Tag Archives: new years resolutions

Full Speed Ahead

10 Jan

Have you ever had that experience where your mind is going a mile a minute and your fingers can’t catch up with what you’re writing, and you look down at your page or computer screen and see that your sentences don’t make any sense because you were unable to keep up with your thoughts. Well, that’s kind of how I’m feeling only with my whole body.

This year has been off to a great start: Producing an original full length play, which will go up in February. Completing a feature length film, which I’ve been shooting since July. Starting to film an original web series, which will launch in June. And a number of other exciting things- directing a new crop of high schoolers for a spring production of Shakespeare monologues, sonnets and scenes; a new freelance gig helping a fellow performance artist get her stuff out there; and a handful of other projects and exciting lunch dates discussing script ideas.

But with only 10 days into the new year where I’ve been working on ALL of the above mentioned projects has resulted in today: I’m sick. My body is like “I HATE YOU!” but my mind is like “YAY NEW YEAR”.  Basically my body is trying to play catch up to all of these awesome things that are going on. And though this is exactly the way I’d want to kick off the new year- full speed ahead– I do need to remember that I need to stop and take take some vitamins every once in a while.

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The Scene Partner Turns One!

3 Jan

I can’t believe it. A whole year has gone by already since I launched this blog. And though I did not post a new post every day, I did keep it up. The blog survived! I’m going to take that as the first of many positive things I see happening in 2011. I’ve been feeling it already– these past few weeks I’ve had an insurmountable sense that 2011 is going to be the best year yet. I just know it’s going to be good! Not only for me but those around me. There’s something in the air, I feel it, I really do. I see challenges, uncertainty and doubt, yes. But I also see much success this year. And as cheesy or as hippie-dippy as I may sound right now, this feeling is not unfounded. This past year was the first year I had both feet in– in LA and in the commitment to a career as an actor. That also means, this past year I worked my butt off.

I launched this blog! (duh) I co-produced a 3-month long playwright competition, an original full length drama and a multi media comedy show. I starred in an amazing physically and emotionally challenging world premiere play. I got my first theater teaching gig and created and directed my first high school play. I was cast in and started filming an indie feature. And most importantly, on those days that I doubted my abilities, my decisions and myself in general, when I thought “what the hell am I doing with my life” I kept going.

So this year, 2011, I feel even more good things coming my way. I’ve been paying my dues. Saying yes to every opportunity. Meeting people. Making art. Working hard.

And what would a new years post be without some new years resolutions: check out my special Actor New Years Resolutions post.

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Actor New Years Resolutions

20 Jan

While we’re still in the month of January, I thought this would be an appropriate topic. Another actor-friendly blog I visit regularly, The Actors Voice by Bonnie Gillespie (I’ve listed her in my online resources), had a great post a few years ago on Working Actor Resolutions. Now, I’m not one for new years resolutions since I rarely keep them, but I thought this was a great list to keep in mind for actors be it new years or not.

These are the ones I liked from her list (with my own take on them), plus a few of my own:

1. Update your demo reel.

I intend to do this as soon as I get some footage I’ve been waiting on. Just like you should update your headshots, I think it’s really important to update your reel. Hopefully each year you are adding to your body of work and have something to show for it. And it’s a good thing to keep the ball rolling. It’ll feel good to have cut something together that shows how much you’ve grown as an actor.

2. Take a day off every week.

I try to do something every day related to my career, whether it’s reading a play, or submitting myself to auditions, I think it’s a good idea to give myself a day off! It’s hard with a career like acting to remind yourself to take some time off. We need vacations too. So take a day off where you don’t do anything related to acting at all and relax.

3. Create at least one project of your own.

Making your own work is something I’ve already mentioned a lot. And I’ll mention it again! Make one of your resolutions to create something of your own. Be it a short play that you put up in your own apartment for friends and family, or a little 2-min Youtube video. It’s a great confidence booster to have produced something on your own– and who knows, maybe someone who’s someone will see it.

4. Take a class you’ve never taken before.

I don’t just mean an acting class. But maybe a belly dance class! (Something I’ve taken up recently with well-known belly dancer and teacher Layla) or fencing or Spanish or jewelry making. Well rounded people make good actors. Think of something you’ve always wanted to try and sign up for a class. Or just open up your local community college’s course book and pick something. You never know when a casting notice will call for your type plus a special skill that you just so happened to pick up.

5. Write a scene.

I find that being on the other side of the page, writing a scene instead of acting in one, is really helpful for an actor. You’re still thinking of character motivation, objectives and conflict yet in a different context. It brings a fresh perspective to things you already think about as an actor.

6. Work on a new monologue.

A stale monologue is something I am definitely guilty of. It’s time for me to update my monologue library. There is something to be said of course of holding onto a monologue that’s always worked for you. But there is also something to be said of retiring one that you’ve used one to many times. Whatever fire that used to make that one monologue ring true, might just not be there anymore. Pick a new one. It’s time.

7. Be proud of yourself!

You’re going after your dream. Remember that. Some people go their whole lives without ever even realizing what their dream was. But you, you know it and you’re achieving it. And that’s awesome! So, as cheesy as this sounds… pat yourself on the back and be proud of yourself.

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