Archive for the ‘Harmony's sage advice’ Category

Staying Positive

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

So I get a lot of messages asking me questions or making comments on my blog. One of the most common observations is that I seem to always have a positive outlook. I would like to state for the record that this is not true. I have negative thoughts and feelings just like everyone else ALL THE TIME. I do, however, try to stay positive on my blog. It doesn’t help anyone including myself to dwell on bad experiences or bitch about auditions or things not being fair. Sometimes I’ll dip my toe in the bitter pool, but I try to take it out as soon as I can.

This business can be rewarding and inspiring and uplifting and it can also SUCK. It can SUCK hardcore. It can make you feel worthless and untalented and old and unattractive. The thing is, I like this to be a suck-free zone (okay that just sounds gross). Anyway, you get my point. I like this to be a place that I can come to to lift me up and that’s why I keep the Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farms kind of attitude, or try to.

But for those who would like to see the misery. Misery does love company doesn’t it? Here is something I wrote almost exactly two years ago. I was about to turn 30 and wasn’t handling it all that well. DAMN IT! I gave my age away again. Anyway, sometimes it’s good to revisit dark times, it makes us so thankful for lighter and happier times. I am pretty happy right now, but I know that what goes up always comes down. What goes down doesn’t necessarily go up, so we have to learn to bounce. I’m showing you this window into my personal life to prove a point. We all have times like these, and we all can crawl out of them. If you’re down right now…bounce my lovelies….just BOUNCE!

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09/2008

Milestones. That’s what they call it. What is it about milestones that make you stop and evaluate your life, rather harshly, at times. Things that were fine before are suddenly being examined more closely. It’s like a reality check that you’ve suppressed or tried to disguise as something else.

You look around and there are certain parts of your life that you realize are not okay. Certain things become almost unbearable. A job, the place you live, someone in your life, etc. It’s almost crippling. I’ve been trying to break out of this awful self examination for three weeks. It’s not working. I’m sure it doesn’t help that I’ve been extremely sick and that I’m literally starving right now. A starving artist . How freaking poetic. I have one salad and one bagel in my stomach for the last three days. The job that was feeding me is no more. My car is gone. I’m almost out of money.

The funny thing is I’m doing fabulously theater-wise. Even the second callback I had this morning at 10 am went amazingly well. The behind the scenes view was me in the bathroom ten minutes before layering gobs of concealer under my eyes, shimmer powder on my face, and every trick I know so they wouldn’t know that I was malnournished, sick, and sad. I had them fooled. I’m a very good actress. Hysterical.

There are people that are broke and lonely but have people taking care of them, always bailing them out of binds, buying them things, escaping from their life. Then there is ACTUALLY being broke and lonely. It’s two very different things.

I’ve been through and accomplished so much in my life…shouldn’t I be further along by now? I don’t know what to do to get out of debt. I don’t. Even working my tail off I barely make enough to pay rent. I would move to a cheaper place but I have close to a year left on this lease. I’m just plain miserable right now. I don’t want to be. I don’t get off on it or anything. I know that this is the life that I chose. There is pride and honor in that. I’m a working actress. There is pride and honor in that too. I just need more than that. I do. Who knew? My career has always been the most important thing to me and it’s just assumed that if you are doing well in your career that you must be happy. I couldn’t be more unhappy right now. Well that isn’t true. There haven’t been any casualties or anything (knock on wood).

The point is that I feel trapped in this way of life that I’ve imprisoned myself in and I don’t know how to escape from it. It’s not okay to live in squalor, it’s not okay to not be able to pay your own bills, it’s not okay to be taken advantage of, it’s not okay to be completely dependable and not have anyone to depend on. These things are not okay. I’m just so sad right now. I wish I could snap out of it. I really do.

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Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand back to Happy! Woohoo! I hope I haven’t scared you away completely. Bounce my lovelies!!!!

Love and Insanity,

Harmony

Posted in Harmony's sage advice, Harmony's stories | No Comments »

Time Off: Part 2

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

So I wrote a whole blog HERE about how time off can be depressing for an actor. There’s the fear of never working again and what not. blah blah blah. What I didn’t write about in that blog is about how glorious it can be. I’ve had a social life! I’ve had nights in. I’ve been able to watch tv when the programs are actually on! I’ve been able to cook and have friends over on weeknights. I reconnected with people I haven’t seen in years because I had the time to do it! I did tons of thinking. I was able to spend more time on my auditions and I booked my summer because of it. I got to spend time with my roommate. A lot of time LOL. When we’re both working on shows, we don’t see much of each other. I didn’t have to plan my week to the nth degree. I was able to be a little spontaneous. I got to be lazy. I got to be productive. I got to be creative. I got to relax. I was able to help out with Bailiwick Chicago behind the scenes because I actually had the TIME.

I think, as many of us do, that I replace my personal life with my professional life sometimes. Or that they become the same thing. When you’re doing well in your career you’re able to hide behind it and fill gaps in your life with your successes. When suddenly you don’t have a gig, or you’re waiting for your next one, you have to deal with your real life. You have to deal with the areas of your life that seem lacking. It can be hard, but it’s also a time of growth and self awareness. I didn’t have “the stage” to distract me with its glamour and its heartache. It’s so important for us as artists to have lives separate from our stage personas. Otherwise what are we bringing to our art?

I’ve said before that an actor’s ability is limited to the extent of their experience and their imagination. The more experience you have the more you have to draw from. We should be as daring and fearless in life as we are on stage. That is my goal. That is what I strive for. I want to live this life so absolutely that it can’t help but seep into my work in the theater. I don’t want to pass up any opportunities. No more being afraid. No more missed connections. They make me sad. Take a chance on people! Don’t be afraid to love. Be brave my friends! Be brave and be fabulous!

I’ve overindulged a bit this last three months, but it felt wonderful. I felt really alive and I feel like I have something new to bring to the table now. I start rehearsals for Oh Boy! tomorrow and then I’m booked everyday through the summer with a list of things that keeps growing. I’m extremely excited to have so much coming up, but I’m also a little sad that my break is over. It has truly been life-changing. When I am insanely busy again, I need to remember not to neglect the Harmony that isn’t on stage all the time. She deserves some attention too. I will neglect her no longer!!!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAHAHAHAHAHA

After reading this through I’ve realized that I sound like a combination of  a hippie and a psycho. I do apologize. Some things just must be said, even if they’re a little scatter-brained.

Thank you for sticking with me through my insanity. HAPPY SPRING!!!!!

Harmony

Posted in Harmony's sage advice, Inspiration, Musings | No Comments »

Reviews, Reviewers, and the like…

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Reviewers/critics/what have you, can make or break your show. We are told repeatedly not to care what the reviews say, but the fact of the matter is it puts butts in the seats if the show is reviewed well. For anyone who has worn a producing hat from time to time, you understand how important it is. Smaller theater companies, particularly Non-Equity ones, rely on good reviews because of their lack of an advertising budget. Because of this, when we know reviewers are coming everyone goes a little batty. Houses are papered (tickets are given away), audiences are filled with friendly faces that will enjoy the show in an obvious way. Each director/producer has a different way of handling whether the actors know about the reviewers or not. In some companies they drill it into your head so that you know WHAT’S AT STAKE! In other companies it’s kept as top secret information lest the actors find out and it influences the show.

I’ve seen actors and other theater professionals take to their bed for a week after a bad review or, heaven forbid, a bout of bad reviews. I’ve seen people’s performances fall apart due to the onset of insecurity that comes from a bad notice. I’ve seen actors CHANGE their performance to match what a reviewer says. It’s all very silly, but in a business that can be thankless, good reviews and accolades are a nice boost to keep us going. Bad reviews have an adverse effect.

I used to get extremely wrapped up in all of this. Good reviews made me feel like I was on top of the world and bad reviews made me feel like a huge pile of crap. This continued until I did Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tell me on a Sunday. It’s a one-woman musical and I got more reviews than I ever had before because I was the only actor on stage. There was no getting around it. We probably got about 13 reviews for the show from opening through the extension. My day would be good, or bad, depending on what had been written about me that day.

On one night I received 4 reviews with 4 completely different perspectives. One thought I pretty much sucked all around. One thought I was fabulous and the hottest ticket in town. One said that I was a weak actor, but had a great voice and one said that I was a weak singer, but a great actor.

After receiving all of these highly conflicting reviews I did something I hadn’t thought to do yet. I laughed it off. I realized how ridiculous I was being to believe everything that was being written about me whether good or bad. Clearly they couldn’t ALL be right! Their opinions didn’t match up at all, and that’s what they are…OPINIONS. It is one individual giving an opinion. That’s it. Not just that, but we don’t know what goes into that opinion. Anything from the reviewers health, mood that day, dinner before the show, comfort of their seat, what the weather is, whether they have pre-conceived notions, whether they like the playwright/composer/ etc. etc. etc. into infinity effects both good and bad reviews.

Also, they are seeing ONE performance. They don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes. They don’t know when you’re sick, lost a loved one, are having an off night, broke up with your boyfriend, etc. etc. etc. into infinity. They don’t know for instance that an actress’ pants went missing right before the show and she had to wear something that was supposed to be a long shirt as a dress and bend down and pick things up and try not to flash the audience her hoo-hah in the process. The reviewer didn’t know all of that before writing that the actress seemed “self conscious about her body.” I don’t know WHO this actress is by the way. It’s not me!!!! Pretend I didn’t tell this story. I made it all up. Moving on…

I’m not trying to diminish the importance of reviewers in this business at all. There are certain reviewers in this city that are brilliant and who I really trust. I’ve also been in many a show that the reviewers were our best friends. They saved our show. They made people come see it. It can be a wonderful thing! My POINT is (thank goodness, right?) let the producers worry about the reviews. As actors our only responsibility is to be true to the text, take care of our bodies, and to follow our direction. That’s it! The other stuff is out of our control. If this means that you have to not read the reviews to keep from getting upset than DON’T! I know many actors that don’t. If you do choose to read them just remember it’s just normal people with opinions. Don’t let it define you!

That is my wisdom for the day…

Harmony

“In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face is that, in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new.”  -Anton Ego (Ratatouille!)

Posted in Embarrassing stories, Harmony's sage advice, Musings | No Comments »

The good, the bad, and the UGLY

Friday, February 26th, 2010

There is so much to be thankful for. I am surrounded by people that are so talented that it’s almost unbelievable. On a daily basis I get to be inspired by my peers. This week was no exception. In a two day period I was able to see Private Lives at Chicago Shakespeare, Fiddler on the Roof at the Marriott, and attend a benefit celebration for a company I’ve worked with and have a place in my heart for: Bohemian Theatre Ensemble. This weekend I’m going to see some Tennessee Williams directed by my dear friend David Zak and last week I saw the stunning production of Oh Coward! at Writer’s theatre. Next week I’m going to see the opening of Chess at Theo Ubique, my wonderful friend Danni Smith in Living Quarters for Strangeloop theater, and the lovely Christin Boulette in Pride and Prejudice at the Chamber Opera Chicago. This is not to mention getting to see my roommate in Bailiwick Chicago’s  Show us Your Love every weekend. He’s one talented fellow.

If you didn’t get it, that’s the “good.” The inspiration, support, and strength I get from my friends, family, and peers is invaluable and keeps me going day to day.

We don’t really need to talk about the “bad,” do we? Poor wages, scraping by, rejection, blah blah blah blah blah. I get tired of talking about it. You get it. It’s not as rosy and glamorous as people who are NOT in-the-know would think.

Let’s talk about the “ugly,” shall we? This career can be hard enough as we briefly covered in the bad section. What makes it worse is ugly behavior. There is back stabbing, drama, jealousy, rumor starting, deceit, unhealthy competitiveness, downright vindictiveness, and the worst… bad-mouthing a peer to a fellow professional. It’s the underbelly of the Chicago theater community and it’s frankly gross. I have from one time or another been a victim of all of that behavior and so have most the people I know. It’s just not conducive to anyone.

Now we ALL TALK. That’s a given. And of course we’re going to bitch about each other from time to time to friends and lovers. Everyone in ANY career field does that about their co-workers. I would just like to request that we try to stay positive, that we try to be happy for each other’s successes even if it’s hard sometimes, and that under no circumstances do we attempt to hurt someone else’s career. We already have so many strikes against us just for the mere fact that we want to be actors. Why make it harder for ourselves than it has to be? And if none of that works just think about a little thing called karma. I strongly believe in karma and what goes around comes around. So let’s look out for each other!

I’ll leave you with a quote that was going around FB a couple of days ago:

We live in an era of enormous cynicism. Do not be fooled.

Don’t act for money. You’ll start to feel dead and bitter.

Don’t act for glory. You’ll start to feel dead, fat and fearful.

We live in an era of enormous cynicism. Do not be fooled.

You can’t avoid all the pitfalls. There are lies you must tell. But experience the lie. See it as something dead and unconnected you clutch. And let it go.

Act from the depth of your feeling imagination. Act for celebration, for search, for grieving, for worship, to express that desolate sensation of wandering through the howling wilderness.

Don’t worry about Art.

Do these things and it will be Art.

John Patrick Shanley

AND PLEASE CHECK OUT THESE SHOWS AND SUPPORT LIVE THEATRE!!!!!!!

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Private Lives

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Following his celebrated production of Amadeus this season, CST’s own Gary Griffin directs Noël Coward’s stylish, savvy comedy about the people we can neither live with—nor without. Divorcés Amanda and Elyot meet up again quite by accident—on their second honeymoons, with brand-new spouses in tow. Fireworks fly as their reunion reveals just how quickly romance—and rivalry—can be rekindled.

Thru - Mar 7, 2010

Fri, Feb 26: 7:30pm
Sat, Feb 27: 3:00pm & 8:00pm
Tue, Mar 2: 7:30pm
Wed, Mar 3: 1:00pm & 7:30pm
Thu, Mar 4: 7:30pm
Sat, Mar 6: 3:00pm & 8:00pm
Sun, Mar 7: 2:00pm

Price:$44-$75

Show Type: Comedy

Box Office: 312-595-5600

www.chicagoshakes.com

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Fiddler on the Roof

Marriott Theatre In Lincolnshire

This Tony Award-winning musical has captured the hearts of people all over the world. It is the bittersweet tale of a family coping with a changing world. Tevye, a Jewish dairyman, and his family live in a small village in 1905 Tsarist Russia. With the help of the local matchmaker, Tevye and his wife are in search of acceptable husbands for their three lively daughters. While their daughters are determined to break tradition and marry the men they love, Tevye begins to face bigger issues as Jews are being persecuted in his homeland. A hopeful celebration of the human spirit, Fiddler on the Roof features an unforgettable score with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and book by Joseph Stein.

Thru - Apr 25, 2010

Wednesdays: 1:00pm & 8:00pm
Thursdays: 8:00pm
Fridays: 8:00pm
Saturdays: 4:30pm & 8:00pm
Sundays: 1:00pm & 5:00pm

Price:$35-$55

Show Type: Musical

Box Office: 847-634-0200

www.marriotttheatre.com
0811213803Not About Nightingales

CCPA at Roosevelt University

First written in 1938,the script remained unproduced until 1998. This early work was written by Tennessee Williams when he was only 27, before any of the great plays that established his later reputation. Based on true events, this play attempts to shine a spotlight on the corruption, degradation and murder that occur in prisons, outside the light of social norms of human decency. In the setting of an “escape proof” prison, acts of torture and brutality replace humanity, in this work that Williams described as filled with unprecedented violence and horror.

By Tennessee Williams
Directed by David Zak

Friday and Saturday Feb. 26 and 27 at 7:30pm
Sunday Feb. 28 at 2pm

$10 General Admission
$6 Students/Seniors/ INDUSTRY

(312) 341-3831

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Oh Coward!

Writers’ Theatre

You’re invited to a marvelous party at Writers’ Theatre! Weaving together songs and literary delights, Oh Coward! celebrates one of the theater’s greatest entertainers, Noel Coward. His effervescent music and charming quips combine for an unforgettable evening of the most memorable tunes of the 20th century.

Thru - Apr 18, 2010

Fri, Feb 26: 8:00pm
Sat, Feb 27: 4:00pm & 8:00pm
Tue, Mar 2: 7:30pm
Wed, Mar 3: 7:30pm
Thu, Mar 4: 8:00pm
Sat, Mar 6: 4:00pm & 8:00pm
Sun, Mar 7: 2:00pm & 6:00pm
Wed, Mar 10: 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Thu, Mar 11: 8:00pm
Fri, Mar 12: 8:00pm
Sat, Mar 13: 4:00pm & 8:00pm
Sun, Mar 14: 2:00pm & 6:00pm
Wed, Mar 17: 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Thu, Mar 18: 8:00pm
Fri, Mar 19: 8:00pm
Sat, Mar 20: 4:00pm & 8:00pm
Sun, Mar 21: 2:00pm
Tue, Mar 23: 7:30pm
Wed, Mar 24: 7:30pm
Thu, Mar 25: 8:00pm
Fri, Mar 26: 8:00pm
Tue, Mar 30: 7:30pm
Wed, Mar 31: 7:30pm
Thu, Apr 1: 8:00pm
Sat, Apr 3: 4:00pm & 8:00pm
Sun, Apr 4: 2:00pm & 6:00pm
Tue, Apr 6: 7:30pm
Wed, Apr 7: 7:30pm
Thu, Apr 8: 8:00pm
Fri, Apr 9: 8:00pm
Tue, Apr 13: 7:30pm
Thu, Apr 15: 8:00pm
Sun, Apr 18: 2:00pm & 6:00pm

Price:$40-$60

Stage: Performed at 664 Vernon Avenue

Show Type: Musical

Box Office: 847-242-6000

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Chess

No Exit Cafe

Chess is a Cold War musical, first premiering in the 1980s, with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by former ABBA members, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. Among the notable hit songs from the cult musical are One Night in Bangkok and I Know Him So Well.

Presented by Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Previews: Mar 5 - Mar 6, 2010

Regular Run: Mar 7 - Apr 25, 2010

Sat, Mar 6: 8:00pm
Sun, Mar 7: 7:00pm
Thu, Mar 11: 8:00pm
Fri, Mar 12: 8:00pm
Sat, Mar 13: 8:00pm
Sun, Mar 14: 7:00pm
Thu, Mar 18: 8:00pm
Fri, Mar 19: 8:00pm
Sat, Mar 20: 8:00pm
Sun, Mar 21: 7:00pm
Thu, Mar 25: 8:00pm
Fri, Mar 26: 8:00pm
Thu, Apr 1: 8:00pm
Sat, Apr 3: 8:00pm
Sun, Apr 4: 7:00pm
Thu, Apr 8: 8:00pm
Fri, Apr 9: 8:00pm
Thu, Apr 15: 8:00pm
Fri, Apr 16: 8:00pm
Sun, Apr 18: 7:00pm
Thu, Apr 22: 8:00pm
Fri, Apr 23: 8:00pm
Sat, Apr 24: 8:00pm
Sun, Apr 25: 7:00pm

Price:$15-$30

Show Type: Musical

Box Office: 800-595-4849

www.theoubique.org

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Living Quarters

Trap Door Theatre

Subtitled After Hippolytus and first produced by Dublin’s Abbey Theatre in 1977, Living Quarters recasts the mythology of Theseus, Hippolytus, and Phaedra into an isolated Donegal homestead.Commandant Frank Butler returns home to Ireland as a hero after saving nine United Nations peacekeepers from enemy fire during a siege in the Middle East. Reunited to celebrate Frank’s triumph are three daughters and a son by his first marriage and the young wife Frank married days before his deployment. But the revelation of secrets kept while Frank was away threatens to divide the Butler house forever.

Presented by Strangeloop Theatre

Thru - Mar 14, 2010

Thursdays: 8:00pm
Fridays: 8:00pm
Saturdays: 8:00pm
Sundays: 2:00pm

Price:$10-$15

Show Type: Drama

Box Office: 773-276-0458

www.strangelooptheatre.org

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Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice: A Musical Play

Jane Austen revisits her rejected first novel, First Impressions, and overcomes all obstacles to transform it into the timeless classic, Pride & Prejudice. What writers Lindsay Warren Baker and Amanda Jacobs have accomplished is not just a powerful, musical retelling of a classic love story. They show us, through the journey of the author herself, what it takes to create a masterpiece. See Elizabeth and Darcy’s romance come to life from a whole new perspective and immerse yourself in Austen’s creative process as she interacts with the very characters she has created.

By Lindsay Warren Baker and Amanda Jacobs
Directed by Steven Daigle
Orchestra conducted by Victoria Bond

Saturday, February 27, 2010, 7:30pm
Saturday, March 6, 7:30pm
Sunday, March 7, 3:00pm (with Christin Boulette Dorton)

Chamber Opera Chicago Office/Studio

Tel: 312-951-7944
FAX: 312-951-7948

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Show Us Your Love

Mary’s Attic

Show Us Your Love celebrates love and relationships, featuring both comic and dramatic selections from some of Broadway and Off-Broadway’s very best, including HAIR, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, PIPPIN, FLOYD COLLINS and BROOKLYN THE MUSICAL. Audience members will have an opportunity to “show us their love” by informally voting for their favorite shows, which will influence Bailiwick Chicago’s show selection process for future seasons.

Presented by Bailiwick Chicago

Thru - Mar 28, 2010

Sundays: 7:30pm

Price:$15

Show Type: Musical

www.bailiwickchicago.com

Posted in Harmony's sage advice, Musings, Talented Colleagues | No Comments »

My secret weapon

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

Ahhhh the joys of having a graphic/web designer as a roommate/best friend. Not only did Eric design my website and this blog, but he also does all of my photo retouching. Normally this just means getting rid of bags under the eyes, but as you’ll see he went above and beyond his duty of friendship!

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So this was the original shot that I picked to be my headshot. It’s not that bad. The pros: I liked the mischievous look in my eyes. It’s very Harmony. I like that the angle tamed the angularity of my nose a bit. AND let’s face it, the girls look good. The cons: I was strapped for cash so the retouch of my hair color didn’t happen before the shots. I’d like to point out that the discoloration did not look THIS bad in person, but when you put very bright lights on me and put a white background behind me this is what you get. I had also walked through a rainstorm to get there and try as I might I could not get the curl to stay or the frizz to leave. There was also the typical things to retouch…such as bags under eyes, my bra poking through, and horror of horrors…some deodorant residue on my dress!

red

This was the first attempt. I had decided that I was going to dye my hair to match the bright red at the ends of my hair, so Eric matched my roots to the bottom part of my hair and my eyebrows to match. He changed the contrast of the photo so that I wasn’t quite so washed out. I told him to leave my crow’s feet alone. And he did. You can’t really tell online, but if you saw the photo you would see the lines. I like them. They add character. I DO NOT, however, like wrinkles UNDER my eyes. So I had him zap them. He also fixed the bra problem, the deodorant incident, he whitened the whites of my eyes, and in an effort of pure disclosure: he slimmed the bottom of my arm a tiny bit.

dark-brown

So I used the red one for a while. I felt a little silly, like I was trying to look like Jessica Rabbit or something. Instead of  going for the bright red I decided to try for an auburn or brownish red. I dyed it the night before I had a double audition day. I could tell that it was darker than I had anticipated, but it wasn’t until I woke up the next day that I saw how freaking dark it was! This picture is NOT an exaggeration. So I knew I couldn’t show up at auditions with brassy red headshots and dark brown hair. That’s a major NO NO. Eric to the rescue. In about 10 minutes he changed the color of my hair in the headshot to match. With the dark brown hair it looked a little silly with a white background, so we settled on this heather gray instead. I got so many compliments on my headshot that day! Little did they know….well I guess they know now…that Eric had just done some last minute computer wizardry right before I had to walk out the door to get to the auditions. Oh and on a side note…I booked one of the shows from those auditions! :-)

brown

After the color faded a bit it looked more like this and still does. So Eric changed the color again. This is the shot that works for me right now. Of course since I’ve been using it for a while, I’m ready for a change, but that’s just my nature. I get bored. Maybe I’ll return to this:

blonde

Sigh….I miss being a blonde.

Okay so I sincerely apologize for posting 8000 pictures of myself. It’s obnoxious. There is a point to it. I wanted to show the skills of my roommate and I also kind of wanted to take away some of the mystery around it. The blonde picture I don’t have an excuse for. I like it. It makes me feel pretty. SO THERE! But seriously, we are constantly barraged with photos of perfect celebrities. Guess what? They’re not perfect. I mean I guess there are people that are more perfect than others, but most of them need a lot of help with make-up, hair, and yes a retoucher. If the above photos can be the same girl as this girl…..(seen with Eric):

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…then seriously anyone can be made to look good with the right team.

That is my lesson for the day.

I won’t post another photo of myself until 2011. I promise.

Harmony

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Posted in Embarrassing stories, Harmony's sage advice, Talented Colleagues | 2 Comments »

Scenes from BEHIND the casting table

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

I’m completely exhausted and my brain is fried. Callbacks started today. There are so many lessons to be learned from being on the other side of the casting table. Some are as common sense as “don’t apologize for mistakes, be prepared, and have a good attitude.” Others are way more subjective. Everyone in that room has opinions and is drawn to certain things. Some things are agreed upon. Some aren’t. I’m learning my own aesthetic and my own taste. Like for instance, I am much more drawn to someone who puts emphasis on their acting before their singing. I suppose I didn’t need to sit behind the table to tell you that. ;-)

Another thing I found myself responding to very much was people’s energies and how they held themselves. It must be from my Laban training. :-) (What is Laban you ask? I will do a post on it. I promise. In layman’s terms, it’s a study of different energies. Curious? Janet Louer is THE WOMAN…for coaching or Laban.) Everyone brings a different energy into the audition room with them. Some are light and playful. Some are grounded and regal. Some ooze sex. It’s so interesting to see. What REALLY impresses me is when someone walks in with one energy and then when they perform they transform to something completely different, but an energy that is still them and equally genuine. I like to be surprised!

So what advice do I have? Unfortunately, nothing you haven’t already heard. Go in. Be confident. Make strong choices. Be nice to everyone. Be patient. The biggest piece of advice I have is to leave the audition/callback in the audition room. My roommate is fantastic at this. I, on the other hand, sometimes take to my bed with a xanax. Just kidding! Sort of. I’m getting better at dealing with it.

The thing is, you really don’t know what the casting team wants. Sometimes the casting team doesn’t know what they want. So many things go into it and just because you don’t get the job doesn’t mean you weren’t EFFING awesome. It sucks, it’s not fair, but that’s just the way it is. Sometimes it’s look, sometimes it’s matching actors up, etc. The one thing it definitely is, is OUT of your control. So do this to please yourself! Do the auditions for you and then leave it in the theater Gods’ hands. If it’s right, it’ll happen. If it’s not, it won’t. It’s that simple. (Note to Harmony: read and heed your own advice!)

The last thing I can say is both encouraging and discouraging I suppose. Discouraging first: There is A LOT of talent out there. A shocking amount. There is a ton of competition. None of us are irreplaceable. It’s amazing how many truly talented, lovely, intelligent people will come out of the woodworks for a project they believe in.

BUT as a working actor I take comfort in the fact that I have stood there before, against all the talented people that Chicago has to offer, and guess what? I GOT THE JOB. And I keep getting the job. It hasn’t always been the job I wanted, but it’s THE job. I stood there and out of gobs of talented people, they chose me. If you think about it that way, it’s pretty special.

So I’ll leave you with that thought. If you didn’t get it, that was the ENCOURAGING part of it!

Oh by the way…..Operation Flapper Dress is working:

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All I want for Christmas is you…

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

I’m sitting here watching the snow on my first day off in a long time. I feel really peaceful and pretty happy. If you had talked to me last week I was terribly low and frustrated. Such is life I suppose. Ups and Downs. Days like this are so special. Time to myself, beauty outside, and a positive outlook. What more can I ask for really?

We get distracted in this business. We are all so anxious to reach the next rung on our success ladder that sometimes we forget to take a breath and just enjoy the climb. We are not all destined for greatness. And even if we are, there is always a higher level of greatness to achieve. If we’re constantly yearning for something better that is not a very happy existence.

This year has been a little rough. I haven’t felt truly artistically stimulated since I did Bernarda Alba last fall. I’ve worked consistently, and they’ve all been good experiences in their own way. I would just love to do a show that makes my “gut rumble and my heart want to explode.” (-the lovely Kate Winslet) Funnily enough my two favorite theatrical experiences this year involved understudying. Going on for Man of La Mancha and Bombs Away were definite highlights of my year.

In the meantime I have tried to make the shows I’ve done as challenging as possible; I always want to learn something. I took an audition class with the amazing Doug Peck and Andy Hite. It really inspired me to work harder and not rest on my laurels. And I just keep trucking along. I look forward to the new year and new challenges.

Some words of sage advice for actors before I go:

1) For those that are still doing non-equity work, don’t be afraid to speak up when safety is concerned. With shows with smaller budgets a lot of times corners are cut to save money. If you feel unsafe at any time because of the set, costumes, or any other reason, SPEAK UP! You may be labeled a difficult actor for a day or two, but it’s better than the alternative of really hurting yourself. When you aren’t a member of the union, the only person truly looking out for you is YOU. So remember that.

2) Until you have a contract in your hand, you are not truly cast in a show. Remember that it feels great to be wooed for a part or a show, but that it doesn’t mean anything. A lot of times directors need to make sure that there are good people at their auditions. Basically they need to cover their bases. They need at least one person that will work for their production to show up at auditions or callbacks to cover each role. That doesn’t mean that when the audition comes that they won’t decide to cast the newcomer instead. So while it’s flattering, try to ignore it. Show up, audition, rock it out, and leave it to the Gods to decide.

That’s all! I really hope that all my friends and fellow artists have a wonderful Holiday. I’ll be with my family and I hope you’ll be with yours whether real or acquired. Enjoy each other. Treasure your lives, your loves, and your talents. I wish you the best in the New Year!

Love, Harmony

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Some Basics

Monday, September 7th, 2009

First the disclaimer: I am not an expert on anything. I am a non-equity actor who just went EMC and is at the beginning of my career. However, since I have a blog about being an actor I get a lot of questions about how to get started, where to find auditions, how to stick with it, etc. All I can offer is my own experience, so take it or leave it, but if I can help anyone I’m happy to. So from time to time I’ll answer the questions. Also keep in mind that this is for actors in Chicago.

dear harmony,

I have no idea how to even get started auditioning in the real world. its so overwhelming… headshots($$$), resumes(mine is not very impressive), and material(which i don’t have), OH MY! Do you have any advice for me. i’m feeling a little lost and if anyone knows her way around when it comes to theatre, its you….

love always,
jessica

Hey Jessica! Don’t feel intimidated. I feel that way all the time. ALL the time. Seriously. I don’t think there is any actor that has it all figured out. We just pretend to from time to time. I’m certainly no expert. But of course I will share with you what I’ve learned.

1)Okay for headshots I suggest http://www.brandondahlquist.com/
or
http://www.ccosentino.com/ccosentino/Welcome.html

They’re going to be cheaper than the big dogs…but the quality is really great. Chris did my last round of shots and I’ve been admiring Brandon’s work for some time.

2)Don’t worry about not having an impressive resume. There’s nothing you can do about that. Just get out there. Start auditioning for anything and everything. Get your face out there. They will start to recognize you at auditions after a while. Make sure you’re prepared and professional at the auditions and callbacks. The biggest tip I can give you is not to give up! If it’s what you want to do then keep working at it. Take classes, read plays, see as much theater as you can…work on your craft!

3)For audition notices I go to:

http://www.performink.com (there is a fee)
http://www.chicagoplays.com (under the industry tab)
http://www.actorsequity.org (for equity auditions)
http://www.theatreinchicago.com (audition button at the bottom of the left column)

4)As far as sheet music goes, I get most of the new songs I want at the library or off the internet. Just google what song you want. It’s usually under $3. Also now that we have youtube you can look up a song and listen to how it goes before callbacks and such. Although you have to sift through all of the awful High School performances first. Monologues are trickier. I try to read a lot of plays. I look for good monologues in the plays that I feel the most connection with.

Anyway, that’s all for now. Good luck!

Love Harmony

P.S. If anyone has any questions for me feel free to email me. :-)

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Rules, Rules, RULES!

Sunday, June 14th, 2009

As actors we are told so many things that we are NOT supposed to do. What we should and should not wear. What monologues and songs are taboo and should NEVER be performed. Proper audition etiquette. NEVER perform something FROM the show! Your resume must look EXACTLY like everyone else’s resume. NEVER use an audition piece meant for another sex/race! Don’t look AT the director/casting director when auditioning.

Well I’m here to tell you that I’m tired of all these rules. Rules are meant to be broken. Let me explain. I’m not going rogue or anything. I haven’t lost my marbles. I’m not going to show up to an audition for A Little Night Music wearing a muumuu and gogo boots, singing “Old Man River,” donning a technicolor resume and collage headshot. I still have my common sense and consider myself somewhat sane. Okay MOSTLY sane.

The thing is. I don’t know who made up these rules, but because every single casting director, director, producer, etc. is an individual, these “rules” can’t possibly all be agreed upon by ALL of them. No matter what you do there is no way you can please every single person you audition for. They all want different things.

I used to stress so much over all this stuff that it would affect my audition. I would also spend countless hours trying to figure out what they wanted me to be. I would try to get into the head of the director, psych myself out, not be natural, and NOT get the job. You don’t know what they want, so just do your homework and do your thing. If that’s what they want, they’ll cast you. It’s that simple. Like a friend of mine who happens to be casting director wisely said, “Let me do my job, don’t try to do it for me.”

I’ve noticed myself breaking more and more of the above rules lately. If there is a part I’m really right for in a musical sometimes I just sing a song from the show. I’ve gotten good results from this! You still have to use common sense. Like I would NEVER do that  unless I was really right for the part.

I was at an audition recently and the director wanted us to direct the scene to him. The other actor I was with literally said, “But, we aren’t supposed to look at you.” I couldn’t believe it. THAT’S what I’m getting at folks. I know that etiquette is important and that we should come off as professionals at all times, but this is a creative field. You have to be flexible and creative.

You certainly don’t have to listen to me either. Use your OWN common sense. I just call it as I see it.

Peace,

Harmony

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Words of Wisdom

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Some inspiration for a dreary Chicago day:

“I think any actor who makes it through and when I say makes it through I don’t mean making millions and millions of dollars, but they keep at it. {They say} ‘for the rest of my life until my dying breath I am an actor’ — they are warriors. There is no other industry, no other profession where a person has to get up every morning and prove they can do their job. It’s like you’re interviewing for your job every Monday and not knowing if you are going to have it at the end of the day. If you really want to be an actor and not a novelty then studying is the name of the game. And we study not only by going to class, but by going to see theater, going to see films and watching and reading and listening to others’ experiences. Also, being open to what is going on in the world. If we don’t know what’s going on in the world or what happened in the past, then we are going to have a limited amount of material to mine from it. As actors that is what we are constantly doing; we are mining, mining for history and emotions, and that’s important.”

-Heather Simms

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