Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Whirlwind
What a day! I took off work this morning to audition for Brigadoon, Sleeping Beauty, and to go to my appointment at the Met Opera.
Luckily, Brigadoon and Sleeping Beauty were in the same building (different studios), but they were at the same time so I just had to pick one (Sleeping Beauty was in a janky dinner theatre in Ohio, versus Brigadoon national tour).
Hopefully I picked the right one, because I got called back from the epic ballet combination that was the Brigadoon first round (16 counts of 6, I kid you not... almost a minute, maybe a minute and a half of choreography!) The gorgeous and friendly director-choreographer asked me back to sing. Thanks to Mr. W, I had a completely novel take on "Little Bit in Love" from Wonderful Town. I was the very last person called back to sing, and she said I was lovely and asked if I could come back Wednesday at 10am. To which I of course responded: "Absolutely!"
By that time it was 1:15pm, and I was supposed to be at the Met at 1:30pm. I booked it to Lincoln Center from 54th and Broadway, and even got there early (was pretty sure I left one of my lungs back at Columbus Circle, given all my haste and unwillingness to take a cab).
Walking through the Met Opera stage door and into my costume fitting was one of the coolest experiences in recent memory. There were men in the corridors practicing their stage combat sequences, costumes from every show hanging on bars throughout the entire building, women singing arpeggios in the bathrooms, and without fail, a friendly, welcoming, happy face at every turn. I am so excited to work there - there is so much love and artistic integrity nourishing the place!
After making my way to the wardrobe room (bedazzled with sparkles and christmas lights and enough body forms for the makings of a thriller film), I had extensive measurements taken, filled out my employment paperwork, got my Met Opera access ID (eep!) and managed to make it back to work right as my shift was starting.
When it rains, it pours! As if my day hadn't been lovely enough (all the above, plus a perfectly temperate New York sunny day, 75 degrees), the nice liaison from Gilt Group said I had fabulous hair, and one of the principals gave some beautiful hydrangeas for my desk.
Sigh.
Happiness.
Here's crossing fingers and toes that my karmic balance holds out through Rockette auditions tomorrow and until after Wednesday's third round callback... I can't believe I'll be 23 on Friday!!
Love,
A Broadway Baby
Luckily, Brigadoon and Sleeping Beauty were in the same building (different studios), but they were at the same time so I just had to pick one (Sleeping Beauty was in a janky dinner theatre in Ohio, versus Brigadoon national tour).
Hopefully I picked the right one, because I got called back from the epic ballet combination that was the Brigadoon first round (16 counts of 6, I kid you not... almost a minute, maybe a minute and a half of choreography!) The gorgeous and friendly director-choreographer asked me back to sing. Thanks to Mr. W, I had a completely novel take on "Little Bit in Love" from Wonderful Town. I was the very last person called back to sing, and she said I was lovely and asked if I could come back Wednesday at 10am. To which I of course responded: "Absolutely!"
By that time it was 1:15pm, and I was supposed to be at the Met at 1:30pm. I booked it to Lincoln Center from 54th and Broadway, and even got there early (was pretty sure I left one of my lungs back at Columbus Circle, given all my haste and unwillingness to take a cab).
Walking through the Met Opera stage door and into my costume fitting was one of the coolest experiences in recent memory. There were men in the corridors practicing their stage combat sequences, costumes from every show hanging on bars throughout the entire building, women singing arpeggios in the bathrooms, and without fail, a friendly, welcoming, happy face at every turn. I am so excited to work there - there is so much love and artistic integrity nourishing the place!
After making my way to the wardrobe room (bedazzled with sparkles and christmas lights and enough body forms for the makings of a thriller film), I had extensive measurements taken, filled out my employment paperwork, got my Met Opera access ID (eep!) and managed to make it back to work right as my shift was starting.
When it rains, it pours! As if my day hadn't been lovely enough (all the above, plus a perfectly temperate New York sunny day, 75 degrees), the nice liaison from Gilt Group said I had fabulous hair, and one of the principals gave some beautiful hydrangeas for my desk.
Sigh.
Happiness.
Here's crossing fingers and toes that my karmic balance holds out through Rockette auditions tomorrow and until after Wednesday's third round callback... I can't believe I'll be 23 on Friday!!
Love,
A Broadway Baby
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Carbo-loading for the Singer
Today on Shark Week - Epic feeding frenzy for my voice/brain.
It began on Wednesday with a free sample commercials audition seminar at WB studios. Very interesting stuff, def worthwhile for anyone looking to cross over into TV... I mean, think about it.... that Verizon Wireless Guy's life is made! (Yes I can hear you now!)
Also, I now know how absurdly large and animated my features look on screen... it's not pretty... (lieutenant lemur on LSD, reporting for duty)
None to soon came Friday, when a talented TV star friend took me to her SAG seminar called Rocking the Pop/Rock Audition. The event was hands-down one of the most useful sessions I have attended. The woman who lead it was a firecracker (a late '70s import, for sure, complete with bell bottoms and paisley blouse). And wowza, was there a POTTYmouth on her! Nevertheless, she pried open my eyes (and catalyzed my ::yuck:: reflex) to the realities of pop/rock auditions and vocal expectations of the industry.
As per usual I was not quite as prepared as I might have liked, but the lecturer graciously allowed me to take notes on that marvelous all-consuming entity otherwise known as the Crackberry. (I'm fairly certain I type about 90 words per minute on the thing... perfect strangers get a bit freaked out because I don't even have to look at the device any more, even mid-textual madness.)
Then today, I had a vocal coaching session with Mr. W. As if his piano playing skills, warm demeanor, and enviable aesthetic design sensibilities weren't enough, this man is GOD for dancers who want to sing at a hire-able level. Almost everything I learned today I heard for the first time from him. His novel approach to vocalizing and coaching took me from being a decent singer to being competitively marketable in musical theatre (according to him). Given the improvements he helped me make in just an hour or so, I can't wait to go back!
Props to Legs #1, one of the great loves of my life, for the stellar recommendation.
Paz y amor y impending birthday!!!!!
Your Broadway Baby
It began on Wednesday with a free sample commercials audition seminar at WB studios. Very interesting stuff, def worthwhile for anyone looking to cross over into TV... I mean, think about it.... that Verizon Wireless Guy's life is made! (Yes I can hear you now!)
Also, I now know how absurdly large and animated my features look on screen... it's not pretty... (lieutenant lemur on LSD, reporting for duty)
None to soon came Friday, when a talented TV star friend took me to her SAG seminar called Rocking the Pop/Rock Audition. The event was hands-down one of the most useful sessions I have attended. The woman who lead it was a firecracker (a late '70s import, for sure, complete with bell bottoms and paisley blouse). And wowza, was there a POTTYmouth on her! Nevertheless, she pried open my eyes (and catalyzed my ::yuck:: reflex) to the realities of pop/rock auditions and vocal expectations of the industry.
As per usual I was not quite as prepared as I might have liked, but the lecturer graciously allowed me to take notes on that marvelous all-consuming entity otherwise known as the Crackberry. (I'm fairly certain I type about 90 words per minute on the thing... perfect strangers get a bit freaked out because I don't even have to look at the device any more, even mid-textual madness.)
Then today, I had a vocal coaching session with Mr. W. As if his piano playing skills, warm demeanor, and enviable aesthetic design sensibilities weren't enough, this man is GOD for dancers who want to sing at a hire-able level. Almost everything I learned today I heard for the first time from him. His novel approach to vocalizing and coaching took me from being a decent singer to being competitively marketable in musical theatre (according to him). Given the improvements he helped me make in just an hour or so, I can't wait to go back!
Props to Legs #1, one of the great loves of my life, for the stellar recommendation.
Paz y amor y impending birthday!!!!!
Your Broadway Baby
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thursday - The Day of Backstage
For anyone who has even the tiniest spark of interest in dancing, singing, or acting - whether on stage or on film - Thursday is a glittering day of possibility. Because today is the day when the weekly Backstage comes hot off the presses! It may seem like a rogue news cycle, but Backstage editions cover Thursday-Wednesday weeks, and give you almost every kernel of information there is to know about upcoming auditions and opportunities in New York, Los Angeles, and other places nation wide. You never know when the submission you make to a director today might land you your first feature film role tomorrow!
For me, Thursdays are the one day a week that I designate to do all of my research, submissions, and calendar-organizing for the upcoming week(s) of auditions. I pick up a Backstage at the subway station newstand, then spend the subway ride figuring out what things I am suited for (i.e. I can't submit a headshot resume to a call for 69 year old Asian man). Usually I'll sneakily spend most or all of my down time at work plodding through various resources for performers, including
Here's to a day of research and prep. All responsibilities aside, it's a gorgeous day here in New York, and I would love to be outside basking in the sun, despite the reprieve offered by my office's tall ceilings and wall-high windows.
Romance thy name is sunny, summer day!
For me, Thursdays are the one day a week that I designate to do all of my research, submissions, and calendar-organizing for the upcoming week(s) of auditions. I pick up a Backstage at the subway station newstand, then spend the subway ride figuring out what things I am suited for (i.e. I can't submit a headshot resume to a call for 69 year old Asian man). Usually I'll sneakily spend most or all of my down time at work plodding through various resources for performers, including
- www.actorsequity.org (technically you have to be part of the union to attend these calls, but often times directors are willing to see non union performers, as there is a good amount of talent as of yet undiscovered)
- www.playbill.com (occasionally lists a few nonunion auditions that Backstage doesn't)
- answers4dancers.com (a good source for all dance specific auditions, including dance companies and installation works, even music videos and celebrity tours)
- Metoperafamily.org and search "audition" if I know they should start auditioning for their next season (usually these occur in April and May the year prior to when the shows are scheduled to run)
Here's to a day of research and prep. All responsibilities aside, it's a gorgeous day here in New York, and I would love to be outside basking in the sun, despite the reprieve offered by my office's tall ceilings and wall-high windows.
Romance thy name is sunny, summer day!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Almost there!
If you're in New York in October and want to fill your Mozart quota for the fall, come see the Metropolitan Opera's production of Don Giovanni!
You might wonder why that particular opera. Well... in the wake of hiring my first personal trainer yesterday (my bum is so mad at me this morning) and over-celebrating last night, I am just now finding time to write the best news I've gotten in a while:
Yesterday, in the middle of feeling a bit glum (yet another day of being at work instead of dancing), I was notified that I have been cast in the Metropolitan Opera's 2011-2012 production of Don Giovanni at Lincoln Center!
I couldn't be more excited or grateful for the opportunity to be back on a stage, doing what I love. It's a tiny part and the opera doesn't start rehearsals until September, yet I am awash with hope and optimism - completely re-energized in my zeal for auditioning.
Given the wonky weather, my irascible back, and doing non-dance work full time, I've been in a bit of a funk. But this news makes everything that has happened in the past year seem worthwhile. I might actually be able to achieve my loftiest of goals if I just keep at it!
I know a lot of people, myself included, who have been given a hard time for being [too] hopeful, happy, and/or optimistic. I have to admit that the combination of naysayers and the nature of rejection in this industry almost began to convince me that my outlook was unrealistic. That I should focus on more stable career options.
For anyone who ever doubts themselves like I have over the past few months, just remember, you never know how close you are to achieving your goals, so you CAN'T give up!
Walt definitely had some character flaws. However, one wonderful thing he accomplished was to create a company that taught me that dreams really do come true, especially if you're willing to do a little work to make sure. As corny as that is, I stick by Disney's main mantra wholeheartedly. Now, I know I've got my sights set absurdly high, but my Broadway Mecca is only about 20 blocks away from Lincoln Center....
I can't help but feel like I'm so close; I'm almost there!!
"Almost there" (Disney's Princess and the Frog) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljdAYTH5QSY
You might wonder why that particular opera. Well... in the wake of hiring my first personal trainer yesterday (my bum is so mad at me this morning) and over-celebrating last night, I am just now finding time to write the best news I've gotten in a while:
Yesterday, in the middle of feeling a bit glum (yet another day of being at work instead of dancing), I was notified that I have been cast in the Metropolitan Opera's 2011-2012 production of Don Giovanni at Lincoln Center!
I couldn't be more excited or grateful for the opportunity to be back on a stage, doing what I love. It's a tiny part and the opera doesn't start rehearsals until September, yet I am awash with hope and optimism - completely re-energized in my zeal for auditioning.
Given the wonky weather, my irascible back, and doing non-dance work full time, I've been in a bit of a funk. But this news makes everything that has happened in the past year seem worthwhile. I might actually be able to achieve my loftiest of goals if I just keep at it!
I know a lot of people, myself included, who have been given a hard time for being [too] hopeful, happy, and/or optimistic. I have to admit that the combination of naysayers and the nature of rejection in this industry almost began to convince me that my outlook was unrealistic. That I should focus on more stable career options.
For anyone who ever doubts themselves like I have over the past few months, just remember, you never know how close you are to achieving your goals, so you CAN'T give up!
Walt definitely had some character flaws. However, one wonderful thing he accomplished was to create a company that taught me that dreams really do come true, especially if you're willing to do a little work to make sure. As corny as that is, I stick by Disney's main mantra wholeheartedly. Now, I know I've got my sights set absurdly high, but my Broadway Mecca is only about 20 blocks away from Lincoln Center....
I can't help but feel like I'm so close; I'm almost there!!
"Almost there" (Disney's Princess and the Frog) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljdAYTH5QSY
Monday, May 2, 2011
I'm Dreaming of A....
White Christmas!
Later today, thanks to the glorious men of the messenger center, I was able to sneak out yet again to audition for White Christmas at Ripley Grier. Sadly Randy Skinner (choreographer) was not in the room (he's seen me in his tap class from time to time, so the face recognition can be helpful).
The audition ran like an efficient dream machine. Thirty people at a time, three lines of ten. They teach the four counts of eight at lightning speed (siiiiigh gotta love showgirly '50s style tap... Gene Kelly, come back to me!). Then each line gets to do the combination once with the assistants and once by themselves. Next, each person does the routine solo, with the piano accompaniment.
The combination is SO fun and fast and beautifully stylized, I only wish whoever stole my tap shoes last week might have grown a conscience today and slipped them back into my bag. No such luck, so I did the routine in soft shoe character heels and smiled my little heart out.
The director came up to me, asked what happened to my tap shoes (I told him the truth, that they had been stolen), then he asked me my availability. Unfortunately they didn't keep me to dance again, but hey, the nice director man talked to me! Next time I go in I will most ASSUREDLY have new tap shoes :-)
Now for an afternoon of PR clips and coordinating meetings, followed by an evening of TV commercial training with agents alongside my glorious, leggy, brunette namesake.
Stand Back a moment, Breathe, and Remember: a journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.
Later today, thanks to the glorious men of the messenger center, I was able to sneak out yet again to audition for White Christmas at Ripley Grier. Sadly Randy Skinner (choreographer) was not in the room (he's seen me in his tap class from time to time, so the face recognition can be helpful).
The audition ran like an efficient dream machine. Thirty people at a time, three lines of ten. They teach the four counts of eight at lightning speed (siiiiigh gotta love showgirly '50s style tap... Gene Kelly, come back to me!). Then each line gets to do the combination once with the assistants and once by themselves. Next, each person does the routine solo, with the piano accompaniment.
The combination is SO fun and fast and beautifully stylized, I only wish whoever stole my tap shoes last week might have grown a conscience today and slipped them back into my bag. No such luck, so I did the routine in soft shoe character heels and smiled my little heart out.
The director came up to me, asked what happened to my tap shoes (I told him the truth, that they had been stolen), then he asked me my availability. Unfortunately they didn't keep me to dance again, but hey, the nice director man talked to me! Next time I go in I will most ASSUREDLY have new tap shoes :-)
Now for an afternoon of PR clips and coordinating meetings, followed by an evening of TV commercial training with agents alongside my glorious, leggy, brunette namesake.
Stand Back a moment, Breathe, and Remember: a journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.
You Can Never Be Too Early!
A dear friend of mine recently chastised me for finagling my slightly overburdened schedule so that I am constantly RIGHT on time - or worse, GASP, late - to work, a meeting, a callback, a friend date, etc. As such, I have recently incorporated another love's mantra that being EARLY is being on time.
Today was my callback at the Met Opera for Don Giovanni. Knowing the NY subway system as I do, I gave myself ample time (35 minutes) to get only about a mile uptown from my work. Despite my best laid plans, due to some combination of nerves, excitement, and Metro distrust, I was definitely feeling the crunch of my time window.
I left the office and ran into the street in a flurry of wind - and ceramically altered hair - to hail a cab, just to be sure I would arrive with time to spare. Yet, as a lesson to me and anyone who may benefit from this blog, I arrived... 7 minutes before my call time at 11am... only to find that one of the monitors had already been down looking for me!
It was of course not a real issue, as I technically was "on time," even early. Nevertheless, I was embarrassed to have had a member of the casting process come to meet me and help guide me through the bowels of the Met Opera house... only for me to not be there.
From the original 300+ extras who auditioned, they called back 20 of us to learn a gestural combination taught by the gregarious and dynamic choreographer, Ben Wright. (His British accent made me so happy).
Imagine my surprise to also see the familiar, rogue-ishly sexy looking face of Alexander Tressor, Advanced Ballet teacher at Steps on 74th. After further investigation, I found quite obviously displayed on his faculty bio: his teaching credit at the Metropolitan Opera House.
...Suddenly I found myself wishing I had taken MUCH more Russian ballet from him in past years. (You never know who you will see in these rooms, people!)...
Today just goes to show, as my loved ones have said, that you can never be too present in this industry, and you can never be too early. Best believe that I will be in the room (and irresistibly friendly) at the White Christmas call later today... WAY before I am called to dance. Sidebar: I cannot WAIT for my counterpart to come back from her show so that I can go back to part time work and focus my efforts on dancing and auditioning more.
Anyyywayy, the movement for Don Giovanni was fun and tres dramatique (not to mention quite easy if you had any head for counts, which fortunately, I did today). Wright had a great presence, made the audition SO much fun, and would clearly be an absolutely JOY to work for/with.
Doesn't he look friendly?!
Fingers crossed!
Today was my callback at the Met Opera for Don Giovanni. Knowing the NY subway system as I do, I gave myself ample time (35 minutes) to get only about a mile uptown from my work. Despite my best laid plans, due to some combination of nerves, excitement, and Metro distrust, I was definitely feeling the crunch of my time window.
I left the office and ran into the street in a flurry of wind - and ceramically altered hair - to hail a cab, just to be sure I would arrive with time to spare. Yet, as a lesson to me and anyone who may benefit from this blog, I arrived... 7 minutes before my call time at 11am... only to find that one of the monitors had already been down looking for me!
It was of course not a real issue, as I technically was "on time," even early. Nevertheless, I was embarrassed to have had a member of the casting process come to meet me and help guide me through the bowels of the Met Opera house... only for me to not be there.
From the original 300+ extras who auditioned, they called back 20 of us to learn a gestural combination taught by the gregarious and dynamic choreographer, Ben Wright. (His British accent made me so happy).
Imagine my surprise to also see the familiar, rogue-ishly sexy looking face of Alexander Tressor, Advanced Ballet teacher at Steps on 74th. After further investigation, I found quite obviously displayed on his faculty bio: his teaching credit at the Metropolitan Opera House.
...Suddenly I found myself wishing I had taken MUCH more Russian ballet from him in past years. (You never know who you will see in these rooms, people!)...
Today just goes to show, as my loved ones have said, that you can never be too present in this industry, and you can never be too early. Best believe that I will be in the room (and irresistibly friendly) at the White Christmas call later today... WAY before I am called to dance. Sidebar: I cannot WAIT for my counterpart to come back from her show so that I can go back to part time work and focus my efforts on dancing and auditioning more.
Anyyywayy, the movement for Don Giovanni was fun and tres dramatique (not to mention quite easy if you had any head for counts, which fortunately, I did today). Wright had a great presence, made the audition SO much fun, and would clearly be an absolutely JOY to work for/with.
Doesn't he look friendly?!
Fingers crossed!
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