I just returned from Mexico and not a day too soon because I have several awesome casting director workshops scheduled for this month! Already, they are off to a great start because last night I began a three week class with casting director/actor, Todd Sherry.  Not only is Todd a working actor, he is also a really neat guy with a refreshing approach – - namely, “have fun and play”.  He has s a “don’t take it too seriously” approach to acting and stressed the point of knowing who you are, what you have to sell, and recognize early that you can’t please all the people all of the time.   These all seem like common sense objectives but in a town where many acting teachers and casting directors make a living ripping actors apart and proving that their approach will put you back together (ughhh the internal monologues, the process, the objectives, the this and that etc….), they take the fun out of acting.  With his natural charisma and “actor friendly” approach, Todd spoke about acting with an authenticity and true joy that I responded to and honestly needed to hear. 

The only other time I have heard such a refreshing approach was when I hear Jack Plotnick speak about his, New Thoughts For Actors last spring.  Ironically, as I was thinking this exact thought, Todd mentioned Jack and it mad perfect sense because I had been thinking to myself how similar their approach is to acting and that they should be friends (if they aren’t already).  Overall, it was a really nice evening and left me feeling hopeful and happy – - two feelings that can be difficult to experience after spending three hours with a casting director   I’ll keep ya’ll posted on how the next two weeks go but already I can tell you to sign up for a class with Todd because he’s just an overall genuine human in this generally artificial town.

* on a side note, I had a great audition for a hosting gig yesterday and am crossing my fingers the director and producers also thought it was good

xo

I needed a couple of “business” shots and this is what the talented Wayne Rutledge and I came up with.  Would you take advice from me?  Buy my product?  Hire me to be your CEO?

St. Patty's Day Mailing!

This is the sort of mailing I do once in a while.  I know that I need to get in front of casting directors somehow and what a great excuse – - St. Patty’s Day!  Now if only Wendy O’Brien would call me in, she’d like this right?

I am nearing the end of my class at The Groundlings and, while I am a little sad to say goodbye to some incredible actors (AJ Prats), I am also excited to keep moving forward.  I will be forever grateful to Scotty (Donovan Scott), one of the most incredible improv teachers EVER, I have found the classes at Groundlings to also be wonderful.  Of course, things are always slightly different depending on the people you are “working/playing” with, but we’ve had some great camaraderie and it’s been loads of fun!  Hopefully, one day ya’ll see me in the Sunday Company

"The Crew"

Is this really the "best" pose I could come up with?

Only in Hollywood can you book a commercial for a network where the criteria was to make a huge fool of yourself!   The audition asked me to act like I had won a million dollars.  Well…what would you do?  I threw in a bit of the running man, a little booty shaking and of course a couple of toe touches for good measure.  It was actually a ton of fun and I felt so incredibly stupid that the laughing came naturally.  Way to go, we shoot tomorrow and I get another paycheck – boo ya!

The Disney/Milk commercial was a lot of fun!  While they don’t tend to pay a whole heck of a lot of money, it’s a great way to practice and it’s fun being part of a team for the day.  I’m not going to lie though, I had the most difficult time with one of my lines.  Sometimes it’s the most simple thing in the world that thows you off.  No sweat though, we got the footage we needed and I can’t wait to see the finished product!

My "kids"

A few exciting things that I’m excited to tackle this month are:

I auditioned and was accepted into The Groundlings.  I start next week and will be going two days/week.  It’s a lot of class time but I’m looking forward to learning more.  A lot of really talented and super funny actors have gone through this school people like: Will Ferrell, Maya Rudolph, Chris Kattan, Lisa Kudrow and many others so lets just hope that I can keep the momentum going.  It’s a great place to study and they offer multiple opportunities for industry people to watch the shows .  I still love my “original” improv teacher, Donovan Scott, but it’s always good to be uncomfortable so that you can grow.  I suppose I actually “started” my improv training with the Groundlings back in Seattle because I used to do improv workshops with Gary Austin when he’d come up to Seattle for the weekend.  Gary actually founded the Groundlings here in LA so it’s sort of like I’ve come full circle

Also, I started my class with Bob Lambert from All My Children and he is absolutely fantastic.  He took a lot of time with each actor, filmed us and gave us excellent feedback.  This class/workshop will continue for the next several weeks so I am excited to learn more.  I also have a workshop with Dorian Frankle tonight from Curb Your Enthusiasm so let’s hope it goes well!

That’s it for now….the next big job is out there waiting for me to find it! Gotta scoot.

I guess Disney is the one shop in town that seems to really have a shine to me, which I’ll take.  I just booked a commercial for “Milk” via Disney and guess what….I play a mom again!  Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something (fat chance mom). 

In any event, I was actually feeling a little discouraged because I’d been put on “hold” several times before for Disney and while I book a decent amount, it was getting frustrating.  Being put on “hold” means that you should hold a specific date on your calendar because the decision making process is down to you(me) and another person or two.  The odds of booking are fairly strong and so I’ve been known to let my hopes get ahead of the actual job only to find out that I didn’t actually book the job.  Nonetheless, the persistence and Saturday auditions (that’s right, Saturday morning) paid off. 

I think I’ll use the cash to buy some tile for the bathroom surround in our shower or…(gasp) maybe I’ll buy a new lens for my camera.  I am thrilled and have to remember that these small bookings are eventually going to lead to something bigger.

For all of you wondering if I booked the Hannah Montana gig…I think it’s safe to say that it’s a “no”.  I am disappointed of course but met Carol Goldwasser and Andrew Green (one of the producers) and they were fantastic and just very nice people.  I also think Richard Meltzer is a gem too and just count my blessings that I got called in at all.

One of these days, they are going to hire me for a recurring role   Until then, I’ll keep on keeping on.

xo

I think I mentioned that I started doing casting director workshops last month.  I figure that I’ve beentaking classes and preparping myself for auditions and I’d like to get myself in front of some people who can actually hire me.  I was a little reluctant at first but after my first workshop with Sherie Hernandez at Act Now and receiving good feedback, I thought it was worth my time and my money. 

I signed up for two more through Actors Key.  One with Howard Meltzer who casts Hannah Montana (an AFTRA show) and one with Deanna Andrews (The Bold and Beautiful).  I received excellent feedback again and hold onto your hats….was called in on Thursday to audition for the role of Sharon on Hannah Montana.  Wait, it gets even better – - I got called back again on Friday to read for the producers! 

It was a great experience and Carol Goldwasser and the producer, Andrew Green, were very very nice.  They truly seemed to be on the actors side.  They were encouraging and kind to me and this was such a blessing and a great way to end the week!  I am pleased that the casting director workshop was helpful in helping me with this opportunity.  At least now I know that they are not a waste of money.  Of course, I’d love to get the part but feel encouraged and fortunate that I made it this far.  The one thing I keep learning about the business, like most things in life, you have to create your own opportunities….no one is going to do it for you!

Disney, AKA “the Mouse” hired me for another commercial that will film this Thursday!  You’ll be surprised to learn that I am again playing a mom in a Sara Lee commercial.  Let’s hope I get some quality air time! 

I also had a great meeting with Coast to Coast Talent last week.  I spoke with theatrical agent, Amber, and she was very warm, kind and constructive.  I am certain that there are many brunette women in this town, like myself, who have more credits than I do yet, I have to believe that there is definitely an agent out there who will see me and my potential and want to take a “chance” on me.  I know that my work ethic is unparalleled and I believe my acting chops are good esp. after spending the past two years seriously honing my craft. 

I remain optimistic and believe everything will work out for the best.  Look, I’ll level with y’all – - in light of the recent tragedies in Haiti, my needs are not important and I am just thankful to be living in LA and making a go of it in an industry that I love and with a loving husband by my side.