Theatvision, or my take on Sound of Music Live

Let me preference this blog post: It is my personal opinion and review of the event Sound of Music Live, but more than that, people are allowed to have opinions whether they loved or hated it. The beauty of theatre is that everybody gets something different out of it. Above all I applaud all of the hard work that was put into such a fantastic event, and am thrilled that “theatre” was brought to the masses. Now to Lys’s thoughts…

First off, a live “theatre” event on television?! Freaking awesome! I have never been so excited to watch something on TV, and I absolutely hope they do more! I understand that they needed to start with a classic because it’s recognizable, but I’d love to see some less known shows, mainly, ones that haven’t already been made into movies.

Now you may be wondering why I keep putting “theatre” in quotes, mainly because I wouldn’t really call this production theatre. Theatre to me is doing a performance in front of a live audience of people. Now I’m told there were people at the screening, but they weren’t allowed to applaud, laugh, make noise etc. Also, these actors had cameras all around them. I’d like to propose that this is some medium in between television and theatre…let’s call it Theatvision. Next time (please let there be a next time) I wouldn’t mind some audience reaction and bows! So theatre made for television: YAY!

In order to make theatre for television you have to have loads of money, and lord knows there is not money in theatre! So before I get too far into this whole Carrie Underwood ordeal, I will say this: they gave her this role because everyone knows and loves her and she is bringing in the dollar dollar bills yall. However, this does not mean that theatre people are NOT allowed to be upset that it was not a Broadway person in her shoes. Of course I know hundreds of actors who could play that part flawlessly, but none of them are as famous to America as their Idol, Carrie Underwood.  Welcome to the world of a theatre actor: film stars or anyone with a recognizable name often plays the main parts on Broadway. It’s how we get an audience; it’s how we get money to do theatre. As unfortunate as it is, it puts the truly talented theatre actors in plays and all theatre people in jobs. It is a sad, sad truth in the industry, and we are allowed to be pissed about it, but also, money rules the world, and we need to get over it.

Before I touch on the specific production, I would like to point out a couple of things to the social media guru’s. Why do people keep saying, “As long as we inspired one kid to fall in love with theatre tonight, it was a success.” Um, I’m sorry, was that the point of this production? Because we could have done Beauty in the Beast or Little Mermaid. I’m pretty sure it was for everyone in America to enjoy a new kind of event of an old classic that the whole family could enjoy (and bring in lots of money!). That’s right, it wasn’t to inspire kids, though I hope it did. It wasn’t to turn America into theatregoers, though I hope it does. And it wasn’t for the Broadway community to see a fantastic production of SOM, though I hoped it would. I will be the first to tell you that I certainly wanted it to be the best thing I’d seen on tv in years!

So now to the specific production! The choreography came across very well on camera. It was theatrically inspired, but definitely suitable for tv without being overly animated. I love a lot of Rob Ashford’s work, and most of the direction was great except when Captain Von Trapp sings for the first time, and he’s not even looking at his children?! The set was gorgeous, and thanks to the beauty of television they didn’t have to do scene changes, they just got to move around a big warehouse (another thing that doesn’t make it true theatre, just saying). I thought the costumes were beautiful, although I was confused when Captain Von Trapp tells Maria she has on a nice dress when she is wearing a skirt suit. Also, the wedding dress kinda looked like a tablecloth, but whatever. One of the best parts of the whole production was the songs. They were sung beautifully, and I can’t stop listening to most of the soundtrack. A lot of people were upset that Lonely Goatherd was sung during the Maria bedroom scene. I know My Favorite Things sounds so much better there, but in the play version Lonely Goatherd is what is sung then.

As far as acting goes, I think we can all get down on our knees and bow to Audra McDonald and Laura Benanti who, in my opinion, stole the whole performance. And it is worth watching just to see them thrive. I cried during Climb Every Mountain along with Carrie, and this is the first production where I wanted Elsa to marry the captain because I couldn’t stop watching her! She even made me giggle…way to find the humor! No Way to Stop it is one of my favorite songs ever, I just needed to say that. Christian Borle was also great as Max, but I think he could have taken it even farther if he wanted to throw a little Black Stache into it. The kids were fine. Kurt can definitely sing and has a future ahead of him, some of the others I felt were totally overacting or just clueless. Liesl and Rolfe were cute and talented. Admit it, we all just wanted Stephen Moyer take off his shirt. Carrie was a beautiful singer, and as everyone has already said, not a good actor. I don’t blame her, I know she tried…I’m just wondering where the acting coach was? At least they could have gotten her out of her vocal speech pattern. For those of you who loved her acting, come to Broadway, you will literally be blown out of the water. And for those people that are excusing her acting saying, “Well she was nervous, and it was live”. Um YEAH! That’s what theatre is- LIVE every night! That is absolutely not an excuse. Not experienced, yeah, I’ll take that. Actually, maybe it will make people realize that acting isn’t all that easy and respect us more. But that’s all I’m gonna say about that!

It’s funny to me some theatre people are getting mad at other theatre people for dissing the performance saying we are suppose to act as a community. Part of being in theatre is being critical! Who doesn’t leave a show and critique every little thing good or bad. It’s okay to not like something, and it doesn’t mean we aren’t incredibly proud of everyone working on it and putting on shows. Basically whether you loved or hated it, I’m glad you watched it. That’s what supporting the theatre community is: bringing 19 million viewers a glimpse into “theatre”, or theatvision. ;)

Listen, was it perfect? No, absolutely not. Was it cool that 19 million households watched and that we’ll have Sound of Music stuck in our heads for the next 3 weeks? Yeah, that’s awesome. Not sure I will ever watch it in its entirety again, but I’m not sure I should. If it’s theatre, you can only see that exact production one time anytime. I did enjoy my 3 hour sing-a-long in my kitchen. Alone. And I want to have Audra’s babies…

The Evil Stepsister

As a young theatre artist I want desperately to be noticed. I'll play any part, any way, anywhere (Especially London). I have often told my friends "I'll do anything to get up on that stage even if I have to stand on my head half naked the entire play." Mind you, I can't think of one show that has a part like that, but it's an accurate description of how badly I want to do theatre.

While this passion has not decreased, my approach to getting the part has. For a year and a half I have tried endlessly to be what everyone wants. 16 year old awkward girl? Check. 28 year old sex addict? Check. 23 young, naive, ingenue? You got it! But while I'm talented and can play versatile roles, I was walking into the audition room trying to be what I thought the casting director wanted. I can be awkward, sexy, and naive, but they way I play those things is going to be very different than anyone else or even how the character may be perceived traditionally. The key here is that I approached auditioning wrong. After some soul searching and an amazing class with The Savvy Actor, I discovered I need to go into the room being me as the part. It's remarkable what the change in thinking has done.

When you know what you're selling you are more confident. I walk into the casting room wearing what actor Lys playing "Blah Blah" Character would wear. I read the lines and the part the way I interpret it, and instead of giving them what I think they want, I give them a glimpse of my own thought out character. They could love it, they could hate it, but I leave the audition room knowing that I kicked ass and was different. How freeing it is to leave the room feeling happy and confident in your work and being true to yourself. (Another lesson stolen from the lyricists of Tarzan).

Needless to say I want to share my branding statement with the blogging world and would love any feedback. If you hire me, you will get....

"The Stepsister of Selma Blair, Ellen Page, and Amber Tamblyn" 

Advice: Learn a new monologue! Last week I did and practiced it a ton. It'd been so long since I learned one! I was nervous as hell going into the room, but you know what? I'd never been so excited to audition because it was fun, new, exciting, and I was discovering new things as I did it! Despite being exhausting, auditioning can also be fun!

P.S Don't use your yearbook photo as your headshot. Wear a skirt/dress that covers your butt or at least your underwear. Sometimes you get free smoothies from a studio when they make too much...don't take them, they're gross.

Purple Cow

The feeling of complete overwhelm is completely bearable when extreme excitement follows right along with it. This past weekend I learned some of the most valuable information for my acting career. That it is a business and not just something I love.

The MBA Crash Course weekend with The Savvy Actor is one of the best things I have ever done for my career thus far. I learned that I am a product. (Yep, and you thought only prostitutes sold themselves). I need to brand, package, and market myself. Basically, I need to completely redo my business. Which is a terrifying and shocking discovery, but I have never been so excited about the outcome. As soon as I decide what exactly I bring into the room (my essence), I will change my headshot, resume, website, audition pieces etc. Because they all need to match! And I have to try and define my essence...ay ay ay. Sure, we are all talented actors, but we need to stand out by being smart actors and marketing ourselves in such a way that we are appealing to the casting directors, agents, etc. What a beautiful discovery!

If you are a NY or LA resident and you feel like something is missing from your career. That something isn't quite adding up, I highly highly recommend taking this class...it's well worth the money! (Which is another thing I learned...I have to spend money on my business in order to gain money...damn).

Ultimately, this post is just to express my endless gratitude to The Savvy Actor and encourage all you actors to take this class, but also, for those of you who aren't actors....Acting is FREAKING hard! I know in college it's like "the easy major" but we have to do SO much to get a job. We are constantly rejected and competing and shelling out vulnerability, cash, time, and never ending effort because even if you land one huge thing, you're back to step one to get the next job. It's a business too! So don't knock it.

Here is a link if you are interested in classes or coaching! Oh and their first workshop is free so you should check it out!

http://www.thesavvyactor.com

P.S If you are thinking "Why is this post called "The Purple Cow"? Then you should take the class! :P

Things I learned this week: Ripley Grier Studios is hot as hell when there are 13 auditions going on in one day!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Audition Season

Happy New Year (a little bit late, I know)!!

It's audition season again which means I should be having EPA's every week! Too bad that's not actually the case. As happens a lot in theatre, there are thousands of 20 year old hopefuls to the broadway scene and so few parts for us. Not to start on a negative note, but I'm starting to think there has got to be something more I can do to have my voice heard, to get that callback, to get a role.

It's been about a month, and with all the New Years resolutions slowly dying out, people are going back to their old habits (Thank goodness, I was sick of not being able to get a treadmill at the gym). After only my fourth audition this month, I was becoming bored and pretty dejected before I even walked in the room. Fortunately, I got a metaphorical kick in the butt from a free seminar with The Savvy Actor. It is a company that gives people a crash course in the MBA of theatre. How to brand/type yourself, know who you are and show it in every aspect of your career, and learn how to network (among many other things). This got me thinking that as much as I know myself, I'm still trying to be what the casting director wants instead of selling exactly who I am.

***Side Story: I was browsing a casting website when I came upon this descripition for a character: Beautiful, sexy girl who can easily switch to a plain jane, slightly ugly, overweight woman...

Wait, what?!?! How can anyone be these at the same time? Sure, I can be sexy and you can mess up my hair and stick a fat suit on me, or we can get some Princess Mia action going on, but these are the types of things people are asking for?!***

So, I signed up for the weekend long course, which I am incredibly excited about. At first, I feared paying so much money for something, but I took a step back and thought "Lys, you keep saving up money so that you can take all these acting courses, but you are never gonna have the large sum of money you want. You need to craft your theatre career now. There is only so much waiting you can do". I must say, I've never been so happy spending money in my life.

Not only that, I finally took, what I imagine should be a first step, to being an actor. I decided to call myself one. I'm no longer "a nanny that is trying to act" I'm an actor (who happens to nanny for money on the side). I live in the mecca of theatre and I need to jump on every opportunity whether laid out for me or not. I know some of you are reading this thinking "Duh, we all know this" but it is easy to forget and I just happened to be coming from an "ah ha" moment which I hope you all have frequently. I've even started improving at networking because if it's who you know, I better be starting as many conversations as I can! Even if it is about the weather...

Where is this positive attitude coming from? Well, besides the fact that I am an optimistic person, I am reading a book called "The Happiness Advantage" and it is changing my life. Everyone should read it no matter how happy or depressed you are. It's remarkable. And then we can have a book club and talk about it.

My challenge for this week or this year is to just do it (like Nike). Don't wait until you have gotten your footing, a job, money, house etc. Now is the right time.

P.S Go see Bare at New World Stages this week...it's the kind of musical that should be on Broadway. Truly pertinent, moving, and beautiful. 

Schizophrenia and The Whale

After some thought I have decided that NY actors are ADHD, Schizophrenic, or bipolar (or most likely, just have symptoms). In the last month I have changed my mind just about every day on what I want to do with my life. So let's start with the obvious...Acting. (BTW...after seeing this show tonight I'm feeling all emotional and wise...so buckle in for the ride).

Sometimes you forget when you haven't read a script with other people in over 7 months, that acting is really freakin fun!! I was fortunate enough to do a reading with The Drawing Board. It was incredibly exciting to create a role (especially a comedic one!) And even more thrilling to get to read with other talented people. I won't go into too much detail, but basically it's easy to forget how much you enjoy and love something when you haven't been doing it in so long. Thus I learned that I need to take some classes if I'm not doing anything because I can't go that long again forgetting how great acting is!

Well of course, I tell myself how great acting is, but then a week later with no auditions (because these have been the slowest months ever) I decide I want to be a teacher. Because teachers are important and are the ones who help create and mold powerful actors. Not to mention, I saw one of my old acting teachers today for the first time in years. I was reminded how he and other people always inspired and encouraged me, and I'm so appreciative of them. So now I have been looking into how to get my teaching certificate or my masters for very cheap...but THEN

I go to actorfest. And for the most part I thought it was horrible, BUT I did get a little gem out of it. I went to a commercial workshop, and the casting director spoke about how commercials are all about improv, being a character, and pushing the boundaries, so I decided "Screw it! I need to move to LA and be on tv!"

So I either have a mental disorder, or I'm a young girl in my 20's who just wants to do it all. And you know what's great? That's okay. I don't have to settle down and find that thing I'm going to do for the rest of my life right now. I can be doing lots of different jobs till I find what I want. And it seems like so many people right now are graduating and going "Okay I need a job that pays me 75,000 a year, a house, a spouse, and a retirement plan". And that's great and all, but I'm going to tell you that the adventure, as scary as it is most of the time, can also be entirely fun. So you're a struggling actor...join the other 95% of your friends who are. So you work a part time job...spend that time collecting funny stories. So you can't afford to go out...learn to cook! I guess I just spend a lot of time getting bogged down wanting to plan my future and hear from so many of my friends who are the same way, but it's pretty darn cool that I can do whatever I want right now (as long as I am making enough money to pay rent and student loans). And while I'm on the subject of life...let me tell you about this play that changed my life....

It was the most amazing, powerful, motivational, phenomenal, gut wrenching, moving play I may have ever seen. "The Whale" at Playwrights Horizons was just out of this world. I can't even describe to people how emotionally impacted I was. When I try to it comes out as "and then" "it was just so" "ahh I felt" and "then I just sobbed for an hour". Ultimately it comes down to this: the actors were fabulous, the design elements were spot on, the metaphors, themes, and message were overwhelming, and the playwright has won my heart. It deserves to be on Broadway, though the intimate setting probably made the play. I have seen hundreds of shows in my life I'm sure, and I'm telling you I think this may have been the best one yet. For those of you who are in theatre, just think back to that show that changed your life...and double it. That's this one.

So right now my life is fabulous...but ask me again in an hour. :)

Creative Juices are drying up

If you just moved to NY or are an extreme optimist today, wait to read this post. Because I'm about to get serious about how I'm getting a little fed up...

You know that yearning, that vibe, that pulsation in your heart to do what you love? That need to feel creatively free or the consistent itching to show the world your passion? Well, I think mine has become so unbearable that it is numb. I haven't had an audition in 3 weeks! It's like "wait a minute, thought that's why I came to New York!"

And I know EVERYONE tells you, if you can't find work, create it. Well yes, that sounds like a great idea. Now all I need is a writer, director, space, (don't need to mention actors, there are plenty of those here) and time. If you aren't going to pay anyone for their work, than finding a time when even four people can get together every week when everyone has differing and inconsistent day jobs is nearly impossible because people aren't as committed. And I get it, you gotta have that money job for sure, and don't get me wrong I haven't lost sight of why I'm here and I'm not giving up, I'm just saying...it's freaking hard!

So you can't create it, fine, you can take classes! I would LOVE to take classes. That would be the best way for me to stay in the game and feel like I'm still creating...yeah awesome...oh, I'm sorry, $500 for a 4 week class? Do I stop eating, live on the street, or whore myself out? Oh, I know, I could get another job...that would then interfere with all the class times. Do you see the dilemma?

Alright, so I see shows which are inspirational. I read plays which are enjoyable. I learn monologues (well, okay, that takes a LOT more motivation, but sometimes it happens). However, this isn't always enough. Most of us come from doing theatre all through college, high school, if you are me, since you were 5. And maybe the longest I've gone without taking a class or being in something is, say, a year. Well it's been a year folks, and I'm about to itch my skin off or beg the pants of someone because if I don't do SOMETHING soon, my head is gonna blow off. I don't care what it is---reading, class, showcase, show but it needs to be fulfilling. There is too much crap out there they doesn't really make you feel whole.

So if you made it through the rant, what you can get out of it is this...Acting is freaking hard. It certainly gets annoying and frustrating. I'm feeling like a pessimist.

But on the bright side: Annie kicked some Broadway butt, there are tons of new shows opening, Halloween is almost here, and I'm wearing an argyle sweater today! (Optimism returns!)

I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here

Well it's Fall again in NYC, and you know what that means....there are less tourists!! Also, you would think there would be an influx in auditions, but recently that doesn't look like it's the case. It seems that I've gotten caught up in the world-wind of the city (and life) but I think it's about time to update the internet on theatre stories, blunders, critiques and rules!! 

So I have a confession to make... despite my love of theatre for 17 years now, I had never seen Phantom of the Opera, until 2 nights ago. It's been running for over 25 years and the people in the show could probably play any part (and many of them have). The tourists FLOCK to the Majestic to see the beautiful scenery and gorgeous songs. And I have to admit, I very much enjoyed myself EXCEPT

• The audience. Most actors and theatre goers alike have already seen Phantom, so the entire audience is tourists. So before the performance started over 100 camera flashes went off (no, I'm not exaggerating). Ushers didn't even try to stop them, thus, throughout the performance there were also pictures being taken. Not to mention the same cell phone ring that went off twice and the guy in front of me who liked to lean over and tell his wife every 10 minutes what time it was by making his watch light up. I mean, there were literally audience members hushing other audience members. I'm telling you, we need to start teaching classes in middle school on proper etiquette at shows. Also, who's idea was it to sell food IN the theatre? If I hear one more person digging around in their candy bag for the last peanut M&M, I will scream!
• The Chandelier. The only thing I recollect hearing about Phantom was how cool it is when the chandelier flies over the audience and crashes onto the stage! I was anticipating this epic moment since all the other scenery and magic had been thrilling. At the end of act one, the lamp slowly wiggles its way straight down to land on stage and after a 10 second delay, flash it's lights and go to blackness. I was sure something had gone wrong...it was the most fake crash I had ever seen. I mean, I could tell it didn't break! What a let down... 

Idiot Moment from the Audition Room: I was at an audition a week ago, like any other EPA. Turned in my headshot, wrote down who was in the room (John Martin*) and went to line up. The kind monitor tells us a 2 minute monologue or less, watch your step as you go in the room, the auditioners name is John Martin. So usually when there is one or two people in the room, I try and address them by name, to be more personal. I'm, I believe, the 15th person in the room that day (or there a bouts). I walk in proudly step up smile and say "Good Morning John!" To which he replies "It's Joe, but thank you" I was MORTIFIED. I apologized and told him the monitor must have his name wrong and I would be sure to fix it. Let's just say my ego was a little knocked. Regardless, the audition went fabulous and the guy was so nice and we talked for awhile. When I exited the room, I told the others waiting in line that his name was indeed Joe, not John. I walked up to the monitor table to inform him, and everyone else in the holding room kind of gasped and said "Oh my gosh, did you call him that?!" to which I now proudly responded "Yes, yes I did" I appreciated their sympathy in my embarrassment. You're welcome the rest of the auditionees! The moral of this lesson is: If you think the monitor might have the wrong name for the director, just call him your boyfriends name instead! 

I have MANY more stories, but I think this is enough to wet your pallet. I will leave you with this. Annie opened on Broadway yesterday. My feelings on this I can only describe as wanting to dance Gangnam style in constant repetition while eating chocolate peanut butter happiness while pooping rainbows. I attempted the lottery (and lost even when almost all 20 other people there won). I was pisssedddd. If you win tickets to Annie, your appropriate reaction isn't "that's me", raise your hand, or just walk up to the lotto man. It's "WHOLLY FREAKIN GOSH AHHHHHHHH Me! Me! Me! DSFCGVHBNBVFCDXSDFCV BEST DAY EVERRRRRR!!!" (Note: If this is someones reaction, it's probably me). 

*Name has been changed to protect the identity of this person.