Lydia's Journey BEYOND Hollywood

Wow, I feel like I haven't auditioned in ages! I have a commercial audition tomorrow for Direct TV, playing a bank teller. The great thing is the callback will be before I fly out to Texas and will shoot when I get back from the holidays, so my trip doesn't conflict. I can't believe it's already the end of 2008! Was it me, or did this year fly by? I guess the older I get, the faster the years go by! scary! I can't believe on Feb 3rd 2009, it will be 8 years I have been here in LA. Wow. I have two more years until I'm an "overnight success". You know that saying...it takes ten years....I'm almost there. ;)

Even though I got back LATE Monday night, I feel like I have still been on vacation this whole week! Trying to recover from being jet-lagged, and still no work. I leave for Texas next Thursday until the new year so it's like I'm on vacation here in LA too! I can't really audition since I'll be gone again soon, so it's basically me resting before my next trip. My European trip was pretty amazing! France and Italy were SO beautiful! It was breathtaking to actually see with my own eyes things I have only seen or read about in books! I can't wait until I start planning my next trip abroad!

I am HOURS away from my first European vacation! I'm SO excited! 12 days in France and Italy!! I can't wait! I depart tomorrow at 5:25pm and I will be back Dec 8. Today my manager asked me if I could put myself on tape for consideration for this Showtime pilot that's the spin-off from The L Word. I was so excited about this role, but at the same time, I have SO much to do right now. I'm not even fully packed yet! I hate stressing out! I'll try and get it done in the morning - I just hope it's a good enough job. I'd hate to send something "half-ass". Can't wait to post pictures! Sorry everyone - you will be without my updates for 13 days but when I get back - lots of amazing Italy stories!!! See you soon...

So I checked out that movie premiere for Mexican Gangster starring Damian Chapa with a few friends last night. I walked the red carpet and then we all headed in to see the film. It definately felt like one of those family parties with all the Latinos in the house! haha Afterwards we headed to the after party at Elevate, which has a pretty awesome view of downtown LA. I'm not sure if "walking the red carpet" is for me. It was hot, and awkward with so many cameras. I didn't know which one to look at! Nor was I sure how to pose. But I guess I better get used to it! I expect to be at many more of these in my near future. ;) lol Tomorrow I have an audition for the lead in a short film. Then another screening. I have to remember to start packing for my trip. Just 4 more days...

So I've decided to audit Larry Moss and Howard Fine when I get back from vacation. I'd like to be able to get into a good scene study at the very start of the year. I audited Ivana Chubbuck's master class a while back and although I wasn't crazy about it then, I'm reconsidering, and thinking about auditing her again. Just to see if I feel any different. I just don't like that I have to PAY another $20 just to audit her class again. But my friend Angel has been studying with her for a while and he loves it. And I am currently reading her book. I got invited to a movie premiere on Friday for Mexican Gangster . I plan on attending that, then onto my friend's birthday party. I'm pretty excited, because that would be my very first movie premiere. There's even a "press check in". Nice. I have an audition for a short film on Sunday that shoots when I get back from Europe. Hopefully that works out too. I leave next Wednesday to France an...

I didn't realize it's been a WEEK since my last post. Time sure does fly! Thank you to those who have contacted me expressing concern about my absence. I'll try and be better about updating. Sometimes when nothing is going on, I have nothing to write. Let's see...what's been happening this past week? Well, I saw Spring Awakening at The Ahmanson last Tuesday. That was a really good show! :) I was REALLY tired and I struggled to keep my eyes open, but I did catch most of the play! I'm sure it would've been even better had I ordered some coffee beforehand! I've been attending a lot of free screenings lately. In just this week, I've seen The Wrestler with Mickey Rourke, Milk with Sean Penn, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button with Brad Pitt, and Rachel Getting Married with Anne Hathaway. All good movies. Saved me some money at the movie theater this season! Yesterday I attended a special workshop that was sponsored by PLIE (Professional L...

I got some really sad news tonight. My dog Benson died. :( He was only 2 1/2 years old and he was staying at my parent's house in Texas. I've been wanting to move him to Los Angeles with me for the past year, but since my yard isn't that big, and I'm rarely home, I figured it was best to leave him in Texas where he can run and play with other dogs. He was such a sweet and playful dog and he will surely be missed. :( I got a call on Friday for an audition tomorrow for Eli Stone . It's for a small co-star role of the Jury Foreman. My agents are going to call them back and pass on it. They are really doing what they can to keep me in the guest star world, and I appreciate that. I know I will work less, but its a sacrifice I have to make for the greater good of my career.

President Obama!!!!! Well, I hope you didn't blink! My scene seemed pretty fast on DH on Sunday. And my Goodness! They say the camera adds ten pounds - but we're gonna go with the rumor that there must've been 3 cameras on me! haha Yikes! Doesn't help that tiny Eva is in the scene with me! I took the day off yesterday to VOTE (YAY OBAMA!!!) and I had scheduled myself to sub today - BUT AEF called with my first commercial audition!! So I cancelled my subbing job to go to my audition this morning at 10:40am. They were casting for families and I was paired up with a husband and a very cute little girl! It was quick- but painless. I don't expect much to happen between now and the end of the year considering I will be out of town for two weeks at the end of November and again at the end of December. But I'm anxious to see what 2009 has in store for me. Still tossing around the idea of NYC next summer. Maybe do a play out there..? We'll see.

Well, it looks like I'm let go from being on Avail for the commercial. My schedule conflicted and that basically took me out of the running. But the casting director, Pam Gilles, was very sweet and understanding and even wished me a safe and fun trip to Italy. Nice! But I really wished I could've done this job. :( Ok, tonight is the night. I swear. My Desperate Housewives episode should be airing tonight on ABC at 9pm pacific time. Look for me as the (surprise!) Housekeeper to the new rich family in the neighborhood. My boss apparently loves getting massages from Carlos, Gabby's husband.

I had my audition yesterday for that series regular on the Untitled Cannon/Bruckheimer pilot with April Webster Casting. April is such a breath of fresh air! Her energy is so positive! And it was great seeing Lonnie Hamerman again! She used to be over at Gary Zuckerbrod's office on Without a Trace . I met her a while back doing workshops and she's brought me in numerous times! She really likes me so that's always a good thing! There were 5 of us auditioning for my role today. I say "today" because I know they've seen people previously since my friend Deborah S. Craig went in on this a couple of days ago for the same role. The 5 of us were all different so I think it will come down to what they are looking for physically. But all in all, I think I did a pretty good job. Lonnie said "Great, as always" afterwards, so I don't think I sucked. But we did chat for a bit and I let her know about my new agent and how I tested in August! Seeme...

Well, I had a GREAT callback today for that commercial! It's always a great callback when the casting director says "Brilliant" afterwards! haha She 's very sweet! Then after my callback, I headed over to the post office to mail my postcards out. For some reason my printer wasn't working this morning so I had to hand write over a hundred addresses on these postcards this morning! Then I headed over to AEF to officially sign my contract. That was cool! I gave them some headshots and copies of my demo reel and talked to one of the commercial agents that I will be working with. My manager called this morning with an audition for a series regular role on the new Unititled Cannon/Bruckheimer pilot for TNT! That's tomorrow at noon! Wish me luck! :)

Just got word today that I was released from being "pinned" on Eli Stone . I'm actually kinda happy about that because it leaves me open to book a larger and better role! And I have faith that a larger role will come my way now that I have my new agents behind me. :) We'll see... I picked up my postcards today and I plan on getting them ready to mail tomorrow morning. I really like them! The Photoshop in Sherman Oaks did a great job! ;) (That's my plug for them!) That reminds me, I have to send an autographed headshot to a fan who contacted my manager today. It happens every so often, and I don't know if I will ever get used to it! It's pretty surreal and very cool! :) SO excited for tomorrow! Looking forward to my callback and my contract signing! YAY!!!

Here is my new postcard. I should be picking them up tomorrow or Tuesday and mailing them out ASAP. I have to make sure that everyone gets them before next Sunday's episode of Desperate Housewives . :) I also saw on imdb.com (hopefully it's accurate) that my Prison Break episode will air again next Sunday also. It will air 11am on FX. November 2nd looks like a big day on TV for me! :)

I had a last minute audition yesterday for another commercial! Well, it was sort of a commercial. It was for voting No on Prop 8. I had to act like a "couple" with my buddy Bernardo Badillo because our manager submitted us as a couple - since that was what the spot was looking for. I think we did well. It shoots this weekend and I haven't heard anything yet, so I doubt we got it. I did get a callback for that other commercial audition from Thursday. It's on Tuesday. And right after that I go into AEF to officially sign paperwork! :) Today I have a workshop, then I approve my postcard layout for printing.

I had a 7:30am call time this morning for the Dollhouse shoot. Traffic was hell this morning and I arrived about 10 minutes late! Oops! I HATE when that happens! I was playing an "upscale housewife" and I have to say this was the quickest and easiest paycheck I have every worked for! I was wrapped by 10:30am, it took only 3 minutes to actually shoot my part, and my quote was raised! YAY!! All good stuff! After I wrapped, I headed over to the SAG office to update my member info to include my new representation (see below). I checked out the SAG Actor Center for a bit, (very cool place) then headed over to Photoshop in Sherman Oaks to start ordering my new postcard. I wanted to design one that annouced my new rep, my Dollhouse booking, and my Desperate Housewives episode that SHOULD air November 2nd. After that, I headed over to a commercial audition in Van Nuys for an allergy medicine. The role was a mother of an 8 year old and the sides had A LOT of dialogue. I w...

I took some meetings this week and have decided on a new addition to my team! I will be signing on with AEF: Amsel, Eisenstadt, & Frazier Talent Agency on Tuesday! I'm really excited about them mainly because they seemed really excited about me! Plus, they were all really nice! They also represent Barry Williams (Greg Brady) and the very sexy Antonio Sabato Jr ! Nice! But I'm most impressed with the fact that they represent Danny Trejo ! He works a lot! I'm excited and hopeful about this new turn in my career. I feel only amazing things are on the horizon! :)

I had a great meeting today with an awesome agency and I have another one tomorrow woith another awesome agency....and then I make my decision. I pretty much know which way I'm leaning... :) Found out this afternoon that I booked that role on Dollhouse for FOX. I shoot Thursday. Weird...I could've sworn I wasn't going to get this one... hahaha I guess you never know. :)

I had an audition for Eli Stone today. It was a small co-star role of a hotel clerk. It went well, I'm going to producers tomorrow at 5pm. I normally would be a little more picky, shooting for strictly guest star or recurring roles, but considering the economy, and how slow it is, a girl's gotta work! So I will consider mostly everything! :) Also, that audition last Friday for Dollhouse , that I thought was a waste of time, may not turn out that way. They called for my "quote" so I'm on their mind. Hmmm.... I have a meeting with one of my target agencies on Monday. I'm SOOOOO excited!!! :)

I will be on Desperate Housewives on Sunday. Nice! I thought I was in episode 6, not 4, so I didn't even think about postcards, or notifying people this week. Oops! I better get busy today! :)

Saw 9 to 5 tonight at The Ahmanson tonight! It was good...very entertaining! I hadn't seen the film in ages, and the play brought back many memories! But let me just say, the actress who played Dolly's character, Megan Hilty , was so GREAT! She was a dead ringer for her! Her voice, her look, her acting - it was a perfect impersonation. Allison Janney was good in the Lily Tomlin role. She's not a great singer, but she acting like she could sing! She played the role perfectly.

Well, I went to that audition yesterday and I have to say that I felt like I should've been subbing that day instead! It was one of those feelings that felt like I may have wasted my time. I didn't do BAD, I just didn't feel like it was MY part. They had so many different types of women there, so they could cast either direction. And I'd much rather have made a definate income that day then go to that audition. I guess that tells you something about our economy and how slow things have been for me - income wise. And what's interesting is, I turned down an audition for Monday! Well, my manager advised me to turn it down. It was for Hannah Montana and originally it was for two mom roles. Well, the larger role was cut at the last minute so I would've only been auditioning for the one line mom part. Well, my manager and I agreed that since this office has brought me in numerous times and will probably have better roles for me down the line, we are going t...

I have been bored all week. I subbed only one day (Tuesday) and had nothing the rest of this week, except for workshops. Well, Yesterday I finally booked a subbing gig for Friday and then I get the call just now that I have an audition for Dollhouse at 11:30am. Of course! That's how it always works! Damn - I had to cancel my subbing job. I better book this, because work is slim all on fronts and if I'm turning down subbing work, I better make up for it somewhere else. It's a small role as an "upscale housewife". I also cancelled my workshop tonight for the commercial agencies. The one office I had my eye on pulled out at the last minute and she replaced them with another office. Since my "target" wasn't going to be there tonight, I decided to save my $30 for another workshop. I have two workshops lined up for Saturday. Tomorrow night I'm seeing my buddy Dan Finnerty of The Dan Band in his show at the Avalon Theater. SOOOOO funny! (He w...

Wow, I realized that I haven't written in my blog for a while...meaning not much has been happening in while! :( No auditions. No meetings for new commercial or theatrical representation. Nothing. I did have my meeting/read through of that film that I will be "helping to produce" last week. That was fun - to begin this process. I'm looking forward to "the next step". This should be exciting! :) When things get too slow for me, I get back into workshops. I had one this past Saturday for Junie Lowry Johnson's Casting office. They used to cast Ugly Betty and now they are working on Dirty Sexy Money and Big Love . That workshop went well. I did a very intense dramatic scene where I played a rape victim. Everyone else had light comedic scenes and here I am, doing heavy material that I had 10 minutes to look over! Crazy! But luckily I did well. :) I had another workshop last night for Romano/Benner's office. They cast Scrubs and One Tree ...

Of course, as it goes, when I'm free, there is nothing going on! And when I have made plans to sub or do something, THAT'S when the auditions come rolling in and I have to figure out a way to work it all out! Well, as this week has it, I'm free - and now bored. I'm trying to be productive. I did a mailing out yesterday to a select few agencies looking for new commercial representation (and even a cew theatrical and voiceover ones). I even did a couple of drop offs for some projects that may have a role for me. And since I was so productive yesterday, that means I have no idea what I'm doing today! I was thinking of trying to hone my writing skills. Maybe try to write some kind of script or story. I never really considered myself a "writer". Funny huh? Since I've been "writing" in this blog for some time now. But I guess it's because I don't consider this writing. It's more like me talking through my computer keys! hah...

Ok, last week was a little slow for me. Not a single audition and I felt like I was just sitting around, waiting to see if any of my auditions from the past couple of weeks turned into jobs. No news yet on that front. This week I have a pretty open schedule. I decided to focus on getting a really good commercial agent and hopefully get that side of my career rolling. Maybe even see what I can do in the voiceover world. I know that voiceovers are really hard to break into out here, especialy when I'm not bilingual :( but I loved doing the Japanimation cartoons when I lived in Austin, so that would be awesome to get back into that. I met with a fellow actor/producer friend of mine, Alex Castillo , last week to talk about me possibly getting into producing. He is starting pre-production on a new project this week and hopefully I will be involved. The first table read is Thursday and as of now, if all works out, I can come board as an "assistant producer/associate producer...

My manager's office called to tell me that Perry/Reece's office called to check my availability for tomorrow. (They like doing that, huh?) But this time its for that tv movie I auditioned for a couple of weeks back called Ice Dreams . They pinned me for tomorrow but then called me later in the afternoon and relased me. I guess they ended up casting someone else. But I'm still on that short list for the lead in their mini series. I want that to work out - but then again, if it does, it interferes with my trip to Italy! Damn... Only time will tell...

Had an audition yesterday for a small role on Private Practice . I had taken a workshop with Will Stewart from Lowy/Brace Casting back in April. I had never been in to audition for their office so I was really excited that I was being called in! This office also casts Grey's Anatomy , which I LOVE and hope to be on someday soon. So they bring me in for a preread for a small co-star role of apregnant woman on the show. I had to make it before their 3pm producer's session, but I didn't get out of work until 2:30pm. So there I am, racing down the freeway again, trying to make it in time for my audition. Luckily, I did. :) They preread me, gave me an adjustment, and asked me to stay for producers. I hung around for another hour until I was finally called in to do it for the writer, producer, director, and casting director Linda Lowy . I did my short scene and the director asked if I could do it again with a slight adjustment "just to see something different"...

Just got an email from my manager letting me know a casting office called to check my availability for a Miniseries. Apparently I'm on the "short list" for the lead role which works 10 weeks starting mid-October. Can't get too excited because you never know with these things, but how COOL would that be??? My manager sent over my reel on DVD to the casting office, and they will cast off tape. Which I think is interesting since it IS the lead role in the series. I figured they would want to read people in person for that. Usually they cast off tape for smaller roles. Hmmm... Keep fingers crossed AND say a little prayer :)

I almost didn't make it! I had that audition today for that Adam Sandler/Seth Rogen film Funny People . Judd Apatow is directing, and Allison Jones is the casting director. She also cast me in Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Office . I didn't think I was gonna make it to the audition! I got out of work around 2:30pm in Panorama City and I had to make it to Hollywood by 3pm. Well, I made it by 2:45pm! How you ask?? You don't wanna know! I'm just thankful I made it! I ran up to the audition room and tried to catch my breath as I looked over the sides. It was one scene, but a prety meaty one, so I had lots to look over in just a few minutes. Allison came out to tell me she'll be right with me. She thanked me for coming in and actually apologized that it was for "another maid role". Wow. I don't think anyone has EVER apologized to me for that! I really appreciated that. I thanked her for calling me in and told her I didn't mind at all. (he...

These don't happen very often, but I had a last minute rush call for an audition today. My manager called me at 10:30am for an 11:30 am audition time! Wow. I was temping downtown and it took me about half an hour to get there. Not too bad. The role was for a reporter on the new Jerry O'Connell show Do Not Disturb . Luckily I was dressed for work in "office attire" so it kinda worked for the role. I saw my friend Fanny Velez there and also Stephon Fuller . I hadn't seen them in a while, so that was nice. :) No one really had that much time with the material. You signed in, looked over the sides, and then they caled you in. Definately a COLD read! I think I did pretty well. It works on Monday and Tuesday, which sucks because that's when the Adam Sandler audition is. :( And I really want to do another big movie.... So I guess we'll see what happens.

I had a very quick day today on the set of Desperate Housewives . I got there at 9am and was wrapped by 2! I got into wardrobe and makeup where I first met Eva Longoria Parker, who I will be shooting my scene with. She introduced herself to me and I let her know that not only are we from the same hometown (Corpus Christi, Texas), but we actually went to high school together for a short time. We chatted a little about the hurricane that is scheduled to hit that area this weekend and I headed back to my trailer. We went to rehearsal where I got to meet the creator of the show: Marc Cherry. As I said hello to the director, Matthew, Eva let him know we went to school together and we're from the same town. We did the scene a few times and I guess I was kinda nervous because I was making little amateur mistakes, like not hitting my mark, and forgetting to leave the door opened after she stormed through. But as we went on, I warmed up a bit and by the time they were ready for my ...

They had this REALLY cool dress that they made out of magazine pictures of mainly the cast. It was pretty spectacular. I just had to snap a pic! I had to rush right over at the last minute today to get a wardrobe fitting on the Universal Lot for Desperate Housewives today. Since I shoot tomorrow, there really wasn't much time. They pulled a few maid uniforms out for me and had the alterations lady fit it for me. Again, not the sexiest maid on tv, but it does the trick. I shoot tomorrow with a call time of 9am. Looking forward to it!

Had another audition today! It was for Eleventh Hour , and I was brought in by Felicia Fasano , whom I just LOVE! This office is SO awesome! Everytime I see them they greet me with a huge hug and make me feel like an old friend! The first thing they asked me before I even walked into the room was why my part on Weeds was cut? I told her it wasn't, and I was there in the episode. She said she expected to see more of me since it did say "guest starring" in the opening credits. I agreed and told them how they cut a bit of my part down, but since it was a half hour show, even just ONE scene is considered "guest star". Felicia made a very nice comment about how she keeps seeing me on her television set. And how "every time she turns on the tv, Lydia Blanco is there, on every channel." Nice! We went into the audition room and talked about the pilot I tested for a few weeks ago. She said "I can't wait for the day that I can see Lydia Blanco...

Ok, Finally my "pinned" is turned into a "Booked"! YAY!!!! After being pinned for this show NUMEROUS times, it's nice to finally get to work on it. My manager called today with my official booking for Desperate Housewives ! I'm tentatively shooting on Thursday of this week. I had an audition today for Hanna Montana . I've been called into this office for this show many times as well. Haven't booked yet. This was for a role of a mother. I was actually sent the wrong sides. My manager had sent me sides for a different episode and I didn't know until I was in the office signing in. I noticed they had the sides right there and they were different! Luckily the role wasn't too big and I could memorize the one line before going in. Howard called me in and I met one of the producers in the room. He asked me to go with what I had prepared first, then we would play with different ways to do it. I did it my way first, then with the camera ...

Yup, Of course, you guessed right. If there is a maid role anywhere in this town, I will book it. Well, it's not an "official" booking just yet. I'm "pinned" once again, but I was told I was the CHOICE. Meaning....after they check out the storyboard and make sure the role is still in there and after they negotiate my rate, then it will be an official booking. My audition went well. Obviously. haha I just LOVE the casting director: Scott Genkinger! He is SO sweet! He greeted me in the hallway with a big hug saying "Lydia! My favorite!" Awww!!! He did just book me on Prison Break , so it was really nice to see him again. I would audition for just about anything for him! (Including a small one line maid role that POSSIBLY may recur on Desperate Housewives !) I walked into the room with my headshot and resume with my Prison Break postcard attached and a post it note on my resume letting them all know I just tested for studio AND networ...

Ok. I have an audition tomorrow for Desperate Housewives . Great. Straight to producers. Great! Possible Recurring...AWESOME! Another freakin maid role....Ugh.... Oh, a MAID role with ONE line? WHAT???????!!!!! I'm trying to understand how a.) I was even submitted for a role I have told my managers in the past that I don't want to do again (unless it was a major guest star with a great storyline or the lead in a film. Sad that there are prices I would sell out for! haha) And b.) How the hell I can go from SCREEN TESTING for a series regular role just two weeks ago to ONE freakin line tomorrow! My manager's defense was those words: POSSIBLE RECURRING. Ok, if it did recur, then I can understand wanting "recurring" again on my resume. That always looks good. But if it doesn't recur, I just sold my one opportunity to be on Desperate Housewives for a ONE line co-star. I have plenty of those on my resume already! Like that saying: If I'm not mo...

I don't know what it is lately, but I'm having the itch for New York. Maybe because I spent the entire weekend at home, bored, thinking about things. I surfed the internet a lot and spent some time on the Labyrinth Theater Company's website that's run by Philip Seymour Hoffman and John Ortiz . I saw that I knew a few people who were members, and I just felt like it would be awesome to be in that company, among those talented actors. It's very easy to miss the stage when you're here in LA and you don't do as much great theater as you did before. And maybe that's why New York feels so enticing right now. Plus, I'm just thinking it would be nice to experience a different place for a bit. Maybe spend a few months on the east coast, just to experience that. I had the choice to either go to graduate school in New York or move to LA 7 years ago...and well, obviously, here I am. I know it would be a complete shock, expecially since there would be l...

I had that audition this week for that movie of the week. It was for an office I had never been into, but casts a lot of projects: Perry/Reece Casting. I took a workshop with one of the associates a couple of months ago. They brought me in this week to read for a bitchy mom at a skating rink. It was fun to do, but I don't think I did my absolute best. For some reason I felt a little nervous during the audition. Go figure! I screen test last week for studio and network executives and feel completely comfortable, I go in for a first audition for a movie of the week, and I'm a little nervous! haha Funny how that happens, huh? See! Even someone like me, who has been out here forever it seems, I still get nervous sometimes. Which is a good thing. I can't imagine walking into a room and not feeling those "butterflies" anymore. If that ever happens, I may have to think of a career change! :) One of my managers wanted me to put somewhere on my resume that ...

Sorry I haven't written anything in a week. Don't worry, I haven't been locked up at home, too depressed to see the sunshine. Just not a lot has happened, really.... So get this - the day I got my bad news of not booking the pilot, I got my wisdom teeth taken out. (I figured what perfect timing! I was already feeling bad!) I got home all swollen and in pain (inside and out) and my manager calls me about an audition the following morning - at 10am. For a one line co-star. Now, I understand work is work - but talk about kicking me while I'm down! "Sorry you didn't get this SERIES REGULAR job - but how about ONE line on a show??" ARGH!!!!! Man, just when you think you've progressed 2 steps forward, someone brings you back down 10! Luckily because of my wisdon teeth, I declined the audition. I knew I wouldn't be perfectly well to audition the following morning - and definately not well enough for one line! :( That's the one thing I don...

Bad news. I didn't get it. I know I'm supposed to be positive and say "Everything happens for a reason". I know I'm supposed to say that I'm happy that Carla got that call today telling HER the good news. I know I'm supposed to say that "If not this one, then the next one".... But let me just go to the dark side for a bit..... THIS SUCKS! Seriously. And it just doesn't suck because now I feel I can't trust my instincts (I was SURE it was mine). And it doesn't suck just because it was an opportunity for a GREAT job. It sucks for more than just that. It sucks because I was SO close to the exact dream that I had had ever since I can remember, and I lost it. (And again, I do feel like I "lost" it since it did feel like it was mine. I saw it, I felt it, I just knew in my gut. That damn Secret ! haha j/k) It sucks because I didn't want this just for me. I wanted it for my parents. (I was buying them a new house ...

Ok, I'm, a cheeseball...I took a picture of my 6 year contract that I signed! lol I had to! Things like this don't happen to me everyday! And I had nothing but a huge grin on my face as I signed all four copies. It was pure bliss. :) I went into the network test today. I saw one of the other girls just as I walked into the main building. She and I walked to our room where we were told to meet. We saw the casting directors and they informed us that we were the only two that made it to this level of the process. That third actress was not coming today. Wow. For some reason I figured Studio and Network tests were a package deal. If you went to one, more than lkely you would go to the other one. Hmmm....Obviously that is not the case. We were very lucky to make it this far. Even most of the guys from yesterday didn't make it to this round. Wow - I'm proud of myself! :) So we have another "work" session, but this time it was more of a warm up. I ...

I can't even begin to explain how I feel right now! But I'll try.... I went in to meet the studio execs today for the pilot The Emancipation of Ernesto . We had an hour work session before the actual "audition" for the studio. There were three of us girls up for my role and four guys testing for a different role, and we all sat there in the waiting room until it all began. Wilmer walked in and introduced himself to everyone and said hello. We were all ushered into a separate room so we could work individually with the casting directors and the writer and Wilmer. When it was my turn, I walked in, did my three scenes and the writer had some adjustments for me. They were pretty big character changes from what I had originally prepared, so I took a few minutes to try and get it to the right place before I had to do it for the studio. I was a little nervous and unsure. Doubting my original choices I had made since they gave my notes and changes. I tried not to let...

Well, yesterday I was updated by my manager about how the negotiations are going...and I have to say I am in SHOCK! *(And by shock, I mean, ecstatic shock!)There is a whole new world I am being introduced to here! :) It's pretty damn awesome! Again, what sucks in this whole process is, I get all excited about the possibility of what I could be making, and what my career could be....and then the part could always go to someone else and CRUSH that dream. That dream that has already been negotiated! It's just cruel! But we're going to stay positive and wish for the best. That's all we can do, right? And by we, I mean me! LOL The negotiations include everything from pay per episode, to how many episodes I'm promised for the next few years, to dressing room specifics, to even hair and make up consulations where I can provide my input to how I want my character to look. There are so many little details that I don't even really have a say in as to what...

I met with my new attorney this morning. Crazy that I even have a "new attorney"! She was very nice. We talked a lot about this whole process and I learned SO MUCH in that one hour meeting! They are a very reputable firm who represents Patrick Dempsey , Halle Berry , and now....ME! crazy. I wasn't sure about this whole thing at first. I thought I would hurt my chances if I came to the table with an "attorney" representing me (My small town mentality). But the attorney made a good point, she said this would give me a stronger credibility. I'm sure there are numerous actors who get to this screen test level for the first time, and are so excited that they take the first deal offered by the studios. This first deal is so important because it establishes your quote. The remainder of your career is affected by this first step. If you get low-balled, and accept that, the rest of your career is "playing catch-up". So it's very important ...

Well... Today was the day I went back in for my second round of the pilot: The Emancipation of Ernesto . This time, the casting director brought in 4 other girls to go up against me for the role. I was the second one brought in, and again, Wilmer was a little late, so he missed my audition! Again! :( And just like the first time, he JUST missed it. He walked in right after I was done. Damn. But I do have to say that I thought my audition went really well. I wasn't nervous, and I did everything like before, but slightly better! ;) haha And with a thicker accent! Afterwards, the writer, Emily , complimented me generously and with every compliment I kept expecting a "but..." at the end - and there wasn't one!! I smiled and thanked them for bringing me in again, and off I went. Smiling to myself...and wishing Wilmer had gotten there just a couple of minutes earlier. oh well. I guess that didn't hurt me much because an hour or so later I received a ca...

It's been a pretty slow week. I've been trying to stay productive and keep busy with some things that need to get done. I'm trying to design a postcard for my Prison Break airing (Sept 1st) and I've been refilling my manager's stash of headshots on me. Gotta make sure they have enough to keep submitting me! :) Well, while I was in the office on Friday, my manager pulled me aside to talk about the possible series regular contract that I could be signing. Wow! She talked about how the contract would probably be for 7 years, and how I may want to hire a attorney to look it over, and to consider things like exclusivity clauses which limit my other work on different networks if I book this role. As I tried to stay focused and professional, my mind was being blown away at the thought of me possibly BOOKING this role and my biggest dream being fulfilled!! It's crazy to feel even this close to it! I'm trying not to get too excited about it, just in case it...

I had a preread for Boston Legal this morning at 10am. I had planned to drive back into the Valley and have lunch with a friend of mine who I haven't seen in a while. But after my audition, I was asked to come back for producers at 2pm. :) And since it was all the way down in Manhattan Beach, I decided to hang around and wait until 2pm. No sense in driving all the way to LA and back by 2. So I went shopping and spent money (oops!) and had a really good turkey wrap at the Bristol Farms deli and went back to the studio for my callback. It went ok for the producers. It was a small role, and even though I felt a little "off", it wasn't that bad.... eh... We'll see.

The band Steel Panther . Me with Kyle Brandt and then with Kyle Lowder, my Days of Our Lives HUNKS! Ok, this week I checked out 80's hair band cover band Steel Panther at The Key Club. First of all, I have to say, IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!~ They sang songs from Bon Jovi, Poison, Whitesnake, and the hair band list goes on and on... But the HIGHLIGHT of the night was when I met Brady anbd Philip at the Rainbow Room before the show. Ok, if you are a huge Days of Our Lives fan like me, then you completely understand my excitement at meeting these two - and why I refer to them as their characters! haha Brady, who is played by Kyle Lowder , and Phillip, who is played by Kyle Brandt were so nice and gracious and allowed me to take my photo with them. :) And they were both very easy on the eyes! Again, the highlight of my night! :)

Wilmer Valderamma, executive producer and star of The Emancipation of Ernesto Well, I'm not in South America...so I guess I didn't get that part. :( Damn... I would've loved to spend 12 days in South America!!!! But, I DID have my audition this morning for that series regular role on the Wilmer Valderamma pilot for Fox!! And it went pretty awesome!!! :) ok, so I got there pretty early. (Wasn't sure how traffic would be at that time, and I didn't want to risk it!) The casting director came out and greeted me with a great big hug and asked if I remembered HIM! Of course I do! I've known him ever since I moved to LA and started taking workshops. He's brought me in a few times before and I've tried to stay in contact with him through postcards periodically. He mentioned that he saw me on Weeds a couple of weeks ago and I gently reminded him of my Prison Break episode that will air next month (Sept 1st)! He gave me a quick note about the chara...

So I could be in South America tomorrow! My manager called me today about a role for a new show that is shooting in South America and flying there tomorrow! No audition, they are casting from demo reels! My manager sent mine to their office and now we're just waiting to see if I get the call that I'm flying to South America tomorrow for 10 or 11 days! :) That would be AWESOME!!!! The casting office is the same one that cast me in my pilot that I shot in Vancouver last year! So there is a good chance...we'll see. Then my manager called me 30 minutes later about a series regular audition for Thursday! Nice! So if I'm not in South America, then maybe it's because I need to book this pilot! Fingers are crossed!

Well, I'm back from vacation. :) I had a great time seeing my family and standing in my friend's wedding. It was a nice break. I'm back in town and just playing the waiting game to see if we are going on strike. I hope we don't - but at the same time, I hope we get a good deal. So we'll see what happens. No auditions lined up as of yet - but that's expected during the summer. Hopefully I'll get to book a movie this summer. :)

Just found out today that they are having another round of callbacks for my role on Kath and Kim ...and I'm not in the running anymore. :( I guess I wasn't as perfect for the role as I thought I was. Oh well... What can you do? It wasn't meant to be. Maybe the next one...

I subbed a few days this week at an elementary school where I have worked pretty steadily over the past few years. A fellow teacher (Hey Aldo, this mention is for you!!) was finally introduced to my blog for the first time! And I'm sure he's been checking it for a few days, just to see if I would mention him. hehehe Maybe now, he'll become a regular! :) Well, after subbing only two days this week, I'm ready for a vacation! I took a long weekend and headed to Palm Desert to be a bridemaid in my friend Jennifer's wedding. It was HOT, but thankfully mostly everything was indoors! I just got back home tonight and now I have to pack and head to Dallas first thing Tuesday, then to Corpus for a week. I can't wait to see my family and friends!!! :) Hopefully I don't miss anything big while I'm gone!

Ok, I went in for my THIRD audition for Kath and Kim , the new Molly Shannon and Selma Blair project today. I originally went in for the role of Heather, then again for the role of Troy, and now for Donna. Donna is one of Kim's (Selma Blair) best friends, just like the other roles, except this character was written for me!!! ;) Or at least it seems like it! She's described as cute (me), with a spark in her eye (me), and a touch of crazy (ummm...). And she has the best lines EVER!!!! Very sarcastic and funny - I love it! I felt pretty comfortable going in for this role. I was sent straight to producers and it's a possible recurring guest star role, instead of a series regular like the previous two. I thought I did pretty awesome! They laughed in all the right places and I left the audition room really feeling that this role was mine. Sooooo...we will have to wait and see what happens.... WISH ME GREAT VIBES!!!!

On the "Graveyard Shift" set with Leandro Cano. I had a callback for the play Boyle Heights . I had so much fun, mainly because I saw so many friends there! If I would've known my buddy Leandro Cano would walk in 10 minutes after me, I would've waited for him to sign in so we could be paired up together! :( Oh well...I did get the opportunity to meet fellow actor Alex Castillo . We were paired up together for a pretty dramatic scene as husband and wife. I thought we did pretty well. We'll see...

Man, I REALLY need to do a play! I'm going through withdrawls! It's been over a year that I've been in rehearsals and got the chance to perform for a live audience. So, today I went to my first play audition of this year at Casa 0101 for the play Boyle Heights. It went well, and I saw some fellow actors there! :) Weeds aired tonight. It was a short scene. They deleted a funny bit that I did where I stole her lipstick, but oh well..all in all, it was a pretty funny episode!

(ok, I have to give credit for the design to Richard Azurdia, since i totally stole it from his postcard! LOL) ;)

Last minute audition for a Nationwide commercial today. I just had to react to a guy getting beat up by and elderly woman. Sometimes it's weird to think I have to drive all the way to Santa Monica for a 2 second audition of me just reacting! haha But then again, if I booked that commercial, that reaction would bring me in lots of money! I guess it went well... I checked out A Chorus Line at The Ahmanson. It was really good... I sat in the second row in the orchestra, and even though it sounds like GREAT seats, I'd prefer the first row in the mezzanine. It was a little too close for my taste. But the show was good, and I love those songs! :)

I haven't had a commercial audition all year long! Can you believe that? It's so weird that my career is "backwards" in that I work so much more theatrically than commercially. Most people some to LA and go on more commercial auditions than anything else. That hasn't been the case with me. Friday was my first commercial audition of 2008. It was for a national Mastercard commercial. It actually went ok. Quick and painless. Today was my second one for a Honda regional commercial. That one could've gone better. For some reason, my head wasn't really in it. And I kept making silly novice mistakes. I should know better. Maybe I have just been out of practice with my commercial side. I'm a little rusty. I have a workshop scheduled for this week, and I need to get my postcards designed and printed for my Weeds episode that should air in a couple of weeks. I have to double check the date on that. And I have been surprisingly overwhelmed with t...