Day 26
Random moment of the day. I was in my theatre history class and we were just talking about 19th century theatre. We just started talking and he mentioned a playwright/actress named Ann Womatt I believe (I'm too lazy to look up the name from my notes). And our professor stopped and couldn't decide if he should call her an actor or an actress, and then proceeded to ask my opinion; if I preferred to be called an actor or an actress. My gut response was actor, and I told him that. Then this afternoon I got to thinking more about it and why I think that way.
I guess I see it in the same way as a doctor or a teacher or even a lawyer! You don't call a female doctor a doctress or a lawyera. It almost seems a little bit demeaning to have a term for a male actor and female actor, like they are unequal or something. Like, we have Brad Pitt, who is an actor and we have Anne Hathaway who has this different term as an actress. It's like these two different caliber of classes for the same profession. I see myself as an actor because I do the same things that male actors do. I perform a role, I research a character, I say my lines onstage, and I try to dive into the depths of my soul for a part. Why do I have to be labeled something different? Then again, it could be seen just as gender. Male and female. There are specific qualifications that make you a male that females don't have; but does that same notion apply to theatre?
I say no. We do the same things. There aren't any qualifications that are different to dub you one or the other besides gender. And while more times than naught male actors play male characters and vis versa, there are instances where the roles can be switched. I'm not sure where the term actually came into being, it may have been in the distance past when female actors couldn't do the things that male actors could in plays. There were specific roles they played that had a set of rules to go with it. Today it's different. There's so much more opportunities for female actors to do whatever they want to onstage. Nothing is really off limits.
So I, Christina Jones, am an actor. The same as you Brad Pitt...or you Anne Hathaway.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
I guess I'll just sit back and wait and see what kind of girl is she?
Day 25
I may have found a way to get out of my funk, for a while at least. When New Years was here and I came up with the idea for this blog, I also wanted to get a new haircut and start working out regularly. I did the first 2, but really didn't jump on the band wagon for the other one. My purpose was to not only lose weight and get body parts looking nicer, but just to get in shape again. I feel if I work out and get in shape, I can last through a lot more physical activity onstage. And I do dub myself a physical comedy actor, so I need to be in the best shape to do that.
And I think it will be a great way for me to get out of my funk. The actor's body is their most important tool. I think Stanislavki actually says that. So I can do this for personal reasons, but also as something that helps me as an actor. And it's something that I really haven't done before. I used to play basketball in high school and was in the best shape of my life. I played 40 minute games without getting exhausted. I could run til my life depended on it. And I used that to the extreme when we did physical plays at my high school like "Paganini" in commedia style. And it probably kept me from getting injuries worse than the actors around me. There have been a couple of shows where I just am exhausted and breathing heavily after it's all said and done. "Phallus Pan" was definitely one of those shows. I would have to take a nap after if I wanted to go out after because it was so physically and emotionally draining. I know they say you are supposed to be exhausted if you have given it your all during a show, but I would like to be able to not tire so quickly.
I'm not going to lie, I'm doing this for personal reasons as well. But I think I've burnt myself out a little bit on theatre and theatre-y things. Maybe this is God, or whoever is in charge of the world, trying to give me the time off to just take some personal me time. I'm keeping up with homework and having actual free time on my hands. Like I said before, I don't want to just sit around and watch tv all night...so maybe this is the next best thing. Getting my body in shape and ready to make it through a performance without the drop of a hat!
I may have found a way to get out of my funk, for a while at least. When New Years was here and I came up with the idea for this blog, I also wanted to get a new haircut and start working out regularly. I did the first 2, but really didn't jump on the band wagon for the other one. My purpose was to not only lose weight and get body parts looking nicer, but just to get in shape again. I feel if I work out and get in shape, I can last through a lot more physical activity onstage. And I do dub myself a physical comedy actor, so I need to be in the best shape to do that.
And I think it will be a great way for me to get out of my funk. The actor's body is their most important tool. I think Stanislavki actually says that. So I can do this for personal reasons, but also as something that helps me as an actor. And it's something that I really haven't done before. I used to play basketball in high school and was in the best shape of my life. I played 40 minute games without getting exhausted. I could run til my life depended on it. And I used that to the extreme when we did physical plays at my high school like "Paganini" in commedia style. And it probably kept me from getting injuries worse than the actors around me. There have been a couple of shows where I just am exhausted and breathing heavily after it's all said and done. "Phallus Pan" was definitely one of those shows. I would have to take a nap after if I wanted to go out after because it was so physically and emotionally draining. I know they say you are supposed to be exhausted if you have given it your all during a show, but I would like to be able to not tire so quickly.
I'm not going to lie, I'm doing this for personal reasons as well. But I think I've burnt myself out a little bit on theatre and theatre-y things. Maybe this is God, or whoever is in charge of the world, trying to give me the time off to just take some personal me time. I'm keeping up with homework and having actual free time on my hands. Like I said before, I don't want to just sit around and watch tv all night...so maybe this is the next best thing. Getting my body in shape and ready to make it through a performance without the drop of a hat!
Monday, January 25, 2010
I'm just tired. Not sick, just...tired
Day 24
I feel a funk coming on. Not a sickness or anything...well, maybe it is. I feel so empty without a show going on. RROAPS isn't coming up until the end of February, so I have a full month without anything really going on. I know there are a lot of times that I complain sometimes about being busy and tire and having no time...BUT I LOVE THAT! I would rather by busy than have nothing to do. I feel like I'm wasting time doing nothing that can help me become a better actor. I'm just sitting at home...watching tv...ugg
Which, if I were a better actor, I would be reading plays or theatre-y books or something! But today I'm in a funk. And you know, maybe that's actually ok. I can't be doing things involved with theatre all the time. I think about it constantly, but I don't have to do anything about it. I guess it's what I talked about before, about doing other things that aren't theatre so you don't get burned out. I'm not burned out, because it's not like I'm doing anything, but I guess I just need a little break now and then.
So if that means I spend a day laying around watching Pushing Daisies...then that's just what I'll do!
I feel a funk coming on. Not a sickness or anything...well, maybe it is. I feel so empty without a show going on. RROAPS isn't coming up until the end of February, so I have a full month without anything really going on. I know there are a lot of times that I complain sometimes about being busy and tire and having no time...BUT I LOVE THAT! I would rather by busy than have nothing to do. I feel like I'm wasting time doing nothing that can help me become a better actor. I'm just sitting at home...watching tv...ugg
Which, if I were a better actor, I would be reading plays or theatre-y books or something! But today I'm in a funk. And you know, maybe that's actually ok. I can't be doing things involved with theatre all the time. I think about it constantly, but I don't have to do anything about it. I guess it's what I talked about before, about doing other things that aren't theatre so you don't get burned out. I'm not burned out, because it's not like I'm doing anything, but I guess I just need a little break now and then.
So if that means I spend a day laying around watching Pushing Daisies...then that's just what I'll do!
Everything's coming up roses for me and for you!
Day 23
I just finished watching a cabaret performance by a theatre alumni who is making a living in Chicago. It was a really fantastic show. He was hilarious, and I loved being able to sit there and enjoy all these theatre songs he sang. I was proud of myself because I knew about 80% of the songs he sang! That's pretty damn good! lol
But I went through so many emotions since he's been here. He gave a master class Friday afternoon about the things he wish he knew after he graduated. he started talking about finances and jobs and equity and auditions and ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! It was so much information that I didn't even consider really. I felt so overwhelmed after the class, and started questioning why the hell I am trying to do this. FYI, I go through this back and forth battle pretty much every moment of every day. I love theatre so much, but the logistics of making a living solely on it is out there.
But I digress...
Then I saw his performance tonight and thought to myself...Hey! He was in the same place I'm in right now, and he made it! He's doing what he loves to do! Why can't I be that person too? I don't want fame and fortune (but it would be nice), I just want to act. And my goal is to be able to act professionally without having another job. I'm not happy making drinks at Starbucks or sitting at a desk for 9 hours...but I will do that if it means I can act at night! Those are only stepping stones to what I really want to do. I have no idea how I'm going to get there, or if I even can get there, but I'm going to try my damnedest to do it. It might be in Dallas, or Austin, or Chicago, or New York City! I'm going to aim big because I only get one life, and I don't want to ask myself "What if?"
No what if's...just can do's
I just finished watching a cabaret performance by a theatre alumni who is making a living in Chicago. It was a really fantastic show. He was hilarious, and I loved being able to sit there and enjoy all these theatre songs he sang. I was proud of myself because I knew about 80% of the songs he sang! That's pretty damn good! lol
But I went through so many emotions since he's been here. He gave a master class Friday afternoon about the things he wish he knew after he graduated. he started talking about finances and jobs and equity and auditions and ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! It was so much information that I didn't even consider really. I felt so overwhelmed after the class, and started questioning why the hell I am trying to do this. FYI, I go through this back and forth battle pretty much every moment of every day. I love theatre so much, but the logistics of making a living solely on it is out there.
But I digress...
Then I saw his performance tonight and thought to myself...Hey! He was in the same place I'm in right now, and he made it! He's doing what he loves to do! Why can't I be that person too? I don't want fame and fortune (but it would be nice), I just want to act. And my goal is to be able to act professionally without having another job. I'm not happy making drinks at Starbucks or sitting at a desk for 9 hours...but I will do that if it means I can act at night! Those are only stepping stones to what I really want to do. I have no idea how I'm going to get there, or if I even can get there, but I'm going to try my damnedest to do it. It might be in Dallas, or Austin, or Chicago, or New York City! I'm going to aim big because I only get one life, and I don't want to ask myself "What if?"
No what if's...just can do's
“A work of art is above all an adventure of the mind” -Eugene Ionesco
Day 22
For my Principles of Acting II class we were supposed to find a picture or painting of a "character" as said by our professor. He didn't really go into what that entailed, so it was left up to us. I started looking at portraits of people online. I found a couple of normal ones; your typical happy baby or the engaged couple in the park. There really wasn't anything that stood out. Then I found it. I found this picture:
How beautifully tragic is that picture? When I first saw it, it literally broke my heart. A fellow actor saw it and saw confusion more than anything. But to me, I see this sadness that transcends what any words can portray. There are so many little details in this picture that can tell everything about this man. Every wrinkle on his face is so defined, like they aren't just ordinary wrinkles...they are so prominent because of all the struggles he has gone through. His mouth isn't in a frown or smile or anything recognizable. It's more of a given up look. His tie is also askew and messy like he didn't even try. And most importantly his eyes. His eyes give him away completely. There is so much sadness and heartache in his gaze. That's what breaks my heart.
I'm not sure what we are doing with these photos. I really like the picture that I chose, so hopefully I'll be able to do something with mine.
For my Principles of Acting II class we were supposed to find a picture or painting of a "character" as said by our professor. He didn't really go into what that entailed, so it was left up to us. I started looking at portraits of people online. I found a couple of normal ones; your typical happy baby or the engaged couple in the park. There really wasn't anything that stood out. Then I found it. I found this picture:
How beautifully tragic is that picture? When I first saw it, it literally broke my heart. A fellow actor saw it and saw confusion more than anything. But to me, I see this sadness that transcends what any words can portray. There are so many little details in this picture that can tell everything about this man. Every wrinkle on his face is so defined, like they aren't just ordinary wrinkles...they are so prominent because of all the struggles he has gone through. His mouth isn't in a frown or smile or anything recognizable. It's more of a given up look. His tie is also askew and messy like he didn't even try. And most importantly his eyes. His eyes give him away completely. There is so much sadness and heartache in his gaze. That's what breaks my heart.
I'm not sure what we are doing with these photos. I really like the picture that I chose, so hopefully I'll be able to do something with mine.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
So I crammed my life in a u-haul to find my part of it all
Day 21
The weekend of performances continues! I got to see a community theatre production of "Bus Stop". I was looking forward to it because it's one of those shows I've heard about a lot but never got the chance to see a performance of it. The script itself is interesting. There seems to be this niche of shows set in public places like bars, or diners, or buses that just show people and their interactions with each other within this environment. It's a make or break situation because if the characters aren't interesting or likable then there really is no reason to like them or even watch. I think "Bus Stop" achieved that pretty well. The end was weak. I think writing a good end for a play is the hardest part because a lot of times it just ends. It's hard to finish something.
The set they had for the space was fantastic. I did "Children of a Lesser God" in that space and we had a very minimal set. The stage is fairly small, so I was interested to see how they could build a diner on the stage. It looked great and they had so many little touches that most people probably wouldn't have noticed, but us theatre people did. They had an actual working clock that they used to set the time during the play. They kept up with the time span that occurred during the play as well. It was really neat and just a little touch that was greatly appreciated.
The weekend of performances continues! I got to see a community theatre production of "Bus Stop". I was looking forward to it because it's one of those shows I've heard about a lot but never got the chance to see a performance of it. The script itself is interesting. There seems to be this niche of shows set in public places like bars, or diners, or buses that just show people and their interactions with each other within this environment. It's a make or break situation because if the characters aren't interesting or likable then there really is no reason to like them or even watch. I think "Bus Stop" achieved that pretty well. The end was weak. I think writing a good end for a play is the hardest part because a lot of times it just ends. It's hard to finish something.
The set they had for the space was fantastic. I did "Children of a Lesser God" in that space and we had a very minimal set. The stage is fairly small, so I was interested to see how they could build a diner on the stage. It looked great and they had so many little touches that most people probably wouldn't have noticed, but us theatre people did. They had an actual working clock that they used to set the time during the play. They kept up with the time span that occurred during the play as well. It was really neat and just a little touch that was greatly appreciated.
And the second before I jumped I knew wehre I needed to be!
Day 20
So the music department had a performance of "Songs for a New World" that a group of us went to see. I was super excited to see it because I saw a production of it at Nationals for the International Thespian Society the summer of my senior year. That production was interesting. They performed it in a huuuuuuuuge auditorium, which was probably the first mistake. This is probably one of the few low scale musicals that should be performed in a smaller venue, like the lab theatre. The original cast is only 4 people, and they had different people for each song. The set was like a ship, and it was neat, but the performers were awful. They really couldn't sing well as a general group. And our group was so over it by intermission, so we decided to leave.
That was then, and this production was very different. I enjoyed getting to see the entire show, and the venue they chose for it was a perfect size. There was one performer in particular who killed it. He did a great job and almost had me crying during one of his songs because it was so beautiful and passionate. I get so jealous when I see a performer like that, because it makes me wish I had a better singing voice. I'm confident in my acting skills, and I think I could do great in musicals, but my voice just isn't up to par. I can get away with character songs, but that's about it. I really would love to try to take voice lessons again, even if I'm never involved in another musical for the rest of my life. It's an ability that I need to improve on.
So the music department had a performance of "Songs for a New World" that a group of us went to see. I was super excited to see it because I saw a production of it at Nationals for the International Thespian Society the summer of my senior year. That production was interesting. They performed it in a huuuuuuuuge auditorium, which was probably the first mistake. This is probably one of the few low scale musicals that should be performed in a smaller venue, like the lab theatre. The original cast is only 4 people, and they had different people for each song. The set was like a ship, and it was neat, but the performers were awful. They really couldn't sing well as a general group. And our group was so over it by intermission, so we decided to leave.
That was then, and this production was very different. I enjoyed getting to see the entire show, and the venue they chose for it was a perfect size. There was one performer in particular who killed it. He did a great job and almost had me crying during one of his songs because it was so beautiful and passionate. I get so jealous when I see a performer like that, because it makes me wish I had a better singing voice. I'm confident in my acting skills, and I think I could do great in musicals, but my voice just isn't up to par. I can get away with character songs, but that's about it. I really would love to try to take voice lessons again, even if I'm never involved in another musical for the rest of my life. It's an ability that I need to improve on.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
I found a hobby out in the lobby!
Day 19
Today I had my first observation class for my education minor. We had to fill out a "Get to know you" paper with all the usual questions. One of the questions asked what your hobbies were. I looked at it for a bit and wrote the usual "theatre" answers. Then I tried to think of other things I could put...but I couldn't come up with anything. It could be because it was 7:30 in the morning. I'd like to think it was that, but I know it's not really.
I've dedicated my whole life to only theatre. I live it. I breathe it. But it scares me a bit because I wonder if I should try more. Different hobbies besides things that involve some sort of theatre aspect to it. I used to play basketball all the time, but I got burned out on that real quick. I'm worried that the same thing might happen with me and theatre. I hope that since it's different shows and so much to learn that it won't happen, but I can't be sure. I really don't know what else I could do that doesn't involve an insane amount of time.
A professor of mine talked about the importance of surrounding yourself in all different kinds of art forms to keep yourself knowledgeable yet inspired. I've seen and done a lot more of these different art forms, but not as much as I should. I need to devote more time to the other aspects of art to get other perspectives.
Today I had my first observation class for my education minor. We had to fill out a "Get to know you" paper with all the usual questions. One of the questions asked what your hobbies were. I looked at it for a bit and wrote the usual "theatre" answers. Then I tried to think of other things I could put...but I couldn't come up with anything. It could be because it was 7:30 in the morning. I'd like to think it was that, but I know it's not really.
I've dedicated my whole life to only theatre. I live it. I breathe it. But it scares me a bit because I wonder if I should try more. Different hobbies besides things that involve some sort of theatre aspect to it. I used to play basketball all the time, but I got burned out on that real quick. I'm worried that the same thing might happen with me and theatre. I hope that since it's different shows and so much to learn that it won't happen, but I can't be sure. I really don't know what else I could do that doesn't involve an insane amount of time.
A professor of mine talked about the importance of surrounding yourself in all different kinds of art forms to keep yourself knowledgeable yet inspired. I've seen and done a lot more of these different art forms, but not as much as I should. I need to devote more time to the other aspects of art to get other perspectives.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Let go. Jump in. What you waiting for? It's alright, cause there's beauty in the breakdown
Day 18
It's so funny to see what little things can inspire you. Or even how they just hit you at such random moments. Today I had that moment of inspiration.
I was just wondering around the house, trying to enjoy my day off. I had finished my homework and wasn't really doing anything. I went outside for a bit and realized how nice it was outside. Not too cold, not too hot, just really almost perfect. I sat outside for a bit and just sat. I saw the clouds moving by, and the sun was beautifully positioned behind some clouds, barely peeking through. There were like 40 birds perched on the telephone wire next to the house across the alley. And geese were flying like crazy overhead. It was magnificent. I just sat there forever watching and taking it all in. It made me realize how beautiful nature really is.
And the creative juices just started flowing. I started thinking about theatre and acting and just about everything. Being so peaceful and calm gets you in the right state of mind. And it makes you so optimistic about everything. At that moment I wasn't dealing with homework or monologues or work or outside drama...it was just me and nature. I finally focused my wandering mind on one specific thing: play writing. This is one aspect of theatre that I'm interested in and wish that I could have the time and talent to do well. I enjoy writing a lot. I may not be very good at it, but I think I have a voice of my own, which is half the battle, right? But I know really the only way to get better is to just write. So that's what I did. I took an idea that I've had for a play and just wrote.
I'll discuss my play in a later blog because this one is about inspiration. But I just wanted to express the importance of finding that inspiration and going with it. It's hard to pinpoint when it happens, but once you get it...it's just incredible! I hope I can have more moments like these.
It's so funny to see what little things can inspire you. Or even how they just hit you at such random moments. Today I had that moment of inspiration.
I was just wondering around the house, trying to enjoy my day off. I had finished my homework and wasn't really doing anything. I went outside for a bit and realized how nice it was outside. Not too cold, not too hot, just really almost perfect. I sat outside for a bit and just sat. I saw the clouds moving by, and the sun was beautifully positioned behind some clouds, barely peeking through. There were like 40 birds perched on the telephone wire next to the house across the alley. And geese were flying like crazy overhead. It was magnificent. I just sat there forever watching and taking it all in. It made me realize how beautiful nature really is.
And the creative juices just started flowing. I started thinking about theatre and acting and just about everything. Being so peaceful and calm gets you in the right state of mind. And it makes you so optimistic about everything. At that moment I wasn't dealing with homework or monologues or work or outside drama...it was just me and nature. I finally focused my wandering mind on one specific thing: play writing. This is one aspect of theatre that I'm interested in and wish that I could have the time and talent to do well. I enjoy writing a lot. I may not be very good at it, but I think I have a voice of my own, which is half the battle, right? But I know really the only way to get better is to just write. So that's what I did. I took an idea that I've had for a play and just wrote.
I'll discuss my play in a later blog because this one is about inspiration. But I just wanted to express the importance of finding that inspiration and going with it. It's hard to pinpoint when it happens, but once you get it...it's just incredible! I hope I can have more moments like these.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
God I hope I get it. I hope I get it! How many people does he need?
Day 17
It's days like these that remind you why you love theatre.
I got a role in a RROAPS play. And not just any role, the role that I was hoping for duiring the audition process. To see the cast list with my name on it...it's just pure joy. That's the only way I can describe it. You get so much disappointment as an actor. You are constantly told no, no, no, no, hell no, maybe...but no, and no. It's very seldom that you get those yes-es to be involved in a show. Some go a whole year getting yes after yes and then the next get nothing but no's. It's nice to see that yes through your name on a list.
I've had a whole lotta no's recently. And it's discouraging sometimes when they keep piling up on you. I let it get to me sometimes, just because being told that you can't be involved in something that you love to do and dedicate your life to is discouraging. Downright depressing actually. But, I don't make that the case for me. I'll give myself a day to be depressed, and then the next I'll make my own yes's. You can settle for the no's, but there are so many opprotunities outside of school to do what you love. And that's what I have discovered this year. While I've been told no in one theatre, I've been accepted and taught at other theatres within the same city. It's a comfort to know that I can still get the education I need. I don't want to be paying all this money to only sit around at night watching t.v. I want to be out, rehearsing, acting, learning, doing something!
I've got one yes down this weekend, one to go. Although I have a strange incling that some outside force brought me to RROAPS to prepare me for this next audition. There are a lot of people going for very few roles, so I understand if I don't get picked. But I sure would like to use my talents to their full possible potential.
It's days like these that remind you why you love theatre.
I got a role in a RROAPS play. And not just any role, the role that I was hoping for duiring the audition process. To see the cast list with my name on it...it's just pure joy. That's the only way I can describe it. You get so much disappointment as an actor. You are constantly told no, no, no, no, hell no, maybe...but no, and no. It's very seldom that you get those yes-es to be involved in a show. Some go a whole year getting yes after yes and then the next get nothing but no's. It's nice to see that yes through your name on a list.
I've had a whole lotta no's recently. And it's discouraging sometimes when they keep piling up on you. I let it get to me sometimes, just because being told that you can't be involved in something that you love to do and dedicate your life to is discouraging. Downright depressing actually. But, I don't make that the case for me. I'll give myself a day to be depressed, and then the next I'll make my own yes's. You can settle for the no's, but there are so many opprotunities outside of school to do what you love. And that's what I have discovered this year. While I've been told no in one theatre, I've been accepted and taught at other theatres within the same city. It's a comfort to know that I can still get the education I need. I don't want to be paying all this money to only sit around at night watching t.v. I want to be out, rehearsing, acting, learning, doing something!
I've got one yes down this weekend, one to go. Although I have a strange incling that some outside force brought me to RROAPS to prepare me for this next audition. There are a lot of people going for very few roles, so I understand if I don't get picked. But I sure would like to use my talents to their full possible potential.
No canary in a cage for me...this canary's ready to fly free!
Day 16
Callbacks after auditions are an interesting beast unto itself. You really have no idea what is going to happen. In the general callback you get scenes from that play and you read them. It's as simple as that. Then there are the other brand of callbacks where the director changes it up a bit. I will always remember the callback for one of the main season shows I got was peculiar. We got scenes to read, yes, but before that we were in groups of 10-12 people. We all got onstage and sat in a circle with a paper bag in the middle. One at a time we had to come up and grab a random can from the bag and sing a commercial for that can. That callback is one of the oddest ones I have ever had, yet it has stuck with me and will for probably the rest of my life.
Again, you never know what a director is going to do for a callback. I just had a day full of 5 different callbacks with 5 different directors. It ranged from reading from a scene to coming onstage and making a sound to represent the state of the world. There is no preparing for it. You have to be ready for anything and everything. It's frustrating at times, yet exhillerating most of the time. You don't know what to expect next. You have to really just go in and trust your instincts as an actor. I think it's those random callback moments that trully separate the good actors from the bad ones. Good actors have to think on their toes and be able to deal with anything thrown at them. If you can't deal with a callback that isn't your typical one, you really need to work on getting better with your craft.
Callbacks after auditions are an interesting beast unto itself. You really have no idea what is going to happen. In the general callback you get scenes from that play and you read them. It's as simple as that. Then there are the other brand of callbacks where the director changes it up a bit. I will always remember the callback for one of the main season shows I got was peculiar. We got scenes to read, yes, but before that we were in groups of 10-12 people. We all got onstage and sat in a circle with a paper bag in the middle. One at a time we had to come up and grab a random can from the bag and sing a commercial for that can. That callback is one of the oddest ones I have ever had, yet it has stuck with me and will for probably the rest of my life.
Again, you never know what a director is going to do for a callback. I just had a day full of 5 different callbacks with 5 different directors. It ranged from reading from a scene to coming onstage and making a sound to represent the state of the world. There is no preparing for it. You have to be ready for anything and everything. It's frustrating at times, yet exhillerating most of the time. You don't know what to expect next. You have to really just go in and trust your instincts as an actor. I think it's those random callback moments that trully separate the good actors from the bad ones. Good actors have to think on their toes and be able to deal with anything thrown at them. If you can't deal with a callback that isn't your typical one, you really need to work on getting better with your craft.
Friday, January 15, 2010
“Practice is the best of all instructors” - Publilius Syrus
Day 15
I wanted to write this earlier, but auditions were first priority, more on that at a later date. But, something happened today that really hit me for some reason, so I'll focus on that tonight.
We had classes today, and in my period styles II class we were focusing on breathing exercises and the proper way to breathe for the stage. Our professor told us that if we practice it everyday, our lung capacity would increase tremendously. But the thing that he said that stuck out to me was, "We aren't like a conservatory that meets everyday, so you have to make your own conservatory." When he said that my mind just stopped. It's such a profound statement. I never thought of it before, but it makes me feel dumb because I should have been thinking about school that way since I started.
I'm always jealous of the conservatory type institutions other other artsy colleges that have acting classes that meet everyday because they get to work on their craft all the time. We don't get that luxery here, which really isn't anyone's fault. It's just the way the system is set up by the school. But, to become a better actor, we needed to put into practice all these things we learn in class everyday, not just on the days we have that class. This makes perfect sense. I'm sad to say that I don't do this, and I really should. If I'm writing this blog as an acting journal in order to think and work on my craft everyday, why shouldn't I do everything else along with it? I take the time to sit down and write a blog. I know this is easier to do since it involves the computer and I can multitask while doing this. But, again, I take the time out of my day. Why can't I take some more time to do the exercises?
In a way it's like working out. You have to go to the gym or run around the neighborhood or just find something to do to work on your body. You take that extra effort because you want to physically look good. I want to become a better actor, so I need to take that extra effort outside of class to do that; whether it be doing these breathing exercises or working on a role. I need to implement this into my life.
I wanted to write this earlier, but auditions were first priority, more on that at a later date. But, something happened today that really hit me for some reason, so I'll focus on that tonight.
We had classes today, and in my period styles II class we were focusing on breathing exercises and the proper way to breathe for the stage. Our professor told us that if we practice it everyday, our lung capacity would increase tremendously. But the thing that he said that stuck out to me was, "We aren't like a conservatory that meets everyday, so you have to make your own conservatory." When he said that my mind just stopped. It's such a profound statement. I never thought of it before, but it makes me feel dumb because I should have been thinking about school that way since I started.
I'm always jealous of the conservatory type institutions other other artsy colleges that have acting classes that meet everyday because they get to work on their craft all the time. We don't get that luxery here, which really isn't anyone's fault. It's just the way the system is set up by the school. But, to become a better actor, we needed to put into practice all these things we learn in class everyday, not just on the days we have that class. This makes perfect sense. I'm sad to say that I don't do this, and I really should. If I'm writing this blog as an acting journal in order to think and work on my craft everyday, why shouldn't I do everything else along with it? I take the time to sit down and write a blog. I know this is easier to do since it involves the computer and I can multitask while doing this. But, again, I take the time out of my day. Why can't I take some more time to do the exercises?
In a way it's like working out. You have to go to the gym or run around the neighborhood or just find something to do to work on your body. You take that extra effort because you want to physically look good. I want to become a better actor, so I need to take that extra effort outside of class to do that; whether it be doing these breathing exercises or working on a role. I need to implement this into my life.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
"You know what's weird? You wake up one morning and realize that your entire adult life is based on a decision made by a teenager..."
Day 14
So I finally got to watch "Passing Strange" on PBS tonight. I'm not going to lie, I first saw it on the Tony awards the year it was nominated. The performance they had was awful, I thought. So when I heard that Spike Lee was filming it and putting it out for the world to see, I was extremely hesitant. I wondered why they would want to film this show compared to other really great shows that sort of fade into history. So, I finally sat down and watched the whole show.
Let me say, I liked it more than I thought I would. I actually enjoyed it immensely. The way they establish the atmosphere of the show before any music is played or anyone speaks helped me out a lot. You get the feel really quick that this isn't going to be your typical Broadway musical. And going in knowing that helped me enjoy it a lot more. They only used about 5 or 6 main actors, plus a narrator (Stew). They had the entire "orchestra" (in this case it was practically a band) on the stage and the cast got the chance to interact with them at some points during the show. The set was very simple; a practically bare stage with chairs and tables. The lighting was fantastic. They had this really neat back wall made up of different sizes and shapes of bright neon type lights. It's hard to explain, you just have to see it. It really added a lot to the show.
I thought the major themes of the show were excellent as well. The entire cast is African American, and one of the conflicts was dealing with your true heritage and not just the stereotypes. But it wasn't just about that. I find a lot of shows with all African American casts seem to focus on the white vs. black issue, but this one didn't really deal with that at all. It was more focused on the main character's personal journey, which dealt with a lot of different issues. He was an artist (singer/songwriter specifically), and so it was interesting to see his struggle to find himself creatively. I could relate to a lot of the struggles he was going through. One interesting part was when he was younger and moved to Amsterdam and was pretty much in his personal paradise; he eventually left because, while life was perfect, he wasn't stimulated creatively. He had to live somewhere where he could just live life with its trials and tribulations. That's something I've pondered over in my head; the thought of going through trials and becoming a better actor because of it. More on that later.
But, on a musical level, the songs were very catchy. It wasn't typical musical music. It was funky, cool, meaningful, hip, etc. There was a lot of rapping/speak-singing going on, but it fit the feel of the show. And the actors gave it 110%, which I admired greatly. When you can see actors busting their asses the entire show, it makes you appreciate their work a lot more. And the fact that they all were sweating like maniacs! You could see sweat dripping off their faces. I felt bad for them...like they should turn down the heat or something!
All in all, I would have really loved to see this show live. You could feel the electricity coming through the screen even sitting watching it at home. It also made me realize that I shouldn't judge a show by a sliver of a performance before seeing the entire thing. Minus one for that. But I highly recommend it to everyone. It might not be your cup of tea, but I think it's a representation of how musical theatre may be evolving within the next couple of years, so you should pay close attention.
So I finally got to watch "Passing Strange" on PBS tonight. I'm not going to lie, I first saw it on the Tony awards the year it was nominated. The performance they had was awful, I thought. So when I heard that Spike Lee was filming it and putting it out for the world to see, I was extremely hesitant. I wondered why they would want to film this show compared to other really great shows that sort of fade into history. So, I finally sat down and watched the whole show.
Let me say, I liked it more than I thought I would. I actually enjoyed it immensely. The way they establish the atmosphere of the show before any music is played or anyone speaks helped me out a lot. You get the feel really quick that this isn't going to be your typical Broadway musical. And going in knowing that helped me enjoy it a lot more. They only used about 5 or 6 main actors, plus a narrator (Stew). They had the entire "orchestra" (in this case it was practically a band) on the stage and the cast got the chance to interact with them at some points during the show. The set was very simple; a practically bare stage with chairs and tables. The lighting was fantastic. They had this really neat back wall made up of different sizes and shapes of bright neon type lights. It's hard to explain, you just have to see it. It really added a lot to the show.
I thought the major themes of the show were excellent as well. The entire cast is African American, and one of the conflicts was dealing with your true heritage and not just the stereotypes. But it wasn't just about that. I find a lot of shows with all African American casts seem to focus on the white vs. black issue, but this one didn't really deal with that at all. It was more focused on the main character's personal journey, which dealt with a lot of different issues. He was an artist (singer/songwriter specifically), and so it was interesting to see his struggle to find himself creatively. I could relate to a lot of the struggles he was going through. One interesting part was when he was younger and moved to Amsterdam and was pretty much in his personal paradise; he eventually left because, while life was perfect, he wasn't stimulated creatively. He had to live somewhere where he could just live life with its trials and tribulations. That's something I've pondered over in my head; the thought of going through trials and becoming a better actor because of it. More on that later.
But, on a musical level, the songs were very catchy. It wasn't typical musical music. It was funky, cool, meaningful, hip, etc. There was a lot of rapping/speak-singing going on, but it fit the feel of the show. And the actors gave it 110%, which I admired greatly. When you can see actors busting their asses the entire show, it makes you appreciate their work a lot more. And the fact that they all were sweating like maniacs! You could see sweat dripping off their faces. I felt bad for them...like they should turn down the heat or something!
All in all, I would have really loved to see this show live. You could feel the electricity coming through the screen even sitting watching it at home. It also made me realize that I shouldn't judge a show by a sliver of a performance before seeing the entire thing. Minus one for that. But I highly recommend it to everyone. It might not be your cup of tea, but I think it's a representation of how musical theatre may be evolving within the next couple of years, so you should pay close attention.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
O Captain! My Captain!
Day 13
First day of classes today. I had all theatre class. Two acting (period styles and principles II) plus a lighting class. I'll probably have a lot more to talk about later, but I'm just going to talk about my first day in principles.
I really wanted to take this class again, even though I did last year. Last year I learned so much over the semester, and when I found out that a falculty member was teaching the class, I knew I had to do it. And not only any ordinary falculty member, a very distinguished member of the theatre community that never teachers undergrad courses. I walked into the class nervous as hell because I really didn't know what to expect. He began talking about his life and some of his experience in theatre. He's one of those men that can talk for hours and I could still be sitting at the edge of my seat, enthralled as ever. He has that sort of power. It was so interesting to listen to.
Then he began to explain the class and his mini-discussion about his philosophy on acting. I kept listening and listening, and the more I heard the more excited I became. He really isn't about one specific method of acting, he believes in everyone exploring their own way to characterization. I'm thrilled with this! I'm a very avid believer that there is no one right way of acting. I like to take different aspects of different styles of acting that work for me. And that really is what all this training is for. We get to try all these different approaches (mainly within Stanislavski) and activities. Sometimes they work for you, sometimes they don't. I can even think about last semester in Principles II with some of the activities we did. There were some that I absolutely hated because I just didn't get it; for some reason it didn't click in my head. But then there were others that changed me as an actor. They impacted me so deeply that I couldn't help but be affected by it. It was truly astounding how it could go from one extreme to the other in only one class.
So, needless to say I'm optimistically looking forward to this class. I have no earthly idea of the things he will make us do, but I'm ready and willing to participate. I want to learn from this man so much. I guess there is nothing better to say than "O Captain! My Captain!"
First day of classes today. I had all theatre class. Two acting (period styles and principles II) plus a lighting class. I'll probably have a lot more to talk about later, but I'm just going to talk about my first day in principles.
I really wanted to take this class again, even though I did last year. Last year I learned so much over the semester, and when I found out that a falculty member was teaching the class, I knew I had to do it. And not only any ordinary falculty member, a very distinguished member of the theatre community that never teachers undergrad courses. I walked into the class nervous as hell because I really didn't know what to expect. He began talking about his life and some of his experience in theatre. He's one of those men that can talk for hours and I could still be sitting at the edge of my seat, enthralled as ever. He has that sort of power. It was so interesting to listen to.
Then he began to explain the class and his mini-discussion about his philosophy on acting. I kept listening and listening, and the more I heard the more excited I became. He really isn't about one specific method of acting, he believes in everyone exploring their own way to characterization. I'm thrilled with this! I'm a very avid believer that there is no one right way of acting. I like to take different aspects of different styles of acting that work for me. And that really is what all this training is for. We get to try all these different approaches (mainly within Stanislavski) and activities. Sometimes they work for you, sometimes they don't. I can even think about last semester in Principles II with some of the activities we did. There were some that I absolutely hated because I just didn't get it; for some reason it didn't click in my head. But then there were others that changed me as an actor. They impacted me so deeply that I couldn't help but be affected by it. It was truly astounding how it could go from one extreme to the other in only one class.
So, needless to say I'm optimistically looking forward to this class. I have no earthly idea of the things he will make us do, but I'm ready and willing to participate. I want to learn from this man so much. I guess there is nothing better to say than "O Captain! My Captain!"
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Why not both instead? There's the answer if you're clever!
Day 12
I find myself in very scary territory. The world of many shows but not enough time. HOWEVER...I am the master of finding hidden pieces of time where no one can see. It is a great skill of mine!
Anyways, in plain English, I realized today that I have a new acting opportunity that I didn't take into consideration until just now. I hadn't considered participating in RROAPS again this year (the whole subject of RROAPS will be on a later blog) but today I had a moment that changed my mind. Now I'll be auditioning for two shows in one weekend! I figured out a sort of time loop that could possibly work if I do happen to make both shows. I would be extremely happy and lucky and blessed if I did happen to make both shows, but I realize that time is of the essence.
But I keep thinking to myself, "Self, I would rather have too many projects than not enough going on in my life." And these are such great projects, let me tell you! I think as long as I have time, I want to try and do everything that I possibly can! I don't want to see a show and wonder what if I had auditioned. I want to do it all! Which I realize is impossible sometimes, but damn I will try my hardest!
I find myself in very scary territory. The world of many shows but not enough time. HOWEVER...I am the master of finding hidden pieces of time where no one can see. It is a great skill of mine!
Anyways, in plain English, I realized today that I have a new acting opportunity that I didn't take into consideration until just now. I hadn't considered participating in RROAPS again this year (the whole subject of RROAPS will be on a later blog) but today I had a moment that changed my mind. Now I'll be auditioning for two shows in one weekend! I figured out a sort of time loop that could possibly work if I do happen to make both shows. I would be extremely happy and lucky and blessed if I did happen to make both shows, but I realize that time is of the essence.
But I keep thinking to myself, "Self, I would rather have too many projects than not enough going on in my life." And these are such great projects, let me tell you! I think as long as I have time, I want to try and do everything that I possibly can! I don't want to see a show and wonder what if I had auditioned. I want to do it all! Which I realize is impossible sometimes, but damn I will try my hardest!
Monday, January 11, 2010
You are the weakest link...GOODBYE!
Day 11
I have a weird and probably unhealthy addiction to reality shows. When I had free time and a tv in my room, I would watch countless hours of pointless shows. I watched the original Survivor...and American Idol.....and Big Brother. So you can imagine my addiction has carried over into my current adult-like life. I will still watch them every once in a while, but I don't get to as much as I would like (which is probably a good thing). And, sad to say, I've always wanted to be on a game show. Probably nothing like Real World or Big Brother or anything...if I had to choose one it would probably be Amazing Race.
But just recently I thought...I can now never be on a reality show. Unless it was one to find the next big actor, which would never be, then I can't be on it! Everyone that gets on these shows ends up getting their 15 minutes of fame, and then fading into oblivion. And of course there are some of these people that attempt to get a career in acting, but they are always known as "That one chick from that reality show". Even if they wanted to be an actor to begin with. Their chances are ruined now.
Now I'm not saying this happens to all reality show contestants. I mean, look at Elizabeth Hastleback, who was on Survivor and now co-hosts the View. And there are a few others who have gotten into some movies and tv shows. But now a days reality show stars are a dime a dozen, so there is nothing special about them now. Which makes me sad because I would love to be on a reality show, but I know I will never be looked on as a good actress as soon as I'm on camera. My legitimacy goes down the drain.
So no Wheel of Fortune for me :(
I have a weird and probably unhealthy addiction to reality shows. When I had free time and a tv in my room, I would watch countless hours of pointless shows. I watched the original Survivor...and American Idol.....and Big Brother. So you can imagine my addiction has carried over into my current adult-like life. I will still watch them every once in a while, but I don't get to as much as I would like (which is probably a good thing). And, sad to say, I've always wanted to be on a game show. Probably nothing like Real World or Big Brother or anything...if I had to choose one it would probably be Amazing Race.
But just recently I thought...I can now never be on a reality show. Unless it was one to find the next big actor, which would never be, then I can't be on it! Everyone that gets on these shows ends up getting their 15 minutes of fame, and then fading into oblivion. And of course there are some of these people that attempt to get a career in acting, but they are always known as "That one chick from that reality show". Even if they wanted to be an actor to begin with. Their chances are ruined now.
Now I'm not saying this happens to all reality show contestants. I mean, look at Elizabeth Hastleback, who was on Survivor and now co-hosts the View. And there are a few others who have gotten into some movies and tv shows. But now a days reality show stars are a dime a dozen, so there is nothing special about them now. Which makes me sad because I would love to be on a reality show, but I know I will never be looked on as a good actress as soon as I'm on camera. My legitimacy goes down the drain.
So no Wheel of Fortune for me :(
I oughta be in the pictures!....or not
Day 10
I auditioned for my a movie teaser thingy yesterday, and it made me realize how much I hate acting for the camera. It's just not my cup of tea. For me, it feels like I have to take my acting and squeeze it into this tiny box that I can't move outside of. And that's exactly how I feel when I act in front of a camera. I feel so claustrophobic because I can't move outside of the shot. And then there's the fact that I feel like you can't be spontaneous with your acting. It's all about consistency.
I think I don't like it as much because my favorite style of acting is big, over-the-top character acting; and while this can be seen on camera, if done wrong it can turn into really bad and campy acting. There's a very fine line.
I don't know. I'm not going to pretend like I know a lot about acting for the camera. I don't. I haven't done it like at all except for auditions. I just know at this point I don't like it. But, I'm not going to count it out completely. It's just a new area of acting that I'm not used to. I guess it would be like me attempting to do a Kabuki style show without any knowledge of what it is. I'm going to get a lot of practice at it this year, however. I'll get to do a webseries, so hopefully that will help me get better and maybe gain a better understand of this type of acting.
I auditioned for my a movie teaser thingy yesterday, and it made me realize how much I hate acting for the camera. It's just not my cup of tea. For me, it feels like I have to take my acting and squeeze it into this tiny box that I can't move outside of. And that's exactly how I feel when I act in front of a camera. I feel so claustrophobic because I can't move outside of the shot. And then there's the fact that I feel like you can't be spontaneous with your acting. It's all about consistency.
I think I don't like it as much because my favorite style of acting is big, over-the-top character acting; and while this can be seen on camera, if done wrong it can turn into really bad and campy acting. There's a very fine line.
I don't know. I'm not going to pretend like I know a lot about acting for the camera. I don't. I haven't done it like at all except for auditions. I just know at this point I don't like it. But, I'm not going to count it out completely. It's just a new area of acting that I'm not used to. I guess it would be like me attempting to do a Kabuki style show without any knowledge of what it is. I'm going to get a lot of practice at it this year, however. I'll get to do a webseries, so hopefully that will help me get better and maybe gain a better understand of this type of acting.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
The thing you gotta know is everything is showbiz!
Day 9
I'm not a big resolutions person. I've actually been a lot better this year with my resolutions, however. I've already done 2 of them, but I've dropped one. Story of my life...two steps forward, one step back. Anyways, one of my resolutions is to read more plays. There are so many reasons why I need to read plays. The first one would be that it's the best way to find monologues. I hate finding monologues last minute because I'm never satisfied with what I find. It's those moments when I read a play and read a monologue that's perfect for me that I feel great! And's it's so much more legitamate than going online or looking through a monologue book. Not that I'm judging people who do, because I do and have done that a lot. But it's not a good habbit, and I need to break it!
Another reason is because I'm an undegrad and soooooooooo green when it comes to classic plays. I've read quite a bit of plays, but I haven't had the chance to read the classics! I've read some, but I feel like I need to know where theatre has evolved from and what has made it what it is today. I'm not a big classic fan, which I guess might be because I've been practically raised in modern theatre. But I think I need to know what has been done before so I can break the rules.
I'm not a big resolutions person. I've actually been a lot better this year with my resolutions, however. I've already done 2 of them, but I've dropped one. Story of my life...two steps forward, one step back. Anyways, one of my resolutions is to read more plays. There are so many reasons why I need to read plays. The first one would be that it's the best way to find monologues. I hate finding monologues last minute because I'm never satisfied with what I find. It's those moments when I read a play and read a monologue that's perfect for me that I feel great! And's it's so much more legitamate than going online or looking through a monologue book. Not that I'm judging people who do, because I do and have done that a lot. But it's not a good habbit, and I need to break it!
Another reason is because I'm an undegrad and soooooooooo green when it comes to classic plays. I've read quite a bit of plays, but I haven't had the chance to read the classics! I've read some, but I feel like I need to know where theatre has evolved from and what has made it what it is today. I'm not a big classic fan, which I guess might be because I've been practically raised in modern theatre. But I think I need to know what has been done before so I can break the rules.
Friday, January 8, 2010
I just want someone to love me....for my MONEY!
Day 8
Shit. One week in and I already miss one. But, to my defense, it was a very busy day. So I'll make it up with two posts. This one will be good. I can't make the same promise for my second one.
It was announced yesterday that Norbert Leo Butz is going to be the lead in the West End transfer of "Enron: The Musical". I have heard of this musical, but I don't know what it's about; however, the fact that Norbert Leo Butz is going to be in it makes me uber uber excited. He is one of my idols of the Broadway stage. For those who don't know who this man is, he is probably most famous for being the original Fiero in "Wicked". He has also been in "The Last Five Years" and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels". He had a small supporting role in the Steve Carrel movie "Dan in Real Life" as one of his brothers. Anyways, I love him to death and here is why:
For my 18th birthday my parents gave my tickets to see the touring cast of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" in Dallas. Cool, right? But to make it even cooler, Norbert Leo Butz was touring with the cast! I liked him since I was a freshman in high school, so I was ecstatic! Getting to see a Broadway actor in his Tony winning performance is awesome! So we went and heard on the radio that it was his last stop, and we saw the last show Sunday afternoon. I got to see his last performance in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" EVER. And let me tell you, he delivered. It was one of those performances where you are just awestruck the entire time. He could sing, he was hilarious.....gah. There are really only a handful of performances that I've seen that I've been completely blown away by, and his was one of them. There are just no words to describe it. Youtube that shit.
So, needless to say he is one of my Broadway idols. I was hoping to catch him in "Catch Me if You Can" but since it's not coming to Broadway until the fall I won't get to see him again :( It's ok though. He'll be amazing in anything he does.
Shit. One week in and I already miss one. But, to my defense, it was a very busy day. So I'll make it up with two posts. This one will be good. I can't make the same promise for my second one.
It was announced yesterday that Norbert Leo Butz is going to be the lead in the West End transfer of "Enron: The Musical". I have heard of this musical, but I don't know what it's about; however, the fact that Norbert Leo Butz is going to be in it makes me uber uber excited. He is one of my idols of the Broadway stage. For those who don't know who this man is, he is probably most famous for being the original Fiero in "Wicked". He has also been in "The Last Five Years" and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels". He had a small supporting role in the Steve Carrel movie "Dan in Real Life" as one of his brothers. Anyways, I love him to death and here is why:
For my 18th birthday my parents gave my tickets to see the touring cast of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" in Dallas. Cool, right? But to make it even cooler, Norbert Leo Butz was touring with the cast! I liked him since I was a freshman in high school, so I was ecstatic! Getting to see a Broadway actor in his Tony winning performance is awesome! So we went and heard on the radio that it was his last stop, and we saw the last show Sunday afternoon. I got to see his last performance in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" EVER. And let me tell you, he delivered. It was one of those performances where you are just awestruck the entire time. He could sing, he was hilarious.....gah. There are really only a handful of performances that I've seen that I've been completely blown away by, and his was one of them. There are just no words to describe it. Youtube that shit.
So, needless to say he is one of my Broadway idols. I was hoping to catch him in "Catch Me if You Can" but since it's not coming to Broadway until the fall I won't get to see him again :( It's ok though. He'll be amazing in anything he does.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Work is what you do for others, art is what you do for yourself
Day 7
It's officially been a week since I started this blog. I've been good so far, so here's hoping it will continue!
This one will be a short blog because I'm super tired and have work in the morning. Which brings me to my topic: work and theatre. I only recently have found how difficult it is to juggle theatre and pretty much everything else. My parents thankfully knew how difficult it was to juggle work and school, so they let me not work so I could focus on school. This year I decided to keep my summer job because money is hard to come by, especially when living off-campus. And now I have the extra job of juggling classes along with homework, a job, and theatre. There were some days last semester when I would go to school at 8am and not go home until 11pm. It's stressful!
Don't get me wrong, I love being busy. If I wasn't this busy I'd go crazy. But if you get involved with theatre, you have to learn how to juggle two or three more balls in your life. Theatre is a second job, there's no about about it. The number of hours you put into it every day, plus the extra hours outside of rehearsals, and technicals that last all night...can you imagine if we actually got paid for all that??? Or, if you get to be a professional actor and actually got paid for that, to get a pay scale that represents the amount of work you put into it? It's crazy.
I just recently was in a play where I actually got paid to act. Mind you, it wasn't much at all, but the fact that I actually got money for it brought a whole new dimension to the whole acting thing. I've only done it for free, and only for myself to get better. Now to add the whole money thing to it...it makes me want to do it as a job. I wish I could do it as an actual job. That's my goal in life. I don't have to be famous, I just want to be able to act professionally, as a job, for the rest of my life and not have to do anything else for money. We'll see if that happens!
It's officially been a week since I started this blog. I've been good so far, so here's hoping it will continue!
This one will be a short blog because I'm super tired and have work in the morning. Which brings me to my topic: work and theatre. I only recently have found how difficult it is to juggle theatre and pretty much everything else. My parents thankfully knew how difficult it was to juggle work and school, so they let me not work so I could focus on school. This year I decided to keep my summer job because money is hard to come by, especially when living off-campus. And now I have the extra job of juggling classes along with homework, a job, and theatre. There were some days last semester when I would go to school at 8am and not go home until 11pm. It's stressful!
Don't get me wrong, I love being busy. If I wasn't this busy I'd go crazy. But if you get involved with theatre, you have to learn how to juggle two or three more balls in your life. Theatre is a second job, there's no about about it. The number of hours you put into it every day, plus the extra hours outside of rehearsals, and technicals that last all night...can you imagine if we actually got paid for all that??? Or, if you get to be a professional actor and actually got paid for that, to get a pay scale that represents the amount of work you put into it? It's crazy.
I just recently was in a play where I actually got paid to act. Mind you, it wasn't much at all, but the fact that I actually got money for it brought a whole new dimension to the whole acting thing. I've only done it for free, and only for myself to get better. Now to add the whole money thing to it...it makes me want to do it as a job. I wish I could do it as an actual job. That's my goal in life. I don't have to be famous, I just want to be able to act professionally, as a job, for the rest of my life and not have to do anything else for money. We'll see if that happens!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
" Man was created as a being who should constantly keep improving, a being who on reaching one goal sets a higher one."- Ralph Ransom
Day 6
I'm up to 2 followers so far! Huzzah!
For a middle-sized West Texas town, Lubbock has a lot of opportunities for actors. Now mind you, there aren't nearly as much as I would like, but there are a good number of places that will give you a chance to work on your craft. I think that's one of the most important things with acting, the more you work the better you get. In the general sense. Personally, I found that I have improved tremendously since I was in my first play in 4th grade. I've had a lot of training now yes, with a lot of acting classes, but I say the great majority of the things I learn are from actually being in a show. And I love being able to observe other actors while you're working with them. I found that recently I've been doing that a lot. I've had the chance to work with some really fantastic actors, and sometimes all you can do is just sit back and watch the magic happen.
I find it very similar to teaching. I'm about to start my student teaching for Theatre education, and everyone tells me that the actual student teaching part of your education doesn't prepare you at all for the actual job. They give you some helpful hints, but you really have to sort of dive in yourself and discover how to teach on your own. I think the exact same way about acting. I think acting classes can help you, sometimes a lot, but you really can't absorb your head around it until you actually get the chance to create a role onstage. I always say how I hate to look back at my previous shows because I've grown a lot and I wish I could have known what I do now. There are very few of my performances that I actually liked, and most of them have been only recent ones.
I feel like I'm getting better, even if it's not reflected in the department. Hopefully I am at least, or else I feel like a jackass and wasting other people's time. I guess only time can tell.
I'm up to 2 followers so far! Huzzah!
For a middle-sized West Texas town, Lubbock has a lot of opportunities for actors. Now mind you, there aren't nearly as much as I would like, but there are a good number of places that will give you a chance to work on your craft. I think that's one of the most important things with acting, the more you work the better you get. In the general sense. Personally, I found that I have improved tremendously since I was in my first play in 4th grade. I've had a lot of training now yes, with a lot of acting classes, but I say the great majority of the things I learn are from actually being in a show. And I love being able to observe other actors while you're working with them. I found that recently I've been doing that a lot. I've had the chance to work with some really fantastic actors, and sometimes all you can do is just sit back and watch the magic happen.
I find it very similar to teaching. I'm about to start my student teaching for Theatre education, and everyone tells me that the actual student teaching part of your education doesn't prepare you at all for the actual job. They give you some helpful hints, but you really have to sort of dive in yourself and discover how to teach on your own. I think the exact same way about acting. I think acting classes can help you, sometimes a lot, but you really can't absorb your head around it until you actually get the chance to create a role onstage. I always say how I hate to look back at my previous shows because I've grown a lot and I wish I could have known what I do now. There are very few of my performances that I actually liked, and most of them have been only recent ones.
I feel like I'm getting better, even if it's not reflected in the department. Hopefully I am at least, or else I feel like a jackass and wasting other people's time. I guess only time can tell.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
"Do what you feel in your heart to be right. You'll be criticized anyway." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Day 5
I love doing theatre more than anything in the world. I think about it all the time and can't imagine myself doing anything else. While there are so many good things that come with it, there's one aspect that has plighted me ever since I got serious with the whole theatre thing. I equate it to the law of diminishing returns in economics. It basically refers to how the marginal production of a factor of production starts to progressively decrease as the factor is increased...according the wikipedia. In human terms, it basically means if you are starving and get a slice of pizza, that first bite will be the best, the second bite will be good, but not as good...and so on and so forth with each step diminishing in value.
I apply it to theatre in this sense: When I first watched plays, I could thoroughly enjoy it from start to finish without a second thought. As I got more involved with theatre and started learning more about the art, my enjoyment has diminished with each play I see. Now, this is not the case with every show I see, but I find it to fit in a general sense. I can't go to a show and thoroughly enjoy it anymore. I always sit there and critique a show, no matter how good it is. I just find little nit-picky things that random people would never see but I focus in on. I don't like it most of the time. I would give anything to have that innocence again and be able to just sit back and enjoy a show. I don't do it as much with professional shows, but I've mainly just seen professionally done musicals, so I'm not sure how I would react to a straight play on Broadway.
The funny thing is that this fault/gift of mine has drifted over into my family as well. After we see a show together, we'll all wait until we get into the minivan and then rip the show apart. I'm usually the worst one, but my mom has grown to be the little critic herself. And I give her props because she's seen every show I've been in plus a lot of shows she's seen on her own since I've been gone. It's funny to hear her Peggy Hill voice say "Well I thought his performance was ok, but his diction was terrible and I didn't feel his connection to the character." I'm proud of her for being able to form an actual opinion about it compared to the normal reaction of most audience members in our area which is "Oh, that was nice."
I will try to slowly grow out of this phase. I don't think I'll ever be able to turn off the critic inside me, but I should be able to hide it enough to enjoy a show or two.
I love doing theatre more than anything in the world. I think about it all the time and can't imagine myself doing anything else. While there are so many good things that come with it, there's one aspect that has plighted me ever since I got serious with the whole theatre thing. I equate it to the law of diminishing returns in economics. It basically refers to how the marginal production of a factor of production starts to progressively decrease as the factor is increased...according the wikipedia. In human terms, it basically means if you are starving and get a slice of pizza, that first bite will be the best, the second bite will be good, but not as good...and so on and so forth with each step diminishing in value.
I apply it to theatre in this sense: When I first watched plays, I could thoroughly enjoy it from start to finish without a second thought. As I got more involved with theatre and started learning more about the art, my enjoyment has diminished with each play I see. Now, this is not the case with every show I see, but I find it to fit in a general sense. I can't go to a show and thoroughly enjoy it anymore. I always sit there and critique a show, no matter how good it is. I just find little nit-picky things that random people would never see but I focus in on. I don't like it most of the time. I would give anything to have that innocence again and be able to just sit back and enjoy a show. I don't do it as much with professional shows, but I've mainly just seen professionally done musicals, so I'm not sure how I would react to a straight play on Broadway.
The funny thing is that this fault/gift of mine has drifted over into my family as well. After we see a show together, we'll all wait until we get into the minivan and then rip the show apart. I'm usually the worst one, but my mom has grown to be the little critic herself. And I give her props because she's seen every show I've been in plus a lot of shows she's seen on her own since I've been gone. It's funny to hear her Peggy Hill voice say "Well I thought his performance was ok, but his diction was terrible and I didn't feel his connection to the character." I'm proud of her for being able to form an actual opinion about it compared to the normal reaction of most audience members in our area which is "Oh, that was nice."
I will try to slowly grow out of this phase. I don't think I'll ever be able to turn off the critic inside me, but I should be able to hide it enough to enjoy a show or two.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Love me, that's all I ask of you
Day 4
Over the break I got to watch a documentary about the making of "Phantom of the Opera" called "Behind the Mask". Now I'll be the first to admit, I'm not the biggest Phantom of the Opera fan. I have a love/hate relationship with Andrew Loyd Webber. I think his shows have really great and iconic songs. I absolutely love "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "Jesus Christ Superstar". I hate "Cats". I like some of the songs in "Cats", but the show as a whole is boring. I like "Phantom of the Opera" sometimes, but I have only the movie to base this off of and the movie isn't that good. But, anyways...
The documentary was really interesting. It wasn't an inspiring one like the In the Heights one I watched on PBS, but it was very informative on the whole process of putting up a musical in the West End. It's funny because they first performed a version of the show in the living room of some guy's house. Can you imagine this extravagant production taking place in a living room? I also didn't know that Michael Crawford wasn't the first choice. He was kind of an accidental find. I felt bad for the guy who they originally chose because he ended up going from the lead role to an ensemble part. Sucks to be him.
But watching the show, there's no denying that Andrew Loyd Webber knows what he's doing. Of course he has some flops on his hands, like "Starlight Express" (a musical about trains? How could you go wrong???) but most of his shows have been major hits. And he has been involved with some of the most popular musical theatre songs of all time. "Memory", "Don't Cry for Me Argentina", "The Phantom of the Opera"...I could go on.
So, while I don't like every little thing that he does, I can appreciate the gift he has. He knows how to get the general public interested in musicals, which is never a bad thing. I respect his talent.
Over the break I got to watch a documentary about the making of "Phantom of the Opera" called "Behind the Mask". Now I'll be the first to admit, I'm not the biggest Phantom of the Opera fan. I have a love/hate relationship with Andrew Loyd Webber. I think his shows have really great and iconic songs. I absolutely love "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "Jesus Christ Superstar". I hate "Cats". I like some of the songs in "Cats", but the show as a whole is boring. I like "Phantom of the Opera" sometimes, but I have only the movie to base this off of and the movie isn't that good. But, anyways...
The documentary was really interesting. It wasn't an inspiring one like the In the Heights one I watched on PBS, but it was very informative on the whole process of putting up a musical in the West End. It's funny because they first performed a version of the show in the living room of some guy's house. Can you imagine this extravagant production taking place in a living room? I also didn't know that Michael Crawford wasn't the first choice. He was kind of an accidental find. I felt bad for the guy who they originally chose because he ended up going from the lead role to an ensemble part. Sucks to be him.
But watching the show, there's no denying that Andrew Loyd Webber knows what he's doing. Of course he has some flops on his hands, like "Starlight Express" (a musical about trains? How could you go wrong???) but most of his shows have been major hits. And he has been involved with some of the most popular musical theatre songs of all time. "Memory", "Don't Cry for Me Argentina", "The Phantom of the Opera"...I could go on.
So, while I don't like every little thing that he does, I can appreciate the gift he has. He knows how to get the general public interested in musicals, which is never a bad thing. I respect his talent.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
We'll never get to heaven til we reach that day
Day 3
Another musical post again, but this is because I was listening to musicals non-stop on the way home for 2 hours. I like a lot of musicals. Some people say I'm like a walking dictionary of musicals, which is not true but I know quite a bit. And I have to say that my favorite musical would have to be "Ragtime". It's not as big and flashy as other musicals, it's just the music is absolutely beautiful and the lyrics are amazing.
I'm not going to go all analytical about it. You can wikipedia that shit if you want to know what it's about. This is about its Act 1 Finale. I have this weird fixation on Act 1 Finales. I don't know where it comes from, but I'm kinda obsessed. Anyways, I truly believe that Ragtime has one of the best, if not the best, Act 1 finale. I might be partial to it because I was actually in the show, but I still think it's one of the best.
No, it doesn't have the main character ascending 20ft above the stage singing a high E, there's something more. I can't explain it really, but the song is absolutely beautiful and every character is onstage with their own personal strife and emotions. I remember being a freshman in high school doing this show at the theatre in town, and at the time I didn't realize how great it was. The one thing I do remember is singing the song and getting emotional from just singing it. I wasn't even experienced or in control of my emotions and it stilled pulled that from it. It's just fantastic all around.
Another musical post again, but this is because I was listening to musicals non-stop on the way home for 2 hours. I like a lot of musicals. Some people say I'm like a walking dictionary of musicals, which is not true but I know quite a bit. And I have to say that my favorite musical would have to be "Ragtime". It's not as big and flashy as other musicals, it's just the music is absolutely beautiful and the lyrics are amazing.
I'm not going to go all analytical about it. You can wikipedia that shit if you want to know what it's about. This is about its Act 1 Finale. I have this weird fixation on Act 1 Finales. I don't know where it comes from, but I'm kinda obsessed. Anyways, I truly believe that Ragtime has one of the best, if not the best, Act 1 finale. I might be partial to it because I was actually in the show, but I still think it's one of the best.
No, it doesn't have the main character ascending 20ft above the stage singing a high E, there's something more. I can't explain it really, but the song is absolutely beautiful and every character is onstage with their own personal strife and emotions. I remember being a freshman in high school doing this show at the theatre in town, and at the time I didn't realize how great it was. The one thing I do remember is singing the song and getting emotional from just singing it. I wasn't even experienced or in control of my emotions and it stilled pulled that from it. It's just fantastic all around.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
We can either be distinct or wind up merely mediocre...but not me!
Day 2
Not a lot of acting going on for me, so I'll talk about how much I adore [title of show]. For those who don't know, [title of show] is a musical about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical. I don't exactly remember how I came across it; I think I found it randomly on Amazon.com and ordered it. It's a pretty good musical. A lot of the songs are very catchy and the lyrics are hysterical one minute and then very poignant the next.
That's not why I love this show.
I love this show because it has so much heart and soul that it's insane! I've just recently come upon youtube videos with bootlegs of the show, and you can see how much these 4 people love what they are doing at that moment. There's one that just gets me every time. **Sidenote**: For those who don't know, the show first started like Off-Off-Broadway a while ago, then slowly moved to Off-Broadway, and surprisingly made it to a Broadway theatre (With only 4 actors, 4 chairs, and 1 piano). That's crazy!!! They didn't last very long, only a couple of months, but the fact that they made it all the way to Broadway says something. Anyways, I digress, this one clip shows them singing a song on their closing night on Broadway, and it's so heartbreaking and beautiful!
I've also been watching their youtube series they did while preparing for broadway called "The [title of show] show". They are hilarious and it's interesting to see how they get ready for a big-time audience. And I love all the Broadway star cameos. **Another Sidenote**: One kinda-big Broadway star that made a cameo on one of the episodes is named Michael Arden (know this guy's name because he's going to make it big) is from Midland, TX and when I was in elementary school I went with a friend of mine to his senior voice recital. Cool little tidbit.
But, the whole point of this, besides displaying my adoration for this show, is to show how inspiring it is. Even in these little webisodes where they are goofing around and parodying things, you see that spark in their eyes. They live it, they breathe it. They want it so badly that if they don't get it they'll probably die. You can't help but watch and see this. It's infectious. And it inspires me tremendously. I've had so many downs, probably more than I can count and certainly more than my ups; but so has every single person in this field. I'm sure these four faced so much adversity trying to get this show out to the public. The point is when you do have adversity is to get up, dust yourself off, and try to get back on the horse again.
And that's where I'm at right now. I was sitting good on the horse and got kicked off. Now's my chance to dust myself off and get back on.
Not a lot of acting going on for me, so I'll talk about how much I adore [title of show]. For those who don't know, [title of show] is a musical about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical. I don't exactly remember how I came across it; I think I found it randomly on Amazon.com and ordered it. It's a pretty good musical. A lot of the songs are very catchy and the lyrics are hysterical one minute and then very poignant the next.
That's not why I love this show.
I love this show because it has so much heart and soul that it's insane! I've just recently come upon youtube videos with bootlegs of the show, and you can see how much these 4 people love what they are doing at that moment. There's one that just gets me every time. **Sidenote**: For those who don't know, the show first started like Off-Off-Broadway a while ago, then slowly moved to Off-Broadway, and surprisingly made it to a Broadway theatre (With only 4 actors, 4 chairs, and 1 piano). That's crazy!!! They didn't last very long, only a couple of months, but the fact that they made it all the way to Broadway says something. Anyways, I digress, this one clip shows them singing a song on their closing night on Broadway, and it's so heartbreaking and beautiful!
I've also been watching their youtube series they did while preparing for broadway called "The [title of show] show". They are hilarious and it's interesting to see how they get ready for a big-time audience. And I love all the Broadway star cameos. **Another Sidenote**: One kinda-big Broadway star that made a cameo on one of the episodes is named Michael Arden (know this guy's name because he's going to make it big) is from Midland, TX and when I was in elementary school I went with a friend of mine to his senior voice recital. Cool little tidbit.
But, the whole point of this, besides displaying my adoration for this show, is to show how inspiring it is. Even in these little webisodes where they are goofing around and parodying things, you see that spark in their eyes. They live it, they breathe it. They want it so badly that if they don't get it they'll probably die. You can't help but watch and see this. It's infectious. And it inspires me tremendously. I've had so many downs, probably more than I can count and certainly more than my ups; but so has every single person in this field. I'm sure these four faced so much adversity trying to get this show out to the public. The point is when you do have adversity is to get up, dust yourself off, and try to get back on the horse again.
And that's where I'm at right now. I was sitting good on the horse and got kicked off. Now's my chance to dust myself off and get back on.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start
Day 1
This is my first, big New Year's resolution. This blog. I have another acting one that kind of died off, but this one is going to be different. I've learned from the last one and have developed this new one for me and my new year.
Here's the general gist: This blog is called Project Actor365 because as a famous,old, and crazy Mexican actor once told a group of aspiring actors/directors/playwrights/technicians/stage managers...you have be in it 7 days a week. You have to live, breathe, eat, sleep, and make sweet, sweet love to the art of acting (or your respective field). Inspired by that sentiment, I am starting this blog as a project in which I can constantly work on my craft 7 days a week. I plan to write a blog dealing with some sort of aspect of acting and theatre every day for a full year!
Ta da!!! It's as simple as that!
...or really it's a daunting task when I think about it. It was hard for me to keep up with my other one, much less one that I have to attend to every day. But i think this will help me to keep up with a type of acting journal that I've always tried to do for my acting classes. And, if not, at least it's a little entry into the mind of a struggling theatre student.
Here are some of my ground rules:
*I have to write a blog every day
*It has to deal with only theatre-y things. No venting about how life sucks unless it ties into a theatre-y thing.
*No bad-mouthing anyone I know. I have a bad habit of critiquing everything that I see, and while I think it's a skill you have to have, I don't want this blog to be about that. I don't think it's fair to use this as a weapon of mass critiquing since we are all learning and growing. BUT, all those Hollywood actors are fair game, because let's face it, half of them can't act anyway :)
*If I complete this by December 31, 2010 I have to buy myself something extra cool that is theatre-y....another incentive if you will.
I think that about does it. I know the likely hood of anyone other than myself reading this is slim to none, but maybe I can reach at least one person. It's that whole [title of show] "9 people's favorite thing than 100 people's ninth favorite thing" type of crap I guess. But most importantly this is for me. I need something to keep my love for theatre a-going. I apologize in advance if this isn't what you think; if I'm not prolific enough or have enough puns to satisfy your craving.
This is all me, Christina Jones: student, actress, and self-deprecating fool. Here's to the start of a good year!
This is my first, big New Year's resolution. This blog. I have another acting one that kind of died off, but this one is going to be different. I've learned from the last one and have developed this new one for me and my new year.
Here's the general gist: This blog is called Project Actor365 because as a famous,old, and crazy Mexican actor once told a group of aspiring actors/directors/playwrights/technicians/stage managers...you have be in it 7 days a week. You have to live, breathe, eat, sleep, and make sweet, sweet love to the art of acting (or your respective field). Inspired by that sentiment, I am starting this blog as a project in which I can constantly work on my craft 7 days a week. I plan to write a blog dealing with some sort of aspect of acting and theatre every day for a full year!
Ta da!!! It's as simple as that!
...or really it's a daunting task when I think about it. It was hard for me to keep up with my other one, much less one that I have to attend to every day. But i think this will help me to keep up with a type of acting journal that I've always tried to do for my acting classes. And, if not, at least it's a little entry into the mind of a struggling theatre student.
Here are some of my ground rules:
*I have to write a blog every day
*It has to deal with only theatre-y things. No venting about how life sucks unless it ties into a theatre-y thing.
*No bad-mouthing anyone I know. I have a bad habit of critiquing everything that I see, and while I think it's a skill you have to have, I don't want this blog to be about that. I don't think it's fair to use this as a weapon of mass critiquing since we are all learning and growing. BUT, all those Hollywood actors are fair game, because let's face it, half of them can't act anyway :)
*If I complete this by December 31, 2010 I have to buy myself something extra cool that is theatre-y....another incentive if you will.
I think that about does it. I know the likely hood of anyone other than myself reading this is slim to none, but maybe I can reach at least one person. It's that whole [title of show] "9 people's favorite thing than 100 people's ninth favorite thing" type of crap I guess. But most importantly this is for me. I need something to keep my love for theatre a-going. I apologize in advance if this isn't what you think; if I'm not prolific enough or have enough puns to satisfy your craving.
This is all me, Christina Jones: student, actress, and self-deprecating fool. Here's to the start of a good year!
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About Me
- Actor365
- Lubbock, TX, United States
- Lover of theatre, musicals, friends, milk, reality tv, tap dancing, slurpees, and cuddling