Creating Your Own Work

I finally got into the show GIRLS on HBO. A friend of mine who's a filmmaker had mentioned Lena Dunham to me a few years ago and told me about Dunham's film, Tiny Furniture, so I was aware of this inventive filmmaker through my friend, The Filmmaker. :)

Totally weird segue, but this makes me think of the SAG Awards which I just got to vote for. It was so cool to see all these delicious films. They were really really good this year, and I'm honored to be a SAG member, and I love getting to vote for the recipients of the awards. They're incredibly talented people who inspire me to be a better actor.

One of the actors up for nomination was Helen Mirren in Hitchcock, which was a fascinating film because it was about the struggles Hitchcock went through to get Psycho made. Who would've guessed that one of his most popular films almost didn't get made? Hitch had to produce it himself!

And look at Argo - Ben Affleck's film on the hostage crisis of the 70s. Affleck also produced the films with George Clooney and a host of others.

I just dig that people are committed to getting their work out there!

Lastly, the TV show "Enlightened" was created by Laura Dern and Mike White, who star in it. It's a really good show, and I love how each episode surprises me.

All these examples make me want to get my writing cap on. I have some 
ideas in mind. I just need to let them out there!

Hell's Belles ride again!

Performing today at the Snapple Center at 6:30 PM. If interested, please contact Tweiss Productions at HellsBellesNY@gmail.com

I've been with Hell's Belles for a few years, and it's always a thrill to step back into Judy Garland and Janis Joplin's shoes, performing music that's basically an ode to these iconic women and countless others!

The musical has a Forbidden Broadway vibe with 3 actresses playing 20 women from history and pop culture. My castmates for today's show include the fabulous Kristen Mengelkoch (Forbidden Broadway), Danielle Erin Rhodes (Grease), and Kevin B. McGlynn (9 to 5).

As Judy says, "Let's sing 'em all!"

The Audition Process

I've found it encouraging that the A-list actors for Les Miz were put through and prepared for a rigorous audition process. I love hearing Sally Fields' story of fighting to be seen for the role of Mary Lincoln. Each audition is an opportunity, and it's something that's still part of the artistic process.

I've already been to 2 auditions this New Year, and it felt good! Even the nervous energy that can hit before going into the audition room feels exciting. It's all part of it!

Tim Phillips' book, "Audition for Your Career" has been an invaluable tool. Though it's geared towards film auditions, the "Sherlock Holmsing" section can be applied to any audition. It's great homework for analyzing the text and looking into the human element of why characters do what they do, and of course, what they want. :) I cannot recommend it enough! It gives me the tools to go into auditions feeling stronger.

Happy Auditioning!