The Glamorous Life of Auditions - Day 30

What a wondrous evening to find out that the same casting office I auditioned for at Paramount has called me in once again. Although last week's audition was for an abusive parent, this week was the abused girlfriend...different roles, similar emotional out put! It makes such a difference when casting can see your full body of work and getting the auditions that require it are so few and far in between but keep hanging in there because when that opportunity does present itself, you must KILL IT!!!! These are the moments we wait for, so preparation meets opportunities...we can't complain when and how the moment arrives, we must sink in as artists and take the bull by the horns and give 'em all we got...we gotta ROAR! I live for the times I just get to play in the room and see what develops but it usually comes when I get the chance to read a full body of work instead of a line or two...which I still make the best of, but there is nothing like being able to do a full read for an audition to go through your range and push some boundaries.

Again, Rebecca and Samantha were super welcoming. They remembered me in the room last week and we went right to it after the slate. They asked for my height again, which makes me leery, since I'm a tall girl and I know that can be a factor but I do not allow it affect me, it's just part of the process! The scene was heavy and although she had the first line, for me to get in after chatting I had to take my time. Don't ever feel rushed to jump in, this is your time...your work - I made it a slower, deliberate entrance but it was for me to get into the scene. I had reason, I made it my reason and I made it work within the scene. What a glorious time to get the chance to cry, laugh a bit and even get angry/scared...I felt my work taking over as tears streamed down my face and I left once again with no redirection. They thanked me again, told me "awesome job" and I skaddled, thanking my art for going to such a place to give me what I needed in the room. I gave my body a proper celebration meal for it's focus and determination with some good eating at Veggie Grill - vegan nachos and salad, with a proper vegan carrot cake treat to boot! I'm so proud of my art...and you gotta be too. It doesn't make you vain or actory because it doesn't come from a boastful place rather than a celebratory/acknowleding space. It's okay to say "You did good today!" We're so quick to say how horrible we did, how we messed it up, how we missed a moment - that we don't even pat ourselves on the back when we slay it. We just say "Yeah, it was good..." as if it was nothing...IT'S NOT NOTHING! Thank yourself for showing up early, having the work put in, taking that nervous energy and using it, going into the room focused, putting it down and leaving knowing you did your art. It's okay to feel it and say it and then celebrate it...your art needs more of it and when you give it that from this absolutely clear place, your work will show up for you, each and every time...even when you don't expect it to, something happens and your work kicks in. How beautious is that?!?!

Although I started this on March 17th and have had only 35 auditions or so, it has been a phenomenal ride so far this year and it isn't even close to being over.  With a couple of bookings and plenty of call backs and producer sessions, what a fantastical journey to share but I hope you realize the effort and hard work. You don't just wake up and come to L.A. and everything is handed to you...for a handful, that may be your life (and congrats on that) but for the rest of us, it is waking up, taking care of ourselves, working hard, taking the time to hone in on our craft and do the business of this show. Years will be put in, time and energy expended but you will be rewarded by hanging in there. You are doing your dream, you gotta let it work and you never, ever, ever give up...you can let it change because this business can do that for you if you're open, but if you're happiest here, like I am - KEEP PUSHING ON!!!

The Glamorous Life of Auditions - Day 29

Although I touched down in L.A. from NOLA around 9p and got my e-mail for the audition the very next day around 11p for 11:30a, I get so excited when I get an audition with sides that are just meaty - especially when I get to go on tape straight to producers! It really makes my day because for the bigger shows/films, if you're not known/related etc., you'll be called in for a line or two if you're lucky. Sometimes you might get a scene to read where you feel like you can give something and then there are the times you get called in for a co-star but it's like 4 pages where you get to play an abusive parent - OH YEAH! These are the times I definitely don't proceed with the thought of booking...this is all gravy for me! I figure with this type of scenes, there's an offer out somewhere to someone already in the mix and since I can't compete with that, I'm gonna give casting something to remember me by or at least to consider. My job is to make it hard for them...whatever there decision is, to really make it difficult for them to decide - I love it when I hear that...even if I'm not the actress chosen. One day I'll be at the receiving end but for now as I'm fighting, I'm gonna make them wonder if they really, truly have the best actor involved - HA! I love being on big studio lots, to consider all that's happen there, it always inspires me to wonder who else walked the same streets, with the same dreams, just wanting to share their art and to realize that I've been given an opportunity to share a piece of my vision. Today, I get to share with Rebecca & Samantha and I've got to say it was one of the warmest rooms I've ever had a chance to audition for. It was so open with possibilities, that I ended up on the floor and they just followed me with the camera - no restrictions, they just allowed me to be in. No redirections - she stated she liked what I did and on to the second scene we went, again no redirections just love for my work...WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! That's the part you've got to enjoy as an artist. We end up with so much rejection all of the time that we focus on that and we don't open ourselves up to enjoy the moment when the room is open and ready to see what we'll give, that they appreciate our time, talent and expression. These are the rooms I take mental note of and store in my heart to remind myself that there are people out there craving to see good work, wherever it may come and that keeps me going with love. Had to sit out once again at Coffee Bean, order a chai tea latte with almond milk over ice and snack on my breakfast sandwich my beast made for me. Although I had to go to work after my romp on Paramount, my day was made brighter because of it and I made sure to celebrate with my vegan Karma cupcakes made like a hostess but better and yes, there was whip frosting goodness in the middle!

Also after touching down from NOLA, the play that I wouldn't change my vacay plans for and didn't get, reached out to me to be an understudy for a bigger role but to also cover the role I auditioned for when she wasn't able to make it. I've never been an understudy and although fearful of what the unknown was, I jumped all in. I immediately went to rehearsals and was overwhelmed by trying to figure out the 2 roles staging and lines. I've been carrying my book and scribbling like a mad woman hoping I'll be able to distinguish my notes from one actor to the other. I feel very welcomed to the production as well as ignored, this has been a very interesting dynamic and journey for me, something to experience once in my life as an actress and as someone who loves the stage and is finally getting the opportunity to explore this aspect of the business. I've been on stage once for the role of whom I'll go on in my guaranteed performance for just a scene or two but more so for the role I auditioned for but won't go on as...so you can see how difficult and chaotic this is. Truly a challenge/fear that I look forward to conquering...because I know, if I can do this...really do this, there won't be too many things that will ever throw me when I'm in that spotlight. I may never do this again, but I know I will do my best given that I have 1 week and a half to get all the lines, learn all the blocking, rehearse the singing (because yes, they keep booking me for singing roles although I always state I can't), learn movement (because yes, there is some in there...which will be my first go at it on stage), get my lap drumming down with my cues as well as just being present. It's okay to try and fail...but think of it as "What if I try and am as glorious as others see?" After my first 4 days, I took my first morning off from the crazy to treat my body to corn cakes, pom mimosa and the first time to look over some lines, because I need at least that to perform. ;)

 So in order for me to do this, to put my body through all of this, I must fill my well and give it inspiration. No better weekend, because I was able to go see "The Mermaid Who Learned How To Fly" by Kyla Garcia - a one woman show about loosing your brazeness after growing up, a fairy that reminds her of what she was meant to be and the steps to regain that boldness, Lifebook presents "30/60" - 30 brilliant actors from all acting ranges in 60 minutes and being pleasantly surprised during rehearsal break to walk around and look at the old photos on the wall, only to see that Tyne Daly (whom I had the pleasure to work with) had performed at the Matrix where I'm rehearsing! This beautious "sign" let me know I was right where I was suppose to be. Talk about being re-energized for the new week...BRING IT!!!! I'm scared to pieces ya'll but I will not back down! I will do this and I will celebrate...I trust my art...trust yours!

The Glamorous Life of Auditions - Day 28

This was a fun audition...one of my "acting wishes" on my list of roles to play - a prostitute! I have an "actors/actresses wish list" to work with as well as directors and soon I'll have casting offices. You must know what offices you'd love to go in as well as shows you'd like to work and who'd you like to work with behind and in front of the camera...it'll show you how far you've come when all that negativity pushes up against you. I never dreamed of having an opportunity to be in a scene with Sally Field (she was the reason I started acting after watching her in Mrs. Doubtfire) and Tyne Daly (my dad was obsessed with Cagney & Lacey) - 2 for oner in a film or Ving Rhames etc. All these people sprinkled here and there have let me know that I'm on track and it's steadily moving in the right direction. People in your life will tell you it's all for not...you can't make it...you're just a number and it won't happen. You've got to believe that it will...there is no way you can't make it by putting in your time, getting into classes and expanding your art, sacrificing, getting the headshot that's you and doing your business...THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN'T MAKE IT - IF YOU DO THESE THINGS with focus and determination. It may be slow, it may not come when you expect, it may not be all that you want in the immediate scope but hang in...you're on the right path. Look from where you started to where you're at now...are you more confident in your technique? Do you feel like you can act on the drop of a hat if need be? Do you just know this is for you and are willing to wait your time out and as you do so, you work your craft? If so, you can make it...you can do this...you can be in this industry but it's not for the faint of heart. Don't give yourself a timeline, just go make art - whatever that may mean for you and enjoy this crazy process, then watch this journey unfold. You may get into voice overs or theatre or film or television or soaps or children programming or behind the camera, you just gotta work your magic and let it take itself from there. Have faith in you, push you and in return for all this madness you've taken on, you'll see progress.

This audition was fun but when presented with the fact that they wanted a stereo type, I stuck to my guns. That may cost you a job guys, but it's up to you on what you decide you want to do. I prefer playing certain characters a certain way because if it's one thing I've worked so hard to play against...it's stereotypes. I improv'd, I stayed in and I stayed true...they laughed, they saw different things from me and they asked me to stereotype her. I did slightly but I knew how I wanted to play this character for myself and if I'm doing low budget, barely pay, I need it to speak to what I'm looking for as well. So, I gave them a little but I dug in harder to the text, making them laugh harder at things they hadn't even thought of and I left knowing I was true to myself, my choices. After changing (because I don't want nor need to walk Santa Monica Blvd. dressed in my outfit) I ran into the producer/writer/director/reader outside and he told me how much my work blew the room away. He shook my hand and thanked me profusely...I DIDN'T GET THE ROLE, but I don't care. I did the role true to me and I walked out with their respects...that is all that matters. You can make people understand your work and show how different it can be as well but you've gotta stay strong and knock it out of the park. You may not book the job but you'll leave the impression of a different understanding of their material...you just gotta make them see it!

I went to Nawlins for a few days with family and had put $100 away for things...I decided on Art - to keep motivating and moving me in countless ways. I didn't have much but I was able to walk away with some cool pieces for myself to keep me inspired. You don't have to have a lot of money to enjoy the finer things in life...you just gotta dig and look and work for it but what you come up with are jewels...kinda like your craft.  =) GO GET 'EM!!!!

The Glamorous Life of Auditions - Day 27

Never auditioned for the Hudson Theatre before but got the opportunity once again via casting director Michael Donovan and I'll keep right on submitting for every project he works on! Know that when any casting really likes you, it is up to you to keep yourself spotlighted on. You must do your due diligence in being active about your career, no one will do it for you like you can. Casting may love you but it doesn't mean they'll remember you for every part that comes up or may think you're above a part and not call you in where you may be open to working only one day, one line etc. Don't leave this up to just your "team" to decide...small projects happen, small roles open up and if you're hungry/wanting to work, you must go out there and shout it out as loudly and as fiercely as you can. Learn to toot your own horn, no matter how big or small the piece may be, by keeping everyone in the loop of your works you stay on everyone's mind...or at least in the back of it! This part of the "business" has always been difficult for me but as I grow as an artist and understand the dynamics of the show - you must be on top of your work in all ways and I'm learning just like you.

This audition required another song outta me - HA! Vocal lessons will be needed soon but this again, wasn't a musical although I could hear amazing singers blowing it out in the room before me. I did what I knew best and acted my boo-tay off...the song - meh, but hey, it's a work in progress! Even got a "I'll take an actor over a singer any day!" comment after my work...I'll take it! Right when I thought I wasn't even in the running (especially after letting them know I'd be outta town at the start of rehearsals for a fam bam vacay)...who get's a call back???? This bewildered gal!!!! Made my choices a bit tighter and gave it all I got...I think I even sang more on key this time, ha - ha, but they were the ones who asked for it! I left just proud that I got a callback and did it all once again, showing I stayed true to my choices and knowing this was really all out of my hands. Walking out knowing this piece of the puzzle is key to your auditions guys...it's the way to really enjoy the audition process and understand your art in all of this. YOU GO IN, YOU DO YOU WORK AND YOU LEAVE KNOWING IT IS ALL OUT OF YOUR HANDS!!! Even if you slay the room, understand there are so many variables involved that you absolutely have no control over and you did what you set out to do and that is all you can give - release everything else, not your concern anymore until your call back or booking. This is why celebrating is essential to your psyche, allowing your mind to know that it did all that it could and now you're rewarding it for all the work that your body gave you, lets the universe know that you not only enjoyed the process but you enjoyed yourself as well and that is beautiful...that is art!

You don't have to be depressed about "Not getting another one..." - don't put that out in your space. You are creative and as creatives, you deal with so much more rejection but when you start to twist your perspective into "another opportunity, another shot, another chance to explore and express" you begin to see the beautious world of auditioning as what it is. Another shot for them to realize all that is glorious in you, all that you've got to offer and all that you will bring as a professional artist to their project...they'll be lucky to have you. Understand and own that...

I got a call over the weekend letting me know they were still in deliberations...ha, I made their job that much more harder to decide, how happy am I. With another project already needing my commitment, I accepted the other project instead only to find out that the callback decided they wanted me to understudy for the bigger role that was offered out with guaranteed performances and lighter rehearsal time - since my vacay in New Orleans would hinder the process a bit. Happy for the offer but even more happy to play EVE in the upcoming production of Mark Twain's "Adam & Eve" and since the schedule couldn't be worked out between the two, I'm officially only in this production but tickled by all the hoopla my art did open up to! Happy Arting everyone, go out there and share away...the world is awaitin'!

The Glamorous Life of Auditions - Day 26

If it's one thing I can't stand about the business, it's headshots! Urgh!!!! I feel utterly fake and phoney taking them, to capture a look while steadily gazing into a camera and holding on to it until who knows until you get the shot only to not like the crinkle on your forehead or your tense jaw because inside you're screaming to be saved, is hard work. However, this is one of the first tools you must have in order to work in this business and getting the right one takes so much money, time and effort. It takes me a couple of years to gear up for a photo shoot because there is more than just jumping in front of a camera, smiling and calling it a day.

You may be able to get away with it at first but as you begin to want certain particular roles or be seen in a certain way, you start realizing your shots must convey that because most people won't use their imagination to see you in a different way unless it's put on something concrete for them to see. If you have big, curly hair - they just can't imagine it straightened out and pulled back, if you're all smiles - they can't see you as a dark, character killer, if you're all goth - they can't see you all cleaned up and smiling big on a sitcom...it's absolutely nuts the lack of vision this industry can have. It's funny because we all know with the right wardrobe and hair fixed etc., we can be almost anyone we choose to be...we just don't have the team of make-up artists and hairstylists every time we go in for an audition. This is where the need for "looks" per say come in handy...trust me, I can't stand this part of the process but it is a necessary evil and I want my role opportunities to expand. So here you are in a rock and a hard place as you discover this world of imagination isn't all imagination, so you must guide, you must show your facets of different personalities in order for them to see it because they just don't get it with one shot of you looking like you, especially if your look doesn't fit into a box.
                                         





It's taken me quite some time to fill what I feel are the requirements to make my manager/agents job easier but build towards it. Each photo shoot should include another "character type" look to help your process along, this will help get you into more doors without feeling like you're selling your soul. Make sure you get great headshots and that way, you can focus on other shots when needed. Start off with a strong theatrical and commercial shot that is you, through and through, then move onto what characters on shows that you see yourself on, look like. Get the basic feel, no need to have a stethoscope around your neck if you don't have one, a nurse top will do etc. but if you don't look like you can be on a medical show and that's what you want to do, then make them see it and believe it. We're actors...we will embody the character with work but you've got to get that shot first so just do it within your boundaries and let the casting fun begin.

My agent/manager always has a recommendation for photographers but there's one in the family that I trust, so I don't veer off. I know my beast's work and he comes well referred by those who know him so I know it's just a personal preference for my team to shoot. I just ask for reference photos or ideas before I shoot and I chat it over with my vision team (aka Mike Quain/the photographer/beast - www.quainphoto.com), he never disappoints. It's so important you go with someone that will get you the quality shot you need but have a game plan as well to make it easier on the looks you want to achieve for the shoot. So understand you have a choice on who to shoot with, how you want to shoot and what looks you'd like to grab, then go get your "looks" on! These are my new 2015 looks, my manager loves them, my agent is looking but with so many choices...it won't be a problem.  I tried to cover the basic look, the college professor, the rookie cop, military/tougher look, crazy friend/neighbor and a regal/queenlike persona. First time getting this extensive but with the past auditions of this year, I've had to beef it up finally...no more just trying to get by, these characters I work on in my study so now I want them on my reel! This is a shot (to the left) I took awhile ago with quianphoto and it still works for me, so understand the importance of having a basic shot that is you and if done right can last for some time!

2 home auditions to count, one on my camera phone (to the right) & one done on a nice camera (to the left) and what great fun it is to do these from home regardless of your home camera shooting arrangement.. Remember, you can always ask to self tape/eco-cast submit a video to a project that may fit you...I just started doing this and my auditions have definitely increased. Just sent one off to Mississippi and another off to NY, even if it's difficult because of them wanting local hires, don't just not do it because...AUDITION, let them decide and then you may be on your way shooting a fun role in another state that ends up paying for your time there. Why not...what do you have to lose??? You owe it to yourself to give your artistry every opportunity to work, you've made the commitment to do this, so make sure you're doing everything to give your art a shot! Consider it practice before you get all big time and are able to fly in to wherever you need to be to convince them in person - ;)

The Glamorous Life of Auditions - Day 25

Is it day 25 already?!?! Another commercial audition for the year...that's 2 this year and it's a miracle! I never put anything on these auditions...you never know what they are looking for. I rarely get called in so I go to have fun and be in front of a camera again. It's for Ross and I'm one of a couple minorities in. Who cares that this is the process, getting a commercial can be like winning the lotto so go, with a great attitude of you getting to audition today and understand what the odds are and have a blast. Most of the time, this has everything to do with what the corporation thinks will sell and that includes you as a whole - demographics are at work here so enjoy this process for what it is and maybe one day it'll be your turn. Some people seem to be built for this commercial world...looks, build etc, which is great but don't you feel less than because you may not fit in because if there is a you in this world, then someone out there identifies with you so keep at it. Plug away until it happens. I enjoy the whole show of commercial auditions that I now just laugh through it because for me, it seems I've a slim to nothing chance but I get to audition. I get the opportunity to practice my work on a day that I may not get another audition so this keeps me primed for the room, the nerves and the energy. Take as many auditions as you can, when you can, every time you can whether you'll be able to do it or want to do it...unless it's really terrible then don't waste your time but even then...it may be fun so be open! Practice, practice, practice makes for different artistry to be pushed by you so if commercial auditions ain't yo thang - it only takes one to make it your thang so have fun, know what it is and leave it there.

Boy, oh boy does this process stay hard but you as an artist in this business must be tougher. Tougher than the present situation, you must be in it for the long ride because we all have terrible auditions, frightening call backs and blown screen tests. It's gonna happen if it hasn't and as artists you must give yourself some cushion here...we try new things, the way we rehearse it isn't what came out in the room, we fumble and didn't recover...we get lost. It's okay, it's better than okay because the first works of art can't be perfect. I must admit, auditions are difficult on me, it's when I want to play and explore and I've noticed that once I get a call back, I can usually lock down the character but it's at the shoot that I can sink in but you've got to get there in order to finish your masterpiece. Understand you will be brilliant at the shoot, you've worked for it but it's in the audition that the magic happens for casting/director/writer and there fore you must trust yourself because you're the only one in the room that must. You must believe that you not only deserve the opportunity but that you will be even better at the shoot, it's not ego - it's a fact. Knowing that you're more than capable will give you a different power/confidence in the room and walking out with that will allow your artistry to flourish instead of being beat up with the woulda, shoulda, couldas in the car.

Worst audition memory - years ago I was with a really, good boutique agency that I worked from being just in their Commercial Dept. to their Theatrical by booking a show as a co-star without anyone. One of the agents called on Friday for an audition on Monday which I missed, I called back within the hour and got no response. Hmmmmmm, Friday afternoon and nothing...an hour goes by and so I try again...nothing...I'm getting stressed because I've got no idea what the audition is for, time, sides etc. It's early evening and I try again and still nothing. All weekend with the idea of not knowing is stressful and beyond. Finally Monday morning I get a call back stating the agents had left the office early but a well known, black cd wants to see me in a couple of hours, they're not sure what the part is for, I'll know when I get there. (WHAT?!?!) They did mention my French listing on the resume, which I can read very well but would've loved the weekend to brush up on since I have no one to practice with. I get in, no sides...hmmmm. I get into the room and it's improv - I'm so thrown I am speechless. I don't speak French fluently but would've been prepared conversationally had I known to work on it over the weekend. I couldn't remember a "J'aime appelle Leilani" to save my life, nor anything else - I FROZE. I could see the look of utter disappointment on his face and although if they gave me a line (which they did) I could repeat it back with perfect French nuisance, I just was at a blank. I left defeated, shocked and angry. My first time meeting this well to do Casting and I blew it. I knew I'd never get called in again to that office which sucked because I knew I was a decent enough actress at the time to do the shows he normally cast. I was pretty young to the business and didn't want to cause any waves at my agency so I didn't call them to truly express what I had felt I went through and that they had dropped the ball as well as me looking like the idiot to someone casting a lot of shows at the time. I thought I was done and I believed he probably told the story to every other close Casting Director he knew. I felt poisoned at the time...I took French off my resume and even stopped practicing it since it's so rare that it's looked for in black women in film. I left my agency shortly after as well to finish off this downward spiral of feeling unworthy and being caught unprepared, this was part of the reason I quit. One bad audition...HA! Out of all of them that worked, but because I wasn't booking and this terrible audition happened, I allowed myself to feel that I wasn't the actress I knew I could be and no one told me otherwise.

You must champion yourself, then others will root for you but you must be your own biggest, loudest cheerleader first. You must know that you know...when I got back in, I believed I was better for it. I come in prepared, I make sure I know as much about the audition as I possibly can, even if it seems I'm annoying and I blow that room out every time I can step in one! I know I can be off sometimes but I get back on and push - I also realize that if the room can't see it, they don't deserve me and they don't deserve you if they can't see it. So, on to the next. There are way to many projects and experiences for you to fall into a pit over any auditions that may go awry...it happens. Are you an artist or aren't you? Do you feel alive when you get to express a character in your way? Then go do it, go do that and don't let bad auditions, people that can't see your worth or bookings in the present stop you because your time is coming. Just be prepared as much as possible and fly as soon as you get the chance, that's what happens when you work your work, study and push boundaries...no one can tell you a thing, you just keep creating magic!

Go put on your favorite fun outfit...not for anyone but you and go run errands, it'll make you feel like a different person. Make you feel good for all that you do and try, it doesn't have to cost anything except effort on your part to reward yourself for putting it out there, doing what most people shrink at and taking it all in with fortitude to push forward but you must give to yourself as well. I know it's hard out there, so do something for yourself that puts a smile on your face...even if it's just fun clothes that makes you happy or a cup of really good ice cream from home, your soul will thank you and you deserve it you artist you!

The Glamorous Life of Auditions - Day 24


When in doubt, do good theatre...yes, even in L.A./surrounding areas! When I first started out years ago, one of my first instructors was Bennet Guillory of the Robey Theatre Company who instilled not only the finding of truth in your way but also the love of the theatre and well written pieces. I moved on eventually because of life and at the time became more interested in film/television since that is where "paying my bills" laid. I never understood that you could have a life, make a living and do theatre...GOOD THEATRE in Los Angeles, no one ever explained it to me because those I mostly met were here for "Hollywood." There was difficulty in wanting to do pieces outside of my ethnic background in L.A. as well as the pay grade. I thought I couldn't afford to do theatre and no one showed me otherwise so I would get involved with a project here and there every few years to do work that spoke to my soul and would give me an opportunity to play something "the business" sometimes won't allow because of the boxes we're put in. When I walked away from this industry to evolve my being I thought I was truly done. Although I missed the rush, I was happy to see progress in my martial arts and knew I could have a stable future if needed in another love I grew into.  After being convinced to do "The Colony," my beast suggested I look into this industry once again - "just to see." I decided to audition and booked a black box Theatre piece with The Company of Angels called "L.A. Views" - a collection of short stories in which I was in 2 of them. To say it was magical would be an understatement...although there was no pay for rehearsals and $9 a show, this project restored my present drive and I was "in" once again...this time for good.

Within the past year, my idea of theatre has been blown out of the water and my eyes have opened up to Equity Theatre. Here is where you as an artist can go, train and live, all while doing your art. Why didn't anyone tell me? Why did it take so long to learn? Why isn't it shown or taught??? I have no clue but I will now shout it from the mountain tops (via my blog) and tell you that you have options here in Los Angeles. You can make a living in theatre, doing wonderful pieces and speak from your soul if you so choose to do so. I have been diligent in making sure I submit to theatre projects, especially at places I know have wonderful spaces and do good work. I try not to become "trapped" into a specific genre but to whatever speaks to me...a role I may not have an opportunity to play and boy has my attention to this part of the business paid off. A year ago I submitted to a production at International City Theatre in Long Beach to "Flyn' West" - cast by Michael Donovan (you should know this name and submit every chance you get), directed by Saundra McClain (if you see her name, submit,) and caryn desai, artistic director at ICT. It was by far, the biggest stage I had ever been on...the set - beautiful, the character - a pioneer woman I may have never gotten a chance to play because of most people's short sightedness of what they think a pioneer woman would look like...except for the vision of Saundra and then the opportunity of this to apply for the Equity union, AEA. I wasn't making much, in fact in order to be able to do this show, I basically awoke each morning, went to open up the restaurant I worked at in downtown L.A., then jetted from there around 11a to make rehearsals in Long Beach around 12p. - 7p, then home which took 45 min's to an hour every day both ways. I made it work, although difficult, I made sure I was able to survive the non-union pay for this job. I then had the opportunity to fill out paperwork and submit a $100 to be in the Equity candidate's program so I could work Equity theatre jobs and collect hours without having to jump right in. Yes, I gave up one week's pay, but I knew in the long run after speaking to Cheri (who played Sophia and makes a living doing theatre - mostly Shakespeare - I so wanna be her) that this move was the one to make. I even became involved with the Hollywood Fringe Festival in 2014 doing "Four Tree Plays" which if you haven't done yet, look into it for 2016 since this year's HFF just passed, it's a month long of theatre madness in the Hollywood area on theatre row, I mean, I got to be a squirrel and a tree for goodness sake - when will you ever get to be that????

No less than 8 months or so, I was able to audition again for Ms. Saundra McClain (director) who actually just wanted me to come in and read so I could meet Amy Lieberman (another theatre casting director veteran you should know) as well as Jonathan Fox, the artistic director at the New Vic Theatre in Santa Barbara. The funny thing was, I knew Saundra would be doing another play soon and since I love her directing I decided to cover my bases. I found out that the New Vic in Santa Barbara via the Equity website, was having open calls and I drove myself out for 1 1/2 hours to just do a 2 minute monologe to see the space and make myself known. Again, as soon as I walked in, I knew I wanted to perform there but I also kept in mind that the role that was going to open up for me wasn't built for me so to speak. The role "Mayme" in "Intimate Apparel" required singing and piano playing...all in which I had no experience in. Although I learned basics in piano as a child, I never played since and I only sang once in church alone, then never again. I fell in love with the prostitute "Mayme" and wanted to play her so bad, I sang for the first time ever at the call backs (which I was surprised to get since they asked me if I could sing or play and I honestly answered "No, not a lick.") I sang "Amazing Grace" the only hymn I could remember somewhat all the way through...I was off key at times but I sang from the depths I knew Mayme would sing from. I was up against real singers and real piano players yet through open eyes and hearts they saw me, my work, my art and chose me instead! I went up to Santa Barbara on an Equity contract, with housing provided to rehearse for 3 weeks and perform for 3 weeks or so in a dream role, with a dream cast at a dream theatre. About $100 taken from my checks each week for Equity dues but I made enough to pay bills and enjoy my stay in Santa Barbara and I would go back again in a heart beat. To get Equity pay is the way to go in doing theatre, you not only get great pay to survive but the benefits are equal if not better than SAG/AFTRA.

So during these sparse months because of the hiatus on television/film, submit away to theatre projects on roles you believe in playing. Something you know you'll be proud to be a part of and knowing if a Casting Director came to see you, it would be all worth while because the show is just that great. This is where you can play roles that may not be open to you in the film world, so go explore these wonderful opportunities that now will have some form of pay because of the new agreements with Equity. I went in for an understudy as a militant 60's woman recently...had to sing again although it wasn't a musical. It was my second time singing at an audition but I was happy to do so and will continue to do so at every opportunity as you should as well. Don't let the fact of what you can't do hinder you from exploring because after all, you are a creative being and will figure it out...I did! Eventually, I'll be able to take vocal lessons but until then, if it isn't a musical but there is a song in there...I'm gonna go get that done...after a good breakfast that is!

You can survive and work your craft by doing theatre in Los Angeles and it can be brilliant, just dive in and see...