, Step two: look at all directions and see what can be worked in and what doesn't make the cut, Step three: see where I can ad lib if needed, Step four: not only picture myself doing the steps, but getting up on my feet and now actually putting it together with the words and action to see what other moments of movement I can create, Step five: going over it until it feels so natural to do it that it's second nature but if something changes, I feel comfortable going with the flow because I've gone over it so many times now, that it's just resting there under my skin. I take breaks, I don't beat it into my system, it's just a gentle, gradual push of acknowledgement of all the pieces I need to put together. During this time I question how another person may react to all I'm saying and how does that change or affect me while exploring those options. It's constant brain work and you want it to look effortless but in order to do that, it's about putting in the time, energy and effort to make it so, especially when you're given the chance to do it. Thankfully this opportunity had given a week's time to come up with my foundation and I took advantage of it all by including some bo work with choreographed movements, down to the clothing and even some war paint on my face to boot. These aren't a given most of the time, so use 'em up whenever you get it because this is where you get to be the unique you and come up with your own idea of it all!!! Right into another voice over to cap out the evening...keep reaching, keep going, keep doing, keep being you arties!
Are you taking care of you? Making sure you've had plenty of rest, working out and eating well along with as many mini celebrations that you can afford? ( These don't have to cost you or you can make them as cheap as possible with well thought out planning. ) I haven't slept as great since my dad's passing but it's getting better and I usually sleep hard because I make sure my days are filled with exhaustive exercises along with 40 minutes of stretching to 20-30 minutes of steam/sauna room action whenever possible. Still have Movie Pass for $10 a month and even though I used up one of my tickets to see "Crazy Rich Asians" - was called out for an immediate callback, I decided I'd hit up the $5 day at my local theatre to make sure I support it all the way through...had to wait another week but it was done along with catching "Happy Time Murders" ( under the pass ) which made my adult self chuckle. I'll play Ms. PacMan anywhere for .25 cents and usually is about 20-30 minutes of fun time or even treat myself to something I haven't tried for some deranged reason like the ube cookie monster shake and the ube crack cheesecake at a small, local shop called Cafe 86 for under $10. I'll make sure to get myself a picture with wings when presented in alleyways and cook up a specific meal that takes time, love and attention. Watching a self indulgent show is just as fulfilling and fun as painting your nails, putting on a facial mask and pampering yourself with self care. Don't skimp on your celebrations, however it manifests for you...enjoy those moments of silence, stay in your jammies all day and watch t.v. or just go to the beach, bike ride and people watch. This business can break you but it's on you for not allowing that to happen, to constantly be mindful of your space and creativity by respecting what your art puts out for you constantly and celebrating it any way you can. Silly but fun and oh so needed for the weary soul of an artist that usually goes undone, change that and remember #workhardplayharder Don't you dare let this work make you walk away...YOU CAN DO IT!!! 💛
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