On & On + Some Support

I presented a scene today in the adv. acting class:  the beginning of Oleanna by David Mamet.  It went over pretty well. I was pleased.  It was encouraging to receive such positive feedback.  We have two weeks to take our professor’s notes to improve it before we present it again.

I updated my former acting teacher on what I’ve been doing, and he was super supportive.

I’m having trouble successfully implementing lessons I’ve learned in my vocal production class.  Even if I relax and do some warm-ups beforehand, I still get nervous (all over again) when I perform.  I don’t think it’s overly noticeable, even though I tend to carry tension in my shoulders.  I’ve been working on that well, I think.  But my mouth becomes very dry when I feel nervous.  Dry mouth makes acting ten times harder than it should be.  Really.  It’s so annoying, and no one seems to be able to help me.  I’m starting to think that the only way to stop the dry mouth may be to stop getting nervous.  I don’t know how realistic it is to stop experiencing that.

I plan on getting head shots taken soon.

I’ve submitted to a few local projects, but I’m a little wary.

I’ve finally gotten around to working on Shakespeare monologues.

Now I just have to find a contemporary comedic monologue, and I will be set.

Oh, and most importantly, I told my mother that I am seriously considering acting professionally (or trying to do so) upon graduation.  Instead of resisting, she told me that she had suspected I wanted to do that once I got into the classes.  She said I’ll probably have to live at home (I live by NYC) and find some low-paying job to support myself financially (duh), but that I should get it out of my system anyway.  That was much easier than I had anticipated.  Then again, it’s easier with my mom.  I don’t know how my dad will take it.  I was so happy that my eyes started to tear.

That’s it for now!

So busy!

My, oh, my!  School has been extremely time-consuming lately.  I’ll keep this short.

I auditioned for maybe five shows, was called back for one, but did not get the part.  Not a big surprise, since the community is so tight knit (read: a clique).  Also, I don’t think I made strong enough choices when I auditioned for some shows.  But that’s that.

Good news:  I got into the advanced acting class.  It’s a little awkward, since everyone else knows each other.  In this twelve person class, I definitely feel like the outsider.  It’s pretty intimidating, and I really do feel as though the pressure is on to step up my game to prove my worthiness.  It was competitive to get into the class, and it really showcases some of the strongest actors on campus.  I’m honored I got in.  I know that some people are like “who are you??? where did you come from???” but most are being nice.

I lotteried into the Practical Aesthetics class.  The professor is brilliant.  I’m so glad I’m taking this class.  I can’t wait to apply this technique.

I’m also taking a vocal production class.  The progress will be slow, but I’m looking forward to fixing some of my bad habits.  I need to breathe more!

Other than that, it’s been hard getting myself together for the future.  I haven’t worked out as often as I had planned.  I don’t want to take headshots until I lose some weight.  I’m by no means overweight, but my face is somewhat round.  And I just want it to come across as thin.  Nevermind the fact that keeping fit is important!  But really, I feel paralyzed without head shots.  Blah.

I just checked in with my original list of short and long term goals.  I think I’m on track for the most part.  But if I want to audition for grad schools, I will have to work harder.  School has gotten me a little bit off track.

Until next time!