Clarissa
Salut Your Shorts
Aaaand a clip from my personal favorite, Fifteen. Note how none of the characters have last names. Now that's classy.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Why It's Helpful To Be An Actor: Part One In A Series
My car was broken into last night. Window smashed. Mess everywhere. Most people would have had to use their bare hands to clean things up. Not me.
I am an actor.
I have props with me wherever I go. Fortunately last night I was equipped with a broom. What is better to clean up glass than a broom?! Well maybe a vacuum but a broom is far easier to use away from an outlet so luckily I had a broom.
Also, I had a cardboard box and a roll of tape which we then used to fashion a makeshift window. AND I had a load of laundry in the trunk with fresh clean WARM socks to wear on the ride home. Because a cardboard window does not keep the wind out. I'm not sure what having laundry and cardboard has to do with being an actor but hey, I'm an actor and I had those things so...LUCKY!
The night began well enough...
There is nothing fun about getting your car broken into. Absolutely nothing. Okay, maybe pretending you're on CSI and trying to pull a fingerprint off the car with tape is kind of fun. But nothing else is.
And when you interrupt the perp and hear him fleeing the scene it can be quite scary.
My tummy had been upset all night and I had ignored that little voice inside my head that told me to call it an early night. Shut up, voice! I'm out with friends. I want to stay and have fun. Well, voice, I apologize for ignoring you. You were right. If we had left even ten minutes earlier my car would be in one piece.
At least no one was hurt. That's the important thing. I mean, sure, it sucks that my ipod is gone. And a bunch of CDs which are going to be a great disappointment to someone. I doubt this guy is a huge fan of Camelot the musical. Who is, really?
But my shoes. Sigh. My brand new, only worn twice, super expensive and fantastic Asics that I purchased after looking a fool on a treadmill in the store. My special running shoes that will make me stop running like a spaz. My shoes. They be gone.
But shoes can be replaced. And it was very lucky I had that broom.
But more on that later.
All in all, the experience was ok. I'm SO glad I have such amazing friends who will cheer me up and help make my car a safe mode of transport again.
Ipod Nano - $110.
Asic Running Shoes - $117.
Girly CD Collection - $ 90.
Friends who keep you calm and smiling during a crisis......Priceless.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Top Ten Pieces of Audition Advice
The following is what I learned from watching the Theatre Bay Area General Auditions. Take it with a grain of salt as I'm a fledgling casting director and may be full of shit. Here's my two cents anyway:
Stephanie's Top Ten Pieces of Audition Advice:
1. If given the option, ALWAYS do two monologues. There were quite a few people that I had dismissed seconds into their first piece who I absolutely loved by the end of their second piece.
2. Time yourself. I was AMAZED at how many people had time called. It's much more appealing to have an actor complete their monologue with enough time to make a gracious exit than to see an actor push the time limit to 'really showcase their mad skills' before making a hurried and awkward retreat.
3. Strike your chair. If you move it, then put it back where you found it.
4. The prologue to Henry V is brilliant, however, it is not an audition monologue.
5. Move. This is a note I've had to take myself. I was shocked at how much an actor's movement altered my opinion of the auditionee. Take risks. Use your body. Make bold choices with your body in at least one of your monologues to showcase your control of your physical form. It's amazing what a difference that makes.
6. Accents are cool. But if you choose to do a monologue with an accent, make sure you're damn good at it and do not use an accent for your second monologue. We need to hear how you really sound.
7. Dress your best. That does not mean you have to wear a dress or a suit. I found that it didn't matter really what the auditionee was wearing as long as they looked comfortable and confident in their clothes.
8. Soft feet! Ladies, heels may make your legs look fabulous but Oi! The sound of shoes on the wooden stage was ridiculous and by the end of the day my most frequent note was 'Shhhhh!'. If you're gonna wear heels, rubber soles would be best.
9. Make sure your headshot and resume are up to date.
10. Final bit of advice...every rule can be broken. Bottom line, if you've got the skills it's easy for a casting director to overlook the little mistakes. Do not worry if you flub a line or forget the name of the piece you're performing. It's all about the talent and if you've got that then you're sure to go far.
A side note...I'm so very proud of all my Tony N' Tina castmates who auditioned. Honestly, you all represented so well and I'm proud to work with you. Keep up the good work!
Valentine's Day
This past Saturday was Valentine's Day. A day which makes single people miserable and gives couples the excuse to be even more gross and affectionate. It is a stupid holiday. I am in a committed monogamous relationship and so clearly fall into the gross and affectionate couple category. The thing is I don't care very much about making a point to proclaim my love for someone one day a year only when I am required to do so by society and Hallmark. I don't want to feel pressured into spending money on a lavish dinner or a silly gift. Though, to be fair, it would Mike spending that money, not me. At any rate, we decided to boycott. I had to work all weekend and so Mike went up to Tahoe with some friends and the holiday passed by without a scene.
Instead, I spent the holiday with one of my longest loves, the theatre. I have to say, performing in a wedding show on Valentine's Day was actually pretty amazing. While I do not subscribe to the whole cupid and roses thing it was really wonderful to see all of the couples all decked out and lovey dovey. We had a packed house on Saturday night, filled with groups of single ladies and couples. It's actually a fun idea to see Tony N' Tina's on Velntine's Day. It was about a year ago that this particular San Francisco cast began peforming at Fisherman's Warf AND Tina's birthday is on the 14th (allegedly) so it was a fun filled night indeed.
On top of all the shenanigans of the evening, I got to witness one of the coolest things ever.
There's a part of the show where this character 'Vinnie' does a little comedy act and then makes some announcements about any celebrations in the audience; birthdays, anniverseries, bachelorette parties, etc. Well, last Saturday 'Vinnie' called up a couple from the audience and gave the guy the mic and told him to 'do his thing'. The rest of the cast had no idea what was going on. The audience member explained that he and his girlfriend were from Brazil and so their English wasn't very good. He then told his girlfriend that he was so happy that they became friends and then grew closer and THEN he GETS DOWN ON ONE KNEE and he pulls out a ring!! The whole audience is clapping and shouting and of course I'm CRYING like an idiot. And after like a minute of applause, his girlfriend says 'Of course' and we all stand up and they kiss and I cry some MORE. It was so cool. The whole audience, like 200 people, were all into it.
I mean, even if it's not your cup of tea, even if you would rather be boiled alive than be part of a public proposal, you can probably appreciate a moment like that. A moment where both people are so happy and so in love. I remember how elated and giddy I felt when Mike proposed. Well, that feeling isn't just limited to the couple getting engaged. Watching the Brazilians last Saturday I felt giddy and gooey and saptastic. It's a vibe you get from witnessing acts of love. The couple was earnest and sweet in their love for each other and they weren't showboating or being over indulgent by doing it publically. It was like they were sharing and I for one felt totally special for being included.
Thanks, random Brazilian couple. Best Wishes!
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