End of April Review

April has been a weird month for me. This spring has been weird for me. I feel like I've done some things, but I also feel as if I could've done more.

• I auditioned for the Houston Grand Opera again. After booking 3 shows in a row these past few years I just knew I was a shoe-in for their upcoming production of "Showboat". well, I was wrong. Another strong dancer showed up and showed out. We both had great auditions but ultimately I didn't get it. They were only looking for a female understudy to fit in with the rest of the cast they brought in from Chicago, so I guess I didn't fit the bill. Oh, well. I'll get 'em next time. 
• My visit to Houston was wayyyyy too short. I didn't have nearly enough time to see my son and the rest of my family and friends. Next time I'll make sure I visit longer.

With that being said, here are my accomplishments:

• I really enjoy Anthony Abeson's class. From the very first day I felt at home and everyone was/is so welcoming. We do so much in just one day and I'm excited that we're preparing a show, I'm working on a monologue to present, I just got a scene partner and we're starting to work, and the whole class has decided to write produce and star in our own showcase. All of this in just one month!
• I've had a few castings, and although I didn't book any that's still good that I at least had some. I still think I'm not getting sent out nearly as much as I should in a market like NYC, but hopefully once I find a solid agent, that will change.
• Slowly but surely I'm going to dance class more. I realize that I've been slacking off and am definitely starting to put more effort into taking more ballet and theatre dance classes.
• I finished Roz Coleman's class and I have to say I really enjoyed it. She helped clear out some of the stuff I needed to get rid of mentally and I had a lot of fun working on the sides with her in class and exploring my choices with her. I hope to work with her someday in the future.
• I survived substitute teaching 4 out of 5 days last week. Believe me, that is definitely an accomplishment for me!

I guess looking at the list I did a lot more than I thought. I'm just really ambitious and so ready to reach a larger milestone in my career. I'm really looking forward to what May will bring. I going to focus more and stop being so lazy. I have way too much free/down time and I'm not using it productively or creatively. The first week of May I'll be sure to post my goals for the month.

My first time on a TV set!

(Me in costume in the holding room)

So I promised a review on my 1st experience on set. In March, I received an email from one of my agents saying I was direct booked as a featured extra for an upcoming pilot "The Carrie Diaries" which is based on the high school life of  "Sex in the City"'s Carrie Bradshaw. Now I have always heard that extra work can kill your career or at the very least not move it anywhere at all. However, I really wanted to experience being on a set and more importantly, the rate was more than 3 times the rate for a non-union extra, so what could I lose? 

The night before I called in to a provided number to get my number and information for the next day. My call time was 11AM. The message said to come camera ready. This made me nervous, because I've never done makeup for camera and I didn't want to look a mess. Nevertheless, I read up on 80's makeup and did a look. I packed some things that could be 80s wear in a rolling suitcase, as well as some snacks and things to do. I didn't want to chance anything. Once I arrived, I checked in and went to wardrobe. An outfit was built around the shoes I brought and then I went to stand in line for hair and makeup. Apparently we didn't have to do it ourselves after all. First I went in for hair. I was a little guarded because I saw the havoc some of the girls were going through to recreate 80s hair, especially one black girl with natural hair that some stylist was haphazardly straightening AND teasing. We were going to have a PROBLEM if they wanted my hair straight just for and extra part. Wasn't happening. I could've brought a wig with me if it was that serious. Luckily I got a black woman who understood my hair and just pinned it up into the style in the pic. Whew! Next stop was makeup. I sat in the chair and all the artists loved my makeup! I was literally just given some golden lips and a touch a blush and sent off.

On set, I learned so much just from watching. I observed who was in charge and how everyone worked together. I saw how many different ways one thirty second part of a scene had to be shot in order for them to edit it the way we watch it on TV. I really paid attention to the main actors and how the director interacted with them. It was a relief to see that even they mess up and aren't perfect. I ended up being seated right next to the main actresses so hopefully I'll get a lot of screen time. I was also one of the main dancers at the club so that 's great too.

We were on set for 13 hours! They were not playing when they said shoots run LONG. My shoes didn't have platforms and they were KILLING me. Plus, after all of that decent weather, it decides to be cold and rainy all day long that Sunday.

All in all it was a great experience and I don't regret doing it. I just don't see myself doing it again. My goal is to be a working actor, not an extra, which anyone with common sense can do. There's certainly nothing wrong with it, it's just not for me.