Audition for EVERYTHING!

Audition, audition, audition! Like I said before, this is a small town. Because I want all the film experience I can get, I've been auditioning for a lot of student films...they're going to be big someday. Hey, we've all got to start somewhere! I went in for an audition last week and wasn't right for the part in that movie BUT that director knew another director and referred me to them! I'll be shooting my scene tomorrow!! The moral of this story is audition, audition, audition...you never know who you're going to meet.

The Other Woman...

There's something to be said for the other woman. In most cases, I hate her. But in this case the other woman is a friend who got the part we both auditioned for. If I'm going to lose out on a part it's okay if I actually like the person who got it. Because this is such a small town, you're always up against people you know. AND because I like everyone, it makes the process that much more fun! If I don't get the part, chances are, one of my friends will get it and I can be happy for them! So, congratulations you truly deserve this one!

I Looked Like a COMPLETE Idiot!!!

I looked like a complete idiot yesterday, BUT that was the point, so I totally nailed it! How many people can say that about their work day? What fun! I drove to Charlotte yesterday for a 4 minute audition. That is correct, I drove 2 1/2 hours for a 4 minute audition. (See, it really is hard work.) You were supposed to show a celebratory dance and they wanted regular people doing it. If you know me at all, you know that I can't dance well. It was even weirder when I got into the room because there was no music. (I practiced to music.) So, when I walked in, I introduced myself and as I was walking up to my mark, I said, "You are in for a real treat because I am classically trained." "Oh, wonderful", she says. "I'm just kidding, I'm not really." She laughed - thank goodness. I wish I had the video and could show you the routine...I started out with a little shoulder shrug, then went for the Ricky Martin shake your bon bons. Next was the Carlton from Fresh Prince of Bel Air mixed in with a little heavy metal hair toss followed by cowboy guns to shoot the crowd. I may have acted like I was swimming through the air, but that part is a little fuzzy. The grand finalle was the flashdance stomp and spin and I ended with the spirit hand in front of the face and twirl. It was magnificent. I felt like Molly Shannon.

I got the part!

Hard work and persistance pay off! Let me set the scene for you. I'm still in my pj's at 11am. Don't judge, you would if you could. And I read an email that says, to the cast of...I literally started jumping around the living room like a little kid on Christmas morning! I'm also screaming, "woo hoo". I'm sure the people on the street think I'm drunk but I really don't care! I got the part, I got the part, I GOT THE PART!!!!

It's a full-time job!!

This is a real conversation. Names have been changed to save the ignorant from embarassment.

Guy: So, what do you do?
Me: I'm an actor.
Guy: Oh. Well, what do you do for a real job?
Me: Ummm, I'm an actor. That is my full-time job.
Guy: So you're unemployed? ha...ha...
Me: No, I actually work every day. Like I said, it's my full-time job.
Guy: Your husband must have a great job to allow you to do nothing all day.
Me: (What I wanted to say) Okay, GUY! I work and I work EVERYDAY. I audition for different roles at least twice a week and have to do research and PREPARE for each audition. Just so you know, an audition is like a job interview, imagine the adrenaline and nerves you feel for that interview three times a week every week. In addition to auditioning, I also record voice overs for radio and television ads (which I get paid for). There's also a theatre group that I perform with and have six plays memorized with them (which I also get paid for)....I also work at the hospital as a standardized patient and have to learn different characters and scenarios for each and every one of those. So I work and get paid....it's a full-time job.
Me: (What I actually said) Yeah, my husband is very supportive.

Nice in Hollywood?

I was out to coffee with friends on Friday and the topic of being "nice" and in the business came up. Whether or not you could make it in Hollywood if you were nice. I am of the opinion that you don't have to be cut throat or walk all over people in pursuit of your dreams. All my life I have played by the golden rule, and it's  worked out pretty well for me. When I was in the business world, I was kind to customers and those I worked with and was promoted for my abilities...but the fact that people genuinely like you helps. They are rooting for you and want you to do well. So, going forward, I refuse to become jaded and mean to "make it". What's the point of making it if I have to change who I am? Life is too short and too precious. So, when I make it, I promise to just be me. And for the record, Tom Hanks is nice. (You may have heard of him.) :) So what do you think? Who do you think is nice in Hollywood?

On the Road Again!!

On Wednesday, I'm headed to the exotic Rock Hill, SC for a film audition! I've only played a prostitute one other time... I'll have my Kodak with me to catch all the weirdness that seems to follow me. Yippeeee!!!