It's been a hectic few weeks, both good and bad. I'm going to view the bad as a blessing in disguise – for now. I haven't booked any of my recent auditions and the employment status in the household has become entirely contract/freelance (for now). Despite this, I'm surprisingly calm. I'm definitely more focused and I'm hustlin' like a hooker work-wise.
The casting assisting has been working out well. I enjoy it very much and the casting director I've been working with is an amazing lady. She's been busy, so I've been busy. Whew! It's been fantastic to see the local talent and as an actor it's been an eye-opening experience. What can I take away from it as an actor? Have fun! The audition process is only as terrifying as I make it. I may not be right for every role, but as long as I keep making fun and interesting choices, I'll be called in and hopefully remain in good standing with the CDs and the local film production companies. Also, remember to shut up, listen, smile, have energy and stand on the mark until further direction is given. Everyone in that room wants to see a win. Seriously.
My private coaching and taped audition ventures have been going well. Word of mouth sees to be spreading about the work, so a small client base is building. One of my regular private coaching students got a callback on his first ever commercial audition and I just got a note today from a fellow acting classmate, who I coached for a commercial audition, that she got a callback. It feels almost as good as getting the callback myself. I couldn't be prouder and more certain that I'm on the right track.
The play I'm in is also about to open. I'm having fun, but I must've been crazy to sign up for something set outdoors. I'm so used to being inside that I've forgotten what a weakling my allergies turn me into. On the plus side however, I have discovered that I have the tenacity to figure out how to get out of a tree, even after getting stuck in the tree and unintentionally doing mid-air splits -- I would make a fantastic cat. Maybe in another life.
At this point, I'm trying to stay busy and pick up some of the momentum I lost. Keeping this as a steady gig is what would make me happiest during my lean times, but of course, booking some work would pull me out of my slump(s) for sure. I'm crazy scared about the unknown, but I have a great support system and some great people on my side. I hope it's enough. Cross your fingers for me. I'm not out.
