Aloha

Hello Readers (if anyone is still reading this.)

Life has definitely changed since I last posted in this a year ago. First of all, I can't believe it's been a year since I decided to tell anyone on here what's going on in the exciting world of acting for me. Second of all, I found myself often wanting to come and type up a new post, but would always be thwarted by something - rehearsals, meetings, sleep. However, I also realize that if something is important to me, I should make the time to do it. And as often as I have tried to keep a journal (and failed at doing so) I still feel a drive to make this blog thing work. Whether that be just to get my thoughts out, or to possible inspire someone or help them through a similar situation, or just to build my "Internet career presence."

So...

I'm not going to fill you in on it all, most know what's going on, but I will give you a nicely packaged synopsis that hopefully I can expand on in further posts. Currently, I am sailing on the Pride of America with Norwegian Cruise Lines as a Principal Performer. I've been here since August and have been extended to the end of March. We do two shows, one a revue of the Hollywood movie musical, the other a Glee-like Beach Blanket Bingo to the updated music of Elvis. Both are fun in their own rights. I also do a jazz cabaret in one of their main dining rooms with my lovely ship wife, Liz. I also get to act a fool as a Spanish-Italian American show choir pageant coach in the ship's version of Dancing With the Stars. This gig has had it's ups and downs, a lot of new things to get used to, but overall I must say that it's worth the learning experience, as well as getting to see beautiful Hawaii.

Once I get back to O-town, I will be (presumably) going back to Nickelodeon Resort and Universal Studios. The big news is that my hunny and I - oh, my Hunny, that's right, you all don't know. I have a boyfriend, for a year and a half now, and he's wonderful. So there. Anyway, my hunny and I will be doing a show I wrote with a great friend of mine, Loren, a while back at the Orlando Fringe Festival! So very excited since at first we didn't get picked in the Lotto and were wait-listed. Wonderful things waiting back home then.

That's where I'll stop for today, a little bit of professional with a sprinkle of personal. Thank you to all those who have been reading and I hope we can pick up where we left off. No question this time - just regurgitation. ;)

Happy New Year.

365 Days in Orlando

Hello Readers!

Well today marks a special...day. It is my First Year Anniversary of moving to Orlando! Isn't that exciting? I truly can't believe how quickly it has gone by and how much has occurred. When I first moved here it was on the idea that I was going to try and make it as a working actor - to actually make my living off of playing around. And did I do it?

Pretty much.

Yes, I did have to work a few "normal joe" jobs. I think we all remember when I was working over nights at CVS and pulling 24 hour and, even a few, 48 hour days, between that, Nickelodeon, and being in God Still Dreams of Eden. And of course there was the few months I moonlighted as an official Government worker for the Census. Plus, my first and only official blip of working in a restaurant as s host for one day with actual customers.

Yes, I had some money given to me from higher powers (but who doesn't get that every once in awhile.)

But, I have done a pretty good job of establishing myself in the Orlando area if I do say so myself. I have a relatively stable job at Nickelodeon as an improv actor. I worked my seasonal contract at Sea World in the Polar Express and will be doing so again this year, in addition to a new holiday show they are producing. I was in the Orlando Fringe with the Humor Mill. I finally got into Mad Cow theatre, did two shows back to back and then went right into other show at the Orlando Repertory. I worked on a few small films and commercial projects. I auditioned for Disney, Universal Studios, Ringling Brothers Circus, and everything in between, and I've been to a ton of callbacks.

So, what have I learned. As much as this is fun, it is a business as well, and the bottom line drives a lot of what is decided. Everyone knows everyone - and they all talk. It doesn't hurt to ask questions or for a favor - yes, it's a business, but we are still all people. I need dance classes. Be prepared for anything no matter what the audition is for - it is a craft, and you have to make sure all your tools are sharp. Breathe and listen. Sometimes no matter how good you are, you just aren't right for the part. That last one is still a little difficult and I'm still learning to deal with it.

In conclusion, thank you to anyone and everyone who has welcomed me into Orlando, gave me a chance to work, and those who kept telling me that I was doing great and just needed to keep going. And that's exactly what I'm going to do.

Keep going.

So TypeCast wants to know: What is something that you've worked on for the past year, or any long term, that you are proud of?

Tick Tock Said the Clock

Hello Readers!

When I saw when my last blog post was, I was shocked. I had thought maybe a few weeks, more like a month and a half. However, when I think about it, time does seem to keep rolling faster and faster along the tracks. I don't really know what it's rushing towards, but apparently it really wants to get there.

Anyway, to fill in on as many events since August here I go. The Heiress is long gone. Pippi Longstocking has one more weekend after this one and I have forgotten how tiring it is to do 8 shows a week! I had gotten soft with these 4 or 5 shows a week productions. Whew! In the pic, that's me in Pippi as Adolph the Strongman. I know, hot. I'm still waiting to hear back about my Grinchmas callback. I had a callback for Gaston at Hollywood Studios but I'm not holding my breath, though I received many compliments from the casting directors about me and my talent (now if I could only receive a job.) I am doing A Christmas Carol at the Garden Theatre where I get to work with my boyfriend, one of my best friends Melissa, and with a very talented and influential director and producer. Oh, I'm playing the Ghost of Christmas Past! Haha, I'm moving out of the ensemble roles! Just kidding, there are no small roles, only actors with small dressing rooms.

Nothing really for the New Year yet though. However, if things keep going like they have been, I'm not too worried. Everyday, I keep meeting more and more people here in Orlando and learning the ropes. Plus, I can just keep using my boyfriend as a tool to crack into any group or individual I want to know, since he knows everyone. ;) And speaking of boyfriend and how fast time flies by, it's been over three months! It's crazy. Literally bananas (thank you Rachel Zoe.)

So, yeah. Life's been good and life's been a little sucky, but it all works out eventually. As much as I want to shove it into a more immediate satisfaction, I still have to wait my turn. So fingers crossed for Gaston. And/or Grinchmas. And/or Titanic. And/or Sleuths...

So TypeCast wants to know: What do you do to help slow down the clock? If you feel the sands of time slipping by, how to you step out of the rat race?

Beginnings and Endings

Hello Readers!
So I've decided that I'm not going to beat myself up for not doing this blog as much as I originally wanted. Life is busy and I don't want to bore you every other day with what new frozen yogurt flavor I tried that day. (Though so far, my favorite is Dreamy Dark Chocolate at Utopit in Baldwin Park. AHH-mazing!)

Well, it looks like it won't be happening with the Mouse again, and I think I'm just going to take a break from auditioning. It's great to hear all this wonderful feedback and support, but when there are no tangible results, you start to wonder and it gets a little old. Not giving up completely, but just stepping back.

And that's okay right now. I'm pretty much booked until January, if not March, so I'm doing pretty well. The Heiress is wrapping up this weekend and the family, plus Leannis and Erin, are coming to see it! It has been an excellent pleasure getting to work with this amazing cast, however, I will not miss the two hours of sitting backstage. ;) This means Pippi starts shortly, actually 7 days! So excited to be doing this fun children's musical! And while on the topic of the Rep, didn't get to do my House at Pooh Corner call back since it conflicted with Pippi, however, I have another Rep callback this Thursday for James and the Giant Peach, so yay! And while on the topic of callbacks, I had one for Grinchmas at Universal for the Narrator and it went well, so fingers still crossed on that one. Plus, Humor Mill is picking up with a brand new cast, plus one old me, and I'm very excited about the new and wonderful things we will be doing, including, hopefully starting regular shows at the Crowne Plaza Hotel!

Now the really big, fun audition I recently went to was for Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey's Circus's ringmaster! It was amazingly cool. Their whole artistic team was there, with lights and video cameras; I even got a little mention in the Orlando Sentinel. Pretty sweet. It was so weird because I didn't have much time to prepare (found out about the audition at 10 the night before. but proves you should always be familiar with your monologues and song book!) but they seemed to like me, so we will see. There were only 10 of us there, but they were also auditioning in New York and Las Vegas so I'm not holding my breath, but it would definitely be super awesome. So I should know in a few days. Plus, now a very large entertainment company has my information for future projects, so yay networking! I also had Mad Cow theatre season auditions and they went well. Will find out soon what (if any) callbacks I'll be getting. I'm really looking for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolfe?, Rashomon, and The Understudy (though I was also told to look at Legacy of Light by the amazing Peg O'Keefe, so I did.)

Otherwise, not much going on. I'm taking any opportunity I can to network with the Orlando entertainment industry and am meeting more and more valuable people (with much help to my new beau. :) ) And like it's often said in this business, and any business really, it's a lot about who you know! So know people!

So TypeCast wants to know: Was there an audition or job that was just fun to go for, even if there wasn't the slightest chance of getting it?

The Roller Coaster

Hello Readers!

Hope you are all still out there! I realize it's been a month since I've spoken to you all and I apologize. As we all know, the life of an actor has many ups and downs, a figurative roller coaster of events and emotions, and I am still riding it.

I had the amazingly good fortune to continue my experience at Mad Cow theatre right after The Cradle Will Rock, when I was cast in the Victorian "horror", The Heiress. I am playing a very small role, Arthur Townsend and Man, but that is okay because the cast of this show is beyond belief. I am continually amazed by their talent and so blessed to be amongst such great actors. It opens this week and I can't believe how quick it came (a lot of that probably had to do with the fact that I was only at 5 rehearsals, and all the other days I was auditioning and working at Nick.)

To continue on this ride of success, I will be joining the cast of Pippi Longstocking at the Orlando Repertory immediately after The Heiress closes. I'm super excited about this since it's going to be one of those fluffy, fun children's' musicals and after these last two shows I'm going to need some fun and fancy free time on stage!

I did my filming for the UCF film and that is a production shot in my post as Don from Bad Pixels. I got to spend the better part of my day dressed in a rubber rain suit and get doused with, shall we say, a faux bodily fluid. Lots of fun and the people were extremely friendly and treated me like the star I am ;). Also in the film world, I am still part of a production company that will be filming a pilot in the near future that we hope we can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars so that the actors can get at least $10 an episode ( double ;) ).

I have had some kinda downers which I can't specifically go into due to the fact I've sworn not to talk about them since the info is sorta confidential. I can say that I did have to let go of two other jobs because of a contract schedule conflict and that I found out once more I had been cast in something, but was cut due to budget. It sucks, but as different friends have reminded me it's better to know that at least I was being considered for that role and that people wanted to work with me, and it's only the fact that so many do, that I can't do everything. And that's true. It's a bit of a downer, but in no way am I asking for pity. I'm very happy with what I've got and in truth I have more coming, and when it's official I'll post it here! Hahaha, cliff hanger ending...!!!

Ok, I realize I'm supposed to end there, but I had a few more things to say. Have another callback for the Orlando Rep for The House at Pooh Corner, as well as one for Disney's Holidays Around the World for the French Storyteller. There are some more auditions coming up for Universal's Halloween Horror Nights this weekend, so all in all, life it truly good.

So as the roller coaster keeps on going, I have to remind myself that I don't know what's coming up around the next bend. It may be a down now, but it could be a down that's getting ready to shoot right back up into something more amazing than I could have asked for. I know, it's a little on the Hallmark side, but it's the truth. Everything happens for a reason, and sometimes the universe has better things than we even wanted in store.

So TypeCast wants to know: Is there something in your life that you didn't get that you wanted, but because you didn't obtain it, you got something better in return (i.e. a more profitable show, cooler job, better boyfriend, etc.)

Priorities, Priorities

Hello Readers!

Well, The Cradle Will Rock has opened and I'm very happy about this! The show has been doing well, and people really seem to be enjoying the performances. The show itself, not everyone is so hot about. It's understandable. It's very dated and simplistic and the music is not the easiest to listen to, but it's got a great message of revolution and the people taking power. Plus, it's an important piece of theatre history that almost didn't happen. If you get a chance, rent the Tim Robbin's movie under the same title and you'll get a feeling of how fantastic it was that this show ever happened. And if you are in the Orlando area or planning on visiting it runs Thursday - Sunday until July 4th so come see me!

In other news, continuing to wait to hear from call backs and auditions from bunches of places, most recently, another Mad Cow show, The Heiress, which though I don't think I could afford to do financially, I would still like to do it to establish myself at MC.

It's a priority issue, mainly dealing with money - as it seems many things are now a days. It's great to be working on all these projects, but I really have to start looking at what makes sure I can pay the bills over what has my artistic integrity. I hard as that is to say it's true. People say it all the time, "This is the job that pays the bills. I like it, but I don't love it." And I'm at a point right now where I do have to look at establishing myself financially and then take the steps to establishing myself artistically. To step back at this moment, I will be a bit self indulgent, and give myself a pat on the back. I have been busting my back, and have really gotten the chance to do some amazing things - what I have done in the past 7 months is quite impressive, especially with having to start out all over again in a new entertainment community.

All right, that was enough of a pat. :)

Anyway, it's just the way of the world, and I never know what tomorrow will bring, and I may get something that quenches the artistic and the monetary. I have applied for some normal jobs as well as for the Company Manager position at the Orlando Shakes, which I wish I would have been more aware of sooner, but I got my stuff in, so we will see.

And, I want to thank everyone who took a moment to offer me advice after my last post! It was so nice to hear your words of wisdom and kindness, I really appreciated it, so - THANK YOU!

So TypeCast wants to know: What was something you had to let go that you really wanted to do, but couldn't do to time, money, etc.? And do you feel that sometimes priority should be thrown out the door and the heart followed?

You Are the Weakest Link...

Hello Readers!

I write to you today from a very odd place. I have just finished the Orlando Fringe with the Humor Mill and it wasn't half bad. We had some really good crowds and really good responses to the show. It was quite an experience being amongst all that talent and evolving theatre. I wish I could have spent more time within it, but of course other projects call, such as The Cradle Will Rock, which is why I'm in an odd place.

I am finally getting the chance to work at the "Delirious Bovine" theatre and I fear I am absolutely ruining the possibility of another chance. Now I have to admit, I am off book, I know my songs and lines, all my cues, etc. except I'm lacking one thing, the most important thing: the acting, or better yet, the spirit. I am missing the mark on both of my larger characters. It's just not happening. They aren't there and I don't know how to get them. And I keep getting similar notes and I talk with my director and then I end up bringing the same old crap on stage that is JUST NOT WORKING.

I honestly feel like the weakest link of this show. I try to work on it, try to figure out what I can change, how I can up the stakes, and I kinda come up with some things, but then as soon as the show starts I forget it all and there I am being as bland and uninteresting as the beige-ist beige. And it isn't helping that I'm feeling inferior to the whole cast. And they are being amazing accepting me in, but they all know each other and have worked for years here and there, and are just wonderfully enchanting to watch, and I just feel like I'm bringing it all down. That I'm this kid who doesn't know anything about anything, and they are all wondering why in God's name I'm there. So I have all that working against me, plus I am just looking absolutely disgusting lately. My skin has broken out and I look like I have the Mark of Cain all over my face.

I just don't know what to do. We have two days until preview, I feel it would be better if I just left, because I'm getting in my own way and I'm not bringing the right things to this show. I'm just in a bad place. And it's like I want to keep diving into the script and work and work and work on things but then I feel I just get more frustrated when I do. So it's a double edged sword.

And that's where I am. I had a lovely, but way too short visit, from the family. They saw the show, and let me tell you, nothing more awkward then pretending to watch porn and enjoy it while your mom and brother watch from the audience. I guess it's not as bad as actually participating in sex. Anyway, thank you as always for reading.

So TypeCast wants to know: What do you do to get through mind barriers, to get out of your own way? What is the best way around them?