The Audition Marathon

People talking to walls.

Random snippets of show tunes.

Smiles so sharp, they would scare a shark.

Oh gosh how much I love auditions.

Yesterday was, for lack of a better phrase, a freakin' marathon of auditions. I was bouncing off the walls, or better yet, bouncing along the streets of Orlando proper and it's surrounding hamlets, trying to impress people enough to hire me (even if it meant little or no money.) Saturday held what I think is the most auditions I've ever had in one day - 6. I know, some hoity toities would look at that number and scoff. "Six. Please, I used to six auditions a day when I was ten, now I have that many before breakfast. Six. Psh."
But let us remember, I am still technically a novice in this world of an actor's life. It's really been only four or so months where I have solely relied on acting gigs, whatever they may be, to be my life's bread, so let's give me a little credit.

So as a brief rundown as to yesterday's event's here is an hour by hour account of the Audition Marathon.

10 a.m. - Callback with the Humor Mill's sketch comedy group. I thought it went okay, I was worried afterwards I was taking it a little too seriously, but I guess not since they hired me on.

12 p.m. - Voice over callback for a telemarketing/communications company, which turned out to be actually a small gig right there and then, which may lead to other ones with the company in the future, and which lead to me getting $40 for 30 minutes of work. (Sometimes you gotta love the acting pay scale.)

2 p.m. - A prominent film school located in the area was having it's regularly scheduled auditions. I went in for two projects and was complimented on both the fact that "I take direction very well," and "You had the right amount of vacancy required for that line." What can I say, four years of theatre training.

3 p.m. - Meeting with the writer and producer of a web series about art imitating life. Or was it the other way around? How artsy! They later told me, they would like me to get on board with the project.

4:30 or 5 p.m. (I'm a little blurry on the time because I was hungry and all I had to eat all day was a pack of whole wheat grain cheddar cheese crackers and a tall Gingerbread Latte.) - A university having an audition call for short films, where while waiting to go in, one young enthusiastic actress kept working her favorite punch line of a monologue, "Someone threw a bran muffin at me, with NUTS!" If I had had a bran muffin...Anyway, they showed a lot of interest in me, so we will see.

So there ya go. That night I went and saw GOAT's production of RENT and I thought it was delightful! They have some really amazing voice talents in that show, and the cast really brings that gritty, fun, bohemian flair to it. Go and see it if you can.

Well I really need to be off. Going to Tampa tomorrow to film a commercial and need to be up in the morning, and we all know how much of a morning person I am. ;)
Good night dear readers and may you stay busy!

Typecast wants to know: What is one of the most memorable audition experiences you have had? It can be positive, negative, humorously post audition, whatever. Alright, get typing.

"Loving is Sharing Rainbows of Happiness"

I'm baaaaaaaack!

After a week of what seemed liked endless auditions and driving around the county of Orange, it's Tuesday again! I can't believe it. As much as I don't have a regular job yet (being positive), I'm still staying busy with reading, working on monologues, arranging auditions, going to auditions, and making the apartment more and more like the den of theatre I want it to be. I'll try to post a pic of the wall I put up today.

Originally this post was going to be called "Callback Conflicts and Comfort Food." Instead, I changed it to the fortune in my...fortune cookie, "Loving is Sharing Rainbows of Happiness." Yes, I realize, a little cheesy, but I feel it's something my week was missing, at least in my career world. Now I know I haven't been hoofing it for years, living on Ramen Noodles and selling blood to make rent, but I definitely had got caught in a rut of sorts. I realized I wasn't having enough fun at my auditions. I was too stuck in my head worrying about too much when I should just be letting it flow. In other words, I wasn't loving my job. And when you are an actor, if you don't love it, it's not like you are doing it for the money. Now mind you, some of these things I auditioned for didn't pay, but I wanted to go out and stretch my wings. Plus, sometimes one non-paying thing can lead to a paying thing. So take a chance, you never know. But always try to love and get out of your head!

So now I'm trying to kind of pep rally myself before an audition.
"Go Alex, Go! Remember to have fun! You can do this! Just listen to what they are asking for and give it your best! Ra Ra Shish Goo Bomb!" (Or something like that. I really don't know how that last bit is supposed to go.)

Anyway, just remember fellow entertainers, and people of the world in general, love what you do, or at least find something in it to love. If you don't, that's when you will find yourself in a rut, hating your life.

In career news, I just got cast in a PSA for the Humane Society. More details to come soon. I have the callback coming up for the sketch comedy group. (Oh that's where the part of the title "Callback Conflicts" came from. They were planning on filming the PSA on Thursday which was the same day as the sketch comedy callback. But I got some things rearranged, so we are good to go.) Bunch more auditions coming up in February. I'm going to Tampa on Monday, to be an extra in a commercial, my first actual paid one! So things are on the up and up. Like someone very special to me said one day, "It takes those 99 'No's to get that 1 'Yes'."

So what do you love about your job? What's that thing that actually makes you happy at work, or if you don't have that, what is something that you look for in a job that makes you happy? (if you need a map to that sentence, i understand.)

Suggestions, Comments, Concerns

Hola from the Audition World!

Yes, I've been auditioning my butt off since you last heard from me. A t.v. movie, an orange (the fruit, not the color) commercial, some other thing or another and I have two scheduled for tomorrow for a spokesperson position and a student film (for the fun of it.) Plus I have rehearsal Friday night for Improv and Saturday will be rehearsing for another project. I have an audition on Monday for "Superior Donuts" which is exciting. February is also booking up with some auditions as well. And I signed up for the Orlando Shakes Sonnet-a-thon and will be performing one of Billy Shakespeare's sonnets in February (very awesome!) So all and all, staying relatively busy.

I know, it's not very exciting, or funny, today. Nothing really extraordinary really occurred. But I suppose as a blog writer you always need to keep up and find something to say. I have started looking for a normal job *gasp* and I'd forgotten how much information they always want on those applications.
"Where did you go to school?"
"Who's a professional reference?"
"What's the address of your 3rd cousin removed?"
It's like woah. I'm sure it's some sort of resilience test to see if you are worth hiring.
"If he can fill out this 23 page application and make it through the Firey Forest he shall be a Barista!"
So we will see how that goes.

To explain my title, I figured I would ask those who read my blog, what they think. Likes, dislikes, what you want to know more about, etc. I love that I have this band of followers growing and I would definitely love to hear more comments back. As an "artist", comments and criticism (constructive to you Negative Nellies) are always appreciated and helpful. So let me know what you think!

Well, that's it for today. As always thanks for reading!

Question of the Post: What was the strangest question you were ever asked during a job interview or on an application?

The Dangers of Acting!

Caution: This blog entry contains phrases of violent action, stupid actors and contractual red-tape. You have been warned!

Hello Readers!

So, I came up with this blog title when I was lounging with some friends who were visiting in their very swanky hotel room. It was really in reference to one event and a subsequent event, but then I realized it covered many of the things I encountered this week in the world of acting.

This week began on Thursday morning, after I had gotten back from my escape visit to Gainesville. I had an audition for a CGI film that was to be a children's show short. I was led to a room where for the first time I saw that enormous green wall you always see in the behind-the-scenes extras for things like Pirates of the Caribbean or Harry Potter. Anyway, the voice over and first take of the scene went well. Actually the director has something wonderful to say, which I still chuckle at, which was, "You really brought something different to it, that I hadn't thought of. You made me laugh which, (pregnant pause where he kind of looks inside himself), I guess is exactly what you are supposed to do." At this point, I think, well that means I've got the job in the bag (not so, I haven't heard from them since.) Then, they asked for a second take, and that is where danger struck. As I was "acting", I "overacted" and tripped myself, fell, resulting in injury I found later on when I took my pants off....at home....that's not how I get roles thank you very much. However, (this is the important part, so novice entertainers listen in), I kept acting and pretended to have planned the whole thing. When asked later by one of the producers if I was okay, I told him I was a trained faller. This injury proved to be fatal when at my first improv show* I was fake punched and hit the knee again, making me bleed the rest of the performance - and on my nice pants!

The more figurative, and less tactile, but as real, dangers of acting came when I was sent to a call for a music video for a Finnish music group (don't ask). Here is a warning to all who read to always be on your game when you have a person you've never audition with auditioning with you. Bring it, especially if the other people are in the mind set that this is going to be their big break getting discovered in a FINNISH MUSIC VIDEO!!!! COME ON PEOPLE!!! Okay, had to get that out. Since I don't want to make this too long of a post, basically I had a 40/50 year old telling me he was auditioning for the younger hero part and I was the scientist even though the receptionist told us differently. Done. At least I brought a parka to match the part. (If you would like more info on this, comment and I'll tell you.)

Lastly, a true danger of the entertainment industry: contracts. Make sure to get them. Make sure to read them carefully, and make sure to get everyone to sign them. I haven't been screwed yet, but some people are on their last string with me and need to get me my contract before I throw a diva fit. I'm not going to get canned and screwed out of money, so stop dawdling and get it to me. To my readers, and I'm most likely preaching to the choir, before you rehearse, do a read-thru, have a costume fitting, etc. GET THE CONTRACT and MAKE SURE ITS SIGNED. That is all.

Well, that's about it. I have some auditions coming up in the long run for some really cool stuff and I'll let you know later when it gets closer.

Typecasted wants to know what was your biggest danger in the acting world? Who's got some good stuff out there? ;)

*I got into the improv troupe! It's sooo much fun, and I have a call back with their sketch comedy group, which will be performing at the Orlando Fringe Festival, so double yay!

Escaping...

Hello Readers!

So I'm blogging today from my home away from home, Gainesville. After a few rough days in the O-town, I needed to get away and see some of my besties. (That's right, I said besties.)

Anyway, so sad news on the auditioning front. My two theme park auditions were a bust. No callbacks from anyone. It was a struggle, thankfully I had some wonderful support from my special someone. It was a reminder though for me to stick to my gut - to follow my instincts. I was trying to use this new type of genre of monologue, more of a stand up comedy routine, but it seems I missed the mark again. Of course, they could have loved it, but just not have a place for me at this time. Which reminded me of something that I do understand, but is still a bitter pill to swallow. I am not right for every role. No one is really. Unless you are a freak. (Kidding.) And with my height and size, it limits even more the amount of roles open to me, no matter how well I can perform the role. However, I do not allow this to pigeon hole me. (I'll let the casting directors do that. ;)) I feel the more that I can stretch myself and show others what I can do, the more I grow as a performer and the more I show others how much I am willing to work.

Prime example: I auditioned for a commercial (the father role) that was about some sort of new energy pill. Now, as we all know, I'm only 25, and have that adorable round face that doesn't lend itself to looking necessarily paternal. However, I went in there playing the best father I could. And, due to the fact that they didn't have any other actors yet, I was able to audition twice with two different family groups. Which leads me to another point: always take the opportunity to show a casting agency how much you can do and a willingness to work and to help out. People want to work with people who are nice and who want to be there. I have heard many casting directors, professional actors and directors, who have said they would rather work with a less talented person who is easy to work with than an amazing performer who is a diva.

Alright, so in conclusion to this rambling blog, I am still waiting to hear back from the improv group, which I was very happy with my audition with. I have set up another audition for a CGI/Live Action short film within the next few days. And I randomly booked a commercial for a local bakery which I didn't realize until a few days later.

And to my fellow performers, a few things to pull from this stream of conscious post: remember, you are not always going to be right for every role; there will always be more opportunities; don't get in the way of your own casting - follow your instincts; show people you are willing to work, that you are flexible, and nice to work with.

When life gets tough, and you need to escape, what do you do to get away?

A Week for Auditions

First of all, thank you to those who have commented and become followers already!

Second, you will slowly notice changes/improvements to the blog as it goes along. As I said before, I'm a novice blogger, and will be learning the ropes with the help of some of my more tech savvy friends! ;) This will also include less naming of names, and being some what vague on who I may be auditioning or working for.

Thirdly, auditions this week! Yay! Several! Yay! After what seemed like a million posted calls for shows that I couldn't fit in or didn't pay (or both), a few things have popped up. The first is for Character and Parade Performers for a major theme park iconed by a mouse. I'm excited, since I haven't auditioned for them in awhile and I always love a parade! However, as it comes with any sort of character/look alike audition, type outs are bound to happen, so we will see what box I may be type cast in. The next is for another park that encompasses the universe, where they are looking for actors/singers for several shows. While we are on this note of theme parks, I have found that it is a very different world of auditioning. I have to throw out some of the conventions I learned in school. In regards to the audition this weekend, I'm looking at more conversational/stand up routines that have high energy and punchlines all the way through. It's really about fitting the role right at the moment (in appearance and energy) and being bigger with your physicality. This does make sense since in the theme parks you don't have that 20 or 30 feet to play with an actor's appearance most of the time, like you do on stage, and so you have to get people who look the part up close and personal. Now, of course, this is just an idea of mine, or it can even be called a "coping mechanism" to why I may not get called back or cast, but it does have some logistics to it. Anyway, I am happy to be getting out there and auditioning again.

The last audition is for an improv and comedy sketch group. This one should be tons of fun, because I love improv and I get to be as goofy as possible! I just have to remember to properly set up the scene, always support my partner and never deny anything, only build on it! (Thank you Improv Class at UF!)

Apart from auditions, I do start rehearsals for a top-secret, non-disclosed, independent film this Saturday! I find out things like what my part is, how much I get payed, what it's called. BUT, sadly, I will not be discussing it in any real detail, due to contractual agreements. Sorry guys.

So today's question will revolve around auditions. What show/gig/etc. were you most excited about auditioning for (even if you didn't get cast)?

Thanks for reading.

The Beginning

I suppose I shouldn't start with shortcomings, but I really wanted to start this blog on the 1st of January, 2010. Well, obviously that didn't happen. I had this injury thing, and work, couldn't figure out what to call the blog...anyway.

Today, was my last day of the first job I had in a theme park. I wasn't fired. I mean, I've never been fired. Well once, it was this telecommunication job, it was shady. I think they were worried I was too good at my job and someone would notice them. But back to the other job. The one I wasn't fired from. It was with Sea World and I played Santa for their Polar Express Experience. It was a total blast and I meet some amazing people while I was there. And if any children are reading this blog or if their adults who still believe in Santa, that's good, he does exist, he just has to hire us on to make sure he gets all the right things on the list.

Most people who know me were really surprised to hear I would be play...helping Santa since I am 25 and skinny. Well, not skinny, but I'm not in the "jolly" weight category. But if you noticed, this was for the Polar Express, and he is not your normal Coca Cola Santa. If you missed that detail, don't worry, so did a lot of the guest, as I was constantly called too young and too skinny. But, as they said at the auditions, they were looking for tall and youthful looking Santas and well I guess I got typecast.

And that's what this blog is going to be about. Not just type casting. God no, that would be boring. But more about my journey as an actor. The times I do get typed and the other times I don't. The lessons I learn about what it means to be a working actor. One thing I remember from school is that someone said you stop being an actor when you stop learning. As an actor, you can't learn everything. Each character, production, or performance teaches you something new about this life on the stage. And off of it.

So there. You will learn more about me as this goes along. I hope to stick to it. I've never been good at journaling, but I want to be. I always liked writing. (Oh and P.S. let me know what you think. I'm new to this "blogging" and I sometimes don't know what I'm doing. Thanks!)

Alright...well, here we go.

(Oh one last thing. I always am being told to stand out, make something that catches the eye or hooks people in. So I'll end each blog with a question that I'll ask my tens (hopefully) of readers.) What would you say your typecast would be?

Ok, here we go. For reals this time.