Hey everyone!! On with the show.....
So "Which Witch is Which" has ended, and unfortunately, right now I am project-less. Feels weird. Haven't been project-less since 2009.
If I said this was a relief, I'd be lying!!! I miss rehearsals, I miss the make up, being in the empty theatre with my fellow actors-breathing life into new and exciting characters, and being able to tell a story!
In the interm, until I get the next project (which looks like will have to wait until AFTER the holidays since things are being cast and mounted for Christmas NOW), I am working on my 3rd play.
I've been working on this show on and off since I was in "The Heiress" in May. I actually began writing it backstage while I was waiting for my cues. However, after reading what I had written so far, a friend of mine suggested I re-structure some of the characters, and essentially begin anew.
After reading it over again myself, I knew she was right. So, this past week, I've been working on re-structuring my characters, and will begin a second draft of my ACT I this week.
I intend to keep a few things that I fell in love with in the first original draft, but a lot of stuff will be fixed so that my characters can keep talking.
Making the characters talk is always the hardest part for me. Making the conversations last is difficult. As a playwright, I walk the fine line between making the conversations believeable, but not dragged on so much that I'll lose the audience.
The disadvantage to this, is that sometimes, I just write and write, just to fill space-and then ultimately, the conversation I've been writing drags, and the scene no longer makes any damn sense.
This time, though, I face another challange-how do I make my point without using a lot of words. The focus of the show is to make people aware of the sounds around them. But in order for people to HEAR the sounds-there can't be a lot of talking, or there needs to be moments of silence.
I'm shooting for the first full length draft to be done in about a week, maybe 2. Once I get started writing, I really get on a role and get things done quickly.
We shall see...
Until next time....
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Goodbye Sweeney...Hello Which
Hey everyone!!
Oh jeebus, it's been forever since I've been around to let you all know what's going on. Sorry about that!! Tech for Sweeney, and then Sweeney took a bit of my soul, so I wasn't able to form sentences to let everyone know what was going on.
Anyway...on with the show!!
Sweeney went wonderfully!! The audiences loved loved loved it, and as soon as I saw it up on its feet-the concept of the insane asylum that the director had us using made sense (before I couldn't see how it worked!).
I'm currently trying to get a video of parts of it on youtube or something so people can see it that wanted to, but weren't able to.
Closing was hard...it was my first musical (but not my last-of course!), and I'll always have a soft spot for the cast that was in it with me. I mean, hell, we spent 3 months together just in rehearsals before we went up, then a month and some change DOING the show! I'll always look fondly on Fleet Street, and smile when I hear of the demon barber now :).
BUT! Out with the old, and in with the NEW. While I was in "Sweeney Todd", the producer approached me and asked me to be in their yearly kidsworks Halloween production of a show called "Which Witch is Which". Its a cute little story of a which that's too good for her own good, can't play tricks on people and all tha good stuff. There's a weird doctor, a prankster named Tom Foolery, a ghost named Grimey (picture pigpen from Charlie Brown, just in white), Abby Good (the good which), Abby II (the bad which), and Pamela Pumpkin (the narrator-me).
We had about 10-15 rehearsals, and most of it was us learning the original score-the lines we had to learn on our own.
**side note-the day we had to be off book, I was a little shakey on ACT II. So, when I went off stage after my part of Act I was over-I went backstage and learned ALL of Act II. Just sayin... **
Opening afternoon wasn't without its flaws, but the kids are LOVING it so far! And I said this to the cast, and I'll say it here: Kids are the HARDEST audience to perform for. They have short little attention spans, they want to get up and run around and play and do all these things little kids do. So, as a performer, you need to hold their interest for the hour and some change you're up there, trying to put on a show for them. There are no BAD DAYS in chidlren's theatre-no matter what's going on-you get on that stage with a BIG smile, and do what you need to do.
I have an audition coming up for "It's a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play" in a few weeks, and I'm hoping I get it, and that that show takes me to the end of the year.
Then...who knows?.....
Until Next time...
Oh jeebus, it's been forever since I've been around to let you all know what's going on. Sorry about that!! Tech for Sweeney, and then Sweeney took a bit of my soul, so I wasn't able to form sentences to let everyone know what was going on.
Anyway...on with the show!!
Sweeney went wonderfully!! The audiences loved loved loved it, and as soon as I saw it up on its feet-the concept of the insane asylum that the director had us using made sense (before I couldn't see how it worked!).
I'm currently trying to get a video of parts of it on youtube or something so people can see it that wanted to, but weren't able to.
Closing was hard...it was my first musical (but not my last-of course!), and I'll always have a soft spot for the cast that was in it with me. I mean, hell, we spent 3 months together just in rehearsals before we went up, then a month and some change DOING the show! I'll always look fondly on Fleet Street, and smile when I hear of the demon barber now :).
BUT! Out with the old, and in with the NEW. While I was in "Sweeney Todd", the producer approached me and asked me to be in their yearly kidsworks Halloween production of a show called "Which Witch is Which". Its a cute little story of a which that's too good for her own good, can't play tricks on people and all tha good stuff. There's a weird doctor, a prankster named Tom Foolery, a ghost named Grimey (picture pigpen from Charlie Brown, just in white), Abby Good (the good which), Abby II (the bad which), and Pamela Pumpkin (the narrator-me).
We had about 10-15 rehearsals, and most of it was us learning the original score-the lines we had to learn on our own.
**side note-the day we had to be off book, I was a little shakey on ACT II. So, when I went off stage after my part of Act I was over-I went backstage and learned ALL of Act II. Just sayin... **
Opening afternoon wasn't without its flaws, but the kids are LOVING it so far! And I said this to the cast, and I'll say it here: Kids are the HARDEST audience to perform for. They have short little attention spans, they want to get up and run around and play and do all these things little kids do. So, as a performer, you need to hold their interest for the hour and some change you're up there, trying to put on a show for them. There are no BAD DAYS in chidlren's theatre-no matter what's going on-you get on that stage with a BIG smile, and do what you need to do.
I have an audition coming up for "It's a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play" in a few weeks, and I'm hoping I get it, and that that show takes me to the end of the year.
Then...who knows?.....
Until Next time...
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
He hardly uses his fancy chair
Hey everyone!!
So sorry I've been out of the loop for a bit, rehearsals for Sweeney run long and late into the night!
Anyway..on with the show!!
The show is going well, and things are really picking up. Some of the set is up, and we're completely offbook now, just working on the blocking and little details. Next week, we begin running the show from beginning to end, in order for us to time it out, and to see the whole thing cover to cover in case something needs to be altered or fixed.
As I watch everyone rehearse (the main leads, not the ensemble--I'm IN the ensemble), I can't help but get shivers up and down my body at the immense amount of talent there is on that stage. Granted, there's a lot in the ensemble too, never count them out!
I also feel shivers up my spine every time we rehearse, hearing us sing this haunting score, and know that Stephen Sondheim is out there somewhere-smiling that his words are reaching SO so many people!
On MY end... I've been given a few duet parts, and have a bit of a featured role right before the finale :) Very exciting!!
I was also ASKED to do this company's Halloween children's show "Which witch is Which" about a little girl witch who's too good to BE a witch. I'll be playing the narrator, and the owner of the town convience store, Pamela Pumpkin.
A few more audititions coming up in the next few weeks. One for a version of Dracula, and one for another production of Sweeney Todd (don't worry, there will be a blog for my audition prep for each show as my process is a bit different between a play and a musical).
I've also been writing a lot lately, and hope to have this new play done by the third week of September (meaning completed, typed, and beginning to shop it around).
I have also aquired a "day job" finally!! I'm working with infants/toddlers at a daycare, and of course, the money will be used for headshots and such!
Believe that's it for now...planning headshots...etc.
Til next time...
So sorry I've been out of the loop for a bit, rehearsals for Sweeney run long and late into the night!
Anyway..on with the show!!
The show is going well, and things are really picking up. Some of the set is up, and we're completely offbook now, just working on the blocking and little details. Next week, we begin running the show from beginning to end, in order for us to time it out, and to see the whole thing cover to cover in case something needs to be altered or fixed.
As I watch everyone rehearse (the main leads, not the ensemble--I'm IN the ensemble), I can't help but get shivers up and down my body at the immense amount of talent there is on that stage. Granted, there's a lot in the ensemble too, never count them out!
I also feel shivers up my spine every time we rehearse, hearing us sing this haunting score, and know that Stephen Sondheim is out there somewhere-smiling that his words are reaching SO so many people!
On MY end... I've been given a few duet parts, and have a bit of a featured role right before the finale :) Very exciting!!
I was also ASKED to do this company's Halloween children's show "Which witch is Which" about a little girl witch who's too good to BE a witch. I'll be playing the narrator, and the owner of the town convience store, Pamela Pumpkin.
A few more audititions coming up in the next few weeks. One for a version of Dracula, and one for another production of Sweeney Todd (don't worry, there will be a blog for my audition prep for each show as my process is a bit different between a play and a musical).
I've also been writing a lot lately, and hope to have this new play done by the third week of September (meaning completed, typed, and beginning to shop it around).
I have also aquired a "day job" finally!! I'm working with infants/toddlers at a daycare, and of course, the money will be used for headshots and such!
Believe that's it for now...planning headshots...etc.
Til next time...
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd
Hey everyone!!
I know it's been a while since I wrote, but we've all been kicking our asses in "Sweeney Todd" to make sure we get the music right and everything!
The show is going well, we've got about seven ensemble songs now that we've been working on, and we need to practically be memorized by tonight when we get into rehearsal. I have about 3/4 memorized at this point, using the OBC recording to help me to learn the part, since that's how the music is written, and how the director wants it to sound in the show.
It's always a challange when you walk into a new theatre, a new cast, a new theatre company. Anf this has been no exception. While I'm used to a theatre rehearsing and performing one show at a time, this theatre currently has three shows in rehearsal, "Sweeney Todd" and two others. It's a bit odd to me, more like being in a rehearsal studio in New York, where you need to look at a board to determine what room YOUR show is rehearsing in, rather than a theatre that will soon be mounting a show.
Still looking for that "day job", and have been working on my play a lot lately, since I babysit now and I have about twenty minutes before he gets home from school to write and collect myself before he gets home. Now that I'm not sitting during the day anymore, though I should have even more time to write, and hope to have the play done by the end of the summer-I'm talking about like the first week of September, don't everyone start looking for this show in the middle of August all at once, now! :)
I think that's about it for now, but I promise to write more frequently from here on out, as I know I hardly update anymore. I promise to try to bring an update once a week from now on.
Thanks for your patience!
Til next time.....
I know it's been a while since I wrote, but we've all been kicking our asses in "Sweeney Todd" to make sure we get the music right and everything!
The show is going well, we've got about seven ensemble songs now that we've been working on, and we need to practically be memorized by tonight when we get into rehearsal. I have about 3/4 memorized at this point, using the OBC recording to help me to learn the part, since that's how the music is written, and how the director wants it to sound in the show.
It's always a challange when you walk into a new theatre, a new cast, a new theatre company. Anf this has been no exception. While I'm used to a theatre rehearsing and performing one show at a time, this theatre currently has three shows in rehearsal, "Sweeney Todd" and two others. It's a bit odd to me, more like being in a rehearsal studio in New York, where you need to look at a board to determine what room YOUR show is rehearsing in, rather than a theatre that will soon be mounting a show.
Still looking for that "day job", and have been working on my play a lot lately, since I babysit now and I have about twenty minutes before he gets home from school to write and collect myself before he gets home. Now that I'm not sitting during the day anymore, though I should have even more time to write, and hope to have the play done by the end of the summer-I'm talking about like the first week of September, don't everyone start looking for this show in the middle of August all at once, now! :)
I think that's about it for now, but I promise to write more frequently from here on out, as I know I hardly update anymore. I promise to try to bring an update once a week from now on.
Thanks for your patience!
Til next time.....
Saturday, June 11, 2011
One ended, and the saga begins again!
I know it's been a while since I've written, but once the ride called "The Heiress" took off, there was very little time for me to blog (though I've been writing a new play!).
So, the run of "The Heiress" was a great one, and the cast became a real family. It's been a long time since I had experienced that feeling to its fullest like this, and it felt really really good to be able to feel it again.
At the end of the run, this past weekend, I actually cried seeing it go. I haven't cried over a show closing in a long time, and this closing really hurt deep.
But! Like every rain storm of a show closing, there's another show that's ready to be rehearsed and mounted-and this time is no exception!
I am currently in rehearsals for my FIRST MUSICAL!!! "Sweeney Todd"!!. New exeperience, new theatre, new people.
We started rehearsing actually the day I got the show, which was a little weird, but we have a LOT of work to get done!
Sondheim is hard, ya'll! Even though I've been singing his music since age 3. It looks very different when I need to read the music for it :-P.
I'm in the ensemble, and actually am really thrilled about it. We're right now working on the 3 big ensemble songs: "The Prologue", "God That's Good!", and "Pirelli's Miracle Elixir". And I gotta say, everything sounds wonderful.
I've also made a fan page for myself on facebook-so go find me, become a fan :). It'll have stuff about my upcoming shows and such, and other little good things.
Not much else is going on (the job hunt continues btw!). Just writing, rehearsing, babysitting and jobhunting.
I will keep everyone posted, thanks for being patient!
Til next time...
So, the run of "The Heiress" was a great one, and the cast became a real family. It's been a long time since I had experienced that feeling to its fullest like this, and it felt really really good to be able to feel it again.
At the end of the run, this past weekend, I actually cried seeing it go. I haven't cried over a show closing in a long time, and this closing really hurt deep.
But! Like every rain storm of a show closing, there's another show that's ready to be rehearsed and mounted-and this time is no exception!
I am currently in rehearsals for my FIRST MUSICAL!!! "Sweeney Todd"!!. New exeperience, new theatre, new people.
We started rehearsing actually the day I got the show, which was a little weird, but we have a LOT of work to get done!
Sondheim is hard, ya'll! Even though I've been singing his music since age 3. It looks very different when I need to read the music for it :-P.
I'm in the ensemble, and actually am really thrilled about it. We're right now working on the 3 big ensemble songs: "The Prologue", "God That's Good!", and "Pirelli's Miracle Elixir". And I gotta say, everything sounds wonderful.
I've also made a fan page for myself on facebook-so go find me, become a fan :). It'll have stuff about my upcoming shows and such, and other little good things.
Not much else is going on (the job hunt continues btw!). Just writing, rehearsing, babysitting and jobhunting.
I will keep everyone posted, thanks for being patient!
Til next time...
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Didn't want to have to do this..but I guess I have to
Okay, so a few months ago, I posted a blog on here I entitled "Day Job". This is the blog where I mentioned that it takes me $28 to get into the city, and without a day job it's hard.
THIS is the post everyone has decided to jump on and comment on...so I feel it's neccessary to defend my position, instead of going on, telling people about the show that I'm in.
First off, let me say I'm very sorry for putting that ONE statement in the blog post, because you all grabbed it and ran with it and beat me over the coals for it.
Second, I KNOW that I'm not in NY bussing tables or anything like that-don't you think I'd LOVE to be doing that? LOVE to be in NY somewhere, taking shifts at a part time job? I'm on survivaljobsforactors.com everyday looking for stuff just like that-haven't found anything yet. So let's start there.
I know I'm in community theatre in the suburbs right now-and Im not going to be here much longer, and am scouring playbill.com everyday looking for open calls since I don't have my equity card and can't go to equity calls yet.
As for living at home-anyone that's a RECENT college graduate almost has no choice but to live at home. Unless they've got something set up in terms of a significant other, or a roommate to live with and split the rent with, neither of which I have.
And where did I ever say that I think my life is like Mark and Roger's? I've never used those words, not once, not ever. I know that I don't live that way, I'm not dumb.
I know auditions aren't easy to get, I'm not delusional..but, I could still "audition my ass off" at the auditions that I DO get-right? Right.
Now. If there's anything else I've missed, any other grievenece my "Anonymous" posters have for me...let me know.
If not, let's all move on. I'd really hate to lock comments so that just these 7 people can read them again. And it wouldn't be because I don't want to hear what people say-you guys think you're the FIRST ones to tell me this? Please...
It'd be because that ONE poste, is NOT what this blog is about. If you don't like what I have to say-don't read.
And this is the last time I'm entertaining this type of conversation here. I do plan to make big moves and changes in the next year.
End of story.
THIS is the post everyone has decided to jump on and comment on...so I feel it's neccessary to defend my position, instead of going on, telling people about the show that I'm in.
First off, let me say I'm very sorry for putting that ONE statement in the blog post, because you all grabbed it and ran with it and beat me over the coals for it.
Second, I KNOW that I'm not in NY bussing tables or anything like that-don't you think I'd LOVE to be doing that? LOVE to be in NY somewhere, taking shifts at a part time job? I'm on survivaljobsforactors.com everyday looking for stuff just like that-haven't found anything yet. So let's start there.
I know I'm in community theatre in the suburbs right now-and Im not going to be here much longer, and am scouring playbill.com everyday looking for open calls since I don't have my equity card and can't go to equity calls yet.
As for living at home-anyone that's a RECENT college graduate almost has no choice but to live at home. Unless they've got something set up in terms of a significant other, or a roommate to live with and split the rent with, neither of which I have.
And where did I ever say that I think my life is like Mark and Roger's? I've never used those words, not once, not ever. I know that I don't live that way, I'm not dumb.
I know auditions aren't easy to get, I'm not delusional..but, I could still "audition my ass off" at the auditions that I DO get-right? Right.
Now. If there's anything else I've missed, any other grievenece my "Anonymous" posters have for me...let me know.
If not, let's all move on. I'd really hate to lock comments so that just these 7 people can read them again. And it wouldn't be because I don't want to hear what people say-you guys think you're the FIRST ones to tell me this? Please...
It'd be because that ONE poste, is NOT what this blog is about. If you don't like what I have to say-don't read.
And this is the last time I'm entertaining this type of conversation here. I do plan to make big moves and changes in the next year.
End of story.
Monday, April 25, 2011
The Countdown is ON!!!
Well, here it is folks...FOUR DAYS TIL OPENING!!
Gotta say, I always start to get butterflies as we go into tech week and are fully in groove and tune with out characters, and with each other. Now's the time for the last second fine tuning, and making sure the sound, lights, and props are all where they need to be, and fill in the missing gaps.
This is also the week that we all may as well set up cots in the theatre as we are there longer hours than with regular rehearsal. This is why actors affectionately call this week "hell week"!
Here's what this week has in store for me:
Monday-need to be at the theatre for 6pm...need to be able to eat dinner around 5, or grab something on the way and eat it at the theatre as I get into costume, hair and makeup.
Tuesday-Important e-mail to be written in the morning, 2 hour workout, and need to be at the theatre for 6pm
This goes on until Thursday. On Thursday night, we have our one and only preview performance-we call it our "dress rehearsal", but we DO have an audience, so I call it our preview performance.
Usually, we open the theatre up to anyone who wants to see the show for free-remember, this is the dress rehearsal- and then after the performance, the actors sit onstage and answer various questions and take compliments from the audience.
However-that is NOT the case with this show. On Thursday night, we are having the "women in business" group come to the theatre, and we are hosting a special night full of finger sandwhiches and lessons about how far women have come since the 1850s-now.
The show is scheduled to start...at 6:30pm! This means, I need to be at the theatre for 5pm..Thursday's going to be fun as I make last minute arrangements for people who want to come to the show in the coming weeks, and make sure my butt is in the makeup chair by NO LATER than 5:15, and I've eaten, no later than 5:30.
Man I love this industry!
This will also be the week that you see actors doing their pre-show rituals, more bonding will occur backstage now that we're no longer allowed to sit in the audience and watch each other, and THIS is where the memories start coming from when all is said and done.
I am incredibly excited to begin this show on Thursday night, and even more excited for opening on Friday night!
On Friday afternoon, I'll post another blog and document the pre-show feelings as I sit at home in preparation for leaving for the theatre.
Until next time.... :)
Gotta say, I always start to get butterflies as we go into tech week and are fully in groove and tune with out characters, and with each other. Now's the time for the last second fine tuning, and making sure the sound, lights, and props are all where they need to be, and fill in the missing gaps.
This is also the week that we all may as well set up cots in the theatre as we are there longer hours than with regular rehearsal. This is why actors affectionately call this week "hell week"!
Here's what this week has in store for me:
Monday-need to be at the theatre for 6pm...need to be able to eat dinner around 5, or grab something on the way and eat it at the theatre as I get into costume, hair and makeup.
Tuesday-Important e-mail to be written in the morning, 2 hour workout, and need to be at the theatre for 6pm
This goes on until Thursday. On Thursday night, we have our one and only preview performance-we call it our "dress rehearsal", but we DO have an audience, so I call it our preview performance.
Usually, we open the theatre up to anyone who wants to see the show for free-remember, this is the dress rehearsal- and then after the performance, the actors sit onstage and answer various questions and take compliments from the audience.
However-that is NOT the case with this show. On Thursday night, we are having the "women in business" group come to the theatre, and we are hosting a special night full of finger sandwhiches and lessons about how far women have come since the 1850s-now.
The show is scheduled to start...at 6:30pm! This means, I need to be at the theatre for 5pm..Thursday's going to be fun as I make last minute arrangements for people who want to come to the show in the coming weeks, and make sure my butt is in the makeup chair by NO LATER than 5:15, and I've eaten, no later than 5:30.
Man I love this industry!
This will also be the week that you see actors doing their pre-show rituals, more bonding will occur backstage now that we're no longer allowed to sit in the audience and watch each other, and THIS is where the memories start coming from when all is said and done.
I am incredibly excited to begin this show on Thursday night, and even more excited for opening on Friday night!
On Friday afternoon, I'll post another blog and document the pre-show feelings as I sit at home in preparation for leaving for the theatre.
Until next time.... :)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Holy techweek batman!!
Here I am again, getting ready to launch-HEAD ON into another tech week, or as we call it affectionately "Hell week"- the week that we as actors kind of almost have to take a back seat to the tech guys and stage crew and let them rehearse what THEY have to (lights, sound, prop moving), things like that.
It's also the week that we as the actors put the final touches on everything-on our characters, get our final costumes, ask any last-second questions, and sprinkle the theatre magic around the stage and on ourselves that make the show come to life!!!
We have one more rehearsal this week that's just a rehearsal-and we're adding just a part of our costumes this week too. Starting Saturday, we begin "hell week".
With that in mind-I do what I always do right before a show I'm in starts-I take some money and head into the city to see a show. I do this either by myself, or with a friend. This time, I went by myself. I do it as a way of reflection, or reminding myself what the goal is.
I went to see "La Cage Aux Folles" since it announced it will be closing on May 1st, to my absolute HORROR! But, that's another story, nevermind.
Anyway, I got into the city early and got my student tickets (box seats for $36.31-YES PLEASE!).
And I passed the day, doing this and that and meeting up with friends and such. I saw the show and I have to tell you guys-it was the most beautiful show I've ever seen!!! The chemistry between Harvey and his leading man- Christopher Sieber was amazing!!!!
I stagedoored after the show for Harvey, and also for my friend again-I wanted to talk to him! They came out together again, and I grabbed my friend after he was done doing what he needed to do, and we went for a walk.
While we were walking, he was telling me about another acting theorist named Meisner. Now, I had never heard the name before-I was taught Stanislavski, and that was pretty much all I knew. I told him about some difficulty I have been having, remembering my cue lines and everything like that, and how it was worrying me.
He smiled and nodded, listening to what I had to say, and then began to tell me about Meisner's theories. Here's what I've come up with in my understanding, since I purchased the recommended book and have begun reading it:
1) Acting is NOT a representation of life-it IS life. When you go out onstage as a character, that is the ONLY world you have ever know.
2) You and your character are 2 different people. You are you, but when you walk out onstage, you are your character. And they know different people, have seen different things, and know different things. They may even live in a different time period, or be higher or lower on a social scale-but you ARE that person.
3) Saying your lines is instictual. How you deliver your line solely depends on how the person you're in the scene with gives you the line before, or how you deliver your line depends on the circumstances of why you deliver the line.
For example, the way he was teaching the class, he brought up one male student, and one female student. With the male student he told him his only line was "mr. Meisner", he had the student repeat it, and was happy with the results of the repeat. He then went behind the male student and pinched him-causing the male student to scream "MR. MEISNER!"
See what I mean? The male student yelled his line, because of the action of being pinched. But, it was the same line!
My friend by no way discredited Stanislavski-hell, my friend studied him too. But what he told me is that Stanislavski doesn't help in SCENES. It helps in monologues, but in scenes, this guy works better.
I'll let you all know what I think after I read the whole book :)
Well,I think that't it for me today-next update I hope will have costume pictures and everything :) Very excited!!! :D
It's also the week that we as the actors put the final touches on everything-on our characters, get our final costumes, ask any last-second questions, and sprinkle the theatre magic around the stage and on ourselves that make the show come to life!!!
We have one more rehearsal this week that's just a rehearsal-and we're adding just a part of our costumes this week too. Starting Saturday, we begin "hell week".
With that in mind-I do what I always do right before a show I'm in starts-I take some money and head into the city to see a show. I do this either by myself, or with a friend. This time, I went by myself. I do it as a way of reflection, or reminding myself what the goal is.
I went to see "La Cage Aux Folles" since it announced it will be closing on May 1st, to my absolute HORROR! But, that's another story, nevermind.
Anyway, I got into the city early and got my student tickets (box seats for $36.31-YES PLEASE!).
And I passed the day, doing this and that and meeting up with friends and such. I saw the show and I have to tell you guys-it was the most beautiful show I've ever seen!!! The chemistry between Harvey and his leading man- Christopher Sieber was amazing!!!!
I stagedoored after the show for Harvey, and also for my friend again-I wanted to talk to him! They came out together again, and I grabbed my friend after he was done doing what he needed to do, and we went for a walk.
While we were walking, he was telling me about another acting theorist named Meisner. Now, I had never heard the name before-I was taught Stanislavski, and that was pretty much all I knew. I told him about some difficulty I have been having, remembering my cue lines and everything like that, and how it was worrying me.
He smiled and nodded, listening to what I had to say, and then began to tell me about Meisner's theories. Here's what I've come up with in my understanding, since I purchased the recommended book and have begun reading it:
1) Acting is NOT a representation of life-it IS life. When you go out onstage as a character, that is the ONLY world you have ever know.
2) You and your character are 2 different people. You are you, but when you walk out onstage, you are your character. And they know different people, have seen different things, and know different things. They may even live in a different time period, or be higher or lower on a social scale-but you ARE that person.
3) Saying your lines is instictual. How you deliver your line solely depends on how the person you're in the scene with gives you the line before, or how you deliver your line depends on the circumstances of why you deliver the line.
For example, the way he was teaching the class, he brought up one male student, and one female student. With the male student he told him his only line was "mr. Meisner", he had the student repeat it, and was happy with the results of the repeat. He then went behind the male student and pinched him-causing the male student to scream "MR. MEISNER!"
See what I mean? The male student yelled his line, because of the action of being pinched. But, it was the same line!
My friend by no way discredited Stanislavski-hell, my friend studied him too. But what he told me is that Stanislavski doesn't help in SCENES. It helps in monologues, but in scenes, this guy works better.
I'll let you all know what I think after I read the whole book :)
Well,I think that't it for me today-next update I hope will have costume pictures and everything :) Very excited!!! :D
Monday, April 4, 2011
Updates and Aplogies!!
Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't written in a bit, but when I got home from vacation, I found out my aunt had passed away while we were gone, and now rehearsal has me all swept up and such..but! On with the show! First, I'd like to thank everyone for voting in the Rent video competition. At the end of voting I had something like 355 votes, and a 1.8 rating. Now, while that's nowhere NEAR what the winner ended up getting, I am still so thrilled, and honored to have gotten those votes, and a decent rating! You guys are awesome! I took another leap of a faith this past week, as well. Around last Friday/Saturday, a friend of mine sent me an audition notice for a program called "Making it on Broadway", a one-week musical theatre intensive in NY. After researching the program, I realized that this is a program I have been looking to do for the past 3-4 years. After getting my headshot and resume and a short cover letter together, I sent it to the person running the program and got an audition time 5 minutes later! This program only has 40 spots for the week, so everyone has to audition in. I was more than stunned to get a reply and an audition time so freakin quickly! So this past Wednesday, I got my music together, my headshot and resume stapled together, and made my way into the city for my 2:30 audition time. Before I went to the audition, though, I made a stop at my spot :The Drama Book Shop, and purchased the newly released libretto for "The Addams Family". Apparently it came out about a month ago. I go into the audition and sing my prepared song "Superboy and the Invisible Girl" from Next to Normal. When I was done, both the piano player, and the person running the audition smiled at me, and the piano player, in all his enthusiasm asked me "Do you have anything else?!" HELL YES! I bought a brand freakin new libretto before I came over! So I ran out to my seat and got it, handing it to him. I told him I had been working on "Pulled" with my vocal coach, and he began playing the song-from the middle. Now, for anyone that's never auditioned for a musical before-being asked to sing more than your prepared piece is a huge deal! Always go into a musical audition with 2 songs. One prepared (obviously) that you'll need to sing 16 bars from, and another, just in case they want to hear another song, song. Until this audition, I've never been asked to sing 2 songs. Having them ask me to sing another song, that I hadn't really prepared (I had never heard the song played on the piano-my vocal coach and I were using the CD to work on the song), was a wonderful sign! I sang the song through to the end, not missing a beat, and if I do say so myself, completely blew the song out of the water (I could play Wednesday Addams!). When I was done, both of them looked at me with these huge smiles. The woman running the audition then goes to me: "Okay. The program runs Aug 8th-13th, 10am-6pm everyday and from 5-6 you have a master class with someone working on Broadway right now" Now when she says 'someone working on Broadway right now', she means Gavin Creel, Aaron Tveiet, Stephanie Block, and Cheyenne Jackson (to name a few people who will be teaching that week). I'm sorry...did she just say I got into the program?! That I have one of the 40 spots?!!! She then told me that they do have a payment plan in case I need one, and that she would e-mail me all of the information that night. Today is Monday, and I have yet to get that e-mail. I think if I don't hear from her by Wednesday, I will e-mail her and ask her when I might get that information if I did in fact make it into the program. Onto "The Heiress"! Rehearsals are going well, and we expect to have the set up by the time we come in for rehearsals tomorrow! I have half of a costume (need a long sleeved black shirt), and need to learn my lines for Act II (much harder than Act I). We open in 3 weeks and I need to have everything memorized by Saturday!!! Yikes! Time to kick my own ass into overdrive and get to these lines! My major challange is going to be learning my cue lines. Now, this has never been a problem for me, but with this show, I'm on and off the stage so often, that I need to know what lines bring me onstage, so that if one of my fellow actors misses a line (it happens ;) ), or if a sound effect doesn't work or something, I know where I am. Looking forward to opening night, and getting this thing going!!! Hopefully for the next blog update, I'll be able to post a picture of myself in costume or a picture of the set or something. If you're interested in coming to the show, and you're local (NY/NJ), let me know and I'll get you all the details! Until next time....... :D
Friday, March 11, 2011
Another leap of faith..
Tonight, I took, what might be the biggest leap of faith yet. I submitted a video for the Off-Broadway production of RENT auditions.
Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uniFcO1Rv7Q
Now, I'm going away for a week-so what I need all of you wonderful people to do is go to: www.siteforrent.com and wait for them to post videos of whatever they're going to do, and then go VOTE for me!
If I get enough votes-I get to go to the audition!
Now, you may ask, why can't I just go to the open call and skip all of this voting nonsense? The answer: I'm going to be away while the audition is taking place (unfortunately). So this was the next best thing.
So go, vote for me, help me get this audition :).
My sincere thanks to you all if you go vote, and if I get the audition, you all get a hug! :D
Until next time...
Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uniFcO1Rv7Q
Now, I'm going away for a week-so what I need all of you wonderful people to do is go to: www.siteforrent.com and wait for them to post videos of whatever they're going to do, and then go VOTE for me!
If I get enough votes-I get to go to the audition!
Now, you may ask, why can't I just go to the open call and skip all of this voting nonsense? The answer: I'm going to be away while the audition is taking place (unfortunately). So this was the next best thing.
So go, vote for me, help me get this audition :).
My sincere thanks to you all if you go vote, and if I get the audition, you all get a hug! :D
Until next time...
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Connecting with the character
Sorry I haven't been around for a few days-rehearsal and babysitting are eating my time like woah.
Anyway...on with the show!!!
Let's do this slowly because a lot happened this weekend, and I don't want to forget any of it, otherwise one part of the story won't make sense to the other part.
So over the weekend, I was in the city for a friend's birthday party. After the party was over, I cabbed down to where La Cage Aux Folles is currently playing. Harvey Fierstein is in it right now, and if you've been paying attention-he's one of my heros.
I didn't get there in time to SEE the show, so I stagedoored it and waited for him to come outside. Now, he wasn't the only reason I decided to do this. Currently, a friend of mine is in the show as well, and I wanted to see him too.
When they came out, I said hi to Harvey (nothing like hearing my hero's voice live in front of me, talking to me and other people. This made me smile SO huge!), and grabbed my friend. While we walked, he was giving me some theatrical advice (Never, ever turn down advice, wisdom, or otherwise when it comes to the craft!).
Here's basically what he told me:
1) enjoy the journey
2) Own every moment you're in onstage
3)don't take lessons just so you can perform them. Take what you enjoy, and learn what you enjoy.
We said goodbye since he had to go home, but he had defenitly planted those seeds in my head that I took to rehearsal the following day.
Now here's where the story makes sense. I'm sitting with my script in rehearsal, and I can still feel the wall between myself, and my character. Since this is only the third rehearsal, this doesn't scare me as much as it bothers me.
I did my character development for her, to make her more real to me. I delivered the information to the rest of the cast, as we were told to, in the first person, telling the character's autobiography. But yet, I still find myself struggling slightly to connect with her.
While I was in school for theatre, we lived by the way of Stanislavski, and basically his take on it is: if you can't connect to a character for the exact situation that they're in, find a situation that's similiar in your past, and connect to the character in that way.
In my life, the only time I've really had to take on the type of role that my character has, is when I'm cleaning and stuff around the house-but when I do it at home, these are things that just need to get done, not because I'm getting paid for it.
I had this problem when I was in Charlotte's Web, too. It took me a few rehearsals to really get into and connect with the character.
The good thing about Maria, though (the one I'm playing now), is that I was able to make her closer to my age and give her this entire real backstory. Where as with Wilbur, he starts the show as a baby with no backstory whatsoever. So when I did my character development for him, I had to go from mid-show and work my way through the rest of his life.
With this, I'm able to do the character's entire past.
I may actually sit down and re-examine what I did with her, and maybe give her a better backstory to help myself connect more to her. I'll also be rehearsing lines in the next few days before the next rehearsal as well.
Whatever I do, I need to make sure I'm at least somewhat connected to this character by my next rehearsal on Monday, or learning my lines will be a bit difficult.
Until next time....
Anyway...on with the show!!!
Let's do this slowly because a lot happened this weekend, and I don't want to forget any of it, otherwise one part of the story won't make sense to the other part.
So over the weekend, I was in the city for a friend's birthday party. After the party was over, I cabbed down to where La Cage Aux Folles is currently playing. Harvey Fierstein is in it right now, and if you've been paying attention-he's one of my heros.
I didn't get there in time to SEE the show, so I stagedoored it and waited for him to come outside. Now, he wasn't the only reason I decided to do this. Currently, a friend of mine is in the show as well, and I wanted to see him too.
When they came out, I said hi to Harvey (nothing like hearing my hero's voice live in front of me, talking to me and other people. This made me smile SO huge!), and grabbed my friend. While we walked, he was giving me some theatrical advice (Never, ever turn down advice, wisdom, or otherwise when it comes to the craft!).
Here's basically what he told me:
1) enjoy the journey
2) Own every moment you're in onstage
3)don't take lessons just so you can perform them. Take what you enjoy, and learn what you enjoy.
We said goodbye since he had to go home, but he had defenitly planted those seeds in my head that I took to rehearsal the following day.
Now here's where the story makes sense. I'm sitting with my script in rehearsal, and I can still feel the wall between myself, and my character. Since this is only the third rehearsal, this doesn't scare me as much as it bothers me.
I did my character development for her, to make her more real to me. I delivered the information to the rest of the cast, as we were told to, in the first person, telling the character's autobiography. But yet, I still find myself struggling slightly to connect with her.
While I was in school for theatre, we lived by the way of Stanislavski, and basically his take on it is: if you can't connect to a character for the exact situation that they're in, find a situation that's similiar in your past, and connect to the character in that way.
In my life, the only time I've really had to take on the type of role that my character has, is when I'm cleaning and stuff around the house-but when I do it at home, these are things that just need to get done, not because I'm getting paid for it.
I had this problem when I was in Charlotte's Web, too. It took me a few rehearsals to really get into and connect with the character.
The good thing about Maria, though (the one I'm playing now), is that I was able to make her closer to my age and give her this entire real backstory. Where as with Wilbur, he starts the show as a baby with no backstory whatsoever. So when I did my character development for him, I had to go from mid-show and work my way through the rest of his life.
With this, I'm able to do the character's entire past.
I may actually sit down and re-examine what I did with her, and maybe give her a better backstory to help myself connect more to her. I'll also be rehearsing lines in the next few days before the next rehearsal as well.
Whatever I do, I need to make sure I'm at least somewhat connected to this character by my next rehearsal on Monday, or learning my lines will be a bit difficult.
Until next time....
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Possible audition?
Today, as I was sitting at the computer, just hanging out after my morning workout, a friend of mine sent me a link: To the open call for American Idiot's national tour!!
WHAT?!!!?? Open casting call!! I'm totally totally there!!!!
But-it's on April 9th. The Heiress (the show I'm in right now) opens on April 29th, so I just need to make sure I don't have rehearsal on April 9th. If I do, obviously The Heiress takes priority and I'm right there at rehearsal. Not a big deal.
If we don't have rehearsal that day though-I'm totally at the open call! It's in Boston, which isn't that far if you think about it, and I would totally be willing to go ahead and go there for the audition.
My only problem now remains to be finding an audition song. Hey, whether I can go to this thing or not, I need to have a rock song for an audition piece, because it's called upon more often than you'd think!
I have two options in my mind that I've been kicking around:
1) Pat Benetar- Hit me with your Best Shot: I used this song when I auditioned for a local production of "Rent" back last May. It was before I started voice lessons, and it wasn't my best performance that I've ever given.
While I do have a vocal coach now, this song proves harder than it sounds, and I learned that the hard way when I attempted to sing it, solely based off of her recording.
2) Black Velvet-I have a long history with this song. When I was younger (like 16), my friend recorded this song on her old demo CD. But, we were always singing this song. And it reminds me of her, and its a lower song.
The problem I have with this one is that I'd need to brush off the part of my voice and brain that does rock songs. All of my training that I've receieved from my vocal coaches (now, and when I was a kid), were all classical Broadway songs, or pop songs, and just an edge of rock- that I had to teach myself, using the tools of the other two styles.
But I haven't had to perform a rock song in a bit, and this is defenitly a rock song.
Opinions are welcome, and all that stuff.
Either way, I'm excited!!!!!
until next time....
WHAT?!!!?? Open casting call!! I'm totally totally there!!!!
But-it's on April 9th. The Heiress (the show I'm in right now) opens on April 29th, so I just need to make sure I don't have rehearsal on April 9th. If I do, obviously The Heiress takes priority and I'm right there at rehearsal. Not a big deal.
If we don't have rehearsal that day though-I'm totally at the open call! It's in Boston, which isn't that far if you think about it, and I would totally be willing to go ahead and go there for the audition.
My only problem now remains to be finding an audition song. Hey, whether I can go to this thing or not, I need to have a rock song for an audition piece, because it's called upon more often than you'd think!
I have two options in my mind that I've been kicking around:
1) Pat Benetar- Hit me with your Best Shot: I used this song when I auditioned for a local production of "Rent" back last May. It was before I started voice lessons, and it wasn't my best performance that I've ever given.
While I do have a vocal coach now, this song proves harder than it sounds, and I learned that the hard way when I attempted to sing it, solely based off of her recording.
2) Black Velvet-I have a long history with this song. When I was younger (like 16), my friend recorded this song on her old demo CD. But, we were always singing this song. And it reminds me of her, and its a lower song.
The problem I have with this one is that I'd need to brush off the part of my voice and brain that does rock songs. All of my training that I've receieved from my vocal coaches (now, and when I was a kid), were all classical Broadway songs, or pop songs, and just an edge of rock- that I had to teach myself, using the tools of the other two styles.
But I haven't had to perform a rock song in a bit, and this is defenitly a rock song.
Opinions are welcome, and all that stuff.
Either way, I'm excited!!!!!
until next time....
Monday, February 21, 2011
The Table Read..
So this past weekend, we had our first rehearsals for "The Heiress".
I love this process, so so much. This is where the work is, kids! Right here is how we actors make it look effortless onstage-because we rehearse it, and feel it out, and make it our own!
We got together twice this weekend. Saturday afternoon, we sat onstage, just a few of us in the cast since the whole group couldn't be there, and read through just some scenes that we were in.
Sunday though, was when things really started to kick off and the rehearsals, in my mind, actually began.
We had to be at the theatre for 7pm so we could all be together, and record the reading so that we could all get tapes to practice our lines (I will not be using this tape-I don't learn my lines like that, but to some actors in the cast, I know that tape will be GOLD!).
I got there late (not my usual habit-I find it rude, disrespectful and very unprofessional to show up to call late!) due to a family dinner that was mis-timed.
Anyway, when I got there, all the chairs were in a circle and a recording device was on a small table in the middle to record us.
This is when magic happened! Being able to hear everyone's voices, to see them breating life into these characters for the first time together. It was a bit of amazing!
As the reading went on -and it was a bit rusty, due to the fact that it was our first reading-, I could see us all getting more into our characters. We directed our voices to each other, and tried to make ourselves blend into this world that we have to re-create onstage for an audience at the end of April.
Listening to everyone, I could tell we were going to be a good group. The director of this production absolutely cast the show correctly (and believe me, I've seen performances, and been in performances where roles were terribly mis cast). And I can't wait to keep going, to get to know my character, Maria, better, and better yet, to get to know my fellow actors better.
Acting is funny- You go into a project with a group of essentially complete strangers (unless you've worked with them before), and by the end of the run of the show, you are a family, with a bond possibly stronger than the one you have with your own family. You have inside jokes, funny moments, memories, and stories that you tell with your theatre family year after year.
That's the great part about rehearsing, you get to mold, get to know your character, the world your character lives in, and get to play with them for as long as you'd like-until the end of the run.
This is just the beginning of a long road-we still have 2 months before we open for 4 weeks and 15 shows. By then..we'll be ready. And I'll keep everyone in the loop of what's going on and everything like that. Maybe I'll even put some pictures here, too :).
Until next time...
I love this process, so so much. This is where the work is, kids! Right here is how we actors make it look effortless onstage-because we rehearse it, and feel it out, and make it our own!
We got together twice this weekend. Saturday afternoon, we sat onstage, just a few of us in the cast since the whole group couldn't be there, and read through just some scenes that we were in.
Sunday though, was when things really started to kick off and the rehearsals, in my mind, actually began.
We had to be at the theatre for 7pm so we could all be together, and record the reading so that we could all get tapes to practice our lines (I will not be using this tape-I don't learn my lines like that, but to some actors in the cast, I know that tape will be GOLD!).
I got there late (not my usual habit-I find it rude, disrespectful and very unprofessional to show up to call late!) due to a family dinner that was mis-timed.
Anyway, when I got there, all the chairs were in a circle and a recording device was on a small table in the middle to record us.
This is when magic happened! Being able to hear everyone's voices, to see them breating life into these characters for the first time together. It was a bit of amazing!
As the reading went on -and it was a bit rusty, due to the fact that it was our first reading-, I could see us all getting more into our characters. We directed our voices to each other, and tried to make ourselves blend into this world that we have to re-create onstage for an audience at the end of April.
Listening to everyone, I could tell we were going to be a good group. The director of this production absolutely cast the show correctly (and believe me, I've seen performances, and been in performances where roles were terribly mis cast). And I can't wait to keep going, to get to know my character, Maria, better, and better yet, to get to know my fellow actors better.
Acting is funny- You go into a project with a group of essentially complete strangers (unless you've worked with them before), and by the end of the run of the show, you are a family, with a bond possibly stronger than the one you have with your own family. You have inside jokes, funny moments, memories, and stories that you tell with your theatre family year after year.
That's the great part about rehearsing, you get to mold, get to know your character, the world your character lives in, and get to play with them for as long as you'd like-until the end of the run.
This is just the beginning of a long road-we still have 2 months before we open for 4 weeks and 15 shows. By then..we'll be ready. And I'll keep everyone in the loop of what's going on and everything like that. Maybe I'll even put some pictures here, too :).
Until next time...
Sunday, February 13, 2011
I hope I get it...OMG! I GOT IT!!!!
So every actor waits for that moment...the moment after the audition is over, where they hold their breath as the phone rings, or the "you've got mail" voice is heard on their computer...
I've been SITTING on this information for weeks, because I wasn't allowed to say anything until tonight when it was finally announced.
A few weeks ago, I went on an audition for a show called "The Heiress", and am absolutely THRILLED to announce that I GOT THE SHOW!!!!!
My role is the role of the maid, Maria. I do what every maid does- serve the people she works for. But, its a substantial enough part :)
I actually start both acts! I'm very excited! We open on April 29th and run until May 29th-this means I have a project until the first week of JUNE!
When we start rehearsals on Saturday, I will blog and post all of the information about the show-how to get tickets, the playhouse's address, and maybe even ticket prices.
If anyone is interested in coming to see the show, please let me know, and then go ahead and order tickets! :)
Very excited and I just couldn't wait to share the information! :)
Until next time....
I've been SITTING on this information for weeks, because I wasn't allowed to say anything until tonight when it was finally announced.
A few weeks ago, I went on an audition for a show called "The Heiress", and am absolutely THRILLED to announce that I GOT THE SHOW!!!!!
My role is the role of the maid, Maria. I do what every maid does- serve the people she works for. But, its a substantial enough part :)
I actually start both acts! I'm very excited! We open on April 29th and run until May 29th-this means I have a project until the first week of JUNE!
When we start rehearsals on Saturday, I will blog and post all of the information about the show-how to get tickets, the playhouse's address, and maybe even ticket prices.
If anyone is interested in coming to see the show, please let me know, and then go ahead and order tickets! :)
Very excited and I just couldn't wait to share the information! :)
Until next time....
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
To Eat..or not to eat?
To eat or not to eat...that's always the question!
Sitting here, looking at the clock, I know have to be at the theatre do some backstage work for a production of "Barefoot in the Park". And, my refridgerator is empty, as is my freezer (I ate the last lean cusine at lunch time).
So here's my dilemma: What in the world am I going to eat tonight?
Anyone who's been following this blog, knows that I'm on a mission of sorts to lose weight, even going out and buying a Nintendo Wii to work out with.
I'm happy to report I've lost 8lbs so far, and that number of pounds lost I hope keeps climbing in the next few weeks.
Here's the problem though: With nothing in the house to eat for dinner...all I'm left with is picking something up on the way to the theatre-something, undoubtedly no damn good for me, or my goal, or my waistline, my pants..etc! You get the picture!
So what to do? Well, obviously this is going to take some careful planning. As I wasn't expecting to be working 'Barefoot..', I didn't carefully plan out how I was going to deal with the not being home at night to eat blah blah blah, and the whole, being on my own for dinner thing.
I had a plan for "The Heiress" that I auditioned for (more about that in another post), but not for this.
I'm flying by the seat of my pants here, kids!
Tonight, I succumb to my vice: Dunkin Donuts, as a source for my meal for the evening. But, I know that if this weight loss thing is going to work-that I need to cut that out!
Tomorrow, after babysitting (I picked up an early morning babysitting gig), I'll come home, nap, work out, and then carefully plan how I'm going to get through dinners on my own for this run of the show.
I do feel like all actors face this at some time or another, and I've seen pictures that prove this: What in the hell do you eat during show runs?
You can't eat anything heavy before a show-you just can't! Your nerves are in knots, and so is your stomach, your one focus is getting out there to entertain the people, and to have fun. Most of the time before a show, I'm just thinking of a quick snack or a small meal to hold me over so I don't pass out onstage from lack of anything in my system.
In a rarity, when I tech a show, I do like to eat before hand. If I'm not onstage, but am working at the thearte-which again, rarely happens because I keep myself ONSTAGE rather than OFF, I eat beforehand because it's just another part of my night to me.
That's just my take on it. With it being 5pm now, I need to get ready to go and then stop and get my dinner for tonight.
Until next time....
Sitting here, looking at the clock, I know have to be at the theatre do some backstage work for a production of "Barefoot in the Park". And, my refridgerator is empty, as is my freezer (I ate the last lean cusine at lunch time).
So here's my dilemma: What in the world am I going to eat tonight?
Anyone who's been following this blog, knows that I'm on a mission of sorts to lose weight, even going out and buying a Nintendo Wii to work out with.
I'm happy to report I've lost 8lbs so far, and that number of pounds lost I hope keeps climbing in the next few weeks.
Here's the problem though: With nothing in the house to eat for dinner...all I'm left with is picking something up on the way to the theatre-something, undoubtedly no damn good for me, or my goal, or my waistline, my pants..etc! You get the picture!
So what to do? Well, obviously this is going to take some careful planning. As I wasn't expecting to be working 'Barefoot..', I didn't carefully plan out how I was going to deal with the not being home at night to eat blah blah blah, and the whole, being on my own for dinner thing.
I had a plan for "The Heiress" that I auditioned for (more about that in another post), but not for this.
I'm flying by the seat of my pants here, kids!
Tonight, I succumb to my vice: Dunkin Donuts, as a source for my meal for the evening. But, I know that if this weight loss thing is going to work-that I need to cut that out!
Tomorrow, after babysitting (I picked up an early morning babysitting gig), I'll come home, nap, work out, and then carefully plan how I'm going to get through dinners on my own for this run of the show.
I do feel like all actors face this at some time or another, and I've seen pictures that prove this: What in the hell do you eat during show runs?
You can't eat anything heavy before a show-you just can't! Your nerves are in knots, and so is your stomach, your one focus is getting out there to entertain the people, and to have fun. Most of the time before a show, I'm just thinking of a quick snack or a small meal to hold me over so I don't pass out onstage from lack of anything in my system.
In a rarity, when I tech a show, I do like to eat before hand. If I'm not onstage, but am working at the thearte-which again, rarely happens because I keep myself ONSTAGE rather than OFF, I eat beforehand because it's just another part of my night to me.
That's just my take on it. With it being 5pm now, I need to get ready to go and then stop and get my dinner for tonight.
Until next time....
Saturday, January 29, 2011
I want to share the stage with.....
So last week, I wrote a blog listing the people I would love to share the stage with, and hope to one day either see me perform or perform with them.
I also said that I would write something up, telling everyone why. I don't know why I've decided to do this, but I feel that I need to identify these things, both for myself, and for people that I tell these things to and they go "who's that?", or "why them?".
I need to start by saying that this is in no specific order:
1) Terrence Mann- Okay, I saw him perform in Beauty and the Beast when I was 10 years old, and loved it, and him! That show made me want to perform at all, and absolutely inspired me. He, himself is a wonderful, wonderful actor. I've seen him in other, more serious roles, such as Javert, and Bob on "The Dresden Files", and I love just watching his process, you can tell each word is thought about, and caluclated, even though someone else wrote it-he thinks each word through before he delivers it, and I love it. His stamp of approval of my performance would mean the world to me.
2) Nathan Lane-This guy is amazing on another level entirely! He's another wonderful actor I admire greatly. He's funny, he's right on the mark with his timing and he's great. I don't remember the first time I saw or heard Nathan Lane, I just know he was always someone I really really loved as a performer. I finally had the chance to see him twice. Once in "November", and twice (and soon to be three times), in "The Addams Family", and he is absolutely everything I thought he would be onstage and more.
3) Harvey Fierstein- There aren't enough words in the vocabulary to describe my love for this man as a performer, and as a writer. Harvey is one of my biggest influences, and one of my main reasons for being in this industry at all. I saw him when I was a kid in "Mrs. Doubtfire", and have been hooked on him ever since. His movie/show "Torch Song Trilogy" was wonderfully written and beautifully executed.I even used one of those monologues for my oral interpretation class in college. He has the power to make me laugh, and cry, in the same sentence. I had the wonderful pleasure of seeing him in "A Catered Affair", which he wrote, and will be seeing him again in "La Cage Aux Folles", which he also wrote. I would love to have my work evaluated by him as well, or to perform with him.
4) Adam Pascal- This. Man. Is. A. Machine! He's just a machine, and in the best way possible. I know other people share my opinion of this, but he IS Roger Davis, and there isn't another one in my mind. Not because he was the first and blah blah blah. But, because I feel that his Roger has a bit more of an edge than I've seen with other people who have tried to play the role. He's a passionate performer when he's doing his own work, and I can see in his performances, that he truely connects with his words, and his audiences. At the same time, he's not afraid to be silly and poke fun of himself occasionally. This is why I'd love to share the stage with this man.
5) Anthony Rapp- I've never seen a performer bare his soul like Anthony does. Between his book, and his one man show, and everything in between, when Anthony is onstage he lets himself just fall right into the character he's playing-even if that character is himself. He's a genuine person, and really is a wonderful performer.
6) Larry Edoff- Larry's cool. He plays the piano for Adam in his show, and in my mind is just as talented. His voice is wonderful, and I have had the pleasure to meet him and speak to him at length several times. He's always nothing but wonderful, and a really nice guy.
While this is just a short list, these are the main people and reasons why I do what I do, and who inspires me, whom I'd love to share the stage with, and whom one day would love to perform for and get their opinion of said performance.
I also said that I would write something up, telling everyone why. I don't know why I've decided to do this, but I feel that I need to identify these things, both for myself, and for people that I tell these things to and they go "who's that?", or "why them?".
I need to start by saying that this is in no specific order:
1) Terrence Mann- Okay, I saw him perform in Beauty and the Beast when I was 10 years old, and loved it, and him! That show made me want to perform at all, and absolutely inspired me. He, himself is a wonderful, wonderful actor. I've seen him in other, more serious roles, such as Javert, and Bob on "The Dresden Files", and I love just watching his process, you can tell each word is thought about, and caluclated, even though someone else wrote it-he thinks each word through before he delivers it, and I love it. His stamp of approval of my performance would mean the world to me.
2) Nathan Lane-This guy is amazing on another level entirely! He's another wonderful actor I admire greatly. He's funny, he's right on the mark with his timing and he's great. I don't remember the first time I saw or heard Nathan Lane, I just know he was always someone I really really loved as a performer. I finally had the chance to see him twice. Once in "November", and twice (and soon to be three times), in "The Addams Family", and he is absolutely everything I thought he would be onstage and more.
3) Harvey Fierstein- There aren't enough words in the vocabulary to describe my love for this man as a performer, and as a writer. Harvey is one of my biggest influences, and one of my main reasons for being in this industry at all. I saw him when I was a kid in "Mrs. Doubtfire", and have been hooked on him ever since. His movie/show "Torch Song Trilogy" was wonderfully written and beautifully executed.I even used one of those monologues for my oral interpretation class in college. He has the power to make me laugh, and cry, in the same sentence. I had the wonderful pleasure of seeing him in "A Catered Affair", which he wrote, and will be seeing him again in "La Cage Aux Folles", which he also wrote. I would love to have my work evaluated by him as well, or to perform with him.
4) Adam Pascal- This. Man. Is. A. Machine! He's just a machine, and in the best way possible. I know other people share my opinion of this, but he IS Roger Davis, and there isn't another one in my mind. Not because he was the first and blah blah blah. But, because I feel that his Roger has a bit more of an edge than I've seen with other people who have tried to play the role. He's a passionate performer when he's doing his own work, and I can see in his performances, that he truely connects with his words, and his audiences. At the same time, he's not afraid to be silly and poke fun of himself occasionally. This is why I'd love to share the stage with this man.
5) Anthony Rapp- I've never seen a performer bare his soul like Anthony does. Between his book, and his one man show, and everything in between, when Anthony is onstage he lets himself just fall right into the character he's playing-even if that character is himself. He's a genuine person, and really is a wonderful performer.
6) Larry Edoff- Larry's cool. He plays the piano for Adam in his show, and in my mind is just as talented. His voice is wonderful, and I have had the pleasure to meet him and speak to him at length several times. He's always nothing but wonderful, and a really nice guy.
While this is just a short list, these are the main people and reasons why I do what I do, and who inspires me, whom I'd love to share the stage with, and whom one day would love to perform for and get their opinion of said performance.
Friday, January 28, 2011
What the....?
What happens when you don't nail an AUDITION????
Recently I took a leap of faith and submitted my resume and headshot to a singer showcase in NYC at the suggestion of my college roommate.
However, unlike her..I haven't heard from them yet. I may not hear from them at all. So how do you deal with it when you don't even land the audition? Don't even get seen.
No...seriously? How do you deal with it? The rational part of my head keeps saying 'this is ONE audition, don't put so much stress on yourself-it's going to happen, so just work for it, let it, move onto the next role or the next audition..."
On the other hand, the part of my brain that houses the actor in me goes "HOLY JEEBUS!! They didn't even want to HEAR from me?! What did they see on my resume they didn't like? Is my headshot not good?! I need answers, damnit!"
So, again, what does this do to the psyche? For starters: I haven't slept right, I've noticed as I take more and more leaps of faith, and more and more auditions come around, I get less and less sleep. When I do sleep,the dreams that I have are weird and vivid, or they're nightmares that I need to differenciate from reality when I wake up.
It also has me craving approval-I need to hear someone tell me I'm good! I need to. I need to know that I'm not doing all of this for nothing, and I need to know that there are people out there that realize that this is serious to me, and I don't take it lightly.
I realize I won't get every part I go out for...but to not even land an audition? What's that say? That is the question I'll ask myself about this failed "audition" over and over again.
They could surprise me though, they could e-mail me Monday (audition is on Thursday), and let me know they DO want to see me. But, as it stands right now, that's not going to happen.
*sigh* This is the business I chose, and I knew what was going to happen going into it. Doesn't mean that it doesn't play with the mind every so often.
We'll see what happens....oh, and I may have an announcement here sooner rather than later...I'll let you all know :)
Recently I took a leap of faith and submitted my resume and headshot to a singer showcase in NYC at the suggestion of my college roommate.
However, unlike her..I haven't heard from them yet. I may not hear from them at all. So how do you deal with it when you don't even land the audition? Don't even get seen.
No...seriously? How do you deal with it? The rational part of my head keeps saying 'this is ONE audition, don't put so much stress on yourself-it's going to happen, so just work for it, let it, move onto the next role or the next audition..."
On the other hand, the part of my brain that houses the actor in me goes "HOLY JEEBUS!! They didn't even want to HEAR from me?! What did they see on my resume they didn't like? Is my headshot not good?! I need answers, damnit!"
So, again, what does this do to the psyche? For starters: I haven't slept right, I've noticed as I take more and more leaps of faith, and more and more auditions come around, I get less and less sleep. When I do sleep,the dreams that I have are weird and vivid, or they're nightmares that I need to differenciate from reality when I wake up.
It also has me craving approval-I need to hear someone tell me I'm good! I need to. I need to know that I'm not doing all of this for nothing, and I need to know that there are people out there that realize that this is serious to me, and I don't take it lightly.
I realize I won't get every part I go out for...but to not even land an audition? What's that say? That is the question I'll ask myself about this failed "audition" over and over again.
They could surprise me though, they could e-mail me Monday (audition is on Thursday), and let me know they DO want to see me. But, as it stands right now, that's not going to happen.
*sigh* This is the business I chose, and I knew what was going to happen going into it. Doesn't mean that it doesn't play with the mind every so often.
We'll see what happens....oh, and I may have an announcement here sooner rather than later...I'll let you all know :)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Taking a leap of faith
A leeeeeeaaaapppp o-o-of...faaaiittthh!!!
Sorry, had to do it! Thinking about Jonathan Larson tonight. Anyway!
On with the show!
So tonight my college roommate called me and she told me that she was accepted into the Bound for Broadway singers showcase in the West Village..WHAT?!! Amazingness!
What's even more amazing, is that the ad was still on playbill.com. Where I found it like she did, and sent them my own resume/headshot and cover letter.
Now, I'm waiting to see if I get an audition like she did. We're looking to do this together, because really, it's not fun doing it by yourself, and it just adds that extra element to the audition if you're doing it with a real friend.
This is HUGE for me. The last time I went to a NY audition was for some showbiz expo thing, that really didn't have much there. And the 2 auditions I did, took all of a half an hour. This, if this happens...could have the potential to be absolutely freaking AMAZING!!!!
Again though, I'm playing the waiting game and I really hope to hear from them soon since my friend's audition is on Feb 3rd. I need to prep if I'm going into this thing :).
I may have an announcement by the end of the week....we'll see :)
Until then....
Sorry, had to do it! Thinking about Jonathan Larson tonight. Anyway!
On with the show!
So tonight my college roommate called me and she told me that she was accepted into the Bound for Broadway singers showcase in the West Village..WHAT?!! Amazingness!
What's even more amazing, is that the ad was still on playbill.com. Where I found it like she did, and sent them my own resume/headshot and cover letter.
Now, I'm waiting to see if I get an audition like she did. We're looking to do this together, because really, it's not fun doing it by yourself, and it just adds that extra element to the audition if you're doing it with a real friend.
This is HUGE for me. The last time I went to a NY audition was for some showbiz expo thing, that really didn't have much there. And the 2 auditions I did, took all of a half an hour. This, if this happens...could have the potential to be absolutely freaking AMAZING!!!!
Again though, I'm playing the waiting game and I really hope to hear from them soon since my friend's audition is on Feb 3rd. I need to prep if I'm going into this thing :).
I may have an announcement by the end of the week....we'll see :)
Until then....
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Dreams and Bucket List
Sorry I've been gone for a few days. Hurt my back while using the Wii Fit on Wednesday, and it still hurts :(. I think I pulled something.
Anyway, on with the show...
So, every actor has that thought, that fleeting dream in the back of their minds, and a sentence that sounds like this "One day, I want to share the stage with...." and then their person's name there.
For some people, like myself, there are many, many names that could go in that space. And I put them all on a piece of paper, and I carry it with me in my purse, almost like a reminder to put fire under my butt and do this thing before it's too late (for them, or for me).
I had written a note on facebook a while back about my "bucket list", now unlike most bucket lists-I'm not dying, these aren't things I'm looking to do before I kick said bucket, these are things I want to do, people I want to perform with, before I feel I've gotten too old to have this sort of notion.
Some of the names, my readers will know, some, maybe not so much. My reasons for wanting to perform with them are mine, and maybe sometime this coming week I'll put up a blog about who inspires me and why, and who I'd like to share the stage with.
For now, I can, and will tell you who'd I'd love to share the stage with one day: Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp, Larry Edoff (subsequently enough, they're all doing a tour together right now), Harvey Fierstein (the whole reason I'm in theatre in the first place), Terrence Mann (another reason why I'm in theatre), and Nathan Lane (yet, one more reason).
Did you see that list? You know how much ass I have to haul to get to perform with some of these people?
Hopefully, I've picked up a project that will take me through almost the first week of June. But, as soon as that project is over, I'm going to start this list, and come hell or high water, I will share the stage with/perform for, these people.
I mean, hell, without dreams like this, Disney as the way we know it wouldn't exist...and look how much HE got accomplished, just from a WILD notion like this...
Anyway, on with the show...
So, every actor has that thought, that fleeting dream in the back of their minds, and a sentence that sounds like this "One day, I want to share the stage with...." and then their person's name there.
For some people, like myself, there are many, many names that could go in that space. And I put them all on a piece of paper, and I carry it with me in my purse, almost like a reminder to put fire under my butt and do this thing before it's too late (for them, or for me).
I had written a note on facebook a while back about my "bucket list", now unlike most bucket lists-I'm not dying, these aren't things I'm looking to do before I kick said bucket, these are things I want to do, people I want to perform with, before I feel I've gotten too old to have this sort of notion.
Some of the names, my readers will know, some, maybe not so much. My reasons for wanting to perform with them are mine, and maybe sometime this coming week I'll put up a blog about who inspires me and why, and who I'd like to share the stage with.
For now, I can, and will tell you who'd I'd love to share the stage with one day: Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp, Larry Edoff (subsequently enough, they're all doing a tour together right now), Harvey Fierstein (the whole reason I'm in theatre in the first place), Terrence Mann (another reason why I'm in theatre), and Nathan Lane (yet, one more reason).
Did you see that list? You know how much ass I have to haul to get to perform with some of these people?
Hopefully, I've picked up a project that will take me through almost the first week of June. But, as soon as that project is over, I'm going to start this list, and come hell or high water, I will share the stage with/perform for, these people.
I mean, hell, without dreams like this, Disney as the way we know it wouldn't exist...and look how much HE got accomplished, just from a WILD notion like this...
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The waiting game SUCKS
As you all know, I had an audition over the weekend, and before you get all excited-NO, I haven't heard about the part yet.
That, I believe is the hardest part of this industry. That's the thing that keeps us actors up at night for weeks on end while we audition our hearts out-The WAITING Game!
It's not hard to get the audition, its not hard to prepare, or to travel to the audition, and even though the audition is nerve wracking, and you will always be thinking "OH! I could've done that better, give me one more shot!", the thing that is the hardest part about this-is the waiting.
Right now, as we speak, I am anxiously awaiting an e-mail, a call, a text, or a facebook message from my director, letting me know whether I've gotten the role or not.
What has this done to me? What does the waiting do? I've lost sleep! I haven't slept right since the audition. I spoke to an actor on facebook last night-someone I speak to sometimes, when he's on, if I have to congratulate him for something. I don't claim to know him, or that I hang out with him, or anything like that. Its just someone I speak to ONLINE every so often. And in my weird, whacked out dream last night, I was talking to him on the PHONE as if we'd been friends for years!
As you can see, it causes strange, unpredictable dreams too, this, waiting game. It plays with you while you're awake too. Every phone call, your heart drops to your stomach. The words "You've Got Mail!" take on new meaning, is the new mail from them? Am I in? Or, am I stalking out that next audition, praying to pick up a project?
You prepare for both scenerios. On one hand, if I get the part, I know what that'll mean. It'll mean long days, longer nights, dunkin donuts coffee, barely seeing my family as I rush off to rehearsal every night, memorizing lines, blocking, costume fittings, and everything else in between that comes along with picking up a project. I prepare to clear my schedule, and know that a night off will be a blessing.
On the other hand: I don't get the part, and I start stalking Actors' Access, or Backstage, or even nj.com for the next audition. I prepare another monologue so that I'm prepared at a moment's notice, I schedule head shot time, and I know...it could be awhile before I step foot on a stage. A good, long while. And that's the part that keeps me and every actor awake at night: which hand will it be?
Only time will tell...Until then...I continue to wait....
That, I believe is the hardest part of this industry. That's the thing that keeps us actors up at night for weeks on end while we audition our hearts out-The WAITING Game!
It's not hard to get the audition, its not hard to prepare, or to travel to the audition, and even though the audition is nerve wracking, and you will always be thinking "OH! I could've done that better, give me one more shot!", the thing that is the hardest part about this-is the waiting.
Right now, as we speak, I am anxiously awaiting an e-mail, a call, a text, or a facebook message from my director, letting me know whether I've gotten the role or not.
What has this done to me? What does the waiting do? I've lost sleep! I haven't slept right since the audition. I spoke to an actor on facebook last night-someone I speak to sometimes, when he's on, if I have to congratulate him for something. I don't claim to know him, or that I hang out with him, or anything like that. Its just someone I speak to ONLINE every so often. And in my weird, whacked out dream last night, I was talking to him on the PHONE as if we'd been friends for years!
As you can see, it causes strange, unpredictable dreams too, this, waiting game. It plays with you while you're awake too. Every phone call, your heart drops to your stomach. The words "You've Got Mail!" take on new meaning, is the new mail from them? Am I in? Or, am I stalking out that next audition, praying to pick up a project?
You prepare for both scenerios. On one hand, if I get the part, I know what that'll mean. It'll mean long days, longer nights, dunkin donuts coffee, barely seeing my family as I rush off to rehearsal every night, memorizing lines, blocking, costume fittings, and everything else in between that comes along with picking up a project. I prepare to clear my schedule, and know that a night off will be a blessing.
On the other hand: I don't get the part, and I start stalking Actors' Access, or Backstage, or even nj.com for the next audition. I prepare another monologue so that I'm prepared at a moment's notice, I schedule head shot time, and I know...it could be awhile before I step foot on a stage. A good, long while. And that's the part that keeps me and every actor awake at night: which hand will it be?
Only time will tell...Until then...I continue to wait....
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Weight loss=more acting gigs?
Let's start this by saying: I'm NOT a video game person, the only system I can truely call mine in this house is my SuperNintendo system, and I love the thing. That and my DSi, which I play Mario on anyway-you get my point!
My brother, on the other hand, has every system that has ever been around. Which, he either still has, or it has at least taken residence in my house for a period of time. Including the Nintendo Wii system.
Now, like I said, usually I don't look at the system, I don't know the system, it doesn't know me-we just don't get along. But, while my brother was home from winter break, he suggested the game Wii Fit to me-a game that will actually help me lose weight.
Hmm...skepticisim. I'm the type of person you need to trick into working out. I don't do the gym, I find it boring. I can't do the same stuff at home, because again-boring. If I'm going to work out, please, for the love of cake-trick me into doing it!
So, we go down to the local GameStop where he works while he's at home, and I purchased a pre-owned Wii Fit, and board. $60 something dollars later, I'm now the semi-proud owner of this device that practically promises results, as long as you use it for at least a half an hour a day everyday.
So, there it sits, for almost a week, without me having touched it. My brother and mom have both used it, and it looks like a lot of fun-but I don't excersise with people around, I just, don't. I never have, and never will. I get self concious-I'm not performing, damnit, I'm working out, don't look at me!
I finally have a night where nobody is around, so I plugged the game in, and worked out for a half an hour-this was last week. And I loved it! I turned the game off after the half hour and haven't touched it since, since there were always people around-mainly my family.
Then yesterday, mom and I were talking about the game, since I had a 7 day grace period to return it and get my money back-which my brother kept insisting I could do, since nobody had SEEN me use the device. I told them no, I bought it, it's mine, I'm keeping it. I'm going to actually give this a try.
As my brother kept babbling on about something, my mom looked at me, and asked if I were going to use it to lose weight. I said yes, and then she said something to the effect of "good, overweight actresses are hardly successful."
Now, in one part of my brain-I was jumping up and down screaming things like "WHAATT!!!? pick a direction-do you consider me an actress or not?!", the other half of my brain went "wait a tick....that may explain a lot."
So here's my question- doesmy weight loss equal more roles for me? I think it might. Considering most actors (going with female now, the word actress was actually denonced about a year ago-now you're an actor reguardless of gender), are tiny to fit into costumes, be lifted up by men, and all that goes in between-it actually does make sense.
Today is day #2 with this thing (remember I used it last week, too), and I'm going to track my results in the form of this blog, as well as continuing with the other stuff that I've BEEN writing about.
But, this is a big part of being an actor-taking care of yourself. I'll admit, I haven't taken the BEST care of myself (I once went through a whole summer eating almost nothing but Taco Bell for lunch), but I take better care of myself now than I ever did. And if this thing helps me to do what I would do at a gym, without the unfortunate side affects of you know, paying for a membership, working out in public, and then having to make the effort to get there and back, then I'll do it and see what happens.
For now, the Wii Fit calls, and I must go try this thing for at least a half hour. And just because everyone's curious-no, I haven't heard about the audition I just had quite yet. The director said it'd be by the end of the week.
Will keep you posted :)
My brother, on the other hand, has every system that has ever been around. Which, he either still has, or it has at least taken residence in my house for a period of time. Including the Nintendo Wii system.
Now, like I said, usually I don't look at the system, I don't know the system, it doesn't know me-we just don't get along. But, while my brother was home from winter break, he suggested the game Wii Fit to me-a game that will actually help me lose weight.
Hmm...skepticisim. I'm the type of person you need to trick into working out. I don't do the gym, I find it boring. I can't do the same stuff at home, because again-boring. If I'm going to work out, please, for the love of cake-trick me into doing it!
So, we go down to the local GameStop where he works while he's at home, and I purchased a pre-owned Wii Fit, and board. $60 something dollars later, I'm now the semi-proud owner of this device that practically promises results, as long as you use it for at least a half an hour a day everyday.
So, there it sits, for almost a week, without me having touched it. My brother and mom have both used it, and it looks like a lot of fun-but I don't excersise with people around, I just, don't. I never have, and never will. I get self concious-I'm not performing, damnit, I'm working out, don't look at me!
I finally have a night where nobody is around, so I plugged the game in, and worked out for a half an hour-this was last week. And I loved it! I turned the game off after the half hour and haven't touched it since, since there were always people around-mainly my family.
Then yesterday, mom and I were talking about the game, since I had a 7 day grace period to return it and get my money back-which my brother kept insisting I could do, since nobody had SEEN me use the device. I told them no, I bought it, it's mine, I'm keeping it. I'm going to actually give this a try.
As my brother kept babbling on about something, my mom looked at me, and asked if I were going to use it to lose weight. I said yes, and then she said something to the effect of "good, overweight actresses are hardly successful."
Now, in one part of my brain-I was jumping up and down screaming things like "WHAATT!!!? pick a direction-do you consider me an actress or not?!", the other half of my brain went "wait a tick....that may explain a lot."
So here's my question- doesmy weight loss equal more roles for me? I think it might. Considering most actors (going with female now, the word actress was actually denonced about a year ago-now you're an actor reguardless of gender), are tiny to fit into costumes, be lifted up by men, and all that goes in between-it actually does make sense.
Today is day #2 with this thing (remember I used it last week, too), and I'm going to track my results in the form of this blog, as well as continuing with the other stuff that I've BEEN writing about.
But, this is a big part of being an actor-taking care of yourself. I'll admit, I haven't taken the BEST care of myself (I once went through a whole summer eating almost nothing but Taco Bell for lunch), but I take better care of myself now than I ever did. And if this thing helps me to do what I would do at a gym, without the unfortunate side affects of you know, paying for a membership, working out in public, and then having to make the effort to get there and back, then I'll do it and see what happens.
For now, the Wii Fit calls, and I must go try this thing for at least a half hour. And just because everyone's curious-no, I haven't heard about the audition I just had quite yet. The director said it'd be by the end of the week.
Will keep you posted :)
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Can I read that part, too?
So I went to my audition today, and I think that it went pretty decently well. There weren't too too many peeople there, which was a great thing to see for me, to be able to see my competition, and see who else was there for the part I was going out for.Here's the thing though: When you go to an audition, there's always a line that reads something to the effect of: "what role are you auditioning for?". Now, the smart auditionee will write: "Any". This means, you aren't limited to the role you are going out for. Makes you a lot more castable.
However, that logic backfired on me today at the audition. I filled out the form as I was supposed to, and when prompted to answer that question, I answered "any". Oh boy....
So the only other girl that was there was also my age, and must have put a character name in, because that's the ONLY role the director had her read.*sigh* I wanted to read that role, too. But, unfortunately, I wasn't asked to read the role as she had. I was asked to read 2 other roles. One of which being a much, much older character than I am (and by that I mean, the character has at least a 20 year old daughter).
That's the luck of the draw though when you go into the audition, but at the same time, I wish she had asked me to read for that other part. It's what I really wanted, but usually, when at an audition, the director likes to hear the same type of people read the same parts. But, this time, the other girl read only that one part, and I was asked to read 2 other parts instead.
Otherwise, the audition went wonderfully. I don't know if I'll get a role....but it makes me think that I might be finally getting a project for the next few months. I should know within the week, since the policy of the theatre is to let all auditionees know whether or not they got a role.
Will keep you all posted as to what's going on as I find out.
Stay tuned!
However, that logic backfired on me today at the audition. I filled out the form as I was supposed to, and when prompted to answer that question, I answered "any". Oh boy....
So the only other girl that was there was also my age, and must have put a character name in, because that's the ONLY role the director had her read.*sigh* I wanted to read that role, too. But, unfortunately, I wasn't asked to read the role as she had. I was asked to read 2 other roles. One of which being a much, much older character than I am (and by that I mean, the character has at least a 20 year old daughter).
That's the luck of the draw though when you go into the audition, but at the same time, I wish she had asked me to read for that other part. It's what I really wanted, but usually, when at an audition, the director likes to hear the same type of people read the same parts. But, this time, the other girl read only that one part, and I was asked to read 2 other parts instead.
Otherwise, the audition went wonderfully. I don't know if I'll get a role....but it makes me think that I might be finally getting a project for the next few months. I should know within the week, since the policy of the theatre is to let all auditionees know whether or not they got a role.
Will keep you all posted as to what's going on as I find out.
Stay tuned!
Audition tomorrow!
Well, the internal countdown is over, and my audition is tomorrow at 1pm. Right now, it's 2:30am and I'm up instead of sleeping like I should be doing.
I spoke with a friend tonight, and told her I was nervous-not about the audition itself, but about who else might be auditioning.
See, that's the paranoia. That's the thing that'll eat away at me until after the audition is over. The thing that'll keep me from eating anything in the morning, and the feeling that'll bring me to Dunkin Donuts for a coffee before I go so that I don't pass out.
**I do try to eat at least eggos or something before I leave for an audition like this, though. The coffee helps calm the nerves somewhat**
Then there's that nagging question of "do they already have people in mind for these roles?". If they do, you walk into a losing battle already. If a director has a show pre-cast in their minds, unless you give an absolute, TONY/OSCAR winning performance-there's no way you're getting that role. In that case, the director is just waiting for the people they've pegged in their head to come in and audition for them.
Whatever the case may be- I'm prepared in every other way. I know the part I'm going out for, I've memorized the monologue, which I'll film and try to put on here for interested parties to see, and my resume has been printed. Everything is all set.
Now if I could just shake that thought out of my mind, I'll be okay.
I have my suspicions based on who I know at the theatre I'm at, and I know pretty much where everyone is talent wise. But then there's always that one person who shows up outta the blue and BAM! throws me the hell off. Because they'll get up onstage and just knock it out of the park.
I know that's the nature of the game, and I know any theatre always has that ace in the hole-this actor/actress can play any role at a *snap's* notice. I know that, and I'm always prepared for that. I just need to re-learn how to go with the curveballs that auditions throw at me. I got so accostmed to seeing the same people audition over and over again in college, that there really were no curveballs. You talked, you asked around, you HELPED each other prepare! There was no real competition-we were going in there together, even if only one of us got a part.
But here, I can feel the comeptition, and it's a weird feeling for me, even though I'm trained to do it. I didn't get every role I auditioned for in college, and I won't get every role I audition for post-college. It's that damn WILD card though, that gets me nervous before each one. And while I can sit here, freezing in my kitchen, with my eyes half closed, and my body telling me I should be done for the day, I know that I need to be on my toes tomorrow, because it could be a ROOM full of wild cards-not just one. And I need to stand my ground tomorrow, and go in there and do what I'M TRAINED TO DO!
Well, as it says in "A Chorus Line", this is what I'm doing for love. Let's see if it'll love me back tomorrow.... I'll keep you all posted.
I spoke with a friend tonight, and told her I was nervous-not about the audition itself, but about who else might be auditioning.
See, that's the paranoia. That's the thing that'll eat away at me until after the audition is over. The thing that'll keep me from eating anything in the morning, and the feeling that'll bring me to Dunkin Donuts for a coffee before I go so that I don't pass out.
**I do try to eat at least eggos or something before I leave for an audition like this, though. The coffee helps calm the nerves somewhat**
Then there's that nagging question of "do they already have people in mind for these roles?". If they do, you walk into a losing battle already. If a director has a show pre-cast in their minds, unless you give an absolute, TONY/OSCAR winning performance-there's no way you're getting that role. In that case, the director is just waiting for the people they've pegged in their head to come in and audition for them.
Whatever the case may be- I'm prepared in every other way. I know the part I'm going out for, I've memorized the monologue, which I'll film and try to put on here for interested parties to see, and my resume has been printed. Everything is all set.
Now if I could just shake that thought out of my mind, I'll be okay.
I have my suspicions based on who I know at the theatre I'm at, and I know pretty much where everyone is talent wise. But then there's always that one person who shows up outta the blue and BAM! throws me the hell off. Because they'll get up onstage and just knock it out of the park.
I know that's the nature of the game, and I know any theatre always has that ace in the hole-this actor/actress can play any role at a *snap's* notice. I know that, and I'm always prepared for that. I just need to re-learn how to go with the curveballs that auditions throw at me. I got so accostmed to seeing the same people audition over and over again in college, that there really were no curveballs. You talked, you asked around, you HELPED each other prepare! There was no real competition-we were going in there together, even if only one of us got a part.
But here, I can feel the comeptition, and it's a weird feeling for me, even though I'm trained to do it. I didn't get every role I auditioned for in college, and I won't get every role I audition for post-college. It's that damn WILD card though, that gets me nervous before each one. And while I can sit here, freezing in my kitchen, with my eyes half closed, and my body telling me I should be done for the day, I know that I need to be on my toes tomorrow, because it could be a ROOM full of wild cards-not just one. And I need to stand my ground tomorrow, and go in there and do what I'M TRAINED TO DO!
Well, as it says in "A Chorus Line", this is what I'm doing for love. Let's see if it'll love me back tomorrow.... I'll keep you all posted.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Audition this weekend!!!
Going to an audition for me is almost like Christmas-except there's no guaranteed gift of a role, or a project when the audition is done-the excitement is the same though!!
This audition is this coming Sunday for a show called "The Heiress", now, while I don't know too too much about this show, the company I am auditioning for, Center Players, my home since I graduated college, was nice enough to put a small description on the facebook event page:
"The Heiress" is set in NYC in the 1850s. This period classic tells of a shy and socially naive young woman, who falls desperately in love with a charming young man. Her critical father, a successful and wealthy doctor does not approve of the marriage and threatens to disinherit her if she proceeds with the wedding plans. This beautifully written drama explores the social and economic structure of the times, while continuing to illuminate relationships of fathers, daughters, lovers, and close family members that are still relevant in today's world.
Sounds pretty cool, right? I bought the play and need to read it asap before this audition.
So..what exactly do I do for audition prep? Here's "my process", and I've found every actor has a different one:
1)I'm making sure my face is as clear as it can be by washing it two times a day (instead of the once at night that I normally can get away with)
2) I purchased the play and intend to read it cover to cover before going into the audition room.I need to know my character before I try to play with her.
3) Do a brief character breakdown/backstory so I can really get in touch with who this person is
4) make sure my resume is printed
5) part of any audition could always be to prepare a 1-2 minute monologue-from memory. So therefore, I'm preparing my memorized monologue as well (which is a WHOLE different ball game in of itself!)
6) do the laundry-I know this seems trivial, and something that we all do anyway. But for an audition, I like to plan my outfits ahead- If I can avoid it, I never wear white to an audition. No, this isnt a supersition, if you wear white onstage without the right lighting you get completely lost up there and nobody will be able to see you!
7) Do a sketch of my makeup for audition day in my mind. You never want to wear too too much makeup. Let's not doll ourselves up like cheap whores, okay? Leave that for when you're in Cabaret or something like that!
8) I'm also in the process of finding out WHO else is auditioning. Now, I've gotten lucky for this audition because it's my the playhouse where I feel most comfortable. I know what skill sets the people coming out for this have, and I know the director as I've worked with her before, so I know what to expect.
But in a few weeks I'll have another audition, for Hairspray, and I'm a stranger at that theater.I don't know them, they don't know me, and I won't personally know anyone auditioning. So I'll need to do as much research as I can (knowing the show before I walk into an audition helps me with this. If I can do a better character than anyone else based on what I know-I go with that!)
And when I do get to NY, forget it! Whole new ball game and I might not even know the show-the wits'll kick in at that point and I'll just prepare for everything in the previous steps.
Now, I also have a proces on the day OF the actual audition:
1) Get up before 11am. Again, trivial-but I LOOOOVE my sleep, like every actor who keeps an irratic schedule. Go to bed late, wake up late! But I will blast my ass out of bed at 10 am to get ready for a 1pm audition.
2) Wash my face early. I wash it as soon as I get up, in most cases before I eat anything. I do this because my skin on my face is sensetive, and sometimes it will get red, blotchy and itchy right after being washed. I wash it early enough and my skin has a chance to calm down before I have to put make up on it.
3) EAT! The nerves will be there one way or another, and I never know HOW long I'll be at an audition, so I always make sure to shove SOMETHING in me if I can help it. If it's an afternoon audition, I go with something like a sandwhich, or a salad-something light. For morning auditions, it's eggs, or eggos, and one 1/2 glass of 1% milk.
4) brush my hair, brush my teeth (even if I've already done it for the day), put my audition make up on.
5) Print my resume and make sure its up to date. This is usually the last thing I do before I walk out the door, and I really should break myself of this habit, because I sometimes forget to add that last project I just got out of! So I really should know better..but we're not all perfect.
6) Make sure I look put together- Nothing worse than going to an audition looking like a freakin hot mess! I always make sure I look put together, confident, and ready.
NEVER WALK INTO AN AUDITION COMPLETELY UNPREPARED-YOU WILL GET TRAMPLED!
With the audition being Sunday (with the option of going Monday isntead), I have a LOT of work to do, with little time to do it! All of these steps need to get done before I walk into t he theatre to do my thing.
Let's get shit together and go kick this audition's ass on Sunday afternoon! :)
This audition is this coming Sunday for a show called "The Heiress", now, while I don't know too too much about this show, the company I am auditioning for, Center Players, my home since I graduated college, was nice enough to put a small description on the facebook event page:
"The Heiress" is set in NYC in the 1850s. This period classic tells of a shy and socially naive young woman, who falls desperately in love with a charming young man. Her critical father, a successful and wealthy doctor does not approve of the marriage and threatens to disinherit her if she proceeds with the wedding plans. This beautifully written drama explores the social and economic structure of the times, while continuing to illuminate relationships of fathers, daughters, lovers, and close family members that are still relevant in today's world.
Sounds pretty cool, right? I bought the play and need to read it asap before this audition.
So..what exactly do I do for audition prep? Here's "my process", and I've found every actor has a different one:
1)I'm making sure my face is as clear as it can be by washing it two times a day (instead of the once at night that I normally can get away with)
2) I purchased the play and intend to read it cover to cover before going into the audition room.I need to know my character before I try to play with her.
3) Do a brief character breakdown/backstory so I can really get in touch with who this person is
4) make sure my resume is printed
5) part of any audition could always be to prepare a 1-2 minute monologue-from memory. So therefore, I'm preparing my memorized monologue as well (which is a WHOLE different ball game in of itself!)
6) do the laundry-I know this seems trivial, and something that we all do anyway. But for an audition, I like to plan my outfits ahead- If I can avoid it, I never wear white to an audition. No, this isnt a supersition, if you wear white onstage without the right lighting you get completely lost up there and nobody will be able to see you!
7) Do a sketch of my makeup for audition day in my mind. You never want to wear too too much makeup. Let's not doll ourselves up like cheap whores, okay? Leave that for when you're in Cabaret or something like that!
8) I'm also in the process of finding out WHO else is auditioning. Now, I've gotten lucky for this audition because it's my the playhouse where I feel most comfortable. I know what skill sets the people coming out for this have, and I know the director as I've worked with her before, so I know what to expect.
But in a few weeks I'll have another audition, for Hairspray, and I'm a stranger at that theater.I don't know them, they don't know me, and I won't personally know anyone auditioning. So I'll need to do as much research as I can (knowing the show before I walk into an audition helps me with this. If I can do a better character than anyone else based on what I know-I go with that!)
And when I do get to NY, forget it! Whole new ball game and I might not even know the show-the wits'll kick in at that point and I'll just prepare for everything in the previous steps.
Now, I also have a proces on the day OF the actual audition:
1) Get up before 11am. Again, trivial-but I LOOOOVE my sleep, like every actor who keeps an irratic schedule. Go to bed late, wake up late! But I will blast my ass out of bed at 10 am to get ready for a 1pm audition.
2) Wash my face early. I wash it as soon as I get up, in most cases before I eat anything. I do this because my skin on my face is sensetive, and sometimes it will get red, blotchy and itchy right after being washed. I wash it early enough and my skin has a chance to calm down before I have to put make up on it.
3) EAT! The nerves will be there one way or another, and I never know HOW long I'll be at an audition, so I always make sure to shove SOMETHING in me if I can help it. If it's an afternoon audition, I go with something like a sandwhich, or a salad-something light. For morning auditions, it's eggs, or eggos, and one 1/2 glass of 1% milk.
4) brush my hair, brush my teeth (even if I've already done it for the day), put my audition make up on.
5) Print my resume and make sure its up to date. This is usually the last thing I do before I walk out the door, and I really should break myself of this habit, because I sometimes forget to add that last project I just got out of! So I really should know better..but we're not all perfect.
6) Make sure I look put together- Nothing worse than going to an audition looking like a freakin hot mess! I always make sure I look put together, confident, and ready.
NEVER WALK INTO AN AUDITION COMPLETELY UNPREPARED-YOU WILL GET TRAMPLED!
With the audition being Sunday (with the option of going Monday isntead), I have a LOT of work to do, with little time to do it! All of these steps need to get done before I walk into t he theatre to do my thing.
Let's get shit together and go kick this audition's ass on Sunday afternoon! :)
Review of Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp Concert
I have been a Renthead now for six years, and in those six years I have had the honor and privlege of seeing both Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp on several different occasions and each time have enjoyed being in their company and/or watching them perform.
This past Monday (1/10/11), however, history was made and I was able to see these two wonderful performers together onstage-not in their iconic Roger Davis and Mark Cohen characters, but simply-as Adam and Anthony.
The concert started at 8:02 (not bad for theatre, which has a 5-10 minute grace period for last minute seaters and those who had to run to the bathroom-actors included), and Adam was the first one onstage, along with his sidekick, and just as much part of the show as himself, piano player Larry Edoff. This concert was different from the others I had seen though, because along with Larry, Adam also had a drummer at this concert named Gary.
For the Adam Pascal fans out there, they know his normal set includes Broadway hits, and his own music that him and Larry have written together. This concert proved no different than any other he would have done. Starting out the set, he performed his now requested rendition of "I dont care much/Rocketman" from Kander and Ebb's Cabaret and Elton John respectively. His set also included songs from his album Blinding Light, such as "Fade Out", "Love will Always Come back" (a song Larry wrote, and dedicated to his now very pregnant wife. He mentioned she was due in 3 weeks-and it's a GIRL!). "Single Drop of You", and "Turn the Lights On" rounded out the selections from his album. Adam also thrilled the audience by performing the song "Red Hill Mining Town" by U2, a song he used fifteen years ago to audition for the ground breaking musical Rent. He also expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of Black Sabbath member Ronnie James Dios, and told the audience that he was one of his biggest ispirations, and how hard he tried to sing like his hero. As a memorial, he sang the man's material.
Adam also enjoys telling stories and jokes during his set, but as he told the audience, that due to something he wrote on facebook he was "nicely advised to keep his comments to himself. However! In true Adam fashion, he said that he had to say one thing, and told the audience that "I never said I wanted Julie Taymore arrested for assault...I think she should be murdered for arson!" for that, he got a HUGE laugh and cheering! We KNEW he was kidding!!!!
He also told his now famous story of a time in Del Ray, Florida where he was practically boo'd offstage, then had to go to a meet and greet with the same people that boo'd him. I personally LOVE hearing that story, because he does such a funny old man/woman impression!
INTERMISSION
After intermission was over, Anthony took to the stage. He started his set with a song from his album 'Look Around', playing the title track. He also played a song entitled "Visits to You", that he shared he had written for his mother in the wake of her illness and his gut wrenching travel between New York, where he was cast in Rent to his home in Joliet, Illinois.
He also treated the audience to his audition song as Adam had. His song is now famous to his fans-R.E.M's "losing my Religion", and I think I actually prefer his version over the original (though I knew the song LONG before I knew this was the song he had performed for the audition).
Anthony then joked to the audience that he loved 80s music, because he was a child of the 80s...so he was going to sing a song from the 80s. The song? "Video Killed the Radio Star"!!! Which the crowd loved and went wild for during and after the song!
Like Adam, Anthony has had a very prolific career on Broadway, being seen in musicals such as You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Little Shop of Horrors, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. His next song, was from Hedwig. Now, I beg your forgiveness as I'm not all that familiar with hedwig, so I'm not sure what song it was that was actually performed. But, he did tell the audience to image him in 5" heels and a big, blonde wig.
He then went into the song "Chasing Cars", and rounded out his set with the Rent ballad Without You, which he dedicated to both Jonathan Larson (composer of Rent) and his mother.
When he was done, he announced that the next song in the set would be the last, and beginning chords of What You Own, a song made famous to Rentheads by Adam and Anthony began. Adam returned to the stage for his part to thunderous applause from the audience, who was more than thrilled to hear this iconic song, done by the two people who made it famous.
After bows with Anthony's band, Albinokid, they exited the stage. The audience was on its feet, cheering and clapping in appreciation-but we all knew the show wasn't over yet.
As if in a movie, there was a slight lull, followed by more thunderous applause as Adam made his way back out with Larry to perform their rendition of One Song Glory, Adam's crowning moment in his set- another song he made iconic from Larson's musical. Anthony then joined him back onstage with his band, where they really concluded their set with Seasons of Love.
When the final cord was played, the audience rose to its feet, giving them and their band more thunderous, appreciative applause as they all took their bows, thanking the audience (Anthony giving his usual claps to Jonathan as he does at the end of each perfomance he does), and exiting the stage.
I have seen Adam in concert six times, and I saw Anthony's one man show, based on his book Wthout You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical RENT, but the powerhouse performance of these two performers and friends was probably the most amazing thing I have seen in a long, long time.
This past Monday (1/10/11), however, history was made and I was able to see these two wonderful performers together onstage-not in their iconic Roger Davis and Mark Cohen characters, but simply-as Adam and Anthony.
The concert started at 8:02 (not bad for theatre, which has a 5-10 minute grace period for last minute seaters and those who had to run to the bathroom-actors included), and Adam was the first one onstage, along with his sidekick, and just as much part of the show as himself, piano player Larry Edoff. This concert was different from the others I had seen though, because along with Larry, Adam also had a drummer at this concert named Gary.
For the Adam Pascal fans out there, they know his normal set includes Broadway hits, and his own music that him and Larry have written together. This concert proved no different than any other he would have done. Starting out the set, he performed his now requested rendition of "I dont care much/Rocketman" from Kander and Ebb's Cabaret and Elton John respectively. His set also included songs from his album Blinding Light, such as "Fade Out", "Love will Always Come back" (a song Larry wrote, and dedicated to his now very pregnant wife. He mentioned she was due in 3 weeks-and it's a GIRL!). "Single Drop of You", and "Turn the Lights On" rounded out the selections from his album. Adam also thrilled the audience by performing the song "Red Hill Mining Town" by U2, a song he used fifteen years ago to audition for the ground breaking musical Rent. He also expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of Black Sabbath member Ronnie James Dios, and told the audience that he was one of his biggest ispirations, and how hard he tried to sing like his hero. As a memorial, he sang the man's material.
Adam also enjoys telling stories and jokes during his set, but as he told the audience, that due to something he wrote on facebook he was "nicely advised to keep his comments to himself. However! In true Adam fashion, he said that he had to say one thing, and told the audience that "I never said I wanted Julie Taymore arrested for assault...I think she should be murdered for arson!" for that, he got a HUGE laugh and cheering! We KNEW he was kidding!!!!
He also told his now famous story of a time in Del Ray, Florida where he was practically boo'd offstage, then had to go to a meet and greet with the same people that boo'd him. I personally LOVE hearing that story, because he does such a funny old man/woman impression!
INTERMISSION
After intermission was over, Anthony took to the stage. He started his set with a song from his album 'Look Around', playing the title track. He also played a song entitled "Visits to You", that he shared he had written for his mother in the wake of her illness and his gut wrenching travel between New York, where he was cast in Rent to his home in Joliet, Illinois.
He also treated the audience to his audition song as Adam had. His song is now famous to his fans-R.E.M's "losing my Religion", and I think I actually prefer his version over the original (though I knew the song LONG before I knew this was the song he had performed for the audition).
Anthony then joked to the audience that he loved 80s music, because he was a child of the 80s...so he was going to sing a song from the 80s. The song? "Video Killed the Radio Star"!!! Which the crowd loved and went wild for during and after the song!
Like Adam, Anthony has had a very prolific career on Broadway, being seen in musicals such as You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Little Shop of Horrors, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. His next song, was from Hedwig. Now, I beg your forgiveness as I'm not all that familiar with hedwig, so I'm not sure what song it was that was actually performed. But, he did tell the audience to image him in 5" heels and a big, blonde wig.
He then went into the song "Chasing Cars", and rounded out his set with the Rent ballad Without You, which he dedicated to both Jonathan Larson (composer of Rent) and his mother.
When he was done, he announced that the next song in the set would be the last, and beginning chords of What You Own, a song made famous to Rentheads by Adam and Anthony began. Adam returned to the stage for his part to thunderous applause from the audience, who was more than thrilled to hear this iconic song, done by the two people who made it famous.
After bows with Anthony's band, Albinokid, they exited the stage. The audience was on its feet, cheering and clapping in appreciation-but we all knew the show wasn't over yet.
As if in a movie, there was a slight lull, followed by more thunderous applause as Adam made his way back out with Larry to perform their rendition of One Song Glory, Adam's crowning moment in his set- another song he made iconic from Larson's musical. Anthony then joined him back onstage with his band, where they really concluded their set with Seasons of Love.
When the final cord was played, the audience rose to its feet, giving them and their band more thunderous, appreciative applause as they all took their bows, thanking the audience (Anthony giving his usual claps to Jonathan as he does at the end of each perfomance he does), and exiting the stage.
I have seen Adam in concert six times, and I saw Anthony's one man show, based on his book Wthout You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical RENT, but the powerhouse performance of these two performers and friends was probably the most amazing thing I have seen in a long, long time.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Why I decided to blog
I've tried to do this in the past, and every time I do, I find I really don't have anything interesting or important enough to say for people to want to READ the damn thing.
But, yesterday I went to the Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp show at Town Hall in NYC, and a friend of mine suggested I start one. When I asked, "what would I write about", her response was "theatre. Isn't that what you're passionate about?" and I said "yeah! But, would people actually read it?" And the response I got was an overwhelming YES! So..here I am.
So basically-here's what this blog is about: I'm an actress, have been for 15 years or so..give or take a few years in high school where I focused more on chorus than acting. My goal and dream is to be on Broadway..and I'm slowly working my way there..problem is: I live at HOME!
And where is home? Home is Holmdel, NJ. Never heard of it? Okay..PNC Bank (Garden State) Arts Center...yeah, the same town THAT'S in! Now, that wouldn't be such a problem..if I didn't also live AT HOME! I'm 24 years old, and live at home because I can't support myself in an apartment (because I know that's where peoples' minds go as SOON as I say that).
So basically..this blog is to chronicle said Broadway journey, give people reading it insights into what auditions are like and if I DO land a show (go me!) I will absolutely write about those experiences as well. I'll also review shows I've seen/heard of as well.
So..Curtain up..here we go :)
But, yesterday I went to the Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp show at Town Hall in NYC, and a friend of mine suggested I start one. When I asked, "what would I write about", her response was "theatre. Isn't that what you're passionate about?" and I said "yeah! But, would people actually read it?" And the response I got was an overwhelming YES! So..here I am.
So basically-here's what this blog is about: I'm an actress, have been for 15 years or so..give or take a few years in high school where I focused more on chorus than acting. My goal and dream is to be on Broadway..and I'm slowly working my way there..problem is: I live at HOME!
And where is home? Home is Holmdel, NJ. Never heard of it? Okay..PNC Bank (Garden State) Arts Center...yeah, the same town THAT'S in! Now, that wouldn't be such a problem..if I didn't also live AT HOME! I'm 24 years old, and live at home because I can't support myself in an apartment (because I know that's where peoples' minds go as SOON as I say that).
So basically..this blog is to chronicle said Broadway journey, give people reading it insights into what auditions are like and if I DO land a show (go me!) I will absolutely write about those experiences as well. I'll also review shows I've seen/heard of as well.
So..Curtain up..here we go :)
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