I booked the job!

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I'm so excited! I booked the job that I auditioned for yesterday! I felt very good about it and I just got the official phone call. It's amazing how quickly everything moves with electronic submissions. I submitted myself for this gig. Next morning get a phone call to come audition. Did the audition and today I booked it. Wow and the job films on Friday. All this in 1 week.

Just goes to show that if you want to work and get paid for it, you have to train -- audition -- have headshots -- and a nice wardrobe -- get there on time -- be professional -- and just go with it.

I have another acting class tonite and I believe these classes and the support of other actors, casting directors and my agent really give me the confidence to just go for it!

I am showing a photo of my friend Donna and I who are taking classes together. She is such a good friend. And, I don't know where I would be without her. Thanks, Donna!

Auditions Can Be Fun

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I had a really good audition yesterday in Santa Monica for an industrial film. I know it was good because people were smiling. That's a good sign. I've gone on auditions when I've felt like, gee who let me in the room? And once in awhile you really get the material -- and there was even an opportunity to do some Improv.

I did not have any sides so once I checked in with the receptionist, she checked off my name and gave me some sides. I am Hispanic woman. There are 2 small paragraphs of dialogue. We are told by the show runner that they are not looking so much for perfection on the copy but what they are looking for is genuine feelings. So I started to read all the dialogue, not just my copy but everything to get a feel for what is going on in the scene.

So I knew what was happening. There were about 4 people in the waiting area with more coming in each moment. Then the Chinese food was delivered and they wanted to take a few moments to eat. That's okay with me. Nothing worse than walking into a room of casting people who are irritable and hungry. That gave me an opportunity to run to the ladies room, powder my nose and catch a glimpse of myself. I wore a navy suit, minimal jewelry and conservative make-up.

Finally, they called me in. There were 4 guys in the room. They were very nice and there was the camera. We went over some particulars and then they asked me if I was ready. I was and we continued with the scene. I think they liked what they saw and after I read the 2Nd paragraph, I ad libbed a little. They then asked me to read some of the other parts, which I did. Then they asked me to put down the scripts entirely and give my thoughts on the product. I spoke for a few moments and then they thanked me.

And they actually smiled! So I have a feeling I have the job which films on Friday. The pay is not great but I am doing this for the experience, more material for my demo reel. And the chance to show these guys what I can do.

Thank goodness for the Improv class I did last week, which gave me the confidence to take that extra time in the waiting area. Taking extra time like I had can be used to collect your thoughts, get into the character, be open to flexibility and really listen for direction.

Keeping fingers crossed!

Auditions and More

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A busy time, I had an audition last week for an IHOP commercial. I ran into a friend that I met when we were shooting a diabetes industrial film for the medical community. Sylvette Ortiz had appeared for a few moments in the film, "Iron Man". She was in a scene with Terrence Howard. It was good to see her again. I was hoping to get a callback, but did not get one. Oh well, next time.

I received a call yesterday that I have an audition today for an industrial film. I think it shoots later this week. I was excited because I submitted myself and about an hour later I got the call to come in and audition. So, good luck to me!

My editor sent me an email and I am to interview Shayne Lamas, the daughter of Lorenzo Lamas. She was on "The Bachelor". The Lamas family is like Latino royalty starting with her grandparents, Fernando Lamas & Arlene Dahl. My parents would be thrilled.

I have more and more people contacting me to interview them. It's very exciting. Well, off to get some breakfast and clothing ready for the audition today. Another acting class on Wednesday. An interview on Thursday with a photographer and hopefully shooting the film on Friday. We'll see how it goes.

Acting class last Wednesday with comedic actress Karen Eileen-Gordon was amazing. It was a great Improv class. We had a blast and she told me I was a natural!

Rick Najera, Extraordinary Writer

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I was so thrilled to attend a workshop event given by Rick Najera. I have been a big fan since I first auditioned for him in 'Latinologues'. I read his book and found out he is such a good writer. He has written many screenplays, he is a playwright. He has written for television shows and has an upcoming show for Showtime. He was even one of the writers for 'Culture Clash'.

Rick shared many ideas in his writing and performing comedy workshop. He said that the 1st rule of comedy is to tell the truth. Makes sense to me! He also said that even if you perform, you must write. He also talked about Improv and the value of this training. He said the easiest way for an actor to empower himself is to write. Wow, this is the 4th time I have heard this. I think someone is trying to tell me something.

I do feel I am on the right path in my career. I had an audition yesterday for a national commercial. It went okay, not great. I did the best I could do and that's all I can ask. The gal who was with me seemed a bit lost. And I remember when I did that. Part of paying your dues is really screwing up auditions and then learning from them. So, I do my best and then I don't worry about it.

So, I was happy to see Rick again and to meet his lovely wife, Susie. We have corresponded thru email before and it was nice to finally meet her in person. Her photos do not do her justice. And she is excited because she just started blogging. too. I did hand Rick my headshot and it was nice to see that I have actually worked and have working credits -- in both theatre and film -- as well as commercials on my resume. Maybe he'll cast me in one of his films! That would be great. I can dream can't I? Absolutely!

I am constantly amazed at the generous people I am meeting lately. The waitress at IHOP gave me one of her aprons for my audition and wished me luck. I had a great workshop with one of the best writers in Hollywood. And my friend, Donna is letting me crash at her place again! I am truly blessed and thankful.

Who would ever have thought that a poor little Mexican girl from Ohio would ever be in Hollywood pursuing her dreams? I feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. I feel I am on the right path and need to stay on the yellow brick road.

A Conversation with Herbert Siguenza

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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