Lydia's Journey in Hollywood

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!