Lately I have been spending a lot of time sifting through the casting notices on Actors Access. I have to just laugh at how many of the casting notices for women involve the terms "smokin' hot," "gorgeous," "beautiful girl next door," or "complete knock-out" while the casting notices for men are generally, "[Ethnicity], [Age Range], [Character description]." Rarely does a casting notice for men involve the term "Intelligent but...[smokin' hot, gorgeous, beautiful girl next door, complete knock-out]." I have to just laugh, because otherwise I would cry.
The longer I sift through the scads of breakdowns available each day on Actors Access, the more I have taken to choosing more carefully the projects for which I submit. After reading Paul Russell's Acting: Make It Your Business and doing some soul-searching, I have begun to realize that I am not interested in acting gigs merely because they are acting gigs. There are any number of breakdowns, the list of casting needs for a particular project, for which I fit the bill, and that pay what I am willing to accept, which are projects that I simply not interested in. Now, that being said, there are also plenty of projects to which I submit that are not the most artistically fulfilling, but, hey, a girl's gotta eat.
I have surprised myself on more than one occasion for bypassing an audition opportunity for reasons other than low-pay/no-pay. (Oh, that's a whole other topic, that so many folks want actors to work for peanuts or, worse, to pay for the privilege of performing in their project.) At the end of the day, though, if I am going to leave my home, my family, to work on a project, it had better be something that engages me on a level beyond subsistence. There was a time when I would submit for anything-ANYTHING-in which my fellow actors and I kept our clothes on. But now, now not so much.
If you are going to spend some of the precious days of your life working on something, why not spend them working on something in which you believe, or at least that you aren't embarrassed to admit to being a part of. It's part of the reason I started writing in earnest. Not only do I enjoy it, but it also gives me an opportunity to create my own work, work really speaks to my interests because I WROTE IT.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
On Staying Inspired
An Artist Date is an idea that has taken off in the years since Julia Cameron
published her book The Artist's Way. The basic idea behind an Artist Date is that you intentionally take time to feed your creative soul. There is a large community of folks engaging in these artist dates, and you can find many ideas online.
Recently, one of my favorite podcasters, Kimberly Wilson, issued an Artist Date Challenge. Always up for a little competition, I've been reaching down deep to make my Artist Dates both regular and interesting. What has surprised me is how helpful they are, and how short they can be. When dedicating yourself to a weekly Artist Date, suddenly you free yourself from making it SO VERY IMPORTANT!!! Suddenly, it is just a little alone time wherein you answer the question, "What do I want to do?"
Last week's Artist Date was particularly helpful. I had become completely overwhelmed at the idea of fundraising for the Eve's Secret trip to Prague, finishing the script of Eve's Secret, marketing for the Eve's Secret premiere, etc, etc, etc., in addition to all those other things that come up in, you know, life. I was beginning to lose sight of the bigger picture. I decided that I needed to stop, step back, and remind myself of why I do what I do, to connect to that bigger picture.
As most of my Artist Dates begin, so, too, did this one. I lit the candles in my meditation corner, a little retreat in my office,
turned on some favorite music, and collected the necessary supplies for building a vision board for the first quarter of 2010. (A vision board is a visual representation of what you hope to manifest in the coming months. Many people do these as a collage.) I sat down at my desk with a cup of hot chai and began to dream.
Flipping through magazines, I clipped images that spoke to me and my aspirations. I drew my attention to where I want to be this time next year, and I meditated on images and words that inspired that sense of fulfillment. Surprisingly, I had a difficult time finding images that evoked that feeling. Admittedly, I was distracted by my recent car trouble. My car's clutch finally gave out and, due to the age and wear on the car, we have decided to replace it, which means adding a car payment to the household budget. I also have this wonderful opportunity to take my labor of love, Eve's Secret, to Prague and connect with artists from all over the world. So I was distracted by my singular focus on that project. Regardless of these distractions, though, finding images that spoke to that sense of fulfillment I seek over the coming year was really difficult.
I finally exhausted the options in my magazines, but had few images to show for it. I set about making a collage incorporating those images and my own drawings and words. It soon became evident that this was an exercise in futility. I pitched all the clippings and rough starts, cleared off my desk and started again.
This time, though, I took a few moments to pause, breathe, ask for inspiration, and open my heart to what The Muse had to offer. With colored pencils, watercolor (borrowed from my three year old's art room), and glitter glue in hand, I began to create. The result is an image that connects with me because it is how I see myself now, incorporated with the woman I mean to be in the coming months. When I completed her, I was filled with a feeling of confidence, calm, and hope.
She sits on my desk, now, watching over the goings on as I tend to actions that will cultivate the seed of that woman within me.
I invite you to unleash your inner creative and go on an Artist Date this week. Taking some time out from the "have to-dos" for the "want to-dos" can do amazing and surprising things, recharging you for those "have to-dos." An Artist Date does not have to be time-consuming, something that used to keep me from doing them, and they can be absolutely free-of-charge. I also guarantee that when done with the right intention, and not just as another "have to-do," your creative well will be replenished and you will return to your pursuits re-inspired. Just like yoga and writing, it is just in the showing up that you are faithful to your self.
Below are some suggestions and Artist Dates I have documented recently. Have fun!
1. Feeling stuck or flustered? Stop, put on your jacket and walk around the block. Listen to music or listen to the birds, but get out and move your bones a little.
2. Go to a used book store and browse. WARNING: Can result in a more expensive outing that you'd planned.
3. Read a book for -shock! horror!- f.u.n. I am terrible about reading ONLY industry books and periodicals. All work and no play...you know what they say.
4. Play a game of sudoku or work a crossword puzzle.
5. Pour an extra cup of coffee and watch the world go by your window, preferably with a dog or cat in your lap.
A late afternoon date with myself, just in time for the start of Happy Hour at a favorite micro-brew pub here in Louisville.
A little break from a hard day's work with a luxurious Legs Up the Wall pose.
published her book The Artist's Way. The basic idea behind an Artist Date is that you intentionally take time to feed your creative soul. There is a large community of folks engaging in these artist dates, and you can find many ideas online.Recently, one of my favorite podcasters, Kimberly Wilson, issued an Artist Date Challenge. Always up for a little competition, I've been reaching down deep to make my Artist Dates both regular and interesting. What has surprised me is how helpful they are, and how short they can be. When dedicating yourself to a weekly Artist Date, suddenly you free yourself from making it SO VERY IMPORTANT!!! Suddenly, it is just a little alone time wherein you answer the question, "What do I want to do?"
Last week's Artist Date was particularly helpful. I had become completely overwhelmed at the idea of fundraising for the Eve's Secret trip to Prague, finishing the script of Eve's Secret, marketing for the Eve's Secret premiere, etc, etc, etc., in addition to all those other things that come up in, you know, life. I was beginning to lose sight of the bigger picture. I decided that I needed to stop, step back, and remind myself of why I do what I do, to connect to that bigger picture.
As most of my Artist Dates begin, so, too, did this one. I lit the candles in my meditation corner, a little retreat in my office,
turned on some favorite music, and collected the necessary supplies for building a vision board for the first quarter of 2010. (A vision board is a visual representation of what you hope to manifest in the coming months. Many people do these as a collage.) I sat down at my desk with a cup of hot chai and began to dream.
Flipping through magazines, I clipped images that spoke to me and my aspirations. I drew my attention to where I want to be this time next year, and I meditated on images and words that inspired that sense of fulfillment. Surprisingly, I had a difficult time finding images that evoked that feeling. Admittedly, I was distracted by my recent car trouble. My car's clutch finally gave out and, due to the age and wear on the car, we have decided to replace it, which means adding a car payment to the household budget. I also have this wonderful opportunity to take my labor of love, Eve's Secret, to Prague and connect with artists from all over the world. So I was distracted by my singular focus on that project. Regardless of these distractions, though, finding images that spoke to that sense of fulfillment I seek over the coming year was really difficult.
I finally exhausted the options in my magazines, but had few images to show for it. I set about making a collage incorporating those images and my own drawings and words. It soon became evident that this was an exercise in futility. I pitched all the clippings and rough starts, cleared off my desk and started again.
This time, though, I took a few moments to pause, breathe, ask for inspiration, and open my heart to what The Muse had to offer. With colored pencils, watercolor (borrowed from my three year old's art room), and glitter glue in hand, I began to create. The result is an image that connects with me because it is how I see myself now, incorporated with the woman I mean to be in the coming months. When I completed her, I was filled with a feeling of confidence, calm, and hope.
She sits on my desk, now, watching over the goings on as I tend to actions that will cultivate the seed of that woman within me.
I invite you to unleash your inner creative and go on an Artist Date this week. Taking some time out from the "have to-dos" for the "want to-dos" can do amazing and surprising things, recharging you for those "have to-dos." An Artist Date does not have to be time-consuming, something that used to keep me from doing them, and they can be absolutely free-of-charge. I also guarantee that when done with the right intention, and not just as another "have to-do," your creative well will be replenished and you will return to your pursuits re-inspired. Just like yoga and writing, it is just in the showing up that you are faithful to your self.
Below are some suggestions and Artist Dates I have documented recently. Have fun!
1. Feeling stuck or flustered? Stop, put on your jacket and walk around the block. Listen to music or listen to the birds, but get out and move your bones a little.
2. Go to a used book store and browse. WARNING: Can result in a more expensive outing that you'd planned.
3. Read a book for -shock! horror!- f.u.n. I am terrible about reading ONLY industry books and periodicals. All work and no play...you know what they say.
4. Play a game of sudoku or work a crossword puzzle.
5. Pour an extra cup of coffee and watch the world go by your window, preferably with a dog or cat in your lap.
A late afternoon date with myself, just in time for the start of Happy Hour at a favorite micro-brew pub here in Louisville.
A little break from a hard day's work with a luxurious Legs Up the Wall pose.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Your Logo Here
Now that the initial excitement of having been selected to perform at the Prague Fringe Festival has peaked, I am getting down to the serious business of securing the funds to attend said Festival. Consequently, I am currently in the process of finding a sponsor or sponsors who have business interests in the Czech Republic, and the wider Eastern European market.
While I won't bore you with all the details here, I will say a few items of note. Sponsorship for the presentation of Eve's Secret at the Prague Fringe Festival will include:
* Your company featured in the programs (or is that programmes?) distributed by the Festival.
* Your sponsorship will be noted in all marketing materials used to promote the show during the Fringe, including press releases to major European media outlets. (Last year, features were run in The Guardian, The UK Times, The New York Times, and Scotland on Sunday, among others.)
* Your company will be featured in all marketing materials used for the February premiere in Louisville, Kentucky.
* Ad space on my website and blog are included in the sponsorship.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in this sponsorship opportunity, please contact me at clara@claraharrisonstage.com for more information.
While I won't bore you with all the details here, I will say a few items of note. Sponsorship for the presentation of Eve's Secret at the Prague Fringe Festival will include:
* Your company featured in the programs (or is that programmes?) distributed by the Festival.
* Your sponsorship will be noted in all marketing materials used to promote the show during the Fringe, including press releases to major European media outlets. (Last year, features were run in The Guardian, The UK Times, The New York Times, and Scotland on Sunday, among others.)
* Your company will be featured in all marketing materials used for the February premiere in Louisville, Kentucky.
* Ad space on my website and blog are included in the sponsorship.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in this sponsorship opportunity, please contact me at clara@claraharrisonstage.com for more information.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thankful
Happy Thanksgiving! While you are gathered around your roasted dead bird and pureed root vegetables today, remember to give thanks for all the blessings in your life. This year I have a particularly exciting blessing for which to be thankful:
Eve's Secret has been accepted to the Prague Fringe Festival!!
I am so FREAKING excited, not just for being selected, but for the opportunity to perform my show, my labor of love, for international audiences! I can't use too many exclamation points!!!!!!
I am also so FREAKING needing to finish the script. This is the show that I had nearly finished, then tossed the entire first draft because it sucked big fat hairy balls. When I returned to the script after some time away and reread what was there, I was appalled at the self-indulgent, completely predictable, not-at-all inspiring or insightful load of dreck I had produced. So I started over. And if my February 6th premier wasn't enough to light a fire under me, then needing to focus on fund-raising for the trip to the Czech Republic instead of languishing in editing purgatory has certainly motivated me.
For today, though, I am enjoying some precious togetherness with my family. On our Thanksgiving table, a grilled breast of turkey (for the boys), butternut squash soup, requisite dressing, cranberry sauce and green bean casserole, some homemade rolls, and pumpkin pie. Tomorrow, I have to be at the mall bright and early, 5 AM, for all you crazies who like fighting crowds for shopping deals. If you are at Oxmoor Mall in Louisville, stop by Soma and say hello. I'll be the bleary-eyed, coffee-breath lady asking if you would like to add a gift card to your purchase for last minute gifts, stocking stuffers, or...you get the idea.
Eve's Secret has been accepted to the Prague Fringe Festival!!
I am so FREAKING excited, not just for being selected, but for the opportunity to perform my show, my labor of love, for international audiences! I can't use too many exclamation points!!!!!!
I am also so FREAKING needing to finish the script. This is the show that I had nearly finished, then tossed the entire first draft because it sucked big fat hairy balls. When I returned to the script after some time away and reread what was there, I was appalled at the self-indulgent, completely predictable, not-at-all inspiring or insightful load of dreck I had produced. So I started over. And if my February 6th premier wasn't enough to light a fire under me, then needing to focus on fund-raising for the trip to the Czech Republic instead of languishing in editing purgatory has certainly motivated me.
For today, though, I am enjoying some precious togetherness with my family. On our Thanksgiving table, a grilled breast of turkey (for the boys), butternut squash soup, requisite dressing, cranberry sauce and green bean casserole, some homemade rolls, and pumpkin pie. Tomorrow, I have to be at the mall bright and early, 5 AM, for all you crazies who like fighting crowds for shopping deals. If you are at Oxmoor Mall in Louisville, stop by Soma and say hello. I'll be the bleary-eyed, coffee-breath lady asking if you would like to add a gift card to your purchase for last minute gifts, stocking stuffers, or...you get the idea.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Listen to Your Mother: Dress in Layers
The first agent I worked with admonished me never to arrive at his office without several outfit choices, not only in case he disagreed with my selection for the scheduled audition, but also in case during the interim another casting arose for which he could submit me. Considering his office was a two hour drive from my home, I took his advice to heart and always had at least three outfits in my car when I arrived for my audition.
Years later, my agent is 15 minutes – tops, with traffic – from my doorstep and communication between agents and talent has changed dramatically with devices like iPhones and Blackberries on everyone's hip. So, while I don't necessarily take a change of clothes with me, I frequently make sure I have an extra layer or two in case an additional casting pops up while I'm in my agent's office, or in case I need to alter my original wardrobe selection for one reason or other.
The other day, this practice served me very well. I had arrived at my agent's office to audition for an industrial in which I would be wearing a business suit, an executive look. Between the time I left home and the time I signed in at the agency, two more opportunities had arisen, neither of which would be appropriate in a business suit. By dressing in layers, I was able to change my look for each of the three auditions, staying appropriate to the casting requirements for each.
The good news is, I already have a callback for one of those three auditions! When it books, you'll hear more about it!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The In-between Times
Acting is a freelance profession. Sometimes you are able to line up work to follow one after another, with little to no time in between. Other times you have work waiting for you on the other side of a months long dry spell. And other times, those which wake us in a cold sweat during our most horrible nightmares, at those times we have only the promise of more auditions and the hope of work sooner rather than later. As you might imagine, filling those in between times is something that an actor, if one plans to stay an actor, must become very good at doing.
In the past, and in fact in this upcoming two month hiatus from paycheck theatre work (that is to say, theatre work for which I am paid weekly for performing my actor-ly duties weekly), those in between times have languished in some writing, mostly temp or retail, and lots and lots of teaching. Teaching theatre is fantastic, in that I get to stay in my field; but as an actor teaching theatre leaves a little itch inside, yearning for the rehearsal studio and performance stage. This upcoming hiatus, between the fall rep and the spring rep at Stage One, I am re-evaluating my approach to these in-between times.
Inspired by Kimberly Wilson over at Tranquility du Jour and all the creative entrepreneresses she shares with her podcast listeners, in particular Michelle Goodman, whose book The Anti-9-to-5 Guide I cannot recommend highly enough, I have begun to have a new understanding of the possibilities for filling these in-between times. Spurred on by some of the stories and tips gleaned from these fantastic women, I sought out other creative entrepreneur types in social media. As a brief tangent, I'd like to say that it seems my generation is, both by choice and by circumstance, reframing how people view work and work/life balance...more on that in a future blog post. There is a big shift happening in my grey matter that I don't completely have a handle on, but there are exciting things on the horizon as I begin to act on these new inspirations. You'll get to see how they live out, too, as I'll be sharing my journey with these new-to-me ideas here.
Check back soon for all the goodies!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Learning New Tricks
I've been hard at work building my website with my very own domain. The 21st century feels good...though a little confusing.
Folks far and wide have told me that Frontpage is so, super easy. Well, I abandoned my HMTL online class today to try out this little bit of wisdom. Being a devotee of PageMaker, I found Frontpage not nearly as intuitive and, therefore, quite frustrating. So, back to the class, which you can find on about.com if you, too, are seeking HTML guidance.
Meanwhile, my writing has been stripped to bare bones. Ergo, my post this week is nothing as enlightening as I'd like to share.
While you are waiting for me to get my shtuff together, and if you are in Louisville, come to the housewarming for Alley Theatre in their new space at The Pointe on Washington St on July 18th. If you aren't in Louisville, um, find something theatre-y to do near you!
Folks far and wide have told me that Frontpage is so, super easy. Well, I abandoned my HMTL online class today to try out this little bit of wisdom. Being a devotee of PageMaker, I found Frontpage not nearly as intuitive and, therefore, quite frustrating. So, back to the class, which you can find on about.com if you, too, are seeking HTML guidance.
Meanwhile, my writing has been stripped to bare bones. Ergo, my post this week is nothing as enlightening as I'd like to share.
While you are waiting for me to get my shtuff together, and if you are in Louisville, come to the housewarming for Alley Theatre in their new space at The Pointe on Washington St on July 18th. If you aren't in Louisville, um, find something theatre-y to do near you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
