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

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