Once In A Lifetime? Not Always...

So what do you do when you've got that big audition? That HUGE role you're going in for that you just KNOW you're perfect for?

Do you psych yourself up and rehearse like a mad man/woman?

Do you tell yourself that you're just going to do your best and not worry about it?

or

Do you spend a week before the audition wondering how you'll mess up?

I think it's in these times that we are challenged to rely on our training and experience up to this very point. I truly believe that nothing is put in front of us that we cannot handle and that we are not prepared for in some way. Although opportunities will always pop up that will shock/surprise you, I think that it's our reaction to these moments that is the truest test of character.

I recently had a pilot callback for producers for an ABC series. I loved the writing, I just KNEW I was perfect for the role. In the room, I found myself doing something I had never done in rehearsal. My body language was weird, my voice sounded alien to me and I almost felt like I wasn't there. What IS that? I'm usually very confident in rooms and I know I did ample prep before going in.

I have come to realize that I think I put too much pressure on myself to "show" them what I had and how perfect I was instead of just BEING that. Often times, people over perform (in auditions, on dates, in job interviews, at work, on the bus, etc.) to win people over when it's better to just be yourself.

Lesson learned for me. Next time the big one comes, I'll be ready.

Recession-Proof Acting

Many of us act for free anyway, so who cares about a recession!

As many of you know, I'm currently in a sketch group called Elite Delta Force 3 (www.elitedeltaforce3.com). The super talented ladies I work with are all working actresses with successful credits and long resumes. But we also know that no one is going to just throw work at us, so we created our own show and it's SO fulfilling!

So what do you LOVE to do? Comedy? Drama? Plays? Whatever that is, I want us all to REDISCOVER our passions. Regardless of the recession!

If you're just starting out, explore lots of options to find out what interests you most. More than likely, though, you tend to gravitate towards certain areas. If you watch soaps, comedies, horror flicks, whatever -- then you already know where your passion lies. Even if you don't know how to do what you love, you can learn!

Get into training and go after that thing you've been putting off. If you love comedy but don't think you're funny -- get in an improv class! If you love drama but everyone thinks you're hilarious -- jump into a Meisner class and explore your dramatic side. Most importantly, look at things with a LONG TERM vision. You can't expect to take one class and be an expert. It takes YEARS to hone any craft and those who work regularly know that you never stop learning and you can always improve.

All the best!

Doing What You Love

In hard economic times, many of us are doing what we can to make ends meet. But are you still doing what you love? Are you still able to act, shoot or write? Do you have any free time to commit to your passion?

I know we have to work to make money to live. But I think there's a fine line between working and devoting mental energy to jobs that were initially supposed to simply "pay the bills".... I'm not saying that you shouldn't do well at your day job, but I am saying that if you're more concerned with your next promotion than your next audition, your focus may have shifted. And that's okay, I'm just challenging you to take a look at your situation realistically. Do you turn down acting work because you have to work your day job? Have you stopped auditioning altogether?

If you're still interested in acting (if not, that's okay too!)? Honestly reevaluate your priorities and try to make more time for acting. Even if it just means shooting sketches over the weekend or taking a class one night a week, dedicate your energy to your craft and watch how the opportunities come to you!

April Fool's Day Prank on the cast of Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles

Okay, so I'm a little lazy this week. Enjoy the video: