The Greatest Feeling

I had a really wonderful audition tonight, the kind that leaves you feeling lighter than air and freer than the wind. It was a fun little script and the auditioners were open, friendly and clearly pumped about the project too. Chris had helped me prepare at home, reading, discussing the character and playing around with choices.  This extra outside work really paid off, both in the output and from my inner experience.

I read my sides once, got a few notes, read again, and then did an improv version. Being relaxed and focused allowed me to really listen and play with the role. Then they asked me to read for the lead character, and said I could play around with her quirky-ness. What fun - I think I'm naturally pretty quirky, and often feel like I have to keep this quality in check when playing straighter characters, so this was a great opportunity to really go all out. And that I tried to do.

They gave me some positive feedback, and I left the room swiftly and confidently, and saved my little heel snaps for once I was out on the street. I felt back on track. After some wandering and wondering, and a few mediocre auditions in a row, I feel back in the game. Now to tomorrrow's sides.

One Foot in Front of the Other

Lately I have been reading a lot of books on the business of being an actor, and over the last six months I think I've done good work in setting up this business. It always seems like there is an overwhelming amount to do, and it is satisfying to start seeing a pay off and progress being made. Now, I just have to trust in the process and be sure I am properly honing my skills as I go along.

So where are we? In December I signed with a commercial agency and I've started to get sent out through them. January brought new headshots, which I love. Gosh, its great to walk into an audition with a headshot I know is awesome. I'm updated on all the pertinent casting websites, IMDB, and I just renewed my subscription to backstage west. (Got my first hard copy in the mail yesterday. I know I can get it all online, but there is something about the physical paper that I like). My website is updated an I am networking more and more.

But for some reason I've been feeling a little stalled right now. And its not like I'm not working, because I am, and for this I am very grateful. I'm realizing that I have been spending so much time on promoting the "business" of my career that I need to get back to working on the "craft" of it. There is nothing like exercising your skills in an environment that you are constantly challenged.

So this is my next goal - put away the business books and get back to the craft. The business is in good shape, I tell myself, and now I need to put more energy into working on the skills of doing what I love - of course, not forgetting to save all my receipts for deductions!

Startings

Ack! Here we go. I've never blogged before. I'm not one who keeps a diary and I have conflicting opinions on my ability to write based on the day, and the weather... However, lately I feel like I have a lot to say, and perhaps this platform is the place to air said thoughts, even if its solely for my own benefit. If you are reading along, thank you and welcome. I'm glad your here.

Over the last year I have moved from the east coast to the west, gotten engaged, raised a puppy, changed my name, and solidified my career goals. I am now working full-time as an actor, and while I spent several years toying around with various kinds of presentational arts - singing, movement, live theatre, etc, I am now confident that film work is where my passion and career lie.

But this lifestyle is certainly filled with its ups and downs, slow successes and fast progressions, and it is this that I wish to write about. Thanks for listening.