It's Been A Long Time....

I've been away from this blog for a month or so... So sorry! As many of you know, I have been working with an amazing sketch comedy group called Elite Delta Force 3 (www.elitedeltaforce3.com). We've been performing in Los Angeles and are about to embark on a nationwide tour this summer! How exciting!

I mention all this for two reasons. One, to shamelessly self-promote :-) Two, to remind you that just 6 months ago, six other ladies and I got together to put up some sketches. Since then, this group has turned into a phenomenon that is now going on the road and has garnered the attention of many powerful producers and Hollywood heavies.

Just imagine what you could be doing six months from now if you start on your project today?

Don't delay one more day!

Once In A Lifetime? Not Always...

So what do you do when you've got that big audition? That HUGE role you're going in for that you just KNOW you're perfect for?

Do you psych yourself up and rehearse like a mad man/woman?

Do you tell yourself that you're just going to do your best and not worry about it?

or

Do you spend a week before the audition wondering how you'll mess up?

I think it's in these times that we are challenged to rely on our training and experience up to this very point. I truly believe that nothing is put in front of us that we cannot handle and that we are not prepared for in some way. Although opportunities will always pop up that will shock/surprise you, I think that it's our reaction to these moments that is the truest test of character.

I recently had a pilot callback for producers for an ABC series. I loved the writing, I just KNEW I was perfect for the role. In the room, I found myself doing something I had never done in rehearsal. My body language was weird, my voice sounded alien to me and I almost felt like I wasn't there. What IS that? I'm usually very confident in rooms and I know I did ample prep before going in.

I have come to realize that I think I put too much pressure on myself to "show" them what I had and how perfect I was instead of just BEING that. Often times, people over perform (in auditions, on dates, in job interviews, at work, on the bus, etc.) to win people over when it's better to just be yourself.

Lesson learned for me. Next time the big one comes, I'll be ready.

Recession-Proof Acting

Many of us act for free anyway, so who cares about a recession!

As many of you know, I'm currently in a sketch group called Elite Delta Force 3 (www.elitedeltaforce3.com). The super talented ladies I work with are all working actresses with successful credits and long resumes. But we also know that no one is going to just throw work at us, so we created our own show and it's SO fulfilling!

So what do you LOVE to do? Comedy? Drama? Plays? Whatever that is, I want us all to REDISCOVER our passions. Regardless of the recession!

If you're just starting out, explore lots of options to find out what interests you most. More than likely, though, you tend to gravitate towards certain areas. If you watch soaps, comedies, horror flicks, whatever -- then you already know where your passion lies. Even if you don't know how to do what you love, you can learn!

Get into training and go after that thing you've been putting off. If you love comedy but don't think you're funny -- get in an improv class! If you love drama but everyone thinks you're hilarious -- jump into a Meisner class and explore your dramatic side. Most importantly, look at things with a LONG TERM vision. You can't expect to take one class and be an expert. It takes YEARS to hone any craft and those who work regularly know that you never stop learning and you can always improve.

All the best!

Doing What You Love

In hard economic times, many of us are doing what we can to make ends meet. But are you still doing what you love? Are you still able to act, shoot or write? Do you have any free time to commit to your passion?

I know we have to work to make money to live. But I think there's a fine line between working and devoting mental energy to jobs that were initially supposed to simply "pay the bills".... I'm not saying that you shouldn't do well at your day job, but I am saying that if you're more concerned with your next promotion than your next audition, your focus may have shifted. And that's okay, I'm just challenging you to take a look at your situation realistically. Do you turn down acting work because you have to work your day job? Have you stopped auditioning altogether?

If you're still interested in acting (if not, that's okay too!)? Honestly reevaluate your priorities and try to make more time for acting. Even if it just means shooting sketches over the weekend or taking a class one night a week, dedicate your energy to your craft and watch how the opportunities come to you!

April Fool's Day Prank on the cast of Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles

Okay, so I'm a little lazy this week. Enjoy the video:

Pilot Season 101 for 2010

So pilot season is wrapping up in LA with maybe a couple of weeks to go. For those beginners out there, pilot season is the time of year (typically from January to April) when the networks shoot a bunch of television shows to see what they will introduce in their fall lineup.

Each network used to shoot 100 or more pilots, but that's not the norm anymore with massive budget cuts. So how do you make the most of this time for next year? Here's how you can start now:

Now:
1. Move to Los Angeles. I've never understood people who come to LA for a few months or weeks and hope to make it big. Not saying it doesn't work, but it's very rare.

April-August 2009
2. Get a good or better agent. This is easier said than done but now is the time to put up a showcase, take meetings and schmooze your way into a better representation situation.

August-November 2009
3. Push to land co-star and guest star roles. This will put you in a better position for pilots if producers know you're currently working. Casting directors will also have you fresh in mind for projects.

December 2009
4. Take a pilot prep or scene study class. Remember how to do a great character analysis and brush up on cold reading.

January-April 2010
5. Pilot auditions! Send out postcards with reminders of recent work and push for your favorite casting directors to see you.

Good luck in 2010!

Getting the Perfect Headshots

Taking headshots is typically something actors either really enjoy doing or hate with a passion. I tend to be the latter. I get nervous, my hair never does what I want and I can't seem to get my expression right. But what I have found helpful is looking through hundreds of shots to see what poses, faces and outfits look best. If you study something that makes you nervous, you can often master it through education.

Be sure to look at headshots critically for composition and marketability as well. If you wouldn't call YOU in for an audition (based on your headshot), why would anyone else? Search and search and then shoot until you find the right combination. Bring in examples of pictures you like to your photographer and ask for duplication of the best elements. Also, spend the money ($150-$300) on a great photographer to ensure high quality.