Beginning Acting

I'm not too far in yet, but I thought it may be fun to list out some of the things that I have been doing to get started in acting. These are my tips, but please, I am a supreme novice, so take it with a grain of salt!

So many scripts...

• Find a local class. Even in my city (admittedly not that big) there are MULTIPLE options to take an acting class. There are also modelling classes, vocal classes, etc; depending on what skills you want to develop. Actually, I highly recommend taking several classes if possible, because then you're getting some different perspectives. 

• Work on your confidence! If this is an issue for you...DEAL WITH IT. It will not help you. 

• Practice on camera! This is kind of an additive for the above. Get comfortable. Film your self, take lots of pictures. Get comfortable with yourself on camera. (Still working on this! LOL)

• Try to get an agent! Go to http://www.sagaftra.org/ and search your area. They list all of the union franchised agents in your area! 

• Get headshots! You can try the Craigslist route, get recommendations from your agent, etc. But do your research! Look at galleries. You can pay too much for headshots. 

• And finally this last step is the step I'm on! It changes a bit depending on how the last step went. If you have an agent, it's their job to find you auditions. BUT if you're on your own, and need to start building up your resume credits, then it gets a little tricker. You need to look for parts to audition for/shows to be a part of to get some experience, practice, and build up you resume. So, here are my suggestions for that! 

               NETWORK!

With your acting class teachers, your fellow students/actors, pay attention when they talk about casting calls, parties, etc. 

               Join casting companies' databases

They will often call and set out information for casting calls in your areas, and you can build up a relationship with them in the meantime!

               Join Facebook Groups!

This has by far been the most helpful. Theater groups, acting groups, casting calls. Follow casting companies on Facebook too. There you'll see student casting/films, short films, and all kinds of things you can get involved in! Pick the things that interest you and contact the people. It's also another pretty great opportunity to network! :)


So that's my intro tips...they're working out pretty well for me, so far, honestly. To each their own, though! One thing I CAN say for sure, though... It's definitely NOT the below--but it's hilarious! 

I may do more of these, as I learn more, and get more tips/ideas. I still have so many classes and workshops planned! But until then! Peace out! <3 

Following Your Dreams Part Deux

I told you I'd be back sooner this time! Taking a break from reviewing scripts, and going ahead and updating with a more personal update! I have a couple of free days this week, so I have been trying to take advantage of the time to play video games, relax, etc. But today I'm trying to review some scripts for upcoming auditions. And I am a severe procrastinator, so I usually deal with myself by keeping my procrastination tasks things that need to get done too. So, I'll like procrastinate on homework, by cleaning my house. Haha! Pretty slick, if I do say so myself! 

I hinted at this before, but I wanted to give a little bit of additional information about what I've had going on lately! I talked about how I was planning to go after my dreams a few posts ago. So on that note, I've had quite a bit going on! I'm taking several classes to try and improve my acting skills, and more importantly to improve my confidence levels---which I personally feel like are my biggest obstacle. 

Much like I approach anything, I'm pretty much just going after everything I can think of that can help. I'm looking for vocal lessons, taking 3 separate acting classes, took an improv class (and I suppose we started a troupe!), and I have a modelling workshop coming up soon too!

I've got a showcase coming up for my acting class, so I'm hoping to come of of that with a local agent, but if not, then I will continue to move along on my own! I have 3 separate auditions within the next 3 weeks, not counting multiple open casting calls that I plan to attend, and am filming a short film this week. I've been driving back and forth to Cleveland with some regularity for classes and auditions. So, when I say busy, I mean BUSY. 

But... I am having such a great time! Honestly, so many people having given me these lectures about how hard acting/singing is...and don't get me wrong! It is. It is hard. It takes a lot of work! There's a lot of rejection. There are spots that the people just WON'T think you're good for. Remember, acting is art. But this--starting out--has done nothing but solidify for me that I want to really DO this. 

It's not like my degree will disappear. I have no intention of living under a bridge until I get "famous" (although I suppose I COULD do that in LA...) 

PALM TREES ANYONE?

I have so many to-dos over the next few months! Stuff to do to bulk up my resume, working out, making plans for my move! So I'll duck out for now, I need some rest. I leave you guys with the video of my troupes last improv show! 

No Refunds at Backstage Bistro from Greg Payne on Vimeo.

It's the Oscars!!!!

Alrighty! I'm back!! So sorry for the long hiatus, but I've had a lot going on. I plan to try to keep up with posting regularly from here on. 

I have been super busy with acting classes, improv, filming, etc! Having a great time, but I have had very little free time to do much else. But, I'm getting used to the schedule, and getting things a bit more organized, so the plan is to keep up a LOT more. 

Like most others, I am watching the Oscars tonight! A lot of people don't know this about me, but I have always LOVED watching the awards shows (pretty much all of them). I love looking at the craft, and seeing everyone get all dolled up and lovely!

My favorites of the night are Anna Kendrick--who I just think is adorable...at all times. In all ways. 

As usual, Lupita Nyong'o looked fantastic. I felt like her dress was a little riskier, but I mean, holy shit, she's wearing a dress made of pearls. A DRESS MADE OF PEARLS. 

I also thought Faith Hill looked beautiful. I thought her dress was very classic. White was a HUGE trend this year, it looked like. 

Zoe Saldana looked glorious, as always. 

And I thought JLo looked great in this dress, surprising, because honestly I'm not usually a fan of her looks. 

Like I said, I plan to be back on a more regular basis after this, but for now, I'm going to spend my first free night in a while enjoying the Oscars as they were meant to be: with a drinking game.  (Join me here!)

Look for me again in the coming days with some more updates (perhaps more personal ones this time--haha!)

Jenn