Thursday, February 26, 2015

Jiro

This man, is someone I have immense respect for. His dedication, his passion, his discipline; all things that take a person from desperation to perfection. A talent and skill that I am still working on. To be able to give your whole self, not a just a part, to your career takes a huge amount of courage and faith. Jiro gives more than 100% he gives his whole soul, and body to his love and interest. Sacrificing connections with his sons, his wife and the world around him to perfect this one job.

In regards to myself. I can only try to do what Jiro does. My love and passion for theater is great, but there are so many other things I am in love with. Traveling, filming, ballet, people and writing. My goal right now is to find one thing that I truly, truly want to throw myself into, mind, soul and, body. Or if I can manage, fill my life with all of them. My life goals are a work in progress, but I am on my way.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Journal

Listen to today's tunes and write your first impressions of Holden Caulfield.  Is his "voice" authentic to you?  Does it express what you/people you knoexperience?  Is it exaggerated?  Explain your answer.

Holden seems to have a terrible view of the world. As character he is very interesting, with a lot of opinions and thoughts that influence him. However he is just a normal, hormonal teen. He cusses a lot, and puts his wall up to defend his own feelings and thoughts. He seems very fake to me, I really don't know if I can trust his inner monologue. It seems like he uses his thoughts to distract himself. He is vulnerable, still trying to figure out himself, and the life he wants to lead. He reminds me a lot of other guys I know, trying to act all tough and in reality weak inside. 

The Internet Can be a Dangerous Friend

The Internet; infinite information, billions of connections and portal to a world beyond us. We have come to depend on this almost unreal privilege over the past few years. It is a curse and a blessing to have such power and knowledge. But I have learned the hard way not to give everything to it.

 All of my work from the last two months is gone. I thought it was posting but unfortunately it was all in drafts. Some sort of bug made my words incomprehensible binary code. I talked to Google and they have fixed the problem so I can post again, but they were unable to revive my past posts. So here I am, I plan to retype my previous posts so they are all present on my blog. I just thought I'd fill you in on the goings on.

Have a great day!

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Astral Projection and Mutual Affection

79,800

That is a simple number.

79,800 out of 316,000,000

That is a representation of dreams coming true.

79,800 people become registered actors with contracts, whether it be on the screen, or on the stage in America. Such a small number in comparison with the huge amount of people at every school in the USA that wish to "make it big" for all the ones who wish to be heard, recognized and known. But that's show biz', kid.

I'm am not ignorant. I'm not naive. I am fully aware that investing myself in this career path could end in poverty, loneliness, and tragedy. But I am steadfast, I am firm, I am dedicated to the idea of becoming an actress. For what could be more magnificent than making people feel something deep within them. What could be more rewarding then putting to words what someone can not. Whether it be through film or through stage, this is my dream.

So, this is how it all started, and this is how far I have come.I became interested in the Theater through an extra credit project at my middle school. I saw my peers dancing and singing on stage, and I had a sudden vision of my life and where I wanted it to go. Forever altered, my life had taken its first step to where I am now. Over the course of the next few years, I auditioned for 36 shows and only got into 2. It was very discouraging, but I knew this is what I wanted to I kept at it. I took steps to achieve my goal, worked to pay for dance, voice and acting lessons, really tried to absorb and work on what my teachers told me to. Eventually it paid off and I got a supporting role, and now I have a lead role in Shrek the musical and I cannot even express my overwhelming happiness, and gratitude for this opportunity which has been so graciously placed in my lap. This chance is one I have waited almost 4 years for. Its something that cannot even be put into words, but it makes me cry every time I think about it. To have that trust and respect finally placed on me by my fellow actors and director, after so much disappointment and hard work, is such an unreal experience. And I thank everyone who helped me get to this point.

This topic is not only about acting or singing. It is about perseverance, dedication, commitment, confidence and hard work. Theater has been used to build the confidence of politicians, shy children, and people with mental deficiencies. It is such a safe environment for anyone who feels "different" or out of place. I want my journey to open up options for people who thought they didn't have any. I want everyone who reads or see this, and any of the articles pertaining to it to see what a community effort these productions are. How everyone comes together and becomes a family; how each persons effort helps the show, how everyone is appreciated and loved. These not only teach about family dynamics, but how to really feel responsible and needed. If you have a job and just don't do it, the whole show will falter. Not only that but it teaches everyone involved to be self-sufficient and confident in their abilities, to prepare and be ready for anything. Really, all reality skills, and its super rewarding.

In order to really succeed in this industry some skills to know are; history, English, music, dance, costuming, carpentry, lighting, psychology, speech, and economics.

The best way to learn in this field, is through experience and great teachers, with knowledge to offer and advise to give. Another way is through intensive programs offered at most universities, and even at movie studios. To do this costs money, meaning scholarships and lots of hopeful donations. Or to capture the attention of people with connections and compassion. really its all about who you know. I am horribly left in the dark when it comes to both money and connections, so in my case lots of networking, and work. I know it will be worth it. If none of this where a problem, I would want to go to the American Academy of the Dramatic Arts, 5 week intensive acting program over the summer. Its $3,750 for the five week classes and 2 electives, also housing for while I am studying with some of the best vocal coaches and Dramatic Arts professors in America. Also another 5 week acting intensive in San Francisco at the American conservatory of art. However, money and time, huge issues unfortunately. Really all I can do is get experience locally and hope for the best, but keep trying as hard as I always have been.

To show my journey to these goals i will most likely make  a new blogger account specifically for these goals. to show I will use words, video and picture.

Really I'm just excited to see where the rest of this year takes me, I'm going to work hard and am glad to have you on this journey with me.

Selah, Twiggy





Friday, December 5, 2014

3 Ways to Take the Fun Out of Travel

Recently I traveled to the Midwest for a family reunion using Frontier airlines to get there. Before hand I was ecstatic; I love to fly, the environments of airplanes and airports are amazing to me. All the different types of people together in one place, culture and worldliness, a bigger sense of self, I love it. But everything is changing on the air lines and its not for the better.

1. Nothing is Complimentary
I remember a time when they would give you a little snack, a drink, a blanket and or pillow if you wanted, and a free on flight movie. Not anymore, it cost 2 dollars for one little cup of drink, 3 dollars for a tiny bag of m&m's, and 6 dollars for a movie. Why? Is making money that necessary? The big business of travel and ruining the adventure for passengers. It is no longer the pleasant life changing experience that it used to be. Greed has taken over. The corporation should, at least I think, tone down on the obsession with money focus more on the people they are transporting.

2. The Change of Baggage Policies.
Nothing on the website front and center, but deep with in the rules and regulations of the frontier travel guide there is a big change to the baggage policies. No longer is it free for carry on's, and 30 dollars for a checked bag. Unbeknownst to many travelers it is now 35 dollars for a carry on and 20 dollars for a checked bag. People are misinformed and having to hand over money for bags,  and its stupid. The reasoning behind the change is to speed the boarding process up and I respect that. But if you are going to make such a big change you need to inform the travelers ahead of time. I cannot tell you how many people I saw having to swipe credit cards to pay for their bag.

3. Advertisement and Commercialism.
When I first sat down in my seat I noticed a little TV right at eye level in the seat in front of me. Playing cute little animation during the safety talks and pictures of clouds. Well, that's pretty cool right? Wrong, there's no movie paying unless you want to pay an obscene amount of money. So the entire flight you have the same Frontier and Volkswagen commercial playing over and over and over again for 5 hours. You cant turn it off, and you cant turn the brightness down its just right there, right in front of your face, the whole flight. I'm still a little bitter at this point. I felt as if I was in Fahrenheit 451.

flying is flying, anywhere you go. The whole trip was still very fun and I enjoyed looking at the earth from high above, and conversing with people from all over. The community and energy in airports and on each flight was very enjoyable. I just wish that everything wasn't so big business driven.