Do I Dare?

And this is what I auditioned for today. The audition consisted of one minute solo dancing and one minute group dancing with two other people. One of the most hilarious and fun auditions ever. Do I want it because it pays well? Yes. Am I scared I might actually get it because of these commercials? Yes.

Something's Different

It's been a while. I'm getting tired of having to say that on this blog. With Facebook I've gotten to the point that I can't write anything longer than 120 characters without blowing up. I also can't read anything that holds my attention if it's longer than 120 characters. What is this world coming to?!

Now that I've unofficially apologized for the abandonment, I have a gift for you. Actually it was more of a gift for me. I had a few photos taken for an agency that specializes in "normal looking people" for print ads featuring "normal looking people." They have a photographer take several photos and then they post them to their website for agencies to browse and see if they want to use you. And by "use" I don't mean anything inappropriate. Or maybe it is inappropriate and I'm naive. Well, maybe so...wait, how much are they paying?

I just had my photos posted. They aren't anything special. I'm looking tanner than normal since they were taken right after Hawaii. When did my face get so chubby? Oh yeah, it's called Christmas and no running. It's my winter weight. You have to have some to survive up here in the arctic tundra. One thing Christmas and no running does for me that's positive can be seen here in this photo. Click on my face and go to the second picture. Can you see what's different? That's right - CLEAVAGE! Where did that come from? Holy cow! I wonder if they airbrushed it.

Ordinary World

I thought you might be interested in seeing the trailer for Ordinary World, a film I did back in April. I think it's being released in a month or so. Exciting times!

You see my best feature rockin' the green DVF dress.

Childbirth Face

Saturday I had an audition downtown for a short film. I arrived just as two other girls my age checked-in. We received a piece of paper telling us more about the film and the audition. After the "perform a two-minute monologue" came this phrase: "You will be asked to show your child birth face." Ummmm....WHAT? We chatted through nervous laughter about this new development. I mean, I knew the character gave birth and all, but... Seconds later we hear screaming from the audition room. Oh no, he's serious about this one.

"NEXT!" I go walking into the audition room and give my monologue. Then the director says, "Okay, now I need you to pretend like you're giving birth." I seriously hope this isn't some crazy fetish that this man concocted so he could get his thrills watching recorded videos of fake deliveries. I just know that someday, at a very inconvenient time, this video will pop up. I better never marry someone who wants to be President.

How did it go? Well, never having given birth before, I guess it went fine. I gave it my all. It's all about commitment. Go hard or go home. I walked out of the room and said, "It's a boy!"

I feel weird.

Shoot - Day 1

My first day on the film set started last night. I had a call time of 7:00 pm up in Skokie and was told I would be done by 9:00 pm. I've done enough of these to know that 9:00 pm means midnight. And you know what? I was right! I got home just after midnight - on a school night (I have yet to brush my hair this morning). Thankfully we were filming in a house where I could laze about on couch and continue to read about the French Revolution. Is it strange that I always hear Coldplay's Viva La Vida when I'm reading it? The song makes so much more sense to me now.

Anyway, the green dress made it's film set debut last night! Stylishly played with a black three-quarter sleeved cardigan and some colorful jewels it looked smashing! I was feeling bloated. Probably from my binge fest with tortilla chips the night before. I wanted salt and I was paying for it dearly. Thankfully the shot was basically of me and my scene partner sitting in a car. I'll need to be much more careful before tomorrow's long shoot and some full body shots of me in the dress. Perhaps it's time to welcome back my friend - Spanx!

You know what makes me want to fall asleep? Someone putting makeup on my face. Seriously, it's so soothing. Play some ocean sounds in the background and I'm a goner.

Hopefully I'll take some pictures this weekend and post them for you.

Sunday Morning

I think this is officially the longest I've gone without posting in years. And I haven't even been on vacation! I've been working and rehearsing. That basically sums up my life the past couple of weeks. Oh, and I've been running. The Indy Mini-Marathon is in five weeks. I was supposed to run an 8K today called The Shamrock Shuffle. It's a big Chicago tradition. It was thundering and snowing when I woke up this morning. So I just turned over and went back to sleep. It's too dangerous to run in the slush and snow when I have a race coming up. I'm not broken-hearted about it. I got the free t-shirt.

Last night I had a Playground show. Since everyone was supposed to be taking part in "Earth Hour" we decided to celebrate it with our show. In case you haven't been connected with the real world, it's when everyone is supposed to turn off their lights for an hour last night from 8:30 - 9:30. I, of course, accidentally left on a lamp in my apartment. I don't like coming home alone to a dark apartment. So, there went that idea.

What was I talking about? Oh yes, our show. We decided to have all the lights turned off to perform the show. This is normally called a "Bat" - when you can't see anything on stage and you have to listen. It's a fun form. We decided to all bring flashlights and create our own lighting. It was pretty cool. Some of our scenes suffered because of it, but some really came together. I don't know if the audience liked it, but we thought it was pretty interesting and created interesting atmospheres and situations. I'd totally do it again. This time we will at least have an idea of what we're doing instead of discussing it as we warm up in the theatre bathroom five minutes before our show. That's improv. And I love it.

Hope your day is much sunnier and warmer than ours here in Chicago. I did watch a movie with the rooommates. Happy-Go-Lucky. It was a cute/interesting movie. I was just happy to be relaxing and not running off somewhere.

Burfday

Somebody is a Birthday GRRRRL tomorrow! That's me! I love celebrating birthdays. I don't know why. Cake? Check. Center of attention? Check. Wrapped presents? Double check. Life assessment? Not always, but I'll go with a CHECK this year.

I've had a pretty great year. 2008 wasn't easy by any means but I really feel like I've taken steps forward in life. I don't look back and think it's been a stagnant year with no adventure, no sweat, no tears, no accomplishment. I worked hard this year taking classes, auditioning, performing, getting over myself, dating, and learning how to surrender my life to God - to REALLY surrender. And to me, that's the biggest accomplishment. Until I surrender, everything else is meaningless.

I used to think that there was no way God would want me to be an actress. I mean, how secular of a career can you get? But until I realize and believe that this actually may be what God wants for me, I won't succeed. I've prayed daily that if this is what He wants for me that He will open doors. Guess what? He keeps opening doors I never imagined possible! So I'm sticking to this road and loving every minute - well, almost every minute. I did have to kiss an 18 year old that one time. Then I scooped tootsie rolls all day. Oh and then there's auditioning. Auditioning could slay even the strongest man.

I'm tempted to think ahead about this upcoming year and share my expectations, hopes and dreams. But I think I'll relish the past - even if just for a little while. It's good to remember how far I've come because it gives me hope and a foundation for tomorrow.

A Good Monday

So I had a fun start to the week on Monday. First of all, I got a call to audition for an upcoming Sitcom Pilot. On a big network! Thanks to my friend, Cristin, for sending me the information. It was for the "best friend" role which fits me nicely; especially since the girl was just like me. Secondly, I got a call that I was cast in a short film that will be filming in April. I went to the callbacks on Saturday and was one of many people auditioning for the lead role. So of course that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside - hearing that I was WANTED! The skies were open and the possibilities limitless on Monday. I love days like that - days when you feel things are happening and you've stepped a little further in life. Progress feels good.

The audition was good. I won't say great because I by no means nailed it. I was all jittery and numb from having memorized 10 pages in less than 24 hours. They gave me a second read which was great and I felt much better about it. Wish I could do it again and knock their socks off. But it was a great opportunity and learning experience for me. I think my heart would explode out of my chest if I were to be called back. Oh the possibilities! lalalalalalalala...Katy, come back to earth.

Update on my eating:
I turned down chocolate cake and cheesecake last night. I'm committed y'all! Of course my birthday week is coming up and I pray God gives me strength and discipline for my birthday (along with movie roles and the love of my life). I lost 5.5 pounds quickly and then plateaued. It's frustrating eating good when you feel like it's not making much of a difference. I have a feeling I'll break the barrier soon and lose a couple more. Either way, I fit into my skinny jeans nicely this weekend. No stretching or day-dreaming of putting on sweatpants ASAP.

Yours Truly

Oh yeah, look who is moments away from being famous...amongst cat lovers. The infommercial is up and running! Check it out the Scoop Free Slide. I make a lovely face 10 seconds into the video.

Agent

I had an interview recently with an agent that wanted to sign me exclusively for TV/Film. I heard from all past teachers and other actors NOT to sign exclusively; especially when you don't really know the agency. So I sent an email saying that I would not feel comfortable signing exclusive but I promise not to have more than one other agency (even though I don't even have that one yet). I got an email back that was, let's just say, not so friendly. God answered my prayers on that one. I wasn't feeling great about it in the first place so I was happy that the answer was handed to me on a silver platter.

Of course I'm frustrated because I think - I know that I'm good enough to have a good agent working for me. I become impatient and wonder when doors will finally be opened. Today I read a little flip calendar at work my friend, Gina, gave to me. It says, "Be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you." 1 Peter 5:6-7. I feel peace and remember that God is in control. It's all about faith.

Move the Poop

This past Saturday I was cast in a commercial for a fancy cat litter box. I didn't know much about it other than it would not be a speaking role and I needed to bring a suitcase full of wardrobe choices. And at least this time I knew I needed to have my nails done as my hands would be prominently featured.

I arrived at a home in Wilmette after driving through the treacherous snow. A crew of six people and two cats greeted me as I walked into a strangers house. Everyone was incredibly friendly. They were setting up lights and filming the cats hoping they would get a shot of one actually using the litter box. Ew. I would definitely clam-up and not be able to perform if someone was filming me going to the bathroom. In the meantime, I did a fashion show for the clients and they decided on a green shirt and jeans for my look. Hair down, makeup natural and fresh, shoes plain-jane since they didn't want me to look too hip. I mean, you can try to make me normal, but I can't help but look hip all the time.

Most of the time I was filmed demonstrating how the product worked. Then came the extra props. Tootsie Rolls. I don't have cats so I don't know what cat poop looks like, but the tootsie rolls looked pretty convincing. So for the next three hours I was told, "Okay, move the poop. Can you place it closer to the wall side of the box? Now further away from you. Good." and "Take the poop back out and scoop it in again." "Make faces as if this is gross and smells bad." I needed no convincing. Just the thought of scooping real cat poop made me borderline...what's the word...pukey. You all know how I am with bad smells.

So I spent the whole day scooping Tootsie Rolls. This is art! This is going to make an impact on someone's life! Honestly, everyone was incredibly friendly and easy to work alongside. They even sent a motorized litter box to my aunt and uncle since I don't have cats. You can check out the old video on http://www.scoopfree.com/. My hair is less feathered than the original actress and my clothes a bit more up to date. Plus I hear my face will be featured more often. They warned me of possible informercials. I think I would die. Me scooping cat poop. But hey, you have to start somewhere! The new and improved video featuring yours truly should be up and at'em ASAP. I'll be sure to post it.

What I'm Doing This Weekend

A couple of weeks ago I received an email from a film student at a college here in Chicago. She said she ran across my headshot and was interested in me playing the lead in one of her student films. She said the lead is lonely, sad, in a dead-end marriage, and that the part required "brief nudity done tastefully." How do I put this? "NO!" I actually said, "Thank you so much for contacting me but I don't feel comfortable with nudity. Good luck with your project." We all know I'm totally fine with nudity - but not on film or to be shown to people! Crisis avoided.

A week goes by and I get another email saying that she changed the script and nudity is no longer required. Well, I'm not doing anything else so I said okay. We'll be filming all weekend out in the suburbs. Auntie is kind enough to let me stay with her this weekend since she lives 15 minutes from where we're shooting. Thanks Auntie!

I decided to do it because there are two parts in the script that will make me go way outside of my comfort zone and I can experiment in a safe environment where the stakes aren't high and I can play with it. The first is a scene by myself in a bathroom where I basically go nuts and beat myself up. Did I mention that she wants this film to be in the vein of "Dancer in the Dark"? That's probably the saddest and most depressing movie I have ever seen. Tracy, remember my swollen face and unstoppable sobbing? It was brilliant, but so utterly tragic that I can never watch it again. Bjork should have one the Oscar by the way.

The second is a scene where I have to kiss the other lead. It's all my initiative and I end up getting massively rejected. Who enjoys that? Not me. So when I met the director I realized she was really young - fresh out of high school. Immediately I asked the age of the other lead. She said he was 26. WHEW! Saved by the bell on that one. I mean, what if he was her age and it would basically be kissing someone the same age as my little brother and his friends. Yikes!

Well, it turns out that he couldn't do it and so she had to get someone else. I show up to the set yesterday and meet the guy - who is very nice and easy to talk to. They met on their way to college. GULP! I don't even want to know his official age but I can almost guarantee that it has a "teen" on the end of it. Oh dear Lord! Seriously, am I breaking any laws here? I'm just not going to think about it. I am a professional! I can handle this professionally! I mean, old guys kiss 22 year olds all the time in movies. Think Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta Jones. Yeah, okay. Cringer.

My Hilarious Brothers

Last night my little brother, Andrew, sent me this email:

I heard the news that you landed a job to have your picture used in advertising! It was so hard to believe until your face started popping up in the mall! It was great to brag about you being my sister when I showed my friends your picture on a poster or a billboard in the mall. I took pictures to show you what you look like! I am so proud of you!

Love Andrew

He thinks he's SO funny. And he's right. I laughed out loud. He could have at least picked more attractive pictures of me!

Then I get an email from my other brother, Patrick, this morning. His friend, Stuart, is a model. You can understand the perpetual crush I've had since 5th grade after seeing this picture.

As you can see, I'm not the only funny one in the family.

Print Ad

I did something fun and unique last week. I was booked as a model for a print ad. Well, I wouldn't necessarily say "Tyra Banks" model, but I like using the word "model" none-the-less. This was my first print ad and a total learning experience. I will never look at billboards and posters the same; especially if it has me on it.

I was told to meet at North Avenue Beach last Thursday at 6:45 am. All I knew was that there would be two trailers and I was to bring some options for running clothes and then some casual saturday afternoon type clothes. I show up dragging my large bag into the trailer and met the other models (I can't help myself). The wardrobe people and clients had me pull out my stuff. They asked that I wear the black spandex pants (Lord have mercy!) with a turquoise fleece and yellow running vest. I had not a stitch of makeup on my face.

Next thing you know, we're running up and down the bike path by the lake. "Go. Okay, stop! Go back. Do it again. One more time. You step out of the shot. Now run with her like you're running buddies." Meanwhile, we're freezing because it was on the colder side off a fall morning. Then we ran on the beach while the sun rose over the water. It really was a spectacularly beautiful morning. I was the only "extra" there and they couldn't show my face in the pics. They weren't paying me enough! If you see the posters in O'Hare, you might possibly see my lovely arse in spandex running down the path.

One of the guys in the shots asked, "So do you do a lot of modeling?" I almost had to pick myself up off the ground. "Um, no. This is my first time. I usually focus more on the acting." Bless his little heart. I almost kissed him right then and there.

Next, I headed in the mobile home to a hot dog place in Lakeview. I was wind-whipped and thawing by the time we reached the stop. I was glad to have a friend with me who had also been booked for the shoot. It makes the whole thing much less intimidating. We met other people who were also going to be in the shoot. I changed into the selected jeans and cute top. I also had my hair and makeup done in the trailer. I love that part! I could have fallen asleep in the chair. It's one of the best things ever. I could get used to it.

I was starving and another girl and I had to sit at a table with our hands holding onto a hot dog. But not eating it. Pure torture. We did some casual conversing while the photographer took some pictures. Then they saw a cute kid who happened to come into the store with his mother. They signed him on the spot and used him in some pictures. I had to play his mom and it was basically my job to make him laugh. Success! They only saw my hand or hair in the picture. At one point I have my hand on the table and from behind the photographer puts some lotion on my hand and says, "You're a little ashey." Well, it was cold and I was at the lake and it was windy! I had no idea I'd be a hand model today! Otherwise I would have at least shaped them up a little. They were pretty bad. So if you see a hand with hang nails on a billboard, it's mine.

Now I can add actress/model to my resume. Me and Fabio - taking over the world, one print ad at a time.

Dancing at the Revolution Opening Night

The show finally opened! We opened to a full house that included Dad, Auntie and a few friends. The theater is quirky, eccentric and has no air conditioning. I was basically wiping the rivers of sweat off my face the whole play. It wasn't our best performance by any means. Definitely not mine. But we got the jitters out and each show keeps getting better and better. It's amazing how different each audience is and how each show brings out something new in the play. I'm still making discoveries which keeps doing the same thing every night interesting.

I will post pictures sometime of myself looking like a school marm. The wardrobe and the hair does nothing for my looks!

Thanks to everyone who came out to support me and to those who will be making the trek soon.

Oh, dad and Auntie grew up a block away from this theater. It was fun hearing about what the neighborhood was once like.

Opening Day

Show opens today!  It's almost 1:00 am and I just got home from rehearsal.  It's been a long week but tomorrow it will be worth it.

Here are some pictures from the set and dress rehearsal.

Time to sleep.

Dancing at the Revolution

Yes I am alive! But barely!

Here is my show information. We open in almost a week! Until then, it will be crazy rehearsals, tech rehearsals, and dress rehearsals. In case you didn't catch the theme - I'll be rehearsing.

Here's the postcard with all the show information!!

Change Everything

Last night in rehearsal I was told, "I like where you're going with the mother hen thing. The neck is definitely much better. I'm not seeing as much of the sororiety neck. Do you do yoga? I need you to tuck your pelvis under so your chest and backside aren't sticking out so much. But still elongate the neck. I also want you to walk with more grounded, heavier steps, yet still glide around."

I have got my work cut out for me. I have a big butt. It's been well documented. You can't try and contain it. So I'll work on walking heavily while gliding. And let it also be documented the my chest sticks out too far! Yes!

Audition Blitz

Tuesday night was the second of my summer audition blitz. I was told to have a one minute contemporary monologue and to prepare a 5-10 line nursery rhyme told with movement. Not one of those auditions! It almost scared me away but I put on my big girl panties and decided to choreograph a little something. With the help of friends I decided on reciting "Little Miss Muffet." I reached back into those early childhood files and thought, "I like to eat, though not necessarily curds and whey. I also don't like spiders. They scare me. Perfect!"

I felt pretty calm going into the audition. I was well prepared and just wanted to have fun. I actually think the whole nursery rhyme idea gave me that perspective. I did my monologue, got a laugh or two, and then started the nursery rhyme. I gave the choreography some levels: started out standing, moved to the floor, crawled backwards and then the grand finale! I cartwheeled from the floor and flew out of it with a leap! I, a 32 year old, cartwheeled! I think it impressed them enough to invite me back the next day for callbacks. Yippee!

I had the same goal for callbacks: have fun, take risks and be bold. That formula must work because this morning I got an email inviting me to be in the cast! I'm very excited about it! I'll be sure to fill you in on the details soon. Basically this means I'll be rehearsing ALL. THE. TIME! Goodbye summer! But it's what I want to do, right? Yes it is. God give me strength! It would be one thing if I didn't already have a nine to fiver.

Needless to say, I'm excited!

Go-See

Yesterday I went on my first "go-see." It was just like America's Next Top Model except not at all. All I knew was to dress "nice-casual" and that it was for a drug store company. I had a meeting earlier in the day so I was wearing my cute black dress and pink and black polka-dot heels. Lovely! I arrive at the photography studio and see a line of people standing down the sidewalk and around the fence. Whoa. Normally this would be no problem, but today it was a big problem. It wasn't so much the line as the 90 degree, wet and muggy weather. This does nothing for my hair or my face. Well, it actually does a lot. Poofy, windblown hair and french-fry grease face. I was the essence of attractive. And let's not even mention the effect of muggy, humid weather on my thighs when wearing a skirt or dress. Long distance walks only means pain.

So I make friends with a cute little red-headed five year old. There are kids and adults of every age, ethnicity, size and cuteness. Most were normal people but then you had those male models that were obsessed with checking out their hair in the window. Yes, your hair looks fine. Keep moving! My thighs and face are melting. The studio was really amazing. The guys photography was incredible...though completely inappropriate for children walking through. I mean, INAPPROPRIATE! Those poor parents. No telling what questions they were asked that day.

Finally it was my turn with the photographer. I quickly powdered the nose and stood in front of the lights. Quick headshot facing forward, then a full body to the side and then she asked, "do a different pose." Suddenly my mind seized up and flashes of Tyra Banks saying, "Fierce!" and "No, not like that. Like THIS!" ran through my head. I amateurishly put my hand on my hip and gave my best friendly smile.

We'll see. I would LOVE it if you saw my face every time you walked into a Walgreens or CVS. Let's just hope there wouldn't be a sign under my face saying, "This is the face of herpes." I'd get plenty of questions from my family after that one.