The Medea Complex opens this Friday!

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The world premiere of The Medea Complex opens this Friday, October 30 at the Breath of Fire Latina Theater in downtown Santa Ana. We are so excited and have been working very hard to put on a good show. I have had a blast getting to know the other actors. I have taken some photos and put them up on Facebook.

It would be wonderful if our friends could come and see the show. I told the Director, Sara Guerrero that it has been about a year since I've done a big play like this and I had forgotten how much work it all takes. We all volunteer our time and efforts to put on a good show. It takes so much dedication and hard work. As an Actor, it is amazing how much dialogue there is to memorize. And you have to really listen to take direction. I may have an idea on how to play this scene and the director may have a different take on it. You have to work together and I do learn from every director.

The other day we were rehearsing and I was just in the moment and realizing that pretty soon it would all be over and just another credit to add to my acting resume. But the people, the laughter, the struggling to memorize the words, the blocking -- it's all wonderful. After this, television feels like a walk in the park.

Where would we be without actors, dancers, singers, magicians, clowns, artists and musicians? I don't know, it would be a very sad place.

I really want to see some friends there. It would mean the world to me! Here is a link for all the information. http://www.breathoffire.org/

Dress rehearsal tonight-- and we open on Friday!

I'm on TV - October 21 @ 8PM

The television program that I worked on last month is now airing tomorrow! I filmed an episode of I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant on TLC (The Learning Channel). I checked the Internet Movie Data Base (IMDB) and that is how I found out today! It will air at 8 PM & 11PM.

Watch for me!

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Starving Artist vs. 1984

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Rehearsals for the play are going well. It's a long drive for me and I always grumble and moan about it. But then once I get there and I'm surrounded by the other actors then it makes me want to work to do my best work. If there are actors that are better than you, they want to make you work harder to do better. If you are a better actor than they are, it makes them want to come up to your level. It's a win-win situation.

I'm getting very concerned about the job situation right now. Our county level is at 13% unemployment. I have sent out so many resumes and all I get is inquiries to join the work force as an insurance agent or to sell annuities to senior citizens. No thanks. I'm done playing loan officer and financial advisor. So many folks have gotten themselves into hot water and when I tried to warn them they got angry with me. One man even swore at me and hung up the phone. Crazy. I just want a regular job where I can help my family, pay my bills and do an honest days work for an honest days pay. I'm not going to kill myself for an employer who has no morals, or tries to work me to death. I've been there, done that and I'm not doing it again.

I love being an artist, an actor and a writer. And I truly believe that if it were not for the artists in this world, it would be a very sad place. Have you ever read 1984? Big brother is watching all the workers and all the joy is taken from their lives as they give their all to the Corporation. Sound familiar?

So I don't understand, what is the joy in being a starving artist? We have to eat too, we have to pay rent. I don't know how many times I have volunteered my time for libraries, charitable events, film festivals and causes for politicians. You cannot put a price tag on that. And where has that gotten me? True, I believe I am a better person for it on the inside but you can't take that to the bank.

And speaking of banks, I am so tired of being ripped off by them. I am sick of Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, and Citibank. I think everyone should take their money out, close their accounts and do their banking with a local, trusted Credit Union. Shame on these big banks for taking government handouts and hanging onto that money. There was no accountability and they are still foreclosing on people left and right. They can all go to hell as far as I'm concerned. I knew something was up when Bank of America bailed out Countrywide, the nations #1 lender. And then Chase bought out Washington Mutual. What a mess. These banks have gotten too big to fail and who bailed them out? We did, the public. Well I say we have to take our power back.

I'm upset. People are losing their homes. My actor friends who are living on poverty wages are starting to sell their personal items just to eat. Our children are wondering what to do because they can't find jobs either. And college graduates now owe a mountain of debt and can't pay it off.

When will this all end?

Frida & Me: A Success Story

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I was feeling very alone as I waited for my turn at the Los Alamos Rehabilitation Center in Downey, CA. I didn't know then this would turn into an original performance called Frida & Me. At first I was going to perform it alone with a photo of artist, Frida Kahlo but the more I thought about it, the more I knew I needed to cast an actress to bring Frida to life onstage.

I have been wanting to work with Diana Alvarez since seeing her perform in Hurricane in a Glass at the Breath of Fire Latina Theater in downtown Santa Ana. We stayed in touch and thankfully she was available for the show. I got to work by emailing her the script that I wrote and we made an appointment to meet at my home. We discussed characterization, the script, makeup and wardrobe. She was immediately onboard and I enjoyed getting her view point.

I found I really like directing! We arrived at the Stella Adler theatre in Hollywood early Saturday morning. I went over the light cues with the crew and we had a minimal set. I met with Diana -- we stopped to grab a quick bite to eat.

As actors, we do need to have some quiet time right before performing. We reported to our dressing room that we shared. We put on our costumes and then went to our quiet space. I reviewed the script. Diana was pacing the corridors.

Finally, it was time for us to go on. The act that went on before us was a hit! We heard the laughter from the audience over and over. The stage lights dimmed which was our cue to step onstage.

I went downstage left and Diana stepped downstage right. The light hit me and I started my monologue. I looked out into the darkness and could barely make out the audience. Then the light hit Diana and she looked like a statue of Frida that had come to life. She looked amazing.

I could feel the warmth of the stage lights on my face. I could tell that the audience was hanging on my every word. I felt right at home and forgot what it felt like to be onstage in front of a live audience. I loved every minute of it. At the end, when we held hands we heard a huge roar of applause.

I know Diana was so happy and so was I. How often do you get to write, direct and perform in a show in Hollywood? And at the prestigious Stella Adler theater? It was a dream come true, again! Because I did this last year too!

I want to keep writing -- and keep performing. I want to share my world with you. Thank you for your support. It was wonderful meeting the people and shaking their hands. It was wonderful to hear that they liked my show.

I say dream big! And tell people about your dreams, say them out loud. Bring them to fruition. Don't listen to negative people who want to put a damper on your dreams. If you don't believe in yourself and in your talent, no one else will either!

Here is a photo of the lovely Diana as Frida!

Frida & Me

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Frida & Me is an original piece that I wrote about artist Frida Kahlo and her influence on my life. I will be performing this work on Saturday, October 10 at the Stella Adler theater in Hollywood for the Los Angeles Women's Project. They are having their second annual 20% New Works project. I believe I go on between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m.

I am very excited because this work is very personal to me. So not only have I written this, but I will be performing it and directing it as well. At one time I did consider having another actress perform this piece but it was too dear to my heart to give it to another actor.

This week is Tech week so I'll have to get in there and really give it my all. It has been very hectic because I just started rehearsals on another show that I will be doing in November. I will be at the Breath of Fire Latina theater until the end of November. Whew!

And to top that off I went to el doctor and I got my braces put on my little legs. Yup, I understand that I will need to wear these so that I keep up my strength, it will help my spine, shoulders, arms. At first I didn't want them. And then when it was explained that this is an aide, a tool to help me live a better life then I was okay with it.

It took some getting used to seeing myself in braces. And I'm still getting accustomed to them. I move more slowly now and I still need to get some proper shoes. But I know I'll get the hang of this. Then I'll have to move into seeing if I can get in the car and drive with them. Hmmm, think I'll wait awhile for that.

I had an audition for a feature film, low budget SAG film. There were so many Latinas in the group and we were all going out for the same part. It was a long way and then I got there at 1:10 and my call time was 1:45. I didn't get seen until 3:15. I was not very happy but what can you do? It warmed my heart to see so many Latinas all going out for the same part. And some of them were really good. I don't think I did that well, but the casting director said very good! But who knows maybe she says that to everyone once they are done. One thing I did notice was I really looked like the character. And I was glad I did. She gave me some good direction and I always learn from each audition, even if I don't get the part.

Frida & Me and then The Medea Complex. I am living my dream of being a working actor in Los Angeles.

Does anyone read these blogs? I wonder...I hope so. I hope that all the people who read these blogs would become followers. I don't want to be alone out here people. Be brave. Be like Frida, brave and fearless. If I can open up my heart, my thoughts and feelings to the universe then you can be brave and click on being a follower.

All my poetry, my songs, my acts, my interviews are part of who I am. I give it all. And sometimes its scary. And sometimes it sucks. And sometimes it's damn good. Because we only have this one life and while we are living we have to make each day count. And I have spent enough of my life giving to everyone else and being afraid to be me. And shame on me for wasting all those years and not thinking enough of myself to know that I matter too.

And I discovered that I like people, and I like to make people laugh. And I break out in song at inappropriate moments. And I get very quiet and I pick up a pen and start writing and then I can't stop. And it's all for you...so stay tuned.