And One Year Later.....

It's been a while since I've posted anything on here.... Welcome Back, Denisse! Hahaha.

It's been just over a year since I've moved to LA (July 2 to be exact!) Oh, time....how you fly by......

So, I know I said in one of my first blogs that I would try to not write about my "work" stuff here, leave this blog for fun, frilly, exciting things I am doing and experiencing in LA.... Well, if I'm going to be completely honest, all I do is work. This is by choice though. Yes, occaaaaaaassionally I will have a girl's night or go impromptu to some place on my own, but generally, most often, I am working. It's given me a lot to be proud of. I am a firm believer that anything you put your mind to and work hard towards is possible. It just takes time. All good things take time, and as a great friend once told me in regards to love - it happens when you least expect it. Well, I think that goes for all good things in life. All you can really do is be sure that you are ready for it when the Universe delivers it at your doorstep.

I am also very fortunate to have an amazing support system, as well as an incredible group of passionate friends that are in pursuit of acting as well that CONSTANTLY inspire me - and the ones who live in New York, bless your hearts, you guys really got it going on!

So as I was leaving today to run some errands, I went to check my mail and I got my letter from SAG about my eligibility (along with it asking me to pay the handsome sum of $3,000 to officially join)....and I have to admit, my initial reaction was a simple, "Oh, cool." Initial. After a while it started to sink in. Not that I was now officially SAGe, but what I had done to get to where I am. I had to think back to that girl that drove herself across the country to land in LA just a smidge over a year ago, and all the events that have transpired since: the hard work/sleepless nights/skipped parties/odd jobs/great friends/fake friends/failed auditions/wonderful bookings/new opportunities.... And to think, I'm just getting started.

What I am about to say may seem a bit pompous, but whatever, I think I've earned the right to be proud! In just under a year (which was my goal) I was able to snag my SAG status, solidify important relationships with certain casting directors, and get amazing representation! Hell yeah! I did it. No referrals, no one that held my hand, walked me through the door....nope.... Just me. And let me tell you, it feels real good - because I've earned it! Now, don't get me wrong, I had A LOT of great friends to pick me up and dust me off or point a finger in the right direction to keep me on my path. I couldn't have done it without them - literally (I'm not exaggerating). But there have been plenty times when I've had friends ask me for advice and never followed through. Or ones that expected me to do the work for them. I've seen it. I've experienced it. It's never enough for someone to show you the way - YOU have to do the work.

So, now that I have ranted all about how glorious my accomplishments are :-P I think I'll end this blog with the one main point that may have been overlooked - If I can do it, anyone can do it. Seriously. I mean, it takes time, discipline, patience, and strong will, but anyone can do this. I breathe the same air as you, have blood coursing through my veins like you, and walk on the same earth as you (I think....jk....ha).

To wrap this up.... You are the creator of your own success - the master of your own life. You choose your destiny, and you alone have everything you need within you to make it happen. So get to it!

“People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

"A ship in a harbour is safe, but that's not what ships are for."

So I'm about a week shy of being in LA for 11 months, and I have been so fortunate to have a lot of really great things happen for me here. One of the best things I ever did was making the move out here, and that was truly unplanned and completely based on a gut feeling. I mean, it was a loud and clear "move to LA" gut feeling, but I will admit that till this day I don't really understand the why. Well, I'm learning more and more that the why isn't always evident. Things happen. Could be a cumulative effect of tasks you've completed or certain events you have set into motion, but all things happen for a reason. I do not believe anything is coincidental.

With that said, I have been looking back over my life and how it has changed so drastically from where I was just a year ago. Things are aligning nicely, and though this is not without a tremendous amount of work and perseverance, it is with such ease that it appears effortless. I had goals for myself when I moved to LA, and they changed as I got to know myself and the business and myself in this business better, but I am realizing that I may just be centering myself on a path that was already predetermined for me, even down to the survival job I happened to land out here in LA. Not to say this is the only life I could live, but it is definitely something I strongly feel I was called to do. There is way too much that cannot be explained logically, and being a strong willed and high logical person, I struggled with this - again, not being able to know the why. Well, like I said, LA has changed me, and I feel for the better - in more ways than I have even begun to chisel at or understand. I have solidified past relationships as well as built new ones that have become so crucial to my development as a person and soul.

As for the progression of my career, well, this may sound simple, but other than all the hard work that goes into making it happen (whatever your path may be), you have to have focus. Hard work without focus is just dissipated energy. You have to be specific. You have to know what you want. And before all of that comes the knowing who you are as well as understanding your surroundings. I am still on a learning curve here, but I am beginning to understand myself better than I ever have in my entire life, and because I do have a good grasp on how my business works, I knew where I needed to be, what goals I needed to set, and what steps I needed to take to realistically make things happen for myself. I believe that a delicate balance of sheer, blind faith and hard work is what brought me to where I am.

So, a good friend I met for coffee one afternoon sat me down and had a "come-to" chat with me. He asked what I was striving for in my career, what I wanted short term, what I was doing to get it. Well, at that time I was fortunate enough to be booking small jobs here and there, but as I began taking CD workshops I realized, I'm not really going to get called in or make the transition I want to within the time frame I'm giving myself unless I have rep. And not just any rep. Good rep. Rep that truly believes in me. Rep that is willing to work with me instead of just for me (I have never been a Yes Girl, I do have my own mind and ideas and I knew I needed someone that respected that). So I was on a mission - I needed the best representation I could get (and by best I don't mean who's necessarly ranked #1, but someone I felt could transition me to the next phase I saw my career heading in). So as I sat across from my dear friend, sipping on my overpriced unsweetened tea, I said, "I want to get good representation. That is my next goal." Well as we talked about everything I was doing and how I was going about it - what I was spending my time and money on, he said, "It doesn't seem like you're trying to get rep. It just seems like you're trying to work." As much as I tried to contradict him, I knew he was right. I thought, well, why can't I do both?! That brings me back to my point on dissipating your energy. Not that you cannot pursue more than one thing at a time, but just be aware of how thin you spread yourself.

So I went home and started to refocus all my energy I could spare from my already predetermined responsibilities to getting an agent. I set aside the money I needed to showcase myself every chance I got - but I was also smart about when, there is a "downtime/hiatus" in LA when agents do some "spring cleaning" on their rosters and either scout for new talent or just flat out replace existing talent - yes a cruel reality, but thus is my career. So I knew when I needed to be seen, I knew by who (I had researched agencies I felt I would be a good candidate for, and even strove for some that seemed to be slightly out of my reach - which I think it's ironic that the one I ended up with was one of those - never underestimate yourself), and I had the funds set aside to make sure I could really commit to this search. I must have auditioned for 40 different agents/managers from small mid ranked boutique agencies to top 50 agencies/managers. I had material that I had gotten great feedback on and made sure that I dotted all the i's and crossed all the t's. It didn't end there though. I created vision boards. I took down my previous vision boards that had all the projects I wanted to work on because I knew the segway to get there was landing my rep first. So up went the boards about the type of team I wanted to create for myself. I practiced visualization every spare chance I got - I just made sure every part of every day was placing energy and focus and work into getting that rep. Not only that, there's a very particular window of time in which you want to do this. That's where knowing the business comes in handy. Yes, there are the few and far between cases where people get signed during pilot season or when shows return to air but it is so rare, why chance it?

So that's that. I made everything about getting my rep, and I was able to achieve a team of people I am SO excited to start working with - all in about two months. I am not kidding. I know this was a mix of hard work and manifestation - which is why I believe it came about in the amount of time it did. Some of you may think of it as preparation meets opportunity - that's cool, I agree, but I know I manifested this into being. And I was able to do that by believing in myself, and going for what I knew could be attainable - and working my butt off for it. And just a little note to those that do have good rep, or any rep for that matter - even if you LOVE them and they are the best team you could have ever dreamed up, still keep in mind that it is YOUR career. Never leave it completely into the hands of someone else. Agents/Managers make 10-20% and that's because they put in about 10-20% of the effort. The rest is all you. Don't stop working and always stay one step ahead of your team.

If any of you have any other questions, need some advice, or just want some inspiration sent your way - don't hesitate to email me. You can contact me through the contact section on my website. And I mean it. Believe me, I was there. We all were. And I don't pretend to know everything, but I am an open book. I love helping and inspiring others, and at the end of the day, we are all in this together. Art begets art.

So that's all I have for now. I'll be going back to work on some more vision boards, revamping my business strategies, and visualizing/manifesting all the wonderful things I know are yet to come!

Looking forward.....

Love & Light!

Life is simply wonderful, wonderful...in every way...so they say - and I agree with they....er, them ;)

Man, have I hit the jackpot or what?! This is totally me NOT bragging, but life is pretty darn sweet. I can't deny it. I have to admit, after years of not understanding all the "no's" or the "you're just not ready's" or "fill in the blank with any other random you just didn't make the cut" statement and you will understand my pure JOY at seeing things unfolding as they are for me. And it's the little things too, but it's those little things that I know and believe make the big things come together -- and I am ultimately thankful for it all.
I've been in LA for just under a year and I have found an excellent team of reps that believe in me and my talent as much or more than I do. I have solidified some of the best friendships I have ever had in my entire life. I have an AMAZING group of people back home in FL that are rooting for me every step of the way. I have been networking and workshopping with the very best of the very best. I have witnessed and been a part of some incredible moments in my loved ones' lives. I have been blessed to work with an array of talented people on multiple projects as well as met some of the most inspiration, talented, and driven people I know in this crazy city known as Los Angeles. I have adopted two guinea pigs that have stolen my heart and own a cranky betta fish that is all too quick to put me in my place (yes, he flares up at me, but only when I deserve it, hahaha). I am one lucky gal. Truly.
I have been practicing patience, utilizing my sources to practice my craft at every chance, and patiently persevering over any obstacles that may have been thrown my way. I am ready LA. And for those that have been taking this journey with me, literally as well as vicariously, I must thank you, for it is your passion and fire that fuel mine as well. And to think, I almost didn't do it....
Now I will leave you with some pretty darn cool pics that recently came out in the LA Times on my current show "Evangeline, the Queen of Make-Believe."

Love & Light!

"Anything's possible if you've got enough nerve." - JK Rowling

“There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth...not going all the way, and not starting.”

If you're going to do something, you might as well do it right..... Right? Well, if you're asking me, then yes. That is absolutely my motto. So now that I feel a bit more settled in LA LA land.... the survival job, the rehearsal schedules, the workshops/classes, the personal life (getting there, slowly but surely getting there) - I found that the only thing I was really missing was dancing/working out. I started looking around for a gym and a class schedule that would go along with my crazy yet somewhat settled life and am so glad I was able to finally find something that works for me.

It's been a while since I've conditioned physically. It really takes time, effort, and discipline to keep yourself in shape! Life in LA (before you find your rhythm, and even thereafter) is A LOT of driving around and across the city (and in this traffic, forget it! if there was only a way to do crunches while driving!) just to get to auditions/callbacks/film/work/ect. It's NUTS! But at some point things kiiiiinda stop being so nutty and kiiiiinda just start working. I think I'm finally getting to that point. I think. Hahaha.

I feel like I keep reading posts, tweets, and vlogs on dance and I really, really miss it. And even though some say it may be just like riding a bike, ummm, I danced in Miami and Tampa, but in LA, dance is like those classes on steroids! An intro class alone is just craaaaaazay! (In a good way!) So because it is something I love to do and feel such a release when doing it, I said to myself, "Denisse, girrrrrlllll, get yourself to a gym first to get back in shape!" How funny is that?! I need to get in shape to take a dance class that helps me stay in shape. Well, that would seem funny to all you non-dancers out there. Those of you that dance totally feel me! Now, I don't pride myself on being a "dancer" as much as an "actress that moves well" but hey, it's one more skills I do posses so why not ;) I have such an admiration for dancers, the way they constantly condition and train - it's truly incredible.... Such dedication! Such discipline! I find that when I'm dancing or even working out, my whole life is affected by this change. I'm much more focused and balanced. And it's about time that I utilize that focus/balance. And it always hurts so good when there's a killer pilates, bootcamp, yoga, boxing, ect class that KICKS YOUR @$$!

So the whole point to me blogging about this is because one - I am genuinely excited about finally making time for myself and my fitness since I've moved to LA, and two - it all ties in together. My body is my instrument and I need to make as much time for it as I do for classes and other things I do to improve my craft and advance my career.

My final thought (and this can apply to anything you strive to be or do in life):
"When you are not practicing, remember, someone somewhere is practicing, and when you meet him he will win.”-Ed Macauley

8 is my lucky number....

I want to start off by saying HAPPY 8-MONTH-A-VERSARY LOS ANGELES!!! That in itself is an accomplishment. When I think of where I was when I first got here and where I am now, I have to be pretty darn pleased with myself :) I'm proud that I can afford to live on my own, have wonderful adopted pets that complete my life, and take action every day that brings me closer to where I want to be in my career.
Speaking of, I am faaaaar too excited to keep quiet about the AMAZING people I will be working with this month!
I just started my Sam Christensen workshop and the guy is nothing short of genius - not to mention such a pleasure to work with! I am so glad to be joining that family! I've met a great group of people in that class. I will also be workshopping this month with Dean Fronk (great film CD) who has more projects in the works that I can even name on two hands. He stays real busy and I am thankful that I will finally get to introduce myself to him! I am begining a workshop intensive with Michael Donovan (theatre, commercial, film, and tv CD) who does it all - my kinda guy! Now these next two, I kiiiiiiiiiiiiinda died when I got into their classes because they fill up faster than anything I've ever seen!!! First is *drum roll* Eric Souliere!!!! If you don't know him, you should http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1394982/ Just sayin ;-) And the second intensive I'll be starting in March will be with the undeniably awesome Allen Hooper who does casting for Modern Family!!!
Needless to say, I am ecstatic!!! I realize how much I sacrifice and give up in order to do what I do, but in 8 months that I've been in LA, to be where I am right now, in my career as well as my life in general - I can't complain. It's worth not going out partying every weekend or even having a boyfriend! That's right! If that's all I needed to be happy, I would have stayed in Florida. But the truth is, I couldn't do this all by myself. No. I have an AMAZING support system, of those that are striving to build their careers as I am as well as non-actor folk. I've met quite the bunch while in Los Angeles, and I am so very blessed to have each and every one of them in my life. Instead of a crazy night out (which we do allow on occassion lol), we prefer tea/lunch dates, ice cream runs, walks in local neighborhoods, or pizza and wine nights in! We share our stories, our victories as well as the auditions that may not have gone our way, but at the end of the day we all wouldn't have it any other way.
So here's to a beautiful 8 months LA! Thanks for all the life lessons, the struggles, the victories, but most of all the amazing friendships and opportunities that continuously show me I'm exactly where I need to be!

"Anything's possible if you've got enough nerve!"

Things To Be Grateful For.....

It just seems like such an appropriate title for me right now. I didn't really have anything inspire me enough last week to want to write about. It actually would have come off as more of a rant, and that is so not my style. There have been some challenges, delays, disappointments occuring as of late, and they have put an overcast on my usually sunny days. I have been learning a lot though; been trying to keep things in perspective. So in honor of all these "challenges" that have not-so-delicately attempted to throw off my inner balance, I have decided to dedicate this week's blog to all the things that I am grateful for in my life. In other words, I am fighting for my right to happiness!!!
I am grateful that:

~I have my health!
~I have the bravest, most wonderful and supportive mother in the whole world!
~I have an incredible family that consists of the most loving people I have ever known!
~I have amazing childhood friends that I still remain in close contact with till this day!
~I have great friends I met through high school/college and thereafter that have been my backbone through most of my challenges (and less is always more in this case)!
~I am SO grateful for those that do not belong in my life, for they make me love and appreciate the ones that do all that much more!
~I have a nice, little place in Los Angeles that I get to call home!
~I have a lovely car that has taken me all around Florida and even made it across countless state lines to get me safely to my destination!
~I have a fish that is my second in command - oh yes, he guards my apartment when I'm not home!
~I have two fat piggies that bring me tons of joy and laughter every day!
~I have the baddest and most loving little pooch that keeps my mom company!
~I have the best memories of a life I have no regrets about living!
~I have a fabulous survival job that allows me to do what I love and has introduced me to some of the loveliest people I have met in LA!
~I have been so fortunate to come across only good-intentioned and sweet people/actors in LA!
~I live in one of the most beautiful places in the United States!

And though I am sure there are plenty other things to be grateful for, I'll end this with:

~I am grateful that every day I find the strength to push myself to keep working towards my dreams!


And here's a little food for thought for all my quote fanatics:

“...If you work hard enough and assert yourself, and use your mind and imagination, you can shape the world to your desires." -Malcom Gladwell

Now can we all take a moment to talk about those Hunger Games tickets? Hahaha. Who's got tickets to opening night/midnight showing? Who wants tickets to the opening night/midnight showing? May the odds be ever in your favor ;-D

Nothing gold can stay.

Most of you know by now that my schedule is not the norm. I busy myself with workshops and training, to then stroll into work at the whopping hour of 11p.m. (when most of you are just getting your weekend started or ending your weeknights and heading to bed), and I take calls till about 7:30a.m. - rinse and repeat. I'm okay with the life I signed up for - sacrifices are made for dreams to develop, but this blog is not about my "survival" job nor is it about my dreams. Nope. I'm taking you all back just a bit to my childhood.

Mariah Carey. Michael Jackson. Paula Abdul. Whitney Houston. Gloria Estefan.

I think you may now know where I'm going with this. Well tonight, at about 11:15p.m. I was walking from one side of my building at work to the other to get ready to take my usual calls. As I'm crossing the breakroom area, I see Whitney on tv and think they must be running some kind of special on her - maybe on VH1 or MTV. No. CNN. Why is Whitney Houston playing on CNN? Odd. I walk into my breakroom area only to read the headline that Whitney Houston had died at the age of 48. Now, when I had first heard about Michael Jackson, it was from a close friend of mine and we had cried for about 10 minutes on the phone together. Hearing about Whitney at work just felt like the most inappropriate setting, and how I found out felt so impersonal; I just stood there frozen, not breathing for what felt like an eternity. I'm slowly coming to - I realize this is nothing of a surprise, but things like this never cease to shock me. Not because of the individual and their lifestyle choices, but because of the image and how I see them in my mind. I grew up listening, dancing, imitating, and dreaming to be like these idols of mine, and that ideal perfection I believed them to all possess is how I still associate them to be till this day. So it is not just a loss in the world of music or public/influential figures, but it is a loss of my childhood. My innocence. I feel as though the sparkly bubble of my youth is slowly being burst, only to find that it was just a sticky, soapy mess flying everywhere. The one good thing about all this is their contribution to this crazy world we live in. Regardless of how they lived their personal lives or the choices they made that so many will sit back and judge them for, no one can deny the "get on your feet and dance" feeling you get when you hear a classic MJ song play or the awe and sheer amazement you feel when you hear Whitney belting out some insane note you know you couldn't hit if someone kicked you in your nalgas. They provided me with something that only those with the gift of a true artist could provide - Hope - a message that transcends all races, religions, ages, and ethnicities. It's the same in every language, and in every place of the world.

Nothing Gold Can Stay

Nature's first green is gold
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

-Robert Frost (1923)

What I'm really reflecting on here are the most influencial artists that helped shape my life and my choices, perhaps not in the day to day ritual type stuff, but most definitely in the artistic sense of who I feel I am as an actress/artist/entertainer. It would be a shame to not pay tribute to them and the special gifts they have left me with.

So, hug your loved ones tighter, love your family and friends harder, and live your life each day as if it's the only day that could ever matter.

That is all. Love & Light.

A Little Q & A with Denisse....

So, I was pleasantly surprised that people came through and asked some really great questions! I had to contemplate on each for a bit to figure out what would be the best way to respond to each. You asked....so now here are the questions that made the cut this week:

1. Janine in Miami asked: "Why LA over Chicago/NYC? I ask because at grad school auditions, you talked about moving to Chicago."
-That is a VERY good question - and though I immediately knew the answer, it took me a bit to think of how to approach the answer, how to put it into words.... I'm giving it my best shot.... So, there was this guy.... hahaha. No, but really, there was this guy I was dating while I was in Tampa which was after my grad school auditions. Granted I FELL IN LOVE with Chicago and DREAMED of moving there to study at the infamous Second City, but alas, we make plans and life likes to throw a wrench at them. I'll get back to the guy, but let me start with my love for Chicago/NYC.... I had spent a summer in NYC and studied in Chelsea, lived in the upper west side (I know, cha-ching), and had the whole auditioning thing DOWN! I was a regular at the Equity house, knew my way all around Ripley-Grier and Chelsea Studios. I became a pro at squeezing in auditions between my workshops, and somehow managed to see a ton of shows and enjoy the city. I promised myself I'd go back, and I did that same September with my great friend Corinne. I was a sucker for NY. Now moving on to Chicago... I went twice for grad school auditions - first year with my amazing friend Morgan, and second year with some of the best people I know (which includes YOU Janine <3). It was a mix of all the art, the friendly people, the NY-like atmosphere but at a slower pace, Second City, Art Institute, I could go on and on and on.... There are so many reasons I fell in love with Chicago and I named it my future home. So when did that change? Back to the boy and Tampa, hahaha. Once I graduated college, I left that summer and moved in with my mom to save money for Chicago. NYC was enticing, but was I prepared to be a musical theatre actress, living out of a suitcase, or singing in hole in the wall cabaret clubs to make a dime? Sadly enough, no. If I didn't have to worry about having stability then I would have in a heartbeat. If I was in my early 20's, I would have in a heartbeat, but I feel that train had passed and I needed to look towards where I wanted my career to go rather than where it was. So I moved, got a "real" job and started having a life. No theatre, no rehearsals, no auditions, just life. I had a stable job, my own apartment, tons of extra cash to spend/save/splurge and eventually came the boy. It was kinda nice. And I admit, my dreams of acting went dormant for a bit. Just a bit. They came back louder and stronger than ever, and being that I was dating someone I saw myself with for the long haul, I asked his opinion of where he would possibly move to (suuuuper hypothetically). NYC was a no. Chicago, an even bigger no. So where else was there for me??? Los Angeles??? And I remember his exact words to this day, "I could do Los Angeles." Everything that came after that was a blur. But it wasn't just him, or his words. It seemed that my life had suddenly taken a huge shift in a direction I had NEVER seen it going. Yes, I had aspiration to be on sitcom tv and eventually do film, but I was supposed to go to Chicago first and study at Second City, get some experience under my belt, then MAYBE move to LA if I felt ready. It was at that time that my friend Aaron had posted an article written by Jenna Fischer on her big break and being a working actor. There were two things she mentioned in that article that stuck out to me (and I will add the link here for your viewing pleasure) 1) If you're serious about your career and you want to be on tv//film, move to Los Angeles. 2) Buy the book "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron
So at this point I'm thinking, why am I going to Chicago when I really want to be in LA? Something deeeeeeeep inside me, my internal compass if you will, suddenly pointed out west. Way waaaaay out west, and I knew that I was going to end up in LA before I even came to terms with it. So that was that, finally on NYE Jan of 2011 I said out loud, and that makes ALL the difference when people hear you proclaim such a thing, I said I was going to move to LA by that summer. So I hustled and bustled and pinched and saved, and by nothing short of a MIRACLE had hit my monetary goal. And that was that. And here I am. I know this was a looooong, slightly drawn out answer to your question - but I felt that all details were necessary, because one thing led to another which led to my much impromptu decision for LA. And the best thing about my decision is that since I've been here, I've experienced everything from extreme excitement, joy, sadness, homesickness, aggrivation, impatience, and bliss - but not once, not even for a second - regret. And so if it was the boy that set this decision in motion or a greater power, I don't know, I'm just sure glad it happened.
The link to Jenna's article/blog: http://www.myspace.com/pambeesley/blog/141657788

2. Andrea in Miami asked: "Biggest regret?"
-I'm not one who really believes in regret per say because I see everything as a life lesson once experienced, but there are undeniably times in my life where in the moment or a bit after I would say, "Why did I/didn't I do that?" There are more than I care to name of those moments, hahaha, but I still wouldn't classify them as regrets. If I had to put a such a label on any of my life experiences, hands down, my only "regret" would be not enjoying enough quality time with my grandparents. I think about it quite often. They only visited a few times from Chile, and still I would always run off with friends, or go see that boy I liked, or have them take me to the mall to just say, "I'll meet you in the food court before we leave." I really wish I could have spent ALL my time I had with them, walking through the mall, holding my grandfather's hand, or getting ice cream with my grandmother. I miss them. They played such a huge role in molding me and shaping me into the person I have become, and I only hope they know just how much I love and appreciate all they have done for me.

3. Shavon in Tampa asked: "I've always been curious about this... Have you had problems getting a part due to tattoos?"
-This has to be one of the most prevalent questions I had from friends and family before making my venture out to LA. I will say that sometimes I feel as if I don't have enough tattoos for some roles! Hahaha. They have wonderful people called Make-Up artists that take care of that for people like me :) So far, all the things I've filmed (commercials as well as tv/film) out in LA, I haven't had to cover them up. For my theatre show either. Some directors/casting directors have even commented on how much they like my "ink". Not to say that it may not jeopardize some jobs, for example, certain print jobs that focus on the hands (hand models and such), but those don't really interest me. As a matter of fact, Directors, Producers, and most definitely Casting Directors out here want you to be YOU! And if that means you have a mohawk or tatts then that's exactly what they want you to be and be proud of it. My tattoos give me an edginess that opens up a whole new category/type that I now fall into. And it works because it's all a reflection of me. Thanks for asking this, Shavon, because I have been DYING to stomp out all the rumors and misconceptions about actors with tattoos - not to mention most actors in LA have them!

4. Jessica from Davie asked: "If you could go back to any period of your life, when would it be?"
-Suuuuuuuuuuper tough question. Like, super. Wow. I have had SO many great, no AMAZING times in my life. To choose just one? There are way too many to name, and I feel so blessed for just saying that. I'm going with the very first one that popped in my head. My summer in NYC. I had never been to NY, and with the cojones I have, I booked a flight, rented a flat for a few months, and just went. If I could relive that summer again and again and again, I would, at least another 3 or 4 times. Words could never do justice to all I experienced - and I will always remember that summer as being a HUGE turning point in my life. I made some friends for life, as well as it being the very first time ever that I realized, "I can do this. I can be an actress." Well, a working actress that is. Up until then I had only done community theatre or school shows, but that summer I was getting callbacks for regional tours, independent films, and local theatre - all paying gigs. So, I guess it's special because I truly found myself in NY, and nothing thereafter was ever the same. Plus, I met Kevin Spacey. Just saying :)

So that's my blog for this week, my lovelies. I hope you have all enjoyed my answers to your questions. They were honest, they were real, they were completely unfiltered, just like me. Till next time....

Love & Light!

A few things every actor moving to LA should know.....according to me of course :)

Okay, so I put out a post on my Facebook account to see if there were any questions people would have for me that I could answer on my blog this week. I didn't get the resounding response I had hoped for, but no fear, because inspiration has found me through another vessel. A friend of mine from Miami is prepping to make the big move out to Los Angeles (YOU GO GIRL) and has been asking me for advice. This has indeed inspired me because there really is so much to know, and so little one can expect to have figured out by the time you actually make it here. Of course, everyone makes their own path and every journey is unique to the individual, however, I was fortunate enough that when I got to LA myself, I had a couple great friends show me the ropes, and from there I was stable enough to find my footing and grew to understand what exactly this business demands and how it works.

Regardless that some of this is just my journey, I am still happy to share for those it may help in shedding some light into that void known as "I'm-freaking-out-crapping-myself-because-I've-never-done-anything-like-this-and-I'm-not-used-to-being-so-far-away-from-home-Mommy!" moment. So here goes, here's my list of what kind of things you can expect to pay for, should grab to read, ideas on workshops, and how to help yourself keep a sane mentality throughout it all!

I'm going to begin with a few good reads, this is a list of some books I have heard and found to be very helpful in either the moving process or getting one's bearings when moving out to the Los Angeles area:
1. Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers (this book will definitely help you kick any of those lingering nerves out the window and give you that sense of empowerment that you will need for your big move!)
2. How to Be a Working Actor by Mari Lyn Henry & Lynne Rogers (some of the information in this book is a bit dated, but it has some great general info on the basics of moving to LA or NY)
3. The Tao of Show Business by Dallas Travers (consider this one your Holy Bible if you will, and I'm so not even kidding - it has all the great information you need to get your CAREER as an actor started - this woman is genius!)

Now that I have your minds working a bit, here are some websites I found to be very useful to me:
1. http://www.westsiderentals.com/ You can find someone with an account or split the cost with a friend, or if you must, dish out the cash yourself - you'll be glad you did. Here you will find just about every listing in LA for apartments to rent, sublet, ect. This will help ease the heachache of "where should I live?" Of course, you will want to consult with friends as to what areas are good to live in, but ultimately it is YOU that has to live there and you want to make sure that YOU are happy! A happy home makes for a happy actor and people like to hire happy actors!
2. http://www.dallastravers.com/ Have I already mentioned this woman is a genius? Sign up for her newsletter. Like her on Facebook. Follow her on Twitter. I am not kidding in the least. The first book I was handed by a dear friend of mine my second day in LA was her Tao of Show Business that I mentioned above, and I STILL refer to it now - almost 7 months later, as I'm sure I will in a year and 7 months from now. She offers FREE workshops and FREE conference calls and is about as actor friendly as they come. So hop on that bandwagon and get started on making YOUR career the best it can be!
3. http://www.imdb.com/ Now this one might seem a bit obvious, but you've seen nothing, and I mean NOTHING until you've gone PRO! It's not enough to have an IMDb page anymore. You want to sign up for PRO because it will open your eyes to a world of such wonderful things!!! You will be able to look up just about anything on anyone that you could ever dream to work with. They have two payment options - either go in bulk and pay the $124.95 for a year's subscription or go easy with just small installments of $15.95 a month. I promise you, it will be the best money you've ever spent. If you're kind enough to have a friend who has it, they can allow you to peruse it before signing up, because I'm sure those of you with no IMDb credits are saying "Why would I want a profile on there when I don't even have credits?" Well, I'll tell you why, because you technically don't exist in this industry until you have a PRO account, credits or not. You can upload headshots, add your resume, add a reel, and did I mention look up just about everything on anyone you could dream of working with? LA is saturated with workshops with Joe Smith and Jack Browns that you have to know WHO you really want to work with, and what better way than by doing your research via IMDb to see who is casting, producing, writing, directing for the shows/movies YOU want to be on/in? Not only that, you will have the most up to date info on agencies and their client lists as well as their office addresses and phone numbers!!! But I'll get into my thoughts on having an agent in just a bit. My whole rant here was truly to just get you to SIGN UP for IMDb PRO - like NOW. What are you waiting for? It's never too early to start your actor homework!!! This career is what you make it for yourself.
4. http://www.actorsaccess.com/ Also known as Breakdown Services to those in the industry. This is how you get hired, friends. This is a site you sign up for - I believe I paid $60 for the year, and you add your headshot/resume/reel to the site and they make you answer questions about your special skills and type. They send you emails, usually weekly, with breakdowns from casting directors that fit your specific type so that you can submit to get hired! Now granted, these are public submissions, so you won't be seeing lead roles for major motion pictures on here, nor will you see certain breakdowns for larger or even guest roles on network TV shows - those are the types of roles you need an agent to submit you for, however, you see a plethera of other roles and breakdowns that can assist you with industry contacts as well as roles/projects that can help you build your reel. Also, don't just wait for an email, this is one where you should be logging in to the site DAILY and submitting yourself! So go for it!
5. http://www.lacasting.com/ This service is very similar to Actors Access, but you will be getting breakdowns daily, and A LOT of them. They have everything from Live Events, to Industrial Shoots, Print, Commercials, Webisodes, my list can go on and on....They do cost more than Actors Access, but definitely check out the website for more information. You can pay for a year, 6 months, or go month to month. My subscription expired and I now pay just $14.95/month for this service.
6. http://www.extrasaccess.com/ This is a subservice for Actors Access, and literally how I found/booked my first two SAG Vouchers. For being a member of Actors Access, it only cost me an additional $10!!!! Not $10/month, no - just ONE payment of $10 for the YEAR!!! It's a steal!!! As it says, you will only find extra work on here, but you never know who you'll end up working with. I worked as an extra on a webisode, and that one day deal turned into the director asking me to read for a role they were writing into the script - AND the project just got sold to a production company for airing. So, you never know....it's ALL about building those relationships!!!

Here's my quick 2 cents on agents - please don't feel like you can't work without them, because YOU CAN. I am proof of that! You will get an agent precisely when you need one. Until then, and this is from the mouth's of some very reputable agents I've had the pleasure of auditioning for - own your career. The rest will fall into place!

I think I can move off of websites for now. I believe that is more than enough there, and to be honest, those are the main ones I use. A few mailing lists that will be helpful are:
http://www.infolist.com/
http://www.backstage.com/
http://www.capesco.com/

So if you've done your homework on your IMDbPro account you know who you want to work with. Dallas Travers has an AMAZING CD for sale called the "Audition Accelerator" CD, and it sells for $24 on her site. I guarantee you, it is worth every penny! I own a lot of her material, but this CD is golden! It talks about how to strategize and target those you want to be working with. Don't forget that this is a business and too many of us just want to act - and don't really know the business! This industry is too big to just come out here and think, well, a job's a job and if I get hired then I'm doing good. No. Not good. It could take you YEARS longer to get your career where YOU want it to be, so let's trim the fat and get right to the meat!

And now onto workshops.....As you notice these sections are getting shorter and shorter, so hopefully you have been able to hang with me to this point :)

You have to go where your people are when it comes to workshops. And by that I mean, if one of your target CDs (you will learn about this from the Audition Accelerator CD) is doing a workshop in Sherman Oaks one month and then in Los Angeles in 3 months and then Hollywood in 8 months - GO!!!! Every opportunity to work with your Casting Director is a chance for them to SEE YOU! It's great to have an agent that will submit you for something, you get called in, and then nail the audition, then maybe or maybe not get that callback or book. But why not begin to build a relationship with that casting director? A long, beautiful, and lasting one! And what better way than taking workshops? Believe me, they have the memory of an elephant - which can serve or harm us, depending on how serious you are about it. Now I know these workshops are an investment, and a lot of you are probably thinking - Hey I'm still trying to pay off student loans from college, I got that degree, I'm done learning, hire me already. No. Sorry to burst your bubble, but if you're in this profession, you're in it for the long haul, and that means taking classes - continuously! If you're not working, you should be learning and networking, and if you can do both, well then more power to ya!!! So when it comes to workshops, here are some of my all time favorites I've found since I've been here:

http://www.heyisawyourcommercial.com/ Coach Mike is a genius and very well respected in the industry. I highly recommend doing his Level I and II class and then joining VIP. He also has Commercial Agent showcases monthly!
http://www.actnownetwork.com/ These people are AMAZING!!! It's real simple why I adore them: You have to audition in and they really take the time to consult with you to place you in the best level for you! You don't want to be just taking any workshops, but putting yourself in front of your target group as well as those that CAN hire you! I know it's sad to think that, well I'm non union and if they love me they'll hire me and taft hartley me. I'm not going to say that that never happens but when it comes down to taking workshops, there are so many actors out in LA, union and non union, that if you're in a workshop of 15 and it's not really at your "playing level" yet, then you are taking someone's spot that could potentially be hired by that CD or producer or director. Not a good introduction if you ask me. That's why I love that Act Now assigns you a mentor, ready to help you every step of that way! They help you build those fabulous relationships and get your career going in the direction you want to - without rushing anything. After all, this is a marathon, not a race! I've already had the pleasure of doing workshops with Tim Payne who casts for Suburgatory and Rich Delia who cast The Help and Dolphin Tale. These guys don't just do workshops to take your money. They NEED actors! They can't make movies without them - and what better way to scout for talent than at these workshops? Who shows up early (which is the new on time)? Who asks good, relevant questions? Who is always prepared to work? Who makes good, bold choices? They look and take note of ALL you do in these workshops - and I have seen many of my colleagues get called in and BOOK!!! So workshops work people! And I especially like Act Now because the majority of their workshops run for 3 weeks - meaning you are building an even stronger relationship with the CD/Producer/Director ect than just those one nighters!
http://www.actorscompanyla.com/ These guys are great! Join their newsletter! It's run by two brits which remind me of Phillip Church (for those of you fellow FIU peeps out there) and I couldn't have more respect for them. My first experience with them was for a Theatrical Agent showcase, but they have fabulous workshops with great industry folk too. Just make sure you're targeting those on your target list. They are also really good about bringing in Managers and Agents for showcases - and A LOT of people get signed this way. Seeing you live, breathe, walk, and talk helps them assess you as an actor far more than just a headshot and resume. So save your pennies! I promise it will be worth it!
http://www.actingbridge.com/ Now these guys are up and comming! I just signed up for two workshops there, and though they are one nighters, they were people on my target list, so how could I say no?! They have a special going for the month of February - all workshops $10!!!! I'm not kidding. Don't take your eyeballs out, you read correctly - $10!!! There is a yearly membership fee of $10, but it is sooooo worth it. I can't wait to see what they have up their sleeve. They come recommended by Dallas Travers, and my first two workshops there are with Rich Delia (as mentioned before) and Lisa Ystrom, who casts for The Lying Game. Definitely a company to keep your eye on!

http://www.grounglings.com/
http://www.ucbtheatre.com/
www.ioimprov.com/west
I grouped the top 3 improv groups together. It's been my knowledge that taking from anyone of these three is golden. Not all actors need improv. If you see yourself as mainly booking action/hour long drama then maybe it's not your forte - maybe you should look into scene study instead. For those of you wanting to work on sitcoms, improv classes are practically a must. The prices range in from $350-$500 depending on where you take. Once again, save those pennies!

And here is my final thought on workshops - very few people run this industry, and you will soon learn just how connected everyone is. All you have to do to be successful (other than what I previously mentioned about being the ideal student actor) is get on a few of the CDs/producers "short list". If you don't know what this means, look it up ;) Taking workshops will help you build the relationships necessary to get on those lists!

Okay, so that's all I have for workshops, and I just want to mention that even though they can be costly, the are certainly worth it. Depending on the workshop - I've seen them range in price from $40-$50 for one nighters to $165-$180 for 3 weekers and around $220 for 4 weeks. My one bit of advice on this other than stick to your target list (I can't say that enough) is PACE YOURSELF. Don't think you have to do it all at once, and PLEASE don't think you need to see them same CD every month! Like I said before, they have memories like elephants. If they haven't seen you in 3-4 months, then yes, you probably want to book another workshop with them, and in between send them mailings (they love postcards). That is all on workshops!

I'm squeezing this one section in here titled "This is my job that actually pays the bills until I can really be an independent working actor" - and you'd be surprised how many people you've seen in movies and on tv already that still have these "survival jobs". They are necessary out here, unless you're loaded or are somehow related to Spielberg. There's ONE rule and one rule ONLY to having these jobs (and you may go through several until you find IT): it CANNOT, under ANY circumstances, interfere with your acting. I'm serious. And I don't know anyone that would tell you differently. I know you all need to feed yourselves, but remember why you packed all your stuff, sold/gave away what didn't fit, hugged and kissed your parents goodbye, and made the schlep on out here! Your survival job is just a job, that's all. No more, and hopefully no less ;)

Now when it comes to attitude!!! This is the section I feel the most passionate about, because if you don't have the right attitude, then you could become a very miserable and bitter actor. You know. The one that you bright eyed and bushy tailed folk all ready and set to make the big move ask "What's it like? What should I expect?" Only to hear a very mournful and sometimes even sour "Well, if there's anything else you could do, ANYTHING ELSE, then do it." Ummm. WTF is that about?! No. Wrong. The more beautiful, creative, and inspiring people we have that are willing and just daring enough to chase this crazy dream, the better our industry becomes! I don't say that lightly. We need you out here - whether you're a writer, director, producer, actor, singer, fire-juggler, whatever....we.need.you! So please, get inspired, throw fear out the window (well, the nagging fear that says maybe you shouldn't do this) and come join me and the 23,567,937+ other actors out here working our butts off to make a difference! I guarantee you that only about 20% are seriously in it to win it! So if you're worried about getting lost in this industry - you can, if you take workshops with everyone, and try to book everything, then yes, you may get lost. Stay focused, do this by following some of the gentle advice I have given, and always, always, always SMILE! It will make you feels loads better - people that smile more often (get this) are portrayed as happier people! HA! Who woulda known?! Anyways, one of the biggest things to also keep in mind is that this is not a competition. This is not a race. This is not about how often your friends are booking and how you can't even get a callback. Don't be one of those people. Instead, be thankful that you have friends that are booking (because eventually and I guarantee this, your break will come, you are who you hang with), so surround yourself with genuine people or person. All you need is one good, true friend. You will need friends, to support, motivate, bust out the Ben & Jerry's with! And the only way you will FIND these kind, genuine people is by BEING ONE yourself! It is true! So be good to those you meet - be thankful for every day you wake up and have another opportunity at doing what you love, and always believe in yourself! Your time will come....but will you be ready for it? So in the mean time, find good friends to laugh and love and go on hikes with or hang out at Starbucks, or go to the beach, LACMA, there's so much to do in Cali - don't forget to enjoy it!

With that....I am finally peacing out, my friends! Hope this LONG blog helped some of you - because it isn't easy, no one said it would be, but it sure as HELL is worth it :)

Love & Light!

Early Morning Rant - What Better Way To Begin...

So here I am, sitting up in the wee hours of the morning thinking, "What could possibly be missing from my life? Oh wait, I know, a blog!!!" So I thought, why not?! There must be someone out there who wouldn't mind my sometimes coherent rambles; after all, there are a lot of thoughts that go through this noggen of mine. And there are a lot of things I am passionate about. Yes, I'm an actress, but I promise I won't spend my time here on the blog splurging shameless self promotions about what show I'm in or yada yada, fill in the blank. That's what Facebook and Twitter and my website are for, right? Ha!

So this is just a little introduction to moi. I am very passionate about humanitarian efforts as well as animal rights. I am also very passionate about good food, good music, great movies, influencial quotes and people, and fun random things that I discover all the time in my not-so-ordinary life. So I'm guessing you can expect a lot of blogs about that. The little things that all add up to make me, me.

I guess I'll end this first blog of mine just by simply saying, "Welcome!" I'm glad to be cracking open the window to my brain, the doorway to my soul (okay maybe the soul part is a bit deep, but you get where I'm going with this), and just having you all enter into the ins and outs of what makes me tick. So thank you, thank you, thank you - seriously. Because if no one actually read this, well, that's a whole other issue I assume I would have to deal with, right? Hahaha. Love & Light my friends. Till my next installment....