My Monday's start with acting class at Esper Studios (Meisner- That's right). It's a great way to start my week off, Focused. I used to go straight from class to work, but I recently changed this so I would be able to absorb what I've learned and journal a little on the feedback my classmates and I received...
What's tough with a Monday morning class however, is that it's on a Monday morning :) Depending on how I've spent the weekend can, and at this stage, does effect my Monday morning work.
Long Sigh... although I had a strong point of view, and good contact with my scene partner my energy level was low... not a good feeling. But I have to take it for what it is Constructive Criticism and "construct" a plan so that doesn't happen again. My plan starts with a BREAK! I need to re-group my game plan, change up my schedule to allow more time for my craft. I need to get healthy; start back on my workout routine, eat better (maybe I need to finally learn how to cook something other then turkey tacos HA) but seriously if I don't step it up, I'm wasting my time and money... not a good look.
Also I need a break from this city (I still love my NYC) but it has a way of desensitizing me and that not only can hurt me as an actress, but also as a human being. I was on the subway coming home and as normal there was a homeless person on the train begging for money. Now I was sitting there in a trance basically, exhausted from class, mentally going through my notes and just processing my thoughts/emotions. But I was aware of this man and it was weirdest feeling that I nor anyone else appeared to care that there was this human being, dirty then dirt who is begging for anything. That is heartbreaking if you let that in. Now I know that I can't give money or help every single homeless person I see in New York or I'd be broke, but what bothered me this day is that for a moment I didn't care. He was irrelevant. His story was pointless, he meant nothing. It's times like that, that I don't like myself very much. I think I've seen so much just living in New York City these past 5 years that I desensitize myself as a way to protect myself. A way not to let all the negative energy this city has in my life. But as much as I'd love to live in my "Pollyanna" state of mind, I know that the characters I want to play, the voices I want to be able to carry on the stage will not be of that state of mind and I damn well better start caring about more then the bright side of life. Or my work will be surface level and that is a waste. I got in this business because of the ability to inspire greatness, to bring a voice to the voiceless. To tell that man's story.
"BACK AT THE OFFICE"
On a different note...a "lighter note" I'm back at the office tonight... which means auditioning. I took a class with Candice Alustiza (Casting Director from Ugly Betty) and she said as actors we should understand that our job is not to "act" but to be great AUDITION-ERS. Thus being said I'm meeting two different Commercial Agents for potential representation, One from CESD the other from KTA. I have a good feeling about both because I am represented in print by CESD and I used to intern at KTA when I first moved to NYC.
So now how does an Actress prepare for "first impression" meetings. Well I think knowing where you fit in the commercial world helps. This isn't wall street, so suits are not needed, however dressing with style is a must. I've heard "dress like you are a celebrity that is going to be on Letterman"..."Dress for your type"... "Wear blue" (lol- yep I've heard that before). But for me I typically dress for what my commercial type is; fresh face, young student, casually funky (think Urban Outfitters). Choose Comm. Copy (script) that fits your type/age range. It shows the Agents and Casting Directors you "get it" and "get yourself". I'll go about 2o mins early and
jot down what I wore, what I'm feeling, what was said etc and add it to my files. Then I'll make sure to include what I'm currently working on, and what Casting Directors know me personally and which ones bring me in. I'll let me talent speak the rest and hope there is a connection. I think often times, we as actors are so thirsty to get representation, we don't stop to ask if we click with the agent. Having interned at a Talent Agency, and I know that they work harder if a genuine relationship is formed. (No, this does not mean best buds, but respected business partner type relationship) and I always leave the interview with a smile and a "Thank You." I got my print agent this way. I've been called in for second interviews with Agents by doing this and built my list of Casting Directors who bring my in for commercial. So Here's hoping there's a "Click" tonight.
Break a leg! Can't wait to hear how it goes.
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