Nothing Much....

This is always a hard time of year for me. I feel stagnant and like nothing is happening and why am I even trying. I tend to get really down on myself and abilities to succeed in this industry. I know 100% of that has to do with me not paying attention to the goals I set for myself earlier this season and focusing on certain personal aspects of my life. I made some financial missteps with budgeting and am now paying for it by having to work everyday and forgo focusing on my career. I rarely mess up with money and this is definitely a lesson learned. Thankfully I have some measures I'm taking to alleviate financial stress and build my way back up. I really need to get back on track because once the new year hits, I expect things to be much busier across the board from commercial to stage and even film. I 'm currently working on building my monologues up and still taking class. November and December will be just a bunch of classes, work days and holiday travel. Nevertheless, I will update!

Checkpoint - 1 Year

Background Info

I moved to NYC early 2010. It took me a little over a year to spend ALL my savings, hit rock bottom, and go back to teaching full time. This meant I wasn't able to audition or even take many classes, as it was a very consuming job, even more so than in Texas. by mid-2011, I was ready to quit my job for something more flexible and begin to focus on why I moved in the first place.

Last Year

Looking back I did 2 shows, one at my first equity house, booked two commercial gigs, worked on a TV pilot as a featured model and started an acting class. I've updated my model portfolio considerably. As I'm writing this I realize I didn't do half as bad as I thought. All of these, excluding the class happened within the first five months. The next several months...nothing. I've been really down on myself and very frustrated not booking anything in so long.

Currently.....

These next months I will focus even more on training, networking and relationships. I'm going to try not to put so much emphasis on the number of gigs to quantify my successfulness. I need to really concentrate on my brand and the bigger picture. I'm in this for the long haul. I'm excited to be optimistic about my career right now and being able to see more opportunities ahead!

Interesting Day......

So Monday I feel an inkling of a sore throat coming on. I sleep with a fan on me and AC so I thought that maybe since I went to sleep wit h wet hair it was just from that. While I was at work I missed a call from the Makeup Forever Academy wanting me to be a model for them the next day. Unfortunately when I returned the call, all positions were filled and I would be put on call. On the way home I thought about getting some NyQuil to stop it from getting worse, but shrugged it off as nothing. I woke up around 7am feeling like I swallowed a TENNIS BALL. I was so sick. Relieved that I didn't have to work that day, I threw on some clothes to run and get some NyQuil and resigned myself to being knocked out for most of the morning. I did have a casting for Reebok, but it was later in the day. Of course right when I open my door to leave I get a call saying a model backed out and they wanted me to come in for 9:30am! So of course I accept and hurry to get both day and NyQuil so I can function. I take the DayQuil, rush to the city and immediately into makeup.
 While I'm sitting in the chair, I start feeling woozy. It's warm in the room and I'm having trouble sitting still. The makeup artist has a very light hand and it was irritating me, which is unusual. I went to the bathroom twice and collapsed on the cool floor which helped me for a bit, but then I would get worse. Finally I told the artist I took DayQuil. She tells me that even though it says non-drowsy, the medicine still relaxes you and is trying to fight off the symptoms. One of the directors gave me a simple Chinese fan to keep myself cool and some water. That fan was a lifesaver! I made it through, had wonderful shoot and then we broke for lunch. I was supposed to have a second, dramatic look after lunch, which worried me because I still had the casting later and I didn't think I would be able to make it, especially if I had to redo my natural makeup. Luckily, they ended up with more models and didn't need me for the second part. I was kind of bummed since I wanted both prints for my portfolio, but hey, I got a sizable gift certificate for Makeup For Ever (love that brand!) and a nice photoshoot. Not bad!
Now I'm ready to go home and crawl into bed. I'm thinking about skipping the casting, because it also requires dancing and my stomach is hurting now. Nevertheless, I push through, get to the office, change and have a great audition.
I'm very proud of myself for not succumbing to my sickness and getting all of that accomplished. I can be pretty aloof sometimes and procrastinate. Even if I don't book the job, I impressed the CDs once again and maybe the next one will be for me. This experience inspired me to get back on track and focus more than I have been these past couple of months. Not to mention learning the dangers of DayQuil!

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.

What's been going on?

I had a great conversation with a fellow blogger and friend, Andrea Bordeaux (a blogging veteran). She is so focused and knowledgeable about the business and really works on her craft. I realized after our conversation that I have been focusing a lot on the "business side" of acting (which is great, of course!) and forgetting about the creative side. I'm embarrassed to say how long it's been since I've been in a formal acting class and even the course I did take weren't adequate enough. What happens when my business savvy side get me in the room? Having teachers praise my talent recently has led me to see that it was never my talent I doubted, it's my skills. My biggest problem with acting has been not having the tools I need to channel my talent with. I'm hungry to do it, but lacking some of the technical skills.With that in mind, here is what has been happening:

• Today I took a big step in my acting career. I finally made a decision about which acting class to take. I auditioned with Anthony Abeson this afternoon to be a student in one of his classes and I made it in! It only took a year and a half for me to make the leap, lol. I'm looking forward to working with him. 
•  I went to TVI Studios for an introduction to the program after seeing a flyer promising a free casting workshop. The program seemed very interesting, but I just don't have that type of money now to part with for a membership and I'm also more interested in a solid acting class than workshops right now. Plus One on One is more affordable and a lot of my friends are apart of it and recommend their program. Nevertheless, I registered to audition for Lauren Port's casting workshop next month at no cost. Pretty sweet deal! 
• I'm going to voice lessons once a week (and practicing often on my own) as well as several dance classes weekly.  
• Roz Coleman's On-Camera Intensive workshop started last week and is wonderful! 
• Roz recommends reading Margie Haber's "How to Get The Part" and this book is amazing! As soon as I finish it I'm going to start reading Susan Batson's, "Truth". I'm definitely interested in reading more great material so if anyone has any recommendations feel free to let me know!
• Keeping with that, I'm going to start researching and building my knowledge of TV shows/movies that have roles for me and the casting directors who cast them. I plan on doing the same for theatre as well. Doctors read medical journals and know all of the new advancements withing their field. Lawyers, engineers, teachers, etc. There isn't any excuse for me not knowing the industry I claim to be apart of and love.

Whew! There's a lot going on for me right now and that doesn't even include my day job as a substitute teacher and just living. I'm very excited to see my progress over the next couple of months and throughout the summer.

Note: Still looking for a commercial agent (on camera and print). Send up a prayer!

Pictures from my portfolio

TUTS Guys & Dolls pics

My chickie costume...adorable!

HAVANA!

This is the full outfit.....

AND this is what I ended the number in!

Wedding/Finale

My GOOD friend Erin. she was, IS the best! Oh, and the girl can BLOW!

My "Havana" partner, Nathan. What an amazing dancer and such a wonderful partner!

I have many more pictures but I didn't want to overload y'all, so enjoy!

Back Again!

I'm back! I know, I know these long hiatuses are crazy, but rather than harp on them, I'm just going to jump right in. Since I've last written I've done a few things. I had my first SAG commercial audition, booked it, and then at the last minute (while on set and dressed!) had it fall through. I've booked and shot my first print ad for Minute Maid juice, and I've worked with the Houston Grand Opera in a lovely opera, La Traviata". I also did a couple of photo shoots while I was in "Guys & Dolls" (I'll post pictures up). I guess it would take a LOOONNGGG post to catch you up on everything I've done so far with details, so I won't even tackle that mountain! I will say that I feel that for me, 2012 is the year to step it up technically in all of my performance areas AND step it up as far as booking. I had some success and momentum at the end of 2011 and I opened it nicely with the HGO show. I pray that the rest of the year goes swimmingly. I'm now back in NYC and have already dove right into voice lessons, dance and acting classes. I'm starting to call this my "Put up or shut up!" year. I vow to take my training seriously and go even further than I did last year. I have some specific goals, but I'll do a separate post (promise, lol). I hope all of you who read my obscure, neglected blog will continue with me on my journey. Alright 2012....here we gooooooo!

First couple of days at TUTS

So I have officially started rehearsals for "Guys & Dolls" at Theatre Under The Stars. I can already tell that this will be a great experience for me. As an aspiring broadway dancer/actress, I need experience to up my skill set and performance experience. One thing I feel that a lot of dancers and actors fail to realize is how important experience in actual shows is. You can take class everyday but it in no way form or fashion able to replace BEING in a show. As I sat in my vocal rehearsal, I saw that even though I've improved in singing, I have much more work to do. In dance, I feel a lot more confident, but I know that I have a lot of work and progress to make there as well if I want to be a fierce competitor in NYC. As soon as I return home to NYC, I'm going straight back into Vic Dimonda's theatre dance class at Ailey. I will have at least one 30 minute session a week with my vocal teacher and make sure I practice on my own (which I haven't been doing). I really need to step it up several notches as far as training goes. I haven't really been pushing myself hard at all This show is definitely going to push and stretch me in many areas before it closes. Am I disappointed? Heck no! I'm very excited to have this opportunity and equally excited to get back to working hard and improving.

So I really want to stress how important it is to keep going. Even in times when it seems like nothing is happening, always strive to do 1-3 things that can help your career. I think that's what a lot of actors, dancers, etc. don't get. Even if I watch a movie, stretch for 15 minutes and do a facial while watching a movie (a good one, lol) I've hit all three areas of dancing, acting and modeling and they were so simple. For instance, tomorrow I'm seriously thinking of researching casting directors in the Texas - Central region to mail my headshot and resume. I have all these headshots and I don't want these to go to waste once I get new ones in about 6 months or so like the last ones. When I take the time to consciously do things to further my career everyday, no matter how small it may seem, I feel fulfilled and like I accomplished something...because I did.

Ron Warner Shoot

Here are some of the photos from my shoot with Ron Warner in NYC. I LOVE them!

Thanks for viewing!

Houston Vacay....well, not so much....

Finally made it back home! I'm enjoying my vacation. I've eaten at all of my favorite spots, driven quite a bit and of course I love seeing my family and friends. However, this trip is different from other times that I have come home. As I begin to gather momentum in my career and make strides I no longer want to be able to have strictly vacation time. I need to be working at all times and have opportunities to offset the cost of me returning home or going anywhere else. So my goals this trip were:

1) Set up photo shoots to build portfolio
2) Get a local agent to send me out on casting when I'm in town
3)Audition for Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS)

Before leaving NYC I looked up TUTS audition schedule to see when they were holding NYC auditions. I contacted the artistic director and told him my situation, which is that I am a native Houstonian that always just misses the local auditions and I would like the opportunity to audition. We emailed back and forth and he actually set me up with the choreographer for the upcoming show, "Guys and Dolls" Paula Sloan. The plan was for us to meet up in between her rehearsal for a project she was working on in NYC for her to audition me. That actually didn't happen. Instead of giving up, I prepared. I set up a voice lesson my last couple of days in NYC to work on which piece I would sing just in case I got an audition. I packed a couple of dance outfits and I always take headshots, resumes' and business cards anyway. I contacted both of them upon reaching Houston. There was actually an opening in the cast and I secured an audition. I felt very prepared and confident. I aced my audition easily. The director even told me unofficially before I left that I had gotten the part! This experience taught me to never give up and always be prepared for anything.
Also before leaving New York, I contacted agencies I wanted to meet with and told them my situation. There are only two SAG franchised agencies in Houston (A+ Actors and Bosby-Pastorini) and I knew I wanted to go with one of the two. I sent my headshot and resume to both and once I booked the show I sent out postcards letting them know. I hadn't heard anything and a few days later I did a follow up call to the agency I really wanted, A+ Actors, since I know agents can get really busy. Good thing I did because they really wanted to bring me in. I met with the agents this past Monday and I felt really comfortable with them and I sensed that they were were very aggressive in submitting their talent. They also had opportunities in Louisiana, Texas and even NYC. I feel very good about signing with them.
Rehearsals for the show start next week and it's a grueling schedule. I rehearse 6 days a week, for 7 hours a day. This is going to be a great experience for me and I know this will help me greatly on my road to being on Broadway.

End of Summer Update

So I've been pretty busy. I got a part-time job as a dance instructor at a summer camp for several weeks. I still went on auditions. I had a couple of photo shoots and another commercial print agency, Silver Models, wants to work with me. I just need to get more photos, especially commercial and fitness shots versus editorial. I took Angela Mickey's (Liz Lewis Casting) intro commercial class. I learned a lot of valuable information and received some good practice and feedback. I feel the class was a good investment since I have no experience whatsoever.Although I was satisfied with the experience I don't want to blow money needed for living expenses on CD workshops AND acting classes, so I'll give myself some time to digest what I learned and think about another one a few months down the line.
I also audited another class, this time at the Susan Batson Studio called "Ex-er Actor". I LOVED the class! It reminded me of my undergrad days at Prairie View. I was fortunate to be able to take class with Susan Batson herself. The best thing about the class is that Susan gets to everybody and everyone gets ample feedback and time to do their monologue twice. That's no small feat for a class of over 20 students. The class started at 6:30pm. It ended at 2:00am. Wow! That format worked for me though since I'm used to long classes and 2AM rehearsals from college. I had such a catharsis in that class and the work was exhausting, yet fulfilling. Susan tells each new student what class(es) they should take at her studio and she recommended me to the highest levels. I was very excited. I'm leaning more towards this class than Anthony Abeson's class.
Lastly I ordered new business cards (Spotlight Printing) and postcards (Vistaprint) I'm very pleased with them both. Once I get to a scanner I'll upload images of them.

My Morning Glory Catharsis

So I had an easy day today of sorts. I slept in, made a nice breakfast and picked up my new glasses (which I spent WAYYYYY too much money on). Once home I warmed up some leftovers from Whole Foods and watched "Morning Glory" starring Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford. The movie is about Becky, a hardworking TV producer (McAdams) who has a no-existent social life and gets fired from her job. She gets hired at a failing show and turns it around for the better. Really nice, light movie. What really stuck out to me though was the miniscule sub story with her mother. Her mother has a monologue in the movie where she tells Becky that her dreams were cute as a child, inspiring at 18, but sad at 28 and she needs to give up. That struck something in me. Now my family isn't at all like that. They are in fact, very supportive. It's me who's the hard one. I'm 27 years old and I had doubts about my future as an artist. I used to think that I was too old to keep dreaming and pursue a career in the business and I needed to move on to something more stable. I know there are a lot of "seasoned" actors out there who are shocked and tickled by this revelation; nevertheless it's true. But the past couple of weeks have been a blur. I'm doing and achieving things I thought would take awhile to obtain. I have representation, I have auditions coming in, people are commenting on my talent and my look favorably and things are really coming together. As I was watching the movie, two castings I wanted sent me emails inviting me to audition or interview. I was just thinking about how out of all the submissions I replied to on Actor's Access and NYCastings, I wasn't hearing much back. And now look at what happened. I'm still facing rejection the way all actors,dancers and models do but I also feel a confidence and inner strength in my abilities to succeed that wasn't quite there before. Sure I was confident before, but hard work, specific goals and results have bred a new confidence in me as well as a hunger to do more and achieve more. It amazes me how I can take anything in life and learn a lesson or receive inspiration from it. I guess the romantic in me will not let the realistic side of me keep it down for too long. I'm enjoying my journey, my personal rollercoaster of life and experiencing the ups, the downs as well as the topsy turvies. Those are what make life one hell of ride! So far it's been pretty awesome and I'm looking forward to the rest.

Classes, Commercial Rep Update

This past week has been crazy busy. First off, I sent my materials to several commercial agencies in New York. I'm targeting the smaller boutique agencies because although I have a lot offer, I don't have many credits on my resume. I believe working with a boutique agency will aid me better than getting lost in the fray with a larger company, especially with minimal experience. Well this Monday I received two emails. One turned me down because they didn't have a need for someone with my stats and to apply in 6 months. The second.......DRUUUUMMMMMMSS PLEASE........picked me up! I am now officially apart of Flaunt Model Management! I am so excited! I didn't expect it to happen so fast, but it did. I went in this Tuesday and met with the president of the company and got everything I need to get started. I can't wait to start going out on auditions for them. Now I have pictures, but I'm in dire need of a better, diversified portfolio. I'm in the process of setting up several test shoots to increase my book. That means money I didn't intend to spend anytime soon. I have a few TFP shoots coming up, so I'm not going to break the bank just yet. I'm going to keep being smart about my business and not go crazy with the spending. I still have to get comp, post and business cards made too. This is all out of my pocket. Many people believe that models get all of that stuff for free. WRONG. Most of the time these costs are passed on to the model. I've reached out to several models I know for referrals and Gene gave me a list of photographers that I can choose from, so I'll start there. I'm still waiting to hear back from the rest of the agencies as NYC is mostly non-exclusive when it comes to representation.


After I went into the agency Tuesday, I went to audit and watch Anthony Abeson's acting class. I spoke with him the day before and he invited me to sit it for free and observe. I loved the class. At first I was a bit put off because of the size (20+ actors), but Anthony handled the size well and it seemed everyone was benefiting. The format was nice and I heard from a student who had just booked a really big role in an extraordinary way. I even got to participate a little because they were short on girls. I will definitely be back as an official student. I also took a free Intro to Improv class at the Magnet Theater. I did really well in class and it reminded me that even though sometime I get a little intimidated, I did learn in college and I do have the talent and know how. I just need to tighten up my skills. I start my on camera class with Angela Mickey this upcoming Monday and I'm about to register for an 8 week improv class. I'm so happy my career is on the fast track now. All I have to do is keep up!

P.S. - I have an audition tomorrow for a once act play festival. Wish me luck!

Positioning Week

The past week I have been deciding which area of the market I want to focus the majority of my energy on. If I know where I'm going, I can determine the best route to get there. What I came up with is to focus on getting commercial representation and challenging roles in student films and non-union theatre. I need the commercial rep in order to gain access to print and commercial jobs that can provide substantial income, networking/relationships with CDs and improve my resume for future representation by agents and managers. The non-union roles will give me more experience and credits besides the meager ones that I had in college. They will also further my growth as an actress. Each performance gives an agent a chance to see me and/or material for a reel.
While auditioning is great, I need to workout my acting muscles and grow as an artist. I'm also making acting classes/workshops a priority in my budget. I am currently searching for an intense, intimate class that's going to whip me into shape. So no more excuses about not having the money. I will cut out shopping, eating out, trips, etc. to be able to afford them.
Those are my plans for the time being. Of course they're flexible (have to be in this business!) but I plan to stick with it. Stay tuned for my 12 month plan and more updates!

New Headshots!

Sooooooo, I've been needing new headshots like, AGES ago. I got my first headshots done in Houston May 2007 and they were pretty decent. I think a lightbulb went off in my head when at my last go-see for a modeling job, I noticed that the casting directors had reached my picture and were starring, puzzled, at all the girls in the lineup. I had to then speak up and say, "Oh that's mine, sir!" OUCH. Luckily I still booked the job, but that's a definite no-no in this business.My hair and overall look has changed so much since those shots were taken. Needless to say, as I endeavor to jump back into this rat race, I knew my first order of business was to get new headshots.

I started researching and asking around, as well as checking out blogs and any source I could to get the scoop in NYC. It's a pretty daunting task, especially if you want quality at the most affordable price. I came across a photographer named Taylor Hooper. I was skeptical because he pops up first in a search and I tend to steer away from those. I looked at his work and I really like it. He responded to my questions in a timely manner and he even had a spring sale going on at the time. After debating between another photographer I decided to go with Taylor. The deal breaker was he was more affordable. I decided on the cheapest package because just getting back in, I knew I didn't need all of those looks and I knew what I wanted. I completed the headshot homework he gave and at the shoot we talked about what look I was going for. I wanted the "sexy, outspoken, mean, bestfriend" channeling Samantha from "Sex in the City" with equal amounts of Maya and Toni from 'Girlfriends". The shoot was so much fun and he really kept me in character. Sara Ugino, the makeup artist was awesome too! I had some misgiving about her working on African American skin, but her work was flawless, and she was so sweet.
After the shoot, I had so many shots to choose from! Everyone had about 20-30 shots out of 92 that they loved that showed different sides of me. I finally decided on these two to start out with....

This one is the favorite. I love this color on me and I look so commercial here.

This one has a little sassiness to it and it shows off my body great.

Just for a reference, here is my old headshot:













I'm really looking forward to how these new shots are going to do as I start auditioning again. Fell free to leave feedback I hope this post helps anyone who is looking into getting new headshots done!

Phoenix Rising....

So it's been almost A YEAR since I've updated this blog. I intend to turn a new leaf and keep it up this time around....

For the past 10 months (with one more to go : / ) I've been utilizing my college degree and did what I did not want to do...teach. But, circumstances demanded it. I did not and could not find a job, my mother was pretty much supporting me and my options were slim. I was blessed to be able to find a position in the climate we're in as teachers. The downside is that ALL of my free time aka training time was taken up. I have done nothing career wise as an artist this year. The upside is much better though. I was able to pay my mom back, gain excellent insurance, save money again and learn the lay of the land. I no longer feel like a fish out of water here. I was able to prepare myself to come out this time around on top. I feel that I needed to go through those awesome 1st 4 1/2 months to see that I wanted to do this and the last month and half to go through the hardships. I have a better idea of what to expect and how to go about getting it. I am much better at prioritizing money (although I am still a bit of a shopaholic) and I know now that a survival job is just that, and I should be open to a broader range of work if I want to pay the bills and do what I love.
As the school year is ending and I'm about to actively pursue my dreams again, I've come to realize that it's not enough to WANT it. I've got to FIGHT harder, WORK harder, and PUSH harder than I ever have in my life. To be away from Cameron, my family, friends, and the lifestyle that I utterly love in Texas, I have no other choice but to succeed to warrant it. I look forward to the next chapter in my life as I rise like the phoenix , brush off the ashes and fly to my goals, my dreams and my destiny!

A LONG OVERDUE Update

So it's been a MINUTE since I last posted. So much has been going
 on in my life up to this point. First of all the show "Miles of Styles" did not pan out. Let's just say I got my first taste of dealing with an unscrupulous "director". I was down about that for awhile, but then I threw myself back into training and recovered.

Eric and me :)

I booked a big model gig! My good friend, Eric Sanchez, sent me a casting notice to be a dancer and hair model for Clairol. I immediately sent in all my information and waited to see if I would be invited to the call. FINALLY I heard back from the agency and I went to the casting call. When I arrived at the studio (Milk Studios in NY) I was amazed at how gorgeous the place was. The waiting area had more than a few chicks waiting from boutique agencies who were clearly "models". I began to feel a little insecure. Here I was, with no representation, barely a portfolio and no model credits whatsoever. All the other girls looked chic, and I had on a hoodie and sneakers. However, I learned from previous auditions to always be prepared, so I changed into a pair of heels I had in my bag. That helped a little. The call was more of a go-see than an audition. I could see into the space that they were asking the girls to dance to the radio. My confidence went back up. Most of  the models couldn't move! When it was my turn, I kicked off my heels and went for it. The casting group was very excited. I ended up in a line with all the girls and they narrowed it down to 4 girls and 2 guys, including me. Needless to say I left feeling very optimistic! A few days later I got a call from the agency saying that they were interested in possibly using me for TWO shows! Wow! I thanked God for his blessings right then and there. In the end, I only booked the one that I originally auditioned for, but the money is awesome and I get a work vacation in Atlanta! God is good!

I haven't been auditioning much, but one audition really lifted my spirits. I auditioned for "The Color Purple" tour and got the furthest I ever have in an audition. I made it through two dance cuts and then was let go right before the singing. My ballet has improved alot since being in NY, and it showed when we had a short center barre. The choreographer made it feel more like a workshop than an audition which really helped to ease my nerves. Another thing that happened that isn't common was that once you were cut, she invited you to speak with her about why you were cut and what you needed to work on. I need to be more specific in my movement, meaning understand exactly what the choreographer is asking you to do and do it that way. It has more to do with placement than technique. That's why some people who may not be as technical make it through to the end. Although I didn't make it, that audition really helped me, and she will see me again at the next audition!