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.