I pride myself on knowing what to say at just the right moment. Mind you, I've never viewed this trait of mine in a positive light. In fact, I was recently talking to a group of people and we were discussing those "wonderful" feelings that arise when you tell that one person exactly what you think of them at the right moment while using as many fancy words as possible and using them correctly no less. The voice seems to become more articulate and before you know it, you've managed to spew out a number of things that you didn't even know you were holding onto with of course the addition of those things you did. Now, I don't know about you but no matter how great I think I'll feel after my verbal KO, I never quite reach that high. In fact, I feel quite low. Maybe it's the look on my sparring partner's face or the nods of dissapproval that now emanate from the crowd cheering just moments before. Maybe and this is without a doubt more likely, it's the basic age-old principle found in Scripture that "death and life are in the power of the tongue..." What we say sticks and it sticks for much longer than we'll ever really know.
What I find interesting about all of this is that it's very easy to speak before you think. It's downright stupid, but it's very easy and I've been known to take part in what I like to call "brain-dead speech" on more than one occasion. What's not so easy is typing before you think. But somehow I've managed to accomplish that as well. Now, when I first set out to blog, the intention was to highlight personal successes, failures, and adventures. The intention was certainly not to negatively highlight anyone else. Unfortunately, that's exactly what I've done. Very recently, I blogged about my frustrations while in preparation for a project (A post which has since been removed). Instead of subjecting me to public humiliation, an artist came directly to me and told me how the post was received. Needless to say, my actions however unintentional they may have been stung to the core. The theatre, the industry that I have chosen to love and be involved in is one of varying aesthetics and viewpoints and I in one moment decided that my viewpoint mattered more than someone else's. An apology has been made, but I'm no fool. Scars always replace wounds.
I guess what I'm ultimately trying to say is this. In a world of lightning speed communication and non-stop open displays of opinion, it wouldn't hurt for us to step back, breathe, and pray before parting our lips or placing our hands over the keys. In fact, in most cases it might hurt us not to.
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Saturday, December 29, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
It's been a poopy day...
Literally! After having a terrible day, I of course called my parents to vent and hear some words of comfort. After talking for a while, Dad said "Why don't you blog about it?". "Nobody wants to hear about this," I said. "Then they don't have to read it." Oh my father, so practical. So smart.
Sometimes (ok, all the time) I have a habit of wanting to be the best! I want to be perfect at everything I do. I end up having delusions of grandeur about this blog being the BIGGEST AND BESTEST BLOG IN THE ENTIRE WORLD! But in all actuality, this blog is a hobby. It's not a competition. It doesn't need to be something that I obsess over, checking how many people have viewed it everyday. This is just our lives, the interesting and the not so interesting. So here is the story of my poopy day.
Earlier this year I applied to the Chicago Athletic Club customer service desk. What an awesome job. I get free membership to the club, free classes, and the location is less than a block from my apartment. They called me back and said that they didn't have any openings, but they were looking for someone at the daycare. Since beggars can't be choosers, I said yes. I know what you are thinking...Whitney, you don't even like kids. And yes, you are right. But surprisingly, this job has been a huge blessing. I have always loved all my little cousins, that's a given. But it turns out other kids aren't too bad either. Sure they have snotty noses and dirty diapers and can't communicate all that well. But they also cover me in hugs and kisses, do darn cute things, and the more advanced ones even call me Miss Whitney, which pretty much melts my heart. So all in all, it's been good. (On January 1st I start working at the customer service desk :)
But today was not a good day at all. I woke up sick. Broke a glass (between Diana and me, that is now 4 glasses broken, 2 left) missed my bus, finally got to work and changed 7 diapers within the first hour of being there. UGH! Went to lunch and came back and had a #2 potty training accident, make that two accidents, with one little boy (who was very sorry that he forgot to tell me, he was just having too much fun playing). Finally, I was done and was in a not-so-bad mood. I was walking home, jamming out to some Pink on my ipod, and stepped in a gigantic pile of dog poop!!! I stopped and literally screamed at the top of my lungs "ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?!" Okay, there might have been a few other choice words mixed in there. What's funny is that everyone stopped and looked at me like they had seen something very strange. I forget I'm in Chicago, not New York. People are a little more normal here, and that wasn't my most normal moment.
Needless to say, I had to throw those shoes away. Sad. And in even sadder news, earlier this week I found some mildew on one of our walls. It turns out that the humidity and heat of our apartment mixed with the freezing cold outside makes the walls sweat. And that cardboard feeds the, um, I don't know, something scientific. And I keep my shoes in their original boxes and those are made of cardboard. So the mildew got my shoes! I cleaned all that up, and ended up throwing away three other pairs. Four pairs thrown away. Luckily, I have extras.
These last few days may not have been the best, but oh well. Life goes on. I'm now at home, eating some froyo and watching the finale of Dancing with the Stars. I think Shawn is going to win! That's all.
Sometimes (ok, all the time) I have a habit of wanting to be the best! I want to be perfect at everything I do. I end up having delusions of grandeur about this blog being the BIGGEST AND BESTEST BLOG IN THE ENTIRE WORLD! But in all actuality, this blog is a hobby. It's not a competition. It doesn't need to be something that I obsess over, checking how many people have viewed it everyday. This is just our lives, the interesting and the not so interesting. So here is the story of my poopy day.
Earlier this year I applied to the Chicago Athletic Club customer service desk. What an awesome job. I get free membership to the club, free classes, and the location is less than a block from my apartment. They called me back and said that they didn't have any openings, but they were looking for someone at the daycare. Since beggars can't be choosers, I said yes. I know what you are thinking...Whitney, you don't even like kids. And yes, you are right. But surprisingly, this job has been a huge blessing. I have always loved all my little cousins, that's a given. But it turns out other kids aren't too bad either. Sure they have snotty noses and dirty diapers and can't communicate all that well. But they also cover me in hugs and kisses, do darn cute things, and the more advanced ones even call me Miss Whitney, which pretty much melts my heart. So all in all, it's been good. (On January 1st I start working at the customer service desk :)
But today was not a good day at all. I woke up sick. Broke a glass (between Diana and me, that is now 4 glasses broken, 2 left) missed my bus, finally got to work and changed 7 diapers within the first hour of being there. UGH! Went to lunch and came back and had a #2 potty training accident, make that two accidents, with one little boy (who was very sorry that he forgot to tell me, he was just having too much fun playing). Finally, I was done and was in a not-so-bad mood. I was walking home, jamming out to some Pink on my ipod, and stepped in a gigantic pile of dog poop!!! I stopped and literally screamed at the top of my lungs "ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?!" Okay, there might have been a few other choice words mixed in there. What's funny is that everyone stopped and looked at me like they had seen something very strange. I forget I'm in Chicago, not New York. People are a little more normal here, and that wasn't my most normal moment.
Needless to say, I had to throw those shoes away. Sad. And in even sadder news, earlier this week I found some mildew on one of our walls. It turns out that the humidity and heat of our apartment mixed with the freezing cold outside makes the walls sweat. And that cardboard feeds the, um, I don't know, something scientific. And I keep my shoes in their original boxes and those are made of cardboard. So the mildew got my shoes! I cleaned all that up, and ended up throwing away three other pairs. Four pairs thrown away. Luckily, I have extras.
These last few days may not have been the best, but oh well. Life goes on. I'm now at home, eating some froyo and watching the finale of Dancing with the Stars. I think Shawn is going to win! That's all.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Happy Thankful Day!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
An Update! See Mom, I'm Getting Better.
So it's been a week since I've posted anything and it hit me earlier- a blog? Really, Diana?? You don't even return texts! (For those of you still waiting for responses, my deepest apologies to you. I promise I'm alive and well:) I've also gotten an earful from friends and family about my bad habit of not updating people on what's going on in my life. I figure, people have their own worries and concerns and if they want to know something, they can just shoot me a... text...um...ok I'm beginning to see the holes in my logic. Anyway the following will be my attempt to give a quick update and a few highlights of my time here in this EXTREMELY windy city so far.
Before I got to Chicago there were a few goals that I had for myself. Some were what some people considered reasonable and others left people giving me the old insincere "good luck" pat on the back. Don't get me wrong. Almost everyone in my life was supportive of the big move, the rest were just trying to process the information. After all besides mom, the godparents, and a few other close family and friends; most at home only knew about my permanent departure the summer of the big move. So I moved into my apartment on August 1st- Goal One met. I submitted for two to three auditions daily for the first month, went on too many auditions to count, and got a few call backs- Goal Two met. Landed my first role in September for the fall and landed a second role in October for the spring- Goals Three through Ten met:) Simply put- many prayers have been answered.
While there have been many positives, the move certainly has had its challenges. The primary reason for me wanting to get here on August 1st was for an audition with an agent that I was really looking forward to meeting and possibly working with. I was surprised to find that when I called the office to confirm the appointment that the agent no longer worked there. No one else at the office knew who I was and was less than impressed with my headshot. I did land an interview with a new agent and was even told they would sign me...as soon as I did something about that headshot. Anyone know any Chicago based photographers?:) I also have to second what Whitney said in the last post about actually getting to the auditions. After getting parking tickets that added up to more than a months rent, I had to say goodbye to my car and learn the transit system here. It's not a complicated system but for someone who is as directionally challenged as me, getting places proved interesting at the beginning. Nobody tells you you're going to be winded, sweating, and achy as you run through the audition door only to be asked not five seconds later, "Are you ready?" There have been so many times when I've wanted to say, "No! No I'm not ready! I forgot to lock my bike up downstairs!"
Also, who knew finding a part time day job (I call it my survival job) would be so difficult? I know, only the whole country at this point. But you always think to yourself, gee I have a few degrees surely I can be trusted to serve a plate of food or stock a shelf. Well I finally got a part time job at Michaels, the arts and crafts store. haha the interview questions were do you like to decorate cakes or knit because we offer those classes and I'm like well, I like to eat cake and wear clothes. Despite my lack of knowledge in the craft department, I did get the job and I now have the craziest hours ever devised by a boss whose whole life is his job. I didn't want to work evenings because of rehearsals and performances so I, LIKE AN IDIOT, said sure I'll do replenishment at 5am. The result is that I work overnight shifts, the 3am, and the 5am. After working at Michaels for about two months now, and surviving with my survival job I've had to remind myself over and over again that although being able to pay rent is a good thing, I cannot afford to lose sight of why I'm here. I can't wear myself so thin trying to survive that I forget to live. That's been one of my favorite reminders so far.
At the beginning of this week, I had an audition for an internship with Claire Simon Casting, a fun little agency that has had a hand in careers like Darryl Hannah and John Cusack. It's a great opportunity to sit in all of the audition sessions for commercials, television, and film and really get a handle on the casting process and how the final decisions are made. I was supposed to hear back by the end of the week. Haven't heard back yet, but tomorrow at 11:59pm is technically the end of the week. Right???
Well, the curtain rises on my first show in Chicago two weeks from tonight. It's called the Shadow Box and its being produced by a brand new theatre company here in the city and we run till December 23rd. During every rehearsal, during every audition, and even during my walks home from a twelve hour shift of surviving (not to worry. those don't happen too often), I'm reminded of how incredibly blessed I am to be doing what I love to do with the full support of those I hold dear. I've always believed that God doesn't just give out talents so people can sit on them. He gives them out on purpose. So I plan on using them on purpose.
Before I got to Chicago there were a few goals that I had for myself. Some were what some people considered reasonable and others left people giving me the old insincere "good luck" pat on the back. Don't get me wrong. Almost everyone in my life was supportive of the big move, the rest were just trying to process the information. After all besides mom, the godparents, and a few other close family and friends; most at home only knew about my permanent departure the summer of the big move. So I moved into my apartment on August 1st- Goal One met. I submitted for two to three auditions daily for the first month, went on too many auditions to count, and got a few call backs- Goal Two met. Landed my first role in September for the fall and landed a second role in October for the spring- Goals Three through Ten met:) Simply put- many prayers have been answered.
While there have been many positives, the move certainly has had its challenges. The primary reason for me wanting to get here on August 1st was for an audition with an agent that I was really looking forward to meeting and possibly working with. I was surprised to find that when I called the office to confirm the appointment that the agent no longer worked there. No one else at the office knew who I was and was less than impressed with my headshot. I did land an interview with a new agent and was even told they would sign me...as soon as I did something about that headshot. Anyone know any Chicago based photographers?:) I also have to second what Whitney said in the last post about actually getting to the auditions. After getting parking tickets that added up to more than a months rent, I had to say goodbye to my car and learn the transit system here. It's not a complicated system but for someone who is as directionally challenged as me, getting places proved interesting at the beginning. Nobody tells you you're going to be winded, sweating, and achy as you run through the audition door only to be asked not five seconds later, "Are you ready?" There have been so many times when I've wanted to say, "No! No I'm not ready! I forgot to lock my bike up downstairs!"
Also, who knew finding a part time day job (I call it my survival job) would be so difficult? I know, only the whole country at this point. But you always think to yourself, gee I have a few degrees surely I can be trusted to serve a plate of food or stock a shelf. Well I finally got a part time job at Michaels, the arts and crafts store. haha the interview questions were do you like to decorate cakes or knit because we offer those classes and I'm like well, I like to eat cake and wear clothes. Despite my lack of knowledge in the craft department, I did get the job and I now have the craziest hours ever devised by a boss whose whole life is his job. I didn't want to work evenings because of rehearsals and performances so I, LIKE AN IDIOT, said sure I'll do replenishment at 5am. The result is that I work overnight shifts, the 3am, and the 5am. After working at Michaels for about two months now, and surviving with my survival job I've had to remind myself over and over again that although being able to pay rent is a good thing, I cannot afford to lose sight of why I'm here. I can't wear myself so thin trying to survive that I forget to live. That's been one of my favorite reminders so far.
At the beginning of this week, I had an audition for an internship with Claire Simon Casting, a fun little agency that has had a hand in careers like Darryl Hannah and John Cusack. It's a great opportunity to sit in all of the audition sessions for commercials, television, and film and really get a handle on the casting process and how the final decisions are made. I was supposed to hear back by the end of the week. Haven't heard back yet, but tomorrow at 11:59pm is technically the end of the week. Right???
Well, the curtain rises on my first show in Chicago two weeks from tonight. It's called the Shadow Box and its being produced by a brand new theatre company here in the city and we run till December 23rd. During every rehearsal, during every audition, and even during my walks home from a twelve hour shift of surviving (not to worry. those don't happen too often), I'm reminded of how incredibly blessed I am to be doing what I love to do with the full support of those I hold dear. I've always believed that God doesn't just give out talents so people can sit on them. He gives them out on purpose. So I plan on using them on purpose.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Here is One for All You Actors Out There
Diana told me to blog about the process of auditioning. And about my day. And she said to talk about all the negative, negative, negative stuff, and then end it with a positive. So here we go....this might be a little long.
I got into this city at the very end of of August, pretty much dropped off my stuff, and then went home to Montrose South Dakota for my dear friend Molly's wedding. I came back to Chi-town, found a job so I could pay rent, got some furniture and then left again for my dear friend Emily's wedding! This trip I took more time and visited my brother and grandparents on the Western side of the state. I was in no hurry to come back, the family time and relaxation was just too great. After taking all the personal time I needed, I came back and was ready to start auditioning!
I submitted my headshot and resume to every audition possible. Unfortunately, I didn't get many invitations. My first actual audition was at the very beginning of October. It was for an original play festival. I felt ready, prepared, and like this was the perfect audition for me because they needed lots of actors and were looking for any type. The audition was pretty close to our apartment, so I picked the perfect outfit, great shoes, got my headshots all nicely stapled to my resume, and rode my bike there. I arrived early and felt completely confident in the monologue I had chosen. I felt a little nervous but was actually more excited, this was my first Chicago audition! I sat there waiting, listening to everyone audition before me. Then it was my turn. I was determined to be memorable. In my head I said, "I am talented, so if I can be memorable, then I will be fine." I introduced myself, my monologue, took a breath, and was off. Here is what is going through my head during this time.
"Wow, that was an awkward intro. Usually I say my name more clearly. What am I doing with my hands? I should have started the monologue with movement. Am I resolving all my cycles? Stop slapping your legs Whitney. Hmmm, that part got a laugh last time I did this. They haven't laughed once. Oh, well that was a courtesy laugh if I've ever heard one. Maybe this monologue isn't funny. But at school juries everyone was cracking up. Maybe it's only funny if you know me. Oh no! What if all my monologues aren't good and I have to fine a bunch more. Relax. Breathe. Wow, you are blowing it right now."
I could go on and on, but basically I kept trying harder and harder as the monologue went on. Forcing it and begging them to laugh. All my pent up/excited/nervous energy didn't only hit the back wall of the theatre, it crashed through, went out the lobby, and landed in the store across the street. I was out of control! They politely said thank you and that they didn't need to see anything else.
BLEW IT!
Looking back now, I can laugh. That was ridiculous and it was silly of me to build up that audition. I could go into detail about all the auditions I have been on, but let me try to shorten this up. Since then I have submitted myself for a TON of auditions (we are talking between 20 and 30 in one month, maybe even more, I stopped counting). Out of all those submissions I have been on eight auditions. Each one has presented it's own challenges including getting stuck in an elevator, auditioning with my "body movement" instead of words, and walking around parts of this city at night that I don't plan on visiting ever again. I have auditioned for three musicals, a few workshopped pieces, and two "theme park" type auditions. I even auditioned for 50 Shades of Gray the Musical (sometimes when God closes a door, it's for a good reason). But no callbacks. That is, till today.
Today I had an audition for the Arc theatre, which is a professional theatre founded by a group of Depaul University graduates. Here is an ironic fact: When I was a junior in highschool, I decided that I wanted to go to Depaul for theatre and after mailing in an application, they wouldn't even see me for an audition, saying that I didn't have the experience they were looking for in their students. ANYWAY, this audition went very well. I did two pieces that I have been working on for a long time and are completely contrasting. They laughed all the way through my comedic piece and were sitting on the edge of their seat for my Shakespeare. When I was finished I said thank you. Three people were watching, and they all commented. "Wow, that was very good, well done" "I'm so glad we got to see your talent today, I'm very impressed" and "Good audition. Really, that was good." Although a few other auditions have gone well and I did just fine on my monologues, this was the first time I didn't get the generic "Thanks, we will be in touch" line. They weren't being polite, they were being genuine. I may not get cast, I may not even get a callback for whatever reason. But that's okay with me, because I had an awesome audition. I know it and they know it. so.....HA! EAT THAT DEPAUL!!!!
After that audition, I had to rush to another audition. I did the same monologues, they went just as well, and I got a callback right there on the spot! They asked if I could stay for the callback which would be starting in about an hour. It felt so good to read a scene. I was so spoiled in grad school, getting to act everyday whether I liked it or not. My peeps at Regent, if you are reading this...soak it up baby. I was called-backed for the main role, Anita Loose. This was a fun audition because she is a sharp, quick-tongued, savvy buisness women type. The play follows her through her 20s, 30s, and 40s. This is pretty much the opposite of everything that I have been told about my "type" but as my amazing roommate has reminded me, that is why we are actors. There were three rounds, and I stuck around till the end. People were let go through the day, and it ended up being between me and two other girls. Fingers crossed! But even if it doesn't happen, it's fun to have had such a good day.
Here is a quick summary of lessons that I am being reminded of. Or reminders that are good lessons. Whichever way you look at it.
1. This is tough. I'm not talking about the rejection or the work or preparation. I'm saying it is physically exhausting to run around this city to all these auditions, which usually land on the same day during the week. It is stressful dealing with traffic, the public transportation, and audition rooms that are on the seventh floor of a building that is more of a maze than a classroom building! I was warned that rejection is hard and I have to have a thick skin. Okay whatever! Got that part! Where was the lesson about my blistered feet and aching back and stress about being on time when I am stuck in the elevator?!?! All I'm saying is that someday, I'm gonna need a limo. Okay, maybe not a limo, but a personal driver at the very least.
2. There are all different types of people, but still, everybody looks just like you. I know that I am not unique looking. I have a sweet face, plain brown hair, and the average "short girl" figure. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I love myself! But, every time I walk into an audition and see the group of girls that look just like me...I have to smile (and go sit by the blondes).
3. This audition will not change my life. An audition is just me doing my job. I don't put pressure on myself to have the very best day ever at my day job. So why put so much pressure on myself to have the very best audition ever? That's silly. I have done my homework, I'm responsible, I'm talented. So either that's good enough or it's not. Either way, I'm going to wake up and do the same thing tomorrow. And I have a lot more fun when I don't put life or death stakes on these auditions.
4. A good support system is a must! I come home to the cutest puppy in the world and a friend that makes me laugh till I cry. I'm so lucky. I'm also very blessed to have parents who listen to my long stories and complaints and tears and then encourage me to go conquer the world tomorrow. They are the best. THANK GOD!
5. God's time is the best time. I haven't been in the city that long. And I haven't been auditioning for very long at all. I expected this transition to take months, and I didn't expect the perfect role to land in my lap right away. However, patience has never been a virtue of mine. I want what I want and I want it now! And on top of all that I want SO MUCH! But God whispers wait. He says my time will come and that His plans are better than anything I have in mind. And then He says to smile...so I do. :-)
I got into this city at the very end of of August, pretty much dropped off my stuff, and then went home to Montrose South Dakota for my dear friend Molly's wedding. I came back to Chi-town, found a job so I could pay rent, got some furniture and then left again for my dear friend Emily's wedding! This trip I took more time and visited my brother and grandparents on the Western side of the state. I was in no hurry to come back, the family time and relaxation was just too great. After taking all the personal time I needed, I came back and was ready to start auditioning!
I submitted my headshot and resume to every audition possible. Unfortunately, I didn't get many invitations. My first actual audition was at the very beginning of October. It was for an original play festival. I felt ready, prepared, and like this was the perfect audition for me because they needed lots of actors and were looking for any type. The audition was pretty close to our apartment, so I picked the perfect outfit, great shoes, got my headshots all nicely stapled to my resume, and rode my bike there. I arrived early and felt completely confident in the monologue I had chosen. I felt a little nervous but was actually more excited, this was my first Chicago audition! I sat there waiting, listening to everyone audition before me. Then it was my turn. I was determined to be memorable. In my head I said, "I am talented, so if I can be memorable, then I will be fine." I introduced myself, my monologue, took a breath, and was off. Here is what is going through my head during this time.
"Wow, that was an awkward intro. Usually I say my name more clearly. What am I doing with my hands? I should have started the monologue with movement. Am I resolving all my cycles? Stop slapping your legs Whitney. Hmmm, that part got a laugh last time I did this. They haven't laughed once. Oh, well that was a courtesy laugh if I've ever heard one. Maybe this monologue isn't funny. But at school juries everyone was cracking up. Maybe it's only funny if you know me. Oh no! What if all my monologues aren't good and I have to fine a bunch more. Relax. Breathe. Wow, you are blowing it right now."
I could go on and on, but basically I kept trying harder and harder as the monologue went on. Forcing it and begging them to laugh. All my pent up/excited/nervous energy didn't only hit the back wall of the theatre, it crashed through, went out the lobby, and landed in the store across the street. I was out of control! They politely said thank you and that they didn't need to see anything else.
BLEW IT!
Looking back now, I can laugh. That was ridiculous and it was silly of me to build up that audition. I could go into detail about all the auditions I have been on, but let me try to shorten this up. Since then I have submitted myself for a TON of auditions (we are talking between 20 and 30 in one month, maybe even more, I stopped counting). Out of all those submissions I have been on eight auditions. Each one has presented it's own challenges including getting stuck in an elevator, auditioning with my "body movement" instead of words, and walking around parts of this city at night that I don't plan on visiting ever again. I have auditioned for three musicals, a few workshopped pieces, and two "theme park" type auditions. I even auditioned for 50 Shades of Gray the Musical (sometimes when God closes a door, it's for a good reason). But no callbacks. That is, till today.
Today I had an audition for the Arc theatre, which is a professional theatre founded by a group of Depaul University graduates. Here is an ironic fact: When I was a junior in highschool, I decided that I wanted to go to Depaul for theatre and after mailing in an application, they wouldn't even see me for an audition, saying that I didn't have the experience they were looking for in their students. ANYWAY, this audition went very well. I did two pieces that I have been working on for a long time and are completely contrasting. They laughed all the way through my comedic piece and were sitting on the edge of their seat for my Shakespeare. When I was finished I said thank you. Three people were watching, and they all commented. "Wow, that was very good, well done" "I'm so glad we got to see your talent today, I'm very impressed" and "Good audition. Really, that was good." Although a few other auditions have gone well and I did just fine on my monologues, this was the first time I didn't get the generic "Thanks, we will be in touch" line. They weren't being polite, they were being genuine. I may not get cast, I may not even get a callback for whatever reason. But that's okay with me, because I had an awesome audition. I know it and they know it. so.....HA! EAT THAT DEPAUL!!!!
After that audition, I had to rush to another audition. I did the same monologues, they went just as well, and I got a callback right there on the spot! They asked if I could stay for the callback which would be starting in about an hour. It felt so good to read a scene. I was so spoiled in grad school, getting to act everyday whether I liked it or not. My peeps at Regent, if you are reading this...soak it up baby. I was called-backed for the main role, Anita Loose. This was a fun audition because she is a sharp, quick-tongued, savvy buisness women type. The play follows her through her 20s, 30s, and 40s. This is pretty much the opposite of everything that I have been told about my "type" but as my amazing roommate has reminded me, that is why we are actors. There were three rounds, and I stuck around till the end. People were let go through the day, and it ended up being between me and two other girls. Fingers crossed! But even if it doesn't happen, it's fun to have had such a good day.
Here is a quick summary of lessons that I am being reminded of. Or reminders that are good lessons. Whichever way you look at it.
1. This is tough. I'm not talking about the rejection or the work or preparation. I'm saying it is physically exhausting to run around this city to all these auditions, which usually land on the same day during the week. It is stressful dealing with traffic, the public transportation, and audition rooms that are on the seventh floor of a building that is more of a maze than a classroom building! I was warned that rejection is hard and I have to have a thick skin. Okay whatever! Got that part! Where was the lesson about my blistered feet and aching back and stress about being on time when I am stuck in the elevator?!?! All I'm saying is that someday, I'm gonna need a limo. Okay, maybe not a limo, but a personal driver at the very least.
2. There are all different types of people, but still, everybody looks just like you. I know that I am not unique looking. I have a sweet face, plain brown hair, and the average "short girl" figure. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I love myself! But, every time I walk into an audition and see the group of girls that look just like me...I have to smile (and go sit by the blondes).
3. This audition will not change my life. An audition is just me doing my job. I don't put pressure on myself to have the very best day ever at my day job. So why put so much pressure on myself to have the very best audition ever? That's silly. I have done my homework, I'm responsible, I'm talented. So either that's good enough or it's not. Either way, I'm going to wake up and do the same thing tomorrow. And I have a lot more fun when I don't put life or death stakes on these auditions.
4. A good support system is a must! I come home to the cutest puppy in the world and a friend that makes me laugh till I cry. I'm so lucky. I'm also very blessed to have parents who listen to my long stories and complaints and tears and then encourage me to go conquer the world tomorrow. They are the best. THANK GOD!
5. God's time is the best time. I haven't been in the city that long. And I haven't been auditioning for very long at all. I expected this transition to take months, and I didn't expect the perfect role to land in my lap right away. However, patience has never been a virtue of mine. I want what I want and I want it now! And on top of all that I want SO MUCH! But God whispers wait. He says my time will come and that His plans are better than anything I have in mind. And then He says to smile...so I do. :-)
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Our Very Second Post
Well, Chick-fil-a was beyond yummy. I haven't really had any fast food since I moved here. I thought it might be a bit irresponsible of me as a self-proclaimed foodie to miss out on all of the amazing eateries that Chicago has to offer. But after almost four months, my spicy chicken sandwich could no longer be ignored. Anyway as Whitney said earlier she and I have wanted to start a blog together for awhile and we've finally done it. You might be wondering why the blog?? Well for those of you who may not know, Whitney and I made a decision to move to Chicago as roomies after graduating from grad school together. We figured if we were able to put up with each other for three years, what's a few more. We're here to pursue acting and a ton of fun along the way and that's what we plan on talking about. Our struggles in our line of business, our successes, interesting occurrences, interesting people, why in the world the girl next door insists on singing glee songs at 2 in the morning. (There's not really a girl next door. It's a guy. And yes, I have heard him singing glee songs.) So, we hope you're able to take a few minutes out of your day to laugh and learn with us as we embark on this new journey. That's pretty much all for now because it's late and I have to work at 5 tomorrow morning and Whitney's got an audition. Oh before I forget, my posts will be in teal because it's a beautiful color that goes with every skin tone and Whitney's will be in bright pink cause if you know her you know she's all about the pink:) Good night!
Our Very First Post
So...Diana and I have been talking about doing a blog for a LONG time. Like, pretty much before we were even sure we were moving to Chicago together we thought "Hey, we should have a blog!" So you may be wondering what has taken us so long. Well, we created one about two months ago...and then forgot our email address and password and couldn't find our blog anywhere on the internet (if you know us really well, you aren't surprised). Hence the "take two" portion of our title. The 2 EL is us being cute and cheeky because our apartment number is 2L, but we live in the city with the ELevated train (although the city just calls it the "L" train). At first we had these great plans for our blog like a "Words of Wisdom by Winston" section and "Bet you wish you were here for this witty moment" column. I was even going to try to start cooking and post about my experience once a week and call it "Wacky, wonderful, whoopsie Wednesdays with Whitney". I like the letter W in case you haven't noticed. But alas, life is busy! We girls like our downtime with our ice cream and movies. But, FROM NOW ON, WE ARE COMMITTED TO...oh wait. We are going to go get dinnner at Chick-Fil-A. I'll have to get back to you later.
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