Work is going well. I am tired. It has been over two years since I have gone to "work" two days in a row! I can't believe people do this everyday! It's crazy! Definitely not a fan but I am grateful for the work so I will stop complaining.
I did find out that one of the cute old ladies that I work with is the aunt of a famous movie star. This is kind of cool. Then I found out that my roommate did the genealogy for this same movie star. Small world. Naturally, I asked the aunt if she had any advice for me. She said that this niece doesn't let the rejection bother her, she just figures, "they weren't looking for me" and keeps on going. The aunt said her nephew has also pursued acting but he doesn't take the rejection so well and hasn't been as successful. So I need thick skin and confidence. Good advice. I'll work on that. I bet I will have lots of opportunities to develop attributes! Looking forward to it.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Acting Class: Full Frontal Nudity, yes or no???
Acting class last night was amazing! I had such a good time. I actually got to be on stage rather than just watching. I loved it. The first little skit I did was an improv with another student. I was to come in and try to convince her to go on this double date with me even though her previous blind dates weren't very successful. Be selfish and manipulative in order to get what I want? Done. I am really good at that! It went well.
Next it was my turn to recreate three minutes of my life. I chose to wash the dishes and then make a grocery list to take to the store. It went alright. I was nervous, wondering if I was boring the audience but we aren't supposed to worry about entertaining others so I tried to go about my business. It is actually not that easy when there are 30 people watching you!
Then it was my turn to improv. My teacher set up this scenario, he had a guy pretend to be a producer for a play that I auditioned for and he loved me! The director and author loved me too! He was coming over to offer me the job, which is great because I am the starving actress who hasn't had any work in the last three years. There is only one hitch, the part requires me to do a scene in full frontal nudity! Meanwhile during the skit I am supposed to continue on with my tasks of washing dishes and making a grocery list. The improv went well. The producer came in and we sat at the table and talked about the job. I completely gave up doing my "tasks" as I would in real life if a producer came over to give me a job! Then he broke it to me, the requirement of full frontal nudity. What?!? I tried to understand why and what I was going to do. When I needed time to think I returned to my task of washing dishes. I just didn't know what to say, should I do it? I really needed the money. What would my parents think? All of this was running through my head. I just stood there in silence for a moment. My acting teacher loved that, explaining that silence can be powerful and is often not used in improv. A big shout out to my acting coach in Vegas, Rhonda Carlson who taught me the value of using silence in monologues and singing. Also I just didn't know what to say! I was speechless. The wheels in my head were turning as I considered whether or not to take the part. So I did what I would do in life, put off the decision! I asked the producer how long I could take to decide. He asked me to call him by the end of the day. I told him I'd call him by midnight. That's the end of the day, right? As I showed the producer out of my pretend house, the acting teacher yelled, "take the job!" That was the end of my skit. Everyone laughed. It was rather funny. They liked my honest performance. I guess that is the advantage to playing yourself, you know how to act. Now the trick is to make every character just as "real." I must find myself in each character to make every role I play just as believable. Oh and I need to get a role. Minor things really.
I do love the acting class! It is so fun, such a high! I went to bed last Monday night at 1:30am just because it takes me so long to come down from the high. The moral is: don't take acting class until 10pm! And how can there only be a one a week! I can't get enough!
Next it was my turn to recreate three minutes of my life. I chose to wash the dishes and then make a grocery list to take to the store. It went alright. I was nervous, wondering if I was boring the audience but we aren't supposed to worry about entertaining others so I tried to go about my business. It is actually not that easy when there are 30 people watching you!
Then it was my turn to improv. My teacher set up this scenario, he had a guy pretend to be a producer for a play that I auditioned for and he loved me! The director and author loved me too! He was coming over to offer me the job, which is great because I am the starving actress who hasn't had any work in the last three years. There is only one hitch, the part requires me to do a scene in full frontal nudity! Meanwhile during the skit I am supposed to continue on with my tasks of washing dishes and making a grocery list. The improv went well. The producer came in and we sat at the table and talked about the job. I completely gave up doing my "tasks" as I would in real life if a producer came over to give me a job! Then he broke it to me, the requirement of full frontal nudity. What?!? I tried to understand why and what I was going to do. When I needed time to think I returned to my task of washing dishes. I just didn't know what to say, should I do it? I really needed the money. What would my parents think? All of this was running through my head. I just stood there in silence for a moment. My acting teacher loved that, explaining that silence can be powerful and is often not used in improv. A big shout out to my acting coach in Vegas, Rhonda Carlson who taught me the value of using silence in monologues and singing. Also I just didn't know what to say! I was speechless. The wheels in my head were turning as I considered whether or not to take the part. So I did what I would do in life, put off the decision! I asked the producer how long I could take to decide. He asked me to call him by the end of the day. I told him I'd call him by midnight. That's the end of the day, right? As I showed the producer out of my pretend house, the acting teacher yelled, "take the job!" That was the end of my skit. Everyone laughed. It was rather funny. They liked my honest performance. I guess that is the advantage to playing yourself, you know how to act. Now the trick is to make every character just as "real." I must find myself in each character to make every role I play just as believable. Oh and I need to get a role. Minor things really.
I do love the acting class! It is so fun, such a high! I went to bed last Monday night at 1:30am just because it takes me so long to come down from the high. The moral is: don't take acting class until 10pm! And how can there only be a one a week! I can't get enough!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Cattle Call!
Last Tuesday I went to the auditions for the national tour of Addams Family. They said they needed tango and flamenco dancers so I thought I might venture. Online it said it was a singing audition so I got all dressed up nice to sing. When I got there I found out we were dancing first! Usually that is done at callbacks. I had 25 min. to go home and change. I knew I wouldn't make it but I figured they would start late because there were hundreds of girls there, a true "cattle call". I arrived at 1:30 and added my name to the long list and waited for my turn. They were taking 30 girls at a time, then 45, and then because they were running out of time they took the last 70 all together. They taught us 12 counts of dancing, let us dance it three at a time and then the choreographer said "you and you stay and you thank you for coming." It was crazy! I was told thanks for coming. And the competition begins! So all that work for ten seconds of audition time! Ah, I love this profession! That is ok though there are tons of more auditions to come and I will be ready with music AND dancing shoes!
Sights, Sounds and Smells of NYC
I have seen some weird things since I have been in NYC. I thought it would be fun to keep a running list. So here are the ones I remember so far....
1. Rats chasing each other on the train tracks. Ah, how sweet!
2. The rumble of an oncoming train. If it's above my head it sounds like a NASA rocket about to lift off. I like to count backwards and imagine I'm on it about to shoot into space! If the noise is coming from a train I'm about to board I plug my ears because it is so loud!
3. Something I like to call subway or train turbulence. At times the ride is very smooth and other times, most other times I wonder if we are on a track at all or just richocheting from side to side as we speed through the tunnel. I love the subway. I feel like I am riding inside a huge earthworm as it plows through the dirt.
4. The loud noise of the subway down below my apartment window that I didn't think would bother me because I am a heavy sleeper but does keep me awake at times.
5. The man I passed in the park as I was jogging. He was casually smoking weed as he walked through the park.
6. The endless smell of cigarettes. I am not in Kansas anymore.
7. I am amazed at how high the smell of cigarettes can climb. We opened our window the other night to enjoy the clean, crisp fall air and sure enough got some second hand smoke along with it. Yum! Then the other night it was a little different smelling...
8. Brenda, my cousin, saw a woman vomit in the train tracks. Sorry I missed that one.
9. Then there was a man peeing in the streets as he was walking. I guess he didn't think anyone would notice because it was raining? Brenda and I braved the rain to get some Chinese food. On our way back we noticed this guy walking in front of us, with a little more rain on one side of him than the other. I don't know how else to say it. All of the sudden he zipped up his pants and it stopped. Nice to know this is not just water we are sloshing through in our sandals. We just both looked at each other and said, "really? Did he just do that?" I am not sure if this is a Harlem thing or a NYC thing but it's pretty gross. I have heard the homeless do this but this guy didn't look homeless but who am I to judge? There are sides near the greenery at the base of the trees that say "Curb your animals" that means don't let them pee here, right? I am pretty sure it's not the animals we need to worry about!
10. I have also noticed that men do not casually glance at women as they walk by but stare at them. They do the full head turn, follow the woman for several seconds as she passes them. I know I am not in Utah anymore or Kansas for that matter but come on. You can't make it anymore obvious than they do! It's a little creepy. Once again, is this a Harlem thing or a NYC thing, I am not sure.
11. Watched a man try to squeeze into a subway car that was already full of people. The door started to close but he was determined. A man outside helped by pushing him in as the door was closing. Sure enough, he was able to fit. It reminded me of how you try and stuff your suitcase while packing, zipping it up and poking the clothes in with your hand so you can finishing zipping it. It was very funny, made me laugh!
12. This happened in Hoboken, NJ but close enough. As we were walking through the park we saw some parents help their son pee in a plastic bag which ok is weird but not unheard of but imagine our surprise as watched the parents turn him around and hold me so he could poop in the bag! What! I am sorry I know I'm not a parent but that is a little weird. It gave us all a good laugh!
13. The other night we were walking home from a church activity and a trash bag started to move. Something was inside! Probably a rat. It was very creepy.
14. Saw a man playing the violin in the subway a week or so ago. The classical music was beautiful. He was being accompanied by a recording. It was so fun to watch the people around him. Their bodies were facing him, they formed a circle around him. The mood was peaceful and calm. People were quiet, listening. It was quite a contrast to the loud inappropriate rap music that some sing and dance to in the subway. People ignore them, wish they weren't there. The feeling is anything but peaceful. Music is so powerful! It can definitely draw us closer to our Heavenly Father, even in a subway station!
15. Discovered a new use for my umbrella (that you must carry with you at all times in NYC). I can stick it in the closing door of the subway instead of an arm or leg. This way the door reopens and I can safely enter. Often times I've wanted to stick a limb in so I can get on the train but I am kind of hesitant. What if the door doesn't open and the train starts to move? I don't want to risk a limb, I kind of like the ones I've got, but an umbrella? That can always be replaced!
1. Rats chasing each other on the train tracks. Ah, how sweet!
2. The rumble of an oncoming train. If it's above my head it sounds like a NASA rocket about to lift off. I like to count backwards and imagine I'm on it about to shoot into space! If the noise is coming from a train I'm about to board I plug my ears because it is so loud!
3. Something I like to call subway or train turbulence. At times the ride is very smooth and other times, most other times I wonder if we are on a track at all or just richocheting from side to side as we speed through the tunnel. I love the subway. I feel like I am riding inside a huge earthworm as it plows through the dirt.
4. The loud noise of the subway down below my apartment window that I didn't think would bother me because I am a heavy sleeper but does keep me awake at times.
5. The man I passed in the park as I was jogging. He was casually smoking weed as he walked through the park.
6. The endless smell of cigarettes. I am not in Kansas anymore.
7. I am amazed at how high the smell of cigarettes can climb. We opened our window the other night to enjoy the clean, crisp fall air and sure enough got some second hand smoke along with it. Yum! Then the other night it was a little different smelling...
8. Brenda, my cousin, saw a woman vomit in the train tracks. Sorry I missed that one.
9. Then there was a man peeing in the streets as he was walking. I guess he didn't think anyone would notice because it was raining? Brenda and I braved the rain to get some Chinese food. On our way back we noticed this guy walking in front of us, with a little more rain on one side of him than the other. I don't know how else to say it. All of the sudden he zipped up his pants and it stopped. Nice to know this is not just water we are sloshing through in our sandals. We just both looked at each other and said, "really? Did he just do that?" I am not sure if this is a Harlem thing or a NYC thing but it's pretty gross. I have heard the homeless do this but this guy didn't look homeless but who am I to judge? There are sides near the greenery at the base of the trees that say "Curb your animals" that means don't let them pee here, right? I am pretty sure it's not the animals we need to worry about!
10. I have also noticed that men do not casually glance at women as they walk by but stare at them. They do the full head turn, follow the woman for several seconds as she passes them. I know I am not in Utah anymore or Kansas for that matter but come on. You can't make it anymore obvious than they do! It's a little creepy. Once again, is this a Harlem thing or a NYC thing, I am not sure.
11. Watched a man try to squeeze into a subway car that was already full of people. The door started to close but he was determined. A man outside helped by pushing him in as the door was closing. Sure enough, he was able to fit. It reminded me of how you try and stuff your suitcase while packing, zipping it up and poking the clothes in with your hand so you can finishing zipping it. It was very funny, made me laugh!
12. This happened in Hoboken, NJ but close enough. As we were walking through the park we saw some parents help their son pee in a plastic bag which ok is weird but not unheard of but imagine our surprise as watched the parents turn him around and hold me so he could poop in the bag! What! I am sorry I know I'm not a parent but that is a little weird. It gave us all a good laugh!
13. The other night we were walking home from a church activity and a trash bag started to move. Something was inside! Probably a rat. It was very creepy.
14. Saw a man playing the violin in the subway a week or so ago. The classical music was beautiful. He was being accompanied by a recording. It was so fun to watch the people around him. Their bodies were facing him, they formed a circle around him. The mood was peaceful and calm. People were quiet, listening. It was quite a contrast to the loud inappropriate rap music that some sing and dance to in the subway. People ignore them, wish they weren't there. The feeling is anything but peaceful. Music is so powerful! It can definitely draw us closer to our Heavenly Father, even in a subway station!
15. Discovered a new use for my umbrella (that you must carry with you at all times in NYC). I can stick it in the closing door of the subway instead of an arm or leg. This way the door reopens and I can safely enter. Often times I've wanted to stick a limb in so I can get on the train but I am kind of hesitant. What if the door doesn't open and the train starts to move? I don't want to risk a limb, I kind of like the ones I've got, but an umbrella? That can always be replaced!
Acting class #2
Acting class last Monday was alright. There were so many people there and still several who were auditing. I don't like big classes. I wonder if it will be like that all semester, people coming in and out. We all had to come prepared to do this one exercise, our homework but of course because there were so many people we only got through maybe seven people. This is going to be a long semester. Hopefully, I will be able to do my exercise this Monday. It was good I got to see others perform theirs so I can make necessary corrections before doing mine. I have completely changed mine. We have to recreate three minutes of our life on stage. We can do the dishes or clean or eat, just be ourselves on stage. Well make an entrance and an exit with the activity. Then the second time he will throw in an obstacle, another person that needs to talk to us but we must continue to try and complete out task. Improvisation makes me nervous. Give me some lines! They are a great security blanket. Hopefully, it goes well this Monday.
Why does everything have to be once a week? Tap class, acting class. It's not enough! A week is too long to wait for the next class. Maybe I should just do it, go to acting school, then I could do it everyday! And could progress that much faster.
Why does everything have to be once a week? Tap class, acting class. It's not enough! A week is too long to wait for the next class. Maybe I should just do it, go to acting school, then I could do it everyday! And could progress that much faster.
Tap Classes
I have always wanted to learn how to tap dance. Unfortunately, that was one type of dance I never took as a kid. Big mistake, especially if you want to do musical theater! At the time I didn't know that's what I wanted. Needless to say I am playing catch up now. Monday morning I took a Basic Tap class at the Broadway Dance Center. Basic is supposed to be even slower than beginners so I thought I would be ok. Nope! Wow, it was hard and humiliating! I have never felt so uncoordinated in my whole life! I know I looked retarded too! I muddled through. The teacher was nice but wow, I don't think that was a basic class. I think I need the class with the six year olds in it. I tried to have fun and not get discouraged. I wanted to take a ballet class afterwards just to boost my ego back up.
But I thought I would just try a different studio so Tuesday night I went to the Alvin Ailey Extension and took another basic tap class. This one was much slower. The teacher was amazing! I understood everything she taught, doesn't mean I could do it but I could try! I actually did alright. It was also a lot more fun. I think I have found my class! We did this whole long routine that I could get about 75% of, not bad for the second class. At the end of the class we did these walks across the room. For some reason they were so hard! The teacher kind of looked at me in shock, unable to believe that I couldn't do them. It was awful but very funny at the same time. I felt like talking to my feet saying, "I'm telling you what to do! Why can't you do it???" It was embarrassing. But I think I will leave right after work and do my best to make it there next Tues. I can't wait to take the class again. I will learn to tap!
But I thought I would just try a different studio so Tuesday night I went to the Alvin Ailey Extension and took another basic tap class. This one was much slower. The teacher was amazing! I understood everything she taught, doesn't mean I could do it but I could try! I actually did alright. It was also a lot more fun. I think I have found my class! We did this whole long routine that I could get about 75% of, not bad for the second class. At the end of the class we did these walks across the room. For some reason they were so hard! The teacher kind of looked at me in shock, unable to believe that I couldn't do them. It was awful but very funny at the same time. I felt like talking to my feet saying, "I'm telling you what to do! Why can't you do it???" It was embarrassing. But I think I will leave right after work and do my best to make it there next Tues. I can't wait to take the class again. I will learn to tap!
Work has begun!
Last Wednesday I had my training for work at the Met Museum. It went well. I was the only student in the training class, which I love! I am kind of an attention hog so anytime I get private lessons I am happy. The cash register seemed pretty easy now I just have to remember it all.
Thursday I went to work. All of my co-workers were really nice and helpful, explaining everything I needed to know about the shop. It wasn't too busy which is good but also boring. We have to stand all day. I think I will like it better during the holidays when it is busier, then time will speed by and my feet won't hurt! I worked yesterday too. This time I got to work until closing. I had to close out the register and count my money. Thank goodness I didn't come out owing anything!
The customers are lovely. They have been really kind and patient as I explain it's only my first or second day. I do love the little old ladies that come in and want to buy jewelry or stationary. They are on occasion the business men who come in to pick out a piece of jewelry for their wives. Yesterday a couple was in and the wife said she liked a bracelet. As she was walking around the store he quickly bought it while she wasn't looking. So sweet!
So it's been going well so far, one week down many more to go. I am also grateful to have today off! Time to relax and catch up on things!
Thursday I went to work. All of my co-workers were really nice and helpful, explaining everything I needed to know about the shop. It wasn't too busy which is good but also boring. We have to stand all day. I think I will like it better during the holidays when it is busier, then time will speed by and my feet won't hurt! I worked yesterday too. This time I got to work until closing. I had to close out the register and count my money. Thank goodness I didn't come out owing anything!
The customers are lovely. They have been really kind and patient as I explain it's only my first or second day. I do love the little old ladies that come in and want to buy jewelry or stationary. They are on occasion the business men who come in to pick out a piece of jewelry for their wives. Yesterday a couple was in and the wife said she liked a bracelet. As she was walking around the store he quickly bought it while she wasn't looking. So sweet!
So it's been going well so far, one week down many more to go. I am also grateful to have today off! Time to relax and catch up on things!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Newsies Review
Saturday afternoon we had tickets to see Newsies! After eating in Chinatown/Little Italy we headed up to Broadway. We had great tickets for the matinee. Brenda had seen it already but wanted to see it again(always a good sign). Mari and I grew up watching the movie and singing along with all of the songs. We were so so excited to see the new show!
It was an amazing show. The dancing was fabulous! Like Mari said, "There is something about watching guys sing and dance that is so cool. I have goosebumps." I couldn't agree more. The set was amazing. It changed in so many ways. Sets always impress me. It's crazy how someone can do so much with such a small space, and it changes so smoothly! Some people are so creative! It makes me really jealous actually. And they projected the newspaper articles on the set. It was so cool! I struggled to keep back the tears through out the first act for fear of looking like a freak! But I was so happy I couldn't help it. It was magical. I was transported to a different place, a different time. I think that is one reason I want to perform, I want to take people for a ride, take them somewhere. Help them experience something. I do love drama too. It doesn't always have to be a happy place but it does have to have a happy ending. That is one of the advantages of theater you get all of these different emotions but they are always resolved in two hours, "and they lived happily ever after." If only life could be like that. Sigh.
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| Extra, extra read all about it! |
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| Mari and I waiting for the doors to open! |
After the show we hung out by the back stage door where all of the actors come out. Although we didn't have them sign our programs it was fun to see them up close! I even got my picture taken with the lead who is quite handsome. I tried to upload the little video of me meeting "Jack Kelly" but it wouldn't work. I will have to put a still picture up later!
What a great weekend!
Last Friday my sister Marianne came for the weekend! We had such a good time. I am so glad she made the effort to come, especially because she is eight months pregnant! Right when she got here we took a train to Hoboken, NJ where we visited the famous Carlo's Bakery. We couldn't wait to see if it tastes as good as it looks. Of course we had to buy a little bit of this and a little bit of that. We bought cupcakes, cannoli, cream puffs, and many other pastries. We promptly took them to a park and tasted them all!
Saturday morning we visited the 9/ll Memorial. It was amazing to think that where those two large pools are there were two skyscrapers! The Memorial was very neat. The architect said he wanted to create a massive void, a large empty feeling symbolic of the void left in the lives of those who lost loved ones that day. He was successful.
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| Mari and I at the bakery! |
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| They were yummy but we did feel a little sick after so many sweets! |
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| One of the massive pools. Names of the victims are along all four sides of both pools. |
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| Brenda and Mari at the memorial with one of the new World Trade Center buildings in the background. |
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| The "Survivor Tree", it was the only thing left standing after the attacks. Very symbolic... |
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Unemployed no more!
Yay! I got a job! I am so excited. I will be working at a gift shop at Rockefeller Center. I start training next week. They will be flexible with my schedule so I can still do some auditions. And I will still be able to take on some private art students (which I am still looking for). I am so grateful! Feeling much better about life now.
Monday, September 10, 2012
The First of Many Auditions
Last Saturday I went to my first New York auditions. I was so nervous, wondering how it would compare with what I'd experienced in Utah. Would there be tons of people there? I think because I was auditioning for nonunion plays with no pay there were not many people there.
The first audition was for a dramatic play. I did one of my monologues. First time I have done a monologue audition. It went well, I think. Then they had me improvise an angry battered wife talking to her husband. That didn't go quite so well but it was a good experience.
The second audition was for a new musical so they were looking for people to do the workshop & present it to the investors. I think that is what they do. The posted audition notice didn't say anything about singing only reading sides. I thought that was strange for a musical so I came prepared to sing anyway. Glad I did because they wanted everyone to sing. I waited around for almost three hours before it was turn. Finally I went in and sang, "Fine, Fine Line" from Avenue Q. It was not so good. My nerves got the better of me. I am just not sure I was ever with the piano. I know he is supposed to follow me but I'm sure the poor guy was doing his best. It's kind of hard when the singer doesn't keep a steady beat! But the producers and directors were all really nice. I think there were some real big wigs in there, the writer of the show, the directors & producers of previous well known shows. Kind of cool I got to sing for them. They even let me read some sides for them after I sang. Funny, I wasn't nervous about this at all. It was actually fun! They said I did a good job too! Maybe they were just being nice but I thought it was sincere so I'll just believe them. That's it. I am an actress. Having said that, I do LOVE to sing. How can I do both, I mean sing without getting nervous? Anyway, it was tons of fun! I am so glad I did it.
My cousin came with me to both auditions. She helped me find the places, waited around with me and gave me pep talks. So nice! I like to call her my agent. She suggested that she audition right before me and then I would sound even better. I just laughed, what a thoughtful idea!
We celebrated my success by going out to eat of course! We had dinner at a restaurant that was on the third floor. We sat by the window and had a great view. My cousin even treated me to dinner. I am so blessed to have such a friend!
The first audition was for a dramatic play. I did one of my monologues. First time I have done a monologue audition. It went well, I think. Then they had me improvise an angry battered wife talking to her husband. That didn't go quite so well but it was a good experience.
The second audition was for a new musical so they were looking for people to do the workshop & present it to the investors. I think that is what they do. The posted audition notice didn't say anything about singing only reading sides. I thought that was strange for a musical so I came prepared to sing anyway. Glad I did because they wanted everyone to sing. I waited around for almost three hours before it was turn. Finally I went in and sang, "Fine, Fine Line" from Avenue Q. It was not so good. My nerves got the better of me. I am just not sure I was ever with the piano. I know he is supposed to follow me but I'm sure the poor guy was doing his best. It's kind of hard when the singer doesn't keep a steady beat! But the producers and directors were all really nice. I think there were some real big wigs in there, the writer of the show, the directors & producers of previous well known shows. Kind of cool I got to sing for them. They even let me read some sides for them after I sang. Funny, I wasn't nervous about this at all. It was actually fun! They said I did a good job too! Maybe they were just being nice but I thought it was sincere so I'll just believe them. That's it. I am an actress. Having said that, I do LOVE to sing. How can I do both, I mean sing without getting nervous? Anyway, it was tons of fun! I am so glad I did it.
My cousin came with me to both auditions. She helped me find the places, waited around with me and gave me pep talks. So nice! I like to call her my agent. She suggested that she audition right before me and then I would sound even better. I just laughed, what a thoughtful idea!
We celebrated my success by going out to eat of course! We had dinner at a restaurant that was on the third floor. We sat by the window and had a great view. My cousin even treated me to dinner. I am so blessed to have such a friend!
Acting Class #1
Yes, it's 12:35am and I 'm wide awake. Had my first acting class tonight, the first of 15 this semester. It was so fun! We didn't do much but talk, kind of like the orientation class. But I just know I'm going to love it! I am so bummed it's only once a week. How can I wait that long for the next class. We do have homework. We are studying from Uta Hagen's book, "A Challenge for the Actor". There were about 30 people in the class, all different ages and all different backgrounds. I was surprised that everyone had their own reasons for taking the class, not everyone there was an aspiring actor. It is a beginning though.
And I have a job interview tomorrow. Hopefully, it goes well and I will have money coming in, that would be a big relief! Then I can sign up for more acting classes.
And I have a job interview tomorrow. Hopefully, it goes well and I will have money coming in, that would be a big relief! Then I can sign up for more acting classes.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Thoughts on NYC so far
It is great to be here. The first few days were hard. I must admit I was overwhelmed thinking about how much I was going to have to learn before feeling completely comfortable here. At times I pondered how nice it would be just to be able to get in my car and go for a drive. But this is my life now. I do not have a car and don't want to drive through town. I did drive into town and to return the rental car. Wow, was that fun! My creative driving definitely came in handy. Who knew you could cross those double yellow lines into on coming traffic and stop in the middle of an intersection?!? And everyone double parks here. It was crazy but I was glad to do it. Check that off of my bucket list!
I'm getting the hang of the subway system with help from my cousin and the hand dandy maps that she has. We get to where we need to be and even on time sometimes! I am also learning to cross the street whenever I want. Who needs that little walking man anyway?
Our apt is good. It is on the fourth floor and it was quite a trick getting it all up here. I am so grateful our building has an elevator! Roommates are good. It's nice sharing a room with my cousin even if I do sleep on a blow up mattress. My comforter and pillow finally arrived the other day. Thanks Mom and Dad! Now I can sleep and keep warm. Those sweatshirts I was using as blankets just weren't doing it for me. I would get up and turn the AC off for a while and then turn it back on when I got to hot. Not sure my cousin appreciated that as she was comfortable in her sleeping bag on the bed. We are looking for bunk beds, hopefully we'll get some soon...
Been to church twice now. We love our ward. Quite a change from my ward in Utah. It is a good change for me, definitely something I need. There are quite a few people there in the entertainment industry. This is great news! Connections! Also went to the Manhattan Temple last Friday. That was really neat. So amazing that it is right in the middle of the city. You would never know it from the inside.
Gone jogging in Central Park twice, hoping to go tomorrow. That park is amazingly huge! I am glad I found my way out. Every time I go I discover a new area. Spent Labor Day riding bikes on Governor's Island. That was beautiful! Also went on a tour of Castle Williams, a fort built in 1811. Very cool.
It cost about $7.50 to do my laundry last week. That was a little disappointing but I'll get used to it and having to lug it three blocks to the laundromat. Now I know why some people smell they are just trying to save money and I can't blame them! And food, well, that's another story. My cousin and I have enjoyed trying all of the little places to eat. Not sure it's so good on the wallet though. I guess I will find that out at the end of the month when I add up all of my expenses! No we did grocery shop yesterday. We didn't even have to use our extra big bags we brought but could just use the regular plastic bags as we carried them the three blocks to our apt.
Needless to say, I am happy and have learned to embrace city life. No regrets here! Sorry about my poor grammar and constant switching of tenses. What can I say? It's a talent I have!
I'm getting the hang of the subway system with help from my cousin and the hand dandy maps that she has. We get to where we need to be and even on time sometimes! I am also learning to cross the street whenever I want. Who needs that little walking man anyway?
Our apt is good. It is on the fourth floor and it was quite a trick getting it all up here. I am so grateful our building has an elevator! Roommates are good. It's nice sharing a room with my cousin even if I do sleep on a blow up mattress. My comforter and pillow finally arrived the other day. Thanks Mom and Dad! Now I can sleep and keep warm. Those sweatshirts I was using as blankets just weren't doing it for me. I would get up and turn the AC off for a while and then turn it back on when I got to hot. Not sure my cousin appreciated that as she was comfortable in her sleeping bag on the bed. We are looking for bunk beds, hopefully we'll get some soon...
Been to church twice now. We love our ward. Quite a change from my ward in Utah. It is a good change for me, definitely something I need. There are quite a few people there in the entertainment industry. This is great news! Connections! Also went to the Manhattan Temple last Friday. That was really neat. So amazing that it is right in the middle of the city. You would never know it from the inside.
Gone jogging in Central Park twice, hoping to go tomorrow. That park is amazingly huge! I am glad I found my way out. Every time I go I discover a new area. Spent Labor Day riding bikes on Governor's Island. That was beautiful! Also went on a tour of Castle Williams, a fort built in 1811. Very cool.
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| Still feeling like a tourist! |
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| Yum, cheesecake! |
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| Enjoying Cheesecake at Grand Central Station. |
Needless to say, I am happy and have learned to embrace city life. No regrets here! Sorry about my poor grammar and constant switching of tenses. What can I say? It's a talent I have!
Job hunting
So I have been here for eleven days and have had a couple of job leads, I guess you could call them that. First of all I am not even sure what I want to do. I want to be an actress but I am not crazy enough to realize that I don't need a side job. Spent some time on craig's list looking at nanny jobs but I don't think that's for me. I need a job that will allow me to pursue my dream of being an actress. There is the usual waitress job which I hear a lot of budding actors do but that's really not my thing. Of course if I am still jobless in a few weeks I might change my mind. Applied for a sales job at a gift shop, that would be a fun job. I wonder how flexible they would be... The dream job would be to teach private art lessons. I think that is where I could earn the most AND be able to make my own schedule! So I will make flyers and put them up in the city. Hopefully, that works. So if you know of anyone in NYC that wants art lessons feel free to give them my info.
I made it!
I giggled as I walked down 8th Ave last night in the rain. Do I really live here? I can't believe it. I did it! I moved to NYC. Part of me has always wanted to live here but never really thought I could or would do it. But I'm here. The question remains, how long will I last? For all of my family members making bets I intend to stay indefinitely. I have faith things will work out, with a little help from family and friends of course!
I moved here to pursue acting, another pipe dream but that too will no doubt will become a reality just like moving to NYC. For all of you that are thinking I'm crazy, you are right! Michael Shurtleff, the famous casting director agrees with you. He said it himself in his book, Audition.
To go into acting is like asking for admission to an insane asylum. Anyone may apply, but only the certifiably insane are admitted. ...it's clear, right off the bat that from any rational point of view, to become an actor is an act of insanity. Why would one go into a profession in which it is night onto impossible to earn a living?
I've always thought it's better to give up sanity. Settle down and admit you're crazy or you wouldn't want to act. When you find out what acting is like and what the odds are, and you still persist, the proof of your own insanity is inescapable. Accept it. Most actors make themselves unhappy by searching for sanity, by insisting on their normalcy; it's a grave mistake. The life of an actor is a bit easier to take if you admit you're bonkers.
I love these passages and feel they are true for me.
I moved here to pursue acting, another pipe dream but that too will no doubt will become a reality just like moving to NYC. For all of you that are thinking I'm crazy, you are right! Michael Shurtleff, the famous casting director agrees with you. He said it himself in his book, Audition.
To go into acting is like asking for admission to an insane asylum. Anyone may apply, but only the certifiably insane are admitted. ...it's clear, right off the bat that from any rational point of view, to become an actor is an act of insanity. Why would one go into a profession in which it is night onto impossible to earn a living?
I've always thought it's better to give up sanity. Settle down and admit you're crazy or you wouldn't want to act. When you find out what acting is like and what the odds are, and you still persist, the proof of your own insanity is inescapable. Accept it. Most actors make themselves unhappy by searching for sanity, by insisting on their normalcy; it's a grave mistake. The life of an actor is a bit easier to take if you admit you're bonkers.
I love these passages and feel they are true for me.
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| Leaving Kansas! |
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| We're here! |
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| Crossing George Washington Bridge! |
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| Here we are inside the car as we are crossing the bridge into NYC! (Note all of stuff in the back!) |
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