Ever since I was little my dream and life goal has been to be a famous actress. I have lived all my life in California and have always been active in local theater groups because my passion for acting is real - but I never made it big. Now I am well over forty and understand that the big breakthrough probably won't come - something that would have destroyed the 20-year-old version of me.
However, I see things differently now and am instead very grateful for all the amazing experiences I have behind me and ahead of me. To be involved in small, local productions probably suits me better anyway and with all the experience I have gathered over the years, I am starting to take on producing roles as well.
I am a high school teacher, educating teens in English and Literature. I am going to use this blog to talk about acting and producing plays, but also about dreams, how to work towards them and about embracing how they change over the years. Happiness is always the number one goal.
Iconic Actresses
29 Jul 2021
Over the decades, several Hollywood actresses have captured the imaginations of the audience. If a woman wishes to achieve the same level of stardom, it is helpful to learn what made these actresses so famous. The more research the person does, the better chance they have of making their dream a reality.
Preparing for a Role
26 Oct 2020
You made it; you’re holding a script for your new role. Now how do you prepare? Landing this part is a pivotal moment, take a second to enjoy it. Meryl Streep summed up the adventure you are about to embark on; “Giving voice to characters that have no other voice - that’s the great worth of what we do.”
Knowing the Script
In your first read-through of the script, be aware of what you’re feeling. What is your connection to your character and their story? Now read it again, but slowly. Let your mind imagine the scene.
Don’t start thinking about how you’ll portray this character yet. Instead, let the story play out in your mind as you read. Let yourself get caught up in it, rather than planning ahead to how you’ll act this part.
Learn your character. Who are they? What is it about them that resonates with you? How can you tell their story in an authentic, genuine way?
Don’t just memorize your lines, know them. Know what story you’re telling, beyond what your character is saying. Build off your fellow actors and what they’re feeling as well. Doing casual read-throughs with the rest of the cast will help build a rapport that will strengthen your performance.
Build your Character
Many actors skip the essential step of research. Beyond learning your lines and knowing the story, you need to understand it. Your role might be set in the past, so research that era. Perhaps your part refers to a political event; it’s essential that you understand the reference.
At the beginning of rehearsals, identify anything in the script that’s unfamiliar to you. Something as seemingly insignificant as not recognizing a reference can take away from the overall credibility of your representation. Your research will deepen your understanding and strengthen your character.
Often dialogue will have a “double entendres”, or double meaning. A quick internet search can ensure you understand both implications. Now when you deliver these lines, you will know where to emphasize to portray both intentions to your audience.
Your script may include foreign words. Not only do you need to know the meaning, you also need to know the proper pronunciation. A mispronunciation is jarring and will pull the audience out of the story.
Take some time to live life like your character would. If you are playing the role of a bookie, go to an online betting website and place a bet. Understand how the system works. This effort will lend authenticity to your portrayal.
Go Break a Leg
You’re finally getting your big break. You have the role of your dreams. Now you can prepare to do it justice. Your groundwork will be pivotal to your success.
Take the time to know and understand the script beyond your character’s role. Spend the time to do your background research. Fully understand the time, era, location, and context of the story.
Your time spent behind the scenes will equip you for success on the stage. Your research will strengthen your craft. Now go break a leg.
Staying inspired
24 Jan 2020
We all have bad days (and weeks). I have just struggled through a period of not feeling motivated enough. Stress is definitely one of the reasons, because I have taken on so much working full time and also trying to run this theater project. I LOVE my job and I LOVE my project, but this time of year I always pass through this stage of stress and... well I guess you could say the blues.
Happy to say that the energy and appetite is back. I do thank Youtube gurus for a push in the right direction :D!
New project launching
11 Dec 2019
Me and some other local theater enthusiasts in town have decided to set up a play that will involve not just ourselves, but also youth from age 15 and up. We just decided on what play, so feeling well excited! We also decided on a show date and we are cleared to use a local cinema stage for both rehearsal and show. We want a lot of time for preparation and rehearsal to keep quality high. Premiere will be late June (midsummer). Keep posted!