Category: Blogpost

The last two presidential elections both came down to a relatively small number of votes, and in both elections the integrity of the voting process has been called into question. With the upcoming election looking to be similarly close, the time has come to ask the questions: what happened in 2000 and 2004; what has changed since; and what can be done to ensure a fair and honest tabulation of votes in 2008? STEALING AMERICA: Vote by Vote brings together behind-the-scenes perspectives from the U.S. presidential election of 2004 – plus startling stories from key races in 1996, 2000, 2002Continue readingStealing America: Vote by Vote, The Movie

So, I check Actors Equity casting calls, and see they’re looking to cast future replacements for ensemble singers as thus: “Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, and Basses. Looking for singers with big, healthy voices, impeccable diction and wide ranges. Sopranos should not hesitate in showing off their sustained high notes and basses should give us their best ‘low’. Understudies for the Principals may be drawn from the ensemble.” I think…wow, I fit the bill. I have a wide, legit, big healthy voice with a high sustained Eb…perfect. Then I notice at the bottom of the breakdown: “Female Singers:Height, 5’6” to 5’10”. “Continue readingNot tall enough for…ensemble?

Just came back from the first audition coaching session in New York. I hired my friend and UCLA alumn Brian Hobbs, who is a pianist, arranger, musical director and writer here. He was my music director/pianist for the first show I directed in college, “Assassins.” It was fantastic to work with him for an hour on an upcoming audition song, and I feel so lucky to have him as a resource. I paid him for his time, of course, but he’s only 20 blocks away! What could be better than that!?! I’m not a super-good musician and (although I haveContinue readingFirst Audition Coaching Session

Check these out in NY: Town Shop – if you women out there think you’ve got the wrong bra size, go here and they’ll (quite delicately) fit you for the right one. Save up, though. Each will be around $50. TDF: Theater Development Fund – if you can prove to them you’re in one of these groups: “full-time students, full-time teachers, union members, seniors (62 or over), civil service employees, staff members of not-for-profit organizations, performing arts professionals, members of the armed forces or clergy,” then you can get Broadway and off-Broadway tickets for $34 with only a $27/year membership.Continue readingAwesomenesses In New York

Reading this week’s TimeOut NY magazine (issue $669, July 24-30), I came across a small interview with John Clancy (founder of NY Int’l Fringe Festival) regarding what success on Broadway is. His quote on the matter, “Success is having the respect of people you respect.” He is also just starting up an Off-Off advocacy group called the League of Independent Theater, and I’m instantly smitten with the concept surrounding this group’s mission: “1 – To promote the artistic and economic interests of theater professionals working in New York City in theaters of up to 99 seats;2 – To organize andContinue readingLeague of Independent Theater

In addition to booking Equity full-paid productions and being involved in new musical works, my goals this year are a continuation of some projects I have yet to complete. For my benefit and your information, they are (in no particular priority): Compile professionally recorded audio and create a “demo” of my many vocal styles. 1 minute, tops. Finish a music video I shot 2 (!) years ago – here in New York, actually – utilizing a song called “Playground in New York.” Written by Erin Kamler, it’s the thoughts of a young girl coming to New York for the firstContinue readingProjects

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