Riding the Wave

Hit counter provided by http://www.website-hit-counters.com/ .

Do you know what happens when you work really hard and you learn your craft? Well, if you don't give up -- you get the job!

I had breakfast this morning with a good friend who is also an actor. We talked about how important it is to not only learn your craft, but to stay positive, network and do all the right things. There were times when he would be down and I would help by giving advice. And there were times when I would be down and he would give me advice. That is what friends are for.

I have friends who are casting directors, production assistants, make-up and wardrobe ladies, acting coaches and even managers. You need friends to be honest and give you constructive criticism. And you need a thick skin. This business is tough but not impossible.

You need a support system of friends and family to cheer you on. Believe me, there were times that I felt like giving up. There were times that I worked all day and went to rehearsals at night. I did shows and plays. I've screwed up auditions and cried all the way home. But I learned from each and every audition. A friend of mine, Culture Clash member Herbie Siguenza told me to go out for each and every role that I felt I was right for. He said to learn from each and every audition. And I did. I took mental notes and each time tried to be as prepared as I could be.

And so look out -- because you will see more and more of me -- on television -- in films -- on the radio -- and in print. I am not sitting by my phone waiting for it to ring. I am taking charge of my career. I am the boss, I am in charge.

Happy New Year!

Hit counter provided by www.website-hit-counters.com .

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!

A Conversation with Herbert Siguenza

Hit counter provided by http://www.website-hit-counters.com/ .

I attended a performance by Herbert Siguenza many years ago when I first moved to San Diego. I was so amazed at how talented he was. I have not seen very many Latino performers especially when you live in Ohio. As I was leaving the San Diego Rep I picked up a sheet that said he was teaching an Improv class. I immediately signed up for the class.

I had a really good time learning new things, participating in theatre sports games. It was hard to take notes because he was teaching so many things. It was interesting because I felt a connection like I've never felt before with any other instructors I had in college. But then perhaps it was just my imagination.

We have kept in contact here and there throughout the years. He travels so much and is either writing or performing or both. I don't get jealous of other actors. Rather, I learn from them and listen to them. They are living their lives like gypsies on the road.

Many times people tell me they want to be actors, too. They want to go to Hollywood and audition. They want to be onstage. They don't know about the rejection that we all go through. They don't want to work for free. They don't realize the long separations from your home life, your loved ones and the friends that love you.

So you must love it. You absolutely must to do this. Herbie has that kind of love for his art. I asked him how he can make each character his own. Because he does literally transform himself on stage. He is amazing to watch. And he told me he starts from his shoes. And I've never forgotten that.

I was fortunate to connect with him again after many years and we sat down over brunch for an interview for Latino LA. It was wonderful to see him again and catch up with him. I love it when I sit down with someone and just let them talk. Many times folks will tell me they want me to interview them and then they don't say anything. But Herbie and I talked and talked.

At one point, I was nervous and couldn't turn off the recorder. I finally got so frustrated that I pulled the batteries out. Crazy. I hope he didn't see that! He is very supportive of other Latino artists and I found that he has not changed all these years. He is still a very generous, kind soul. At the end of the interview, I reminded him that I was one of his students in his Improv class. He looked thoughtfully for a moment and then a smile came over his face as he did remember me.

As we parted ways, I thanked him again for the interview. I know that he will continue to shake things up with Culture Clash. And I know that he will live his life for his art. And for us, thank goodness. So I raise my glass to you, maestro!