The "Glamorous" life of Auditions - Day 14


Do you short??? If not, consider it/go for it...short films when shot right can be a beautiful way to get scenes for your reel and work your art as you gain more film experience. With the ideas of shorts now because of our new media and with the pay of $50 - $125 for an 8 hour day, it's a better contender than most student films at times because you're not only being compensated as an artist ( even if it's only gas money ) but most likely you'll be working with a more professional crew who also realizes and appreciates your time/talent which means you'll most likely get some footage for yourself and if not, at least you got paid for it. Not to say student/college films can't be professional, but I do know I've done more of those in the past with little to nothing to show for it...not even a screening so push for better choices on your work, you deserve at least that. Yes, the "competition" is a step up but again, you're only competing with yourself and it's only a matter of time before you have your opportunity on the bigger stage so relish into that push of harder work, better talent pool of artistry because you'll be in the spotlight soon dealing with names/award winners and may never even get seen, so start fighting now to understand this side of the show. Build from quality and you'd be amazed to see where it will take you/what doors it'll open, difficult - yes, but this business is so start putting in work now, no easy roads here if you want to be taken seriously as an artist. Your shots should rival superstars, your talent should be on par with academy award winners and your work ethic like none other and because you do this, you'll attract quality, deservingly so. Yes, we've all put some things out there we may cringe on, but what you cringe on is someone else's goal/gold so keep striving for the best in your work so when there is an opportunity to look at you, they see you in all the light that you are.  This short was an apocalyptic short, another genre I'd love to be a part of so I do what I can to get in and audition even if it means being one of few to less minorities that gets seen. It's a wonderful piece and although I had to flip flop schedules and work it out with the cd, they were understanding with my hectic schedule of shooting and show times. They asked for a Saturday I knew I'd be shooting the guest star role in 6 episodes of the web series I have coming up, which I still had to get out by 6p to make it to my show at 8p in Hollywood, so with Saturday scratched they checked my avail for the following Saturday which my schedule was just as intense. The CD asked if I wouldn't mind being seen on a Sunday ( Mother's Day ) with the kiddies and I agreed even though I knew that day was just as crazy, just more doable than the rest. So basically it was a driving job Friday afternoon, rush to eat with line run throughs for the show and then 8p hit the stage, Saturday 10a call time to set with as many scenes as they could shoot, jumping all over the 6 episodes which I had spent the past week diving into ( all week because it was more than 20 pages of dialogue including many monologues ) because the shooting schedule changed from 2 weeks prep to one. Released at 6p with enough time to grab a snack and 8p showtime. Got up early to work Sunday morning from 9a - 1p, raced out of there to get to the audition at 1:30p making it 5 min's late, auditioning for the director and CD in the room which I had spent in between pages of my shooting script to memorize this audition and hoping none of it failed me now. Read twice with adjustments and knew I had made an impression in the room and was told as such but I was too pressed to really let that sink in because I had to race out of there to get to my 3p showtime after. This is what training is meant for, times of such pressure that most people would crack...having to memorize a guest starring role in 6 episodes with over 20 pages of dialogue and breaking it all down for each scene, memorizing audition material at the same time and racing all over town to get it done while still trying to hold down a job and a show. That's a lot of words floating around your cranium and if you don't appreciate the simple fact that you can do that and deliver a performance that works up the room that hadn't even considered you, then you're missing out on the beauty of your work. I usually don't read feedback from auditions because in the depths of my being, I no longer have to...I realized I have given it my all and I changed the room after my performance, you're an artist, you know when the other person is engaged, you feel that energy shift happen and you revel in that space. I had to share this because you must know that regardless of feedback, it doesn't make nor break you...so only read them or accept them if you know within your work you won't be moved. I have learned not to let bad reviews affect me as well as good ones....they're just that. How did I feel in the room? What did I accomplish? Did I change myself into my character as worked? Did I move them to pay attention to my choices? If all these things happened, I am validated within myself and you must trust that in your work. It's nice to see these but I'm more proud of doing my "job" as an artist in the room...with that I was called back the following Sunday with just as much crazy happening that day as well, except I wasn't able to hang out to get as many screen tests with all the other characters as I still was in "Archer From Malis" at 3p. It may have been the deciding factor but again, I know I blew them away and even when you blow them away, you may not get the role which is okay because you know that it was their loss in not making that final leap. I've been told plenty of times - "We should've went with you..." whatever that means because I know they should've but oh well and on to the next project that will take that risk on me because if you think I blew you away at the audition....wait until we get on set to start shooting and I've had time to crank out the meaning behind the story. Realize that, you are greatness and someone is lucky to have your work in their project, you will only make it shine because you've worked hard to do so.

 I had to celebrate with all the craziness and celebrate I did with the most hearty of meals on my meat day, cheat day! 1 day a week and 1 day the past week I decided it was a "Houston's, Hawaiin Steak night" treat - I haven't had in years, while memorizing pages with the following week treating myself to my homemade pork meat & sausages ( with no nitrates/organic ) from Whole Foods - my spicy, spaghetti. Although my body doesn't take as much meat as it use to, it's still a treat to eat such wonderful food and then get back to what I know feels better in my system. Life is short, enjoy what you enjoy but understand and listen to your body...too much of anything doesn't make you balanced, so find your balance that's in line with your spirit because this is such an important facet of your life. Your nourishment and your health directly affects your output on your art, so be aware as you feed your soul! This industry can/will make you feel guilty for your weight but we are all different so therefore you have to change that stigma and that's by being healthy and putting the strongest version of you out there. It doesn't require you to be skinny or anything other than yourself but it does require you to be in your right mind ready to battle the madness of this industry otherwise you'll be wrecked by the crazy this business can bring. So strong mind, healthy body because you will need it all on this journey forward, don't skimp on yourself ever, your art is counting on you!

With all of this mayhem, we're officially closed on Sophacles - "The Archer From Malis" this weekend to some really great reviews which were a pleasant nudge letting me know I'm working forward in my art. Diversity is key and I will always be a part of that fight somehow, from showing up to auditions I know I probably won't have a chance in to working whenever I can on projects that promote this component. Loved sharing the stage with this group of talented, non-traditionally casted band of artists - Reginald, Elmira, Lester, Regan & Rosie - who went up in 10 days at the Getty Villa and then put in more work to understand the work at the Lounge Theatre. Constant trust in each other with so much exposition in dialogue that if one of us would falter, we'd step in saving the scene until we all knew that we knew. Can't believe this tremendous opportunity given to my craft that will be cherished for the rest of my life, this role told me I can do whatever I put my mind to do if just given the chance, thank you Malik of Griot Theatre Co! Got to see both directors of my 2 upcoming play projects, along with my girl Christianne during closing weekend and am just ready to dive into another short, christian play for Kimba Henderson which I'm in rehearsals already to put up one performance by June 3rd ( that's right, 11 pages of 2 person dialogue with 4 rehearsals...I can do this - ha, ha, ha ) while starting my first Shakespeare rehearsal June 1st with Kate Jopson! WAHOO to jumping all in and on to the next!!! Goodbye to Lemnos, goodbye to my sword, goodbye to my Terminator boots...for now...

With all of this going on, I still had table reads to make for the web series I can't announce as of yet but I can say it's a role I'm totally excited to play because I've based the character on 2 other character portrayals I've loved on T.V. that I've meshed together and can't wait to explore her even more. We've had to be downtown for two days along with a photoshoot day that will be released with upcoming announcements and I've shot for one full day, half the scenes at Invisionate Studios in Burbank. One more day to go to get the rest of my scenes and I'll be able to tell you more...Season 2 is killer!!! So excited to be a part of this project...so much content goodness for this layered character because I've created her as such....you're gonna love...or hate her - HA!!! Keep going for it all arties, we change notions one role at a time, one show at a time - walk in all that sunshine and enjoy the journey!

The Glamorous Life of Auditions - Day 13

When you keep focus on it, the universe answers! The more you audition and keep auditioning, the more you'll feel comfortable in your own skin so go out and audition for it all...turn down the ones that don't work for you but audition, audition, audition. Even though you're in the midst of a rigorous production, exhausted and brain fried, go audition because you're in the center of the heat, don't waste any of it regardless of how you feel, you may find yourself booking in the craziness of it all. When it rains, it pours for us artists so make sure you've got your cups/barrels/buckets out, collecting all that lovely art downpour. It's not about what you're working on now, it's what's happening next to keep you focused and in line with your purpose. Don't slack off on submissions, rehearsals, studying because you're involved in something now...work towards tomorrow constantly so you don't have to take whatever is thrown your way, but you as an artist can give yourself choices on what you'd like to be working on next. So as I've been plowing through this "Archer of Malis" production, I've tackled on Shakespeare and now an audition for a comedy with "Greek" undertones called "Vonya, Sonya, Sasha & Spike" as the housekeeper Cassandra that falls into "Greek" spells...hilarious and at my first place of big plays that started me on my theatre quest/journey - ICT in Long Beach. Again, I'm in front of Michael, the director and Richie...my home, I know they're rooting for me! It's always lovely walking into the room knowing the casting is proud of your work and they trust whatever you bring. I do get some questions about being AEA this time which is interesting but I brush it off and use it as a positive in the room. No matter what is asked in the room, it stays positive for you...sleuth it out later but in the room, it's all good and I stayed with that energy! I saw their faces and knew I didn't disappoint as well as some outburst of chuckles so you leave with that, understand your work from there...the room got it and got you most importantly, whatever else happens, happens. I know I rocked that audition, I know they were watching my every move, I know I did what I was suppose to do in that room all the while being crazed with Greek already...which actually helped me understand what was going on within the text of their play. I got to see a variety of ethnicities auditioning for the role which made my heart smile ( so good seeing your face Desiree ), little steps! I realized after that for the role, they may have been leaning towards a non AEA member since the main characters would probably be AEA so I wasn't even shaken in the slightest that I may not get it plus it would've interfered with Shakespeare and we would've been in a whole different conversation because of it. Know your power in the room and leave it at that, I realize that when I don't book it's outta of my hands because I've done the work, your "booking" as a struggling artist will be either call backs or another audition for the same casting office for another role/different show. Understand that you're building relationships and the casting directors that know you are showing love for you by either calling you back or getting you in on another project. That's your job when you're at the "bottom" of the chain, your job is to make them trust your work/art and for you to show up each and every time you walk into the room to the best of your abilities for that day. If they don't call you back, hell, their loss especially when you know what you're made of, don't let the "bookings" tell you how good you are. You've been in the trenches going all in for many years, sometimes it takes that for the industry to catch up with you but you've got to keep at it, at your work fearlessly. You just need a few casting offices that trust your art and then it's off to the races as everyone else catches on so don't falter when it's a "bad" day because if you've put in your work as you should've, you'll still be better than most and what one office passes on another will capitalize so keep pushing forward my dears...not everyone is going to like/believe in you but not everyone has to in this town...remember that my fellow artists, it's going to save you a lot of heart ache if one cd doesn't get you or you bomb in the room and they decide never to give you another chance. THEIR LOSS always...and you keep moving forward because we "fail, fail and fail again" ( and by fail I mean maybe not making clear choices, not making any choices, not putting in the work etc ) before we even come to success so let's start right now, right here without all that extra baggage. They like you when they keep calling you in, they like you when you get a call back, they like you when they're getting you in for different projects...they like you, they really like you just keep showing up to play! Although for whatever reasons I didn't get another call for this, I know I'll be in front of Michael, Richie and directors/producers again...rockin' it real hard because that is my training.

Still working on my body as well as my appetite and nothing gets by this. It's all or nothing with workouts as well as my food pleasures, I like committing hard core so with that, I decided to make my one day of hike/aqua zumba into just a full out 2+ hour hikers in the morn. Why? Because I'm cray, cray! So I've been hiking up La Tuna for several months here and there but it's been in my regular routine once a week for the past 3 months and I climb high which takes me 1 - 1 and 1/2 hours of hiking up and jogging down. I decided it was time for graduation and to get up to the next highest hill...alone. I put my big, girl pants on and hiked what seemed to be forever with my legs on fire and as I slowly descended hoping that I had actually made the right turn to end up where I started, I knew that my mind will always be the pusher of my body. It starts with your mind telling you regardless of the situation, you will make it through, just keep one foot in front of the other. As people come and go in your life, as disappointments rain down, as rejections seem to never end...one foot in front of the other. It doesn't have to be big steps, it just has to be forward for the most part...no one to compete with except yourself because it is you and only you at the top of the hill/in the room. It took me over 2 and 1/2 hours to get up this monster and down to the car with my legs feeling like they were jello, my foot even having a weird muscle cramp to the point I was limping for a couple of days but I still hit up aqua zumba the next day and then let it heal for the next few days. The following week on Wednesday, I was at it again and made even better time - see hard work towards what you love pays off, it may take time but it always pay off, you just got to be brave enough to see it through! Don't give up because the first hill took the wind out of you, instead know that you're better than that and trudge up that 2nd/3rd hill and let them all know you're here to stay because that is what you're made of. Seeing burnt trees still standing majestically inspired my will to know that regardless of what you look like on the outside, if you've got the will/fortitude to keep going/live, the world will get the opportunity to see your beauty but you've got to fight for that and keep fighting for that with every breathe. So breathe and keep those feet moving my loves!!! Then celebrate by eating just as well whenever you can as much as you can. This time, I celebrated with happy hour at Sun Cafe, Studio City - vegan deliciousness for a cheaper cost...soy chorizo lettace wraps, zucchini tacos, mac & cheese and half size strawberry shaker at $13 total, see you can eat out and still be within a budget whenever you can splurge a bit. It may not seem like much but taking yourself out to eat a really wonderful meal can change your perspective of this town, life and work so make sure you're still out there celebrating all the victories no matter how big or small, make it special to you as an artist. When you get to the top, make sure to take a good look around you, see what it took to get you there and then do it all over again taking notice of all that you hadn't before! Go get 'em all!!!! 

My other celebration ( because not everything is centered around food...well... ) after such a crazy week of work, shows, auditions and shootings I also took time out to watch an oldie but goodie - "How To Marry A Millionaire"...life is good, take it all in and learn to appreciate all works and in that appreciation, you'll find yourself digging in even more! YES!!!!

The Glamorous Life of Auditions - Day 12


Oh happy day...now that I'm eye balls deep into Greek I've finally gotten an audition for Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night!" Yes, I'm really late at writing about this because it's been more than hectic for me which I'll get into but since I've gotten my feet wet in Sophacles, I guess my next dream role was something in Shakespeare. I AM SCARED poopless ( this audition was for Couerage Theatre too, ha )...I've never trained in any of this and have shied away from these styles because usually minority peeps aren't invited to the party for the most part, especially in L.A.'s theatre scene. I don't understand, but I am an artist so I want to - every fiber in my being is needing of new explorations and challenges. To do the same ole, same ole isn't where I'm at in my career, right now I'm taking the advantage and opportunity of being an out of work, not highly paid artist so if I'm going to put in for my art, I want it to constantly be something I think I can't do so I can keep creating characters to use later. I've put my heart and soul into being Odyssea (Odysseus) and am pleasantly surprised that although I felt like crying at times because of the stress of it all, that I rose to the test. Instead of shurking into the crevices, I decided to go out in a ball of glory instead and so I did with my audition as Viola and Feste. I prepped myself with a british dialect only to arrive, ask a few questions to the other actors in the room and realized no accent was required so I scrambled to de-accent real quick before walking in all flustered. I was just honestly happy to be in the room and hoping not to make a fool of myself so not to embarrass the director calling me in. Although I had went in with one intention, after realizing what they may want instead, I was open to anything and everything in the room. Thank goodness for the upcoming, wonderful female directors who are open enough to understand rawness in ability at times. She gave me a shot, then another and I left truly realizing what I just stood my work on....myself. No I haven't taken Shakespeare or Greek classes, no I've never even ran them in my acting classes but as an artist you understand human beings...human conditions...human emotions and that's what you give. Don't let the fact that "you haven't done" deter you from even trying even if you feel like you fall flat on your face, the fact that you even tried is what counts but you've got to have put in the work already. Yes, some are natural and can spill it all out but to get the true essence of being in your work takes years of study, years of working through nerves and years of critiques/adjustments. So, if you've been putting in the time, energy and effort, trust your art which is exactly what I'm beginning to do. Give it to me...give me the opportunity and let me see how high I can fly, I'll go there...I've been trained for it no matter how anxious I feel inside. With that, I received a callback for the role of Feste but during such, I was also asked to cold read Maria and I took that as a sign that I must be doing something right. So without further adieu, I'm officially Maria in my first ever Shakepeare production/audition in "Twelfth Night!" I can finally say that and have it on my resume and during which time I also received a call to be the understudy of the Sci-Fi play I thought I had bombed in but had to turn that down since I was already committed to "Archer of Malis." Trust your art, trust the work you've poured your being into, trust the sacrifices you've made to become better, trust this journey you're on will reward you for your persistence and search for truth...TRUST...you just gotta TRUST!

It's been a joy being a part of such a wonderful cast of characters and doing a role that really is written for a male...white male at that. With every "thanks for playing that role because I would've never saw it that way" to "wonderful work" I know I'm truly paving a different outlook within my own means. You as an artist must challenge the ideals of what has been passed down as our "laws" of life in order to give new, perspective on old teachings, if you don't do it then who? This is what art does, it shifts focus, changes views, opens hearts and challenges minds...then there is change, so keep looking out for the things that will not only challenge you as an artist but the audience as well, this will make your work all worthwhile as you struggle from day to day just to survive. I've loved seeing all these beautiful faces at the show celebrating along with me as well as the great energy sent. It's a difficult beast to deal with Greek plays because it's not most people's cup of tea, so the house can be light at times but it has been eye opening to hear the response of the people who get it with everything in them. By doing this play, it has given me the confidence to make sure I keep tackling this type of text until I know that I know in this genre as well! Wahoo to all the peeps that have shared this experience with me and having the NAACP once again come through our production was another push in letting me know, I'm on the path I was meant to be on....stay true!!!

During the one of the most busiest times of course I booked a co-star finally and although one line I had a blast doing all of it. Getting the opportunity to meet and chat with another South Korean native, Yunjin Kim, was inspiring as well as seeing how humble/grateful actors can be. Sitting around just chatting about life, work and family was nice and funny. Sometimes we hear and see the ugly sides but it's just refreshing to see the goodness of everyone too regardless of where they're at in their careers, no one being bigger than, just thankful and gracious. I'm a lucky gal to have been on set finally and just be treated with all out graciousness by everyone including the bigger stars. This opportunity also taught me how to speak clearly as well because the director caught me off guard by asking me "what I felt when I said the line," because of course I was giving the line in a more sexual way which made it funny in my mind and I just don't think the idea ever crossed their minds. When asked, I started in that I felt....but he was already off and ready to chat about the scene with the other actors and rightfully so - he asked me to just throw it away. Which is too bad in essence, because that line could've had so many meanings if explored but you do what the set wants you to do and so it was done, line thrown away but next time, I'll have a one word answer and yell out "SEXUAL" immediately - HA!!! To celebrate all of that goodness, I decided to check out the best burgers in Santa Clarita since I was done around noon and splurged by buying myself lunch at a local, non-chain joint and came up with this yumminess! Kimchee burger, mac and cheese with a stout milkshake...this is the life! Make sure to eat it all up every chance you get!!!!

The Glamorous Life of Auditions - Day 11

I'm in the midst of a Greek meltdown of memorization, running an hour to and from the Getty Villa for rehearsals every day in these last 2 weeks and now an audition to be made via eco-cast - WHEW! I usually love 'em but in times like these, they are difficult to pull off but I've learned to let it be and that includes this notion of "being professional." Look, I would love a solid white background and amazing ring lights to hide my imperfections every time I do an at home audition but that is not possible. I've got art on the walls, I've got paint/texture, I've got no space so it will be what I can make it to be, however "distracting" they may find it. Hey, maybe that's why I haven't booked one of these things but I'm sure I've been close enough not to stop. Plus, when I do get the opportunity to do a white wall, I've never gotten a different response, so....fogettaboutit!!!! I know this industry is about what is deemed professional, but I'm saying, if you've got to send a video tape in, then just make do. It should be a no stress, no brainer kinda of taped audition...I know what others tell you but I find being yourself is always the best bet anyway. Just make sure your sound is good, the lighting looks right and you're having fun, I'm tired of making this process any more crazy than what it is...so relax, do your thang and give them a slice of you! This audition was for a paying web series and with Peter Pappas, a name I haven't heard since I started back in the early 2000's so I hit that audition notice up and got the eco-cast invitation. I decided to have our "Hercules - Reginald" read for the part but with him being on stage the whole time, I had to swap out to the "mercant sailor - hmmm, hmmmm captain - aka Rosie" from the play and shoot it in our green room. Lighting not great but less disturbances and sound wasn't bad plus I was able to finally get another actor to read the lines which makes the process easier for the beast who has to shoot, keep me in frame and read lines all at the same time. So I framed up the shot on my camera and used those tri-pod legs to get my scene in. I needed an intro and I could've just slated right then and there but to have more fun, I decided I'm on the Getty Villa grounds dammit...no one was there that day except for the workers and us, so guess who went into the gardens and did her slate, with microphone attached to face and all...WHY, because you can't beat scenery like that. I'm there, I love the space so why not include it. I promise you, I don't think it really makes a damn whether you slate is plain or adventurous, they may all scream plain but you got what you got for a reason...use it, especially if it makes you happy instead. I was able to express how happy I was to be called in and I got to show I was in the midst of working as well, you can't beat that for advertisement. There is no rhyme or reason in the business, whatever everyone is screaming for you to do, make sure you do it with happiness in your heart or this will become a job that wears on you instead. Look, if you're going to do some of the casting work by submitting yourself, don't go pay $40 or so if you don't have the time or money for it. Your phone works good enough, just making sure your sound and lighting is on point enough, you've done your job so keep this easy, breezy. Below is my silly introduction...because I like to just be me regardless of what they want and I've gotta use the Getty backdrop somewhere!

 
With all the goodness we put into our body, we need to remember to push it as well. Whatever your workout is, continue to do that but switch it up to make sure your body doesn't learn to just go through the motions. I've recently added to my 2 hour workouts pending where I am and when I can, the sauna room or steam room for an extra 20 - 30 minutes, just to squeeze out those last bit of toxins lingering. This not only relaxes my body/mind but it's a treat to just lay around and let the heat do the work. Throwing some coconut oil on my face/body makes me feel I'm at the spa without the payment after so make sure to use those nice facilities at your gym if you've got 'em. I've missed my training for the past 2 weeks because of the hectic schedule with "Archer of Malis" but now I'm ready to get back in and I'mma go hard...give it to me! Nothing like working out your fears, frustrations and negativity by feeling like you've got 2 left feet in Zumba or just trying to hold the downward dog as your arm shakes like you can't hold your own body weight for 1 min. Leaving all the other crap at the door is something I've always cherished through karate, because once you step on the mat, it ain't about nothing else but you paying close and present acknowledgement of what is unfolding before you. The challenges are wondrous for you psyche as you go out to face this business of being "perfect" because you learn that you are...just the way you are, so bottoms up to that dark, chocolate beer float - you deserve it, keep understanding that and treat yo'self NOW!!!! Work HARD, Play WELL & Eat GOODNESS....

Because life isn't guaranteed, whether you decide to be strict or whether you decide to eat all bad, life has no qualms when it's your time. So decide now what makes you happy, how you can enjoy that and still keep balance or not enjoy it and still be at a balance. I wanted for my soul awhile ago, the cleanse of the regular, to stop chatting negative thoughts and actions outward, to truly enjoy my life the best that I can with what I've got right now. To see all the wondrous, deliciousness life has for me at every moment whether the situation seemed "bad" and to then answer it with it can always be worse. I've never shed a tear for the passing of a celebrity artist, I've shed tears while reading about them or seeing their story etc., but never at the news of someone leaving this space. For the first time yesterday, I felt a loss hearing that Prince had passed away, I was never a Prince Fan because growing up my folks were super strict about secular music and well Prince was Prince so I pledged to Team Michael instead. As I grew older and moved out of the house, I watched Purple Rain and cried, I appreciated Cherry Moon and I bought a few of his older cd's loving his rock/funk vibe. My beast is a Prince Head and eventually over the years of us being together, I was made to go to a Prince concert happening in L.A. at the Forum and because tickets were so cheap, we went twice. He also performed intimately at the Troubadour and we were able to get tickets for it because of a head's up from someone working with him at the time and I couldn't believe the magical genius of this soul. From the Forum to the club he played almost everything on the stage, he sang exactly as his voice sounds on cd's - not an octave lower or higher unless he chose to do so and he danced his boo-tay off. He ripped on guitars the whole club show without singing a note and I realized I was in the presence of greatness - he convinced me I was team Prince all along and that didn't take away my appreciation for Michael it just made me realize had I known more about Prince in my younger years, I would've been a fan for much longer. Funny because immediately following my foray into loving Prince for the mad artist he was, I was able to ask a question by being at the Arsenio Hall show that night...something else given to me because my beast is a Prince Geek. They wanted more lighter questions and I asked such but boy do I wish I would've had the chance to ask him - "When you were boo'ed off stage at the Rolling Stones Concert, what made you go back to that? How did you push past that type of unacceptance because most people would've never wanted to show their face again." I'm so glad he did, I'm so glad he realized that those boos were nothing but from people who had no clue at the time and he stayed around long enough to either gain them as fans or at least have them respect him as an artist. This choice will forever be ingrained in my mind...as an artist, you may be heckled, boo'ed, sneared at or written up as a joke, it is up to you to know you're better than all of that and work that much harder. See it through to the end, you'll be surprised but you'll never know unless you do just that...go out, be brave and spread your ART!

The Glamorous Life of Auditions - Day 10

Another small bit but this time as a nurse for another network show on the Radford Lot and I certainly do know it's about the look on this one. I always feel when auditioning for small, bit "medical roles" they look for what "fits" into their show, so I never go crazy on these. Yes, I learn any medical terms that seem to stump me, I get my "doctoring persona" on and I go in to have fun - meet another casting director that took the time to see me. These type of auditions should be a "NO STRESS" factor on you, understand that it's usually a look they want because it's not like you can dress up those type of medical terminologies with too much on it so go to have fun, like commercial auditions for the most part. I love these because I get to say words I normally wouldn't say and that gives me practice for future roles along with some knowledge in the medical industry because I'm always having to look something up. They only saw a few of us, I was definitely the tallest/biggest there but I wore my pink, nurse top, sky blue, full sweats and some white sneaks I had - went in, read it and was told they liked the take but do it 2 beats faster...delivered and was out, wahoo!!! Good times and another casting office in, don't blink an eye at these types of auditions, they are what they are and you did what you did. Leave understanding all of that and celebrate the fact you got in, did it and worked your craft in another way, the rest is up to them. Dump whatever negative thoughts in the trash as you exit the lot, you came, you conquered...that is all!


Are you still eating well? Treat your body right, you put it through so much and there is no excuse to leave your health out for the taking. You're never too busy to do right by your body, it's constantly up and working and moving for you so don't let it break down, put you out of commission just because you feel the need to push so hard you forget your body needs to be replenished. Not in 2 hours but now...even I forget at times but I'm getting better at realizing that I only hurt myself when I do that so why not just take that out of the equation as much as possible so that when it happens, it's not that big of a deal. Full vegan meals are happening in my life and I'm loving the tastes along with the visual beauty. How can you not with purple, sweet potatoes and coconut soy sauce with crushed red peppers boiled down with your veggie melange?! Keep giving me more please, my taste buds are peaked with taste sensations of the natural kind....ummmmmmm, ummmmmm! Then what do I do after??? Dessert of course and of the vegan, donut kind - SAY WHHHHHHAAAAAATTTTTT!!! They had ice cream stuffed donuts along with a Samoa ( yes after the girl scout cookies I use to buy ) and an apricot jelly filled wonderful goodness from Highland Park's Donut Friend and that's a friend fo life! All vegan/vegetarian...come on now!!!! Get yo donut on my friends!!!!

These past two weeks has been a world wind of crazy for me. We've had 10 days to basically prep for a "workshop" that turned into a full blown production of the Greek play "Philoctetes" as "Archer From Malis." Full of challenges and fear, I pushed through knowing I've been given an opportunity to do something most women will never have the chance to on such a big stage...play a male, Greek figure! What a rush, what a sense of purpose to shatter this idea that just because it's written for a male and nothing but males have had the chance to play such a role, that we are living in a day and age that if we want to make people more aware of theatre that we represent as much as possible in it. Did I know the story....kind of...did I ever study it...not much - WHY? Because I never had the idea that I would be included in a way such as this. Damsel in distress I am not but fighter, soldier...strength and layered character - YES! So getting to play Odysseus as Odyssea first time ever for me in a Greek production was a dream come true. Did we get some head butts, of course but the director wouldn't change a thing which I am simply proud of that fact. Why play it the same way over and over again...is that not what art is for? To change, to make way, to push boundaries?!?! I wanted to be in this as I always want to be involved in certain productions, not just because it serves a self serving, acting thing but that I get the opportunity to work at amazingly different venues and make people think about what they just watched...challenge everything! Since pay in theatre can be hard, why not do something tremendous with it? Something you haven't done nor tried, do it because of art and do it to make people just see whatever the other side of it all is. Being on the Getty Villa lands, soaking up all that beauty of nature ( can you see the deer behind me? ) and works of art ( got to rub on Venus yah ) made me see how far I've come, how far I'll go if only I keep pushing for it! Now it's off to the Lounge Theatre to finish the production and I'm truly looking forward to pushing this story to another level...wowsers, what an experience to have under my belt now, can't wait to do an outdoors production in this type of setting below...one day! Go do your art and challenge everyone, every step of the way - much LOVE, much ART and many DREAMS!!!

The Glamorous Life of Auditions - Day 9

The "dreaded" one liner...how to act, what to do??? Would you believe me if I told you it's up to you?!?! I've learned to stop giving them what I think they may want and giving them what I truly believe the character to be. I know how it's to be delivered...I've watched enough shows, I see the assistants, receptionists, the pizza person...but they ain't me nor am I coming in to be forgotten. Look, most roles require that, that's the purpose, to have a line thrown out and it's gone, it's what you do with it that can make it all magical for you and for them, you just gotta be brave enough to show them over and over and over again. You can choose to walk in and read it as you know it should be read, but now I feel you've put yourself into a box only to be judged by what look they may want and that's a 50/50 shot. I'm NOT HERE FOR THAT!!!! Of course I don't go all willy, nilly in the room, I stay within the context of the scene but I always have and always will push for more. I want them all to realize that if they want to make this a bigger role, they can trust me to handle it so no...I won't walk in and say the line expected at first, I will always create a story with that line because regardless of how they may feel in the room because they've had 20 people come in and say that line, I know what my purpose as that character is and it's as real to me as I am...because it is me...saying that line. It's taken me years to understand how my fulfillment as an artist works for me, you must choose your way...if you walking in and just doing it and it is working and you're booking like nobody's business then rock on. However, if you're not or if you feel like you're in a rut artistry wise, try exploring and pushing some boundaries when you walk in. See that line and choose for it to have a double meaning, then let them tell you to play it blasey blah. You just got 2 chances to show them what you got and then the choice is up to them but at least you created with what you were given so you can walk out of there feeling like the artist/mad scientist you are. Yes, you'll be denied and often, but then, there will be those moments when even when you think it's not yours because of the redirect and you get that e-mail saying that the network approved you, you can see the possibilities of more work and so can they. I'm not here to blend into the background, I'll give 'em that if that's what is required but I will never lead with that just to do my "job" and get out. My work is to create, to give reality and validity to this one, itty bitty line and I take that seriously because no one in the real world usually talks for empty reasons...no one, not if you listen. So with that, I finally booked "a liner" on a network show - HA!!!! I did go in a few weeks ago to the same office for a slightly bigger role, but didn't book that, however getting another call for a different role let me know what I did was appreciated so I did it again. I walked in and played the simple line with another meaning, she then redirected me to be more uncaring...easy, peasy - boom done but with 2 choices in case the producers watching can get what I did...and they did. But realize it wasn't for them...it was for me, I got tired of just coming in and walking out of an office feeling like that was that and did I do well, I don't have to ask anymore...I know for the most part I did because I created and gave that character life. Now I feel like I made this one line into something and I have FUN, I enjoy this - I truly love it...one line and all!!! I can't announce this one either until it's all in the clear, but I'll let you know asap so you can realize that what you bring to the table is special and if you keep giving them special, they're gonna make that choice on you - soon, very soon!!!


Started rehearsals for "Archer From Malis" being Odyssea instead of Odysseus - written for a man but because of the insight of this director of Griot Theatre, he cast it as a woman, as well as the role of Zeus and Neoptolemus/Neoptolema. This is our wonderful cast because his mission for his projects is to give actors that are usually passed up, the chance to work on strong characters whether male or female. Gotta love people that think outside the box and I'm loving that I'm meeting more of them, it keeps me in the loop of inspiration! I get to be here at the wondrous Getty Villa for the next 2 weeks until we workshop it out and then it's to the Lounge Theatre for the rest of the run so I'm gonna enjoy this view as much as possible while I keep pushing to do interesting work...now made easier because I see other artists out there making a way!!! All you gotta do, is trust your work and step right on in...go ahead - JUMP!!!