Lydia's Journey BEYOND Hollywood

2012-01-24T13:35:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm officially 32 weeks pregnant and I still can't wrap my head around that fact! I think because my days are spent taking care of a baby already that it's been hard for me to comprehend that I will give birth to a baby very soon. It all seems very surreal.But here I am, with a growing belly and a soon to be 5 month old baby who happens to be very sick at the moment. He's been battling a cold for the past week. I took him in to see his doctor and they found that he had an ear infection as well- not to mention a tooth breaking in on his bottom gum. Poor baby has so much going on at once. They prescribed anti-biotics and he seems like hes doing better. Fingers crossed.We have been packing all week long - or trying to! We get the keys to our new place on Friday! Yay!!!I'm still in awe that we will be paying only $50 more for this house than what I was paying for my one bedroom apartment in West Hollywood right before I left. Crazy huh?? Gotta LOVE Texas!!! :)

We had the first of my two baby showers this weekend. I have been to plenty of showers and I usually hate the stupid games we end up playing there. So I made sure none of those cheesy games are played at any of my showers! The second one will be in Corpus with my family in a couple of weeks. :) The first one was a small gathering of friends in town. We had a great time! Here is my cute cake:

I did attend Lamaze classes in preparation for the birth of my little girl. Wow - just typing that is weird... I wonder when this will all feel real. I'm sure sometime during labor... LOLMy due date is March 18th. I can't believe how fast it's approaching!ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today

2011-12-02T11:10:00.001-08:00

Well, Nicolas is already 3 months! And I'm already 6 months pregnant! And it's coming up on a year that I've been back in texas - where does the time go??? This is insane. Here is Nic at 3 months :)

Look at that handsome smile!So I figured I would just relax my last few months of being pregnant, but no such dream will happen... We are moving soon, just after the new year. So packing will begin soon. We are staying in Austin, just moving to a bigger place to accomodate our growing family. And I signed on to cast another project. I'm currectly casting a SAG short film called Breaking the Curse. My audition sessions are tomorrow and callbacks are next weekend. I'd like to think after we move and after this baby is born, maybe THEN I can rest. haha Yeah right, with a newborn and a 6 month old? Sleep is not in my distant future. Maybe next christmas?So I've been getting a few emails from blog readers who have read my journey in Hollywood (THANK YOU!) and had some questions about how I got started. I realized when I started this blog a few years ago, I never talked about exactly HOW I got my first agent in Hollywood. So here it goes...My first week that I moved to LA in Feb 2001, I blindly submitted my headshot for the Showtime series Resurrection Blvd. Somehow they called me in to audition. And somehow I landed a callback. I didn't get the role, but afterwards, I called the casting office and told them I had just auditioned for them and I was new in town, and if they had any agencies they could recommend to me. It's not the most appropriate route to take, but since I was new, I didn't know any better. They rattled off about 7 agencies they liked and respected and called often, and I submitted to those agencies. I didn't hear back after a couple of weeks so I picked up the phone. I was told they would get back to me if they were interested - phone call after phone call. Then, by the end of the list, I was getting tired of the same old drill so I started my last conversation with "Casting Director ______ referred me to your office. I sent in a package...did you receive it?" The agent said he wasn't sure but to come on in on Monday and audition. I did. He said I blew him away and he signed me. I was with him for about 5 years before I switched to a larger, more prominent agency after my career started to take off. Now, my current agent was found through, yet again, an untraditional route. I subscribe to imdbpro which lists addresses, phone numbers and email addresses to the agents who have their info listed. I had my target list of about 10 agencies, and I had just tested for a series regular on FOX so I had something to offer these larger agencies. So in my subject line, I used that. I wrote "Just Tested for a Series Regular on a FOX pilot" and in the body of the email, I introduced myself and attached my headshots and resume. Minutes after I sent that, I received a phone call from one of the agencies towards the top of my target list. :) He said he never opens these submission emails. He normally hits delete, but for some reason, he opened mine. And somehow it ended up that he didn't have anyone like me on his client list. I was brought in for a meeting and signed with them. I'm still with Mike Eisenstadt over at Amsel, Eisenstadt, and Frazier - even though I moved back to Texas. And they have been just wonderful! :)So you can do what everyone tells you is the right way or you can do what works for you. You never know the outcome unless you take a chance. Be bold.

The Mommy Life

2011-11-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

Yes, my computer is still broken, which means the blog updates are few and far between. Sorry about that - but I'm stubborn and prefer to hold out until I can afford a Mac! :) And it's difficult to update from my iphone, so unless I have access to a computer, blogging has stalled for me. :( I will try to get to it as often as I can, but as you know, my plate has been full these days...
So we are creeping up on week 22 of this pregnancy. Let me tell you, I'm not one of those moms who LOVE being pregnant! It's very weird actually. And uncomfortable. And stressful. Not sure if I would do it again. But I hear you feel differently after the little one enters the world. Hm. We'll see....And speaking of entering the world...Can someone else PLEASE give birth to this baby other than me? Or can I go to sleep and wake up and it's over?? I fear the delivery process. Call me a wuss. I don't care.
It's weird because I'm officially showing now. I can tell I'm showing because I can't stick in my stomach even if I tried! And everyday it keeps getting bigger! It's such a trip! But luckily, the second trimester is WAY better than the first. I'm not in as much pain, I have more energy, and my spirits are in a better a place. But I hear that the third trimester is all downhill! ARGH!!!! Lol. Great. Juuuust Great.
Nicolas is getting bigger everyday, right along with me. He's 2 months now and we have had the pleasure of making him smile and gurgle and laugh. It's awesome :) He had to get his 2 month vaccination shots last week and you should've seen me! It was hard to see him get upset and in pain! Poor baby... But it's all to keep him healthy. It's amazing to see him grow and learn and develop everyday. It's a blessing. It truly is - and we are so thankful to have him in our lives. :-)

The holidays are just around the corner and so is our moving day. We plan to move from South Austin to North Austin just after the new year. The plan is to get into a house big enough for our growing brood. Exciting! I would like to get us settled in and moved with enough time before this baby is due. (march 18th, 2012)

By the way...It's a GIRL! :) Now I have to come up with a name that we can all live with for the rest of our lives! This mommy stuff is HARD WORK! ;)

Life is good...

The UPDATE

2011-09-20T08:58:00.000-07:00

ok, First off, my computer has been broken for the past three weeks. :( I thought it was just the backlight, but apparently the problem lies with the connection from the motherboard to the backlight, and I was told it wasn't fixable. Or worth it actually. So, that explains part of why I've slacked on the blog here...
While I shop around for a new laptop, (I'm thinking of a macbook pro...), I'm hooking up my computer to my TV just so I can get a screen for now. fun fun fun...
Another reason why I've been gone for a while is...I've been busy being a mom. Huh?! What?! Yup. I adopted a newborn just three weeks ago. A family member asked me to take him while she was pregnant back in May, and I agreed, so little Nicolas was born August 29, 2011. :) And I've had him ever since. It's an adjustment considering he's my first baby. But now I bring you to the other news...
I found out just 6 weeks after I agreed to take this little one into my heart and family, that I am expecting myself! I'm due March 18th, 2012 and the two kiddos will be just 7 short months apart! Fun fun fun... hahah Actually, I do expect it to be fun, along with a ton of hard work! I'm still spinning from the changes in my life - and trying to mentally wrap my heard around it all.
But I do have to say we had to let cute little Luca go. We placed her with a great family that would give her all the attention that we weren't able to. As soon as we brought Nicolas home, our world revolved around him, and the poor puppy didn't get all the attention she deserved. So now that she is in a good home, all is right in the world... :)
So yes, my life is crazy hectic with late night feedings and diaper changes, but this was the journey I was searching for when I left Hollwyood.
Now, I'm sitting here pondering the pros and cons of being a stay-at-home mother vs going back to work. I do want to stay and give them all my time and energy, but at the same time, I know an extra income will make our lives easier, and maybe even keep me sane with adult interaction daily! We'll see...
I did apply for an amazing job here in Austin today. It sounded pretty awesome, so I sent in my resume. I'm not going to apply for just anything. It would have to be a pretty kick ass job to leave the babies with someone else during the day...
....We'll see what happens...

New Addition to the Family

2011-08-24T17:49:00.000-07:00

Her name is Luca. She lives on the 2nd fl. Lol

So, I have had my cat for 15 years until she passed away this past New Year's Day. I've always wanted a dog, I just couldn't have one while I had Precious. So this is my first official live-in dog. I had my dog Benson who lived at my parents' house until he died an early death. :(
We named her Luca, and she is totaly adorable. About 6 weeks old, and around 90% Lab, 10% who knows. So yes, we are crazy to take on this big responsibilty right now, but what the hell! What is life if you don't take chances and aren't willing to make changes that could change your life? ;)
So she is our puppy. And puppy training will begin in September at Petco for 6 weeks! haha Tonight is her first night with us. I hope she transitions well...

Here's to a future filled with happiness, snuggles, and smiles...

Who's Life is This? :)

2011-08-22T10:12:00.000-07:00

I barely recognize my life anymore! So much has changed in less than a year, it's unbelieveable. I remember this time last year, I was getting used to my one bedroom apartment in West Hollywood (that I paid $1150 a month for!). I had my Acting class with Howard Fine (I miss everyone!), my auditions (whenever I had any..), and my Audition Technique classes I taught over at Actorsite in North Hollywood. Not to mention the courier business I has started, The Actor's Courier. I kept myself busy, and I hung out with friends as much as possible, but I still was lonely and unhappy. I felt like every year was the same for the past 10 years. I auditioned for things, booked work, went to class, taught class, and started all over again the following year. I wanted a HUGE change to happen in my life. And Boy, did it! :)
I'm living in, and loving, Austin Texas. I've been here in February. Back in Texas since December. In a short 8 months, I have managed to take my life like a glass snowball and turn it upside down and shake it really hard. :)
Aside from the heat in Austin, I am loving it. I've been keeping busy on the board of Austin Actor's Conservatory. Taking my much needed break from Acting. No plays, no films, nothing. Well, at least I'm gonna try for that.
I'm newly engaged, and trying to save and plan for a wedding, maybe sometime late summer 2012. And we are adding to our family! We are adopting a puppy, hopefully this week. A lab mix female pup. I'm sure we will have our hands full!
And much more news to share, but I'll have to wait until next week to give the update...
Ooooh, suspense.... ;)

Unbelieveable

2011-07-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Unbelieveable.

That's the only word to describe this journey I'm on. :)

So my play closes this weekend. Is it bad to say I'm looking forward to it? I mean, I've had an amazing time working on the show with everyone, but I really can't wait to take a break from Acting. Completely. Never thought I would ever say those words....but I'm ready to tackle the next phase of my life and new career, whatever that may be. :) Gotta love those new beginnings...

I had the most unbelievable experience in callbacks yesterday.
I've been holding auditions in Austin and Houston, trying to get this feature film cast. I've been accepting video submissions, and organizing open calls in the town we are shooting in. And last Saturday, we had an open call in El Campo, and this gentleman who has never acted before, came in. He had a great look - kinda reminded me of Tyrese. He's was tall, bald, and muscular. He had the perfect look for the role of Freddy C. I read him and he wasn't bad actually. So I invited him to the callback in Houston with the Director. He walked in, memorized, and relaxed. Different from Saturday. And he just blew us all away. He was amazing. He literally had us in tears at the end of his last scene. It truly was an amazing experience. So much so, I contact my agent there in Houston, sent over his tape, and raved about him. She would love to contact him. So now, he may have a new beginning on a new career. Awesome! :)

We are at the end of the casting process. We begin shooting Monday and most parts are being offered this week - so it should all be done soon.

Now Casting!

2011-06-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

This week has been awesome!
I really am the happiest I've ever been in my entire life! I know that is a lofty statement - but it's true. :)
The play I'm in officially opened on Friday. I feel much beter about it and am having a great time! It runs 4 weeks!

I started the casting process for the film Homebound. It has been so much fun! It gives me that butterfly feeling in the pit of my stomach - that's how much I love doing this!

I put out an official breakdown for what I'm currently casting for and sides are posted on Showfax. We are hiring SAG and non union actors because it's a SAG Low Budget feature film.
We are shooting in El Campo and I hope to use a lot of the locals in the film as well.

So here are the roles I'm casting right now:
FREDDY C - Male 25-35. African American. Grew up in the projects in the small town of El Campo, TX. Just got out of jail. He's the best friend to our lead character. He's the voice of wisdom. Charming and Charasmatic, preferably in the music industry with RAP experience.

SEBASTIAN - 6-8. Cute and precocious. Must speak English and Spanish fluently. This is kid is very bright. He serves as a translator for his Venezuelan mother. Must have work permit.

LETTY - Female 60-80, Hispanic. The matriarch of the family. She is not affected by her age. A strong Christian

CAROLINE - 30. Any ethnicity. Used to be very beautiful in High School. Now after having three girls and working at Whataburger, she's not the same as she used to be...PLEASE SUBMIT OVERWEIGHT ACTRESSES

BROTHER MARK - 45-65. Male. A baptist preacher. He's a prominent figure in the town. Strong Presence.

If you are willing to work as a local hire in El Campo and want to be considered for one of these roles, or any of the smaller roles I still need to cast, you can submit your picture and resume to blancocasting@gmail.com

2011-06-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

Well, we open this Friday. ARGH!!!!! Lol. Actually, it's coming along nicely. This is a very funny play and everyday I'm growing more and more confident in my character. Hopefully by opening night, I'll have it down! :). We started tech rehearsal last night. So this week we are running the show every night and added lights, sound, costumes, etc.
I do have some great news to report. That feature film I was producing a few months ago, HOMEBOUND, is ready to start casting and I was asked to be the casting director! So this will be my first SAG feature film and it will begin shooting in July in El Campo, Texas (just outside of Houston). Pretty exciting stuff!
It's crazy how much my life has changed in 6 short months, yet I have everything I've ever wanted. Proof that if you open up your mind and heart, everything will fall into place. I couldn't be happier :-)

The Austin Journey

2011-06-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

Rehearsals are in full swing for Too Many Husbands, the play I'm doing here in Austin for Different Stages. We had to be off book by this weekend. Yikes! I'm still a little shaky on my lines. I'm playing the mother of the ingenue, the woman married to "too many husbands". This has been a very challenging project for me. Mainly because I think the last play production I've been in was way over two years ago! But, also because this piece is a British comedy set in the early 1900's. So my British accent is also a bit shaky. And my character isn't as developed as I would like it to be by this point. It has resulted in my leaving rehearsals in frustrated tears and wanting to quit at times - but of course, I would NEVER do that. I grin and bear it and remind myself that this is all a learning experience.
I think part of my frustration is, I really need a clean cut BREAK after leaving LA, and diving into a play head first, isn't really a break. So after this closes, I will take that needed vacation from ACTING, and concentrate on other things...
I received the postcard today from the director, and unfortunately, my name was the only one that accidentally got left off the postcard. That sucks. :( How am I supposed to promote this to people I know? Do I just write in my name? Oh well...
I also had a consulting meeting with an actress on Friday. She is relocating to Hollywood and needed some questions asked to help better prepare her for the move. I love doing consultations. I really love helping people reach their dreams. I feel like I've been able to do that for myself, and it's nice to help others. Maybe I should look into being an agent or manager if the casting route doesn't pan out like I hoped...?
I did attend my first Austin Actors Conservatory Board Meeting yesterday. It was pretty awesome to meet some movers and shakers in the Austin scene - the union Austin scene. (The conservatory is part of SAG.) I feel good that I connected with people who will help me find my direction in this business, and in this town.
I have a confession....There was a time, just a short couple of weeks ago, that my boyfriend and I considered a move to Los Angeles so I can focus on a career in Casting. He was willing to uproot himself so I could try my hand at a new start on a second career. But after we discussed it further, we decided to stay put and focus on growing our family. That is why I left LA afterall, so it would make no sense to go back so soon. So Austin it is! And I just have to be patient as to the road my life will take me.
Like they say, it's not about the destination - it's the journey. :)

Update!

2011-05-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

Man, you would think I have all the time in the world to keep up with this blog considering I'm not working yet... I guess it seems like not much is happening to update this. But I will try my best...
I did talk to the people at the office who sent me to that middle school class and told them what I was dealing with. They went ahead and sent one of their team leaders there to finish off the school year and sent me as a substitute to a different school for the last couple of weeks of school. I audited this class when I first came on with the program, so I know what I'm in for, and it's not bad at all...So it all ended for the best.
I participated in a play reading a couple of weeks ago for the first annual Austin Latino New Play Festival produced by Teatro Vivo. It was a success and I was so proud to be a part of it. :) And so proud of my friend Erica Saenz, who wrote the piece I was in.
Tonight I have a callback for a play called Too Many Husbands, produced by Different Stages, the same company I worked with before I moved to LA. It's a period piece set in Great Britain. Yikes! My accents (other than Spanish) are a little rusty, but it was a challenge to be there and cold read a script like this.
I did have a meeting with my Austin agent, and discussed the possibility of maybe becoming an agent myself. I originally wanted to get into casting or producing now that I'm back in Texas, but I know I would be a damn good agent if I wanted to go that route...so that is something to consider. We'll see....

Crappy Week

2011-04-15T16:38:00.000-07:00

This week was kinda crappy for me. I'm just sayn...
Without getting too personal, I'll share some of the "lowlights"...
I started the afterschool program this week. I've taught in classrooms for many years as a substitute teacher for public schools, I've also taught acting to ages 5 to 65! But I don't think I was prepared for what I encountered this week! I was assigned to a middle school to teach theater to a group of kids who lost the teacher they've had since the beginning of the year. Not sure where he went, but he couldn't continue with the class anymore. I went in on Tuesday, and although they were crazy "energetic" and had a hard time focusing, I finally got them to do a few improv scenes and the day didn't end so bad. But then Thursday came...
Ugh...Thursday. I couldn't get them to listen to me from the start. And the good students from Tuesday had decided to trade places with the other ones and have a bad day that day! It felt like I was babysitting, because I sure couldn't teach anything! It was exhausting, frustrating, and I was starting to believe that I may not have the patience or temperment to deal with something like this! I'm only there an hour and a hald twice a week, and I don't want to spend that time disciplining middle school students who should already know how to behave in a classroom setting. I guess what frustrated me about the whole situation is, I've paid my dues. I've worked with all kinds of people, directors, stars, professional students and actors, and I didn't feel like I needed to be there. It was a waste of what I could really offer. At least that's how I felt by the time I was walking to my car.
I'm not sure if I will be back to that school next week. I talked to the people I work for and they know about the situation and I'm sure they would want me to figure out a way to stay - but I just feel like I will be miserable! At least every Tuesday and Thursday. We'll see what happens...
I also had an audition sent to me from my Houston agent for In Plain Sight, a show that shoots in Albuquerque, NM. I really wanted to audition for it, but my audition would've consisted of videotaping myself with my own reader and emailing it in. My video camera broke so I couldn't do it. Plus, I couldn't find someone to read with me. :( Damn I miss the days of when auditions took place in a casting office! ;)

I'm still looking for a full time time. Not sure what industry yet, but I'm trying to keep my eyes open for whatever is out there. Hopefully something comes soon...
These residuals are starting to dwindle.
Shockingly enough, not wishing I was back in LA. Well, only when that audition came up - then I wish I was there. But other than that, still enjoying being here in Austin!

This Week

2011-04-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

Rehearsals began this week for Lightning Strikes, the play written by my friend Erica Saez, that will be performed as a staged reading in about 2 weeks. It's so nice to be in rehearsals again. It's been so long - I forgot what it was like! I wasn't sure if my memory could memorize a full script anymore - but good thing it's a reading and not a full on production! And I have to say, there is a calm in this sort of work. I'm not on edge and I'm not stressed. And it's so not about "business" - or who will be in the audience the night we perform this, will they bring me in for pilot season? None of that matters. People are doing this because they love doing it - not because it will further their career. And ahhh....That's all I want right now. If I perform, it's because I want to and not for a paycheck. :) What a different way of life here in Austin Texas. I tell you, I must've been burnt out with the "business" of it all, but this feels sooooo good - just what I needed.
I also finished my paperwork with Theater Action Project this week. It's a Theater in Education program that I'm so excited to be back involved with! As I said earlier, I toured a show with TAP before I moved to LA, over 10 years ago! And I'm back on as a teaching artist, doing after school theater programs at different schools. I'm supposed to begin shadowing another Teaching Artist this week, and I may start at a middle school next week. Is it crazy that I'm nervous? haha I don't know why... Maybe because I haven't worked with solely middle school age kids in a while. Normally my kids acting classes at Actorsite were mixed ages. I have to learn the structure and curriculum, which I guess makes me nervous since I usually did everything myself in my classes. And I feel like compared to these other Teaching Artists, my "expertise" may lie in television and film, more on-camera experience, than stage since it's been so long.
And even though TAP may keep be busy from 4-6 most days, I'll still need to find a full time job eventually... I mean, my residuals won't last forever, you know?
And I'm looking for representation here in Austin, in the hopes that maybe that will keep me busy for the time being. I'm sure it won't be like LA, where people go on auditions many times a day (I never did), but maybe I can book a commercial or industrial, or even a low budget film to bring in some extra money... My Houston agent hasn't really called me at all for the past 3 months.

New Start

2011-03-28T11:32:00.001-07:00

Well, life in Austin is so much more different than what I'm used to in LA. I have to find a "real job" which is weird for me. There are many things that interest me, and I'm sure I can be happy doing a number of things. Adjusting to having to be somewhere everyday and work for someone else - that's something I'll have to get used to. But, there are some things you can't beat - like being able to go to my goddaughter's 2nd birthday! If I was in LA, I doubt I would've been able to fly in for her birthday in Dallas this weekend. This is the time of year where I'm usually busy with auditions, or waiting to be busy - so I never really allowed myself to leave town until the summer. Now I don't have to worry about that. And I got to see family this weekend, and watch Ava have a great time at Chuck E Cheese's yesterday. :) I wouldn't trade that for anything!
So - this morning I decided to get back to working out again. For some reason, I fell into a depression back in LA that got me out of my workout mindset, and I haven't snapped out of it. I'm sure it had a lot to do with not being happy - and not knowing what to do about it. But now that I'm back in Texas, enjoying life, and trying to figure out the rest, I realized that I'm not as sad and depressed as I was before - and yet I hadn't been back to the gym. I kept putting it off, saying I'll start Monday - for the longest time. And of course, I have gained some weight from this workout hiatus, which depressed me more, so I still avoided going. It would just frustrate me that I couldn't do what I used to do when I was at my fittest. But instead of hitting the gym, I did nothing. Until this morning. I figured, since I'm looking for a full time job and I'm free during my days, I can wake up and hit the gym like it's my job for the time being. Then I can come back and do what I need to do at home and run errands. So this morning I started my workouts. The plan is to keep it up - everyday, well - at least 5 days a week.... ;)
Rehearsals for the play reading start on Friday and I'm excited to be around other people on a regular basis! I forgot how social having a regular job is! I look forward to that! Rehearsals will take place for about 3 weeks, then we do the reading for an audience. Can't wait :)

Austin - I'm HOME :)

2011-03-03T15:30:00.001-08:00

Well, I am all moved and unpacked here in Austin. I had a job interview earlier this week for a position I had with a different company in the same field before I left for LA. I really liked that job - I was a marketing representative and I had fun meeting different people everyday. When I found out this position was available and i was being considered for it - I got SO excited. After my interview Monday, I realized how long it's been since I've been on a real job interview, other than an audition. I was rusty. And I didn't know how to answer some of their questions. They asked me about dealing with customers in the past and asked me a lot fo sales questions. man, I haven't dealt with a "customer" or sold anything - other than myself in auditions - in quite some time, so I didn't know how I could spin it to relate to my past experience. All I can say is, that interview was a learning experience. We'll see how it turns out.
I did audition for a play reading Tuesday. It's being directed by a good friend of mine, Mary Alice Carnes, who directed me in a production of My Visits with MGM here in Austin over 10 years ago - before I moved to California. The play was written by another friend of mine, Erica Saenz, and being produced by Teatro Nuevo. It was SO good to see these people again, and reconnect with the Austin Theater world. I think this is what I've been missing these past few years. An avenue to do great theater with amazing people and really good scripts that tell real stories.... I got cast and rehearsals will begin next month. So excited to be working with them again! It's a play READING - not an actual production just yet. But I'm looking forward to it nonetheless.
I don't miss auditioning for TV and film at all! Friends of mine are going to commercial and theatrical auditions everyday, and I thought I would miss it when I hear them talk about their opportunities. But I don't. Right now I am loving my life, and where I'm at. I would love to land a great second career doing something I'm good at and I enjoy - so that's next on my "to-do" list. :)
Maybe I should try writing. You know...like a script or something - not just my blog. Hmmm....

The Calm Within

2011-02-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

Talk about being burnt out. Talk about needing a much needed BREAK.
I have been away from Hollywood for 2 1/2 months now and I don't miss it one bit. I miss my friends and awesome people I have met there, of course. And I do miss the weather... Ahhh...that sunny 75 degree weather! Ok, maybe I miss it a TINY bit. But is it weird that I don't miss auditioning? AT ALL? My world was my career. My days consisted of going to my auditions, or waiting for a good one to come in. Sitting in traffic, looking over my sides, dealing with my frustrations about the stereotypical role I was going for YET AGAIN, and self doubt about my ability - EVERY TIME. I loved my acting class with Howard because I finally felt like I was WORKING - even though class cost me instead of paid me. But I got so much more out of it than my actual acting jobs.
I've been back in Texas and my days couldn't be more opposite! My mornings start off with coffee with my mother, and watching American Idol on the DVR from the night before. Having lunch with friends I've known for decades. Seeing my family and friends on a daily basis, surrounded by people who love me, and not thinking about my career all the time. In fact, not thinking about it at all. And it's been SO GREAT!
I'm thinking about this upcoming move to Austin and how my Houston agent has been submitting me, trying to keep me busy - and I've been dreading any auditions she calls me for. I wonder why... Could it be that I'm really DONE? I do have an audition for a play reading on Tuesday - but I'm actually looking forward to that. Maybe because a friend is directing and another friend is the playwright. I'm more excited about working with them. :) And SO excited about getting back to the only city that really felt like home. Austin.
This new journey is exciting...

Texas Tales

2011-02-23T10:39:00.001-08:00

Wow - I am so sorry. I have to start off with an apology. I promised to be better about updating my blog. I said I would write even after I left Hollywood and for some reason, I haven't had the chance to...I'll try my best to be better. :)

Ok, the updates...
I spent a week in El Campo Texas last month, trying to raise funds for a feature film I was helping to produce called HOMEBOUND. Thank you to those of you who pledged and supported, but no, we didn't make our goal. Not yet. The plan is to keep trying to raise the funds and hopefully get this film made eventually. We'll see. But this process did put me in contact with local legend Pepe Serna, who is originally from Texas and has had an amazing film career spanning over 4 decades!

What else is happening...? Well, I'm moving to Austin this weekend. Every year for the past 10 years while I've lived in Los Angeles, I've always talked about moving back to Austin someday. Well, that day is finally here. This city just makes me happy! It really does! I found a great place in South Austin and I can't wait to be an "Austinite" again!
Yes, I'm still looking for a job, but I couldn't be happier!
For the first time in a long time, my career is not the priority in my life. My LIFE is! :) It doesn't really matter to me what kind of job I get - as long as I'm happy doing it. We'll see how it goes...

Producing a Movie

2011-01-25T09:35:00.000-08:00

Man, I would say the hardest part about producing a feature film is getting the FUNDS!
We are fundraising in El Campo this week, the location where the film takes place, trying to get the community involved in the project. We are going business to business, inviting the business owners, as well as EVERYONE, to our event tonight where we will hopefully get the remainder of our $150,000 budget! Yikes! It's a lot of money, but I have faith that the community will pull together. That Latinos all over the country will support.
The purpose of this film is to transform the image of Latinos in the media, and we need everyone's support to make that happen. A lot of people TALK about supporting what we are doing, but we need everyone to put their money where their mouth is! haha $150,000 sounds like a lot but it's nothing when you're trying to make a movie. So if 1,000 people contribute $150, we are all set!
What will YOU contribute???

HOMEBOUND

2011-01-21T06:55:00.000-08:00

My current project is in the works. It's a feature film called HOMEBOUND, written and directed by my friend Fanny Veliz. The plan is to shoot in El Campo, Texas, a small town outside of Houston where our lead actor, Jeremiah Ocanas, is from. We are set to shoot in March 2011, (that's just two more months!!!!) but we need the remainder of our budget to do so. We are trying to raise $150,000 in order to shoot this film. It's a small budget, but we are hoping to use our contacts and resources to get the best film we can!
I'm one of the producers on this project as well as an actress in the film. We are using a website called KICKSTARTER to raise the funds. We need YOUR help! Contribute what you can! There are perks with every contribution. To see the video and learn more, click HERE

They say "Everything Happens for a Reason"

2011-01-10T14:12:00.000-08:00

I never knew why I felt like I was ready to leave Hollywood and come back to Texas. It didn't make sense to family, friends or colleagues. I just felt like I was ready to head back. And that's because I was still working steadily!
But once I got here, I realized that everything happens for a reason. There is no place I'm supposed to be right now than here and now.
This month I have spent the holidays with family, fell in love, took care of two small children, reconnected with old friends, and let's not forget, got my Texas license plates! This move may not have made sense in the beginning - but where I am now - it makes TOTAL sense. I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be: At the beginning of my new road that I'm traveling on. :)
My future is beginning and I couldn't be happier :)

New City, New Name

2010-12-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

Ok, the move is official. I arrived in Texas Monday. Drove straight to San Antonio, rented my storage unit, then headed to my hometown of Corpus Christi. Been here one whole day now. I have to say it feels pretty good. What's weird is, it never feels this good. But this feels different.
Hmmm...I wonder if it feels like a vacation? Maybe it won't feel real until I move into my own place? Time will tell.

It's nice to see friends and family though. Last night I had dinner at my parents' house. Ahhh...homecooked food with a full house. :) That beats eating alone in my little apartment any day! :)

So, since I no longer live in Hollywood, it makes sense to change the name of this blog. It's now titled "Lydia's Journey Beyond Hollywood". We'll see what new adventures my life has in store for me. Can't wait :)

So far, my Houston agent contacted me about an audition for a new Mark Wahlberg film. They needed me to put myself on tape and submit the audition for two roles by this Friday. Unfortunately I have my movers coming in tomorrow and I have to meet them in San Antonio to let them in the storage unit. So I went ahead and declined this opportunity. I don't have time this week to prepare. But I have to say - it's a little too soon for me. I really do need a break. I've been burnt out for a while now, and the last thing I want to do right now is submit myself for a role named Rosa who speaks Spanish.... Just sayn...

Last Minutes

2010-12-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had an audition for Raising Hope. The role was Rosa, and it was a heavy accented character who also spoke Spanish. I had mixed feelings about this audition. Aside from the obvious, ANOTHER role with an accent, if I booked it, it would shoot next week. Considering my movers had moved all my stuff out of my place on Tuesday, and my keys are being turned in this weekend, booking this job would be a somewhat "inconvenience". Don't get me wrong - if I got the job, I would've stayed and worked it. But I would've had to find a place for me and my cat to stay until the end of shooting, call the movers and hold the delivery until I'm finally in Texas, and possibly miss my Godson's 5th birthday party! Yikes!
And for some reason, I didn't feel like I could've turned the audition down.
So I went. And I was pretty awesome. They were laughing throughout and I was definitely "in the zone". I got the call later that day that I was on "watch and advise" - and that it may be down to me and one other person. My agent asked what I wanted to do since we didn't know what days this would shoot. We decided to push for a decision so I would know ASAP if I have to change everything for next week.
Well, they called back last night and the role went to the other person. :)
This is one of those times I'm glad I didn't get the role. Is that weird? I guess that's how I know I'm ready to go. Ready for my BREAK from this town. I'm looking forward to things that have nothing to do with this career. Like a detox.
Maybe finally moving away from LA will allow my creative juices to start flowing again.

I've got 2 more days in this town and then I'm on the road back home. Crazy... I think it's finally hitting me now how real this is...

The Final Countdown

2010-12-02T17:33:00.000-08:00

First off, I am so sorry for not writing more often. I promised earlier this year that I would blog more often. I will try and be better from here on out...

So, let's get the update started... Today I had a callback for an HBO promo. It's a very funny scene about two women in a waiting room talking about a pen. After waiting an hour and a half to get seen today, we finally go in to do the scene for a room full of executives. We go into our scene and I felt like it was good - we were funny - and there was nothing but deafening silence in the room. We switch roles and do the scene again. Again, I thought I was pretty damn funny - crickets. Oh well. Watch us book it anyway! haha

I guess I haven't made the "official" announcement: I am moving out of Hollywood and back to Texas. I'm sure most of you saw this coming. Especially with my frustrated previous posts. One day I was talking to a friend and saying that maybe I should just relocate back to Austin or San Antonio and she said "Lydia, you keep talking about it - why don't you just do it already!" She was joking around, but the reality was - I WAS always talking about it. I think every year for the past 10 years, I've talked about it. Then it dawned on me...why DON'T I just move back? I've been here 10 years, I've been very fortunate to have the career I've had, I've had an amazing time and was living my dream. I'm ready for the next adventure. The next stage of my life. My career has always been front and center these past 10 years. I think I'm ready to have something else front and center. Maybe it's time for a family...? All I know is I'm ready for a change of pace, a change of scenery. I'm ready to start the next chapter of my life.
And that starts in 10 days!
I'm leaving LA the morning of December 12th. Crazy huh? I'm so excited about the future! The unknown! I have this incredible freedom right now. I can go anywhere, I can do anything...and I want to be back in Texas near close friends and family. Maybe I'll start writing, or casting, or film producing. Maybe I'll teach, or direct, or do more theater. Shoot, maybe I'll become an agent or manager - or something completely unrelated to the business....Who knows! Maybe I'll do it all. :)

So, as I pack this last week, and get ready for my huge life change, I'm thinking of a new title for this blog - considering I won't be in Hollywood anymore. Hmmm...Maybe "Lydia's Journey BEYOND Hollywood"? Yeah, I like that... :)

General Hospital

2010-11-18T13:56:00.000-08:00

I shot General Hospital this week. :) After 10 years, that was the one thing I hadn't done - worked on a soap opera! It was a really cool and different experience!
Things work really fast in soaps. You don't have time to perfect a scene take after take. You show up to set, block it, rehearse it, shoot it, and move on to the next thing. I play Inez, supposedly the housekeeper's cousin who Dr Niles steals medicine for. Well, that's what Dr Niles tells everyone at the hospital. Apparently, she's quite the villian! But the actress who played her couldn't be more sweet! In fact, the group of actors I worked with were all very welcoming and nice. They put glamourous makeup on me and when I arrived on set, they said I looked too "pretty" for someone with bronchitis, so a makeup artist had to alter my face and made me look pale with bags under my eyes and a red nose. LOL I'm gonna look lovely!
I was there only 5 hours and shot my scenes which will be in two episodes - beginning Dec 14th. :)

I did a reading of a screenplay Tuesday night. If all goes well, this film will shoot in texas in the Spring. Two good friends of mine developed and wrote it. It's always exciting to see my friends make things happen for themselves. :) And it was nice reconnecting with friends I hadn't seen in a while. :)

Today I have a commercial audition for Walmart and another commercial audition tomorrow!

Keeping Busy

2010-11-11T14:46:00.001-08:00

I got called in to audition for The Cape yesterday. :) I interned for Risa on the pilot earlier this year, so I was very happy that she brought me in for a small role of a teacher in a flashback. I had auditioned for a detective role on the pilot, but had to pull my name out of the running because I had booked that other pilot, Awkward Situations for Men. Oh well...we'll see. maybe I will finally get to work on this show afterall!
I just got the call today that I have to do ADR on the film I did this summer, Little Birds, in a couple of weeks. That's always fun :)
Then I have to learn my lines for my General Hospital shoot on Monday. Busy busy busy! Never feels like it though...

Workshop tonight, and then my Singing for Actors class on Saturday. Trying to keep busy before I leave next month...

General Hospital

2010-11-10T00:40:00.000-08:00

10 years ago I made a "to do" list of the kinds of projects I wanted to tackle during my career. I checked them off as I booked them...
Films, independent and studio, sitcoms, single camera comedies, one hour dramas, one hour dramedies, soap operas, commercials, print work, etc...
Over these past 10 years, I've been fortunate enough to work in all of these mediums except for soap operas....UNTIL NOW! :) I booked a role on the long living series General Hospital. I didn't even have to audition! It was a straight offer. I went by ABC studios today to pick up my script so I can see what I will be playing. My role is "Inez" - yes, an undocumented worker who is posing as a maid to help Dr. Niles lie about stealing medication from the hospital. I'm asked to do an accent. Hmmm...I wonder if Irish would work? Or Austrailian? hehehe
I picked up my script in the casting office and met both Mark and Gwen today for the first time. Both were incredibly warm and welcoming. So excited to work on this show. I've had friends work on soaps and they've told me how fast the workday goes. No chance to do it a 4th and 5th take. Do it and move on. Quick quick quick.
I shoot on Monday. Reading the entire script now, and researching videos online to get some insight into the show.

Tomorrow I have an audition for The Cape - ironically, the show I help cast as an intern earlier this year when it was a pilot. I'm very thankful Risa, the casting director, thought to bring me in for this small teacher role. It would be nice to work as much as I can before my big move.... I'll tell you more about that soon...

Mark Ruffalo - You're My Hero

2010-11-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

I have a crush.

His name is Mark Ruffalo.

I went to the SAG Foundation Conversations with Mark Ruffalo tonight. For those of you who don't know, Conversations is like the Inside the Actor's Studio Q&A with actors. He talked about how he got started and his 9 years as a bartender before he got his big break. He's a very modest man, never thinking his movies are a success BECAUSE of him. When asked what he wished someone would've told him when he first started in the business, he answered "It's gonna take a LONG time....but it's ok." He said that he had thought about quitting acting and moving back to Wisconsin plenty of times in those 9 years, and even went back home once and worked for his dad. But he found himself feeling like he was missing something, and came back. He said he did theater during those tough years, to help him get through it.

I love this man.

I went up to him afterwards, nervous and curious if he would remember working with me on his directorial debut "Sympathy for Delicious (which premiered tonight in LA). When he was reminded who I was, he gave me a huge hug and said I was wonderful in my role (he's way too kind - my role is brief). I left, with weak knees - literally. :)

There were many times in his interview where I felt like I related completely with what he's gone through. I have thought about moving back to Texas numerous times in the past 10 years, but have never done it. It's weird - because I feel like something is missing NOW, and I'm curious if I will find that once I leave this place. or will it find me back where I am now...? Who knows.

The difference is - he finally left to figure out where he needed to be.

And I feel the same way.

My Good Luck Charm

2010-11-02T15:19:00.000-07:00

So, as we all know, it's been pretty dead for me lately. No auditions in weeks! My cousin came to visit last week, and on her first day in town, I got a commercial audition, one for The Office, and a straight offer for a role on General Hospital! :) I work in two weeks!
I told her she can't leave until I book a series! ;)
She left today, so I hope my luck doesn't run out.

Nothing

2010-10-26T15:57:00.000-07:00

It's been almost three weeks since I've had a single audition. THREE WEEKS! That's crazy! I'm talking nothing...no commercials, no films, no television shows...
I've just been here, waiting - bored - trying to keep myself busy. That really sucks for someone who makes their living by Acting. If there are no auditions, that means no potential work - which means, no income - which sucks. Get me?
I am doing the workshops EVERY week, dropping my headshot at the casting offices EVERY week, teaching my classes, taking my classes, doing everything "right" and it's still tumbleweeds blowing by in my career.
Crazy.
And I write this - not to be "negative" - but to be truthful. There are low times in this career and then there are times when everything just STOPS.
I can feel myself losing gas. Wanting to just go away. Do something else. Somewhere else. Live an actual LIFE...
I look forward to that actually. :)
Makes that decision to leave Hollywood behind better and better...

Doing it Yourself

2010-10-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

I had a workshop this morning with Casting Director Sherrie Henderson, and she told us of an audition that Emmy Rossum did to submit herself for her role on the film DARE. It's pretty amazing - and shows how she could pull out a great audition from home with NO ONE ELSE to read with her! She pre-recorded herself doing the other lines and hit the button when it was time. It's pretty awesome...check it out:

Guest Blogger

2010-10-22T22:24:00.001-07:00

Oops - this came out a couple of weeks ago.

I meant to announce it on here - but I forgot.. Sorry guys...

http://theactorsdiet.wordpress.com/2010/10/13/guest-blogger-lydia-blanco/

Know When to Fold 'Em

2010-10-12T20:49:00.000-07:00

"You gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, and know when to run" - Kenny Rogers

Burnt Out -
Meaning #1: exhausted as a result of long-time stress
Meaning #2: inoperative as a result of heat or friction
Meaning #3: destroyed or badly damaged by fire

Ok, before I begin, I have to remind everyone that Yes, I am still a positive person. I'm usually the one person who believes everything will turn out fine when most are hiding under their sheets in bed. I've always been optimistic - that's not what this is about.

When I was a little girl, and I envisioned what my wildest dreams would be - I pictured myself in that little TV box being funny, being dramatic, just being ON THERE. I was excited about the unknown. Hollywood seemed like another country - another world - someplace I never thought I would visit much less get the opportunity to live and work there! I had no idea what a career in the industry meant - I just knew that every play that I did energized me and made me feel unlike anything I've ever felt. I had the greatest joy while on stage and I figured a professional career would keep that fire burning.
Well, it's been almost 10 years since I've started this career in LA. I acknowledge that I am extremely lucky with the work and success I have acquired in my short time here. (Yes, 10 years is considered short. I know people who have been here twice as long with half my experiences.) And for the longest time, I've always felt frustrated - like something was missing. I wasn't completely happy.
I figured it was because I wasn't working as often as I wanted. I told myself, once I start doing movies, and once I start making a living as an actress - I'll be happier.
What I've realized is, as an artist, Hollywood isn't the ideal place. Sure, it's a place where you have the possibility to make a living. Yes it's a place where people have been "discovered". Yes, it's a place where THOUSANDS come with the same dream hoping for a break. But this career can feel very stifling as an artist. And I use the word artist to separate from the business side of an actor. From my business side - it wasn't too bad. I got paid a lot of money for a short time on set. It wasn't great business considering it didn't happen everyday. It was sporadic. But I tried to convince myself that those jobs, those bookings, were worth the down time.
But as an artist - I want to create. I want to feel challenged. I want to tell stories. And I have to say, sometimes the roles I was offered lacked the meat I craved.

But I have come to the realization that I may be done.
Done with this whole thing.

I've always told myself that my biggest goal is to be happy. And acting had always made me happy. And I would stop when I stopped having fun. When I wasn't happy anymore.
Don't get me wrong - I still love acting. I am an actor down to my bones until the day I die. But do I have to be here, in the rat race of this industry? - no.
I think there are many things that are hard about this career. One day you could be up - making tons of money - and the next day, completely broke - borrowing money from your parents just to pay the rent. You could either have a day job which you hate, hoping for the day when you're back on set - or sitting in your apartment waiting for your next audition, since your last one was two months ago.
Then, when you do work, the work isn't challenging. In fact, it's downright sterotypical.

Yes, I may just be burnt out. I may just need a break.

But I have said this before, and my trip out the country didn't change things.
6 weeks back home didn't change things.
I felt slightly better, but then I was back in the rat race, miserable again.

And for the longest time, I've said I wanted to contribute something more to the world than just IMDB credits. I want to live my LIFE - not just my career. And I have to say, the 10 years living in Los Angeles, my life has been my career.

I'm ready for the next step.
I'm ready for a change.
I'm ready to be happy.

And I'm optimistic about that. :)

Remembering the Good Ole' Days

2010-09-28T08:53:00.001-07:00

Ah...remember the good old days when I used to work an a professional actress?? Wow - those were some great times! haha Yeah, I know you can hear the sarcasm dripping from these words. And I'm being pretty dramatic - but still! My last job, let me rephrase - my last theatrical job was back in JUNE! We are almost OCTOBER!!!!!! I'm not including the on star commercial back in August. I guess I should - but since I don't really work commercials all that much, that booking was kind of a fluke. But seriously, I guess technically, my last job was in August. Still feels like too long.
I'm so frustrated, and tired. I'm doing everything I can to keep things moving and it's a ghosttown in my career! I'm doing the weekly drops, running and participating in) the workshops, in class with Howard Fine every week, even teaching an audition technique class every Monday, and it feels like it's all for nothing.
The last audition I had was over two weeks ago - for yet another maid. And before that? JULY! Wow...
This is really depressing. I need a job. I need to work I need something.
Let's start with coffee. Here's to a better week this week.

What is SUCCESS?

2010-09-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

I remember when I was finishing college, of our our professors, the amazing J. Don Luna, would pull aside the graduating actors and ask what success meant to us. I never really thought about it in a serious way. I usually thought about it in a dreamer's way. Success would be having my own TV series! Seeing myself on the big screen!
But when I made myself really ask that question to myself, I had to explore what success really meant to me. And back then, my measure of success was "to have a career as an actor". Simply to make my living doing it. Solely acting. I didn't need to be famous, or rich, or even star in my own show. Just simply making a living. Being able to write down "Actor" where it asked what my profession was.
Cut to: 13 years later (yikes - that's how long it's been since college??) and I'm actually living my dream. Successful by what my definition was at that time. And now I'm reevaluating what success means to me NOW - and it's shifted a bit.
What success is for me now is being happy doing something I love. Living a full life with balance - not just a career, but with friends and family. Waking up excited to live my life. Making a difference in other people's lives. Motivating and inspiring others.
Moving forward. Progressing.
I'm working toward my success.

Finally - Tomorrow!

2010-09-12T17:32:00.001-07:00

I actually have an audition!
Can you believe it?? How long has it been?
Tomorrow I'm going in for a new show called Franklin and Bash. And of course, the ink in my printer has ran out. I'll have to figure out something by tomorrow.
I need a job. It's been way too slow lately.

The Next Move

2010-09-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

It's been so quiet and dead lately that I think I actually see tumbleweeds going by in my career.
I haven't updated this blog lately, because frankly, I haven't been doing much as an actor lately.
The webseries I produced had a successful launch last week! It's officially on Koldcast.tv! Check it out: The Best Friend
The hardest part about producing is not having the creative input I would have if it was something I created. I'm basically helping someone else's vision come to life - and that's great - but the frustrating part is not being able to utilize my creativity. Looks like I need to just go ahead and create my own projects. Better brush up in the writing!
Good thing I still have my master class with Howard Fine which keeps me working on something. It definately helps, especially when I haven't had an audition in ages.
I have to be honest, lately I'm been thinking about moving back to Texas. You see, every year for the past 10 years I've thought about it. And yes, it does usually come when it's super slow for me and I'm frustrated. But this is different. These past 10 years have flown by. And that's both good and bad. Good because it feels like I've accomplished a lot in 10 years. More than most people could dream of in this kind of career. And bad because another 10 years could go by and I could still be in the same position doing the same thing. I just feel that the quality of life in Texas would be vastly different. I'd be surrounded by family and friends, I could do what the rest of the world is doing and actually have a family of my own. You know, that whole "BBQ on the weekends" business that I often hear about and envy, while I'm just here focused on this career. I really feel like a full life is what I'm lacking. I've always said I didn't want to wake up one day and I'm 60 and I forgot to have a family of my own. That's a scary thought. And there is something very frustrating about the instability of my career. I really do hate that one day I'm making so much money for working a few days on set, and the next day I have no clue how I will pay next month's rest. It sucks.
So I've been thinking alot about a relocation. Maybe to San Antonio or Austin. I love both of those cities! Maybe I can start on these projects that I need to create and produce for myself. Maybe this is an opportunity to bring back what I have learned and experieced to the community where I'm from. Teach them what I wish I could've learned before I made that move to Hollywood 10 years ago.
And who knows, maybe I take a year and do this and relaize I hate it and need to move back to LA. Then at least I know. But maybe I do this and realize this was the most perfect decision I could've made for me at this point. You never know. Unless you just do it. Right?

OnStar Shoot

2010-08-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

He was shooting me - I was shooting him. :)

Yesterday's commercial shoot went really well. I was in and out in about 3 1/2 hours! NICE!
I swear I'm not a high maintenance DIVA or anything, but maybe I'm a bit spoiled from working on episodic sets - but I was really surprised when i didn't have a trailer! haha Seriously! I was wondering where I would change and hang out and leave my stuff. Apparently they normally have people just change in the wardrobe trailer, keep their stuff on them, and no hanging out. You change - and shoot - and wrap. that's it. Ah...See, I'm new to this whole "commercial" world - well, relatively. I haven't done a commercial in ages! What sucks is, I don't even think it's going to be a national - just the internet, so I may not get to see all that great money that usually accompanies commercials. Oh well.
I had an amazing time on set. The spot is JUST ME in a car, talking to the OnStar guy (who was really in the backseat giving me my cues. :) The director kept telling me to make it bigger and funnier and to use my sparkling personality - so I kept laying it on thick. And silly. And he wanted MORE. I have had so much training to learn how to keep it subtle and real and I had to throw all of it out the window yesterday! But it was fun! And the clients (OnStar) kept raving about me afterwards. Telling me how funny I was and how they kept laughing the entire time. :) That's always nice to hear.
And so again, I'm back to being unemployed... hehe for now.

Casting All Around

2010-08-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

Today was busy!
It started with our casting session for the webseries I'm producing (and now casting - at least for this one role.) I put a breakdown out this week and got over 500 submissions. We narrowed it down to about 35 actors we wanted to meet. About 8 or 9 confirmed and didn't show up. Weird. I just don't get that. But the ones that kept their appointment did a great job! It was a tough day auditioning all these good looking men for the role of Rick, the fiance to the ingenue! haha
I had to leave in the middle of the session to audition for a play. That went really well - I have a callback on Wednesday. Then I headed back and finished our session and then headed to the studio to see the Singing for Actors class. It's been a long and exhausting day!
Tomorrow I shoot the OnStar commercial so I get to be pregnant all day. Fun fun fun. :) Since I'm shooting on a Sunday, it's double pay. Can't me mad about that!
My camera broke so the only pics I'll be able to take are from my phone. :( Oh well...I'll try.

BOOKED!

2010-08-10T22:59:00.000-07:00

I had a last minute commercial audition yesterday. It was to play a very pregnant woman using her OnStar in her car. It went well and I was called in for a last minute callback today. Well, I found out this afternoon that I booked it! :) It was a really fun callback. They told me I nailed the tone they were looking for and I got to improv a bit as well. I get fitted tomorrow I think, and I shoot on Thursday. I believe this commercial will be mainly on the web, unless the release it on TV. And there's a possible print job also. Nice :)
I never do commercials so its nice to do something I never get a chance to do!

I Hate When Its Slow

2010-08-07T15:58:00.000-07:00

It's been so quiet I've been going crazy trying to keep myself busy! Good thing my class with Howard is back on after a month of vacation. At least I have rehearsals with my scene partner and the work I put up in class to make me feel like I'm doing something. I'm also teaching my audition technique class every Monday. I just wish I was busier with auditions before I forget what it's like in there! ;)
I'm coaching one of my teen students on Monday morning for her guest star audition for CSI Miami. At least someone is getting great auditions...
I've even started coming up with a little business of my own for my actor friends. It surprising how an idea can take off and become something within just a couple of days!
Maybe I should write something... My one woman show? My own sitcom? feature film? I never really considered myself a writer, but I may have to explore another side to myself. I'm getting ancy...

Where's My Audience?

2010-07-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

I saw In the Heights again this weekend. I love that show! My friend Danny Bolero is in it and he is having an amazing time travelling all over the world! He's heading to Japan in the next couple of months! Awesome! And he has a great role in it! Not to mention is amazing in it! :)
I took a friend of mine who is actually from Washington Heights to see the play for his first time. I was nervous because he doesn't like musicals much and he may be critical of the play considering its his hood. But he really loved it! That was awesome! And we had the opportunity to go backstage with Danny and walkonto the Pantages stage. It's simply breathtaking!
Ok, so yesterday I had an audition for a series regular role on a new half hour sitcom. It was to play the best friend to the lead girl and it was a great character! Some really funny lines! I worked on it all weekend and felt really confident about the work I was doing with it. First of all, let me explain...the character is described as hippy-ish. She's a holistic healer who doesn't care for a lot of makeup or heels. That was described in the breakdown. So, I walk into the auditon room and was surprised to see so many actresses up for the same role - in HEELS and glam makeup. I'm talking, damn near everyone - but me - and maybe one other actress. I thought maybe they changed the description of the character at the last minute and I didn't know. So I felt good about that - thinking, I may be exactly perfect for this role in comparison.
I walked in, I felt really good about my read - the only problem was - I didn;t feel really good about their reaction. I had 4 people in the room, 2 women just watching, 1 running the camera, and a guy reading with me. I hit some of my funny lines....AND SILENCE. Ouch. Something didn't seem right - I mean, I'm pretty damn funny! My timing was right on - you're SUPPOSED to laugh. Hmm... I thought that maybe they hated me. Maybe they didn't think I was so funny or right for the role. I don't know. I walked out feeling not as confident as I walked in. The rest of my day was shot - I have to say. :(
I mean, who knows... It's not unheard of that the office doesn't react but they abolutely love you. I'm just not going to think about it anymore, and if they call me - they call me. End of story.
If I booked this, it would shoot in Atlanta, so I would probably have to relocate.
Everything happens for a reason...
We'll see what happens here.

I'm just sayn....as an actor - we need an audience. Always.

Quiet Before the Storm?

2010-07-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

After about a couple of weeks of quiet time... No auditions, nothing - I finally get a good one for Monday! I'm auditioning for a great funny series regular role on a new half hour sitcom pilot! YES! This would be PERFECT! Fingers crossed!!
Hopefully this means it's about to get BUSIER for me!
:)

Busy Summer

2010-07-12T18:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, a lot has happened this week to catch you up on! I really do have to be better about writing in this blog regularly. I will try... :)
I was the reader for Casting Director Arlie Day last week for a workshop. I remembered she was working on a feature film called Mamitas last time I saw her. Well, I casually inquired about the film and if she was done casting. She said she was looking for someone to play a nurse role. I casually informed her of my nurse role on the Untitled Ivan Reitman film that I just wrapped. :) She said even though I was a bit younger than what she was looking for (a nurse in her 40s), but she wanted to audition me the following day! I went in and did a pretty great job - so we'll see... :)
I attended the wrap party for the Ivan Reitman film, but because of that workshop I was doing with Arlie, I showed up a bit late. :( It started at 8 and I didn't get there until almost 11. I was hoping to see Natalie and Cary there since I talked the most to them on set. I didn't see them, or Ivan, but I did see Ashton and Lake Bell. I didn't stay long since it seemed like people were starting to leave. But it was still fun for the hour I was there. :)
We are gearing up to shoot the next three episodes of The Best Friend next weekend. I am billed as "Producer" on these episodes instead of "Line Producer". That's nice :) I've been trying to find a great location to shoot one of our exteriors, trying to get friends to loan me their wedding dresses for a scene, and find set pieces for our bridal shop scene. It's been going well, I just wish there were more hours in the day! I feel so busy lately!
This morning I helped out at the Howard Fine Studio for Deborah Gibson's (yes, as in DEBBIE Gibson's) Electric Youth camp. My friend from the studio, Patrick, is organizing it and needed my help stage managing this morning. It was pretty awesome! This camp is like a performers Intensive Camp. They have classes in Improv, Monologues, Singing, Musical Theater, Stand Up, songwriting, dance, everything! And every hour and a half they rotate into a new class with a new teacher - and that goes on all week! I'll be sure to be there on Friday when they have the showcase for their families! I got to see a few kids stand up and sing acapella in one class - and WOW, they are great! Little broadway stars in the making! Deborah is very sweet by the way - and looks great! :)
I've had a couple of commercial auditions this week, and my agent called with a Dexter audition for tomorrow which I passed on. It needed me to speak spanish, and my Spanish is not so great... Oh well. Next time.
Oh yeah, it looks like my Medium episode will reair on Lifetime this week (Tues July 13th). Check your listings...the episode is called "Heads Will Roll".

Oops!

2010-07-06T20:46:00.001-07:00

The cast of SONS OF TUCSON

I am slacking! I am so sorry! I completely forgot to post my airdate for the new FOX show Sons of Tucson! I shot a small role at the end of last year and forgot all about it. Then I found out today that it aired this past weekend on 4th of July! OOPS!
BUT - the good news is...you can see it on www.fox.com. Click HERE

Now I'll Try Producing...

2010-06-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy past couple of weeks!
Aside from my moving, which is keeping me busy enough, I still had my acting class with Howard Fine going all of June. I had a great month in class doing Neil Simon with a new scene partner. We challenged ourselves and although we had a rough start with our critiques, we ended June on a high note. We get a few weeks off, but we will be back and working on it again in August. :)
This past weekend, I was on set of the new webseries The Best Friend. I came on as one of the producers for my friends who created it, Marilyn Anne Michaels and Allie Smith. This was my first foray into producing but because of my business sense, love of numbers, love of communicating with people, experience on TONS of different kinds of sets, and problem solving skills, I felt like producing may just be my cup of tea. It was a rough start on Friday, trying to figure out everything and managing a slew of different personalities - but by the end of the weekend, I felt it was a successful shoot. We had some really great professional crew members that impressed me. And it was actually FUN. :) We have a quick scene to shoot on Tuesday, and then we are done for a bit. We still need to get the next 6 episodes done in July.
Hopefully this week will keep me busy with auditions and other new opportunities!
Hello Summer!

UIRF

2010-06-22T17:22:00.001-07:00

Ah, Friday was pretty amazing!
I worked on the Untitled Ivan Reitman Film on Friday of last week. I had a great time, and everyone I worked with was really awesome! :) But let me just say...Natalie Portman is probably the lovliest actress I have ever worked with! She is just so physically beautiful of course, but she is also the sweetest person ever! :) I did get to see Ashton Kutcher for a bit...he was pretty nice and funny as well. The biggest treat was meeting and chatting with Cary Elwes!. Ah, I remember him fondly from The Princess Bride and Robin Hood, Men in Tights. He was a joy to work with.
And Ivan Reitman was AWESOME! Love that man! It was an honor to be alongside a great cast and crew and such an incredible director! I'm truly humbled!

Vacation is Over...

2010-06-03T20:52:00.000-07:00

I had a very long vacation and am happy to be back home. I missed an audition while I was in Texas, for a TV movie. :( Oh well...next time.
I'm trying to get back into my routine now, but I still feel like I'm on vacation! I will post pictures of my work on the set of Little Birds. And of course, I'm not allowed to take pics of my next job - nor talk about it, so I guess there's nothing to say about that - except I'm working on June 18th... hehe :)
The short film I was casting, Scratcher, has been put on hold until we find the star of the movie that the director and executive producer feel is right. So I will keep an eye out wherever I go. Maybe at Starbucks...
I should be back teaching acting to my students over at Actorsite next week, which I'm looking forward to. And I'm dying to do a play. A good one. A really good role in a really good theater with really good people... Any leads??

Last Minute Booking!

2010-05-10T16:23:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry! I made a new year's resolution to make this blog a regular item on my "to-do" list. I have been slacking. I'll try to be better.
Ok, so update - I booked yet another feature film! YAY!!!
I had a last minute audition for a film called "Goodnight Moon", starring Kate Bosworth , Leslie Mann, and Juno Temple. And directed by the lovely Elgin James. It all happened so fast! I got the call at 1pm on Thursday to make a 3pm audition in SANTA MONICA the same day! I rushed over, had a great audition, and found out the next day I booked it and would be working on Mother's Day. Wow! I play a cashier whose store the two teen leads shoplift from and get busted. I had a prety fun scene where they get to douse me with grape soda and salsa. fun fun fun! :)
I'm officially on vacation now, taking a roadtrip to Vegas, through Albuquerque, then all over Texas, and a week in Cancun before I head back and look for a new place in Hollywood. Lots to do this summer - and BIG changes! :)
Couldn't be happier though! :)

I Got a Job!

2010-04-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

Director Ivan Reitman (on the right) with his son, director of Up in the Air Jason Reitman

YAY!!! I booked my next feature film! I'm playing a nurse in Ivan Reitman's next film, starring Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman!
I tell you, the worst thing about being an actor is, you never know if you will get another job. The next job is never promised to you, so its a nice surprise when you book something. Actually, its more than a nice surprise - its peace of mind. You will no longer be "out of work" - well, at least for a day. :) Then its back to being unemployed. But, let's not focus on that now. I got a job!!!!
I work in June and I can't wait! It makes it easier to travel and move during the summer knowing I have some income coming in! :)
YAY! I needed my next big movie because The Holiday and The Terminal residual checks were starting to dry up. I can't wait until I start collecting the residuals on this film! Is that too premature? To think about the residuals before the film even has a title?? nah...

Big Friday

2010-04-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

Friday we had a new casting session and callbacks for Scratcher. We have had some really good talent come in for this film. We have been really lucky. We had top three favorites from last week, and have replaced two of those three with a new favorite. So now we are down to two actors who could play this role. We just have to make a decision. This is so hard!!!!! Because your film is only as good as your lead actor. If he can't carry this film, then there goes the film!

Now, Friday, before I stepped into my casting shoes for these sessions, I had on my actor shoes and headed to a callback with Ivan Reitman. In case some of you who don't know, Ivan is the man behind such classics like Animal House, Ghostbusters, Stripes, and Twins! :) I had a good audition and he said I was good - that was nice... Now we will have to wait and see if I will be playing a nurse in his next movie starring Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman! Fingers crossed!

Last Friday

2010-04-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

Friday was our first official casting session for SCRATCHER. We started at 10:30am and saw about 17 actors. It was a very productive and interesting day! We ended the day with about three actors we felt strongly about. All for different reasons. The funny thing was I picked one, the writer picked another, and the director picked another! Depending on which kid we cast, the movie could be three different films!
It was pretty exciting! I'm loving this process!
We're not entirely finished. We're still seeing people and possibly setting up callbacks soon. We're shooting in just two short months.

Saturday I took a UCLA Extensions course called Careers in Entertainment: How to go from Assistant/Intern to Studio Executive. It was very informative! We met lots of big executives and had the opportunity to ask them how they got to where they are now. It sparked an interest in maybe TV development in myself. Maybe my next internship will be in a development office to see if that is a possible path.

But I know this casting path is a good one for me. I'm loving it so far! :)

Casting Director: Lydia Blanco

2010-04-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

hehe
This week I am a casting director. Officially.
I am casting a short film for my friend Alex Castillo, called Scratcher. I had originally wanted to be part of the producing team on this project (I guess technically I still am), but after my internship in Risa's casting office, and my interest in casting, he decided for me to take on this role. It's pretty damn exciting. :)
We put out the breakdown yesterday and have had 50 submissions so far. I'm going through them this week and setting up appointments for Friday.
So much is happening with me right now. I guess with Spring here, I'm doing a very thorough spring cleaning. I'm planning to sell most of my stuff, if not all, and go on an adventure of some sort. Travel, see other places, live somewhere else, DO something else - take a break from this industry they call "Entertainment". Minimize my life and possessions and really enjoy life.
It's scary and exciting at the same time.
I guess after 9 years in LA, I just want something different. A vacation. It could be indefinately...it could be a couple of months. Who knows? :)
But first - this project. It shoots in June, so my big changes will happen after that.
Back to work

Horoscope

2010-04-11T09:06:00.001-07:00

Ok, this is my horoscope for today:

You're not exactly frustrated or despondent, but you do want to see some changes happen. Now is the time to think big and try to plot out the course of the next phase of your life.

Hmmm...pretty right on, isn't it? I think I'll take its advice and think BIG :)

Changes Are A'Happenin

2010-04-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, time to get you up to speed with what's been happening lately..
I've had a couple of auditions this week for short films and a webseries.
One of the short films is an action film which would be a nice addition to my reel. I have a chemistry read with the actor who would be playing my boyfriend tomorrow afternoon.
The webseries was called The B Gate and it was written by Rick Najera from Latinologues and executive produced by Jennifer Lopez. The character was hilarious but we were paired up with another actor, and we just didn't have the chemistry to make it work. He didn't seem very comfortable with his character, or comedy actually, and our audition didn't go as well as I had hoped. Oh well - there are just some things you can't control. It would've been fun to be a part of this project.
I interviewed for another casting internship last week.
I'm also the casting director of a short film that a friend is producing and directing and we will be having auditions at the end of next week. Trying to keep as busy as possible...
Yet - seriously considering a temporary move somewhere. I've been thinking of taking a year and just going somewhere else. At first I thought of Austin, since I've lived there before and LOVED it! Then I figured maybe I needed something different from what I know already. So I've been tossing around the idea of going to NYC for a bit. I've visited twice but have never lived there. That would be different and exciting! Going back to my roots and doing some great theater. Maybe that will help me get out of this career funk I've been feeling lately.
Or, hell - I could even go to another country and not do anything with the industry for a year - maybe teach English in Spain? France? Italy? Somewhere...
Who knows... I have the freedom to go anywhere and do anything and I just don't want to feel stuck in the same place, doing the same thing - and not feeling fulfilled.
Maybe all I need to a vacation somewhere exotic. Hmmm..
I AM heading to Playa Del Carmen next month, and a road trip to Texas for a few weeks - maybe that will do it. We'll see...
If not, NEW YORK CITY - HERE I COME!! ;)

Awkward Situations For Men

2010-04-01T10:37:00.001-07:00

1st pic: Matt Letscher, me, and Danny Wallace
2nd pic: with Laura Prepon
3rd pic: with Michael Braun, who plays Laura's assistant on the show
4th pic: with Tony Hale and Jay Cramer
5th pic: Michael with Brian George
last pic: the set

I wrapped Awkward Situations on Monday of this week. I had a great time being employed and working with these awesome people. :)
Now I'm back to looking for a job - both casting and acting...

How Can I Help You?

2010-03-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

This week has been awesome.
It's always been one of my dreams that I wake up every morning and go to work on a studio lot. And this week, that's exactly what I did. I reported to Warner Brothers Studio every day this week for rehearsal. I love working on a half hour sitcom. It's so interesting how it shapes and forms right before your very eyes! The script changes so much from the table read to the shooting days. And so many people have a say on how it turns out. We have two main writers for this pilot, plus the star who also co-wrote it (and created it since its based on his book), and we have the executives at the studio and network that have popped in during the week to see rehearsals. Then they have a meeting afterwards for notes and the writers make the necessary changes. They change jokes to make them funnier, they cut lines to get the timing just right. It really is an art form - the sitcom world.
We began the actual shooting on Thursday and we should be done by Monday or Tuesday. Everyone is really fun to work with and I've had a blast on set.
I just wish it was in a different role.
I play the housekeeper on this pilot, with an accent - yet again. I don't even have a name - just "housekeeper". On one hand, its very frustrating - and on the other, I'm just very grateful to be working!
I have an appointment/interview with a diversity executive over at NBC this week and I'm extremely excited about this! I would love the opportunity to be in a position where I can change the stereotypical view of minorities on television. That's my ultimate dream now. No, make that my MISSION.
As I sat in my trailer yesterday, I got a phone call from my agent about an audition on Monday for another pilot. It's a recurring role - which is awesome - BUT the role is an "immigrant housekeeper", with an accent - yet again. I just don't get it. Is it really so hard for them to see me as a DOCTOR? LAWYER? A BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL of some sort? A CITIZEN at least???!!! It frustrates me mainly because I remember when I was a little girl and I watched tv, I never really saw people who looked like me. And I just don't want today's little girls to see nothing but maids and believe that's all we are, or all we are perceived as.
Ok, I'll get off my soap box now. Sorry...

This Week...I'm a Working Actor.

2010-03-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

It's funny how it changes from week to week!
Before my internship, I was an "out of work" actor, who was also a kids acting teacher in between my auditions - and private audition coach, when my students were auditioning more than me. Then, the internship came and I transformed into a Casting Assistant - even though I was interning. And I didn't feel much like an actor. And I was fine with that. I was thinking like a casting assistant. My days off consisted of me scouting other actors who may be right for this pilot. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced before - and I loved it.
This week, I'm an actor. Again. And it feels good.
I was trying to think what is was that was missing from my career which makes me consider a change into casting. And I think I figured it out. I want to be a bigger piece of the puzzle.
Let me explain...
Today we had the table read for the pilot I'm in called Awkward Situations For Men. It was SO exciting - and way different from The Cape table read on Saturday. This set up was a long table in a row, facing all of the executived from ABC and Warner Brothers, watching us as we read the roles we were cast in. It was so nerve racking - yet exhilarating! Would they laugh? Would they love us? Would they love ME? Would they FIRE me??? Luckily,they all laughed, and everyone seemed pleased. I spotted Matt Lescher, who I worked with on Good Morning Miami about 8 years ago. I reminded him that I played the nurse in one episode and afterwards, as I walked to my car in the garage...it dawned on me. 8 years later I am still playing tiny 2-3 line roles while Matt is yet again a series regular. Mind you, I have played larger roles, and recurring roles, and even tested for a series regular not that long ago - but as of TODAY, I am another HOUSEKEEPER, with an accent - 8 YEARS later.
I'm not sure I want this for myself in the next 8 years! In fact, I'm sure of it. I asked myself if I would be happy if I was one of the series regulars - and of course, I answered yes - maybe even though it might mean a uniform and an accent - but preferably NOT. And I asked myself would I be happy if I was sitting where those executives were, hearing this pilot read by other actors, actors I either helped cast, or approved of - and I answered YES! I just want to be a bigger, more important piece of the puzzle. And if I had my way, the maid would not be of Latin decent, or with any kind of accent. I think that would be my biggest accomplishment - changing that image.
And I can't do that from this side of the table.
Hmmm...

The rest of my day was pretty awesome. I headed to Warner Brothers where we rehearsed for a few hours and I got to know some of my co-stars. I'm actually working with Brian George, Babu from Seinfeld and Laura Prepon , Donna from That 70's Show. This week is gonna feel GREAT! I don't even want to think about next week, when this job is over, and possibly my internship!
Then I will just be unemployed - again.

Big Changes

2010-03-21T11:05:00.001-07:00

Today was the table read for The Cape at NBC/Universal. I am so excited that myself and one other intern were asked to attend to read all the day player roles that aren't cast yet! Shooting begins on Tuesday and we should be done casting by next week.
I arrived to the conference room on the top floor of a building at NBC. I finally got to see the entire cast in person, together for the first time. Along with the writer, Tom Wheeler, the director and E.P Simon West, and the Executive Producers of Berman/Braun. I can't tell you how satisfying it was to hear the actors in the roles that we cast! David Lyons as The Cape is going to be amazing!! :) As well as James Frain as his nemesis! Everyone did such a great job!
It was like a puzzle piece that was finally put together - with all the right pieces! It's funny how you audition so many actors in town for one role, and when it's cast with the right person, it feels like why couldn't you see that from day one?! Everyone was perfect in their roles and it's a great script! I'm so excited about it!
You know, I realized something during this table read. Usually when I'm at one of these, and I'm playing a smaller role, I usually daydream of reading the lead role. Feeling a bit jealous that I'm not sitting where they are, the leads. But this time around, I wasn't feeling that at all. I felt like I helped assemble this cast - and I was proud of it. Not jealous that I wasn't doing what they were doing, but more satisfied that I had a hand in the making of it instead.
And I got to meet Grace Wu finally! She is the VP of Casting at NBC and I introduced myself as she sat nearby. I told her my interest in casting, and in diversity casting specifically, and she wanted to get me in contact with the diversity person at NBC. She asked me to email her and she would get me in touch with that other person! YAY!!!
I never knew I could be excited about a career other than acting! It's SO weird! But I am passionate about it and I am really eager to get started on that "next career" in my life. It seems like a natural progression actually. And if that means I'm no longer a full time actor because I'm helping change things, then...I think I'm fine with that. If I could make a difference to how television audiences perceive minorites, Latinos specifically, I have done something right! I would love to never play a maid again, or never be asked to "do it with an accent" ever again! I think I will always be an actor.
So if that means doing a great play production when I have the time, or a nice meaty film role during the summers or slow times, even better.
I think I prefer that trade off.

Booked!

2010-03-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

So, today I had my audition for Detective Donna, the role that we are casting for on The Cape. It was odd waiting in the waiting room with the other actors in an office where I'm usually running the session or reading with them. My audition went well actually. But I had to take my name out of the running because I just found out I booked that Housekeeper role on that other pilot, Awkward Situations for Men on ABC. I had to take that other one because it is paying me for a whole week, versus just two days. And that's a huge difference in money.
Ugh - another maid role...but hopefully I will move into a position where I can make a change in that area. Fingers crossed.

Stopping In

2010-03-17T22:56:00.000-07:00

Today I stopped by Debra Zane's office to offer my services as an intern if she needed one. After my lunch meeting with the executive at NBC, he suggested that I check in with her since she will be started a new feature film very soon, and Tannis (her associate) is going on maternity leave next week. I didn't get a chance to talk to Debra herself since she stepped out to run an errand, but I did talk to Tannis. Their office is really tiny, so I'm not sure if they would have room for me to even help out, but I am eager to learn what I can from them - so hopefully I get the opportunity! :)
Tonight I taught my classes for the workshop. The kids met Jonathan Clay Harris from David Rappaport's office. They cast 90210.

Casting

2010-03-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

I am loving my internship!!!!!
This week, I got to look through headshots and pull out people I felt were right for characters we still need to cast. I was looking for quirky interesting faces for the circus performer "Raia", and "cop types" for our officer day player roles, and reporters. I was so excited that I had the opportunity to call in some friends for the pilot! I called him 4 male friends for the cop roles, my friend Tonya for a witness role and my friend Jennifer for "Detective Donna". Then I was asked if I wanted to audition for Detective Donna as well. It's nice that it's a detective role. The character gets killed pretty early on in the episode. So I brought in my friend, and auditioned against her as well! haha It was fun waiting in the waiting room with her. :)

Helping Out Howard

2010-03-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

Today is the workshop with Howard Meltzer. I don't get paid to be his reader, but I just love spending a Sunday morning with him! He is awesome! We saw some pretty talented kids today! I told him of my interest in casting and it was nice to feel his support. He told me how much he loves his job, and that made me even more excited about it!
I'm in search of an actual job in casting, or another internship in a feature film office to figure out which road is best for me. I am still thinking of the studio executive world - maybe specializing in diversity casting...that would be AWESOME!!!! :) We'll see...

SUCCESS!!!

2010-03-10T10:32:00.000-08:00

So I am very proud to say that I just found out my student who I coached last night booked the pilot! He will be a series regular on a new show! AWESOME!!! He went in for a preread in the morning, they sent him to producers right after that, they sent him to test for the studio and network in the afternoon and offered him the part before the end of the day! Crazy how fast things happen in this town! :)
My audition for the housekeeper went well also. I always love auditioning for Valko/Miller Casting! :) I just wish it was for any other role besides "Maid". But at least this character is funny.
Audition lined up for tomorrow on another pilot: The Defenders with Felicia Fasano.

My Busiest Day

2010-03-09T23:56:00.000-08:00

Today was an incredibly productive day!
I started off at the casting office at 9am. Before I knew it, it was already after noonand I had to head out for my lunch meeting with a casting executive from NBC Universal. I made the appointment so I could pick his brain about his position and what it entails to be in casting at the studio level. It was interesting, but I'm thinking I may like the creative aspect of the casting office over the business end of the studio or network. But I'm still trying to figure all that out.
I got back to the office in time for the afternoon audition session. We were mainly seeing actors for the role of Ruvi, a circus performer/mentalist and Trip, the lead's 8 year old son. It was a looooong session, and I didn't leave the office until 9pm.
I went straight to coach one of my students for his audition tomorrow. He is going in for a series regular on a pilot. :) He's a very talented little kid and I'm sure he will book a series soon. Maybe this one!
Now its time for me to work on my audition that I have tomorrow. Its for a comedy half hour pilot, and I'm going in for the role of.....HOUSEKEEPER! WhoooHooo!!!! LOL
But first things first - Back to the casting office in the morning.
Busy busy busy...and I wouldnt have it any other way.

Crazy Busy Weekend

2010-03-07T21:51:00.001-08:00

This weekend has been a busy work weekend for me.
I was put in charge of the intern schedule at the casting office and I've been working with everyone's availability (10 people's schedules!) and trying to make it work considering the next few weeks will be crazy hectic in the office. I worked a kids workshop this weekend where I found a young actor who I thought would be great for the pilot. I spent Saturday afternoon trying to get him an audition on Monday, which I did!
Then Saturday evening, I headed to Pasadena to see Oedipus El Rey, Luis Alfaro's modern day adaptation of Sophocles' Oedipus Rex. It was A-MA-ZING! I loved it! It is so refreshing to see a production that inspires you! I want to do another play! :( It saddens me to think of how long its been since I've been in a great production of something.
I worked another workshop today and finished organizing the intern schedule and it's already Monday tomorrow! Where did the weekend go?!
Tomorrow morning I'm coaching an actor for an audition, then teaching my acting classes all day. I have definately found things to keep me busy! So busy that I haven't had time to do my taxes! Gotta do that this week!
And let's not forget about The Oscars! Watching them right now as I multi-task. :)

Pilot Audition...and Stuff

2010-03-03T23:35:00.001-08:00

Today I interned at the casting office again. I do it about three times a week - and like I've said before, I love it! I've been tossing around the idea of doing it professionally. As in, maybe taking a step back from acting to explore this new venture. Everyday that I'm there, I feel like I'm learning something new about the job. It always feels like there's so much more to learn! It's pretty exciting - especially working on the pilot. I'm learning a lot from watching other actors audition, hearing the casting director deal with agents and managers and producers, and watching people make mistakes with their careers - and also witnessing people get cast in roles that will change their lives!! It's pretty awesome!
Today I was "recognized" by an actor who was auditioning for the pilot. I guess you could call it being "recognized" - haha :) He reads this blog! That was cool! I also saw Peter Gallagher yesterday and he remembered me from when we worked on The OC a few years back. I even got to meet Harry Hamlin today! That was cool - he's very thin though.
After interning, I headed back over the hill to Burbank where I sat down at a Starbucks to read the entire script for the pilot I was auditioning for today. I was a little nervous about this one. It was a really good Jerry Bruckheimer script and my role was a distraught mother whose teenage daughter was murdered. I had to be emotional and break down after just a couple of lines. So I tried to focus as much as I could before my audition, to get into the right mindframe for the character. That was hard! I hate having to do emotional scenes! It's so exhausting! And I usually end up with a headache! I didn't think I would be able to do it. I felt connected to the emotion at times, and then I would lose it. It made me nervous. But just when I begin to doubt my own ability....I surprise myself! ;) hehe I walked into that room, and I guess I used that nervousness for the scene, because it went a lot better than I expected! I felt really good about it. :)
I just got home from private coaching two of my teenage students. One has two auditions for tomorrow. A feature film and a TV show. Nice!
I also just got a call from my agent saying he wanted to pass on an audition for a one line co-star role on a new pilot for ABC. He didn't want the executives over at ABC to see me in a co-star role. He didn't think that was the impression we wanted to give - that I was still a "co-star actor". We are trying to move forward as a guest star, recurring, or series regular on these shows, so he made sense. We passed.
I need a job. A good one. :)
Class with Howard tomorrow. And I want to see my friend, Leandro, in the play Oedipus El Rey this weekend in Pasadena. Trying to stay busy... :)

Tuesday

2010-03-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had a very interesting audition for a feature film. It was a Farrelly Brothers film and the role may not have been perfect for me - but I loved the opportunity to do another studio film! I need another one of those! :)
I interned again today and got the chance to run camera for a producer's session. That was very informative as an actor, because I got to hear what they say after someone auditions. What they liked, what they didn't like. I saw great auditions today and...not so great auditions. It was pretty awesome! I learned a lot.
I have an audition for a pilot tomorrow. A very emotional scene, so in a way I'm looking forward to it - and in a way, I'm already emotionally exhausted!
We'll see how it goes.
We're testing for a couple of the characters tomorrow. I wanna test again for a pilot! That was exciting - and it feels like soooo long ago already! :(

This Week

2010-02-26T21:42:00.001-08:00

It has been an interesting week.
I had an audition yesterday for an IHOP commercial yesterday. That was short and sweet.
I signed on for an extra day of interning. Now I'm working three days a week at the casting office. I must be crazy because I got there at 9am and I was the last intern to leave at 7:20pm. I worked over 10 hours, free of charge! But today was unlike any other day. We had a producer's session where a select few actors were brought in to meet the producers for the pilot. I had about 5 "stars" on the list that I had to usher into a separate office so they wouldn't have to wait in the busy waiting room with the other actors. (Without saying his exact name), one of them was The Hoff-man himself (heehee). Now, he isn't just an actor or celebrity - he is an actual EVENT. The man is always "on". He is very tall, and has the performing personality the second he enters a building. He referred to a previous show he was on (where he drove a talking car - hint hint) constantly and used many "Hoff-isms". One being "Have a Hoffy day" on a signed copy of his picture. That was one of the highlights from my day. LOL
I got a call today that I have an audition for a studio feature film on Monday. I could use a big booking like that. I could use any kind of booking actually - its been way too slow for me.
I do have a lunch meeting next week was a studio casting executive so I could learn about his position to see if maybe that road is the one I want to take. I love my experience in casting so far - but I'm not sure if I belong at this level or the studio level. We'll see which is a better fit. I'm just feeling like I need to make a difference on a grander scale. I love acting - I will always be an actor - but I would love to work in an area where I can provide opportunities for people I feel deserve it and make a difference on how Latinos - and minorities in general - are portrayed onscreen - big or small.

Another Love?

2010-02-16T22:27:00.000-08:00

I haven't talked a lot about my new internship - mainly because I started it on Friday. But let me just say...I am LOVING it! Really!
I would say the majority of the 12 interns they brought on to help out during this pilot season are all actors. And they are interning mainly to learn the ins and outs of the casting process, without any interest in being a casting director someday. I took this internship to see if there was another area of the business that I could fall in love with equal to my acting - if not more. I've thought of producing, maybe working at the studio level, casting, - anything and everything - in search of another area on interest - just out of curiosity.
Now I have casting experience prior to this. I assisted in casting a feature film in Austin many moons ago, and I casted a short film there as well. I also interned at a busy office during pilot season a few years ago. I knew I always liked the casting side - I just wasn't sure how much until now.
It has been SO fast paced and exciting! I find myself not wanting to leave at the end of the day, and looking forward to getting back there when I'm gone. I feel this sense of accomplishment while I'm working there - like I'm being so incredibly productive. I love that feeling! :)
And what is so awesome is that this casting director is really giving us a lot of responsibility in our tasks. I'm NOT being sent out on grocery runs or to buy stamps. I'm calling agents like ICM and William Morris to schedule their A-list clients to come in to read for a series regular on a new show. Today I arrived and immediately the CD (casting director) asked me to come into the room and read with the actors auditioning. That was awesome to see the choices that other actors make in the audition room. And the mistakes that happen as well. I even brought in a headshot of a friend of mine who I thought would be great as one of the characters and they set it up to see her later this week. :) I have to say, I was elated to know I had a part in giving someone an opportunity such as this. That was pretty amazing! Can you imagine if she went on to book this??!!! Wow!
This has been an amazing exerience so far, and it's only been two days!

Missed My Audition!!!! :(

2010-02-13T13:58:00.000-08:00

I showed up to my audition a day late! Can you believe that???
I arrived to the FOX lot yesterday, ready for my guest star, possible recurring role on Terriers as an Asst D.A., and the guard did not have me on the list. I told him who I was meeting with, and what building they were in. He called up to the casting office to let them know I was there and she asked to speak to me. She proceeds to inform me that my audition was scheduled for YESTERDAY and she would love to see me today except they already have an offer out to someone else. And just like that, that awesome role vanished. :(
I kept beating myself up for doing something so stupid!
How could this happen? I checked my email from my agent, and right there it said THURSDAY, 3pm. Where did I get that it was on FRIDAY?
I was so bummed!
Then I remembered I got the call from my agent Wednesday night while I was teaching my teen class and the message said that my audition was Friday the 11th. I just heard FRIDAY, so that's what I put in my calender. Didn't bother to double check the day on my email. Oh well.
Lesson learned. That will NEVER happen again.

I started my internship with Risa Bramon Garcia Casting. She is casting a pilot called The Cape, which is a really cool 1 hour superhero pilot. :) I had such a great first day yesterday. The hours went by so fast and I learned so much in my short 5 hours there. I really loved it and I'm eager to see what the next day holds and what more I can learn!
Its incredible how many stars get submitted for these roles! It seems like everyone in Hollywood is looking for a job! A lead in a series is definately not a bad one! :)

Finally!!!

2010-02-10T23:13:00.001-08:00

I have two auditions lined up for this wek! YAY!! It's beed so dead, I'm so excited about this! Tomorrow is for a national commercial and Friday is a pilot where I'm going in for the role of an Asst District Attorney. :)
I hope this means I'm gonna start to get busy. REALLY busy I hope...

Trying to Stay Busy

2010-02-08T15:27:00.000-08:00

It has been so incredibly slow these past couple of weeks. I had an audition I set up for myself for a USC short last Thursday. It's a scene from the film Swingers, and they are doing the female version. That was a fun audition. I auditioned to play the Jon Favreau character. It shoots this coming weekend so if they want to cast me, I should hear back sometime this week.

My interview with IAE Magazine just came out in their most recent issue! I'm on pages 64-66! Check it out! :)

Well, it looks like I may be interning at a casting office starting this week. I'll be helping them during pilot season, trying to learn what I can. Who knows, I may need to get a job in casting if this dry spell lasts any longer.

I'm also working on a short film that my friend Alex Castillo is directing. Hoping to learn what I can on the producing end as well....trying to stay busy.

9 Years Ago Today...

2010-02-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

I packed up what I could fit in my car and headed to Hollywood. The plan was to stay with my friend for a month and try and find a job and an apartment. I had saved up $3,000 which I thought was a lot of money at the time. Boy was I wrong! After two weeks, I found myself without a place to live and out on the street. Luckily I had met someone, who turned out to be one of my closest friends today, who took me in and let me stay with her for however long I needed. It turned out to be about three weeks. I found a cheap apartment in North Hollywood and began temping downtown while I finished my paperwork for substitute teaching. I did background work and found an agent my first month in town. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I decided to be a professional actress in Hollywood. And I didn't know exactly how big to dream. I just wanted to work as an actress. I didn't need to be famous - I just wanted it to be my profession.
Well, 9 years later, looking back on how it all started, I feel really proud of how my career has turned out. I had no clue how competetive this industry was. I didn't know anyone and I figured everything out along the way. In the past 9 years, I have worked with amazing directors, alongside talented and well known actors, on some of my favorite tv shows and have even travelled out of the country for work. I'm really lucky to have had the success I've had and I thank everyone, friends, family and fans, for all your support. :)
Here's to a great first 9 years in Hollwyood, and for the next even better 9 years! :)

Airings in January

2010-01-06T12:10:00.000-08:00

Well, my episode of Better Off Ted aired last night. Aside from the fact that I looked HUGE (note to self - never get pregnant), I thought it was a fun role. My dad gave me the biggest compliment ever when he told me how much he liked me in the episode and how it "didn't even look like I was acting". nice! :)
In case you missed it, you can check it out on HULU or ABC.com. Or just click HERE
Next up - SOUTHLAND on TNT next Tuesday. 9pm central, 10pm Pacific time.

Slowing Down for the Holidays...

2009-12-16T00:15:00.000-08:00

The past couple of weeks have been pretty slow for me. I went to a book signing party for my acting coach's new book Fine on Acting, written by Howard Fine. That was fun! I got to see a lot of my classmates from my first class at the studio. I have seen a few screenings through SAG lately. I saw Up in the Air a couple of weeks ago - GREAT MOVIE! And I also saw The Hurt Locker - another great film. I worked on that industrial last week, which shot really fast. I was in and out of the set in about three hours. I've been coaching some of my students for their auditions lately, which has been keeping me busy since my own auditions have slowed down.
I did find out that my episode of Better Off Ted is airing sooner than I thought. Looks like it will be on Jan 1st on ABC: check this link
I also decided to let go of my long time manager today, after about 6 or 7 years. I just decided i would try the new year with just my agent. I think they are working pretty well for me, so I don't really see the need for a manager at the moment. We'll see how this decision pans out...
I do have exciting news!! At the start of the new year, I will have my gorgeous goddaughter/neice in town for about a month to test the waters out here. Her mother (my neice)wants to see if she has any luck with a modeling career. She's 9 months old. It took me all of ten minutes to find her an agent! If only things went that fast for me when I got to town! haha
Maybe her career will keep me busy when I get back from vacation - because my career has been REALLY slow these past couple of months...

Sundance Bound!

2009-12-02T15:23:00.000-08:00

I had an audition today for Lie to Me. I went in for a guest star role of a Lawyer. It went ok, I've just haven't had a great morning this morning. I'm just sorry that my morning resulted in me not doing my best in there. Oh well - hopefully I did well enough to get a callback. :(
Awesome news today!!!! Just found out that the film I shot earlier this year, Sympathy for Delicious, directed by Mark Ruffalo will get its world premiere at Sundance 2010! YAY!!! That's very cool! Congrats Mark!

Supporting Dreams

2009-11-29T21:13:00.000-08:00

When I stop and think about the many people who support me in pursuit of my dreams, it warms my heart. I get support from not only my family members, but friends and strangers as well. I think everyone should have a dream and not be afraid to pursue it -ever.
My uncle, Rudy Blanco, just published his first book. Its titled Summer of Fifty One: Incredible Fifteen Hundred Mile Journey. My uncle has always been supportive of me, so here I am, in support of making his dreams come true.
The book is available on Amazon.com. Order you copy HERE.
Lets support each other in making our dreams come true! :)

How Time Flies!

2009-11-28T11:03:00.000-08:00

Wow, I look up, and a month has passed! I'm so sorry I have no updated in a long time. I guess it just feels like not a lot has been happening, but when I stop to think about what to write, I realize lots has happened. Its just how the way you look at things!
Ok, since my last post, I renewed my contract with my agents at AEF. I renewed for three years! :) I also auditioned for a new show called The L Word at Sony, with the VP of Casting herself: Dawn Steinberg. That day was a hectic day because I ran out of gas (I know, I know) 30 minutes before my appointment! I tell you, never a dull moment!
I've been having an amazing time in my class with Howard Fine. I go twice a week, and work one day a week as part of a work/study program. It's pretty awesome! I've been teaching my class at Actorsite for the kids workshops on Wednesday nights and have also started my private coaching with some of the kids. I'm keeping busy in between my auditions which sometimes is slow.
Good news: Southland found a home on TNT so my episode should air in January.I've also had auditions for Cold Case and Community recently, as well as a few commercials. I'm still on hold for an industrial that should shoot in December.
I can't imagine if I still subbed for LAUSD! When would I have the time??!
I have a few more weeks before I head to Texas for the holidays and a new year begins.
Curious to see what 2010 has in store for me!

Busy Week - But Good!

2009-10-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I have not updated this blog in over a week. :( No excuse really... ok, now for the update for this week...
Sons of Tucson was so much fun! I was only on set for about 4 hours - quick and painless. I forgot to take my camera on set with me, so no pictures. :( But everyone was really nice. I wish I had a bigger role, one where I could come back the following day. Oh well - maybe they'll keep me in mind for future episodes.
Later that night I checked out the film Paranormal Activity. It was ok. I felt like I was waiting the entire movie for something to happen. it was creepy - just not really all that scary.
Then, the following night, I was really scared - when I went toHalloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. Oh my God - they pop oit from everywhere, and zombies are just roaming the streets - it was very cool! I lost a bit of my voice, but its all good. :)
Then, on Sunday I went to the cast and crew screening of the feature film Morning, with Jeanne Tripplehorn, Leland Orser and Laura Linney that I did earlier this year. I am barely seen at all, but it was a nice little movie. It was also a pleasant surprise to see how Leland remembered me. Even though he's the director, I was just on set briefly - but everyone was really nice to me.
Then, Monday, I started back at Howard Fine. I'm auditing the last four classes of this Comprehensive Technique class, then we will all go on together to Rehearsal and Performance that will last for 6 weeks.
Then, Monday night I checked out the film 500 Days of Summer - one of my favorite movies this year! SOOOO cute!
Tuesday, Yankees vs Angels! Go Yankees! :)
Wednesday, Audition for The Middle - short and sweet.
Yesterday, 2 commercial auditions.
Not a bad week!
Next week, I have an audition lined for up Tuesday for The C Word, a Laura Linney pilot, right after I renew my contract with my agent! YAY!

Wardrobe Fitting Today

2009-10-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

Today I go in for my wardrobe fitting for Sons of Tucson in Santa Clarita. I shoot tomorrow!!! YAY! I love working! Can I please do it everyday???
I had an audition for a nice guest star role on Zeke and Luther on Monday, to play a very overbearing mother. Nice. :) It went well.
Then last night I went to see August: Osage County at The Ahmanson. Wow - Estelle Parsons, the mother on Roseanne, was amazing!!! It was a great show and a lesson in great acting!
It also looks like my Medium episode, Heads Will Roll, will reair on Friday on Lifetime at noon....Just in case you missed it the first time. =)

Booked Again!

2009-10-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

Wow - this makes my third theatrical booking in 5 weeks!
I booked a small cameo role in the show Sons of Tucson. I had originally got called in for two roles, they added the third role during my preread, so I went to producers for all three. :) I had a great time and everyone was unbelieveably nice in the producer's session! And I ended up getting the role that I wanted most out of the three - so that's cool! I play a customer at a store asking about a running shoe. Very quick and simple - but funny. I work Thursday of this week - on my Dad's birthday. :)
And this comes at a good time because I just heard that Southland got cancelled before my season two premiere aired. :( Damn. And it's a great show too! I hear they are taking it to cable networks hopeing someone will pick it up there. Apparently it was too gritty for network tv. Maybe FX will get it - this would be a good replacement for The Shield.
Tomorrow I have a guest star audition for a show called Zeke and Luther. Very funny and cute role... Hopefully booking #4?? :)

Things Are Gooooood :)

2009-10-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

I had a really good past few days. :)

Friday was really awesome shooting my last day on the set of Better Off Ted. Everyone there is SO nice and I had a great time being very pregnant! They built our home and decorated it to the very smallest detail - it was incredible! I always hate when it's the last day of shooting for me and everyone is getting their prelim callsheet and saying "see you Monday" - except for me! :( I can't wait for the day where I get to come back on Monday, and the day after that....and the day after that...
Then, on Saturday, something really awesome happened! I went to check out a show at the Hollywood Bowl with a friend of mine. The stands were full, we were getting to our seats when we noticed three girls sitting in our spots. They checked their tickets, we checked ours and they noticed they were sitting in the row in front of us instead. As they were moving, one girl said I looked familiar and she knows me somehow. Then, she asked if I was an actress. I said yes. Then it came to her instantly. She shrieked "Oh my God - You're MARIA from Curb Your Enthusiasm!!!!" That was so surreal. I had been recognized once before at Target from a Curb fan, but that was right after the episode had aired. This was three years later and she knew my face... Crazy. I turned about three shades of red. That was unbelieveable, especially when I looked around and saw just how many people were in this venue and how she somehow recognized ME. weird.
Sunday I spent 9 hours at the Howard Fine Studio for Panel and scene day. The day started off with a panel discussion with an agent, manager, and a casting director - who couldn't make it last minute due to the crazy traffic in LA (a triathalon blocked traffic) It was very informative. Afterwards we went on to the scenes that Howard's scene study classes signed up to perform. It was a long day- but very entertaining! I had a great time sitting with the people from my Comprehensve Technique class that ended a few weeks ago. :)
Then, yesterday I had an audition for a staged reading for the CBS executives of a new dramedy show. The script is titled Life Happens and I originally was called in for Ana, the older wisest sister - in her 40's. When I got there, they had me read for Isabel, the lead (in her 30's) instead. I'm not sure why I was called in for the older sister anyway, but I was ready to read for it. but i liked the role of Isabel much beter - and it was nice to see so many actress friends of mine who I hadn't seen in a while auditioning to play my family members! :) I saw Tina D'Marco, who played my mom in the Santa Barbara production of Real Women Have Curves, and who is also playing the mom in this script. It would be great to work with her again, considering we know we have that chemistry! We'll see what happens...
Today - audition for Sons of Tucson.

Pregnant...on TV

2009-09-29T15:22:00.001-07:00

So today was a busy day.
I started off (running late) to my wardrobe fitting for Better Off Ted. I tried on a very pregnant belly, and many maternity dresses. It actually looked really cute on me, if I must say so myself! hehe I start shooting Thursday and I believe my labor scene is on the first day! Fun!
Then I headed over to Nickelodeon to audition for the pilot Victorious. I had auditioned for this same role back in February, but I guess they had put it on hold, and now its back on. I thought I did pretty well. I wasn't grinning to myself ear to ear when I left, but it was good. Then I headed over to AFTRA where I had to join in order to work this week. It sucks because I had to plop down $1363 as the initiation fee. Actually, the initiation fee was $1300, the $63 was supposed to be the first 6 months dues, but since they don't prorate it, I had to pay it now, and again in November for the next 6 months. Makes no sense to me. What also doesn't make sense is the fact we have TWO actors unions!!! I don't get that! Why must I pay TWO initiation fees, and TWO dues fees every year in order to work? We need to merge these two unions so we're working together and become ONE big strong union. Makes no sense... Ok, enough of that...
I'm off to do the kids workouts at Actorsite, then read with them for their workshop with the casting director.

BOOKED!!!!!!

2009-09-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, I finally heard today that I officially booked Better Off Ted! They had me on "hold" all week while they ironed out dates and storyboard. But I got word just now that I work two days next week, and I'm SOOOO excited! YAY!!! I booked two jobs in one month! Thank God! I needed that!! I haven't booked two jobs in one month since my first year! haha Maybe this will start that "ball" rolling!
I play Sarah, the very pregnant wife to Ryan, Ted's co-worker. My water breaks during one scene....Nice! haha

Breaking Bad Audition

2009-09-24T21:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is one I really want - mainly because it shoots in my birthplace of Albuquerque New Mexico! :)
I got the audition last night around 6pm. Saw that there was an attachment on my email from my agent, but I couldn't open it. I tried calling my manager to see if she could send me the sides for the audition, the office was closed and phones were on service. So, I didn't get my sides for the audition until 10:15am! Two hours before I had my appointment!! Luckily it was pretty easy to work on. I was definately too young for the role (the mom of a 20 something year old! - what??) But I was very happy with the work I did in the room. The Casting Director even referred to my audition as "beautiful"! Awww... :) Well, if not this role, then maybe the next???

Microsoft Audition

2009-09-22T23:34:00.000-07:00

I rarely go out commercially, but today I went on the most "commercial" audition ever! It was for Microsoft, and I played a mom cooking dinner with her family. I had a husband and three kids all helping me in the kitchen while I talked about the great appliances. No, I don't know what that had to do with Microsoft. Hmm...Maybe I went to the wrong audition?? haha
It went well, I felt good.
Afterwards I coached a friend for 4 hours for his principal role audition for Days of Our Lives. Hopefully he books it and gives me a percentage! ;)

Howard's Class

2009-09-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

So yesterday marked the official last day of my Comprehensive Technique class with Howard Fine. I'm really bummed that I'm not continuing on with the rest of the class in the Rehearsal and Performance class that directly follows. I plan to take that class in a month or so.
But let me just say I had an AWESOME last class yesterday!
Our assignment was to recreate an actual phone call we had this past week. Our job was to be in our circumstances at the time and day of the actual call, have a clear objective, and be fully alive in the scene. (No blank stares) I recreated a phone call I had with a close friend this week about a recent reconnection with a high school crush. The entire phone call was a jolt of excitement and disbelief mixed in with the 17 year old that was crushing on the guy again! It was so much fun, and I had so much energy during the scene! I really felt like I recreated it pretty accurately. So the awesome part comes when Howard Fine walks onto the stage to give me my critique - and he's got nuthin! haha He tells me he was really happy with my scene that he has no criticism for me! Wow. I hit everything right? Again...Wow.
See, this is HUGE for me, mainly because the reason I put myself back into class was to relearn, or remind myself, of the tools and practices I forgot along the way. And also, to regain some of my confidence in my own ability. There was a time, actually...MANY times, when I've thought about quitting and doing something else. I stopped feeling like I was good - or like I was enjoying my work. And I've always said I would stop doing this when its no longer fun for me. And it hadn't been....for a long time....until this summer. It started back again with the film in Iowa, and continued with working with Howard. :)
So afterwards, Howard calls me over to tell me I should get a work/study application where I could either stage manage a class or work in the main office to be able to take a class at a discounted price. He said he didn't want to lose me!! Awww.... :) hehe That would actually help me out a lot, so I did just that! Filled it out and turned it in on the spot!
I have to say that it feels pretty good to have someone believe in me the way he does, and expecially at the level he's at! That's exciting!! I really do love working with him and I feel at home at the studio, so I wasn't planning on going anywhere!

On Hold

2009-09-16T22:21:00.000-07:00

Today was my callback for Better Off Ted. I was not nervous until I saw a bunch of girls there for the callback who weren't there for the pre-read. or at least, not there when I was there. I even met one girl who was actually 7 months pregnant and with my agent! But I went into the producer-filled room and was ready to ROCK IT! I did each scene and got nice polite laughs at the end of them all, then I assume it was the director, who had me do the first scene again. I did, more laughs, and then I was done. I walked out of there feeling pretty good about it - but ready to let it go because you never know.
Then I get a call from my manager a couple of hours later letting me know I'm the "Top Choice" and they're waiting to hear back from network about storyboards and dates. So I ask, "Top choice? - So is there someone else they're considering as well?" and she answered no. The role is mine as long as it stays in the script and they lock down shoot dates. They have to do all of that before I get an official offer. So as of now, it's not an official booking - but close! I guess its as if I'm on "hold" or "Watch and Advise". Hmm....
Still GREAT news nonetheless! :)

So Far So Good

2009-09-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

I started back teaching the kids classes at Actorsite last week. Right now, I'm just subbing for the other teachers when they have auditions or shoots, but hopefully I'll be teaching more regularly, or audition coaching. I had a long, but awesome day last Thursday with the kids! I was amazed at the talent! So much fun! :)
I had an audition for Better Off Ted on Friday of last week. I've seen a few episodes and I really like the show, so it was exciting to go in to read for it! I auditioned for the role of Sarah, who is the pregnant wife to Ted's coworker, Ryan. It was a funny little part! :) I did notice a fellow auditioner who showed up with a fake pregnant belly for the role. I've never been a fan of doing things like that. I get asked that question a lot - usually "should I wear scrubs to my nurse audition?" I always say, wear something that suggests the character without going in wearing a costume. And do well with the acting part, and there's no reason for the gimmicks. That's just my opinion.
I did get a callback so I'll be going in for the director and producers this coming Wednesday. :) YAY!!!!
I'm teaching a couple of kids classes again tomorrow. And I have the last week of the first part of my Howard Fine classes. The second part starts next week, and hopefully I'm able to continue. Since work is scarce, money is tight. Ugh.
It will all work out. :)

Working Southland!

2009-09-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

with Amaury Nolasco and Regina King

So, yesterday, on 09/09/09, I got to work on the set of Southland! YAY!!! First of all, I'm really into this show, so I was excited to hear I had an audition for it - much less booked it! And I am a huge fan of Regina King! I grew up watching her on everything - from 227, to Boyz in the Hood, Friday, Jerry Maguire....that girl works so much! Well, it was nice to see she was very nice in person! And an added treat???? I got to work with Amaury Nolasco - from PRISON BREAK! I was so excited because as we all know, I am a HUGE fan of that show! Or was, rather. (it has already ended) :( I saw him while I worked on Prison Break, but we didn't work together - until now. And he is such a sweetheart! Not to mention - so very cute in person! ;) Another hottie I met on this set was Kevin Alejandro - who used to be on Ugly Betty. He looks very different on this show - but gorgeous nonetheless! Damn - if I could be a regular on THIS show! I would get to work early every single day! haha
We shot the bank scene, where I play the bank manager, in an actual bank in Glendale, with the actual employees standing in as extras! How cool!
Aside from the fact that they put me in the most hideous and unflattering boxy suit, I had an AWESOME time working on this show! It was a quick day. 2pm call, wrapped by 7. And of course, I am back to being unemployed! ugh! I love when I get work - I hate when it ends! I always have this bit of jealousy for the series regulars - they get to come back the next day!

But I did have a really great audition for a guest star role (as a DOCTOR) on Criminal Minds right before I went to the Southland set - so maybe I can book that and I won't be unemployed for long!

Actually, technically, I am starting work today. I'm back teaching the kids classes at Actorsite. I used to do that a while back (3-4 years ago?) and I stopped because I got too busy with subbing....but since that is over - it frees me up. So thankfully Jack wants to bring me on! Not sure how often I'll be teaching - or what classes exactly, but it gives me something to do! YAY!!!!

Booked SOUTHLAND!!!!!

2009-08-31T17:40:00.001-07:00

YAY! You have no idea how bad I needed this booking! haha
And the best part is, I love this show! It's a new cop show on NBC starring Regina King, C Thomas Howell, and Benjamin McKenzie. I play a bank manager and its guest star billing! WHOOOHOOO!!! That's the best part actually! ;)
I have an audition tomorrow for Two and a Half Men, so maybe I will be on a "roll"! We'll see! :)

Day Job

2009-08-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

Well, it's come to that time.
For the past 8 1/2 years I have had a safety net called a "day job" while I pursued my acting career. I have been a substitute teacher ever since I got here to LA and it has kept me above water for a while, even been my only source of income when I first moved here. Well, the day I left out of town, July 1st, my teaching credential had expired. I didn't know this until I got back 6 weeks later and read the letter in my mailbox. I tried calling the sub office to see if I can get reinstated and left messages for almost 3 weeks since I've been back. I finally talked to someone on Friday, and they refused to reinstate me, saying too much time has passed since the expiration. I was told I could reapply as a new hire - which is funny because there is a hiring freeze and the school district is NOT hiring any new teachers at all! See, that's been the big problem considering all the lay offs and newly graduated and credentialed teachers who are all out of a job - or can't find one.
So, now I'm officially working without a net.
And it scares the crap out of me because even though I can make a decent living on solely my acting career, I like that security of having another optin of an income if I desired. So, I can register with temp agencies, apply for a "job" job or just hope everything works out fine. Yeah. Pretty scary.
the good news is, I've been averaging at least 2 auditions a week since I've been back. haven't booked anything yet though. :(
And I'm really enjoying my class with Howard Fine, I'm just trying to figure out if I can actually afford to take the next one that starts in 3 weeks! Yikes! We'll see...
Yeah, in this economy, you don't want to lose any kind of job.
I have faith that it will work out. It always does. :)

Criminal Minds and Southland Auditions!

2009-08-26T20:40:00.001-07:00

Ok, this week has been a really good week. Found out I was heading straight to producers for Criminal Minds on Tuesday with Scott David and April Webster Casting. YAY! Possible guest star role! The problem was I had Howard's class starting at 2pm until 6pm and the audition was at 4:30pm. So once again, I had to slip out of class, take care of an audition, and make it back in time to get the scene assignments/homework for Friday. I did it! But the audition went just ok. It could've gone better actually. I think I was a little in my head, which is exactly what Howard teaches you NOT to do! I think I was a little distracted by how wordy my scene was and halfway through I was thinking to myself if the producers were still paying attention! Not a good thing when I'm supposed to be "in the moment". Oh well. It was horrible, just was fantastic.
Then today I had another "straight to producers" audition - this time for Southland with John Levey Casting (from ER). Its one of my new favorite shows on NBC! Awesome! The role is a little smaller than what I would have loved to have done on this show - but again, I just need to work at the moment, so I can't be too picky. This one went better. So we'll see...
Class is going great! Gives me work to do during the week, and something to focus on. Just what I need!

Today - Last Minute Auditions

2009-08-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

Just came back from 2 last minute auditions for Castle and Ghost Whisperer. Well, I knew about Castle yesterday afternoon, but the Ghost Whisperer didn't come to me until 20 minutes before I walked out the door for the Castle one. They were calling to reschedule the audition for Monday, and I didn't even know I was scheduled for it to begin with! Luckily, its the same casting office and they agreed to put me on tape for both shows. So, the Ghost Whisperer audition was a very cold read. I actually didn't do bad....Now I'm off to my Howard Fine class. =)

This Week

2009-08-18T22:42:00.000-07:00

I had two auditions last week. One for a commercial and one for a new show called Modern Family. Both went well, even though I'm not updating my blog with a BOOKING! It's been slow this week. I've been focusing on my time in class. I started class with Howard Fine last week and it's been really great! I work very well with Howard's style and methods. It makes me realize just how much I have stopped doing for my craft. It's easy to become lazy and stop practicing - whether you're busy "working" or not. I needed something to reignite my fire, and Aaseamah's Journey definately did that, and this class is a great way to keep it burning!
Now, if I can just become really busy with auditions! =)

Monk is Airing!!!

2009-08-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

My episode of Monk titled Mr. Monk and the Foreign Man is airing tomorrow, Friday August 14th, on USA at 9pm Pacific time. I play Maria Fuentes and I had an amazing time working with Tony and the rest of the cast and crew on one of the episodes of their final season! It was the first time I had a stunt double and a body double and got to play dead!

More Pics

2009-08-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

On Set of Aaseamah's Journey

2009-08-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

M.I.A.

2009-08-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

First of all, my apologies to those who read this blog regularly. I try not to go too long before I update this. I've been wanting to wait until I can post pictures from the film shoot before I updated, but I thought I would write something to hold everyone over until the pics come! :)
I can't believe I have been away from California for almost a month now! When I left on July 1st, I was looking forward to my extended "vacation" even though I knew I would be working for the first week and a half of July. I've been back in Corpus Christi for 3 weeks now, visiting my family and friends. It's been nice, but I am SO looking forward to going back home next Monday and getting back to work! Every so often I need a break like this to remind me how great my life and career really are - and I appreciate it much more when I get back! :)
The film shoot went AWESOME! I was so lucky to be able to work with such an amazing cast and crew! Everyone was so nice and professional! And Iowa was beautiful! they get lots of rain there, so everything was green and plush! then I come to Texas where there has been a drought and a heatwave and the grass is brown and dry. :( Hopefully things will get better soon! rain rain PLEASE COME!
Shooting Aaseamah's Journey was very much a learning experince for me - and the much needed "fire starter" that was missing! I was very nervous about tackling the "4th lead" of a feature film! Even though this character was written with me in mind, I wasn't sure I had what it took anymore to pull out a great peformance. Needless to say, confidence was lagging.
Then, with the excitement of working with my good friends Jennifer and Marlo, and being in Iowa for their project, somehow the character just "came to me" and everything just fell into place. It felt so good and comfortable. :)
I came back to Texas and signed up for my Howard Fine classes and I'm ready to hit the ground running.
Things are good. Very good.
I'm very optimistic. :)
I'll post pics soon, and promise to not let an entire MONTH go by again without an update!

Aaseamah's Journey - AKA: Who's Your Daddy?

2009-07-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

So I landed in Iowa Saturday afternoon.
I went straight to my hotel room to drop off my bags and freshen up before I joined the rest of the cast and crew at a 4th of July BBQ party. It was the first time I got to meet the executive producer of the film, Tim Anderson, and the rest of the crew. Everyone is so unbelieveably NICE! I'm so excited to be a part of this project, and it just makes it sweeter to know I get to experience this with my good friends Jennifer and Marlo (the writers/producers/star/director of the film). It's so surreal and amazing and I'm just trying to soak up every moment.
Today we spent the day shooting the picture props that will be in my character's office at work. My character, Missy, is so self absorbed that she decorates her office in just photos of herself at various times: birthday, with her dog, at work, etc. She is going to be SO MUCH FUN to play! I can't wait!
Tomorrow morning I have a wardrobe fitting at 9am and then I'm free the rest of the day to get my manicure and pedicure and explore Eldridge, Iowa - then I start shooting on Tuesday!