Auditions, auditions, auditions!

Today I got up, did some yoga, meditated (sorta....) and started working on my audition sides for class tonight. I really feel like I'm learning a lot and my coach is fantastic - very funny man. Hubby is in this class too. And the people in this class are terrific. We tape ourselves running our sides, getting direction, rerunning them over and over. Then you get a DVD to take home and watch yourself and its such a cool learning process and I'm already seeing results.

I'd sent in an audition on tape for a new Chris Columbus (Harry Potter, Stepmom, Home Alone) film that is casting on the west coast - it was a great part and I really enjoyed working on it. Well, as is OFTEN the case with things I audition for, they have decided to go with a NAME. (really? again???) Ah well. BUT - they liked me enough that they did ask me to put myself on tape for another, super brief part. And I know that's a really good sign. :)

Last Friday I had a very cool learning day. I had 4 auditions and it was great to get out there and really flex my auditioning muscles. The first was for an indie short that I would LOVE to book. The writing was fantastic and I really liked the director and writer. I connected easily to the character and the story, and when that happens, all you have to do is step out of your own way and let the character "move" through you. I felt really good about that one. The second was for an indie feature I really knew nothing about. I hardly looked at the sides - I was playing a stiff corporate type, which isnt hard for me. So that was just fun to go in and trust myself and take direction. I even surprised myself and got a laugh. The third was the biggie: HBO pilot. What was interesting about this was noticing the differences bw this one and the first two. The stakes are a lot higher with these types of auditions, and you could slice the tension in the waiting room with a knife. I've also noticed actors in this situation dont really seem to talk to one another - but look at each other like "hello, competition - you're going down!!" I was much more nervous going in for this and I could really feel the difference - its so much easier to work when you are not so nervous! But I felt it went well - they had me read the sides like 6 times, which is generally a good sign. And finally, the last was an NYU student film. Didnt really feel I fit the character - she was more of a college girl - but I went anyway. Its good to get out there and meet as many people as possible.......

Now, I know I need to find some time on my calendar to do some marketing - to let casting directors and agents know about my Ugly Betty and Chris Columbus callbacks. Also, about the reading I'm doing in April at the Actor's Studio.....