Saw the Beatles tribute called Rain tonight. It was playing at the Neil Simon Theater on 52nd Street on Broadway.
For the record, they were pretty damn good. I'm still not a Beatles fan, although I appreciate what they did and how drastically they changed the musical landscape of everything pop.
That said, cover bands belong in concert halls and plays/musicals belong on Broadway.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Wizard of Fix
Just came back from an audition for The Wizard of Oz.
Here's how it went down:
I got in, filled out the paperwork, got changed, refreshed my makeup, and took a seat. This particular theater has an AEA clause and there were Equity contracts available. I was SUPER psyched. And prepared. Ready to go. 16 bars were picked, practiced, and rehearsed.
BRING. IT.
I sang well. Glad to be Unhappy from On Your Toes went pretty well. I felt really good about it.
Then we had to dance. It wasn't great, but I was far from the worst.
FAR from the very worst.
By this point I had befriended 2 gals who had a similar look to me. One was older, the other younger. They both sang and danced well. I figured they'd get called back with no problem.
Then they read the names for the callback.
I didn't get called.
Ready for the kicker? The other two girls didn't get called back either.
On the way to the parking lot, the older girl and I got to talking and came to the same conclusion:
It was fixed.
Think I'm bitter and looking for an excuse?
Let me give you an example.
This was, as stated before, an audition for The Wizard of Oz. It is a classic musical. One girl sang a song from a very popular musical that has been gushed about previously in this blog. She was barely audible, and when she was, she was not necessarily in the same key as the accompanist. During the dance callback, she stood in a stance not too dissimilar to a rock.
She got a callback.
This, my dears, was a waste of time. I am never going back to this theater or auditioning for them again.
While I am angry, it is not at myself. My audition was solid and I will use this audition as a confidence booster.
On to bigger and much, much better.
Here's how it went down:
I got in, filled out the paperwork, got changed, refreshed my makeup, and took a seat. This particular theater has an AEA clause and there were Equity contracts available. I was SUPER psyched. And prepared. Ready to go. 16 bars were picked, practiced, and rehearsed.
BRING. IT.
I sang well. Glad to be Unhappy from On Your Toes went pretty well. I felt really good about it.
Then we had to dance. It wasn't great, but I was far from the worst.
FAR from the very worst.
By this point I had befriended 2 gals who had a similar look to me. One was older, the other younger. They both sang and danced well. I figured they'd get called back with no problem.
Then they read the names for the callback.
I didn't get called.
Ready for the kicker? The other two girls didn't get called back either.
On the way to the parking lot, the older girl and I got to talking and came to the same conclusion:
It was fixed.
Think I'm bitter and looking for an excuse?
Let me give you an example.
This was, as stated before, an audition for The Wizard of Oz. It is a classic musical. One girl sang a song from a very popular musical that has been gushed about previously in this blog. She was barely audible, and when she was, she was not necessarily in the same key as the accompanist. During the dance callback, she stood in a stance not too dissimilar to a rock.
She got a callback.
This, my dears, was a waste of time. I am never going back to this theater or auditioning for them again.
While I am angry, it is not at myself. My audition was solid and I will use this audition as a confidence booster.
On to bigger and much, much better.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Now Put Your Foot Behind Your Ear
I'm not 100% sure it's been documented here, but a big reason why I've been shying away from auditions has been because I am grossly out of shape. (Well, at least as grossly out of shape as a size 2 can be!)
Almost 3 years ago I nearly broke my ankle in ballet. It is now arthritic, but the most accurate barometer around.
Last Christmas I nearly fractured my hip while doing a cartwheel. It looked hairlined on the x-ray, but the specialist and the MRI declare that it is not a new injury. (Go me?)
So a big part of why I'm so out of shape is because I've been really, really injured.
Up until yesterday, I've been terrified to do much exercising because I was afraid that my hip would crumble.
However, with StrawHat Auditions lurking in February, it's time to get the ball (and hopefully not my ankle) rolling.
I placed a call to my old ballet teacher last night in hopes that he was still teaching. Lo and behold, he is not only teaching, but is offering classes that are conducive to my schedule. Alas! I have caught a break!
So at 9:30 this morning I donned a whole lot of spandex, I'll certainly spare the details of how 'amazing' I looked, and went to class for the first time in nearly 2 years.
The first 10 minutes were OK- it felt like riding a bike. The other 80 minutes, well, they were none too graceful.
I am proud to report that my back attitude was actually pretty good. The rest of it needs work and my ankle needs to strengthen a bit. This will come in time.
My next class is on Thursday morning. I am sore from this one already (it's been less than 12 hours) and I'm sure it will be quite the adventure come Thursday.
The ibuprofin party will commence in 5...4...3...2...
Almost 3 years ago I nearly broke my ankle in ballet. It is now arthritic, but the most accurate barometer around.
Last Christmas I nearly fractured my hip while doing a cartwheel. It looked hairlined on the x-ray, but the specialist and the MRI declare that it is not a new injury. (Go me?)
So a big part of why I'm so out of shape is because I've been really, really injured.
Up until yesterday, I've been terrified to do much exercising because I was afraid that my hip would crumble.
However, with StrawHat Auditions lurking in February, it's time to get the ball (and hopefully not my ankle) rolling.
I placed a call to my old ballet teacher last night in hopes that he was still teaching. Lo and behold, he is not only teaching, but is offering classes that are conducive to my schedule. Alas! I have caught a break!
So at 9:30 this morning I donned a whole lot of spandex, I'll certainly spare the details of how 'amazing' I looked, and went to class for the first time in nearly 2 years.
The first 10 minutes were OK- it felt like riding a bike. The other 80 minutes, well, they were none too graceful.
I am proud to report that my back attitude was actually pretty good. The rest of it needs work and my ankle needs to strengthen a bit. This will come in time.
My next class is on Thursday morning. I am sore from this one already (it's been less than 12 hours) and I'm sure it will be quite the adventure come Thursday.
The ibuprofin party will commence in 5...4...3...2...
Thursday, November 11, 2010
It was... a day...
I had 2 auditions last Friday.
The first was for a musical called Dollface.
I arrived, got changed, and made small talk with the other actors.
Then, I found a proverbial unicorn.
There was a very cute, male actor waiting to audition. Why is he a unicorn?
Because he was straight! AND nice.
And engaged, as I found out.
Regardless...
The audition went...ok... I cracked on Oh What A Night by Frankie Valli and got cut off on Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.
However, they liked my dress and my eyes.
Then I took a subway back uptown to audition for a film that has evidently been commissioned by Sundance for 2012.
The audition went pretty well, although it was a bit odd. The casting directors weren't there, but the two lead actors were. It really felt like a student film audition to be completely honest.
They said that if there was to be a callback I'd hear from them next week.
Very strange.
Then I made it to my voice lesson on time. It was a good day. While exhausting, it was a step in the right direction. At least I got out there and auditioned. It might not have been the best auditions, but I did it. I'll work on quality of the auditions for the next round. Right now I'm very content in knowing that I budgeted my time wisely and made it to every obligation.
And so the hunt for the next acting gig continues...
The first was for a musical called Dollface.
I arrived, got changed, and made small talk with the other actors.
Then, I found a proverbial unicorn.
There was a very cute, male actor waiting to audition. Why is he a unicorn?
Because he was straight! AND nice.
And engaged, as I found out.
Regardless...
The audition went...ok... I cracked on Oh What A Night by Frankie Valli and got cut off on Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.
However, they liked my dress and my eyes.
Then I took a subway back uptown to audition for a film that has evidently been commissioned by Sundance for 2012.
The audition went pretty well, although it was a bit odd. The casting directors weren't there, but the two lead actors were. It really felt like a student film audition to be completely honest.
They said that if there was to be a callback I'd hear from them next week.
Very strange.
Then I made it to my voice lesson on time. It was a good day. While exhausting, it was a step in the right direction. At least I got out there and auditioned. It might not have been the best auditions, but I did it. I'll work on quality of the auditions for the next round. Right now I'm very content in knowing that I budgeted my time wisely and made it to every obligation.
And so the hunt for the next acting gig continues...
Thursday, October 28, 2010
A Journey... Of Sorts
Hello Dear Readers!
As mentioned in previous entries, I'm gearing up for the big StrawHat Audition in February.
So far, to prepare, I've started a new exercise/butt kicking routine to help me tone up & shed some extra pounds.
Today, I had a FANTASTIC voice lesson & just might have picked a song for the audition.
For the first time in nearly 2 months I'm feeling like I'm ready to get back out there. I'm starting to feel more 'in my body,' if that makes any sense.
I've also made some decisions to clean up both my diet and my skin.
Cleaning up my skin will include a mild astringent in the morning after my shower, and separate moisturizers for my face (Clinique), arms (Victoria's Secret angel touch lotion), legs (Bliss' Ultimate Moisture), and hands (Bliss' All Hands On Deck). There's also a fat reducer that I'll be using on my stomach in the form of Bliss' Love Handler. Tonight I took an extra moment to do a foot massage with Bliss' Foot Patrol. I am so zenned out it's ridiculous.
My trip to the grocery store included healthy things like almonds, spinach & artichoke hummus, and whole grain mini pitas. It's a big deal because I LOVE to eat crap. If it's greasy, grimy, and loaded with sugar, chances are I've eaten it within the last week. I'm also very fortunate that despite a previous lack of exercise and unbelievable consumption of carbs and fats, I still fit comfortably in a size 2 pair of jeans. Granted, I am not toned or fit and the very thought of running gives me an asthma attack. It's time to buckle down a bit. The goal is to slowly eliminate excess sugar (save for that which I put in my green tea) within the next month. It will be super difficult, but I can do it.
I also picked up salmon. when I requested it to be skinned, I was told to come back in 15 minutes. That was a bit strange, but I returned 15 minutes later and was handed a warm, sealed, double foam packaged & bagged thing. The tag said salmon, so I didn't argue. Maybe there was a skinning machine or something that caused the salmon to be warm. Whatever. So I went home, got out the lemon juice, the cookie sheet, and set the oven to broil.
I should have known there was trouble when the salmon contraption was still warm/borderline hot & started leaking.
Turns out the nice lady behind the fish counter cooked the fish for me.
Anyone else confused by this? Plus, it still had the skin on it. I was totally squicked out.
However, it tasted just fine after a few minutes in the broiler.
Oh the adventures of eating healthy...
I still count this as progress in acting. I am refining my body, and that alone will help me get jobs. My voice is a work in progress, but that will come.
For the first time in a long time I feel empowered about my skills. Maybe next week I'll check out a few auditions...
As mentioned in previous entries, I'm gearing up for the big StrawHat Audition in February.
So far, to prepare, I've started a new exercise/butt kicking routine to help me tone up & shed some extra pounds.
Today, I had a FANTASTIC voice lesson & just might have picked a song for the audition.
For the first time in nearly 2 months I'm feeling like I'm ready to get back out there. I'm starting to feel more 'in my body,' if that makes any sense.
I've also made some decisions to clean up both my diet and my skin.
Cleaning up my skin will include a mild astringent in the morning after my shower, and separate moisturizers for my face (Clinique), arms (Victoria's Secret angel touch lotion), legs (Bliss' Ultimate Moisture), and hands (Bliss' All Hands On Deck). There's also a fat reducer that I'll be using on my stomach in the form of Bliss' Love Handler. Tonight I took an extra moment to do a foot massage with Bliss' Foot Patrol. I am so zenned out it's ridiculous.
My trip to the grocery store included healthy things like almonds, spinach & artichoke hummus, and whole grain mini pitas. It's a big deal because I LOVE to eat crap. If it's greasy, grimy, and loaded with sugar, chances are I've eaten it within the last week. I'm also very fortunate that despite a previous lack of exercise and unbelievable consumption of carbs and fats, I still fit comfortably in a size 2 pair of jeans. Granted, I am not toned or fit and the very thought of running gives me an asthma attack. It's time to buckle down a bit. The goal is to slowly eliminate excess sugar (save for that which I put in my green tea) within the next month. It will be super difficult, but I can do it.
I also picked up salmon. when I requested it to be skinned, I was told to come back in 15 minutes. That was a bit strange, but I returned 15 minutes later and was handed a warm, sealed, double foam packaged & bagged thing. The tag said salmon, so I didn't argue. Maybe there was a skinning machine or something that caused the salmon to be warm. Whatever. So I went home, got out the lemon juice, the cookie sheet, and set the oven to broil.
I should have known there was trouble when the salmon contraption was still warm/borderline hot & started leaking.
Turns out the nice lady behind the fish counter cooked the fish for me.
Anyone else confused by this? Plus, it still had the skin on it. I was totally squicked out.
However, it tasted just fine after a few minutes in the broiler.
Oh the adventures of eating healthy...
I still count this as progress in acting. I am refining my body, and that alone will help me get jobs. My voice is a work in progress, but that will come.
For the first time in a long time I feel empowered about my skills. Maybe next week I'll check out a few auditions...
Monday, October 25, 2010
Dr, I have this pain...
It's been a while and there isn't much to update.
I mailed out all of my StrawHat Audition material last week and the gentleman at the post office promised it would be there by Friday. Hooray for effiency!
Also, I've started taking voice lessons again. They're expensive, but Rae is the best. Check out her website- www.claim-your-voice.net. I'm also looking into getting a second job to help counter-balance the financial constraints. Keep your fingers crossed!
Still to be done is my journey back into fitness. I haven't taken any sort of dance lesson in over a year and a half- partially because it took at least 9 months to confirm that my hip was not broken.
So, dear readers, I have taken a step forward.
I'm doing P90X. I made it through the 1st day of the Classic workout and have been dead for 3 days. So I deemed it a good idea to try the Lean workouts.
I lasted 35 of 60 minutes.
I'm writing this blog from my bed. Hurting immediately after your workout is a sure sign that getting out of bed tomorrow is not an option.
Updates on my exercise routines will also be (comical) posted here on a regular basis.
Off to take a nap until 10:45!
Also, I wanted to say that I am available to teach piano, trumpet, and voice to all levels in the NY/NJ area. Please go to the Contact page of www.deborahheagen.com and send a message if you're interested.
- Deb
www.deborahheagen.com
I mailed out all of my StrawHat Audition material last week and the gentleman at the post office promised it would be there by Friday. Hooray for effiency!
Also, I've started taking voice lessons again. They're expensive, but Rae is the best. Check out her website- www.claim-your-voice.net. I'm also looking into getting a second job to help counter-balance the financial constraints. Keep your fingers crossed!
Still to be done is my journey back into fitness. I haven't taken any sort of dance lesson in over a year and a half- partially because it took at least 9 months to confirm that my hip was not broken.
So, dear readers, I have taken a step forward.
I'm doing P90X. I made it through the 1st day of the Classic workout and have been dead for 3 days. So I deemed it a good idea to try the Lean workouts.
I lasted 35 of 60 minutes.
I'm writing this blog from my bed. Hurting immediately after your workout is a sure sign that getting out of bed tomorrow is not an option.
Updates on my exercise routines will also be (comical) posted here on a regular basis.
Off to take a nap until 10:45!
Also, I wanted to say that I am available to teach piano, trumpet, and voice to all levels in the NY/NJ area. Please go to the Contact page of www.deborahheagen.com and send a message if you're interested.
- Deb
www.deborahheagen.com
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Biggest Idiot Of Them All
My dear readers,
When a big, non-Broadway name 'invades' the Theater District, I typically roll my eyes, mutter, and begin to whine about how the real actors are starving while a movie star or reality tv castoff is taking the spot of someone truly talented.
That tends to be the order of things. It happened with Scarlett Johanson, Claire Danes, Joey Fatone, Jordin Sparks, Fantasia,and various others. They already have careers. Let those of us who didn't whore our way to the top have a chance.(Allegedly!)
However, every so often there is stunt casting that is so pitch perfect that it stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Billie Joe Armstrong is every exception to the rule.
Sir Armstrong (too dramatic?) wrote the original American Idiot album as a member of the legendary punk/rock/a toe into pop group Green Day. He also helped pen the book, or script for you non-theater kids, for the musical of the same name. Already he had my blessing. When you lend your creative voice to a project and continue to see it through, you get props for not simply throwing your name on it and calling it a day. This was Billie Joe's project and collaborative vision.
And damn if he didn't pull us in for one hell of a ride!
Billie Joe is, first and foremost, a rockstar. He knows it. I know it. The audience clearly knew it. His stage presence was all encompassing, even usurping the stage from giant in the making John Gallager Jr. The part was to play a rockstar. OK, so it wasn't much of a stretch. Hell, he only wrote the damn thing...
Clearly, Billie Joe was excellent. He did his thing and sang the hell out of his own songs. It was so much fun to watch that I literally sat up in my seat for the entire 95 minute show, tapped my foot, and grinned like a kid on Christmas. This was stunt casting done right- finally!
However, this wouldn't be a review without a critique or 2.
My main gripe is that there was no real character of St Jimmy. I know, I know- he's in a band. That IS his character. His trademark is black spikey hair, a scowl, and enough black eyeliner to keep CoverGirl in business for the next 20 years. I get it. But as an actor, I didn't see a difference between the man himself and the character of St Jimmy.
Second, it is painfully obvious that Mr Armstrong wasn't a big fan of the steps on the scaffolding on set. While John Gallager Jr and company swang freely and with nearly reckless abandon, Billie Joe seemed to have a thought bubble above his head that read, "are you fucking kidding me?!" every time he was required to run down the stairs. For an drug dealing character, fear of stairs wasn't a good choice.
The third, and final, gripe of sorts has nothing to do with Billie Joe or the production. It simply has to do with the people who put the idiot in the show while sitting the next row over. Yes, we're all there to see Billie Joe. I'm there for the exact same reason. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Please don't ruin it by loudly professing your love for him during the show. Don't switch seats to get closer. You distract others and it's terrible theater etiquite. Maybe you can afford to see the show again and I'm happy if you can. But not all of us are that fortunate. My excursion tonight means that I have to go light on eating this week because it was not in my budget. I'm not saying this to complain or to draw pity- I'm saying it because when someone screams in the middle of a song, or changes their seat, or exhibits any other sort of cretin-esque behavior, it's distracting. Above distracting, it's rude not only to your fellow audience members but to the actors on the stage. Those kids busted their butts to make us, the audience, happy. Theater is supposed to be an enlightening experience. It's hard to be enlightened when there's people running in front of you, obscuring your already partial view of the stage.
Let me step off my soapbox...
There were some really nice moments on stage tonight. Many of them happened in the background when the ensemble thought noone was looking. They all had these huge grins on their faces; like they couldn't believe that they got to rock out with the voice and partial creative force of Green Day. Their expressions went from "Holy cow" to "I can't believ this is my life" to "holy crap, I don't want to screw this up- don't forget the words!" It was refreshing to see a cast so into what they were doing.
Also, there is very clearly a nice rapport and respect between Billie Joe and John Gallager. They really like each other and at times it felt like more of a jam session that the audience was privy to instead of a show. It's not a gripe by any means- I have a weakness for guitar players and musicians- it's just an observation. There was a wonderful moment early in the show where Billie Joe put his hands on the back of John's shoulders and shook him in the way a mentor would when passing the proverbial torch. The fact that I got to witness such a moment made it worth the price of admission.
So, dear readers, should you find yourself in the wonderful City of New York and you're looking for a punk-rock musical experience before Sunday, I highly suggest taking in American Idiot at the St James Theater.
Trust me- you won't regret it.
- Deb
www.deborahheagen.com
When a big, non-Broadway name 'invades' the Theater District, I typically roll my eyes, mutter, and begin to whine about how the real actors are starving while a movie star or reality tv castoff is taking the spot of someone truly talented.
That tends to be the order of things. It happened with Scarlett Johanson, Claire Danes, Joey Fatone, Jordin Sparks, Fantasia,and various others. They already have careers. Let those of us who didn't whore our way to the top have a chance.(Allegedly!)
However, every so often there is stunt casting that is so pitch perfect that it stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Billie Joe Armstrong is every exception to the rule.
Sir Armstrong (too dramatic?) wrote the original American Idiot album as a member of the legendary punk/rock/a toe into pop group Green Day. He also helped pen the book, or script for you non-theater kids, for the musical of the same name. Already he had my blessing. When you lend your creative voice to a project and continue to see it through, you get props for not simply throwing your name on it and calling it a day. This was Billie Joe's project and collaborative vision.
And damn if he didn't pull us in for one hell of a ride!
Billie Joe is, first and foremost, a rockstar. He knows it. I know it. The audience clearly knew it. His stage presence was all encompassing, even usurping the stage from giant in the making John Gallager Jr. The part was to play a rockstar. OK, so it wasn't much of a stretch. Hell, he only wrote the damn thing...
Clearly, Billie Joe was excellent. He did his thing and sang the hell out of his own songs. It was so much fun to watch that I literally sat up in my seat for the entire 95 minute show, tapped my foot, and grinned like a kid on Christmas. This was stunt casting done right- finally!
However, this wouldn't be a review without a critique or 2.
My main gripe is that there was no real character of St Jimmy. I know, I know- he's in a band. That IS his character. His trademark is black spikey hair, a scowl, and enough black eyeliner to keep CoverGirl in business for the next 20 years. I get it. But as an actor, I didn't see a difference between the man himself and the character of St Jimmy.
Second, it is painfully obvious that Mr Armstrong wasn't a big fan of the steps on the scaffolding on set. While John Gallager Jr and company swang freely and with nearly reckless abandon, Billie Joe seemed to have a thought bubble above his head that read, "are you fucking kidding me?!" every time he was required to run down the stairs. For an drug dealing character, fear of stairs wasn't a good choice.
The third, and final, gripe of sorts has nothing to do with Billie Joe or the production. It simply has to do with the people who put the idiot in the show while sitting the next row over. Yes, we're all there to see Billie Joe. I'm there for the exact same reason. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Please don't ruin it by loudly professing your love for him during the show. Don't switch seats to get closer. You distract others and it's terrible theater etiquite. Maybe you can afford to see the show again and I'm happy if you can. But not all of us are that fortunate. My excursion tonight means that I have to go light on eating this week because it was not in my budget. I'm not saying this to complain or to draw pity- I'm saying it because when someone screams in the middle of a song, or changes their seat, or exhibits any other sort of cretin-esque behavior, it's distracting. Above distracting, it's rude not only to your fellow audience members but to the actors on the stage. Those kids busted their butts to make us, the audience, happy. Theater is supposed to be an enlightening experience. It's hard to be enlightened when there's people running in front of you, obscuring your already partial view of the stage.
Let me step off my soapbox...
There were some really nice moments on stage tonight. Many of them happened in the background when the ensemble thought noone was looking. They all had these huge grins on their faces; like they couldn't believe that they got to rock out with the voice and partial creative force of Green Day. Their expressions went from "Holy cow" to "I can't believ this is my life" to "holy crap, I don't want to screw this up- don't forget the words!" It was refreshing to see a cast so into what they were doing.
Also, there is very clearly a nice rapport and respect between Billie Joe and John Gallager. They really like each other and at times it felt like more of a jam session that the audience was privy to instead of a show. It's not a gripe by any means- I have a weakness for guitar players and musicians- it's just an observation. There was a wonderful moment early in the show where Billie Joe put his hands on the back of John's shoulders and shook him in the way a mentor would when passing the proverbial torch. The fact that I got to witness such a moment made it worth the price of admission.
So, dear readers, should you find yourself in the wonderful City of New York and you're looking for a punk-rock musical experience before Sunday, I highly suggest taking in American Idiot at the St James Theater.
Trust me- you won't regret it.
- Deb
www.deborahheagen.com
Idiots of America
It is an integral part of the growing process as an actor to see live theater and to have the full theatrical experience.
Tonight, I am fulfilling my duties and will be seeing American Idiot on Broadway.
But why, Deb, are you seeing the show again after seeing it in early July?
The reason?
Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day is playing the role of St. Jimmy until Sunday.
Also, I'm mildly phobic of seeing Green Day in concert. I'm tiny at exactly 5 feet tall and those Green Day fans certainly like to mosh. To say that it would be unsafe for me to attend is an understatement. Tonight is likely the closest I will ever get to seeing the band in concert.
A full review of the show will be posted on the way home tonight. Since I already know what to expect, I'm looking forward to a new take on St Jimmy and to figuring out how they did all the set and prop changes when I wasn't looking.
Cross your fingers that I can snag Billie Joe's autograph after the show. I'm armed with a sharpie!
Tonight, I am fulfilling my duties and will be seeing American Idiot on Broadway.
But why, Deb, are you seeing the show again after seeing it in early July?
The reason?
Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day is playing the role of St. Jimmy until Sunday.
Also, I'm mildly phobic of seeing Green Day in concert. I'm tiny at exactly 5 feet tall and those Green Day fans certainly like to mosh. To say that it would be unsafe for me to attend is an understatement. Tonight is likely the closest I will ever get to seeing the band in concert.
A full review of the show will be posted on the way home tonight. Since I already know what to expect, I'm looking forward to a new take on St Jimmy and to figuring out how they did all the set and prop changes when I wasn't looking.
Cross your fingers that I can snag Billie Joe's autograph after the show. I'm armed with a sharpie!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
I Could Only Hope For A Black Hole Instead Of A Time Warp
Had a terrible audition for Rocky Horror.
I was so bummed I had a Cinnibon for lunch.
Some auditions hit me harder than others. This one knocked the wind out of my sails quite a bit.
My voice is much more West Side Story than Rocky Horror it hurts. I have 4 octives but it's all too classical for pop and too pop for classical.
I'm just very frustrated with auditioning.
How do I combat this?!
~ Deb
www.deborahheagen.com
I was so bummed I had a Cinnibon for lunch.
Some auditions hit me harder than others. This one knocked the wind out of my sails quite a bit.
My voice is much more West Side Story than Rocky Horror it hurts. I have 4 octives but it's all too classical for pop and too pop for classical.
I'm just very frustrated with auditioning.
How do I combat this?!
~ Deb
www.deborahheagen.com
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Airbrush Queen!
Good morning!
Just wanted to share the fantastic work my friend Betsy Hackett did for me on some headshots. She is awesome at airbrushing. Check out her blog: http://somethingbetsy.blogspot.com/
Enjoy!
Just wanted to share the fantastic work my friend Betsy Hackett did for me on some headshots. She is awesome at airbrushing. Check out her blog: http://somethingbetsy.blogspot.com/
Enjoy!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Tour?
A friend of mine booked a tour. They were still casting, so she forwarded my headshot and resume to the director.
Turns out I booked the damn thing without opening my mouth to audition.
While this is all well and good, the first rehearsal was...interesting...to say the least. It was the second rehearsal overall, but my first.
I was handed a lyric sheet and was told to learn the music as it was played. OK, a bit disorganized, but I'll go with it.
Oh, and I should probably point out that I was one of five people at the rehearsal. They're looking for a cast of 30.
I learned the music (yay for picking it up quickly!) and sang it by myself. Then we all sang it together. It was sounding better, and considering that there was absolutely no music.
This is what we did for an hour and a half.
Jury's out if I really want to do this...
Turns out I booked the damn thing without opening my mouth to audition.
While this is all well and good, the first rehearsal was...interesting...to say the least. It was the second rehearsal overall, but my first.
I was handed a lyric sheet and was told to learn the music as it was played. OK, a bit disorganized, but I'll go with it.
Oh, and I should probably point out that I was one of five people at the rehearsal. They're looking for a cast of 30.
I learned the music (yay for picking it up quickly!) and sang it by myself. Then we all sang it together. It was sounding better, and considering that there was absolutely no music.
This is what we did for an hour and a half.
Jury's out if I really want to do this...
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
virtually me
On the bus on the way home from the Virtually Me audition.
I ended up singing Taylor the Latte Boy. It went pretty well. However, I got complimented on my choice of song.
I wasn't asked to stay and read, so the assumption is that I clearly did not get the role. I'm sad, but that's the nature of the beast.
Also of note, she wrote something on my headshot & resume. I don't know what it was, but something was marked on it.
Anybody ever work with Jen Rudin casting? How does she work?
I ended up singing Taylor the Latte Boy. It went pretty well. However, I got complimented on my choice of song.
I wasn't asked to stay and read, so the assumption is that I clearly did not get the role. I'm sad, but that's the nature of the beast.
Also of note, she wrote something on my headshot & resume. I don't know what it was, but something was marked on it.
Anybody ever work with Jen Rudin casting? How does she work?
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Read A Book
Perhaps I'll be auditioning for a Book Festival.
I will certainly be auditioning for commercials first thing tomorrow morning. Let's hope it's not in a terrible part of town!
Also, I have a new skill to add to my resume- chair jumping. It seems my apartment has mice and I've discovered my previously undiscovered talent for jumping onto a chair REALLY fast. Don't be too jealous.
I will certainly be auditioning for commercials first thing tomorrow morning. Let's hope it's not in a terrible part of town!
Also, I have a new skill to add to my resume- chair jumping. It seems my apartment has mice and I've discovered my previously undiscovered talent for jumping onto a chair REALLY fast. Don't be too jealous.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
New Role
I have a new acting exercise.
There are mice in my apartment.
I am trying to act like an adult.
Hopefully there will be no callback.
There are mice in my apartment.
I am trying to act like an adult.
Hopefully there will be no callback.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Submissions
I have submitted myself to be the new host at QVC. They want hosting skills. I have retail and a crazy internship. I hope this is enough to warrant at least an interview...
Also, I just submitted myself for a project called Meanwhile. The casting claims that it's a feature film, but I'm not so sure. The description for Lori is: 22 year old aspiring actress, desperately poor, frightened, angry. But funny too.
I can do that.
Let's hope something comes of this.
No word from the Womens' Theater, so I'm going to assume that there was no part for them to offer.
Also, I just submitted myself for a project called Meanwhile. The casting claims that it's a feature film, but I'm not so sure. The description for Lori is: 22 year old aspiring actress, desperately poor, frightened, angry. But funny too.
I can do that.
Let's hope something comes of this.
No word from the Womens' Theater, so I'm going to assume that there was no part for them to offer.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Let's Play Catch-Up, Shall We?
It's been a very long time since I've posted much of anything, and for that, dear Reader, I apologize.
Here's a brief synopsis, or at least as brief as I can make it:
I lost my motivation to be an actor after my last few auditions. My heart just wasn't in it, and my boss wouldn't give me time off without hassle, so I had basically thrown in the proverbial towel.
I got fired by said boss at the end of March. The next day I got another job offer, which I gladly accepted. In this economy, I'm just happy to have A job, let alone one that I really love. Now I'm teaching piano, trumpet, & voice at a local music store 4 times a week. I have upwards of 35 students, most of whom are adorable. There are a few I'd love to strangle, but that's par for the course.
I've also started auditioning again- and getting callbacks! It seems that magical things can happen when there's time to prepare for auditions.
To suppliment my income, I've started booking jobs as an extra on TV shows. I worked on Rubicon (a new show for AMC) a few weeks ago, the now cancelled Mercy the week after I was fired, and a TV movie called Certainty- starring Valerie Harper and Bobby Moynahan from SNL. All were relatively painless shoots and a lot of fun. It's always a good time when you make friends. I'll have to post pictures when I get back home.
In more recent news, I auditioned for a womens' theater ensemble yesterday. The audition went very well, although my singing was shaky. I got all of the words to Somewhere from West Side Story in the song, just in the wrong order. Oops! Oh well. My read for Last of the Red Hot Lovers went considerably better. Comedy is really my strength, so I was much more comfortable with the latter half of the audition. The directors laughed (always a good sign when auditioning for a comedy), so we'll see where this goes. Fingers crossed!
Also, I forgot to mention that I booked a few shows. I had auditioned for a murder mystery the day after the Certainty shoot, got called back on the spot, and read very well. Casting said they wanted to see me again and promised to be in touch. A few days went by, a week, a week and a half... I figured they were just being nice after 2 weeks. Then I got a call! I got the show! It's called Nut Case & I'm playing the forensic scientist named Cookie. She's based on Abby from NCIS if you need a character reference. Hooray! I got a job!
However, I know nothing about the production. All I know is that I'm going to be the replacement Cookie and understudy for the lead. The company also mentioned that they want to use me in at least 2 other shows, so we'll see what happens. But success!! FINALLY!
Now I'm on a rainy bus ride home after yet another audition. This one was for a cell phone commercial. I read well, though I'm not quite sure I'm what they're really looking for. Nice people and I got to read with super hunky guys. Always a treat.
Since I'm back in the swing of things, the idea is to update the blog more often. The lack of motivation certainly wasn't helping, but now that I have a bit of confidence I'm ready to keep this thing going.
Those of you in NY, the NY area, and those who wish they were here, what have you been up to? Any luck at auditions? What are you planning next?
Here's a brief synopsis, or at least as brief as I can make it:
I lost my motivation to be an actor after my last few auditions. My heart just wasn't in it, and my boss wouldn't give me time off without hassle, so I had basically thrown in the proverbial towel.
I got fired by said boss at the end of March. The next day I got another job offer, which I gladly accepted. In this economy, I'm just happy to have A job, let alone one that I really love. Now I'm teaching piano, trumpet, & voice at a local music store 4 times a week. I have upwards of 35 students, most of whom are adorable. There are a few I'd love to strangle, but that's par for the course.
I've also started auditioning again- and getting callbacks! It seems that magical things can happen when there's time to prepare for auditions.
To suppliment my income, I've started booking jobs as an extra on TV shows. I worked on Rubicon (a new show for AMC) a few weeks ago, the now cancelled Mercy the week after I was fired, and a TV movie called Certainty- starring Valerie Harper and Bobby Moynahan from SNL. All were relatively painless shoots and a lot of fun. It's always a good time when you make friends. I'll have to post pictures when I get back home.
In more recent news, I auditioned for a womens' theater ensemble yesterday. The audition went very well, although my singing was shaky. I got all of the words to Somewhere from West Side Story in the song, just in the wrong order. Oops! Oh well. My read for Last of the Red Hot Lovers went considerably better. Comedy is really my strength, so I was much more comfortable with the latter half of the audition. The directors laughed (always a good sign when auditioning for a comedy), so we'll see where this goes. Fingers crossed!
Also, I forgot to mention that I booked a few shows. I had auditioned for a murder mystery the day after the Certainty shoot, got called back on the spot, and read very well. Casting said they wanted to see me again and promised to be in touch. A few days went by, a week, a week and a half... I figured they were just being nice after 2 weeks. Then I got a call! I got the show! It's called Nut Case & I'm playing the forensic scientist named Cookie. She's based on Abby from NCIS if you need a character reference. Hooray! I got a job!
However, I know nothing about the production. All I know is that I'm going to be the replacement Cookie and understudy for the lead. The company also mentioned that they want to use me in at least 2 other shows, so we'll see what happens. But success!! FINALLY!
Now I'm on a rainy bus ride home after yet another audition. This one was for a cell phone commercial. I read well, though I'm not quite sure I'm what they're really looking for. Nice people and I got to read with super hunky guys. Always a treat.
Since I'm back in the swing of things, the idea is to update the blog more often. The lack of motivation certainly wasn't helping, but now that I have a bit of confidence I'm ready to keep this thing going.
Those of you in NY, the NY area, and those who wish they were here, what have you been up to? Any luck at auditions? What are you planning next?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)