This Week's Auditions!

I've been battling that sore throat that was making it's way around LA and a week later, avoiding alcohol (ok, I had 2 glasses of wine), and eating healthy, I feel like I'm almost back to normal!  Luckily, I had Monday off to take a little break and rest up before a busy week with two auditions in addition to my normal work schedule.

On Wednesday I had a Hair Audition in Woodland Hills for a Webcast.  I got there early and was told it was actually starting 15 minutes later than planned and when I got to the holding area there were about 50 people already waiting so I was glad I got there when I did.  By the time they started the casting about 20 more ladies had arrived.  They announced that for this Webcast they were looking for girls with thinner hair.  They needed a short-haired and long-haired model.  Thankfully, some of the girls knew they weren't right for the casting with their full thick curls or extra long hair and thanked the stylist and left.  They do give some instructions and this one included no processed hair so as the stylist dismissed the bleached blondes I wondered why they would want to waste their time knowing they couldn't be cast in this project.  We are all so busy in our lives, so driving out to Woodland Hills isn't a five minute trip, it took me an hour round-trip, I'd want to make sure I fit the exact description of the casting.  As the stylist walked through the mass of girls and came to me she approved me for the next round.  We got cut down to about 25 and after they went through the short-haired models they got to us.  Now we had the stylist and director checking out our hair and the director loved mine, saying it was so full and pretty, and then pulled it back.  The stylist asked if it would be too much, and he said it just might be, but thanked me for coming and said I had a great head of hair.  From other conversations I heard it sounded like they were doing updo's and adding in extensions and with a full head of hair, mine would be too thick for the look they were going for.  Now, I can't really be mad about this, not even disappointed.  I got a great compliment and made it to the second round.  Let's just hope the next Hair Casting I go to, that they're looking for full bouncy hair and maybe I'll get that one ;)

Yesterday, I filmed a video submission for a Smile Design Center.  It was a wordy script and since I also had to read in Church, I had lots of memorizing to do.  It needed to be taped on a phone for quality purposes (over a webcam) and Neil helped me out by shooting it for me (thank you for not wanting to kill me after all those takes).  I think I did about 50 takes and just couldn't get it perfect.  I am a perfectionist and for me, it either got too saleswoman with a sales pitch, or too best friend and lost that excitement and energy.  I hate to give up on something but knew I had to walk away because the longer I was working on it, the more frustrated I got.  I tried it sitting, standing, in my heels, without them, and everything in between.  Maybe I was being too hard on myself because as I watched all the takes today to decide which one I was sending my Agent, I picked out two that I was happy with, though not perfect.  My Agent got back to me this morning after I had texted him last night saying I didn't love any of them and he said, a good painter must know when to stop; Casting was looking for personality and delivery.  When he saw both I sent, he agreed that his favorite was also mine, and it was natural and personable, plus my gestures sold it.  So...fingers crossed on this one...

It was great to get back into the Audition game and will be happy for more to come!

One week into 2014...

Already a week into 2014 and so much has happened.  I've been sick with a cold/sore throat for most of it but stayed true to my new song at Karaoke and finished out a great run of Babes In Toyland with an awesome cast and crew!

Last Saturday was my last week playing Mary Contrary in Babes In Toyland.  It ran for six weeks at The Miles Playhouse and we had our original cast together for the final performance.  I felt it was my strongest week singing (even with the laryngitis I had earlier in the week) and we all had so much fun in our roles and bringing magic to the room!  At the end of the show we take photos and talk to the kids and their parents.  One girl came up to me, and after we took pictures together she said that I was her favorite actress and she wanted to go grow up and be just like me.  Those are the moments I live for and the reason I do what I do.  I want to inspire people and here I was 25 years later, performing in Children's Theater, doing exactly what I watched other actors do, and knowing at that time I wanted to do the same thing.  It's one of my favorite acting moments to date!

Meeting my favorite fan ;)

I'm also so glad I got to see a bunch of my cast mates in Rapunzel which was playing at 1 pm on Saturday as well.  I felt like a little kid watching and booing for the villains and cheering for the prince and princess.  It was so neat to watch the children's faces throughout the room taking the show in.  When we were performing for Babes In Toyland I wasn't able to see how much the kids really enjoyed us as I did watching this other show.  It's literally magic :)

The Babes In Toyland cast after a performance in December!

By Wednesday I had a full-on sore throat so I'm surprised I was even able to sing for my first night back hosting Karaoke in 2014.  I opened the night with 'Here Without You' by Three Doors Down and joined Marty on a couple songs throughout the night including 'Careless Whisper' and 'Lucky' by Jason Mraz and Colbie Callait.  My new song of the night was 'Bathwater' by No Doubt and since I had some friends visiting I also sang Tracy Chapman's 'Give Me One Reason To Stay Here' which was great for my low turtle voice.  It's all about song choice and I think I chose right considering I was under the weather.

 Creating Arts is gearing up for another great season and they're casting a bunch of their upcoming shows in the next week or two and I can't wait to get involved with another show.  This cold better scram pretty soon so I can be all prepped and ready for Princess Time!

2014 Resolutions and Goals!

We are all eight days into January and most of us have thought about our resolutions or even started working on them.  I wanted to take a few days to think about my 2013 resolutions and achievements, build on that and think about what I wanted for this year ahead.

 

Already an incredible New Year so far, here is my toast to 2014: To new beginnings and fresh starts.  To a positive outlook fillled with laughter and exciting adventures.  To friends old and new who support and love selflessly with compassion and honesty.  To a loving family who stands by me believing that anything is possible.  To picking up the pieces and trusting that someone who deserves it is holding that missing piece.  To faith, hope and the greatest of these, love.  This is 2014...go out and get it!

 

Goodbye 2013...Hello 2014!

1. Try new Dinner or Happy Hour spots once a month.

There is so much diversity here in Los Angeles, and before I had moved here I had never tried sushi, Indian food, oysters, craft cocktails and beers, various wines (aside from Boone's Farm), and different cheeses from all over the world to name a few.  Since there are so many places I haven't been but talk about wanting to go to, I have made it my goal to try something new at least once a month.

 

2. Continue to do new things and go out of town more often.

Last year was filled with so much excitement due to new career moves and opportunities, a plethora of concerts at venues throughout Los Angeles, and trips to Carmel, Vegas, Punta Cana, and Santa Barbara.  I want to continue to get out of LA, see and do new things, and continue to take chances on ideas and things that are out of my comfort zone.

 

3. Advance my career in new ways.

This past year I started taking some Casting Director workshops so I could network and hone my skills and get to learn more about the casting process.  This year I want to take some more workshops and classes with teachers and coaches to build my resume.  I also want to book a substantial role that will help me grow, whether it be in a theater production, commercial, TV show, or movie.  This is my dream and I'm working for it!

 

4. Get my ideas up and running!

I've had this idea for a show for a couple years now and I need to get it going.  This would also help to advance my career and creating something on my own is an achievement in itself.  I need to film my ideas and get them posted so my work is out there for Agents and Directors to see.  I've also gotten some more footage over the years so getting my updated Acting Reel posted will also be beneficial to my career.

 

I'm really happy with my resolutions and goals last year and the positive changes I have been making in my life.  This business is a difficult one but I am up for the challenge and I'm ready for what 2014 is going to hand me.  I'm going out and getting it!

My 2013 Resolutions Redux

Last year I made some positive resolutions for the new year.  You can read all the details here: 2013 Resolutions and Goals.  For the most part I kept true to them and much more!

I wanted to create my own web series and post episodes on social media.  Although, I haven't yet gotten that far, the ball is rolling and it's closer to production than before.  Throughout this year I have posted videos and am working towards creating a brand.  I also created a Fantasy Football section on my blog that I updated on a weekly basis.  While it may not be my own show, I am Hosting for Afterbuzz TV which airs LIVE weekly on their website and has all the episodes on YouTube.  Host Lyndsey Wegner for Afterbuzz TV.  My Co-Hosts and I bring viewers a recap, opinions, gossip and news for Supernatural and Shahs of Sunset.  That's me Hosting a show where I can be myself and that's what I wanted!

Hosting for Afterbuzz TV

I was waiting to share the news until I could tell my family and close friends and am happy to report that I now have Representation for TV/Film and Hosting by Chez Chic Talent.  We are currently putting together a portfolio of headshots and photos as well as a video section with all my projects, commercials, and reels.  I finally feel like I have someone who is as excited as I am to find and book work, that wants me to succeed in a business and career sense.  It's a great feeling and hopefully there will be some big work to come this year.

My favorite resolution of last year was to do more new things and get out of LA on a regular basis.  From a trip to Carmel and Clint Eastwood's restaurant with my Mom and Dad, to hitting up Las Vegas for an impromptu trip with my roommate, going to Santa Barbara with Neil, and having a family vacation in Punta Cana; it was nice to travel and do something different and fun.  There were tons of concerts I saw this past year, Sara Bareilles, Keith Urban, Matchbox 20, and Buckcherry to name a few as well as seeing Jekyll & Hyde at The Pantages Theater and other theater performances that were incredible.  I also got involved in the Creating Arts Company and had my first theater experience here in LA being cast as Mary Contrary in Babes In Toyland.

Goo Goo Dolls at The Gibson

As I'm looking back on this past year and the goals I set for myself, I didn't realize how much I've achieved with my hard work and dedication.  I'm getting to do what I love, I'm working at a few bars here in Los Angeles and having a blast and I even get to enjoy some fun experiences.  This 2013 was pretty good but I truly believe that 2014 will be even better!

Off to a good start!

It's the first week of 2013 and I feel like it's already off to a good start!  I've been submitting for jobs all week long, I've read some really amazing articles on Backstage.com, made some plans for collaborations on music and hopefully can come out with a new job, and I'm going to a play tomorrow with Jamie!  The next couple of weeks are going to be really busy but I actually thrive on that so I'm hoping to get a lot accomplished while I'm working my jobs in addition to doing creative things.  Here's my collaboration with Neil Daly at Universal Bar & Grill back in March of U2's 'With or Without You.'

The article I read on Backstage.com was about creating your SWOT Report for an Acting Career, including my strengths and who I look up to or admire, my weaknesses and what I can be working on and improving, my opportunities, am I really getting myself out there as much as possible, and what's threatening my progress and how to overcome it.  I wrote down all the information and it helped me to get a better outlook on what I need to work on and continue doing to really succeed.  This was super beneficial to me and a good way to get my start for 2013!

Next week I'm sending out some e-mails to Agencies for Representation.  It's a fresh week, so hopefully no one is still hungover from New Year's and is ready to get back in action and have an Actress that is determined and hard-working on their roster!  I've got some new collaborations in the works and would love to record some new music and collaborate, and I want to do some more Hosting and gain more experience in that field in a different area because I've worked with Cars and Drivers and loved that!  This new work will hopefully aid in getting an Agent because it shows persistence and drive.

I got my first screener since I joined the Union of 'Argo' so I know they'll be coming in as the next couple of weeks go by because we'll be voting on the SAG Award Nominee's for Best Actress, Picture, Director, etc.  I can't wait to watch all the movies and be a part of the voting process :)

Cheers to a positive outlook, new ideas, and success!

2013 Resolutions and Goals!

I can't believe how quickly 2012 flew by and I'm sure that 2013 will only follow in suit!  Obviously, we all survived the Mayan Death Calendar, although my flight landing in Wisconsin on the 20th during a Blizzard made me think I might go before the 21st, it's already January 3rd and we've got a long road ahead of us to enjoy so much!

I'm so happy that I was able to keep up with my resolutions from last year and will continue to challenge myself to keep them this year because it does feel like a lifestyle change for the positive and I can't wait to add more to that!  Some of my new resolutions seem more like goals, but at the end of the day, I'm striving to achieve more, so either way, if I stick to something and work hard, I'll be happy with my decisions.  These are my goals for 2013!

1.  Create my own Web Series or Show and post Episodes on Social Media.

Watch out 2013...here I come!

I have so many ideas floating around in my brain and this is the year I plan on putting those thoughts on camera!  It'll probably have something to do with cooking and recipes, crazy stories, cars and other fun stuff so I'm really looking forward to making that happen and perhaps even Hosting my own show!

2.  Get Representation.

Now that I joined the SAG/AFTRA Union in November I need to get Theatrical and Commercial Representation so I can go out on more Auditions, book work, and build my resume!  I enjoy submitting myself and book most of my work and jobs on my own so it would be nice to have someone supporting me and getting me out there so I can form new relationships with Casting Directors and Industry people :)

3.  Do new things and go out of town more.

I've been living in Los Angeles for over 7 years and I've been to San Diego once, Temecula once, and Las Vegas a few times.  I have always wanted to go to Catalina, Santa Barbara, etc.  These are places that are a car-ride away so I want to take a day or two and enjoy a different city on occasion; it'll make me appreciate where I live and give me an opportunity to try new things.  I also want to do things I don't normally get to do, like going to plays or seeing Musicals when they come to LA, trying new restaurants instead of sticking with a stand-by, or taking a fun new class.  Groupon and Bloomspot offer great ideas for restaurants and things to do around LA and I often buy restaurant stuff but I'll push myself to buy some activities from now on too!

I think my 2012 positive lifestyle changes in addition to these new resolutions and goals give me a lot to look forward to in 2013!  I'm determined, I'll work even harder, and I'll keep smiling and be patient because one of these days, my hard work will pay off and I'll achieve my hopes and dreams :)

'Yogaphiles' Premiere with my Wolfie!

I love my Saturday night's because they turn into Sunday day's and just round off the week.  Well, this wasn't my typical Saturday night but it shaped up to be pretty amazing!

Andrea had invited me to this Premiere Party & Birthday in Santa Monica and while I initially had plans, things changed and I was able to go to the Premiere and get to spend some much needed 'Wolfie Time' with her!  She had worked on this Web Series and while she wasn't going to be in this episode, I still wanted to support her on a job well done.

Andrea & I "Wolfies"

Red Carpet was at 9:00 and after that they would head inside to V Lounge and do the Premiere.  I made it to Santa Monica by 9:15 and Andrea and her friend, Brian, showed up minutes later.  We each flashed our red carpet smiles and took a couple photos together as well.  I haven't been to V Lounge since I went for a Birthday/Christmas Party at least 3 years ago and not much has changed aside from the fact that it was nearly empty when we got there.  There was a huge area set up for the Premiere and almost all the seats were filled so that was great.  We grabbed cocktails and took a seat.

I thought 'Yogaphiles' was actually very cute and funny; I take Yoga classes so it definitely had it's real moments.  I can't wait to see Andrea's episode!  Everyone got to see a sneak peek of her (she looked beautiful) in the Trailer for the show so that was awesome.  We did a Champagne Toast to kick off the night, appetizers were passed, and once the videos were done we all ate some cake.  Then it was time for some dancing!  The DJ was actually pretty good, playing some old school music from the 2000's (can't believe I have to say old school about that, but with all this new techno/electronica that I can't stand, I have to refer to Justin TImberlake, Britney Spears, Black Eyed Peas, Kings of Leon as old school).  There was a whole super-set of Justin Timberlake so I was stoked!

It did start to fill up in V Lounge as the night went on but we all wanted a change of scenery so we headed over to Bru Haus to see if some of our friends were working.  The bar was packed!  Andrea and I caught up over a couple of beers, I got to know Brian, and we all chatted and had a good time.  Plus, I ran into some of my boys who I hadn't seen in a couple weeks so that brought some more excitement to the night.

Overall, it was a really fun Saturday night and I definitely miss my Wolfie Time.  Lucky for us, we already have a fun outing planned in a week or two :)