Looking for my type and finding… myself.

(Too cheesy?)
This is going to be a different take on GPOY Wednesday...
This past spring I was trying to revive my all but dead acting career. To do this in the best manner possible I have to really know what it is I've got going on for me. Some advice I was given from a name casting director before moving out to LA was to play my type. Play the hand I've been dealt. But in order for that to happen I have to know what cards I'm holding. I had no idea what my type was. In high school I was the fool. In early college I was typed as the shady love interest. In the latter half of college I played the asshole rock star. Then I was the geek. Then I was the cute everyman. I could not figure out what the common denominator for these ever changing archetypes was. When I asked the CD what my type was she had a hard time figuring it out and finally settled on someone who wasn't the leading man and wasn't the character role, but this weird and rare thing in between that barely gets work. Still, as auditions and castings continued, I struggled with the question, What is my type?
I stumbled across a workshop that would help me to find the answer. Sam Christensen Studios was holding a workshop on public self image. I believe that's what they called it. Anyway, the focus of the workshop was to have a full understanding of who you are as a person, as an actor, as a public figure, whatever. It was about rediscovering the person that friends and family see you as and discovering the person that everybody sees you as, then filtering through it with the person you see yourself as until you find an image of yourself that everybody can agree on.
I feel saying any more on the class would betray Sam's process. But I'll let you know it was an involved process. And it lead me to this:

That's right. It's a picture of me if I were made of words. For the record, the word cloud wasn't Sam's idea. I just did that to have what Sam lead me to all in one place. And I tried to form the words into a picture, but it didn't work. But this does! It's not perfect. Believe me I tried. But it includes everything, which is why words like "brings", "tap", and "Mr" are in there. I also tried to get the cloud to put relative emphasis on the words which were repeated, but it doesn't account for when someone uses certain words three times within the same phrase. STILL! All of it matters! So it's all in there! Just, very disjointed.
I waited to talk about the class because I wanted to see what it would do for me first. Couldn't ruin the experiment, ya know. Unfortunately I've been working too much to be auditioning. (How great is that?!) And since I won't be auditioning for at least another month, I might as well blog about it now. Plus I felt it was about time to mention it. It kinda piggy backs on Monday's blog about finding a new look. Nevertheless, in the meantime, it's helped me to present myself, spruce up my reels, and has helped me nail the few auditions I have gone in for.
I still don't know what type casting directors will see me as. I could be the dork, the cute guy, the rock star, heck I could even be the leading man on a good day. But I think I know much more valuable stuff. First and foremost, I know I'm Kevin Allen, and I am all of those words.
Well... maybe not "Mr".

Kevin’s Excellent News

Remember that big audition I blogged about last week? I GOT IT!!
I just got off the phone with Universal Studios Hollywood, and I'm very excited to say that they gave me an offer to join the cast and take part in the 2012 "Bill & Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure"! The show is the comic relief of their notorious Halloween Horror Nights event. So I'm thrilled that I get to continue being a part of HHN and returning to all my scare-acting buddies, but also that I get to do so in the show that I've been after since working at Universal Orlando.
I'm about to embark on a most unprecedented exposition.

Kevin's Excellent Audition

I’m a huge fan of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. I couldn’t really tell you why, I just love it. In high school I found out Universal Studios Orlando had this show they do every year for Halloween where Bill and Ted host a chaotic stage show of pop culture references and parodied characters. It’s basically pure craziness and fun on stage, centered around Bill and Ted. Ever since I heard about the show I’ve made it my goal to be part of that show. Every year I’ve had the chance to audition, I auditioned. This year was my sixth attempt. I finally made it all the way to the end of the audition, and I feel most triumphant.

So, going back a bit, I always wanted to play Ted “Theodore” Logan. Each year I would audition as Ted, and each year I would be called back for him and a major villain from whatever year it was. Like, Magneto, Sylar, Anton Chigurh… Each year I’d give a great read, get laughs, and make it past the cut onto the dance portion of the callback. And each year I would get after doing my best to follow along with the dancers. I’d always accept that I wasn’t a dancer and it’s no surprise I wasn’t picked for a very dance-heavy show. But it would also be frustrating watching the show each year and be unimpressed with the Ted onstage not living up to my fanboy expectation. After one year, when the repeatedly cast Ted actor decided not to do the role and I once again was not cast to replace him, I pretty much gave up on ever getting to play Ted. Much less be part of the show.
The next year I moved to California to do Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. But I missed out on the Bill & Ted Halloween Spectacular auditions. I, of course, still participated in HHN. And of course, I watched the show. Much to my surprise, I liked the Ted. I thought he looked the part, and he acted it well. Once again, I pretty much gave up hope of replacing the repeat choice, but I wasn’t bitter about it. I was just happy there was a good Ted on state. Still! I wanted to play the role! So I auditioned the following year, just so see what would happened. And once again, I was called back for Ted, then cut after the dance portion. It was very clear what it was I needed to improve upon if I were ever going to get into this show.

Two years later. I’m auditioning for the show again. However, this time I decide to audition as the major villain from the year, Loki. I love the character, I look the part, and every person I mentioned I was auditioning as him to would get wide eyed and proclaim I would be a perfect Loki. I felt great about it. I wrote up a monologue about how Halloween is the perfect occasion to bow down to the God of Mischief. I was ready for this one, and very excited to play the part, even if only for a minute. When my time to audition came, I sauntered in, slowly delivered my speech, and had a great audition.
I made it past the first cut. Now it was onto the dance portion. Things were different this year. Rather than have us dance to an overly poppy and happy remixed top 40 hit like Bill & Ted auditions usually do, they had us dance to an overly poppy and remixed version of Gotye’s smash “Somebody I Used to Know”, which has a very frustrated tone. So this year, they didn’t want us to smile and have that feeling of frustration instead. That made things easier on me. I felt inspired for this song, and it totally fit the Loki vibe I was trying to play. And the number itself was a lot of fun. I would’ve smiled and been happy dancing to it, but it’s so much more fun to be angsty when dancing to pop music. I have to say, I had a good grasp of the dance, despite some trippy footwork timing. And I was enjoying the hell out of having angry arm gestures and stomping to an artist I really like. I was having fun, I had a darn good grasp on the routine, and I was feeling pretty confident. But, like every year, as soon as they put us into small groups and had me do it for the judges, I screwed it up.
I thought this year was sure to be no different than every other year. But before I could collect my stuff to go feel that way, they wanted the guys to do one more thing. You ever heard of a shirt check? Cuz I hadn’t. But I knew exactly what it was. I’ve seen this show enough to know what they were looking for. All the guys, most of whom are dancers and stuntmen, lined up and took our shirts off. I did my best not to think twice about it. Or consider that I haven’t even worn short sleeves in public for half a year, with exception to one day in which I cropped a great deal of photos to keep people from knowing just how skinny I had become. So I took my shirt off and stood there like I wasn’t freaking out at all. And when they had seen enough, I walked out returning my two shirts to their rightful place and headed back to the waiting area to await judgement. When they came out with the golden tickets, I did my best to stay optimistic, like I do every year. I started changing my outfit, cuz ‘they’ll need me to wear this to do that cuz they still want me.’ And while I sat there like I wasn’t freaking out at all, they called my number.
It took me a moment to realize that had just happened. But when I did I stood up and couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear. I was so proud. I was so excited! I made it past my ceiling! I finally made it past the one part that had thwarted me time and time again. I couldn’t believe it. I was ecstatic. I felt so privileged to have been chosen. And I was well aware I was not cast, and this meant very little in the long run. But I was just so proud. And relieved. This was a huge deal for me.

Today were the callbacks. The real callbacks. The one they told us to bring our game face for. It consisted of cold reads of sides, which I had done before with Universal Orlando. For the sake of not jinxing anything I am not going to get into what I read. But I will say it was not Loki. (Too tall.) But I will say that, just as in past years, I gave a pretty darn good read, got a laugh, and felt great about that portion of the callback. Then it was back to dancing.
They told us it would be a more intense dance number. I’m not sure what to think about it. I want to say it was easier, but it may just have been more fun. Or maybe just more akin to the sporadic style of hip hop dancing I do. Whatever it was, I was digging this combination. No clue about the song, but I was having a lot of fun with the dance. I felt like I had a great grasp of it too. But, I was totally aware that I’ve felt that way before, so I would mark through it every couple of plays just to make sure I wouldn’t forget a step. Well, I ended up being in the last group to go, so I had plenty of practice. It was just three of us, and I knew the other two weren’t big dancers which means I couldn’t leach off of them should I forget a step and need to get back on track. If I was gonna pull this off, I’d have to trust myself. So I got ready, took a deep breath, and then I threw all my nerves out the window and just partied with this dance number. I had fun. I just danced! I mean, I did all the right steps when they wanted me to do it. But I can’t imagine what my face looked like. Knowing me, I was making all kinds of stupid faces. Stupid, cocky, hamming-it-up faces. I had this. I was rockin’ this dance! We did two rounds of it. I got a little sharper the second time. And then we were all done. They thanked us for our time and talent, which I really did appreciate, and then I returned to the waiting area.

I really didn’t know what to feel this time. Or what to convince myself of how I should try to feel. But they came out to make one more cut. This was it. After this it would just be improv, which I always always always hoped to get to cuz I knew I could impress, and company paperwork like stuff. If I was going to go home, it would be right now. Being one of the last people to dance, I had to wait through the whole list of random numbers until finally, hopefully, if-only-ly…. 18. I was called. They wanted me back. They wanted me to continue in the audition. I could have crowed I was so excited. I honestly could not believe I had gotten this far. I still can’t. I became very familiar with the feeling of having been cut from this audition. Five times. This feeling though… this one was new. I freaking loved it!

After a break to get some lunch, I returned to the auditioning process for one more go at the dance, just for kicks, some light improv, and a whole lot of fun. For the sake of respecting their audition process and what they probably want people not to blather all over the internet, I will not say what went on and what they were looking for this round. And honestly that’s not the point. I don’t even care. When I was walking away to go have lunch I had to keep telling myself that I still needed to care about the rest of the audition. I was just so happy that I had made it past my dancing handicap and gotten as far as I did. I was so happy! Anything past that would just be icing on the cake. If I didn’t get cast I wouldn’t be upset at all. I mean, don’t get me wrong! I would LOVE to finally be a part of this show And as happy, honored, and proud as I am now, I can’t even tell you how big a deal it would be for me if I actually got cast. But for now, I’m thrilled just to been as successful as I have been today. I feel like Lincoln just announced how awesome I was to my whole high school class.

I mean it, I love that movie.

[wails on electric air guitar]

Being creepy at the Labyrinth of the Jareth

This past weekend I had the privilege of performing at the Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball. It's a "fantasy masque event" obviously inspired by Jim Henson's Labyrinth, particularly the "As the World Falls Down" scene. Just like in the scene, everyone dresses in their finest fantasy-inspired formal costumes and masks to enjoy a lavish ball celebrating lavish fantasy inspired costumes. I'd say the wardrobe and make-up community takes the opportunity to show off their work, but in truth, it's probably mostly costumers who just feel like going all out once a year.
It's an event that as an amateur-at-best costumer I've always been intimidated by. I attended last year as Prince Lir with other friends all dressed from The Last Unicorn. My costume was pretty spot on, though not entirely complete. And despite many compliments and praise on the costume and the rest of my unicorn entourage, I still felt underdressed. Trust me, people go all out on Labyrinth.

Anyway, a friend of mine called me up and asked if I would be interested in joining the cast. At the time I had no money to build a costume and buy a ticket, so being given a role to perform at the event was the perfect solution. I joined up, came in to meet the team, and eventually got to rehearsals. As I'm getting inducted into the cast and crew, I gotta say I felt really out of place. Not only because I was a last-minute addition to a fairly well established clique of performers, but because I knew nothing of the show element of LoJ. Not only was I shamefully unaware of the shows last year, I had no clue of what this year's one was about. They told me I would be playing a Lich, who rule of the Talisk, a race of Dark Elves who branched off to practice soul sucking as a method of self preservation rather than the other group who--and then I was explained the long history of elvish politics. This started with them asking me, do you know what a dark elf is, and me cautiously responding with "...an elf, but.. darker?" Eventually I caught up on my role in the production, and the show in general, but I never really had a grasp on it. Still, as long as I knew my part, I was fine. I could tell this was a great group of people who were passionate about creating a quality show and fully capable of doing so. And they were really nice. When it comes down to it, that's all I need to work.
So now it was time my scene. I was playing a relatively small role, only needed for two scenes. In the more involved scene, I come out to drain the energy from our leading lady so that I may restore my own life force and continue existing. If I recall correctly, the directory wanted me and my lich companion to appear as broken when we moved, and remain low, so that when we are first seen, not only is it creepy, but it shows that we are weary and frail creatures despite being a totally powerful threat. Then we suck some soul from the heroes and we can stand erect, rejuvenated once more, and we can continue from there. So when it came time, I mustered up my HHN experience and walked out with every joint I had bent and moved in a jagged line until I reached my victim, where I hunched over, then convulsed my chest, let my arms follow in the motion, and for some reason thought standing on foot would help illustrate what was going on. After a few goes at it, talking with the lich girl and playing around until we got what we wanted out of it, and still standing on one foot like it's a good idea, we had the physicality of the Lich crafted. Which is good, because we were also told the Lich can only communicate by movement anyway.

So here's where I start to brag. The director was pleasantly surprised with how well I moved as this decrepit being. I got praise and a few constructive notes, which made me feel really good about being thrown into this show and having to catch up to the team of very talented dancers and a practicing troupe of stunt-fighters who were brought in for the same scene I was in. What made me feel even better was at the end of the night when the fight choreographer came up to shake me hand and tell me good job. This was a big deal because the troupe was SFI, and he was one of the instructors, and I was this kid who was looking to join up with them. I don't know if he was joking or not, but I could have sworn I heard him lean into the director during one of my run-throughs and say "I wanna work with this guy." I was ecstatic. Whether or not that is true, having him come up after to tell me I'm doing good work still made me feel awesome. And as if that wasn't enough, the director told me I should look up a certain play, because "if [I] can talk as half as good as [I] can move", she wants to work with me on this play. How awesome is that?! I could've just been offered a hearty role in a pretty cool sounding play from a rehearsal! And to keep me invested in this group of people, not that they really needed to, these two came up to me after most every rehearsal and reminded me that I'm still doing very well. Which I never tire of hearing. It's always good to know I'm doing good work and making my directors happy.
As rehearsals continued my lich companion and I got compliments from others who were coming in to the rehearsals to see what was going on. And by compliments I mean people saying we were genuinely creepy and looked really messed up. That made me feel so good, which is odd. Honestly, I can't tell how I'm coming across, and to be perfectly truthful, I can only imagine that I look like I'm just convulsing around like a dingus, so I welcome reassurance in that what I'm doing works. Especially when I'm surprised to hear one of our rehearsals is going to be broadcast.
So finally the weekend we've all been waiting for comes. My costume is wicked, they scrapped the prosthetic I was supposed to wear which makes me happy, and I'm well rehearsed. I'm very excited for the night to come. The first of the two nights only involves my smaller scene in the grand ballroom, so most of the night is spent wandering around with my horde of talisk minions, just bein' creepy. We had a whole fellowship of evil in our group, and I declared myself the Lich King. Mostly because of wanting to reference Adventure Time, partially because there was only one male lich, but also because I had warrior guards, scouts, a handler, and a grand something-or-other-lady who kept everyone in line. The pretty-boy host of the event Sypher may have his court, and they may own the place, but I had my own. And ours was way more badass.

But I digress. We're out to entertain the guests and give an appetizer of curiosity toward to grand production. Whenever we cross paths with the elves we have a stare down, or whenever I see a Knight of Sypher I cower behind my warrior minions. Actually, I do a lot of cowering. All the time. The other lich and I were informed that we are totally afraid of a fight. Cuz we're old. And because I'm old I'm holding onto one of my helper talis every time I walk down a flight of stairs. It made for a grand entrance most every time, which I found amusing. I'm sure most every single one of the guests didn't realize we were part of the show. They just assumed we were a group of fans who were way too into their costumes. We had people coming up to guess what we were, and then felt "completely dissed" when we wouldn't respond in English. I had someone come up and compliment my leather work, then persistently suggest I enter a contest they heard about. It was kinda awkward. Still not as awkward as when I would point out friends and say something raspy to them, thinking that since the prosthetic was gone I was easily recognizable, but instead only getting legitimately weirded out looks. Later I toned down the character so I could actually get to spend some time with a few of my friends who I was very excited to see without creeping them out. At least not too much. Still, the night was spent with me wandering around in character, trying to incorporate all the weirdness I had been directed and encouraged on, and hoping it creates an impression.
Saturday night was the big night though. At least for me. This was when I got some good stage time and get to fight a knight with dark side of the force powers. I was hella excited for that. Unfortunately, preparing for the night was about as rocky as it could get. I'm not hear to bad mouth, but I'll say that problems arose and we had a very late entrance to the ball. We didn't do nearly as much walking around as before. And when we did, it was rather hurried. I didn't get to fall back and see anyone like I had the previous night. Still, I remained excited for the stage performance. Our group had grown, and despite attempts to get all the talisk together in the same badass way we had on Friday night, it just wasn't happening. So when time came the seven of us made our way backstage, and had an incredibly kickass performance. The audience responded really well, as they are expected to do when six simultaneous epic fights are happening on one stage. I, however, was very surprised how well they responded when the Lich entered. Even more so when I had my moment of playing puppetmaster with my opposing knight. Then Sypher shows up and everybody goes crazy, cuz he's a boss. Way more a boss than the Lich King. But aside from probably never showing my face toward the audience, I had a great performance. And then I was off. Quick as that. Short, but awesome.
We stuck around in the stairwell so that we may join in the company bow at the end of the whole show. So we did that. And then everybody started dancing, which I didn't know was going to happen. I didn't feel much like sticking around for that, so I and my Lich queen left. But... we had agreed to be a part of one last attempt at having a throwndown with the elves in their courtyard, so we did that. I wouldn't say it went smoothly, but we finally pulled it off. Once again, I helped kill a guy, felt refreshed, and left. It was a pretty good note to end on. Though I'm sure everyone watching was thoroughly confused.
After that I once again changed as quickly as I could into my own costume to head down and join the ball as a guest, where I would then be free to hold a conversation and eye contact with my friends. And I also got to stand up straight and not feign that I'm about to fall over every five steps, and that felt great. I did, however, keep the all black outfit and mask motif.

An actoring lesson.

A week or so I participated in the first annual Experience NoHo Arts Festival. And by participated I mean I went to it. I wanted to see the great unknown wonders my community had to offer. I love these kind of things. I planned on perusing through art galleries and checking out what sounded like some pretty cool bands, but while killing time til other friends could join me, I thought I'd do some personal-minded stuff. There were acting classes being offered. I figured there's no better idea than being a part of the festival while actively being engaged in the betterment of my career. I'd see the galleries later with friends.
So I went to three classes. The first was at a place I think I had been getting newsletter emails from, so I decided to see what it was all about without really having an idea of what I'd be participating in. I walked into a Meisner exercise. I will admit, I was disappointed, as the Meisner repetition exercise is one of the few acting tools I know I don't like. But that's no reason not to participate, so I sat down and re-affiliated myself with Meisner. When the acting coach asked me if I was familiar with it, I told him I dabbled in it. I knew of it, I had done it, but I never really studied it. Even though I don't really care for it, when my turn came to go through the exercise, I felt comfortable with it and did my best. After two rounds of repetition, he told me that I've clearly done this before and knew what I was doing. I kinda found that surprising.
After the short workshop, the acting coach encouraged everyone to leave their information and consider checking out the full class. He came up to me and one other person specifically to tell us that we really should look into it. I forget the specific reason why, but it was very much the ‘you’ve got something in you’ kinda thing. So when they called me up to see if I was interested in auditing a class, I went for it.

This morning he interviewed me to learn a little bit about where I was in my career, as well as to tell me what the class is like. He gave me a scene to read over and told me I’d be working it later in the class. I have to say, the character he had me reading for was perfect. Anyway, we did the repetition exercises, which were a range of experiences in comfort and sincerity. The class continued with some improv scenes, which was interesting to watch. Then it was time for me to do my scene. I had read it enough times to connect to it, not enough times to be stuck in an idea of how it should go, but unfortunately still not enough to have the lines down. I had a good idea, but at one point I had to close my eyes and hope I got the words right enough not to throw off my scene partner. I had a fair grasp of the scene, but still had to look at the pages repeatedly. I wanted to keep eye contact with her and not risk breaking the connection I was making with her, but those damn lines were not there! The first read was not to my level of standard. Much to my surprise however, the coach said it was a good read. The next one was much better. We connected. Eye contact was there. It was real. I wasn’t reading the lines, I was in it. At the girl’s request we did it a third time, and that was just as good. I was much more satisfied with myself. The coach said it was a great read, though it still wasn’t perfect, and didn’t have any notes to give me. At least not yet. He wanted to speak to me after class.
He asked me what I thought of what they did, and whether I got something from it. He said he could tell I knew the exercise and had done it before. Then he told me I was a good actor. And he said it in a way that meant more than just "good". I don't know what, but he made it clean I should feel proud and confident in my acting. He restated it, then continued to tell me that I was a good type, I looked young, and that I should be getting a lot of work. But he also told me that I need to be anchored somewhere. I told him I had been in LA for two years and I hadn’t gone to any classes. I performed weekly with iO West for about six months, but that was about it. I wasn’t with a class, a company, or any acting institution where I was getting myself seen, meeting with people, or just plain being involved in my business. If I had that I could grow, get opinions from peers, and network. Which is important! His biggest advice for me over anything else was simply to find someplace that worked for me and be a part of it. I was a good actor, and I’ve got a lot going for me, I just needed to be somewhere.

This was all very nice to hear. I appreciated all he had to say to me, and I was grateful to discover he thought I was so good at what I do. But I’ll admit the comment needing to find a class and stick with it was a bit of a bummer. I always enjoyed my gyspy-esque lifestyle, bouncing around a number of places without being tied to any particular one. I completely understand his opinion, and I agree with it, but I just like variety. It’s fun.

So now my goal, aside from finding representation, is to figure out some singular place to work on my skills. I already have a class or two in mind, but then I also have to find the money for it. Which would be a lot easier if I had an agency backing me up when I’m auditioning. But it seems I’ll need to take a class and network with all of them first. But then again… that means I need to… Gah. It’s a tough business out here. And I’m well aware of that, don’t get me wrong. I’m going to take everything he said in consideration and keep working at all of this from all the angles I can. I’ll find my way into this cycle and then things will really get moving. I’m very confident in all of this. Nevertheless, it’s great to hear that I’ve got a lot going for me as a very good actor.

I (want to) do my own stunts.

Last week I went to four auditions in three days, all held by WSSI, a water-stunt show company. Three of the auditions were for shows at Universal Studios Hollywood, which I've auditioned for and worked at several times, but these auditions were completely different. These were the stunt shows! I've always wanted to learn how to do stunts, stage combat, and pretty much anything in the entertainment world that's active. I've been trying to figure out how to audition for these Universal shows for years. And now, finally, I was auditioning.

The first was for Terminator 2, 3-D! I thought this was my best chance into getting my foot in the door with these stunt shows. The role I wanted involved physicality in movement, a small fall, and I think some combat. It was pretty basic. But it was also the most type-specific role I was auditioning for. Still, being angular and lean, I though I might have a shot at it. The audition consisted only of stepping forward out of a line of nine other actors and telling the casting table about your experience toward the show. I told them how I've been acting for more than ten years, doing improv for eight, working at theme parks for six, including Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World. I added how I've got experience in stage combat, basic tumbling, and fall training through stilts. I felt good having a nice, broad understanding of the stunt work they needed, supported by all the acting experience.
Two guys later, someone was talking about their stunt experience, most recently on the new Spider-Man movie. Two guys after that, he was talking about all his experience acting in theme parks in Orlando, especially in the stunt shows. So... I wasn't feeling too special after that.

The next day was the audition for Waterworld, the big stunt show. This time I was aware that I was auditioning with heavy hitters. And since there was no specific type for this one, I was up against all of them, not just the angular, lean ones. The role also was the least stunt-involved, though it still involved stuff I've never come close to. I had no idea how I was going to stand out against everyone who had experience. This time I was the tenth person in a line of people with actual stunt resumes. When it was finally my go, I told the same group of people about my long acting experience and familiarity with comedy, which was important. I also told them about my foundations in stage combat, tumbling, fall training and everything I had mentioned last time, but in better detail. I also mentioned that the first gun I had ever fired was a black powder rifle when I was 10, and how I passed the hunter's safety course shortly afterward, since firing a gun was involved. And since it's Waterworld, I told them I was raised in Florida and could handle myself in the water. Then I hoped for the best.
Amazingly, I got called back, and was now up for a role in the Waterworld Stunt Show. This was epic for me.

The third and final day of auditioning was for the Zorro & Elena show and meet and greet. I wasn't gonna go, since I look nothing like Antonio Banderas and don't speak Spanish. But the woman running the auditions for WSSI told me to show up, so I did. I told them what I could offer, and didn't even try to kid them about knowing Spanish or anything. I can swordfight, and I look good in black, but I know my limits and I'm not gonna lie to get a job I can't handle. So I didn't get selected for that.
I stuck around afterward to support friends of mine who were auditioning for Elena. And while I was standing around waiting for them, I decided to audition for the fourth show, which was about to audition soon. It was a pirate show. But it was in South Carolina. But it was a pirate show. I had to audition. I knew I was gonna want to be a part of it sooner or later anyway. I signed up and went in. I was given three sides to chose from, which I would come back and perform for the new casting table. Also, I was told to prepare a song if I wanted to sing.
I chose the role I was less suited for, but thought I'd get to play with more. I went over it until I had all of what I wanted to do with it down. Then I spent the remaining time trying to remember sixty seconds worth of lyrics to "The Mariner's Revenge." I didn't want to sing an audition song, I was gonna sing a pirate song! When we went in, I was with five others, most of which had a long list of stunt experience, having done everything I had ever heard of and maybe more. I however was one of the few with acting experience. So I at least had a strength, but still, this was a stunt show. I stepped up to the casting table when prompted and first apologized for not having a headshot and resume for them. But thankfully, the group of people were wonderful and happy people. Even more so than the other group I had auditioned for the last three days with. They weren't bothered since I had to tell them about my experience. I told pretty much reiterated what I said the last few days, and expressed my willingness and drive to learn anything that I would need to learn to be involved. Then they asked me to read my sides, which I did. I was big and loud, trying to be colorful and mean as I could make the character, and also trying to say the lines smoothly, which I failed at. They spoke among themselves for a brief moment and asked me to read the character I knew I was more suited for. So I did, and somehow that went more smoothly, and was a better read than I thought I would give it. They seemed pleased. I then sang the disturbing verse of "Mariner's Revenge" that I could remember, and then was done.
I made it past the first round, and moved onto the physical portion of the audition. This portion began with pairing up to throw stage punches at each other, and of course, the opposite side reacting, then swapping. This isn't something I've perfected, but I was pleased that I knew enough to stay grounded and use my whole body in hitting. I also mixed it up, since we threw three punches before switching, which, I'm also pleased to say, was noticed. I saw that most of the people were up on their toes when they threw punches, so I was confident I stood out in a positive light. But in the second part I knew they would catch up and surpass me completely. This was the tumbling portion. I was the last in line, and as I waited, I watched people with obvious gymnastics backgrounds execute perfectly formed rolls down the mat. We started small and worked our way up to more complicated things. Which for me meant, I showed off that I could leap forward and go into rolls, and then continue rolling speedily down the mats, and then after would be pretty boring. We then moved to cartwheels, which I did my best to perform technically well. Then backward rolls, which I tried to make up for my hurried forward rolling by doing slow and smoothly. And then we moved onto handsprings and backward walk-overs. When I stepped up, being the last, I looked at the man prompting us and sincerely told him I did not know these moves well enough to demonstrate them. Without hesitation he thanked me, and I caught the rest of the table nodding approvingly. It went over better than I thought it would. Though it was still awkward when I walked to the end of the line with the rest of the auditionees applauding and congratulating me for.. being brave I guess. Anyway... it ended with each one of us being asked to demonstrate any other tricks or moves we wanted to show them. This is when the group got to really show off and show how impressive they really were. Most people were doing hand springs, flips, and really executing some awesome stuff that I have been dying to learn for years. One guy even showed us a move he created himself, and which I can only describe as this awesome, gyroscopic flip-turn thing. And he did it off the mats. It was pretty badass. I on the other hand decide to be funny and show 'I can do this,' (high kick), and 'I can do this,' (bent over backwards till my head touched the floor). And when I went to step off, one of the guys asked me if I had said I had a background in comedy (yes), and could I do some prat falls (yes)? I winged some prat falls on the front, side, and butt, and that was pretty much it.
From what I was told by one of the guys who was a little more in the know about this group of people, I had made a good really impression. I, however, was just happy that I had kept up and made it so far with people who had worlds of stunt training and experience more than I had. To even be considered was a huge thrill for me.

I came back two days later for the Waterworld callback, which I am sad to say I did not make. Mostly because I tanked on the acting part of the callback. I'm not gonna get into why that happened, but I'm just super bummed I didn't continue on and get cast, cuz I was really, really looking forward to finally getting involved with real stunt work and training.
Still, there's always the pirate show, next year, and who knows what else I'll find in the meantime.

I should probably hit the gym though.

I networked!

I like Twitter. I got on it because I could follow my hilarious friend @JoshuaWatford, @WeirdAlYankovic, and @DarthVader. I was entertained by it. Then I got wrapped up in the fun of micro-blogging and that became my thing. Then a bunch of friends found me and I found them and I'm sent all sorts of little blogs. But then, I found out I could network on it. An acquaintance posted something about the #ConnectionExperiment, an underground chatroom for the film acting community created through the use of a Twitter hashtag. Eventually an event was put together so these followers could meet in person, and I went. Now I'm meeting people in the flesh and networking in LA, because of Twitter. It was surreal.
Now I'm following all sorts of people in my industry, a good number of them are following me, and I'm using Twitter for more than just entertainment. It's crazy! It's like getting auditions from Facebook, it doesn't make sense! But it gets even better. After noticing a some tweets from @DanielleCasting, I thought this woman seemed rather nice and I decided to follow her despite trying to be selective about who I follow. (I'm already over 180 accounts.) And I'm glad I did. After a good while she started getting close to 5,000 followers and held a contest to honor it. Her 5,000th follower would win a meeting and reading with her, which is something since she is the head of her own casting agency. Well, I was in! I was contacted by her and the 4,000th follower/winner of the last contest, who had just booked a pilot, and was now determined to be the next winner. Not only was it a challenge with a fabulous prize package, but I felt like I had people rooting for me, expecting me to triumph in the end. Somehow, I managed to do it. I won the contest! I got to have a reading with a casting director! Because of Twitter!!

Today I had my meeting with Danielle of @DanielleCasting, and it was wonderful. She was just as sweet and helpful as she appears in 140 character micro-blogs. She greeted herself very warmly, invited me into her office, and asked me to tell her about myself. It didn't feel like a reading or an audition, but a friendly conversation between new acquaintances. After I read for her she gave me her feedback, which was great to hear and told me that I should use it when I go to audition for agencies, which is a big help to hear. She also asked me if I had any questions for her. I really wish I could've thought of anything specific, but even now I still can't think of anything, so I guess that means I'm okay. I did however mention that I wanted to know how I might find a good agency, since that is what I'm looking to do next for my career. I hoped she would give me some tips, but before I even realized what she was doing, she pulled out a sheet of paper to write down some names for me. I was practically floored by that. I had heard nice things about her from other tweeters, but she totally surpassed expectations in just how nice and helpful she was. I'm so glad I'm addicted to Twitter!

Ya know, what I really couldn't believe was the enthusiasm from her end too. 

meeting @KevinAllensays (actor) tomorrow for being my 5,000th follower! he will meet and read for me!!! #yeahbaby

in the office I go to meet and read my 5,000th follower @KevinAllensays and then lunch with Michael Sandford Casting

  She even joked with me afterward about my dorky hair. She's a lot of fun.

Playchecks

When I moved to California and was trying to get my acting career going in Hollywood, I was spending a lot of time with two friends. These two live together, and at their apartment I noticed all these paychecks they had taped to the wall next to their computer. They were self-made paychecks from production companies they hoped to one day work for/be paid money from. They, especially the girl in the relationship, is really into the belief of human influence or.. influence.. whatever The Secret is. That. The idea that i you put your goals, wants, and whatever else you’re trying to put into your life out their for the universe to notice and deliver to you. One means of doing this was to create paychecks they wished to one day receive. Their idea was supported by a playcheck (just came up with that) written to them from Judd Apatow’s production company. On the day the check was made, one of them received a check from that same company from doing extra work. Obviously the check was for a much smaller amount than they had predicted, but they got it on the same day!
I thought, why not, sounds like a cool idea. Well, I didn’t get around to actually doing it for about half a year. I kept thinking about it, but accurately designing playchecks and printing them up seemed like a lesser priority to job hunting and other activities. A week or so ago I finally made up playchecks for the major, secret audition I had back in November, hoping it would be yet another gesture to the Universe that I was ready to receive that role. Today I made up another check, because something told me to do it, and I finally printed them out. I’ll admit, I am a procrastinator sometimes. But I still printed out the checks in good faith.
Then I decided I’d check up on the casting news. I’ve been randomly checking up on news articles regarding the casting. Watching rumor after rumor be published and debunked, and after biting my nails for two and half months, I finally had reason to stop. Les than an hour after printing out my goodwill tokens to the universe, I discovered the role had been cast yesterday and I was too late.
I still haven’t hit the dates I put on the checks though.

Medical education video shoot

Just so you know, that was the name of the project. I have no idea what the video will actually be called, and as far as I can tell the producer of the project was the National Board of Medical Examiners. It's not the best project to put on a resume, mostly because I don't what information I'd put on the resume. Even more so, I'm not allowed to have a copy for my reels because the video is for educational purposes. And this is a shame to me only because it went so well!!

The project was supervised by medical professionals from UCLA, and possibly from the NBME themselves, to ensure that everything was accurate and true to life as possible. I was thrilled to have a number of actual doctors helping me to properly conduct myself with a patient and administer an exam. It was like we had five or six directors, but everyone worked together so well that there wasn't any issue outside of whether or not I would tuck my scrubs shirt in. Apparently it's an east coast thing. So on set was a camera operator and boom operator from The Office, and all these doctors, myself, a very talented actress, and another actor who got six heavy scenes of medical jargon the night before and stepped up to the challenge full force. With all this professional and earnest talent around me, it felt like one of the simplest shoots I've been on.
The new doctor actor was determined to get his lines down, which was tough, so I read with him for about twenty minutes while everyone else was on lunch. When our scene came, we were perfectly prepared. Even with last minute line changes he and I were natural and believable as real-life doctors in their break room. The medical staff was impressed, almost surprised, as to how much we sounded like residents talking to each other.
My scenes with the female patient were when I had to be the one spitting out medical jargon, while still being a warm voice to the distressed patient. She acted her anxiety and pain so well that it was easy to sympathize and want to comfort her. After one moment where (I can't say much) she experience a strong pain, we took each other's hand and I was just there for her while she expressed all her pain and strife. We had such a strong connection, and it was clear to the doctors watching. There was concern over whether (I'm trying very hard not to reveal anything that would spoil the educational part of video which I agreed to keep secret) I met a requirement, but they thought the connection we had more than enough made up for it. In fact, when we wrapped they were talking about whether or not they would have to change an answer on the exam because I may have done too well as an attending doctor.
The doctors on staff would help me out in properly conducting myself with a patient and in knowing what it is the doctor is really doing when they say this or do that. They explained how a line would be said in the context of the scene amongst all this medical lingo, and they would help out myself and the directors when there wasn't a line that made sense. They really helped me make my role as a doctor as natural and comfortable as any doctor who's done this hundreds of times would be.
And even the camera operator was a help! She made sure I didn't block the patient's face when they had a tricky camera angle and there was really no room for me. She was a wonderful person to work with, as were most everyone on this set, and the entire project was a joy to be a part of.

I'm kinda bummed that I won't have a copy of it to use for my reels, because I know all of it would be good material. The connections were real, the dialogue was professional, the production was excellent, and I was playing a doctor! A bright, young doctor who through his calm demeanor, truly cares for his patients.
I'm available for any medical programs.

I forgot one... My first phone audition.

Before the new year I had an audition for a medical training video for UCLA being supervised by one or two medical institutions or organizations. I'm not sure who. I submitted for the audition, they got back to me, and I had an audition with one of the UCLA medical representatives and the producer of the project. And the audition was over the phone. I didn't know you could do that. They didn't see me, my face, my eyes, or anything really, just heard my tone through my Metro PCS connection.
We read two scenes, and I got notes, but they liked it. They pretty much gave the role on the spot. Later that day I received an email saying I got the part, with all the info and the script.

Now, today I was called to check up on things and see how I'm coming with the script. They wanted to make sure I'm pronouncing everything well, that there aren't any awkward lines that need to be written, and just so see how I'm coming with memorization. With all the medical jargon, as well as the emotions in the scenes, they want to make sure that everyone involved isn't stumbling with lines and instead being natural. Honestly, I thought that was a given, but that's not the point. I studied up on the lines, and had them fairly down when I read through with them today. I pronounced everything just right, which is amazing considering I stumbled over "abdominal" for an hour. I knew how to pronounce it, but my lips kept blurting out "abdominable." And everything was fine. She was pleased how well I had taken her notes, she felt I could continue to do so when the medical professionals step in on the actual shoot, and everything felt good.

It's still kind of odd to me to do this over the phone, but if it works for them, it must be alright. I'm very excited to be on the actual set and do some acting with people. But even more excited just to do this super serious medical thing. I love that actual professionals and the board member from some medical group are going to be there to keep things as true to life as possible. It'll be an educational experience for me, it should turn out a great product, and best of all... I'm one step closer to being able to say "I'm not a doctor, but I've played one on TV."

My first Hollywood musical theatre audition.

I submitted to be in a musical theatre production, which I don't do often, because it was based heavily on Vaudeville, and Vaudeville is wonderful. The last time I auditioned for a musical theatre show, I got it, so why not try again. But I didn't realize how big of a production this was.
I got the call confirming the audition, which meant they wanted to see me. So far so good. But they told me to prepare two sides, a song, and a Vaudeville act. They wanted to see something entertaining, it could be anything, but I had to show them something! So I spent two days trying to put together some Vaudevillian comedy/tumbling act. Every idea I had wasn't practical, so I finally decided I'd just roll around and hope for the best. Besides, I still had a song and two sides to get familiar with.
I brushed up an old audition favorite, something I felt I could pull out of my back pocket and be comfortable with. Also thought I'd include my classic audition tune, "Mr. Cellophane," just in case. And for the sides, I brushed up, read them over, jotted some notes. I felt I could give a good audition without having it memorized. Then I noticed some names on the bottom of the sides, "Book by Milt Larsen, Richard M. Sherman and Joseph Hoffman. Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman & Milt Larsen." Particularly Richard M. Sherman. That's one of the legendary Sherman Brothers, who wrote pretty much everything for Walt Disney. And with my history and love of Disney, I wish I had prepared any of the music I could so easily perform, like for example ANYTHING FROM MARY POPPINS. Which I have the music for. But it was the night before, too late, I'll use the song in my back pocket.
The audition morning finally came. Wasn't feelin' too good about it, but by golly, I was gonna make it a good audition. I arrived signed in, and another auditioning actor asked the runner where he could find Milt Larsen. Okay, pay attention cuz what happened next happened very fast. He was saying he was supposed to talk to Mr. Larsen, which meant that he was here, which meant that Mr. Sherman was probably here. It hit me, I would be auditioning for the writers of the play. This wasn't a local theater's production of a classic musical that I just never heard of, this was a brand new musical written by these legends. Richard Sherman is the executive producer. And I was somehow auditioning for the opening cast. Those are promotional candies for the new show!! ohgodohgodohgodohgod this audition is way bigger tha-- wait a minute, Richard Sherman is here? He's right behind me! That's him! He's introducing himself. I'm introducing myself! I'M SHAKING RICHARD M. SHERMAN'S HAND.
This was unreal, and I was ecstatic, so I was determined to being entertaining, or at least charming. In the downtime before the auditions started I admired the Mary Poppins autographed theatrical poster in the hallway, as I do every time I'm at Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio. I went over my sides again, and I was ready.
I was the first to audition. Somehow that happens to me often. And I entered a room with a tarnished old piano, and a little old man behind it. There was the auditionee's table, with several old men all wearing matching blue jackets. I was smiling genuinely and felt this wonderful comfort being among people I just assumed were from the good ol' days or Walt's era. I talked to the pianist about the song, we had it figured out, I thanked him, then greeted the rest of the men, spoke with them a moment. And then it was like I was back in college at all those theatre auditions I went to. I told them my song, the pianist played it, and I went into it. I could tell I was off time. I've been told that I should let the pianist catch up to me, rather than risk us stumbling our tempos around each other. And I figured I'd just sing the song and focus on me. Bad idea in hindsight. The director stopped me before the big note and told me that there's a lag in sound or something, and that I should be closer to the piano. The men all talked about how the piano was closer to center last time, so we pulled it over, and tried again. He asked if I had a second song, and for the first time ever I did and was thankful I remembered to do that. The pianist suggested I start right before the chorus and do a few quick bars, making sure I get to the chorus. I did it. The director however, wanted to hear the beginning verse. So we started over. Then I forgot the words and had to start over. And it occurred to me, it's been way to long since I sang this song, and I really didn't have it prepared as much as I had it on hand. So it didn't go well, but I got through the chorus. The pianist and I stopped, the director kept tapping his toe and prompted me to sing the chorus again. I was lost. I didn't know what to do with the song and the audition quickly ended. I hoped that my impromptu playfulness during the song would help, but I'm sure it backfired. They took a look over the profile sheet I filled out before the audition, where I listed every basic special skill I had that related to Vaudeville, which is pretty much everything that doesn't involve sports equipment. They told me they didn't need to see any more from me. I thanked them and left smiling. For a train derailing, I still had a good time.
I was disappointed that I committed some hamartia in focusing so much on the Vaudeville act, and not so much on the singing or acting. Now that I think about it, I should have worried about those first. Wowed them with my acting and singing talent, rather than the specialty stuff, just in case they decide to cut me off early. Makes sense now.
So lesson learned. And I'm sure I would have lost it during the dance, since I'm not a dancer. But I still feel bad that I got to audition for Richard M. Sherman, and pretty much blew it. I am better than that, and I feel like I let him down.
And he was so nice!

My first Hollywood coffee meeting.

Back in February I met a recognizable humorist at a convention. By the way, I have this thing about using names in blogs, so I'm probably not gonna say more than that. Anyway, we chatted, I mentioned in live in North Hollywood, and he said we should meet up to hang out. Awesome, I love hanging out with people. Then I lost his business card and it wasn't until the convention happened again, luckily for me a second time in the same year, that I could get his contact info back. So after half a year or so, I called him, somehow he remembered me, and we started to plan a meet up.
This took a few more months, cuz of the holidays an all. But a few days ago, we finally met up! I got there early, but showed up late cuz the clock in my girlfriend's car is slow and I always forget about it when I'm sitting it killing time! So though I planned to show first, he beat me to it, and texted me "Im the nappy haired Asian guy with a laptop." This was confusing, I don't remember him being a nappy haired Asian guy. Even more confused when I saw him there, with his laptop out and headphones on. So... I thought.. well, first time I met him he was in costume... and it's been a while... and he does have a laptop out. This must be the guy. I walked up to him awkwardly, and cautiously, until he noticed I was there. He pulled his headphones off, looked up and I asked, "are you Angus?" He wasn't. Angus was in the other corner watching the whole thing for his amusement.
Damn I used his name. ... Moving on.
I greeted him again, for the first time in months with a smile and "You're a jerk!" We talked for about twenty minutes about his project and my resume, the we got into our broken cameras. The meeting was shorter than desired, like I said, I thought we were supposed hang out, but I did know it was a business meeting and therefore expected a quick business chat and that's it. Anyway, it went well, he's a great guy, fun too. Not nappy haired. And as for me, I think I talk too much.

My first Hollywood acting class.

I attended my first acting class in Hollywood. Technically Burbank. And technically it wasn't an acting class, more of an auditioning class. And technically it wasn't a class, but a demo workshop audit thing. But it was my first acting class in Hollywood.
It was taught by Billy O'Leary, who I recognized as Tim's brother from "Home Improvement." I read up on his class and it seemed pretty legitimate. My friend Jo came along to attend the class with me, and we're both glad we did. Billy taught an excellent, informative, and very helpful class. I wish I had taken it before I had that major audition a couple months ago. After getting to know him and everyone else in the class, Billy taped us doing a side reading, and after that we watched and got notes. I learned some very helpful tips to audition with, and was also given a big note to take for future auditions. All in all it was an excellent class and I would love to take a full course with him. Ya know, if I had the money.
Jo liked it too. He also wants to take the course. Ya know, if he had the money. And let me say that the problem is that Billy's class is expensive cuz it's not and that makes the situation all the more upsetting. It's that Jo and pretty much in debt from living in LA over a year. I'd still recommend Billy O'Leary's classes to any actor in LA who isn't acing every audition they go to. Which I think is all of the ones who go to auditions.

Secret Audition (which I'm still not telling)

Last Monday I had an audition for a huge project. So big that I signed a confidentiality agreement for the audition. And since then I've been losing my mind over whether I'd hear back from them on it, and that I can't tell anyone about it!
I changed my Facebook status to inform my friends "Kevin Allen has his biggest audition yet today at 3. He asks for your good thoughts and energy. Thank you." I've mentioned that I've had auditions and asked for good luck before, but this time I was overwhelmed with response from my friends. Not only in how many wished me good luck and were rooting for me, but in quality too. One friend of mine mentioned she was praying on my behalf. That's incredibly sweet and thoughtful, and I'm grateful for my wonderful friends. And they helped. I had a practically perfect audition, everything went just how I hoped it would, and I think all that good energy was a big part of it. When I saw the audition noticed, I really wanted the part, and I knew that I would be perfect for it. I started doing research on how to best portray the character, and in doing so, I stumbled across info about the movie. I discovered it was a MUCH bigger project than I thought, there was buzz on the internet, and I was pretty far out of my league. So, I was already putting a lot of attention and energy into it, but now I had reasons to be very nervous. Nevertheless, I treated it like every other audition I've been to; was calm and professional, made friends with the casting director taping the audition, and had a great time. And I'd like to think that part of that was in thanks to my friends and their support.
The other thing that with all my friends' loving wishes, was their restless curiosity. Everybody wanted to know what this big audition was for. And I did my best to let them know that they were not going to find out. I made an agreement, and I was going to honor it! Not only because I signed my name, but I want to honor the wishes of the people behind the film, and because I like fun of surprises, and I wasn't about to ruin that! Maybe a little bit for good karma too. But still, they were determined! I had a few people claiming that they could figure it out. One person even saying that she had physic abilities and pretty much knew, then asked if I wasn't allowed to tell. YES! She had this marvelous talent to write comments on my Facebook that, to the people who would be looking for any evidence of me breaking my word, could easily appear as if I had told her. I had to delete that, delete another comment, delete an article someone posted on my wall about another very similar casting which was a complete coincidence that she was oblivious to by looked like I had told her about my secret audition. It was driving me nuts.
Now I'm freaking out that the producers had a team of people checking the internet for any leaks and that they had stumbled across my page, saw this stuff, got the wrong idea, and nixed me from any future consideration. Not only that, but the audition was the day before my girlfriend and I drove up to the mountains of Northern California to visit family for the holidays, and I didn't have an internet signal to check for any of this stuff. I was losing my mind that I was going to have this opportunity ripped away from me. And that was on top of not being SAG, wondering if my read was what they were looking for, and every other usual audition paranoia inducer. And since it was the holidays, I wondered if they were going to get back to me right away or wait until the holidays were over. Then the scope of the project and having taped auditions in cities outside where it's being filmed made me wonder if a response would be be soon at all.
Well, it's been a week and a half now, so I'm going to let the nerves go and move on. Focus my attention on new auditions coming up. Though I'll still have to deter my friends from asking me about the audition. And I keep getting reminders of the project from the world. At first it was like a sign, continually seeing keywords or mementos everywhere. As if the world was telling me, this movie was for me. But now, it's like I'm just going crazy.
And I can't tell anyone!

the audition that kept it up like a lovesick crackhead

I had an awesome audition on Wednesday. Probably the most fun audition I ever had. It was to host an internet-based, music video countdown show. I had only a little hosting experience, and even less teleprompter experience, but I thought that was enough to audition. And it was. It was even enough experience to get a callback.

At the audition I read a prepared script, but had room to add my own jokes. That I have plenty of experience in, and it was definitely where I really shined. I had the room laughing, I was playing with the script in the style of The Soup, as if bantering with the crew. It was a blast! I loved doing that. They had me follow that up by winging an entire read, just making sure I hit the important bullet points. Well, I hit the points no problem, but making stuff up on the spot wasn’t nearly as smooth as inserting jokes here and there. But it was no problem too. The people I was auditioning for were such great, and fun people, they liked it regardless. They were fun to read for, and even when I was screwing up, it’s like we were friends joking around. Even after the read, I was still cracking jokes with them, they were firing back. It was exactly like we were all friends, I had the role, and we were just having fun shooting ideas back and forth.

The callback was good too. It was a little less casual, probably because of the two new people in the room, who I assume were the important powers that be. But like I said, it was like I had my friends there behind the table. This time I had my own script prepared, as requested, and read that. They were cracking up behind the camera, which is the feel I was going for in my audition, so that worked out well.  It was a great read, and I was having too much fun to be proud of myself. but I was proud of myself. Anyway, yeah, great read, then they threw the curve ball at me; that the show had switched channels and was going to have a different feel to it. I read again, with the adjustment, and apparently took their note very well. Still, I had the attitude and look all prepare for a more ‘rock star’ attitude, and I’m pretty sure that I was no longer the perfect choice.

The callback continued with five minutes of original material, so that they might get an idea of my style of humor and acting for sketches. I decided the best way to show them that was improv. I did a scene with one of the auditioners, and I gotta say, I could’ve done improv way better, but it was still a great scene. And it was still a lot of fun. The guy, PJ, said that he hadn’t done that in a long time and he had fun too, and I could tell in the middle of the scene he was having fun playing. Then I did some air guitar, cuz PJ wanted to see that.

So yeah, I haven’t gotten another call from them, but I’m just happy the audition and callback went so well. It was ass-kickingly kick-ass.

That might’ve been why I didn’t get the gig. Oh well. Rock on!

There's nothing like coming home from an audition you're not sure of, and seeing a commercial you didn't book, changing the channel, and then immediately seeing it again.

Expected Income?

Yesterday morning I gave my time to help a friend film a spec commercial. I got up before 10 for the first time in probably two months, went to the other side of the 405, and dressed up in my coattail tuxedo. It was a quick little shoot with a few good people. The way the plot and the shoot went was each person adding on their bit, one after the other, until all of us were gathered and having fun. The crew just started filming whatever ideas came to mind, the cast was pitching in and playing, and by the end there was plenty of footage for them to use. We all had a good time and somehow, we ended only a half hour off schedule.
This wasn’t a paying thing by any means. It was an acquaintance-produced submission for a contest that might pay off for the filmmakers. For me, however, it was an opportunity to help a friend out and play in front of a camera. And it didn’t pay, but I got to meet with some very nice and talented people. And who knows, maybe they’ll do very well for themselves and hopefully I’ll get to work with them again, and sometime down the road, I could get paid to help them out.
This morning I woke up even earlier and went to the other side of Magnolia Boulevard, and dressed up in a borrowed Jedi padawan outfit. I was watching a fencing party for Best Action Events, who I started training with four weeks ago. I attended a five year old’s birthday party to see what exactly I’ve been training to do. I went as a padawan assistant to the Jedi performer so that I could help out and not be some fly on the wall, but I was there to watch and learn. With all my time spent at Disney, and having done birthday party entertainment with kids before, it was still somehow odd to be there thinking that performing for younglings is how I’ll be making money.
I’ve been training with them to add to their talent pool, not working for any pay yet, but I’m learning fencing stage combat. It’s completely worth it to me. Today, however, the idea of getting paid finally made it into my head. I don’t actually know how much I’d be making at each party, but it seems like it’s a good amount. I joined for the perks of learning sword fighting skills I’ve been after for a few years, and working with the skilled people there, but now that I need employment I’m noticing how profitable this might turn out to be.
Tomorrow I have an interview for a day job, doing retail at a shopping plaza. I haven’t had a day job since I started what I call the ‘theme park circut’ in Orlando six years ago. The last time I had a job interview was earlier that year, spring of 2004. Even applying for a job is something out of my element, and I’m nervous to have an interview. However, I need employment. I expect that a day job would pay, consistently, and well. Nothing from this job would really a long term gain, unless I needed another day job. But like I said, I need money, and jobs get you money.
So, this weekend I’ve got the three examples of how I could pursue my career and an income. I could either continue pursuing straight up acting and really not get any pay for it, I could pursue it as a part time thing and see how that works out, or I could just forget it for a while and be alright.
Might as well see how the interview goes first.