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!

Learning from Actor, Bruce Davison

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

Who said dreams don't come true? At our weekly "Meet the Biz" acting classes, we get to sit at an informal gathering place and learn from various instructors. This week we were fortunate to spend some time with actor/director, Bruce Davison.

I have been a fan of his since he first starred with fellow newcomers, Barbara Hershey, Richard Thomas and Catherine Burns in "Last Summer". He was also featured in the film, "Willard". Yes, the movie about all those rats! He worked with veteran actor, Lucille Ball in "Mame". Wow! And he played a sympathetic lover who has an affair with Illeana Douglas in "Grace of My Heart". In 1990, he received an Oscar nomination for playing a gay man in "Longtime Companion". Most recently he has played the role of Senator Kelly in the X-Men.

Whew! It was wonderful to sit with him as he shared his life from Pennsylvania to Hollywood. He shared the ups and downs of this business. He made us laugh with stories about Lucille Ball, Anthony Quinn, Burt Lancaster and others. Some of the actors got to read with him and we all learned various acting techniques from him.

He said he has never seen things the way they are right now. It's a difficult time to be an actor. But he did say that necessity is the mother of invention. He gave various tips on how to nail that audition. How to create opportunities for yourself. He also gave cold reading techniques. And if you want to know the particulars, take a class.

Thanks for sharing with fellow actors, Bruce. You have given us things to think about, tips to use and have opened up our eyes to Shakespeare. Oh, and thanks for letting me sit on your lap!

Audition for a Print Ad

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

I went to an audition today for a Print ad in Burbank. Photography studio was nice. All I know about the project is it is for a medical theme. I did mention on the info sheet that I have my own scrubs, lab coat and stethoscope. The photographer asked me if I ever worked for the medical community.

I said, yes! I almost forgot how I worked for 2 years as a medical records secretary. I worked in the basement of the hospital. In case there is an earthquake or major disaster, the medical records are safe because we are underground. What I didn't know until I got hired was that the medical records office was right next to the morgue.

Yup, the morgue. As in "Six Feet Under" morgue. The moment you get out of the elevator, the smell of formaldahyde hits you. It's nauseating. Actually, the scrubs and lab coat were purchased for future headshots. Not for work.

Anyway, I think they liked me. I took my glasses cause they make me look smarter than I really am. Took a few photos and we'll see what happens.

I do need a paying job. I do, I do, I do.

If I Knew Then What I Know Now

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

I love to read the local newspaper each morning. It's a comfortable part of my morning routine along with chatting with my husband over a cup of coffee. When I first started thinking of writing professionally, I emailed one of the local contributing writers whose work I admired. He was very supportive. He gave me some words of wisdom when he said to "be kind". He wrote an unflattering piece about a nearby community. Although there were some truths to what he wrote, in retrospect, he said he could have been kinder. His words have always stuck in my mind when I review shows and when I interview guests.

I may not always like what I see on stage. I may not agree with the person that I'm interviewing. But I do have respect for all the work that is involved in putting on a play or a production. I know many times actors don't even get paid for their work.

It's called paying your dues. As actors, we work in student films, spec films, indie films and director reels for no pay. We do, however, get the experience of working in front of the camera. And we build relationships. And that is priceless.

This sounds like Acting 101 and I don't wish it to be so. I think acting and real life go hand in hand. Sometimes though, I wish we could be kind and rewind. For example, I was driving down the road on my way to the bank. I was feeling happy until a woman in a very large SUV cut me off in traffic and proceeded to cut off two other vehicles. She could have caused three accidents and she was completely unaware. As she was parking her vehicle, I yelled out the window to her. "Someone should teach you how to drive". She yelled back at me, "You have a lot of nerve, you little chili pepper". That was when I realized her children were with her and one of them said, "Mommy, why is that lady yelling at you"?

So now, I just turn up the radio and sing along to whatever is playing instead of yelling at Moms in SUVs who call me names in front of their children. Okay, maybe that was a bad example.

Or I could tell you the story of how a friend of mine had an affair with a married man who happened to be a Police Sergeant. No, never mind. Be kind, rewind. Don't have affairs with married men, ladies. It never works out. Except you don't get parking tickets anymore. Well maybe it works out, just a little.

Okay, let's summarize. Be kind to Moms in SUVs. Don't have affairs with married men, even if they do look great in a police uniform. And before you say or do something that you'll regret later, be kind, rewind. Think it through and then proceed with caution!

Nick Anderson, Casting Director

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

I went to Burbank today as I signed up for a 2 hour workshop with Casting Director, Nick Anderson. He has quite the background working in casting. You should google his name. You'll be impressed. Quite a few people there and I even ran into an old friend. We worked on an indie film several years ago.

I enjoy taking notes as each casting director is different and they come from different backgrounds. And they all have different words of wisdom. Nick said, "you're nobody in this town till you've been fired." I found that quite amusing. And who hasn't been fired at one time or another. Sometimes it's a sad thing; other times it's a blessing in disguise.

Nick also said a foundation of good acting is only the beginning. He did say that writing your own projects can be helpful to your career. That is so true and that is why I do write, too.

He is offering a Summer Special right now, for 3 weeks beginning June 14, 21 & 28. The price is only $175. For more info: info@actorscreativeworkshop.com

I'm so glad that I attended. I learned so much, connected with an old friend and I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Don't forget to check me out on the Internet Movie Database

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2973617

Stage work, Acting class & Print work

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

Audition for "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" at Temecula Valley Players. I wasn't really sure I wanted to be in this production. It's a very young cast of 7 males & 7 females. Lots of dancing. Don't think there is a role for a little Latina like me. But, I promised John Collins I would be there. He is a Board member and very supportive of my career. And a promise is a promise.

So I auditioned, sang my song. And was not selected to be a part of the cast. No worries. I've got enough on my plate right now.

Session with casting director, Nick Anderson tomorrow morning in LA. I have an audition Tuesday morning for a print job in Burbank.

Wednesday evening acting class with Actor, Bruce Davison from the X-Men. So excited about that.

Oh, had more headshots printed and found a great used book store in Santa Monica. I picked up "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder and "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller. I'm in heaven. Actually, I'm in my pajamas reading these classics and this must be what heaven is like. Bliss!

Stanzi Stokes

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

I met a wonderful lady last night, Stanzi Stokes. Now if you don't know Stanzi, you do know her work. She is a Manager and former Casting Director. She cast films such as The Terminator, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure and the film, 1941.

I am taking some classes in LA and how often do you get an opportunity to sit one on one with a business Manager and former casting director? It was an intimate setting in a private home in Hollywood. There were only 8 of us and we were able chat with her, listen to her wonderful stories. And then she handed out sides and we were able to perform for her. I think she liked us all! It was a great opportunity to read for her and listen to critique and take direction. Wow!

I sat next to actor David L. Lander. Now if you watch television at all, you will remember that he played the role of Squiggy in Laverne & Shirley. He is so nice. And I was so glad that I knew all about his book and audio book on his experience with MS. True story, I picked up the audio book, listened to it and shared it with a friend who has been recently diagnosed with MS. I told him how finding his story helped me to understand what she was going through. He smiled and thanked me. What a nice man! He is going to be our teacher/trainer in a class later this month. He told me he noticed how I was the only person who was taking notes. Of course!

And, I got to spend some girl time with my friend, Donna. Donna is a fellow actor. We are very supportive of each other's careers. We worked together once on the Capital One commercial. And the best part of that shoot was finding a new friend!

So I am here in Hollywood, and I will be meeting a Producer for lunch. I will stop by Samuel French book store and enjoying living and going after my dreams. Did I mention I was just notified for another audition next week.

I am truly blessed. So folks, put good things out into the universe and good things will come back to you.

Oh, and don't forget to check me out on the Internet Movie Database www.imdb.com/name/nm2973617