60 degrees in December

Ok, definitely no complaints about the weather here. Although, it is a bit scary for it to be 60 degrees, with winter just around the corner.

Despite what's going on outside, it definitely feels like spring in regards to my career goals & dreams.

I've been back in NYC for 6 1/2 years, and I can't believe I hadn't learned before what I've learned in the past few months.  Man, if I had known then what I know now -- Woo!  Total cliche', I know. And I also know nothing happens before it's time.  Maybe it's an extra boost of confidence and determination that wasn't there before.  Whatever it is, it's got me on fire.  I have 3 steps to complete before getting to the next level.  I know there's quite a few actors who don't realize the work they must do on their own outside of their agents and managers.  I also know some actors who don't feel that they must invest in their career.  I heard an actor say they weren't gonna pay to see any agents, managers or casting directors, and that all the workshops, classes and seminars were scams.  Just how some actors need "day jobs" to supplement their income, agents, managers and casting directors teach classes, workshops, and seminars to supplement theirs.  After doing a LOT of research, I learned it takes more than just having a headshot, resume, website and reel, it also takes one-on-one, face-to-face time to build strong working relationships.  Make yourself known.  Let people see the real you.  If you're likable and pleasant to work with, you'll have a good chance of getting cast.

I had some awesome meetings last week.  I met with Josselyne Herman-Saccio and Emily Gipson of JHA Management, and David Bellantoni (Beth Melsky Casting), Erica Palgon (Erica Palgon Casting & Beyond) and Scott Wojcik (Wojcik/Seay Casting) at the Diversity Fest at The Network NYC.

I was terribly nervous when I met with Josselyne and Emily, and I'm sure it was pretty obvious. They asked me questions, and I asked them questions, and I left the meeting knowing that I was on the right track, but still had quite a bit of work to do.

One of the things that stuck with me that Josselyne said was, "less is more". I have all the links to all the sites I'm on in my email signature, on my business cards, and on my postcards.  All I need is a one-stop shop for people to go to if they want to learn anything about me.  Thanks to Uncle Scottie to telling me about http://about.me.com. It's a one-page website where I can link to my pics, videos, resume and other sites, until I get my full website going, which of course I can't wait to do.

I FINALLY found the last piece of footage I was searching for to add to my reel. After months of going crazy trying to figure out what happened to it, I found the DVD while looking for something else all together, wedged in between two DVDs on our shelf with all the others. Well, everything does happen for a reason.

Another thing I learned from Josselyne and Emily was to increase the number of casting directors in my "roster". In the past, I've heard some people say just focus on 5. Josselyne said I need to know 10-12. I'm half way there.  She said if TV is my goal, then I need to get in front of the heads of networks, and make them part of my fanbase.  And of course, I need to build my credits. I want to get into comedy, but most of the comedies are out in LA. Since I don't want to go out to LA just yet, I need to focus on getting in front of the casting directors out here, build the relationships, build my credits, and then go out there when I have to. The first network CD I'll be meeting with is Janet Murphy-Butler at The Network NYC on the 8th.

I'll just continue my course on this track, and they'll be no place else to go from here, but up. :-)

The world is changing. The election is over (Yayy, Obama!).  Hurricane Sandy devastated the caribbean and east coast.  And the Nor'easter added to the mess and frustration.  Through it all though, there seems to be a since of calm in the air. Despite divisions, separations and differences, people are pulling together. The stress of what could have been has been lifted, and people are embracing the possibilities of what's to come in the future.  

People are still worried about the end of the world. But as I see it, it's not the end of the world, but the end of a cycle.  In a statement released by Oxlaljuj Ajpop, the end of the cycle simply "means there will be big changes on the personal, family and community level, so that there is harmony and balance between mankind and nature."

It's a growth period for us all. Time to move on from the past into the new and Unknown.

Along with the changing of the leaves, came changes in my life and career.  Both my husband and I got positive boosts in regards to our careers.  His accessory company garnered more attention from some pretty influential people, and he has some good leads on better jobs. His previous job was toxic in so many ways. Now that it's over, his outlook on life and his career goals have changed.  I can see and sense how his spirit has been uplifted after leaving such a negative environment. He's truly coming into his own, and seeing the light in his eyes gleam brighter when he talks about his goals, his abilities, and all the possibilities that can occur in the future, is a wonderful thing to see. I'm so happy and proud of and for him.  It's a wonderful feeling to be on this journey with him.

As for me, it's better if I just bullet point all the things that have occured this season:

• I performed in the Manhattan Monologue Slam
• I did a photo shoot for Bridal Tribe magazine 
• I auditioned for a slew of commercials and films
• As a result of auditioning at Jennifer Euston Casting, I was called in a second time to audition for another project.
• Met talent manager Josselyne Herman-Saccio and producer Joe Kramer at Lisa Gold's networking party.
• I was contacted by Josselyne's office to set up a meeting (yayy!) at the end of this month.
• I was called in to audition, got a call back, and am now a cast member of Joe Kramer and Deepak Ananthapadmabha's Fighting Laughter Warrior improv game show.
• Had a consultation with Paul Michael at The Network, who gave me some wonderful insight on how to move forward the way I've really wanted to in my career, i.e., finding the right audition material, meeting the right people, and getting involved in projects that will truly benefit me, and give me the boost I need to succeed.
• I will be meeting with David Bellantoni, Elizabeth Gans and Erica Palgon at The Network's Diversity Casting Director Fest.
• I enrolled at the Upright Citizens Brigade, and will begin improv classes there later this month.
• I performed in Arthur French III's short play, "Negative Vibes", part of John Chatterton's Short Play Lab.
• I got cast in the staged reading of Duncan Pflaster's "The Tragedy of Dandelion", part of Oberon Theatre Ensemble's original reading series, where I'll be playing 5 different roles (I always love exercising my character voice and accent skills). 
• Lastly, and absolutely not least, I created an indiegogo campaign to help fund the production of the pilot episode of my webseries, "Velma Doesn't Get It". I'm super happy, excited, and blessed at how it's all going. 

Writing all of this, I realize just how grateful, thankful, and blessed I am to be doing what I love, and to have the love and support I have in my life. 

The year isn't even over, and I can't imagine nor wait to find out what blessings and possibilities are in store.

La Vita E' Bella!

Indian Summer

September...I'm not ready for summer to be over yet!

Although, I am excited what the autumn is going to bring. 

August was an awesome month: 

I'm almost ready to shoot the Velma pilot.  My friend Guy Shahar, is directing, and co-producing it with Greg and I.  And after a two-day casting session, we found an incredibly talented and funny actor named Steven Strickland to play Velma's Date.  Next step is to lock in the DP and location, and we're set.

I had put so much energy into the Velma series that auditioning had taken a back seat.  It was unintentional though.  Time sure can get away from you when you're having fun :-)

I submitted for small, supporting roles, just to get my feet wet again. I got a call about a short film, went in and read for a small role, but they were so impressed by my work, that they asked me to read for the lead instead.  A week later, I got a call that I booked it.  A week after that, I was told that the film will be submitted to festivals. Woo hoo!  Bonus!

I'm remaining present and calm, although the thought of what can come from all of this is super exciting :-D

Also, after a couple of months of being nervous and scared that I couldn't do it, I submitted for the Peoples Improv Theater/NBC Diversity Scholarship program. It covers the cost of all their classes, levels 1-5. They only except a couple of applicants, and of course I'm crossing fingers, toes, eyeballs, etc. that I get in. 

Speaking of The P.I.T., after seeing it advertised for a couple of years, I decided to take part in the Manhattan Monologue Slam.  It's kinda funny and ironic that both Guy and Jenn Lederer will be a couple of the judges.  I haven't spoken to either of them about my participation in the showcase, but they both know I'm going to be in it. I'm going to be professional about this.  Regardless of my relationship with the two of them, I know I'm going to be seen and judged like everyone else.  What's gonna be a surprise to Guy, Greg,  and a lot of my other friends that I've invited, is the piece that I've chosen.  Mostly everyone has been used to seeing my comedic side.  They'll get to see my real acting chops at work tomorrow night. :-)

Once I stopped creating self-imposed deadlines, and let things flow at an even pace, the opportunities and connections kept growing. That's why I'm looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year will bring.  I got my eyes on the horizon...

Midsummer's Day Dream

Here we are, the third week of August, and the summer will be over before we know it.  Wow, this year went fast.

I'm discovering a lot of things about being a grown up, which I'm sure were taught to me at a young age, it just took now for them to finally sink in.

Marriage is a wonderful blessing. It forces us to get out of our own individual bubbles, and deal with issues when they arise. Honest communication, trust, empathy and respect are such a huge part of our relationship, so when we do have tough issues to deal with, there's never any lingering tension.

We're at this crucial point in our lives where we're putting a lot of serious energy into savings, finances, education and the future.  We're looking to buy property, go back to school, and further our careers.

I felt I took a step back -- not backwards, but more like a pause, career-wise.  I had to re-assess a few things that I was doing.  I started thinking about how I was going about my life and career when I lived in Chicago, LA, and Atlanta, and how it compared to how things are going now. 

In Chicago, I was all about theatre, my first love.  The stage filled my soul like nothing else.

Los Angeles taught me two things:  1. The energy that you put out is exactly what you get back. And 2., it's all about who you know.  The time I spent there was wonderful and peaceful.  I was able to spot the phony people from a mile away, and was blessed enough to not have to deal with or encounter them.  And all the work I booked was because of someone I knew.  They were small roles, but it didn't feel right to me.  I didn't feel like I was actually accomplishing anything.  I missed the journey and the grind.  It's like when you work hard for something, and you see it come to fruition, you appreciate it more.

The on-camera work I booked when I lived in Atlanta, spoiled me. I booked my first commercials there, and booked my first day player role on a FOX drama, as well as a couple of industrials and shorts.  If I didn't dislike the city so much, I would have stayed a little longer.  I was used to fast-paced big cities, and it was just too slow for me.

Fast forward to the New York City present.  It feels like something within me has to make a choice:  stage or screen.  It's all acting, right?  They should be one in the same.  But that's not true.  Different styles and techniques all together.  Gone are the days of booking straight from a pic and resume.  People need concrete proof that you can actually perform.  And I think it's great!  Your package has to be almost as extensive as an architect or designer.  It takes a lot of time and energy, and everything has to be on point.  Presenting yourself to an agent, manager, casting director, and/or producer is like going in front of the head honcho at a Fortune 500 company and saying, "Pick Me!  I'm the BEST!", while remaining humble, fun-loving, personable and professional but not stiff.   I sometimes take temp gigs for a few days so I can let my brain relax for a few hours and recharge, so I can be fully energized for the grind.  Everybody needs a mental vacation every once in awhile.

My brain and spirit seem to be on auto-pilot when it comes to Box Of Chocolates. I'm so psyched that everyone is so committed to the journey and process.  Comedy is the blood that pumps through my veins. I love playing. I love being physical.  I love making others laugh.  When I can be silly at my job, I feel ten feet tall.  I've decided to take classes at UCB and The P.I.T. to improve my improv and sketch comedy writing skills.  I don't know where this journey with Box Of Chocolates is gonna take me, but wherever it is, it makes me feel good.

I'm happy and grateful for the life I have.  And I'm blessed and thankful for those who guided me along the way.

This year's goals:  AEA card, 3-4 co-star roles, and 2-3 guest star roles.

E.G.O.T., I'm on my way!

In Bloom



This week has been an eye-opening one.

The things I've learned about myself, the people I know, and life in general.

One thing I've learned is that once you let go of the self-imposed deadlines ("this has to happen the way I WANT it to happen, WHEN I want it to happen NOW), every one and every thing will come right on time.  Everything always has a way of working out for the better, whether expected or unexpected.

One thing I find amusing in this career journey, is that things I thought were so important, don't seem so as much right now.  It's no longer about getting the right agent, the right manager, knowing the right casting director.  It's about the work.  If the work's good, the people will come. I'm already on folks' radar.  They know me.  They see me.  Now they're going to really see what I do.  In following my bliss, I figured out what truly makes me happy is comedy. It's fills me with energy and joy.  And everything I do e.g. improv with Box of Chocolates, writing sketches, brings me closer to what I want.

Here it is the end of May, and I haven't felt this free and full of joy in a very long time.  I really feel in control of the direction my life is taking.  One big part of it is gratitude:  Saying Thank You to the Universe, and everyone in my life who has helped me, guided, and impacted my life and journey in a positive way. And also, seriously, the Law of Attraction is no joke.  Everyday I visualize the life I want, and the pieces just keep falling into place.

My reel will be done really soon, and I'm super psyched.

Look out world, I'm coming for ya!



May Flowers

Wonderful things always bloom in the Spring.

My head is swimming, and I'm over the moon.  I had the most wonderful birthday, and wedding anniversary, and I look forward to many more years of life and love. 

The most wonderful change is occuring, and I can't to shout it to the hills.  But I will be patient, and let everything be revealed on it's own.

It does get frustrating not having a laptop still, but I've been making it work.

I have less than a dozen sketch scripts I gotta knock out.  My friend, Guy Shahar, agreed to produce a series of sketches around Velma, and I'm super excited.

Outside of Velma, I want to do more sketches with my improv troupe, Box Of Chocolates.  We all have some great ideas, and with Guy's help, I know we can make them come to fruition.

It's time to upload my new pics onto all the casting websites, so I can catch up on all that I missed.  This coming week or the following, I have to upload all my reel footage online.  Times like this I wish I was more tech savvy.  Macs intimidate me a bit - I haven't a clue why.  I've always been a PC girl; change can sometimes be daunting, and most of the time, necessary. 

Ever since I stopped stressing about my career, the pace at which things have been opening up to me has been at warp speed.  The things I've asked for are now coming to me without effort because I'm now approaching everything without fear, and it feels good.

I was finally able to take Amy Gossels commerical intensive, and I look forward to taking her class.  Amber Bickham accepted my friend request.  I'm happy to be on her radar.  I've been following her on fb, twitter, and her websites since I found out about the In Living Color castings.  We've already shared some cute, brief banter.  I look forward to developing a good working relationship with her.  Next on my target list is Katja Blichfeld.  She has a couple of workshops coming up, and I'm determined to get in at least one.

When you go for what you want, it's like the whole world is at your fingertips.  I love this feeling!

EAS vs. UAS, and Coming Attractions

Investing.  Let's say you have a dream job, career, or project, and in order to make it come to fruition, you have to invest time, energy, and sometimes money.

What I've discovered in my journey as an artist (performing, visual, and literary) is that there are two types of support systems:  Those that are emotionally invested, and those that aren't.  Both are great to have, but they have to be properly balanced.  If they aren't, it can cause great headache to you as the artist (dreamer).  For example, you reach out to the emotionally attached supporters, or EAS (family, friends, acquaintances, etc.), and they'll say, "Oh, you're SO talented...You should be doing 'X, Y and/or Z'...Why aren't those people getting you more work?...Don't give them any money - That's a scam - I know who can do that for you for free.". I call them the Two-Cent Well-Wishers. They mean well, have plenty to say, but a lot of the time, don't know what they're talking about.  1. Because they know nothing about the industry; and/or 2. They know nothing about the process.

The supporters who AREN'T emotionally attached, on the other hand, if they know what they're doing, and are damn good at it, will work with you if they truly believe in you, and you're really serious about it.  If you're lucky, you'll find a support system that ISN'T Ego-Driven or desperate for your energy and money. Those, if you follow your gut, are easy to spot, and you know right away to stay away from them.  The unemotionally attached supporters, or the UAS, don't need your business; they work with you because they want to.

I've gotten to the point where I'm listening less to the EAS, and listening more to the UAS, so I can keep everything in balance as I go along in my journey in my career.  When I put too much energy listening to what didn't benefit me, I held myself back.  Sometimes the some of the EAS would put fear and doubt in my mind, and I would find excuses not to get what I want or get to the next level, and I can't and won't do that anymore.  I'm finally getting my independence back, and it's such a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.
I have a lengthy to-do list, and each day it gets easier to mark things off it, because I'm working from a centered base.  I'm no longer stressing out over self-imposed deadlines, or freaking out over what I don't have.  I'm thankful for, and work with what I do have, and continue to let the Universe open up my path for me. 

I already know this is gonna be a great year for me.  I'm gonna continue to invest wisely in my life and career, and watch all the positive returns roll in.

Remaining on my soap box, this time with a megaphone in my hand, I'm gonna plug my latest show:  :-)

Love Creek Productions/Brief Acts
Presents
"Spring Showers" 1-Act Festival
At
The Producers Club
358 W. 44th St

Fri Apr 13 & Sat Apr 14 8pm
Sun Apr 15 7pm
$15

The segment I'll be performing in is "21 Hot Monologues", written by Marjorie Edwards, and directed by Bill Johnson.  Also starring Michael Flood, Tavarius Graves, Allen Jenkins, Myriam Moss, Chris Raglin, and Tiffany Williams.

Spread the word!

Thanks for the continued Love & Support!

Happy Wednesday!

March: In Like A Lion, and Out Like A...Well, Lion

Is it me, or did this month just fly by?

March 1st seemed like just yesterday, and spring only seemed to last for a week.

Thanks fluctuating weather for jump-starting my allergies. Boo! Hiss!




Outside of the weather, another spring seems to be headed this way. The country is in an uproar, and the old idioms no longer apply. The voiceless are yelling at top volume now, and those that have been resisting change, realize now that it's inevitable.

There's no need to go into detail. Y'all know exactly what I'm talking about...

Leave it to Mercury Retrograde to bring things to a head. Outside of the annoyances of Mercury Retrograde, some good things can come out of this time. It's a good time to edit, revise or finish lingering projects; evaluate goals, and what things you'd like to bring into your life, enjoy quiet solitude, and meditate; practice acceptance with curiosity, and a positive attitude; and of course, have a great sense of humor. You never know what life can bring you during this time.

I've definitely been in chill mode, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. And a good thing too, because I've seen how the madness in the air has affected the people around me, in good and bad ways.

My husband and I even had a moment when the miscommunication tugged at our emotional and mental resolves, yet our bond strenghtened because our love took precedence over our fears and egos.

Whatever frantic energy remained, went straight into our work. And we've reached Level 10 on our grind scale in this month alone. (No, that is not a sexual pun, I promise. :-P)

Earlier, this month, I had the pleasure of attending two wonderful seminars: "Break Your Marketing Mold" with Dallas Travers, and "Brand New You" with Jenn Lederer. I highly recommenend both to any actor, no matter what level you are in your career.

Knowing how to market yourself, and not expecting someone else to do it for you, is key is this business.  And as Scrooge McDuck once said, "Work smarter, not harder."  Chase HAPPINESS, not status or the almighty penny, cause life will be really hard and stressful if you do, regardless of what materials you've gained.

I'd have say I've been very blessed during my journey as a newlywed and working actor. I've made some wonderful new friends and colleagues. I, unfortunately, had to say good bye to a wonderful colleague, Aaron Ingram, who made his transition last week. My friend, Bill Johnson, who was his business partner at ACT NOW Foundation, made a wonderful tribute to him.

It's been a wonderful year, thus far, and I look forward to what's to come.

Coming soon:  new pics, and info on upcoming shows.

Happy Thursday!! :-)

New Year, New Me

Well, this has been a pretty cool year, so far. 

I'm happy that I got over the winter blahs...

And I'm ready to jump in to spring at full force.  Yayy!

 

Let's see, what has happened this year:  I joined a new theater company, got the chance to see the NY Premiere of Dark Girls; my husband's new company, Anti-Bling,  has been picking up some major buzz and support; I submitted a sketch for the In Living Color reboot, which sparked more sketch ideas for the wacky character I created named Velma; my singing and songwriting has opened up a new working relationship with a well known DJ and producer (more details on that soon);

...And the big shock of 2012:  I've gotten rid of the blonde hair...

 

Yep, that's right, now that I've darkened my hair, I look even more

I'll post new pics soon.  But to tide you over, here's a pic of me with dark hair:



Happy Friday!!