Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Here We Go

Hey everybody! Here it is, finally, a blog just for us. For our questions, comments and observations. Here's a question I'm asking myself a lot lately -- what am I doing?! Not that I'm having a bad time, or that I don't enjoy my job, but do you ever get that feeling?

I've been doing commercials and teaching a little at AMDA, and I'm acting in a New School grad student production of No Exit. All good stuff. But sometimes, when I'm going over my lines trying to get them down and into my heart and let the words work their voodoo, I wonder what the heck I'm doing. Why would I want to play someone condemned to hell? (An existential hell to boot.) It's like I latched onto some idea of how cool the play is and how I've always wanted to play Inez and how she's hopeless and funny and pathetic and predatory all at the same time -- and then at midnight when the words don't stick I find myself thinking I'm a little nuts. Suddenly I'm doing the work and it's not as much fun as the idea. Been there?

OK all of you. I hope you participate here. Send in your questions, comments and observations and get in touch.

Also, when you get a chance check out www.sandraoday.blogspot.com. Sandra is an ex-con, motivational speaker with anger management problems. She's my alter ego, and writing that blog is starting to feel like I'm screaming into a well.

Rock on.

8 comments:

lovelyinnyc said...

I think its normal to ask that question. Especially in our line of work. Not to mention most people think I'm crazy to be doin what I'm doing. Sometimes I get really discouraged... especially if I hadn't got an audition or a job in awhile. But I know you love what you do. And its always all worth it to have those times when your on stage or on set. Even if its for a few moments. :-)


-Monica

Evelyn Shaw said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Evelyn Shaw said...

My new question that comes up every day is, WHY DON'T CASTING DIRECTORS HAVE ANY IMAGINATION!? The roles that I know I'm right for I'm not even being considered for.. As soon as I walk in the door I'm being put into the "showgirl" category. Which is all fine and dandy.. Just not what I'm good at. And not what I want to be seen as. I consider myself to be an average height, but with heels on I look like a giant. But they WANT to see girls in skirts and heels, right? AAAH! such a dilemna shouldn't be a dilemna.

-caitlin b.

casie said...

My question is how do we get in the door? With 400 other young non-equity girls at every audition, its a fight and struggle to be seen!
-I totally agree with Catlin, why don't casting directors have any imagination????? Isn't that suppose to be what their good at??
-casie

Unknown said...

I had a rude awakening today. I started a job hosting at Becco on 46th. After about an hour I realized that I need to get out at least three times as much to audition. the "what am I doing?" question is answered for me by saying...not enough. MORE AUDITIONS.
p.s. Thanks Caitlin B. helping me to come to this realization. :)
-Spencer

Darcy said...

I have to agree in saying that it is normal to ask that question- in ANY line of work. It may sound strange, but I have to be honest in saying that sometimes when we ask ourselves that question it can be a blessing in disguise. A lot of times we get so caught up in the routine of life that we forget to take a step back, take a deep breathe and regroup.You are one of the most talented and passionate people I know- you just have to remember to be true to yourself and your goals in life. As long as you do that you will always find your way. Take it from someone who had been asking that question for the past year...

Dr. Phil
Aka Darcy

Erin said...

hi sheila! i'm so happy you are blogging! first of all, i just have to tell you a few things: 1) i was met a commercial agent recently who looked at my resume and had great things to say about you. 2) i brought in No Exit to Roxanne and Dan Daily for our Showcase last year (i cast myself in the part of Inez). Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) it was not chosen. Now, I have a question for you: How do you prepare for an audition for a role that is so completely the opposite of who you are. I'm auditioning for a film student to come into their class and rehearse scenes from the film "Magnolia." I'm auditioning for Claudia, a disturbed woman who has a serious drug problem and who is completely high and a mess in the scene. How do I even begin to play a junkie? I am reluctant to go back and watch the actual film. Help!? thanks!

Erin said...

oh! and you can check out my blog too. i just started it and it's mostly like a journal that's centered around acting. have a wonderful day!