The Medea Complex

I am very excited that I booked a role in the play, The Medea Complex which opens on October 30 at the Breath of Fire Latina Theater in Santa Ana. Directed by Sara Guerrero and Assistant Director, Angela Cruz the play runs thru November 21.

Written by Patricia Crespin, this play is a loose adaptation of Euripides Medea, with a latin twist. Medea thrives on the weakness of others and reeks of temptation and doom. She encompasses all women who stand to be judged for their actions and apologizes for none of it.

I can't wait to meet Ms. Crespin. As you all know, I love words and am actually working on a novel that I started several months ago. I am so thankful that I took this slow time and worked on my craft in more acting lessons. One cannot sit around and wait for things to happen. I went back to the basics, read and studied, learned new things in acting class. I started writing new comedy routines and started auditioning more and more.

I love writing for Latino LA but I wanted to work on my own career more too and I'm glad that I took the time to really think about what I want to do. I have a supportive family and that helps tremendously. I also think it is important to surround yourself with other supportive artists. I don't know where I would be without my family, my friends, and my editor.

Everytime I meet a celebrity, 9 times out of 10 they are very supportive of other Latino artists. There is a generosity and love of our people that I see that is so rewarding.

We begin rehearsals tonite. The play runs through November 21 and even though I am doing another show in Hollywood in October, it should be okay.

Now to get a little rest before I review the script and onto rehearsals!

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From Mexico With Love

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It's been a crazy week. I went to Beverly Hills to meet up with actor, Kuno Becker for his new film, "From Mexico with Love". I had 15 minutes to interview him at the famous Four Seasons Hotel. It was my first time at this hotel and it was as beautiful as you can imagine. He was very sweet and the film will open on October 9 in San Antonio, Texas!

On Tuesday, I was invited by Sara Guerrero, Artistic Director for the Breath of Fire Latina Theater in Santa Ana to come and read for the new play, The Medea Complex. I received the script the day before and it is amazing. Written by Playwright, Patricia Crispin, it is a modern version of the Greek tragedy of Medea & Jason. And I got the role! I'm very excited and we start rehearsals next week. It's a very meaty role and as an actor, a play will keep you on your toes. If you mess up,there are no new takes. I'm looking forward to performing there. The play runs for several weeks in Santa Ana and opens at the end of October.

On Thursday, I was invited to come and do a 1 minute audition for the CBS Diversity Showcase. Yes, a 1 minute comedic audition. I think I did pretty well. I wrote an original piece about a month ago and just did that piece. Everyone laughed and that is a good sign. I felt relaxed and ready to work and boy that 1 minute sure comes and goes so quickly. I've heard other actors say they've received callbacks and I hope I get one too. This showcase is only done annually so if you get invited to come audition it is a pretty big deal.

What a week! Crazy but this is my life right now. I have 2 interviews to conduct for Latino LA and lots of research to do so my work is cut out for me.

I connected with Jackie Barber on Facebook. I did a student film with her several years ago for Chapman University Film School. I believe she was the assistant director. I never saw the final film and through Facebook, we connected and she sent me the film. It was pretty good! Lots of folks don't like to see themselves on film but I try to learn from each film so I can get better for the next one. In the film I am held hostage by bank robbers and get shot. It was so much fun and it was great to see a film I did 4 years ago. The film is called National Bank and Trust and you can see it on http:/www.vimeo.com/1333912

Happy viewing!

Guardian Angels

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Today is a day to remember all those whose lives were taken on September 11, 2001. I remember well how frightening it was. We all prayed that there would be no more attacks in any other city. Our hearts and prayers went out to the families of those who lost their lives that terrible day.

I sit alone as I prepare to film tomorrow. And I am so thankful for my family and my friends. From Donna who checks on me to see if I'm okay. To Rebecca who laughs at my jokes. To my friend, John who congratulates me on this new role. And to my new friend, Hector Bustamante who likes my work and cheers me on when I have a new audition.

I am thankful each day for life and for new opportunities. I am saddened when I hear that people are still losing their homes. I pray for the safety of all those men and women who serve our country in the armed forces.

My heart is heavy right now. I am going out into the sunshine. I hope my guardian angels are with me as I need them to surround me with their love.

Wrapping Up My Week

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I saw some commercials on t.v. today that I auditioned for. It's so weird because you never know what they are looking for. And then you don't hear anything and then there it is on t.v. It seems that most of the time the person that they did choose is really over the top. Guess I'll have to remember that next time I audition. Jim Carey is like that really over the top characters. He does get noticed and he is funny. So I'll have to remember to be more like Jim.

Tomorrow I go to Pasadena to get interviewed for a show. It should be good. I normally do the interviewing so I'll have to remember to just relax and have a good time.

Things are picking up a bit and next week I am working on TLC "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant". I was kinda surprised when I got this because I think I did okay and I was asked to do it again. So I really listened for the direction and thought I did a good job. So yeah, I am filming next week.

Several weeks ago I filmed some promos for "Jeopardy". Can't wait to see them come out. I think they are national spots. Good exposure. I was sad that I didn't get a change to meet Alex Trebek. I love Jeopardy! Maybe I'll get a chance to see him some other time.

I'm so happy that my friends are starting to get work, too. My friend Syl got a PSA and in Spanish too. I was supposed to go on that audition too but my car was acting up and since we have the fires everywhere I didn't want to risk getting stuck somewhere. I'm so glad that we both booked gigs on the same day. We have the same agent so I know she was thrilled with both of us.

Well, better get some rest for tonight because we are filming tomorrow!

There's Gonna Be a Great Day!

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I spoke to my agent last evening and she told me I booked a job! One of the auditions I went on last week was for the TLC show, I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant. I auditioned for the role of the Doctor. I had some new scrubs and a stethoscope. We had to learn the lines and the job also called for some Improv work. I love Improv so it was no problem for me.

I got there early, rehearsed my lines, looked good and felt confident. That's all you can do. Go in there and do your best. So even though I did not get the role of the Doctor, they did give me an equally juicy role.

We film next week. Yeah! I spoke to my agent about going on auditions and leaving and not really knowing how you did. She told me they are so busy they don't have time to give people feedback. I know that is true but still when someone else gets hired for the job you have to wonder. Is it that I don't have the look they want? Am I not talented enough? What is it? She said you are talented, it usually is that they are going for a certain look. So that made me feel better. She said be yourself, be confident and don't worry about it.

I really like my agent. She's so professional and that's what I like. I don't have time for folks who are fooling around. This is a business and should be treated like one.

As for blogging, I like it. It helps me stay centered and focused. When I worked at the Police Department for 10 years I learned so much. A person's character is so important. And your word is so important. So if you have ever read any of my articles published on Latino LA you will see that I do not put people down. I try to be always positive and uplifting. Acting is a hard profession and you really cannot take rejection personally.

When terrible things happen like the fires we are having in southern California, it really makes you appreciate the kind of professional people that the firemen are and the police personnel and hospital personnel. Where would we be without these people? The Red Cross and The Salvation Army and the United Way. Good people volunteer their time and services and professionalism to help others. So many good people out there. I worked dispatch and I've worked for The Salvation Army and I've worked with the United Way. So I know first hand how these people are there at a moment's notice to do whatever it is needs to be done.

And so I know that there's gonna be a great day when these fires are put out and folks can go back to their homes and start again. And for those who have lost their lives, our prayers go out to you and to your families.

It's All Happening

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I'm very excited because I went on 3 auditions last week. I received a call from a Casting Agent who had my head shot for one year. She has an upcoming project and wanted me to come in for a Screen Test. I did the screen test yesterday and it was fun. The project starts next Spring so it will be interesting to see what happens. Competition is so tough right now with so many people out of work. The acting competition is fierce but all I can do is give it my all and be as professional as I can.

I will be interviewed later this week for the program, "Marcielle Presents!". We are shooting at the studios in Pasadena. I'm very excited because I'm usually the one who does the interviews. As soon as it airs, I will let everyone know. It's been a crazy year and I've had a fantastic time meeting and conducting interviews for Latino LA. And if I get this new job, I will be conducting the interviews over the air!

I had another opportunity come my way this morning but I can't really say anymore at this point but the event is huge! I will keep you all updated. Confidentiality is important right now.

Two weeks ago I was on a reality show and had to sign a confidentiality agreement. It was very exciting and fun. But I must abide by their rules until after the program airs. It's just so exciting to have things happen in my career. I have worked hard and it's nice to know that it is so true what they say. Pay your dues, be patient, work hard and good things will come to you.

I love the movie, "Almost Famous". The Band Aids and the young writer are all in the midst of the bands and their music and they realize that it's all happening, and that is true of my career, too.

I received an email straight from the Blackberry of actor, Hector Luis Bustamante. He's so kind to take a moment from his hectic schedule right now to say congrats to me on this new gig.

It's all Happening!