News from LaLa Land

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Auditions are being held for a project with actress Holly Robinson-Peete. They are searching for attractive women (30 - 45 yrs old) who are in need of some new tips and tricks in fashion and make-up. This must be a new show possibly Bravo? Did everyone watch Holly when she was on the Apprentice last season with the Donald? She looked fabulous and she is one tough cookie. I am not going for that audition but if this is you and you live in the LA area, go for it!

I heard about a low budget film that is looking for production assistants so I sent my cover letter and resume. And guess what? This is a non-paying job. I am so tired of folks wanting others to work for copy, credit and a meal. Now in Hollywood talk that means when the production is over and the project is completed you will get your name in the credits, they will feed you lunch while working on the set and you will get a copy of the film. In all the time I have worked either as an actor or a production assistant I have literally had to beg to get a copy of the work. I've only received two!!! Now if you are just starting out and have zero experience then by all means go for it. But if you have paid your dues and are eligible to join a union like SAG or AFTRA then join. It puts you in that professional category and you get treated as such.

Lots of new TV shows that are airing soon. I saw Hellcats and I saw Outlaw. To tell you the truth, I didn't really care for either one and I Love Jimmy Smits. I am looking forward to the new Hawaii Five-O. What new TV shows are you excited about?

I have been in a little bit of a funk lately and I am sorry about that. I have determined that yes I have polio but I am not polio. I will not let it define me. And I believe in The Secret. I am determined to be more positive and I know that positive energy will flow in me and through me and out into the universe. And the Universe will bless me with good things including a great job and new opportunities to audition and show what I can do. And that is the Hollywood minute from me!

I Want to Be an Ewok!

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I woke up early and checked the site for actors and lo and behold they are looking for someone to be an Ewok. I could totally do this! The job works in Hollywood on Thursday so they are calling people in. I may get a call today! That would be awesome. I haven't had an audition for 2 weeks. I have noticed casting is picking up lately, it's just difficult if you don't fit into a category.

I remember one particular early morning, I left my hotel room at 7:00 a.m. and reported to Universal Studios lot. The air was fresh and clean, the street cleaners were out and there was not that much traffic yet. I had grabbed a morning cup of coffee from the hotel lobbey and was on my way. It was so exciting reporting to the set. Now when you're working the rule of thumb is hurry up and wait. You want to be on the set on time or preferably early. Report in, get in makeup and wardrobe and then sit and wait. It's a good time to chat with the other actors, meet some new friends, exchange cards and wait until we are needed.

One of the other films is casting 1800's time era people. Now, that it is Summer I have been thinking of doing some streaks of lighter color on my dark hair. But, if you work period costume shows like this film, no highlights please! They really want natural looking hair so that is why I have not done the streaks. Also my nails. Unlike some people, my nails grow really long and I have to cut them down. But depending on the role, sometimes I'll cut them all the way down to nothing. Doesn't matter, they grow back quickly anyway.

My last blog was a little angry sounding and I apologize for that but sometimes you just have to let off some steam, right? Writing has always been very therapeutic for me and it is better than smashing a windshield with a golf club right? Not that I have any golf clubs anyway, but you get my drift.

I am missing Las Vegas. Never thought I would say that but my brother lives there and I haven't been there in a few months. We always make a point to hang out, grab some lunch or an early dinner and catch up. He is an entertainer too! It's funny because when we were kids we would entertain our entire family. We would sing and dance and make jokes. I guess we both love to entertain. How many Latinos do you know who are siblings and both in the entertainment business? It's funny cause we both moved far away from home (Ohio) and moved out west.

Well, lots of folks out there still out of work, but keep the faith people. Things will get better, they always do. Americans are resilient! Say a little prayer for me, I know I could be an Ewok. Stay tuned!

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!

Boxing with God

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I had a wonderful time working on a low-budget SAG film over the weekend. The casting agent contacted me early last week. I spoke with the producer on the same day and she booked me as one of the 10 angels. We got to play in heaven and we fought with God.

It was great to see some of my friends again. Some of us had worked together last year on the national commercial "Santa" for Capital One. And I met some new mates, too. Everyone was a little person. It was fun to see my fellow actor friends work. Some of them have been working quite a bit; others not so much.

Part of being an actor is not being afraid to take chances. So, I got to dress in full army gear, crawled in the mud, shot paintball rifles and was shot at. We were running in the woods, hiding behind trees, and shooting rifles. It was awesome. I hung in there with the guys and it was great.

The next day we were in full angel attire including wings. We were like children, playing with toys. I had a blast watching my friends perform using green screen technology. I was able to bring out the little girl in me and just laugh, play and have a good time.

We had very long days and after the first day all I wanted to do was go home and soak in the hot bubble bath and go to bed. Driving around downtown LA with all the lights and leaving the studio was awesome. I had to pinch myself.

My agent was very pleased that I got this job. Hopefully it will turn into more work in the future. The team was amazing, they made sure we were all comfortable, they had chairs for us, water at all times. They were great, I wish all of our projects were like this.