Tidbits

I had a great workshop this weekend at the Stella Adler theatre, for an awesome commercial casting director. We were assigned comedy scenes a few days ahead of time, along with partners, but my partner canceled on me, so I didn't meet his replacement until the day of the workshop. Our scene was from Friends, which is always fun. My partner was doing his end of it a little more slowly than I expected--more like it was drama, almost--but it was a good test for me, in terms of picking up the beat and carrying my end of it strongly, not forcing it, etc. In the end, I got great feedback from the cd, who is someone I am friendly with on Twitter. I had a great time at the workshop and was so happy that I did it. :) So, we'll see! I have to drop off my headshot at her office tomorrow (was going to mail it, but she specifically said to drop it off), then mail my thank you card.

I have another workshop, for a tv cd associate, on Thursday. I'm still settling on a scene for it. I also have a difficult scene in class this week, which is kinda freaking me out. Well, not freaking me out so much as giving me some trouble. It's just a new type of character for me, one that I haven't challenged myself much with over the years, which is why I chose it. So, it'll be a good experience no matter what happens, because I'll be learning. :)

I picked up my new postcards at Argentum, and I think I am all set with new headshots and postcards for now. I may do another set of business cards, but they aren't absolutely necessary at this point. I love the new postcards, and the new headshots. I chose a theatrical one that my coach liked a lot. I'm less crazy about it, but the one I liked more turned out much darker than expected in the test printing. And, I thought he had a point about why he preferred the one over the other--the one I liked more sells "sexy" harder, but there's not necessarily a depth to it, whereas the one he liked more has more subtlty to it, but still something in the eyes.

On a totally unrelated note, I am now fostering three tiny kittens, all about 4 months old. So, if anyone is looking for an adorable kitten, please let me know. We're requiring indoor only, claws intact homes, as well as applications & adoption fees. I'll post photos of them soon. :)

Gearing up

The last week or so has been a period of gearing up, if you will.

Last week in class, I worked on a scene than I wrote, which my partner and I intend to shoot as a short. It went well. I was most definitely not in the comedy mood while at class, but I managed to push through it and do the scene well. And my partner, Ryan, is very funny, so he's able to give me a lot to work off of, especially since the scene casts me in a bit of the straight man role. I need to fix some of the writing, but I think we'll be able to shoot it and do a lot with it that will be fun. I emailed him yesterday to see when he thinks we could do it. I'll keep on him about it. :)

I also spoke, via email, with my friend Brian, who I went to high school with, and who lives in LA (he's a writer), to see if he'd be up for helping me film a short dramatic scene with another friend from class. He expressed interest, so I hope we can get it done. Again, I have to rework some of the writing (again, a scene I wrote), but I think we'll be able to get what we need from it.

I have a workshop this weekend with Danielle Eskinazi, who is a great commercial CD in LA. I just got my scene, which is from Friends, and which was assigned to me (along with my partner). The scene is a good fit for me--I'm impressed. Sometimes, when scenes are assigned at workshops, I end up with something that is a little off. It helped that they asked us what celebrities we are like and what types we play, instead of going just off of headshots. Anyway, I'm looking forward to it.

I've also signed up for two more cd workshops, one for a tv associate and one for a head cd for film. I still have yet to settle on my scenes for those. I also inquired about a commercial callback workshop that came highly recommended--it took me a while to get someone to call me back, but they finally called today. I'm on the fence about it, mostly because of the financial cost of it. But, since it's been very slow the past two months as far as auditions go, I'd like to start strong this fall, and maybe this will help.

I have to run off to approve some headshots at the printers, and probably order more stuff, before I'm off to class tonight, where I'll be doing a 30 Rock scene. I was scheduled to do a Sons of Anarchy scene, but it got pushed to next week, because my original partner will be absent tonight for a chemistry read. So, since an old friend and classmate is dropping by class to say hi (having just moved back to LA from Kansas), I asked her to do a quick comedy scene with me. Should be fun. I wasn't ready for the SOA scene anyway--it's an intense scene, and a new type of character for me, so another week to prep will be good.

Favorites

I've got a link to the 'favorites' of my new headshots, which were tough to choose. I narrowed things down over time, asked for advice from friends, etc. The results are here:

http://sessions.argentum.com/ARU/kich/dco23/fave1282964998544_01.html

There are four pages, with 46 pictures. If you've got a favorite pic, let me know. I think I know what I'm going to get printed, but it helps for me to know what stands out to folks.

In other news, so desperately in love with Mad Men again this season. It's so amazing. I didn't know how the show could get any better, but it did. Also, powered my way through the first two seasons of Sons of Anarchy, which I'm enjoying. Charlie Hunnam is mouthwatering. And talented, which is lovely.

Doing a scene in class this week that is one I wrote. Testing it out, in hopes of filming it as a short sketch for Funny-or-Die. Still thinking about the short film idea that I've had, as well as the new pilot idea. And working on a mock commercial with a friend. He sent me some rough drafts, have to read through them.

Might bake some muffins for my commercial rep tonight. Mulling it over. Still waiting to hear if they like any of the headshots from the new session (god, I hope so!), but owe them a visit anyway. :)

Dynamic Imagery Studios

Actors, the time is great to get yourself into a wonderful acting class. TV shows have ramped up production, so why not get into a class where you can stretch, grow, stay sharp, et cetera?

I have been with my long-time acting coach, Adam Wilhite, for over 5 years (probably closer to 6 at this point). I would not be the actor that I am--nor the writer, nor even the PERSON that I am--without him. His guidance, love and support over the years has truly transformed me. I have been lucky enough to learn from him and to have many breakthroughs in my acting (and life) with his support...and to have seen so many other actors have breakthroughs as well. Adam's technique is brilliant and leads to powerful performances. We work each class, doing new scenes every week, as well as improv to start each evening. Adam can read people very well, and he'll figure out how best to coach you and what you need to grow very quickly--his coaching is individualized in that sense, even though we all learn the same technique. He's very special, and I am so lucky to have found him.

If you're looking for a great new class, please come check out Adam's classes. Audits are free, and he's very open about communicating with new studio members, giving information, etc. I'm happy to answer questions as well.

Here is the website for the studio, which will give you more information: Dynamic Imagery Studios

Hope to see you audit soon! :)