Archive for the ‘Questions and Answers’ Category

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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Questions and Answers: Motivation

Monday, March 30th, 2009

ladeemahongany asks:

How do you remain motivated to do what you do as a career?

Hooboy. That’s a hard one. First of all let me tell you that I’m not that high up on the totem pole. I’ve only been out of school for 3 years. I’ve been extremely lucky to get consistent work since then, but I am by no means a theater star or anything. I’m sure that people more and less successful would have different answers to this question. But, if you want this particular starving actor’s point of view, then here it is.

The real answer is I don’t always remain motivated. Sometimes I am extremely driven and on the ball and sometimes I’m not. Sometimes it feels like I’m going through the motions and I question what it is that I am doing and if it’s worth it. I think about all the alternate lives I could’ve had by now: Interior designer, successful Lawyer, FBI agent, homemaker, etc. I panic that my biological clock is ticking away. I could have a ten year-old by now for pete’s sake. I dream about living in the country with gobs of children, where I could home school them and pickle my own vegetables. (I’m obsessed with pickling my own vegetables.)

I panic that I’m not good enough. I rue the day that I dropped dance lessons when I was eight. I regret losing 6 years to the Navy that I could’ve used to hone my craft. I beat myself up and think if only I lost 20 pounds everything would be perfect. I mourn the parts that I came so So SOOO close to getting, but didn’t. I swallow my pride again and again. I attempt to not have a panic attack after every single audition and a complete breakdown after a dance call. LOL

This panic usually lasts about a week, and it usually happens two or three times a year. But, after that week I wake up to the sun shining and I get over myself. I remember why I’m here, why I’ve chosen this. I remember the thrill of discovering the key to a character. I remember that pure energy, that is unlike any other high, that you get when you walk on stage. I remember how much I love sharing that experience with an audience and how important they are. I remember how much I LOVE to create and collaborate. I remember all these things and I GET OVER MYSELF. The truth is in this crazy business the only reason to keep going, the only reason to stay motivated, is because you LOVE it.

One more thing: have a good support system (friends, family)

And the most important thing of all: REMEMBER TO LAUGH! Don’t take yourself too seriously.

Remember that everyone has their own path. Don’t get obsessed with comparing yourself with your peers and don’t set any ridiculous time limits for success….just (As my lovely and talented friend Aaron Holland likes to say) FOLLOW YOUR BLISS.

CLICK HERE:

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If you want me to sing about it for ya! (Be gentle. I was losing my voice and I forgot the words! HA!) :-P

 

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Feel free to email me and ask me any questions that you may have!

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