I Work Hard For The Money!!!!

My time in LA has so many ups and downs, but I am still enjoying my time here.  I do love the life style more then I do New York City.  However, I am finally missing New York at times.  It took awhile for me to miss the big bad apple, but the time has come.  Can you believe I have been in LA for 7 months?  Where does the time go????

My career is so so slow right now.  I haven't been on a audition in a minute.  Hence, the common theme in my last two blog post.  Sorry... But it is good to vent to you guys...  I started here so strong, and now in this time things have taken a halt, and my ego isn't ready for a halt.  I am finding that LA is going to be a tougher nut to crack, then ever expected.  However, in this time, like I said before I am trying to create and perfect my craft.  I truly love what I do, (I sound like a broken record) and as I wait for GOD's timing, and for the casting world to even know I exist.  Sometimes it is painful, it is hard, it can be daunting to stay positive, and even more hard to not want to give up.  My emotions peak through my soul like a roller-coaster that has lost control and is racing all over the tracks.  Continue to keep me in your prayers as I attempt to fight for what I love.  Honestly the support I get from my readers keeps me moving, and I am not just saying this just to say it, I truly mean it from my heart.  I THANK YOU.....

Many people have been wondering how I make money in the mean time... Trust I am working hard for the money, as I have three jobs.  YES three jobs!!!!  It is insane, but to support my lifestyle I have to have three jobs.  This coming from a guy who has never had to work a "normal job" a day in his life.  Cause I have been a working stage actor for years.  Well, first and foremost, I teach a musical theater dance class in Burbank California to kids 8-15.  This job touches my heart so much, as I love giving back, and watching my kids grow in the arts.  I must admit I am a sensitive teacher, as I give my heart and soul to my students.  And when they disrespect me, I get my feelings hurt.  But I try to remember what it was like when I was kid, and a teen...  Then I brush that feeling right off my shoulder. I truly love this job.   Job number 2; I am a bartender and a singer at "Don't Tell Mama" Los Angeles.  This piano bar is a fun night, and I enjoy this job too.  Cause I get to sing, and use my vocal chops, so they don't get rusty in L.A. If you are ever here in LA, like my fan page; www.facebook.com/whittingtonjr to find out when I am at "Don't Tell Mama", and come in and visit me.  I make great drinks, and I will serenade you...  :-)  Lastly, I work at T.V.I. acting studio as an acting consultant, and this job is not so shabby either, as I mentor students who become members of the studio.  I also consult with them on what classes to take, and how to help them find an agent in this crazy business.  It is ironic that I do this for people, as I am still trying to make it myself.  However, it is great for me,  because I love to help others on there journey in the arts.  Hint/Plug... If you need to take casting director workshops, or some good acting classes hit me up... I AM the hook up!! :-) I do all this to survive, and on top of it, I try and live my own dreams.  It can be hard not to forgot why I came here....  As I try to survive and make money.  I am lucky though cause all three of my jobs are arts related.  I AM BLESSED....

I have auditioned for some theater gigs, that I really want, and I will keep you posted if I book.  I will also keep you posted when I don't book.  Theater is my first love, and I crave to get back up on the stage at times.  Keep me in your prayers friends, as I need them on this crazy journey.    

The Down Down Down Time!!!

LA has become very interesting, as when I lived in New York City I auditioned a ton more then I do in Los Angeles.  So when you get picked up for an audition here, you put so much pressure on yourself to do a perfect job.  You have to nail it, and you obsess over the project.  It feels so life or death, because it is so hard to get seen in this town.  Learning to relax and not look desperate can be tricky when starting a new in LA.  I can't wait until the casting folks know my name here in Los Angeles.  My hustle has to be so strong in this town. While in New York the mentality is "Oh Well, I have six more auditions this week, so I can keep it moving, on to the next".   This doesn't make me like New York more then LA, I am still here to give it a fair shot.  However, I do yearn for more auditions in this industry.  However, if you read all my other posts, you know exactly what I am up against.  What I have learned to do in this down time, is to be creative.  I am learning to create for myself, to write, to use my talents else where, until my big break comes.  I recently started a new project with a friend (A Secret Project For Now) that I will call on my blog the "untitled project".  I had my first meeting with him, and we came up with some good stuff.  Getting my own production company off the ground, and putting our heads together to create this amazing vehicle that is perfect for the both of us.  This untitled project--(if) WHEN produced and picked up-- would put our talents in a light that could never be imagined.  Not to mention writing a story based out of truth, a story that you have never seen before....  Something new... This work session has rejuvenated me, and has put my mind in a huge spin!  I am excited again, using this side of my brain, and putting my energy into something I believe in...  This down time can be crucial as an actor, this is when folks lose faith, and give up.  I am learning that for me this is when I can become more creative, and perfect my craft.  Yes I want an audition NOW, but in the meantime, I am happy with waiting for GOD to present the right opportunity.  While I wait, I will create...

My Resurrection!

This is very interesting post, as I am about to get even more honest about who I am...  As I had an unusual fear throughout my life, and a fear that has held me back.  In this post I dug deep and searched for the truth, my desire to reveal my true self in the year 2013 has come to pass in full effect.  I feel that me being honest is why people have loved reading my blog.  The truth is; sometimes I am scared to post my religious beliefs on my page.  Sometimes I get scared that people will think I am some crazy person, who is speaking mumbo jumbo GOD stuff all the time....  Sometimes I fear that people will think that I am trying to put my beliefs upon them.  However, this is not the case, and I love people that have different belief system then my own.  I declare today Sunday March 31, that  I will no longer fear this.... As in many of my post I always talk about my faith in GOD.  However, in true J.R. Whittington style, I am going to put away all fears.  I will declare the good GOD has done for me.  I will not stop talking about his grace, his mercy, and his devotion to me (and to all).  I guess if you don't like this fact, you don't have to read my blog.  I am a Christian, and this is who I am... Without GOD I know I wouldn't be where I am today.  Without my faith, I would be in a ditch somewhere, due to panic attacks and a serious mental disorder.  I know that GOD has saved my life, and as I go on my walk in this life, even while reaching for my dreams.  I need to walk with GOD first, because honestly when I started doing this my life has changed.  When I started to walk with GOD, my career grew stronger, and when my faith got stronger, my anxiety, and depression weaken.  This acting business is tough, and to do what I am doing and thousand of other fellow actors are doing, takes a tremendous amount of courage, and faith.  I know what my love for acting is, but I also know what my love for GOD is... From this day forth GOD will always come first, whether people want to hear or not.  Thank you GOD for sending your son Jesus who died on the cross for my sins.  Happy Resurrection Sunday Friends!!!

The Nurses Ball 2013

As many of you all know and if you follow my blog, you know I have been working on General Hospital.  This year they have reinstated the nurses ball, as it is GH's 50th Anniversary.  When I tell you to be careful what you pray for--and get specific with prayers-- cause they will come to light!  I am strong believer in GOD and prayers.  Well, I have been praying, and I prayed to GOD, being as direct as possible to get a principal contract on a soap opera.  As I was sick of doing under 5s, (under 5, when you only say under 5 lines smallest role you can get) and I really feel this genre suits me, as a transition to t.v./film coming from my theater background. GOD gave me what I wanted.... YAY!  He gave me a principal contract for two weeks on a soap.  (Here is the catch) This principal contract was me singing and dancing. Whomp Whomp! I asked and I received, even though it didn't come in the package I wanted.... As I attempt to get away from singing and dancing, so I can be taking seriously as an actor, look where I end up...   On television but back on the stage sort of... I am so grateful for the opportunity, and the fact that things are moving so fast for me here in LA, is a blessing...

With all of that said, my General Hospital experience was amazing.  Going to work, being creative, being on set everyday, was a taste of a lifestyle that I want for my life.  It was a big dream come true for me.  Please watch the Nurses Ball the first week in April, and watch me and the soap stars perform!  This years ball has so many fun surprises, and you guys are going to love it.  It spans from three nights in April, but I am not sure of the dates.  And two of the nights you will see my big high yellow face and dimples looking at you through your TV screen.  It is some really good stuff, and I can't wait for the world to see it.

The cast of General Hospital was so welcoming and our director Larry was just spectacular to us.  Everyone on set including the crew, and Emmy Winning executive producer Frank Valentini was on it... Frank is a strong presences as a producer, but he knows what he is doing.  He is all about the work, but one of the sweetest people in the world.  He and his team has put together something I think would be remembered forever, in General Hospital history.   I have never worked with better people in my life.  I have made so many new friends on that set, and it was a privilege and a blessing to be apart of General Hospital!  Actors gave me there phone numbers, email address, it was like a family, they all wanted to keep in touch.  That cast over there at the GH is something very special, and I thought people should know that....  I give thanks to casting director Gwen Hiller for always thinking of me, and keeping me employed in Los Angeles.  I also a big shout out to Rick Pessagno the choreographer without him none of this would be possible.

When it all ended, of course my cry baby butt, teared up.  This time I know why I cried....  I cried because this section of a dream came true abruptly has ended.  I didn't want the magic and the feeling to ever end.  I can't describe to you anymore how bad I want this thing... If passion can grow; mine has grown bigger and greater then ever expected. New prayer:  GOD please give me a contract role for 4 years are more, as a speaking actor, as a principal, on a HIT T.V. Show.  LOL is that specific enough!!!!  At the end of the day, I am blessed and so very happy...

FEAR

The good news this week is that I am working on the soap General Hospital again, and gearing up to film "The Nurses Ball"! If you are a GH fan you know that it has been ten years since they filmed the nurses ball.  I have been in rehearsals all this week for it, and there are some great surprises to come on the show!  Can't wait until you guys get to tune in, and see all the fun we are having over in soap opera land.

The interesting thing about today is (As I try to stay honest with my feelings) is that I feel this pressure, anxiety, and sadness.  It glommed over me all this morning.  Why do I feel this way, when I am working, doing what I love and making money?  Why do I have anxiety about life?  I try to read books on how to live in the moment.  I even attempt to block the future out of my head all together....  Am I afraid that I won't work again?  Am I scared that when the fun ends, that I will back to struggling artist?  Do I get sick of NOT of having a steady gig?  Do I know what is promised tomorrow?  This life of an actor, the ups and downs can stress a brotha out in a major way.  It goes to show you that the confidence that you have read in other blog posts can come and go so fast.  I am a human, and I am not who everyone thinks I am.  In the midst of all this goodness, I still feel sadness. Today is just one of those days where my emotions are heightened.  Tomorrow I start Deepak Chopra and Oprahs 21 days of meditation.  I think this couldn't have come at a better time in my life.  I think I need it now, and I am excited to explore this fairly new territory for me.  The beautiful thing is that I know this feeling is about to change, as it is Sunday.  I am about to go to church, praise GOD, and get some junk out of my soul, that is weighing down my spirit.  The bible says "GOD has not giving us a spirit of fear, he is giving unto us a spirit of power, a spirit of peace and a sound mind"!  I will take this with me as I go through my day today.  All is good-- my tax return came in--I am working on a soap (YAY) making a nice coin for the week!  However, I wanted to post my true feelings, as I know this all stems from my enemy FEAR himself.

I'm Just A Broadway Baby!

All through high school and college I was obsessed with musical theater.  I listened to every single musical there was out there.  I imitated voices on cast recordings, I took dance lesson, voice lessons, diction lessons, acting lessons, and studied my little tooshie off!  I was--well--I am what you call a theater geek.  I still love and live for the theater.  I can't live without it actually, whether, I am in a production, listening to my theater mix on my iPad, or at the theater being entertained, I crave it.  I always need to be close to it's touch.  My dream was to do a national tour and broadway shows.  I reached those dreams, and have had quite a career in the theater.  The  burning question is "Are you done with theater, now that you are focused on a t.v. and film career"?  Even my agent wrote me saying "I would love to see you on Broadway again".  The honest answer to this question is I would love to see me on Broadway again too.  Broadway is my first love, and I will never let it go.  However, there are some major rules to me and my love affair with the theater.  I can't be in the chorus anymore, those chorus boy days are over.  I also don't want to be a professional understudy, just like my resume makes me out to be.  I will go home to Broadway if there is a role, a featured role, the lead calling my name.  Until then, I am not interested.  I would rather spend my time here in Los Angeles, being a starving artist, and going after my TV/Film dreams, then be in the background singing and dancing.  I don't knock chorus members, it is a great job, and when I was there I loved it.  No show is complete without a good chorus. I am just in a different place in my life. This might sound cocky to some, and it feels a little arrogant coming out of my mouth.  Who am I to not want a job that people would die for?  I ask myself that all the time.  Honestly, it is the truth!!!!  This blog is a space where I can tell the truth... right?.  I believe if I am worthy enough to understudy people on broadway and save the show, as I have done many of times.  I am worthy to play the role, and get out of my understudy trap.  That is where I am in my career.  Random Aside: I would love to do a non-musical play that is a dream that I have burning deep in my heart.  Just throwing that into the universe, so GOD can hear!   Deep down I am a broadway baby, who is in LA trying to make more dreams come true.  As an actor, whether it's film, Television or Theater I simply love my profession.  I am a person who is not chasing fame.  I DON'T DO WHAT I DO FOR FAME AND FORTUNE!  At the end of the day, I do it for love.

Stuck In The Web

2013 I am learning so many more trends, and sometimes I feel like an old man, because it is a new day as an actor. For instance, you don't have to print out pictures and resumes hardly anymore.  The hard copy of your picture and resume barely exists, cause they already have everything they need from you via  the web.  This is great for my bank account, and I ain't complaining.  IMDB Page, Actors Access, SAG J-Actor, Personal Web site, LAcasting, Twitter, Blog, Facebook, you tube....... The web is such an important part of the business and trying to keep up can be intense.  Another popular trend on the east and west coast for actors, is the web series.  People are actually being creative writing amazing pieces of work. The production value is pretty awesome as well, and some of the series I see are better then what is on t.v.  A few web series have been picked up by major networks, and have become t.v. shows.  Even celebrities have brilliant web series out there, that are funny, imaginative and poignant.  I was recently listening to actress/comedian Niecy Nash speak at my church here in Los Angeles.  Off the track; she is really an amazing women of Christ, and I learned a ton from this conversation.  Back on track; she spoke on how proud she was of her web series, and how it is one the best things she has done.  I actually follow two web series in my life, and I am proud to support them.  I will leave there links at the bottom of the page, if you ever want to check them out for yourself.

I had an audition on Saturday morning for a new pilot for a web series.  I submitted myself for it on the site LA Casting.  Low and behold, I got an email saying they wanted to see me for the lead role of Julian.  Skeptically I followed the web series trend, and committed myself, to joining the band wagon and I said "yes I would like to attend".  It didn't hurt that it is a SAG new media paying job! Anyway,  I got the sides to study my lines via email, and when reading the script, I actually found it quite funny.  The writing was way better then expected.  With a new pep in my step, and excitement in my spirit, fear stepped his evil head in...  I was a little scared of the character as he is a little more effeminate then I want to play.  However, I found the story in this scene very fun, and I went in to this venture head first.  I did all my homework, which included beating the scene out, finding my objective, and going after my wants....  I slowly started to find fun moments, in the scene, and couldn't wait to read it with someone.  GOD please let the reader be good.  As acting is reacting, and it can be hard to react when the reader gives you nothing to react too, but sometimes you have to make it work.  On the drive into the audition, I had my conversation with GOD, asking him to watch over me, and to lead me in the direction that is best for me.  I get to the audition, dressed in American Apparel from head to toe, and I wore a cute little bow tie.  As soon as I walked into the room, they commented on my clothes, and how great my shirt and tie was.  Hey, I love to dress exactly the way I see the character in my head, it helps me with my work. I made them laugh a little with witty banter, and the director proceeded to give  me a ton of direction before I started the reading.  SCORE: The reader was an amazing actor, and gave me so much to work off of.... I was in a zone, and went into my character, and we played off each other amazingly. I had a ball, and the director said "WOW, you did that way better then I could even explain it".  This brought a smile to my face, as I felt myself nail the scene.  He asked me to do it again with a little more direction, and the second time, I played it the same, but took his notes, and heightened some moments with intensity. As I left the room, I felt great about my audition.  Whether I get the part or not, I came to an even bigger realization, that I love acting more then I can put into words. Most people hate to get adjustments in a scene, as it throws them off.  I welcomed every adjustment, and it fueled me with a fire in my body.  Acting makes me so happy, and I pray  that I get to continue to do it for a very long time.   This is what I am born to do!!!!!!   I have no idea who else they will see for that role, but I know I did my best....  

Two web series to check out: 

http://www.hustling.tv           

This web series has adult content, but it is good, as my friend Sebastian La Cause wrote, and stars in it. Start with season one and go to season two.  Have fun!

http://www.funnyordie.com/datesmates

This web series is new, funny- comedy, and only two episodes in, ENJOY.  As two people that I did A Chorus Line on tour with star in this series;  Julie Kotarides and Stephanie Gibson... 

Big Decision!

My life was getting crazy, as I struggle a to find my "survival job" here in Los Angeles.  It has been a tough journey to figure out what one is to do, when they spend there whole life a working actor.  Then you are faced with a big bang, you are 37 years old, and you have no "real" job experience.  People look at you like you are crazy at job interviews, as I sit wondering why can't I at least be a waiter, like every other actor.  Yet in this economic time, it is a fight, and you need experience.  The working actor is a blessing and a curse for me at the same time.  This has been on my heart.  Thank GOD I have some savings in my account, and I can make it through.  Also, praising GOD that I am actually booking little t.v. things here and there, to help with the load of life...  With this in my heart, and the search being on, I sometimes slumber into a deep depression.  Where ice cream, my bed, the kisses from my dog, and singing depressing songs fill my void. However, the uplifting spirit of GOD seeps into my being, lifts me out of the bed, pounces out all my fears, and I stand up, with my heart open, happy to be me.  Happy for my life, and blessed to have done all the things I have done...  Even more blessed to get ready for what I am about to do.  Always giving praise to my lord an savior, I know I am about to get past this mountain, and my breakthrough is around the corner.

The point of my story, and the big decision I needed prayers on, (as I posted on Facebook).... Well, remember my manager at Advanced Talent Management, Marcus Fishman, and how excited I was about him?  I truly was thrilled, but I have to get honest, nothing has really happened.  Did I expect something to happen in the four months we have been together?  Not really anything major, but I didn't expect the contradictions, and excuses.  Those who know me, know that at times I can be brutally honest.  I expect folks to be brutally honest with me at all times.  Before I move forward with this paragraph, I will state, that Marcus Fishman is a very nice man, who knows a ton about the business, and I truly believe he was working hard on my behalf.  A couple things happened that made me wonder about him though, as when I first met him, he said "I have great connections with agents, and commercial agents".  Well, now that things are slow for me I think I should at least be going out for commercials to make a coin.  He said "I don't think you are a commercial actor"! "Huh"?  I mumbled, as he said the exact opposite thing to me when we first met.  I also asked him about meeting a agent, and he said "Not with your resume", "You are not ready to meet an agent".  That part I could understand to an extent, as my t.v./film credits are not as nearly as good as my theater credits.  This statement still didn't go with our initial conversation either.  Lastly, when he dropped the ball on the hit C.W. show audition, and I called him and told him "We have an audition", and he answered the phone confused, really pissed me off. Never in my 17 years in the business have I ever called an agent/manager to tell them about an audition, that they submitted me for,  they always called me! I started to re-consider Marcus, and debated on leaving him with no representation at all.  The other thing is all the little t.v. gigs I booked,  I have booked on my own from knowing someone, and being persistent in the business.  Not to mention on the non-submission for "soft" roles as he put it. I also wasn't a fan of the way he spoke to me and casting directors, like we were kids, and very entitled. I prayed, so hard about him and what to do.  Right when I was about to give up hope, an agent called me, and said "I got your reel and resume and would love to meet with you".  For those of you who don't believe in GOD, you truly need to, because I have tons of testimonies like this one.  The meeting with this agent went so great.  She got me, and understood my plight.  She has a great track record, and I did my research on her, and it just felt like a good fit.  She comes from a theater background so understands my talent, and what I am up against in the film world. The energy between us was great, but then again fear, set up inside of me.  My meeting with Marcus went great at first, what if I end up in the same situation?  What if I sign with this new agent, and she is worse then Marcus?  What if I need to give Marcus more of a chance?  What am I supposed to do?  So many emotions wrapped up inside of stomach, made anxiety aspirate. I struggled with a answer, asking friends, praying, asking GOD, asking for signs, confused, lost, back and forth, tossing and turning in my sleep!  I woke up one morning, and put my hand to my heart. I closed my eyes for a while and just listened to the pulse and the beat.  I asked GOD yet again for a sign.  I still got nothing, but as I listened to my hearts pulse, my instinct, my spirit, my gut, my soul said "Move on, and sign with this new agent".  So I did just that, but first I needed to get rid of Advanced Talent Management.  I called Marcus, and told him that we weren't working out and he asked me "why"?   I explained all the contradictions that took place in our relationship with him.  He let me out of my contract, and I left on good terms.  He said to me "you are a very nice guy, and so talented, if you need anything don't hesitate to call me".   The weird, thing is, I feel the same about him.  He never meant any malice, and he was doing his best for me.  His best just wasn't good enough.  He was scared of my sexuality, he dropped the ball, and contradicted himself a ton.  Marcus is a manager for a reason, and he has clients with much success.  He just wasn't the right fit for me, finding your fit, can be daunting at times.  When I hung up the phone, with Marcus, I cried....  I still can't figure out why I cried, but I did... I cried for awhile, as if it was a break up from a marriage.  This cry could have come from the stress of LA, stress of being jobless, stress of losing a manager, or the happiness of moving forward.  Who Knows?  Today, I feel amazing about my decision, and now I have to move forward with this new agent, who I love thus far.....   Who knows the future?  But I pray I made the right decision, and that my career will move forward for the better...  My new agent is British, and she is so amazing.  So easy to talk to, and I am already enjoying her brutal honesty. My favorite quote from my new agent is "This is me, I am not acting, nor am I an actor,  this is who I am, and what you get"! We shall see blog friends, my life here is just beginning...

Do You Have A Star Meter?

In my quest to understand Los Angeles, and the process of getting noticed in this town.  I came across casting trends, that don't trend in New York City.  Learning there is truth when people say,  "It is all about who you know, and LA is a popularity contest".  I have heard many people say those words to me, but part of me never believed it.  My manager even said to me in so many words "If you were hot, and blonde, you wouldn't even need a resume, they would just call you in".  CRACK, CRACK goes my face. When in New York City, if you have the talent, you book the gig. Not that this doesn't happen in Los Angeles, yes you must have talent, but you have to network, and have a high star meter.  This is not always the case, but it is a big part of LA LA LAND.  Ummm, what the heck is a star meter?  Well, the explanation to this will come shortly.... FYI my star meter is extra low, and I need to bring it up fast!

Imagine you are a casting director, and you put out a breakdown notice that states.  Casting: African American Male or Mixed Race Male, intelligent, handsome, with a mysterious dark secret, for new Hit CW T.V. Show...  If you were me, your manager would submit you for this project immediately. However, (you) the casting director got about 2000 people that submit for this project.  How do you chose out of the 2,000 people? Who do you call in for the audition????  Do you call in the people that look the part, have training, and a resume?  Do you look at the actors reel?  Or do you call people that you know, and  people with a high star meter?  Most, not all casting directors-so I am told- call in people they know, and folks with a great star meter. Then there is me the dreamer, who thinks because I have a good look, and some talent, with Broadway credits, and some t.v. on my resume, that I will get called in.... WRONG!

I have to do the very thing I hate, and get my butt out there and network.  I have to meet these people, smile, and pray that they like me.  In Los Angeles they have many casting director workshops, where you pay money, to do monologues and scenes for these casting directors. Which I am willing to do, but this gets very expensive, so I can't do it all the time.  I need to go to parties, openings, industry events,  to get my big face out there.  I got my business cards, and now I have to use them.  This is my challenge, as I feel like I am kissing butt, and I don't want to kiss butt.  HA! Hustle, hustle, hustle, hustle, here I go as I work on the business part of the show.

Star meter??? Are you still confused, well, maybe you aren't, but I sure was when I heard these words.  Friends in LA would speak to me about there star meter, and my manager sent me links on how to get my star meter up. Where do I find this star meter?  Who decides whether it is high or low?  I am so confused???  To get my star meter up I have to have people visit my IMDB page, and just view it.  The more views I have, the higher my star meter.  Sometimes casting directors will go to your IMDB and look at your star meter, and that will help them decide whether to call you in or not.  PROBLEM, I have two IMDB pages, as I started my career as James R. Whittington, and later became J.R. Whittington.  Now I had to write them to sync my pages, which is in the works.  Then I need to pay 15 bucks a month, to become a member of IMDB pro, so I can put up my headshots, reel, and just hook up the page. Once it is hooked up to my liking,  I will be shamelessly posting my IMDB page link on Facebook, and twitter, so I can get a star meter.  A friend emailed me and said "GOD didn't create the world in one day, it took him seven, so relax"....  Thanks TRACY! :-) This made me calm down....  My faith in GOD has kept me positive, and that out pouring of support and love I get from the  blog world, and from my friends.  All of this keeps my heart pulsing, not to mention the love I have for acting, the love I have to perform, the feeling I have to get my love. With GOD all things are possible..

The Audition Nightmare

I was on the set of General Hospital, doing a very small spot on the soap.  It was a great day actually, and I had fun on that set.  I realized while I was there, that I truly want to do a soap.  The atmosphere was theatrical, and the life style seemed like a ton of work, but  a great training ground for an actor who wants to start his career.  They work at such a fast pace, and it was interesting to be a part of the process.  I was in awe at the work they produce on a soap from a day to day basis.  Fun energy on the set, and the cast/crew was professional and very kind.  Oh, and I got to make out with one of the lead actresses, that was awkward.  As I shook her hand and said "hi I am J.R.", about three seconds later I heard the words "sound speed" and "Action".  Next thing I know I was thrusted into a make out scene that I didn't even know was coming.  Well, the beauty of being on a soap.  From your lips to Gods ears, let's put in the universe that the next time I am on a soap, I will be a contract role.  :-)

Now to the theme of this post, sorry blog world as I get distracted by the excitement of being a working actor.  OK, so while I was heading home from being wrapped from soap land, in my car jamming to some music, at about 12:30 pm, I received a email.  I couldn't check it, but I saw it was from actors access.  For those who don't know actors access is the site, that holds all the actors breakdowns so your agent/manager can submit you for projects.  Anyway, I rushed home in my car, with excitement of this could be a great audition just waiting in my inbox.  I couldn't wait to see what it is was so the drive home was a bit of a blur...  Not even taking off my shoes, petting my dog swiftly, I run straight to my macbook air, to check my email.  SCORE, it was for a co-starring role on a major t.v. show for the C.W. YAY! But? What? Huh?  Wait... the audition is in an hour.  Why didn't my manager call me?  Why am I just getting this now?  Without thinking I started getting dressed, but not knowing what the character even was, I freaked out for a bit.  I called my manager, "Hey, Marcus, I got an email, we got an audition"!  He sounded confused on the phone... He put me on hold for a minute, and said "Oh yes we do".  "Ok" I said, "but why am I just hearing about this now"?  He says "We just got it", and he was going to call them for me to see if he can push the time back so I a can make it.  He called them for me, they pushed the time back by 30 minutes, and they sent over the character description and sides.  You see I can't get dressed until I know what I am going in for, as it is important for me to dress like the character.  As I want to walk in the room looking like I am this part, and that there is no if, ands, or buts, about this....  Well it was for an African American, snotty, chef, in his thirties--I got this I thought to myself-- the character had to have a perfect french accent!  Rewind....  A what?  A french accent, yes,  I read this correctly.  I get an audition for the C.W. (which is perfect for me), but he has to have a freaking french accent!!!  I need to drive there, cold read, and be prepared with a french accent in the next 45 minutes.  I started to panic, as I love to audition, and want to go in there and show them all this talent I have inside of me.  I took a deep breathe, printed out the sides, got dressed, and started to walk out of the door.  As I read the script, I realized there were some words I couldn't pronounce correctly.  So I called my manager, yet again,  and he connected me to a girl who is a french teacher to go over these words.  As I spoke to her, I slowed down, and thought hard.  Not only to cut off this nice lady, but hang up the phone with her abruptly.  Then to call my manager and say  "I am not going".  Marcus said "What, you know how hard it is to get an audition"?  I said "Yes I do, but I refuse, to go in for a t.v. show that I am perfect for,  and be unprepared with a hideous french accent.  Mind you if this dude was to speak with a British, New York, Puerto Rican or Southern dialect I would have went.  As those are accents I have in my back pocket.  But NO HE HAD TO BE FRENCH!  When I go in for something I want to be actually right for the part, and be prepared.  I don't want this casting director to put me on her/his list of people to never call in again, because she/he thinks I can't act.  NO WAY!  I had to do what I thought was best.  I have to trust in GOD, that more auditions will come.  Auditions without a french accent,  auditions that will fit me like a glove.  I turned down this audition, and it makes me sad.  But there will hopefully be many more to come.....