The Play Audition...

Over the last few weeks, I've been getting back in the habit of submitting myself for projects. It's been slow going, but at least it's becoming a habit, right? I haven't been getting an overwhelming response, but I'm remaining steadfast in my commitment to getting my face out there.

Well, last week I was asked to audition for a play.

I love the stage. It's such a wonderful and rewarding experience, but I'm going to take a moment to be really honest. I wasn't really interested in doing a play. It's a huge time commitment...hours of time for rehearsals and the run itself. That winds up being two and half months of nights and weekends...especially since this play consisted of a cast of three people. I will also admit that outside of professional productions [ie the Taper, SCR, etc], I'm often underwhelmed by the stage shows out there. I should probably go to some more shows, just so I can get a better cross section of the theatre offerings, but it's daunting especially when I've had to sit through some really uncomfortably bad shows.

But I had to put that all aside...at least those folks are putting it out there. They're offering up their talents to a very jaded audience. If I thought I could do better I needed to get my ass up and audition, right? So I confirmed my time, showed up with sides in hand and when I was called to perform, I gave it all I had. I felt pretty good about it. I did what I could in the limited time I had with the script and afterward I had no regrets. I did, however, still feel ambivalent about doing a stage show. I felt good about the audition and that was reward enough. If I got a callback, that would be icing on the cake.

I figured since callbacks were that weekend I would definitely hear from the producer by Thursday if I had a callback for the show. Nope. Nothing. Which is totally fine. And although I say I didn't want to do a play, why do I feel ever so slightly disappointed they didn't call me back?

Eventful Week

To say the least, it's been an interesting week for me.

Sunday I had a callback for the short film, Coffee Run. I was pretty excited because the director and producer seemed like really cool guys and the premise is very funny. At the callback, I just let loose and had fun. They said I should know by Wednesday if I've been cast or not.

The next few days I was at home, making messes, submitting acting projects and doing laundry. Wednesday came and went and I didn't hear anything about my callback. Oh well, it was a 50/50 chance that I'd get it. Thursday morning, I get a call from Reb, the producer of Coffee Run, offering me the part. Of course, I excitedly accepted. Later that day, on the way to an audition, I checked the mailbox and there was a letter from my agent. Upon opening it, I discover a form letter letting me know that since they hadn't received any feedback from my pictures they had sent out, they have decided to terminate our working relationship.

Um....what?
I've been a client of theirs all of 3 months.
Okaaaaayyyy.

Honestly, I laughed. I mean, I've been submitting myself for all sorts of projects and have been getting at least one audition a week. Maybe some people like my headshots moreso than others.

My audition went well and the way home, I have a brilliant idea for a short film of my own. Starring me, of course. I had gotten a message from my friend Ellen, who is also represented by my agent, saying she also got the form letter. We were both a little shocked. She said she had called the agent's office, talked to them and scheduled a meeting to discuss the work relationship. I left a message that night, but still haven't heard back.

Friday, I received an e-mail about a pilot that I auditioned for two weeks ago. I was scheduled for a callback Saturday morning. Too cool! I had a lot of fun at that audition and was excited that I was being considered for a part. I totally thought I wasn't going to hear from them. Friday night, I started working on my short idea and had more fleshed out the storyline.

So that brings us to today - Saturday. I awoke to find that I gotten an email about shooting a bit part in another short film on Sunday. I went to the callback for the pilot and had a really good time. I should be hearing back from them soon about whether I've been cast or not. Regardless, I had fun, and that's what it's all about, right? Well, I'm home now and am going to work on my script. It was such a great week for me in regard to auditioning and getting out there that I'm feel successful even if my agent dropped me.

The Aqueduct

What a weekend! No, the above photo isn't from my exploits on St Patty's Day...although that would have been a pretty festive costume. This weekend, I was shooting a UCLA short called The Aqueduct. The student director, Chen-Wei Liu, described it as 'An exploration of the cycle of life and death, as seen through the eyes of a woman progressing through different stages of her life.' She used a holographic technique that projected the actors into a mini set. Kinda old school, non computer generated green screen. It was a lot of fun and I'm excited to see the finished product.

I also had a callback for another student film and should find out if I'm cast later this week. That was also a lot of fun. Good times all around!

Audition Fright

I don't know what it is about auditioning. Sometimes I feel cool and confident, other times I feel as if I were going to pass out. I had the latter experience today.

I had an audition for a project...I fit the breakdown, I found something perfect to wear...but as soon as I got there I was shaking. I read the sides and knew that I could do it. Knowledge that I can fulfill a part should give me the confidence to calm down and to my best, right? Still...as I sat there, my heart was racing and I just couldn't calm myself. So strange.

Anyway...I did do my best and as with anything, we'll see if I get the part.

Welcome to the New Year

Ok, so we're a few weeks into the new year. I finally feel like I've recovered from the holidays and am ready to face the new year's challenges head on.

My agent and I are getting everything in order for pilot season and commercial auditions. I also just auditioned for a student film that I would love to be a part of. The audition went very well [no regrets!] and I should know midweek if I have a call-back.

Wish me luck!

Great Start To My Weekend

This past Thursday, I attended the Black AIDS Institute's Gala Event at the Director's Guild here in Los Angeles. What a wonderful time I had! Patrik-Ian Polk, among others, was being honored, so I had the opportunity to meet him and a few members of the cast of his Logo series, Noah's Arc. It's a really great series and I hope Logo is smart enough to pick it up for a third season. There were so many fabulous people there, but I was most star struck by Loretta Devine. I love her! What a great start the the weekend, huh?

Today, I had an audition for a short film. I think my audition went well and I had a really engaging conversation with the director. I think that it has a pretty strong story, so I hope he will give me the opportunity to see the project through to completion. We'll see. If the start of the weekend is any indication...well, we'll see.

Another Step...

I had a commercial audition today. I think it went pretty well. There's always that moment afterward, sitting in the car, when all the creative and innovative things I should have done come to me. I'm still happy with my audition and look forward to the possibility of a callback. And maybe next time I'll think off all those brilliant things before I get to the car.