The "Glamorous" Life of Auditions - Day 16 ( Audition 17 )

I wanted this audition so badly...not really for the role but who the role would be with and just getting back into Patton Casting is always a nice refresher for me to remind them of me, once again. As I was memorizing the words for the role, I realized this wasn't flowing off my tongue as I wished, I just kept stumbling and through working it out in front of my beast, we got to the problem. Sometimes words on the page don't translate to you speaking them into life, there's a disconnect and the flow is broken so the memorization can be difficult and here is where you have to decide on whats more important to you. I rarely do this because I respect writers too much even to change the smallest of words but when I'm stumped and have gone through the process and also know a couple of real life people this character is based on, I have to go with the realness of how it would be said. Of course this is a risk...they may think you've gotten the lines all wrong and that is something you'll have to live with unless you get the job which is when it's up for discussion. Again, it's absolutely rare but I remember auditioning for "Major Crimes" awhile back and this line was stumping me. I decided not to change it but I tripped over it repeatedly and it happened during the audition...I didn't change it to suit me. I found out later that all the actresses had pretty much screwed that chunk of dialogue up and the writers rewrote it and they got a whole new slew of actors to audition for that...not me, nor the other actresses that had the problem. I was annoyed I wasn't given that chance especially with the rewrites but I made a mental note that if an audition stumped me because I only had an evening with the words to let it settle, then I would readjust the words to better suit me. That doesn't mean I went in and rewrote the words, I just rearranged them to help me get to what I was saying. This role was for a real estate agent and one of the lines seemed to come out of nowhere and disrupt the flow, for me and the beast, we absolutely knew that this line was suppose to be in the beginning or the end but it was smack dab in the middle and it was making my memorization life difficult. So after failing at saying it the way it was written profusely, I had to rearrange the line to finish with it at the end, just no way around it. I wasn't going to allow myself to trip over the words in an office that I've had good readings with so I decided what was important to me over booking the role...getting the words out the way I would say them. It was a great test, maybe if I had them for 2 or 3 days I could let them sink in but not with a night so in I went as an artist. I was nervous, it was an okay role but with a well known actor with whom I wouldn't mind having a scene with, I even watched an episode just to get a feel of the pacing and ended up binge watching the show after because it was so well done. I felt comfortable enough beneath the nervousness of changing the words and it came out as it should for me - REAL...and I was told the read was nice with no redirects, even caught her watching me which was important in my book. I noticed the other ladies auditioning looked way older than me but I was going to put up a fight and that is all you can do as an artist. Next time I'll be even more confident at rearranging lines if need be but I won't put myself into the position of knowing the flow is wrong for me and still trying to make it work when I don't have the time to do so. I was so proud of myself for just making that happen, I decided a lunch special at Lotus Vegan Thai was in order...especially since it was basically across the street! YAY to the little wins of risk taking as artists....let's celebrate!!!!

Can't wait to share my 'Bama nurse with you in the upcoming film "Ole B.R.Y.C.E." done with #TeamRamseyEntertainment. Loved working with this talented group of creators that shot scenes in a more interesting way and allowed us to improv our way out of a scene. Creative freedom on set is one of the most exhilarating experiences as an artist one can have...so humbled to not only get a chance to use my accent that I've been perfecting for years ( and told by Mr. Ramsey, straight up Alabama, that my accent was on point,) but to play alongside Ms. Morman once again. We had a show years ago that could've went through but it didn't happen so it's always nice to finally reconnect...thanks Eric for making this happen!!! Loved that I could be a part of a film that takes a look into black experimentation that has been denied and we as artists can bring these moments of time to be up for discussion. So proud to be a part of making this type of art...WAHOO!!!

The "Glamorous" Life of Auditions - Day 15 ( Audition 16 )

To go or not to go was the question which I answered by going only to be answered with a lot of stress which one must learn as an actor to contain. I rarely post anything negative, not because negatives don't happen, I just don't want to breathe any more life into them than what is already given. I like to look at the glass as half full and I always will because I've noticed my soul is generally more happy when I do. I've been booked for a couple of weeks for a couple of days to finish up my voice over work on my hush-hush project which is paying quite well. I don't know if there was a breakdown in communication between my agents but I also got an audition for the 2nd day of my session for the Young and the Restless. I decided to accept although I reminded my agency of the time I was suppose to be at my booked job but let them know I'd go at least an hour early just to play it safe. I arrived an hour early...I was the first...they hadn't even started so I sat hoping I'd get call in eventually. Eventually turned into the latter and I was sweating bullets sending messages all over to everyone stating how sorry I was but letting them know my current situation. Of course I'm there early, of course it doesn't start early, in fact it starts 10 minutes late and I've been there for too long to just leave now, so I wait and go in first. It took everything in me to calm my nerves, leave it all out there and just do my read...it came out beautifully thank goodness and casting stated it was perfect the first time, no need to do it again. I raced my booty to the bathroom and across the lot and began my 35 minute drive to my voice over session that began at 3p, in which now with navigation I was told I'd be there at 4:03p. I sent a few more texts, let my agent know and I booked it in Hollywood traffic at 3:30p, URGGHHHHHH. I had to call my beast to calm my nerves...I was so angry with myself, with my agency, with this traffic but took responsibility for the situation at hand but I had to VENT. My beast listened as I blamed it all, including myself on the predicament I had put myself into but I had to lay blame on my agency as well since I would've never known about the audition had I not gotten the audition because my agency knew I was booked at the exact same time. Although I had let them know I was booked for work, I didn't press them either...I should've made them call the casting office to see if they could definitely see me sooner, even if it was 15 minutes earlier but I stated I would just go early. If I wasn't submitted, who knows how long before I got an audition with this casting office so I understood, I just didn't handle it well...it had been too long since a soap opera audition came my way and this office needed to know me, so I didn't set off any alarms by being pushy. I get my agency's position and although angered at the time, now with a week to return to the norm, I'm glad they did it but I wish they had offered immediately to take care of the situation. I blame myself for wanting the audition so badly, I didn't say no upfront. I should've been the responsible artist and stated I was already booked and to change the times but I didn't because I wanted to be seen. However, now I am causing waves with my booked job, so no good for my reputation and I take my reputation very highly, it's all I've got in this business...being a professional. My beast offered solutions which is why when I'm upset, I lean on his goodness. He let me vent, he checked it once I seemed to be over the initial wave and told me to get it outta my mind to let it all go because what is done, is done. I was where I was at now and I had to make the most of it. He then gave me some solutions according to my personality, which is why I call when I'm stressed and not thinking clearly, I need his open eyes and calming voice on my current situation. After giving me choices, he asked what I was going to do about it because he knew I was going to do something about this mess, I just needed to be guided out of my red zone and into the happy "Leilani" again. I focused on getting to my session as quickly as possible, going in set and ready to go with all this stress pushed aside for now and apologizing profusely while offering a few round of drinks on me at their choosing...all of which I did. I took responsibility for my actions, I thanked them for their time and went into the booth with razor sharp focus ready to slay it all...and slay I did. I honed into my work and within the 3 hours without going over a minute more, but actually finishing early, I delivered...I was distraught all the way through but the director guided me and my passion of what I was doing, finished it off. What was set for a 4 hour job was punched into 3 and I couldn't be more happy with my art. They all took a rain check on the drinks but I figured I'd either come bearing gifts the next time or force them all out. They were just as confident in me and I couldn't be more grateful but I'd never put myself in that position again with out finding out all options available to me. I will make waves, I will ask questions and I will do my best to get it right the next time. I was upset my agency submitted me but I understood, I was annoyed they didn't call and try to make changes but I should've demanded that and I was angry for putting myself in this position but I'm glad I felt what this problem could bring. Even through the stress, I had a wonderful audition and a fantastic voice over session...glad I was able to do both and thank goodness for already setting up a standard on my work with these good people that trusted that I would deliver. Happiness now, that I got this lesson in dealing with this situation because just when you think you got it, you learn that you don't and you grow and growing is always good!!! If you set a precedent on being professional, when things go awry, people will trust you and give you a pass because we all make mistakes, we're human but you as an artist must set that standard up so there is no question in their minds, that you can do the job regardless of what happens. Show up and show out every chance you get...

The last 2 days of voice overs on my hush-hush project has come and gone with ease, stress and much love for the experience. 4 to 8 hours in a booth for a few days, hearing your voice is disorienting to say the least and to try to capture moments of truth through the process is an art form. I imagined being in certain scenarios with no reference points but you let your imagination fly and you keep on soaring until you hear that voice come back to you telling you they got it. So many words and I am thankful for being a book worm when I was younger, I am thankful for always daydreaming ( although yelled at about it ) and I am thankful I've always taken my craft seriously. I never trained for this, but I was prepared through my sheer determination of wanting to create art always and this is what saved me when things went wrong. Don't take your training for granted, what you do in classes and on stage will define you as an artist. We want to work now but sometimes the universe takes it's time with that process and you must keep at it until it's your time because when the spotlight turns to you, not only do you shine for that moment, you get to be proud of your work. When madness, mayhem and chaos hits your space, training will center and squash it all - keep focused on what's important my beautiful creatures - YOUR ART!!!!

Officially celebrating with whiskey because I'm a whiskey gal now...CHEERS to us and all that is in us to push through! MUAH ( and thank goodness for jobs that pay well so we can celebrate right every now and then.... )

The "Glamorous" Life of Auditions - Day 14 ( Audition 15 )

You can make money with all parts of your body in this business and I've been told my hands got it but I've never been quite sure of how to get them in. I did a print job for computers in my younger years that used only my hands but nothing since, until today! Listed on one of the casting sites that came to my email was a job with no facial recognition given, only hands would have the ad and I decided I'd submit. Why not??? Surprisingly I was given an audition and showed up with my hands looking as clean as possible ( pushing back and getting those darn cuticles that have been just living fully ) and although I had hoped to brush them with a clear polish since I couldn't get them manicured, it was all wishful dreaming. That's from the martial artist in me that could care less of my fingers and toes, they're getting bashed up anyway and years of that type of thinking has put me at a disadvantage in this lucrative business as I've been told. So with the cleanest nails I could muster up from the night before, my hands took center stage and went through the slating process and then the closeups to the actual audition of hands doing "stuff." Funny how you become absolutely aware of them all of the sudden, the way you hold a glass to the way you put a tray down..you become this awkward creature watching your hands do stuff, such an interesting process but so much fun. I didn't have to really care about the other aesthetics that are usually so much more demanding. I think I can get use to these and the next time I do head shots, I'll slip a couple of hand modelling looks to boot just in case for future reference and I hope you do the same. I mean, why not let your hands work...they're already doing that as is, why not get paid for it? Let's not limit ourselves as we're pushing to keep moving forward in this difficult business, I've seen too many actors let pride keep them from making ends meet and while they're riding high for a bit, it's the low/below times that you need to get work. This is where I feel like you should never act as though that things are beneath you and some would argue with me but I'm a survivalist for my career. So bring on the stand in work, extra work in commercials usually, low budget films/shorts that only pay $50 - $125/per day or so because that's a part for my reel and while others are looking down at that, I'm getting days into my SAG/Aftra health plan, credits on my resume and working with people I never thought I'd have a shot at working with. Yep, "Hello My Name is Doris" was low budget and thank goodness I went because it's not like you know who's going to be in the film usually, in the first place. Yes, we all want those big jobs, that'll come...usually here and there but in the mean time, get yourself some work by using what you've got now and I'm about to use these hands up!!! Even learned the correct way to slate hands for this particular job, extra info always good to know....WOW!!!

"Walk Away" made it to the Silicon Beach Festival and it was one of those few times I requested off from work in order to be there to support it and see what this wonderful story looked like on the big screen. I remember shooting it during a very busy time but since it was for my "The Package" peeps, ( even Bruce showed up to offer his support) - Sue and Brian, I had to do it plus the script was too good to pass up. Very proud of this short and although I cringed through the "snotty, tear droppin" scenes, I was so happy to see it up on the big screen...reminding myself of where I want my work to end up. With all the rejection and madness that surrounds us daily on our journey, remember to go celebrate your moments of work! It's okay not to like watching yourself, but you must learn to be okay with taking pride in your work...you've studied hard, you've heard a lot of no's, you spent time and energy on this script and it's finally out, so go enjoy this process and celebrate all that is you finally getting to do what you dream. Quiet goes your self doubt of believing you deserve this goodness, silence your own worst critic within you and enjoy sharing what you've worked so hard to accomplish. No need to brag, we know how hard it is after it all but allow yourself an opportunity to celebrate this moment, this time that is all you...it's okay to feel good about yourself and what you're doing! Tomorrow is back to the daily grind of it all and you'll be out there reminding yourself - "Just keep swimmin" - and swim you shall!!!

This lifestyle is stressful and so easy to fall into a dark place, taking care of oneself is rule number one...never shirk on making sure you're okay. Getting to classes at supportive schools that aren't only about the critique but the growth of your work is necessary as well as working out and eating well and it's not all as expensive as it sounds. Yes, organic/vegetarian/vegan eating out is expensive for the most part ( I've learned to make 2 meals out of the outing, especially at places like Real Food Daily which has wonderful peanut butter creme pies ) but learning how to cook it yourself can save you so much money, especially if you make the time to shop at the necessary places. I go from the Grocery Outlet, to Trader Joes, to Sprouts and then to Whole Foods and it helps with my budget as well as getting quality at the cheapest prices possible. One of my favorite breakfast dishes for my once a week treat, is peanut butter pancakes in which I not only put some pure peanut butter powder into the batter, I slather it on the top as well as adding sliced bananas and cinnamon and on really good mornings I'll add some chocolate chips to the batter as well. I've also added a TRX group training classes taught by the hardcore trainer Basem himself, offered at the Y for free to my weekly regimen which just puts me out with all it's own body weight moves along with just core conditioning. Working out allows me to enjoy my whiskey in the evenings, desserts during the day and the stress of life in general, keep at it even during the times you feel nothing is happening for you because mentally, it's helping with the much needed balance. Take care of yous my arties, this business is comin' at you with the negative, fight back hard by being as prepared as possible - mind, body and soul. Show 'em what you're made of!!!!

The "Glamorous" Life of Auditions - Day 13 ( Audition 14 )

Another liner for a cool show that I actually watch and am a fan of but I didn't know until I arrived. I get the notification for an audition for the next day but no sides attached. I check the sides to see if it's posted and when I ask my agent, they send what they had received which stated the line will be given at the audition so of course no context, no pre-figuring out the many ways you can play, just off the cuff stuff and hey, it is what it is at this point. Know it pretty much has to do with what you look like and somewhat how you delivered the line so have as much fun as you can possibly have. Traffic is a nightmare so I arrive just in time which stresses me out but it's better than being late which is what being on time feels like to me, I race in after finding parking and there's a list of 1 guy, 3 groups of 2 gals ahead of me so I'm able to look at the line as the casting assistant is explaining the set up. I take a quick picture ( yes, ask to do that if no copy is given and you feel you may go up on a line which is easier to do at times when it's just one line and you're getting it as you audition... ) and relax saying my line over and over in my head every chance I get until I feel like it's just spilling out of me. Although the role is for a TSA agent and there's an actual note to bring a vest, I don't have quite the full get up and decide I'll head the opposite way. Olive, relaxed button down and my skinny jeans - middle of the road and pretty much acceptable in my book for most roles. I keep my hair in braids and pulled into a clean bun, this should be enough but of course I'm in the room with everyone...and I mean everyone is dressed in black slacks, black shoes, that blue type shirt I don't own and vests....some even had the gloves/radio attached. Yikers! This can work in my favor or make me look like I didn't even try...I work for the former - HA! This was a conscious decision discussed with my beast...I felt everyone would come in looking a certain particular way and since I didn't have the full get up, I would arrive on the opposite end of the rainbow. The girl I was paired up with had the black slacks and a off white button down top luckily so I didn't feel like a sore thumb, we went in together and she was asked to start first after we stood next to each other and slated. I stood off to the side listening but going over the line the way I wished for myself to say it, as she simply read the line, he asked for a bit more bite and the line read was pretty much the same but the great thing was, he understood her choice and just asked her to commit to her choice. Not everyone has to read it the same,but it's nice when the person behind the camera can understand that but of course that made my read look overdone when I went up. Although I kept it tight, he asked me to bring it down...then even stated that less was more - ha...as if I didn't know that but sometimes it's just the way it works, laugh and make it happen which is what I do. At least there were different ranges to my read so they got the fact that I was able to do whatever was needed and off I went! There are always 2 schools of thought when it comes to dressing the part, I don't believe it helps or hinders in most cases but you've gotta be confident in whatever choice you decide to make, especially if you're going against the grain. Do you...ALWAYS!


I had a reading for a film rescheduled to this past weekend which I was unable to attend because of a traditional family get together on Easter weekend plus a celebration of 1 year for our 2nd niece - Pi as we like to call her since given that nickname by her older sissy poo. These moments in life are precious, don't miss them...I get it, that audition just came in as you booked your flight, that shoot now wants to be on the exact day you leave for your vacay, that meeting now wants you on the only weekend that month you've got plans - it sucks, it happens but remember you get to decide and be happy either way. I usually try to work things out and most times they do, every now and then there is no way around it and I remind myself what's important. If it's a huge project and you're getting paid, no question but when it's workable, do your plans...rearranging your life every time isn't a guarantee that the show will go according to plan. So I'm crossing my fingers I'm not out but if I am, I send them nothing but good vibes and I understand that it just wasn't for me no matter how fantastic this role would add to my character list plus it's been floating for years now with backing finally pushing it through. I can only hope to get to play this Somalian mom of FGM so off I go to focus on my dialect because you just never know...but I'm really glad I got to spend some much needed time with my other family because I wish my folks lived closer and I miss them terribly. So fun times with family was had and I got my egg hunt on...yay to life's moments!

Also found out besides just being Black and Korean, that not only am I 45% Nigerian, I'm 30% Japanese, 20% Chinese ( NO KOREAN DNA, ) 6 % Eskimo/Inuit and 4% other stemming in the Middle Eastern Regions...although this comes as a shock, I am so happy to be a person of our lovely world. How can anyone be racist???? Even getting my mom to finally tell me of an "old tale" of our great, great, great, grandfather being Japanese was such a kicker since she's such a proud Korean, but I had to tell her to love the Japanese and Chinese side of our story now as well...especially since I know now! Our DNA is LOVE....let's spread that....

Although I've been out and about, I still am pushing towards a healthier body and no better way to end the ridiculous workout on the TRX which I've been privy to for over a month than by stretching. Most people hate this aspect and may even think it's a waste of time, but if you're constantly pushing your muscles with no recoup, no elongations you could be just steps away of hurting your body in a very bad way. I always try to end a full hour workout with some vibration plate time and then 30 minutes of stretching with this very ouchy wall, gravity split stretch I do for 5 minutes at the end of it all. What a way to go to the steam room and I've always had less injuries than most of my counterparts because of this ritual. Don't skip the stretching folks, it's always the little things that keep you in tip top wellness - MUAH my arties, go out and keep gettin' 'em with your mind, body and soul!!!!

The "Glamorous" Life of Auditions - Day 12 ( Audition 13 )

Wow, wow, wee, wow to my 2nd commercial audition of the year and trust me when I say I couldn't be more ecstatic. I stated before and I'll state it again, I just can't seem to find my footing in the commercial world and it's not the lack of trying - commercial agents have been baffled at this paradox as well. Maybe there is a certain "screw you" vibe in my commercial shots since it seems like for years, getting called in were little baby miracles! No matter what agency or if I was submitting myself, for me, commercial auditions are truly a blue moon occasion and if you think it's you or only you...it's not. I just can't seem to break into this lucrative genre so I've placed my sights elsewhere hoping it'll come. Remember when I say, everyone has a niche? You just gotta find yours and hone in - still see everything out there but understanding your work and fighting for it is all you can do. For some reason the commercial world doesn't get me nor wants me there and I'm okay with that but I'm not going to not still try. Now getting one, two or three commercial auditions a year is killer because I feel for commercials especially, it's a numbers game and the more you go the easier the process is. You can say that about film/tv/stage auditions but since you usually focus on these, most of the time you're ready to go when asked and you pretty much know what's going to happen in the room. Commercials can just be you walking in, showing profiles saying your name with a smile and then exiting, sometimes there's improv, sometimes there's action like skipping across the room - it's weird and can leave you perplexed but the more it happens the easier it feels to have this kinda "up in the air/whatever can go" a part of your being. It's not a part of mine but this audition had dialogue, so this is a strong suit and therefore I clung to that aspect for dear life. First take went smoothly and I was able to get through all the lines without messing up or feeling off but then...the "debacle" - HA! I had just watched a gal go through her schpeel ( we were brought in 3 at a time with different pieces ) and her note was to act more involved in the beginning, make it more of a big deal so when it was my turn he just told me it was going to be that simple but obviously after reading mine, he made other plans. The night before I had read the casting notice sent to me and I noticed improv was going to be a part of it if asked so I prepped myself so when he stated he was then going to throw in a leading line and we were going to go into the work, I assumed to improv away...still in line with the script, just in my words. NOPE...that was stopped and he stated he was going to throw in improv'd lines and I was to read the script as is to make it sound more conversational. Of course, starting and stopping got me off and I stopped the take and asked for another. It's that simple guys, ask to start again, collect your thoughts, hear what was said and then move on at your pace but as quickly as you can get it. He had no problems letting me restart and I had no problems restarting but you have to feel confident in that and you have to gather it all in, push through and show that you're capable of being thrown off but still focused on getting it right. Never feel like if you're off that it's a bad thing to ask to go back to get it right and then get it so right they don't question that you asked. Know it's your right as an artist to get the take you want in the room as well. Of course, let's not make it all about you and force the issue but if you absolutely feel like it can be better, do that and do you so you can walk out of there ready to celebrate another audition well done. It may not have gone as smoothly as you had hoped, but you're proud of the work you gave! Life's short, truly realize that and enjoy your moments please, especially when you're walking along to your audition and see LOVE ( signs are everywhere ), so much LOVE - I know I'm going to, please join me! So...celebratory, lunch and lunchtime whiskey treat anyone???? Yeah...my beast knows my heart and it was the first time ever having whiskey in the afternoon - YAY to that!!!!

This month has been wonderfully hectic and I was able to get into a film of a friend, that I've known for years but never worked with nor actually been able to hang out with. Lucky for me, Eric Ramsey, the writer/director had kept an eye on me via Facebook and offered me a role in his upcoming production of "Ole B.R.Y.C.E" that I had the pleasure to shoot this past week. The wonderful aspect of this role is that although I've had the opportunity to use my southern accent on the stage in a couple of plays, I finally get it on film and for me, that is what was so fantastic about getting this role. A 70's Bama nurse named Jean Lewis and I was able to bring that accent to this role - yippeee!!! Although I had to work early in the morning that day at the bakery, I was able to rush home, get ready and race to set pretty easily which allowed less stress when the scenes came around...even got to throw some improv around. Glad I got to work on accents for the stage, constantly readjusting the sound, the tonal quality and finally having enough confidence for film. Another magical aspect was getting to work with an actress I had the pleasure of pushing a pilot years ago with that never came through - Mrs. Rhonda Morman herself and after that disappointment, we finally had some screen time together to play along with meeting and being downright nasty to the wonderful actress Riji who improv'd back at me. Nothing better than playing with people you know and getting to play with new peeps who give it back - Gimme more please!!!

The world premiere of "Trouble Creek" also happened, on the red carpet as well as YouTube and the experience of it all made me even a better business actress. I've always wanted to skip the red carpet event and even interviews, I always feel uncomfortable at these types of functions...some thrive, I feel like I wither - I don't enjoy this part of the process...playing characters on film I can handle, talking about them, I'll pass. However, this time my beast not only pushed me but I decided for myself I'd allow myself to fail miserably if that's what it took to get over this hump. Thank goodness for all the practice of talk backs in most of my plays I've been involved in...every single one, got better and I became more confident in discussing my process or what I felt the role truly meant because I began to realize someone truly wanted to know. I went to other small step and repeats and would take pictures not only out of vanity, I want to stop critiquing myself in pictures ( HA) but for my system to start getting familiar with the space. So with all that bit by bit training I was able to step up on the carpet with a different aspect and although I was scared enough to pee in my boots, I watched the gracefulness of actress Doris Morgado before me as she backed, shoulder worked it and I decided right there that I'd totally bite her move...mine looked goofier of course but I decided to throw caution to the wind and just get it, get it the best I could taking her moves I felt I could accomplish this time. While she was doing her thing, I even had to give her the props of just working that carpet like it should and I also learned this could be fun if you choose it to be so. So I laughed hard at myself, I tried and I still giggled profusely but I made it through the gauntlet unscathed except in some ego since my beast wanted to keep pointing out how I totally jacked Doris' moves - DAMMIT, I MADE THEM MY OWN....ha, ha, ha, ha!!! Learn to laugh, especially at yourself, it's a part of the journey because you don't want to be the one who takes themselves so seriously you become that person, it's unnecessary and hindering to exploring all aspects of yourself. I faltered when I chatted, I may have given away a plot point, my mouth wouldn't form the words that wanted to come out of my mouth but I did it, one step at a time and I enjoyed myself finally. I even had the chance to race across the lot and make sure to take pictures with my stand in/actress Ms. Veda who made sure I was good to go when I walked on set because she be da bees knees! It took me only a day to recover although I was still a bit out of sorts the following day as well but I finally felt like I had a good time. Learning to chat it up about your involvement in a production is a part of the process, get as much practice in now and enjoy your moment when you step into it all. I even had my first really comfortable interview a week later with one of the hosts that left me with the mic on the red carpet while he was live streaming the event to his viewers and I felt so settled. I had actually made myself go to this...I almost allowed myself to skip this just because but I really took the interview by the horns and pushed towards my fun space that was me. Do it...do it all...as much as you can when you can because practice makes better and better is all you want to achieve!

Check out the full 7 episodes on YouTube now,  ( youtube.com/troublecreek ) starting with the first one here:

If you love shorts and you're free, I'm in the Silicon Beach Film Festival in "Walk Away" done by Sue Keeton and Brian Kronenberg ( The Package ) on April 22, 2017 at 12p. and it won't disappoint. Let's keep pushin'....

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

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

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

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