Use your imagination

I really don't have much to write about today. Nothing of dire importance has occurred recently. Ugh..disgusting, I can hear my ill sister hacking her viral spray into the air, probably not covering her mouth because she finds it hilarious to attempt to get everyone around her sick....

So yesternight I was searching online for more tips on how to get myself out there in this acting market. I mean, there is no user manual as to how to take the correct steps towards furthering your career. Everyone I speak with has their own method, which honestly really isn't a method at all. It's just random dibble dabbles that they put themselves into. Even so, how to they even find those dibble dabbles to partake in? I feel like I am diligent in what I *know* I can do, but I know there is SO much that I am not doing, simply because I am not aware of it.

As the title reads..."use your imagination"...that seems to be every artistic New Yorker's motto: ranging from actors to agents.



For example, this morning I spoke with my agent after much silence (apparently her email has been malfunctioning) and she got me motivated to get myself out there, but when I hung up-I felt this pang because HOW can I do it?! I have the drive and I don't mind searching for it, but honestly websites aren't going to just cough up that information-especially for free. And like I said earlier, I have a few accounts with "reputable" breakdown sites that everyone and their mother has.

I really am at a loss. How can I meet casting directors without paying an arm and a leg by going to places like The Network or Actors' Connection? I've done that and honestly it doesn't really seem beneficial. Who am I to judge though. Also, my agent said she's submitting my information out, but no bites because either I don't match the role to their liking or I don't have anything eye catching on my resume. Gah!

So I have made a little game plan for myself to keep my head on straight. I need a reel and I need to develop my headshots and get postcards so I can follow up with agents/casting directors. I also am thinking I want to get involved with a play so I have something to write ON the postcard, ha ha. So first is first, I've been regressing and have been submitting to student films *eeeeekkkkk!!!!* Yes I know, but I must create a reel and I cannot waste anymore time praying that I'd get casted for a 5U anymore. Next, since I have been hired, I will be earning cash that soon I can print out headshots and postcards, which I'm averaging will set me back $250-$300. As for theater, I've already submitted to some, no bites yet, but I have got to keep submitting. What's the average: for every 100 no's there is a 1 yes? Well, I'm not going to let those no's hold me back, oooooh no sir'ee!

I also need to get a monologue. I had one I was using from Serendipity, but I don't really know how beneficial that is to me. I'm going to keep searching, there has to be the perfect one for me out there.

So that's my game plan. I guess. Baby steps, baby steps.

Haha, this made me feel better about myself...I'm not hating either, so don't get all democratic/elitist/liberal on me

I ain't got the Monday blues

So while I was searching for a Blonde Redhead song that the chorus goes as such "x x x alex, I'm your only friend", I randomly came across this link that showed "x x". Assuming it was that Blonde Redhead song I clicked on it. It wasn't the song I was looking for, but it wasn't a loss either. It's actually a freaking cool song, with an airy, gypsy, melodious carry of the Velvet Underground who married the Cure, comprised an unknown (or perhaps they are rather well known and I know nothing about them) band The X X composing the song 'Crystalised'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pib8eYDSFEI

Stuff that in your ears and like it.

So today it is now 4:48pm and I just got home about 15 minutes ago from a looooong training shift at my job; 6am to 4pm kind of long. However, it didn't really feel long-not THAT long at least. On Saturday, it seemed to drag and the environment was a lot different-more regiment I'd say. Today, however, was a freaking blast. I LOVED the people I was working with because they sort of reminded me of back home. Okay, well not really because they are nothing like my old Ajo buddies, but I felt the cool vibe from them like back home. Also on Saturday, I expected to have a little break or down time to nibble, but had none even though the pace wasn't that busy, but today the staff was encouraging me to sample muffins, drinks, oysters, croissants, etcetera (in moderation of course), but to have a palate reference for customers. PLUS I also got a lunch today. A decent lunch too, not Ajo Al's kind of lunch where I could eat the food of the restaurant, but the restaurant has their own staff cafeteria and the food wasn't too shabby. I had a yummy grilled salmon, steamed broccoli, macaroni pasta salad and a little bit of Spanish rice with a dash of saffron. Lastly, a very sweet and generous barista made me a latte to go. I know I know, I tried a lot in one day and should pace it out to a) not feel as horribly stuffed as I do right now and b) to not look like a Miss Piggy infront of my new team. However, as I said before they were cool and encouraging so I didn't think it was a problem. Of course, we never do this infront of a manager or customers because it looks unprofessional.


(The blueberry muffins to me were the best)

Then out of curiosity I had to sample a bread roll, which I am actually eating right now because I literally had no more room in my belly. Today I definitely would say is the best and fullest meal I've eaten SINCE coming back home nearly a month ago. Literally. I feel like the oompa loompas from Willy Wonka.

Then I also was more hands on today, I went up to tables, took their drink order and their meal order, put it into the computer, dropped their bill and even processed their payment. I basically shadowed for the first part and then was monitored for the end. One thing we servers must do it open wine bottles as well as champagne. Easy enough, except that I've never opened a champagne bottle up before. I'm paranoid that I'm going to flub up and the cork is going to shoot out or I'm going to spray a customer with champagne and dowse them in a liquidy blanket of the quenching beverage they so desired in their bellies. Everyone thought it was interesting and/or probably nerdy and said I should try it today. One server came over with the champagne bottle and was so gently guiding me as to open it, but I chickened out at the last second and had her do it as I watched. Maybe I'll cheat and practice at home so in case I mess up it won't be in front of the team and especially not in front of the customers. :P


(I worked in this part today)

So all in all, I'd say today was an awesome day. I was sort of bummed out Saturday because I just wasn't feeling the vibe, but if I get to work with these dudes all the time, that would just be dandy!