Month: July 2008

It’s now a beautiful day, sunny but moderate in the shade (probably boiling in my apartment). Eating leftovers from my Mr. Bento box outside the NY Public Library on 5th Ave. Celebrating. I had my first NY audition this morning in this, the new chapter of my life. My sleep last night was atrocious, it being incredibly hot in the apartment. It didn’t cool down until 4 or 5 in the morning, so I relied on the big fan, frozen washcloths and nudity (!) to sleep. In any case, a cold bath and coffee helped me wake up at 7:30Continue readingDid it!

For my first audition here in New York, I packed what I thought would be a well-thought out bag of travel and acting items. This was based on my own needs as well as outside advice from fellow New York actors. Rolling Bag. Really, I could use any bag, but this one keeps weight off my shoulders and makes travel to audition locations quicker and easier. I bought the Dash Rolling Hardside Carry-on (in cherry red) which is lightweight and small, with a quick-retracting handle and 360 degree wheels. It’s also weatherproof, which will come in handy when the rainsContinue readingMy Audition Kit

So, I’ve finally pressed myself against a wall and told myself “It’s been 2 months since you left Los Angeles, and a month since you moved into your apartment. You get in that ring and give it all you got, go get ’em Tiger!” Meaning, I have put my name on an Equity Chorus Call to audition tomorrow. It’s for “Les Miserables,” which is a nice and traditional show, my voice fits the legit style so it’s not a huge stretch. Unfortunately, I’m #191 on the list, so my day will no doubt be spent in line, waiting. This week,Continue readingAudition to Come

An experience. On the 1 train to Target in the Bronx. Big, rough black man with sunglasses and huge earphones (or “cans”) on. He’s standing right in front of the subway train door, rocking and swaying to the music flowing into his ears. And singing along.Not just singing. Not just a mild humming or quiet rendition of his music. This is a Wolfman Jack version of the song. A wild yaowling, explosive and powerfully jarring cover. His voice fills the train cab. Some people move from where they are to a different train. Most of us sit with eyes gluedContinue readingA moment of REAL

Walking around here in NY, I feel someone needs to invent body tampons for those little places on your body which you KNOW will quickly become drenched in sweat by the end of your travels in the city. Merely walking to the A train on 190th street, my lower back started pooling with little rivulets of sweat. I guess the first line of Body Tampons – gotta figure out a better name – will include patches for the lower back, neck, both underarms, behind the knees, top of the buttocks, between the upper thighs, the lower bra line (for theContinue readingBody Tampons

Going home from The Daily Show taping on Tues (7/15), I came across yet another subway musician. This time, it was a black woman sitting on a single speaker which pumped karaoke music from her portable CD player. Her garb and metal push-cart gave her an air of the homeless. Her voice was incredible, singing a powerful blues song. Heartfelt, loud, piercing. I wanted to drop $20 into her hand then and there. I would hire that voice to be in The Color Purple or Smoky Joe’s Cafe. Or at least dress her in black and put her in frontContinue readingTalent Below the Streets

Saw Rebecca Jones (fellow castmate of a staged reading) in this amazing musical, unfortunately it was closing the weekend we saw it. But we got to see it and she rocked!

So, I’ve been in New York for 2 months now. And only just now do I feel like I have my feet semi-planted on the ground. I now know the subway system, where the most essential post offices and Subway sandwhich shops are. I know there’s a Pinkberry and a 24 hour FedEx Kinko’s (they’re not in the same store, mind you) at 59th Columbus Circle. Have found the Equity office, so I know where to sign up for auditions. I signed with 3 temp agencies and have a functional kitchen and bathroom. And I know where the Trader Joe’sContinue readingTips for new New Yorkers