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...

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?

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.

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.

SVU At Last?

Just submitted to be a passerby on Law & Order: SVU.

I hope. I hope. I hope!

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.

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?

Bump Bump!

I submitted myself to work on the original Law and Order.

Go fig that the week I have off from work SVU isn't really casting...

Still no word on scheduling for the potential New York Film Academy shoot.

Submitted For More

I submitted for the following:

Project Name:MERCY
Message:
PLEASE NOTE IF YOU HAVE WORKED IN THE LAST MONTH AND WHAT YOU PORTRAYED. PLEASE NOTE IF YOU HAVE A CAR AND CAN SELF REPORT TO NJ
RoleRole TypeGender/Age/EthnicitiesDescription/NoteNON-AFTRA AVAIL. 10.14.09ExtraMale or Female / 18 to 65 / All EthnicitiesPLEASE NOTE IF YOU HAVE WORKED IN THE LAST MONTH AND WHAT YOU PORTRAYED. PLEASE NOTE IF YOU HAVE A CAR AND CAN SELF REPORT TO NJ

Project Name:Delocated
Project Type:Film & TV
Message:
RoleRole TypeGender/Age/EthnicitiesDescription/Note10/14/09 attractive types available for that date ExtraFemale / 18 to 35 / All Ethnicities, AfricanAm, Am-Indian, Asian, Caucasian, East-Ind, Hispanic, MidEastern, Mixed, PacificIsland

Victory!

I got cast in a film for the New York Film Academy.

I will be in my underwear on film on Friday.

Details to follow!

This has been the most fun audition I've ever had!!

First, let me say that the entire idea of this audition scared the hell out of me. I mean, this is Cirque du Soleil! This is BIG!

Just walking into the audition was nerve wracking.

It turns out that they wanted improv comedy skills. Finally- something I'm good at!!!

I made them laugh when I improved as a baby & I really made them laugh when I improv'd a mortician getting stopped by a cop & accused of wrongfully taking the HOV lane despite the fact that Mrs Johnson was in the back of the hearse.

It went well & felt like a solid audition.

It's nice to be back in the swing of things again.

The big, scary audition for Cirque is tomorrow...

Wish me luck!

Cirque, you say?

I'm scheduled, as of right now, for an audition for Cirque du Soleil on Friday at 11:35. I have 2 minutes to showcase my best talents and impersonnations. No time like the present! Now to switch around my work schedule...

Also, I submitted for a voice over gig. I've done a voice over in the past and really liked the work. Being in a studio is intimidating but it's so much fun.

On the audition note, I'm hoping for an audition for Thursday. However, I've noticed that my resume is unable to open when it's attached to emails. Looks like I really need to invest in Microsoft Word because Word Perfect is getting me absolutely nowhere.

Keep your fingers crossed!!

What You Want... Baby I Got It

My dear blog readers,

After reading an advice column, essentially blogging for dummies, I've come to realize that this blog has failed most of you.

I don't have an interesting perspective on things (yet!), nor is my writing remarkably witty. In fact, this little blog feels more like an essay than something to do for fun.

In reality, this is fun for me and I hope it's at least mildly entertaining for you.

But just to clarify, I don't speak in such proper sentences. Away from the computer, I'm a goofball who quite often has to turn it down because I'm always coming up with a new character or voice or mocking some unsuspecting customer that meanders into my store.

So I ask of you, dear readers, what is it you'd like to see/read on this blog? I'm toying with the idea of actually bringing my laptop to auditions and blogging in the moment. Is this something that would appeal to you? What can I do to make this blog a tad more interesting and a lot less vanilla?

I welcome your comments and suggestions, and I also look forward to creating more of a comroderie with you.

~ Deb

The Evolution?

I've gotten a lot done this morning in just a few short hours of being awake.

Here's what I've submitted for:

Project Name:EvolveProject
Type:Short Film
Rate/Compensation:SAG Pending - Short Film - Low Budget Agreement - Scale Message:

RoleRole TypeGender/Age/EthnicitiesDescription/NoteAlanaSupportingFemale / 18 to 40 / All EthnicitiesLead. Female / All Ethnicities / 18-35 years. Friend of both sisters, knows all the secrets of both; A real headcase and must be able to snap on cue. italian spanish looking maybe even european looking as well. (PLEASE WRITE A SMALL DESCRIPTION ABOUT YOURSELF.)

My small description was: I play neurotic very well and always do my homework as an actor.

I also submitted myself for something a bit more... liveley...


Title : Santa, Elf, and Tour Manager for Macy's Santa National Tour
Category: Performer
Description :
Macy's Santa National Tour will be traveling to 25 cities this holiday season. We are looking for candidates for Tour Manager (2), Elves (4) and Santa (1). The Tour Manager will be responsible for all event logistics for the In Store Events, and will manage employee relations issues, the morale of the cast and logistical issues. Elves are the support staff for Santa at both the charity and In-Store events. Elves will work closely with Media Relations and Cause Marketing to act as spokespeople for the Santa National Tour. Santa is the primary holiday ambassador to the public and the center of the tour experience for Macy's. Santa ideally will have a natural beard. Salary plus per diem, and all travel expenses will be covered from 11/23-12/23.

I submitted myself in hopes of being an Elf. Being that I'm only 5'0," I figured I might have a legitimate chance...

Also, I registered with TheaterMAMA. My page has yet to be completely filled in and updated, but it's a start. I can do more tomorrow.

There's more!

I also got a call from a friend from the Happy Hour cast. He emailed me a copy of the play The Owl and The Pussycat and wants me to look it over. He's hoping to get the show up and running and wants me to play the lead opposite of him. My guess is that there's no pay, but I'm excited at the prospect of creating again.

I might have some other things in the works, but it's entirely too early to post about it... Keep your eyes peeled.

The cast of Happy Hour at the 45th Street Theatre.

It's been nearly 6 months since I've posted anything here, and I feel rather guilty about it. Here's a quick recap...

Happy Hour opened and closed. I nearly got fired from work for my crazy schedule, but it was worth it. If you're wondering which one is me in the picture, I'm the one in the front of the blue guy's left shoulder, grabbing her boobs. It was so much fun.

It took me a while to audition or submit myself for anything else due to various personal reasons.

I started resubmitting myself for a number of things recently. I tried a few print ads, Law and Order: SVU, regular L&O, CSI: NY... Nothing is catching right now.

Last week I attended my first theater audition in nearly 6 months. It went well.

It was for the National Yiddish Theater, and the most educational audition I've ever had. I learned that "I've Gotta Crow" is a really fun audition song regardless of whether I remember the lyrics to the second verse, and "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" in Yiddish is rather tricky.

For those wondering, it's Kop, Oxlyn, Kuhnee, un Fis. Kuhnee un Fis. Kop, Oxlyn, Kuhnee, un Fis. Kuhnee un Fix. Oygn, (undistinguishable Yiddish for ears), Nos un Moyl. Kop, Oxlyn, Kuhnee un Fis. Kuhnee un Fis!

Entertaining as always.

I'll be looking for new auditions for Thursday this coming week. If I look today, it'll give me a lot of time to prepare...

Second Rehearsal

This is what I wrote on the way home today. It was sent at 5:46 PM...

First, let me clarify something about yesterday's first rehearsal; it scared the hell outta me. I was unsure of what I was doing, if this show was really for me, etc. I was completely unnerved.

That being said, I am writing this from the bus on the way home from the second rehearsal.I have never had this much fun in my entire life. Ever! The entire experience was so emotionally freeing. I could feel my boundaries melting away with my insecurities. Mike, the director, was able to draw things out of me that I never knew were there. I was open and mostly uninhibited.
Then something miraculous happened- I relaxed. I laughed. I made friends and had a good time all in 1 rehearsal. I'm dreading the next 5 days because they're filled with boring work & not rehearsal. I finally feel alive on stage & not terrified.

I was funny. I made people laugh.

While this is all fine & dandy, it is also highly narcissistic. I acknowledge that. The work that I'm doing now has to be like that for a moment. This has to be about me loosening up, taking risks, & not caring about anything else.

This feels like a big acting class. I feel like a kid playing make believe again.

I'm remembering why I became an actor. And it's magical.

Sports? What?!

I just applied to be an ESPN NFL Draft Red Carpet Model.

Like all 5 feet of me stands a chance! Ha ha ha!

Other Things

Apologies for the formatting issues at the bottom of my last post. I tried to fix it, but it doesn't seem to want to be fixed...

Also, I submitted myself for other projects. They include and infomercial workout model and a fitness group participant for hip hop abs. I never heard back from either one, but one of these days it'll pan out.

Besides, I have no time to do any shoots until the end of May. I might take off a few days in early June to regroup and recharge the batteries.

We'll see...

Updates

I haven't posted here in a while because, to be honest, I was bummed. Here's the story...

I went to the StrawHat Audition kinda banking on at least 1 callback. I felt confident in my abilities and knew I looked good. However, after having what I thought was a good 90 second audition, not 1 theater called me back. Nobody. Everybody else in my group got at least 1 and I had nothing. It was not a good feeling.

So I went home and bummed around.

I also started thinking about the situation. I can get film and TV parts and I've been lucky enough to be on set for various things. Film seems to come naturally and it's a better fit for me. The director is more hands off and it's not so micromanaged. I like that.

So I decided to take a break from theater to focus on film and TV.

Then I got this casting in my mailbox:

SEX, RELATIONSHIPS,AND SOMETIMES...LOVE

GINGER

LeadFemale / 19 to 40 / Am-Indian, Asian, Caucasian, East Indian, East-In, East-Ind, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Middle-East, MidEastern, Mixed, Multi-Ethnic, Native American, Pac_Islander, Pacific Islander, PacificIsland

Ginger is adorable, totally in love one minute and totally in hate the next , silly and fun


I can do that.

On a whim, I submitted myself for the role. I didn't expect to hear anything back, but I figured it was worth a go.

Imagine my surprise when they wanted to see me for an audition. I went in last Monday and read for them. The casting lady seemed very nice, but the theater seemed disorgainized. Oh well, no big deal.

They asked for a callback on the spot.

I went back in on Wednesday for this callback. They cast me on the spot.

Finally, I got cast in an Off-Off Broadway show!

My first rehearsal was yesterday and it went well. I feel like I stepped in it a bit with the guerilla-style they're going for. I like to know my lines and have some creative input. That's not gonna happen with this show. However, it seems like it'll be a rather interesting experience and I'm willing to give it a go. Plus, it'll look great on my resume.

Even though there's no pay and I very well may get fired from my full-time retail gig, I feel very lucky to have this show. It gave me a gigantic confidence boost. It told me 'you know what? You ARE castable and not this ridiculous little creature that will never get a show.' It's hopefully the beginning of the end of my retail gig.

In other updates, I wasn't seen at all for Sophistry. However, I got the book and it's something new for me to work on.

The meeting with Barbizon went amazing. They really liked me and want to take me on as a shoe model. Yay for small feet and pedicures!

The meeting with the casting agency went well too. They gave me a Nokia commercial to read and gave me direction to play with. It was fun. They liked me as well, so kudos to me for having a great day!

I also saw Billy Elliot on Broadway. It was amazing! Go see it!

Today brings rehearsal from 2-5. We'll see where this goes...