A Full Plate

What's your favorite meal? Many of my friends say Thanksgiving dinner, because it's such a fun, full time of feasting on their favorite dishes. And while we have a month or two to go before we get to Thanksgiving, I feel like my acting career is mirroring this time of Plenty. My plate is filling up nicely with so many delicious projects, and of course, there's always room for more! ;)

I'm recording a song for a major project on Monday. Don't know how much I can say about it, so I'll leave it at that.

I'm also working on material for classes and auditions. I have a "table reading" of a new musical coming up in October, another major recording in November, and I'm researching a project for 2011, which is not far off!

While juggling all this, I've been so fortunate to be supported by friends, family, and by my wonderful husband, who's been so amazing through this time of growth and transition.

Messages of love and support abound! The best advice I've received is "You are you, and that is enough."

I think any artist worries about being/doing "enough," and it's important to realize that whatever we bring to the table is truly good enough.

Still, like any chef, athlete or artisan, I continue to work on my craft each day, nurturing myself and striving to do my best every day. It's wonderful to stretch and grow along the way! I'm never one to rest on my laurels, and I embrace this time! I am enough!

Working Weekend

I have a lot of delicious stuff on my plate this weekend.

I have a scene from the play, Psych by Evan Smith, to memorize for Monday night's acting class.

Musical and monologue prep-work for auditions this week.

And I'm singing for a major recording on Oct. 4th, so I'm working on music for that.

Exciting stuff!

Back to School

When I first moved to New York, I had been accepted into the American Musical & Dramatic Academy. It was my dream to study musical theatre in New York City, and so there I was, making my dream come true!

Shortly out of school, I booked some lovely gigs in CA and PA, and worked steadily as an actor for quite a few years. At that time it never occurred to me to continue my education, because I was learning and developing and applying my skills "on the job."

So when I moved back to New York,  and decided to focus on doing work here, in the city, I found myself doing a lot of Off Off Broadway that didn't pay enough for me to make a living. So I had to supplement my income, and let me tell ya, I've done it all: waiting tables, temp jobs, you name it.

I got lucky with an office gig that's artist-friendly, and they've been great about working around my acting schedule, giving me time off for out-of-town gigs, and rehearsals and performances Off Broadway. They've been with me every step of the way - from Off Off Broadway to Off Broadway - and they said they hope I'll keep working with them til I get my Tony. :)

This reminds me of Susan Blackwell's great interview, "Why I Keep My Day Job." She's a marvelous actress, whom I recently saw in my friend, Andy Monroe's Off Broadway show, The Kid.

In between acting gigs and juggling my thrival job, as Bonnie Gillespie calls it, I've discovered the importance of going back to acting classes. I don't know why I resisted it before. Maybe there was a pompous, "Oh I don't need to do that," kind of naivete, but I tell you, going back to school has been the best thing for me! And I've discovered that major movie stars and top quality actors whom I admire never stop studying with a good coach. It's essential.

So I'm very grateful for my teachers who've nurtured me along the way.

There have been life-changers like Karen Kohlhaas and her Monologue Audition class, in which Karen covers the importance of how to walk into an audition room. You'd never think of how important that is, but it's HUGE! Your body language and attitude signal so much about you before you even open your mouth. And how you walk out of the room, and how you mentally talk to yourself as you walk out of the room, are just as important.

Her steps on "Audition After Care" are PRICELESS.  Seriously, get her book or study with her if you can.

Currently, I'm in an awesome scene study class with Alaine Alldaffer at One on One, and it's another class where I feel any and every actor would benefit from it. Simply amazing!

Also, this week I bounce back into Josh Pais' Committed Impulse Master Class, and I can't wait! This class is such an incredible workout. It's in-the-moment acting!

And that's what hit me the other day when someone asked me why I still go to acting class. Yes, I learn from every audition and performance I do, but acting classes are a workout. They keep my acting skills in shape.

Look at an athlete or a concert musician. You think they just do their jobs "on the fly"? No way! They practice for hours and hours every day!

"People who write about spring training not being necessary have never tried to throw a baseball." - Sandy Koufax

You have to do what you love every day. So I go into my lessons with great joy and a sense of expansion. I love putting what I've learned into practice at auditions and in performances. What we learn nurtures us and gives us fuel to move forward in all areas of our life.

Enjoy your lessons!

Signs

I have seen so many cool signs this week. It's like getting a bunch of green lights while driving down the street.

On Monday I started an awesome scene study class at One on One studios. It’s such a lovely place – lots of wood and warm colors. And they have inspiring quotes here and there.

My favorites are, “Never, never, never give up.” – Winston Churchill

And “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Elliot

There’s also this great black and white photo of Marilyn Monroe at The Actors Studio. It just inspires me!

It’s been such a lovely week, starting this new scene study class, and then the callback on Tuesday for a new musical. Just wonderful!

Now I’m working on music for an upcoming recording session in October, as well as researching a book for a new play. And I’m savoring my audition material: songs, monologues, scenes, you name it! I love the work!

A friend recently asked how I stay so positive. To quote Winston Churchill again, “I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.”

My Favorite Place to Be Today

Singing and acting here:

I had a callback for a new musical, and it was just rapturous to be here.
I love this place.

The Fruitfulness of Fall

I love this time of year. The cool breezes, the sights, the sounds and delicious smells!

There are all these Farmer Markets in the city, and I get so excited when I see the apples come out at this time of year. The apple cider smelled particularly yummy this morning.

This month is especially delicious because I got a callback for a new Off Broadway musical. YAY! I'm doing all these recordings (voice overs, songs, scenes) with friends I worked with in the past. And I'm working with a writer-director on a play for the 2011-2012 season. Really exciting stuff!

I just feel so blessed and bouyant and full of possibility! Wheeee!

Last Days of Summer

New York stores have been promoting the "Last Days of Summer" for a few weeks now, and it makes me laugh, because I know a few states will continue to enjoy summer weather for a few weeks more!

When I was a kid, I used to cling to the last days of summer. I'd spend as much time as I could in the pool.

I guess not much has changed. This summer, I've still enjoyed being in a pool! :)

But as an adult, I understand that the Fall yields a very fruitful harvest. I almost always seem to be doing some fun gig in the Autumn, and this year I have quite a few things I'm working on.

I'm doing a Voice Over tomorrow, and I'm recording some songs for my Singing Nun composer, Andy Monroe on Wednesday. Really fun tunes!

In October and November, I'm working on a new project with orchestrator, Larry Moore, who also worked on The Tragic and Horrible Life of the Singing Nun. He most recently worked on the Broadway production of Finian's Rainbow, and I'm delighted to be working with him once again!

So I have a lot of lovely work to do, learning lines and new songs, and I'm enjoying every minute of it! :)

Resurgence of the 60s

Is it just me or is there a resurgence of the '60s going on?

This past week, I've had 3 projects come up that are all based on people, music, and/or books from the 60s. It's really fascinating to me, and I'm wondering what it all means. Perhaps a spirit of revolution and expansion... or new beginnings... Either way, I'm enjoying it! :)

I have an audition tomorrow for a new musical based on the '60s girl group The Shaggs. Their story and their music is so fascinating. My brother, the drummer for Hippie Cream, would probably dig it because it's so raw.

As Susan Orlean wrote, "The music is winsome but raggedly discordant pop."

My favorite review, just for the humor of it, is from Rolling Stone, which said they sounded like "lobotomized Trapp Family singers." But RS later called the girl group "priceless and timeless" in 1980, and re-introduced The Shaggs to the world. In fact, 2 of the members were still rocking in 2003.

I understand why some folks saw/see them as revolutionary. Their lyrics, all songs written by Dorothy (Dot) Wiggin, are filled with '60s teen angst:

"It doesn't matter what you do, it doesn't matter what you say, there will always be one who wants things the other way."

And speaking of '60s teen angst, I'll be recording a song from The Tragic and Horrible Life of the Singing Nun, a musical I performed in at the New York Musical Theatre Festival a few years ago. The show won quite a few awards, including the NYMF Award of Excellence for Outstanding Individual Performance for me. That was such an honor!

I'm thrilled to revisit this role and record one of the songs from the show, beautifully written by Andy Monroe.

And my last piece of '60s stuff comes from a book that was suggested to me. I can't divulge too much about it because it's the basis for a new play, so I don't want to trespass on the playwright's privacy. But I have to say, I'm blown away by some of the beautiful words, thoughts, and ideas that came out of the '60s.

So I'll leave you with this thought from The Beatles:

You say you want a revolution
Well you know
We'd all love to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well you know
We'd all love to change the world
But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know that you can count me out
Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Don't you know it's gonna be alright

First Time Winners

Last night, the EMMY's were filled with big stars, some of whom had received the award before like Edie Falco, one of my favorite actresses, who had won years before for her portrayal of Carmela Soprano. I was thrilled that she was recognized for the excellent work she's been doing on Nurse Jackie. She is such a great actress to learn from just watching!

And The Daily Show with Jon Stewart won for the seventh year in a row! Way to go!

But the thing that really warms my spirit are first time winners like David Strathairn for his sensitive portrayal of Professor Carlock in HBO's movie Temple Grandin.

He plays a science teacher who recognizes a young woman's keen insights into math and science despite her autism, and he mentors her along the way.

As I've said before, a great teacher can make all the difference in helping a person overcome the odds.

Strathairn has always been an incredible character actor, easily disappearing into roles from villians to heroes. I believe he's most well known for his portrayal of Edward R. Morrow in Good Night, and Good Luck.

HBO's movie about Temple Grandin also received awards for Best Made for TV movie, Best Direction of a movie/miniseries, Best Actress (Claire Danes) and Best Supporting Actress (Julia Ormond, another first time Emmy Winner, whom I've always loved on the big screen). I saw this show in the winter and was absolutely bowled over by this terrific production about the real-life Temple Grandin and how she came up with a more humane treatment of animals and livestock. It's a must-see!

Congrats to both Temple Grandin and Claire Danes and all the EMMY winners! :)

And I have to give a nod to one of my favorite comic actresses: Jane Lynch for playing the acid-tongued Sue Sylvester on Glee.

I've enjoyed Jane's work since I first caught her on Christopher Guest's Best in Show, and her turn as an "adult entertainer" turned folk singer in A Mighty Wind is a must-see! She's also wonderfully moving as Julia Childs' sister, Dorothy, in Julie and Julia.

Congrats again to all the winners and nominees. Great work, everyone!

The Sookie Stackhouse series

I must confess... I'm a True Blood fan.

My friend, Lisa, first tipped me off to the "Dead" books by Charlaine Harris a few years ago. I loved the notion of a telepathic waitress in Louisiana, surrounded by vampires who were "out" in society. They're delicious books, and I heartily recommend them!

I had already read most of the Sookie Stackhouse books by 2008  when I started to see True Blood posters all around Manhattan.

At first I thought some savvy drink company had bought the rights to TruBlood, Ms. Harris' marvelous concept drink in the book. But then when I found out HBO was making the books into a series, I was delighted!

Like any fan of the novels, I was particularly protective of my vision of the characters, but once I let go of that and just had fun with Alan Ball's concept of the story, I really enjoyed the show.

This season has got to be my favorite!

The mounting sexual tension between Bill, Sookie and Eric (played with great passion by Stephen Moyer, Anna Paquin, and Alexander Skarsgard) is a yummy triangle.

 And I love characters like Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll), who is unique to the TV show and is not found anywhere in the books.
 

Her love story with Hoyt (Jim Parrack) is so Romeo and Juliet. Just lovely!

All the characters are a treat!

Pam (Kristin Bauer) and Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) are my favorite "wild cards."

Pam's character in particular is wonderfully close to the book, and I love her dry wit: "Blah, blah, vampire emergency, blah!"

And my favorite actor this season has got to be Denis O'Hare as the ego-maniacal vampire King, Russell Edgington.

A versatile theatre actor, this man knows just how far to push the envelope with this psychotic villain. I love his work, and I can't wait to see what he does next!

The whole show is a great big summer beach ball of fun! :)

The School of Funny Business

I recently took a TV episodic audition class, which focused on auditions for dramatic and comedic series. It was a cool class, and I learned a lot!

One of my favorite homework assignments has been to watch old sitcoms from the 70s and 80s.

I'd already done a little of that for a show I did Off Broadway called Johnny On A Spot.

My character, Barbara, was a southern girl with lots of sass, so I watched Designing Women, particularly focusing on Suzanne Sugarbaker, brilliantly played by Delta Burke.

This week,  I've been watching stuff like Maude, and wow! I am blown away by how well the show has held up after all these years.  But then, watching a master, or should I say, Mistress of Comedy like Bea Arthur is like taking a master class in comedy anyway! Bea's comic timing was impeccable. I mean, she could say so much with simply a "look" or a shift of her body to get the audience to laugh.

In an interview, she said that "comedy was simply being VERY serious."

And Betty White's work has often been called "funny based on truth."

I think that's what makes the best comedians, or comic actors, "the best." They are so incredibly open and fearless about "going there," going towards the utmost of an emotion or situation, and PLAYING!

I love this stuff! Looking forward to putting it to practice! :)

Today's Audition and Manhattan Marvels

Today's audition is brought to you by...The York Theatre Company. This groovy little theatre is known as "the birthplace for new intimate musicals and a place where underappreciated musical gems from the past" can be rediscovered. I'm going in today to audition for their Fall Season.

On the way to and from the theatre, I passed this gorgeous manmade waterfall by the subway, and I just had to take a picture!

The sound of the water was luscious and it was such a pleasant discovery!

That's one of the things I love about Manhattan. Even amidst the skyscrapers, you can still find trees and a waterfall. :)

Summer Reading

This summer has been like a mini play fest for me. As I've prepped for auditions, I've had this voracious appetite for plays, new and old, and I've thoroughly been enjoying each and every one of them!

There have been so many yummy new plays published, and if I couldn't find them at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts...

I'd go to The Drama Book Shop on 250 West 40th Street.

These are two of my favorite places in Manhattan anyway. Both hold a treasure trove of info, and everyone is so helpful!

The library is especially wonderful for having a great musical catalogue. You can find almost any sheet music you need for musical auditions.

There have been some really cool dramatic auditions coming up, and I've been on the lookout for 2 new plays: Indoor /Outdoor by Kenny Finkle and In the Next Room by Sarah Ruhl. I ordered Indoor/Outdoor from The Drama Book Shop and they thanked me for alerting them to it since regional auditions were coming up for the play, and they wanted to have it in stock. I'd done my research and knew the auditions were coming up - hence, my desire to read the play. And it was such a treat! Wonderful play about a cat who is raised indoors and wants to go explore the outside world. Really lovely play!

Now I'm off to the gym, and I'll be bringing along In The Next Room with me.

Always an adventure!

Embracing Curves

Today is my first audition back from vacation, and I'm feeling a little curvy. Usually, this might be cause for alarm, but as I dressed today, I found myself leaning toward's Joan Holloway's (from AMC's Mad Men) school of fashion.

I am so thankful for actresses like Christina Hendricks who prove that curvy girls can rock on TV... or anywhere for that matter! :)

Rejuvenated!

It's been the most wonderful week of sand and surf, beach and bliss while on vacation with my husband in Rehoboth. Each moment has been such a joy, and it's been a thrill to include my artistic work in such a buoyant atmosphere.

I had packed a few plays to read while on vacation, and when we'd hit the beach, I'd bring along a script to focus on while relaxing in the sand.

The sound of the waves, the call of the seagulls, the cool salty breeze... there's something so rejuvenating about the sea! It encourages a sense of openness and expansion, and it was lovely to approach my acting work from that place.

The sea air, the pull of the tide, being on the beach and in the water with my husband and friends... the days filled with laughter and love... Pure bliss!

As this vacation comes to a close, my husband bought me this gift: A Survival Guide for Land-Locked Mermaids.

I've always had an affinity for mermaids, and when we saw the book in a local store, it was too fitting!

Beautifully crafted with gorgeous illustrations, this charming book speaks so keenly to my inner siren:

"There is a splendor in being true to yourself... If you hide your authentic self from the rest of the world, a unique life will pass you by... So head up, chest out, tail fanned... Dare to bare your heart and and soul... and be true to yourself." - Margot Datz

Tenacity

I can't remember where I found this - it might have been posted on Actorsite.com - but in any case, it's one of my favorite inspirational pieces. Hope you enjoy it!

In 1944 the director of the Blue Book Modeling Agency in Hollywood told a young girl who wanted to become a model and an actress, "You'd better learn secretarial work or else get married. You don't have 'the look' or talent for this business."

The young girl's name was Norma Jean Baker.

 She went on to become Marilyn Monroe.

In 1954, the manager of the Grand Ole Opry fired a young singer after one performance. He told him, "You ain't goin' nowhere, son. You ought to go back to drivin' a truck."

 The young man stayed at it and became the most popular singer (and actor) in America. His name was Elvis Presley.

In 1962, four terrified young musicians played their first record audition for the executives of Decca Records. The execs were not impressed by these young men who gave a "disappointing audition" and "were not a wonderful band musically."

The lads were turned away and told, "Guitar groups are on the way out."

The four lads from Liverpool went on to become The Beatles.

These stories show that through "failure" the soul is strengthened, the vision cleared, the ambition inspired and success finally achieved.

The truth is that you will gain strength, will-power, experience and confidence every time you look "failure" in the face and continue on.

A winner is not the one who never fails, but the one who NEVER QUITS.

(For more inspiration, check out the Treehouse)

To Those Who Teach

I've been taking an acting class called Committed Impulse, and it has totally put my head in such a wildly wonderful spin. It's like when you're a kid and you stand on your head to get a different perspective, or you look through a kaleidoscope. You see things in a different way...

This class has made me aware of acting habits - good and bad, things that work and things that need to be retooled. I've become especially aware of this as I've been going on a lot of auditions lately, because that's where all this stuff comes into play. It's like finding more pieces of a puzzle, and I feel like things are coming together in an exciting and unexpected way.

I just feel more open to the ride which is seriously cool.

And it's made me think about all the teachers throughout my life.

I was talking about this with my brother a few weeks ago, and we both agreed that there are things a teacher will convey to you that may or may not take hold for weeks, months, and even years later. But the seed has been planted.

True, some of those seeds may not really work for you and need to be weeded out, but I think, with anything, you find what works for you.

And with that, I'd like to give kudos to my teachers, from my parents and friends to my grade school teachers like Mrs. Borden in kindergarten and Mrs. Cloyd in Jr. High who saw my potential as a writer and performer and helped me break through all sorts of barriers. Mrs. Cloyd and I are still friends to this day.

 Wynne Hammond was my first voice coach, and she helped me prep for my first professional gig in "Annie" at San Bernadino CLO. She was an incredible lady who had been one of the singers for The Munchkins for the MGM film "The Wizard of Oz." Her stories about Old Hollywood were amazing!

Krista Elhai, my high school drama teacher, was awesome for her wild-card casting. Dennis Anderson also broke the mold by casting me as a tiny Audrey to a super tall Seymour for "Little Shop of Horrors." They both gave me such unique opportunities to hone my craft. 

Carol Fox Prescott in New York taught me about "acting on the breath and seeking the joy of your own experience." Chas Elliott, a brilliant opera singer, helped me increase my vocal range and open my mind to music I didn't even know about. Thanks, Chas!

VP Boyle's musical theatre and pop rock workshops absolutely rocked my world and sent me soaring! VP is still a great source of inspiration.

Karen Kohlhaas' work at the Atlantic Acting School is absolutely revolutionary! Her monologue and cold reading classes got me out of a rut and reignited my excitement to keep reading plays.

It's something I loved to do as a kid - just hunker down in the theatre section of my local library and dive into a play. I've been doing a lot of that this past year with absolute revelry! Living next to the Lincoln Center Library of the Performing Arts helps immensely!

It was at the Atlantic Acting School that I heard about Josh Pais' Committed Impulse Actor Training, and I am so glad I started taking his class. Such an incredible workout!

Kudos also to my brother, Sean, who is a drummer, and used to teach drumset to everyone from little kids to doctors. His counsel on the artistry of rock and roll and modern art has been invaluable!

We share the wild rollercoaster ride of art, and it's a comfort to do that together!

I am also so thankful for my husband, Rob, who is a master comedian and has helped me with every comic role I've ever done.

And my friend, Tina Sams, helps me stay motivated about the business side of show business.  Thank you, Tina!

There are so many incredible teachers in our lives, people who appear just when you seem to need them. I've been working with a round-table forum of musical theatre folks lately, and we have a blast helping each other fine-tune our audition material. We all have our strengths and insights to help each other out.

I look forward to learning every day and sharing what I've learned along the way!