Clara Harris Onstage

Choosing Projects

2009-12-17T13:53:00.001-08:00

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.

On Staying Inspired

2009-12-11T09:31:00.001-08:00

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.

Your Logo Here

2009-11-30T10:57:00.000-08:00

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.

Thankful

2009-11-26T05:37:00.000-08:00

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.

Listen to Your Mother: Dress in Layers

2009-11-16T13:10:00.000-08:00

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!

The In-between Times

2009-11-08T19:32:00.001-08:00

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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!

Learning New Tricks

2009-07-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

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!

My friend Sam French keeps me well-read

2009-07-06T18:24:00.001-07:00

In the neverending quest to keep my audition monologues fresh and stay current with what's out there, I try to get a handful of newly published plays every month or so. I whittle away at this pile of plays as steadily as possible. It seems dreamy, actually, to have an afternoon or two or five to read and read and read.

I Practice My Barbara Walters' Interview for When I'm Famous

2009-03-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

In no particular order, here are five things on my bucket list.

Live in a foreign country
...and Canada doesn't count. A gypsy at heart, I relish the thought of completely immersing myself in another culture. My top choices for where to do this are, currently: Germany (beer), Greece (have you SEEN the coastline?!), France (think the movie Chocolat), Ireland (beer), or England ('cause I, ya know, speak the language). During our time as expats, we would travel to other countries, as well. First step: renew my passport!

Become proficeint in Ballroom, Tap, and Bellydance
I love to dance. It's fun. It's a great workout. And, come on, don't you think it is totally sexy when someone can dance. I mean, like, really dance?!

Learn to play guitar
Because if teenage boys can do it to impress girls, certainly I can do it.

Release an album
My first album will likely be titled: Jazz Hands, My Love Affair with the American Musical Theatre. This is one of those "why haven't I done this yet" things.

Sing the National Anthem at a sporting event
I mean, be the person who is holding the mic, not one of the ones singing in the crowd, silly, I do that already. "...o'er the la-and of the freeeeeeee, and the hoooooome of the braaaaaaaaaaaaaaave!"

You Must See This

2009-01-27T17:31:00.000-08:00

The BBC has produced a story regarding the abysmal health care system in the US and the challenges Obama faces as he embarks on a journey to change it. Please go watch this and follow the story as it unfolds in Washington.

I know no family untouched by lack of insurance or being under-insured.

Stay in touch with your elected officials and let's all work together to make a change for the better.

You can find the official BBC page about the story here, but clicking on the title of this post will direct you to a site that has the YouTube video.

This is not a political blog, per se, but I couldn't not comment and pass along this story after viewing it. Thanks.

Be the Change

2009-01-20T17:00:00.000-08:00

The first 20 days of 2009 have been very busy for me. I've started a new "survival" job, a job that performers hold in between gigs, which has sapped time and energy away from some other pursuits. These first 20 days have been frustrating at times because I have been very unfocused, leading to disappointment in not achieving my goals for the day. But one of my new year's resolutions is to be easier on myself. You are your own worst critic, and I am usually a very unforgiving one. It is a difficult way to live, though, and so I am trying to change and be as gentle to myself as I am to others.

Speaking of change, how about that monumental moment at noon?! I am so FREAKING excited about the promise this new administration brings. One of the first changes happened simultaneously with Obama's oath of office, unveiling the new White House website. This is clearly a tech savvy administration. I have been so impressed with the transition website's engagement of the citizens, and am eager to see what plays out in the next four years. Perhaps it will be the closest we have ever come to a true democracy. (This is where the nerd in me points out that we, in fact, live in a republic, not a democracy...but that is a whole other topic for a different kind of blog.)

What is one thing that you want most to change about yourself, your community, the world? Now take one action step. See? We're already one step closer to a better tomorrow.

Namaste.

New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-10T07:02:00.000-08:00

Yes, I jump on the bandwagon of folks setting resolutions, most of which fall by the wayside before we turn over the first calendar page of the new year. It took me a week and a half or so to really get a good idea of my road map for this year, but I now have very clearly stated goals to reach by January 2010. I am very excited about what this year holds, not the least of which reasons is the upcoming inauguration of Barack Obama.

In working on this year's resolutions, I participated in a teleclass hosted by the Hip Tranquil Chick, Kimberly Wilson. She led us through some great reflecting exercises to help focus our intentions for this year. Her signature eight petal approach covered how to live more fully into our creative selves. Check out Kimberly's blog and podcast, and if you are in DC you should stop by her yoga studio on Dupont Circle.

I have a lot of personal and professional goals for this year, not the least of which is finally finishing Karen Kohlhaas' challenge to gather and learn 20 monologues and perform them together. Primarily, though, I am striving to better balance the demands from the various aspects of my life and be more present.

Upon Kimberly's suggestion, I thought long and hard about the one word that sets my intention for the year. I have decided that my word for 2009 is
ILLUMINATE

May we all be as mindful of our resolutions in July as we are now. Good luck!

Au Revoir, 2008!

2008-12-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

Can't say that 2008 was the easiest year of my life. The 33rd year wasn't an easy one for another well-known, well-loved figure, Jesus. Thirty-three was a bad year for him, too.

On the one hand, there were personal and professional trials and tribulations, not the least of which was a cancelled show due to the faltering economy. On the other hand, it was an enormous year of growth and realization of who and what I want to be, personally and professionally.

Change is never easy. It certainly doesn't come without growing pains of one sort or other. And it can really suck big hairy balls when you are in the middle of it. I've not always been good at keeping my chin up about it, either. But as we embark on a new moon and a new year, I am sowing seeds of hopefullness in the future and confidence that I can achieve the new goals I have set for my life's pursuits.

Let's raise a glass (or a middle finger) to the last year and toast the upcoming year with all the hope and joy brought by the celebration of a new year (and a new president).

Cheers, and namaste. May we all find that tomorrow we are better than we are today.

What's Up

2008-10-15T19:46:00.000-07:00

As you can see in the post, below, I'm currently in the fall rep at Stage One: The Louisville Children's Theatre. In re-reading the post from August, I realized I had not updated since then and left a very cryptic sentence dangling.

At the end of August, my grandmother passed away after a year and a half of steady deterioration following a stroke that left her unable to walk or talk. I have never felt more at peace about a person's death. She would never have wanted to live like that. Despite the grief that I am still sorting through, she was ready to go and it was right that we let her go.

In happier news, my baby brother - who isn't such a baby anymore - is getting married next month. Yea! Welcome to the family, Kathryn!

I'm still looking for a performance space for The Forum, which I'd like to do in the two days running up to the election. The work on that has put Eve's Secret on the backburner, but she'll be talking by the end of the year. Lots more on the horizon...keep checking back!

Come See My Plays!

2008-10-15T19:28:00.000-07:00

I'm currently in the fall rep at Stage One. Check them out, ticket info available at stageone.org. See you there! I'm Mom, et al, in Lilly and Penelope, et al, in The Odyssey.

There And Back Again

2008-08-15T17:02:00.000-07:00

Where has the summer gone? I went into post-Treasure Island time fully prepared to open Eve's Secret by Labor Day. While lots of progress has been made, it is still not ready. Turns out to be a good thing, though, since so much is going on in my personal life that would make an upcoming solo performance really difficult, not the least of which is the pending death of my grandmother.

To move quickly on to good news, I'll be performing in Stage One's fall rep, Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse and The Odyssey (which I'm totally stoked about). Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I'll have a Christmas show lined up, too. On top of that work, I've got Eve's Secret and The Forum, a solo show examining the effect of politician's work on everyday lives, on the front burners. I'm hopeful I'll soon be posting a time for a reading for Eve's Secret; and with the election so close I'd like to slide in a performance of The Forum. Depending on which Christmas show pans out, The Forum may just have to wait for its time in the limelight. Oh, yes, and I've got a new cabaret show I've just started work on that examines the interplay a woman's sexuality has between power and subjugation.

Whew! Just looking at all that makes me tired. But now I'm off to tweak the script!

Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!

2008-04-16T06:52:00.000-07:00

Stage One's first foray (at least in a very long time) outdoors. Check out Treasure Island at Iroquois Amphitheatre. I'll be featured as Mrs. Hawkins and the short chubby pirate - yargh!

Beware the Vampire Rabbit!

2007-10-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

Currently I can be seen at Stage One: The Louisville Children's Theatre as Mrs. Monroe in Bunnicula. Check it out!

2007-09-03T13:10:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Performance!

2007-08-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

I'll be performing at THE LATE SEATING at Actors Theatre of Louisville on September 14th. My 10-minute performance piece, Good Little Church Girls, was selected to be one of the performances for the night, curated by the Kentucky Girlhood Project. See you there!