I Booked a Commercial!

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I'm so excited, I submitted for a commercial and so many times I wonder if the casting people really look at everyone. Apparently, they do! The whole process can be somewhat mysterious. Basically since everything is electronic, you can submit yourself or your agent can submit you. And if they like what they see and your experience, they will call you in to audition.

It's rare to go directly to a callback, although I have had a few of those too. But with this job, I submitted yesterday. This evening I received a text message that I am hired for this commercial. No audition, either! Yes, I'm not really fond of auditions. I'm a good actress, I really am! Once I understudied for this gal. She had to work on a SAG project and couldn't do her play. I was hired, and learned 13 pages of dialog, and her blocking in 2 days. I performed beautifully. So I can act, I just don't audition that great.

So, even though this is a non union job, I can still do it because I haven't joined SAG yet! It's a nice feeling to be wanted again!

Rain, Rain Go Away!

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I know we need the rain in Southern CA, but geez! I feel like I need a boat, and of course, I have no idea where my umbrella has gone.

I was just thinking what a nice, relaxing day and soaking in my bubble bath yesterday. I received a text message for a new audition, when my agent called. Sure enough, a new audition this afternoon for a big SAG commercial, internet, print, the whole works. So, I got ready and auditioned at Alyson Horn Casting. I think it went pretty well and the callbacks are for today. Hope they call me back!

Then, about an hour later, another audition for Thursday morning (today) for a pilot! Yes! I received the sides and now I have to get ready for this project.

In the meantime, it is raining and raining. I must bundle up and head out to Hollywood. Oh, I miss sunny days already. It was 73 degrees last week when I was heading out to six auditions in 7 days. The life of an actor is never boring!

I picked up two new acting books, thanks to my son giving me a gift card to Barnes & Noble for Christmas. It was such fun shopping. I wanted a c.d. but they didn't have the one I wanted so then I headed for books! Believe me, I wanted to buy 6 but settled for only 2 books. Love to read!

Well, better get ready for another audition. I am blessed to have these opportunities. I could be back in Toledo, Ohio, writing parking tickets in the snow. Boy, I sure don't miss those days!

New Day, New Audition!

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Wow, I was invited to come audition for the annual NBC/Universal Scene Showcase. I received a 3-page script, got my directions and checked in at the Security gates at Universal Studios. That was like a dream come true. I felt I did pretty good and the casting director said, "very good". And I guess we will see what happens next. I saw on the sign-in sheet that there were 2 people that I know. I hope their auditions went well, too.

Now I can relax for the rest of the weekend. It's been a crazy, crazy week. Six auditions in 7 days. Part II of a job interview.

Now I have to go rest my body. Why do I never have a bottle of wine in the fridge when I need it the most?

Vat a Veak!

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I've had 5 auditions in the last week. Crazy! My poor little body, but it's all good. I had one callback which was just so so. And a big audition tomorrow on Saturday! Why oh why, do I have to be overweight right now before a big audition for one of the top 3 networks??? Of course, that is how life is. When I'm looking good and have it all together, nada. And now when I'm off my game, opportunities gallore. Just goes to show you always have to be prepared, cause ya never know.

I have a 3 page script to memorize before the audition tomorrow so that is my focus today.

Also, I filled out an application online for a really good job as a dispatcher for the Fire Department. And I took an online exam which was quite difficult. I received a call yesterday morning that I was one of the top scorers of the exam. And they wanted me to come in the afternoon for another round of testing. I did and it was a 2-hour exam. Very difficult but I think I did okay. They said it would be several weeks before we receive the results. If I do well, I know I will be offered a position because there is a huge demand for these operator dispatchers. It's a tremendous amount of responsibility and a great opportunity for a great paying job.

I love being an artist, but I don't like being a starving artist. One of the things about joining SAG is the free training they offer. Great classes, great opportunities to get involved and show support. I can't wait.

Oh, I forgot, I was hired as an intern by a production company. It's a great way to get my foot in the door of the entertainment industry. I've worked as a production assistant intern in the past and I loved it. What sucks is that I never got any credit of any of the work I did.

I auditioned earlier this week for a reality show. Yup, a reality show. I think they were very, very interested in me. I had to fill out a six page questionnaire. And they ask all kinds of personal questions. They do a background check on you to make sure you don't have any felonies, and that you aren't crazy. We haven't talked dollars & cents yet, but it should be interesting to see what they offer me. That's why I have an agent.

Oh, and Mom & Dad are here from back home. They are visiting my brother right now, thank goodness because I don't have the time. Too busy trying to land callback auditions, paying jobs, maybe a real job and now accepting this offer to be a production assistant again. Can I clone myself now?

And for some reason, I had a dream that I was explaining Roman sculpture and art to my family. Strange

New Year, New Diet!

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I am determined to lose some weight. I have been cutting down on portions, eating healthier and switching to no sugar jello when I am craving sweets. Now I will have to step up my activity levels too. I want to lose weight the healthy and safe way although I can see why people choose lyposuction. But surgery? Yikes, expensive and I hate surgery and hospitals.

I had a good audition on Friday. I thought I would receive an audition notice and I did. It went very well and callbacks are on Tuesday. They said they would let us know on Monday. Very excited.

Oh and I have 2 new auditions on Monday! Things are definitely picking up. Looks like I will be in LA all day on Monday. So I must rest today. These two projects are interesting too.

My friend Kurt got a national commercial for Applebees. And my other friend Sly, just booked a McDonald's commercial. I am so happy for them and it will be exciting when it is my turn! Kurt and I were in an acting class together. And Sly and I worked on a diabetes industrial film together.

I just found a gift certificate for a massage. Hmmm, wondering if I should use it today. I really should as I am tense all over and that is not good right before auditions. I also found a Yoga dvd that I had stuffed with the other dvds. That would be good; low impact exercise.

It's a New Year and this year will be a leaner, meaner me!

I've Got a Lot of Living To Do

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The year is starting off pretty good. I filmed a PSA which should air sometime in February. It was for children, a cause that I believe in and it was a paycheck of the heart. I was honored to be asked, was given a few lines when I originally had none. It's all good.

Today I went on an audition in Santa Monica. It's a SAG web commercial & print ad. The pay is very good and I'm very excited about it. I think I did well and I noticed that I looked a lot younger than the other women who were auditioning. This could turn out to be a good thing! positive vibes!!!

I believe I will have another audition later this week (Friday). I received an email requesting more information about me. I submitted myself for this project in early December and they are just now auditioning later this week. It's okay. Sometimes there are scheduling difficulties around the holidays. No worries!

My friend, Kurt was interviewed for a news publication and he was going on about disabled actors. Good for you, Kurt! We need to be more united. There are so many people who are disabled and we need to show more folks like us on TV, in films and print ads. Most people don't realize that they are only one car accident away from being disabled, too.

To cut my hair or not to cut my hair? It's getting long and it no longer looks like my current head shot. But once you cut it, it is gone! So I don't know. You know women, we get emotional when it comes to our hair.

I just saw an article that said Kim Kardashian is only 5'3". Wow, she is tiny but she has a great bod. So cute. I love to see brunettes who are beautiful. I'm sick of all American blonde hair/blue eyes. There are so many beautiful Latina women, too. Now if I can only lose some weight maybe I can be one of them, too. Oh to be 89 pounds again. I was beautiful and I was so shy, I didn't even realize how beautiful I was. So insecure. Now, I don't think I'll ever be 89 pounds again but if I could lose 20 pounds I would be a happy camper.

Back to salads and non sugar jello!

Happy New Year!

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Wow, what a year. It started off slowly then started building momentum. I believe I had auditions every single month. First an indie film, then a low-budget film with no other than Orlando Bloom. Then I met and interviewed George Lopez. I appeared in a local play of the Vagina Monologues. I was amazed at all the Latina women I saw at the annual Latina Day in LA. I saw some great performances at the Breath of Fire Latina Theater in Santa Ana, CA.

I met and interviewed Herbert Siguenza & Hector Luis Bustamante. I interviewed Monica Palacios and director, Miguel Mas.

I wrote, performed and directed an original piece on surviving polio with the inspiration from artist, Frida Kahlo.

I worked on a pilot for Nickelodeon. I performed in a wonderful play, and filmed for 2 days in Hollywood on a new film. Then I filmed a PSA right before Christmas!

I am now eligible to join SAG and that has been one of my goals for 2009. I was so excited and while some people don't have a clue, to me this is a milestone in my career.

I met some wonderful people along my journey. And I hope that I inspired others to reach down inside themselves and find the best in them. Don't be afraid to shine your light into the world. Speak up when you see indifference. Don't just complain, join the world and try to make it a better place.

Thank you, Michael Jackson for being an inspiration. You worked so hard and inspired so many. You made things look easy; when in fact, they are not. But the entertainer in you showed the world what one man can do. I am not a dancer; but I can appreciate your moves. I am not a singer; but I can relate to the emotion that you bring out.

While I only worked for several months, my acting career & writing career really took off. I couldn't have done these things had it not been for the support and love of my family. And for them, I am truly grateful.

Here's looking towards 2010!