Palomar

M. and I checked into the hotel Palomar last night. It's a beautiful, modern, new, fancy hotel in Dupont Circle in Washington D.C.
It would be quite pricey this time of year, but M. has some work to do, so we got a good deal that will be payed by his employers.
After we checked in, there was a cocktail hour in the lobby. So we grabbed a glass of good wine, and sat next to an artificial fireplace in a packed lobby until M. had to run to a meeting.
I stayed in my small, but very nice room until I finished my red wine, and then all perky and full of energy decided to go to the gym. The sculpting room, as they call it, is also small but with all the equipment one needs for a nice, short workout. They also have water, and fruit in the morning, towels. There were only two other men there besides me. After my nice 35 minute workout, I decided to take a bath. I usually shower, but being alone in a nice, clean hotel room, made me wanna take a bath. And I did. It felt great, so relaxing. Afterwords, I slipped into one of the leopard robes they give you to use while you stay in one of their rooms. You can also buy it for $120 if you really, really like it. They are nice, one leopard, one zebra, but not $120 nice.
Then M. came back. We ordered Armand's pizza, our favorite D.C. pizza and watched Elizabeth:The Golden Age and the Idol.
A perfect, relaxing evening. I felt like I was on vacation, not back in D.C. where, until recently, I've lived for three years.

D.C. audition

I went to my first audition in Washington D.C. today. I wanted to compare the experience with the ones in New York, plus try to get a paid job. I could stay with my sister for a while, and babysit.
When I came to the Arena Stage Theatre, there was no one waiting in line, despite it being an Equity Principal audition. Deference number one. Then, the auditioning space was huge, humongous compared to the ones in N.Y.C. It looked more like a dancing space than an acting one.
The casting person was a pleasant, younger, dark skin and haired man. He laughed throughout my monologue. I must admit, I was flattered. And a bit distracted. That never happened before. They usually laugh once, or just smile several times, but he was really entertained. Then he asked me if I'm based in D.C. I explained the situation.
So I was in and out in five minutes. That happened before in N.Y.C.? Maybe once.

Hristos Voskrese

Greetings from Virginia! And happy Easter, if you're Orthodox. It's Serbian Easter today, and my family is recovering from a feast in Saint Luke's Orthodox Church in McLean.
First there was a long service. We only came for a brief part of it. God forgive me, but Serbian Orthodox services can be tedious and long. The priests are chanting in Old Church Slavonic for most of the two hours while the believers are standing, Yes, standing, for most of the two hours. It is not easy. But I guess that's not the primary concern of the church. Then there's a Communion, and kissing the icon and the cross held by the main priest, and giving and receiving of the colored hard boiled eggs, then blessing of the food, and finally gluttony.
The food was really amazing, in the tastes and variety. I don't eat meat and I still came out with more than I can eat in my plate. Sauerkraut meal was my favorite. And the home made bread, pogaca, my mother made was out of this world. And not only because she made it. In fact, my family is quite critical of each other.
And the desserts? Everything from a chocolate cake to cannollis. Yummy. Pure decadence.
So chatting with our Orthodox friends, and easting and drinking, we spent our cloudy Sunday afternoon. And then had to take a nap at home. To digest. And woke up on time for dinner.

When in New York, or Rome

A lot going on lately. I got a background part in the feature film When in Rome. I'll be working in the Guggenheim museum, and a night shift. I know, it's not ideal but it's an opportunity I don't want to miss. I've never worked on an actual film before, never been to Guggenheim and never really worked the night shift. For better or worse. Also, I'm off to D.C. on Friday for maybe a whole week, so this is in a way the last little background effort before the hiatus.
As far as my play, the next rehearsal in Friday 9 a.m. I have no idea how I'll be able to pull out a good rehearsal after an all nightie. I'm hoping, the shoot won't last the whole night, but maybe until 3 a.m., so I can still get four or five hours of sleep? Wishful thinking.
I also had my last class at my studio, with the current teacher of the Scene Study. I am seriously thinking about taking a Shakespeare class, since I need to work on my accent but I hate voice classes. They are extremely boring. Also, there will be a Shakespeare play in the near future cast in my theatre, so I'm hoping this course might give me an edge.
A lot of things on my mind. On top of all that, I've taken my family today to the Staten Island Ferry. Great ride. Wonderful view of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. All that after we refused to wait in line for an hour and a half to see the same statue, up close and personal. Thank God!

Free beer at Happy Hour

My parents came to town, and I got a part in a play. My life has changed dramatically in just couple of days.
Now I go to rehearsals every morning and go out sightseeing every afternoon. I don't have time for anything else. And I've been chronically tired ever since we stayed up until 3 a.m. at the Balkan Party, in the U.S.Mission to UN, on Saturday.
The rehearsals are hectic, more so than in my wildest dreams. Michael Chekhov Theatre seems well established, but small and poor. They do a lot of productions and have a lot of actors, but I don't think they are getting paid. I know that my cast of about 20 people doesn't get anything, not even the comp tickets for family and friends.
It's a bit ridiculous, that I put in a lot of time and effort, and M. has to pay to see me. I mean, it comes out of the same bank account. But the director says the theatre is struggling so I guess they need every dollar that could come their way. Or every seat.
Also, he expects us to solicit the audience. That is also a bit absurd. I mean, of course I'll invite people, but I don't want the whole audience to consists of family and friends. I guess they don't put any money in advertisement and invitations. They count on their actors doing that for them. As well,for free.

Nespresso, doll-faced Persian

M. has mentioned Nespresso several times. So finally today we went to the Upper East Side to check it out.
It is in this fancy neighborhood, with Armani and Valentino types of stores across and around it. But it looks great! The atmosphere, the service, the comfortable, leather armchairs and sofas, great tasting and looking coffee, spring water they pour you, instead of tap. There are two separate modern looking, smaller bars and a shop, with Nespresso machines and coffee to purchase. They actually make you free espresso or even cappuccino to show you how the machine works and how good their coffee is.
I would definitely recommend this coffee place. It gives you an unique experience, and it's definitely worth the price. And it's close to the Central Park.
On our way back, from the park, we stopped at a "puppy place."
I can't pass a place with animals without going in and taking a look at them. Or several looks. Well, this puppy place, has many, many cute puppies, and three of the most beautiful cats I've ever seen in my life, except for my girl Nina, of course.
They were doll faced Persian kittens. I held one little 10-week-old cuddly, furry boy, and I was melting. Guess how much he costs. $1,800, a couple who was considering getting him told us. I know! Crazy, ha? He is really adorable. It was hard not to keep him. But thinking about all those poor cats in shelters, it would be a sacrilege to buy a cat, when you can and should get one out of the shelter.

Happy Hour

Am I the only one to whom all the things happen at once?
Over and over again, I get a job offer when I'm traveling or leaving that city, or something or a sort.
Well, I got a part today in the next production of Michael Chekhov Theatre Company's Happy Hour. It's a funny little play in which I have two vignettes, one to open the show and one to close it! Perfect! It's a great opportunity to have a good credit, invite people to see me, including the agents and casting directors, if I'm that lucky so they would actually show up. (They probably will only if I suck that night, pardon my French:)
I would be jumping up and down, but my parents are coming this weekend and we are supposed to go to D.C. for a couple of weeks, and spend time together with my sister and her newborn baby...
Now I have rehearsals all next week and half of the week after that. And then performances on May 3, 10 and 17.
The performance dates are actually o.k.
The rehearsals the week after next are killing me!
But I like my little part and it's sooooo hard to get one in this cruel city.
So I'll scramble.
But please come, see me. Everyone has to pay something, including M. and the rest of my family. But it won't be much, I'm sure. And I'm not getting paid, you know that. No one pays you to act in N.Y.C., unless you're a star.
So it will be in 45th. Street Theatre. I'll know the exact time on Monday...

Keeping the house

My parents are coming over from Europe this weekend. It will be my father's first time in New York, ever.
So I decided to get some help. A housekeeper, since neither M. nor I enjoy cleaning. I do it only when I really, really have to. M. only does the dishes. We do the laundry together.
I called one whose card I found in our laundry room. She said she charges $80 for two bedroom, two bathroom apartment. I thought that was very reasonable.
This morning she shows up on time, with another young woman. O.K., I guess, two is better than one.
They were very young, much younger than housekeepers I've seen before were. Late 20s, maybe 30. And they looked nice, you know, nicely dressed and wearing makeup.
They spoke Portuguese between themselves. I didn't ask them where they're from. Brazil?
They did a very good job. There was a lot of work, I must admit. Dust bunnies every where, for one. So, I'm giving them a check and a tip, and one of them asked me:
"So, would you like to schedule cleaning for every week? Or biweekly?"
"Well, I'm not going to be in New York for a while, so maybe when I come back...
I was thinking more of maybe once a month?"
"Well, then it would be $120, if it's once a month, you know, 'cause there's more work to be done. If it's biweekly you can keep your current price..."
I said I'll think about it. $120 seems a bit pricey. But I don't know if I want our place cleaned every two weeks either. Is there such a thing as too clean? It's just seems like an unnecessary luxury.
My lungs should be grateful for our guests:)

Spike Heels

I'm still working on my scene from Spike Heels with my partner E. It's been a learning experience, of course. We put the scene together through different steps, almost every week. First we read it in class, then read again, then did the scene improvisation, then did the scene with script in hand, then finally put it up without the script. Tomorrow will be our third time putting it as an almost finished project, if E. comes to the class. She might have to pass, due to other obligations.
So, I am Lydia, if you recall. A rich woman whose fiancee just postponed their wedding, and she thinks it has to do with Georgie, his slutty female neighbor. She also finds Georgie's clothes in her fiance's apartment just before the scene starts. So my current problem, with my character is that I am not angry enough in the beginning of the scene, at a woman whom I think ruined my life.
It is really hard to start the scene enraged! I'm supposed to be angry through my words and my actions simultaneously, while thinking about my lines and next steps...
It's work, let me tell ya.
From my limited experience as an actor, acting for TV if much easier than stage. You can screw up, and the camera rolls again. Not so much of a luxury on the stage. You have to think quickly, and act as well.

Cuban Motion-Latin Movements

I've missed my second dance class-to-be due to the Law and Order shoot. It was a simple choice for me, but I still wanted to make up for it. So I rescheduled for Saturday. Actually, I just asked them to put me into another class on Saturday.
But on that day, I had two auditions that lasted longer than I expected. When I got done with them, I was starving. And I had to run to the rescheduled class. And it was a beautiful day. Not an ideal situation. So I lied, and said I was sick and can I come to another class this week? They said I can only come to the couple of "all level" classes they have. So I did. Today. I took Cuban Motion and Latin Body Action.
It was great! It was more of a workout than a regular dance class. There was no dancing in pairs, but only by ourselves, in front of a mirror. The fact that we were all women, except for one poor guy in the last row, gave it more of an aerobics class feel.
I've never done any Cuban dances before. So this was new to me. And interesting. Just a bit challenging, which is good.
So we learned a bit of Merengue and a bit of Salsa. Just the basics. What else in a 50 minute group class.

Law and Order, with me in it

Yes! I finally got to be on Law and Order, even if for just a minute and with only pantomiming words. But I was ecstatic yesterday anyway!
The shoot was in the Law and Order studio, at Chelsea Piers. Everything on that floor was Law and Order, even the kitchen. It said on the door:"Law and Order kitchen!"
My scene was in the courtroom you usually see when you watch the show. I actually thought it's the real courtroom. Nope. It's a set. Outside of that room, it's a big mess--lights, cords, concrete...
I was told to go outside the door and when they say "action," I walk in, "talk" to one police officer, then to the other, try to find a seat in the courtroom filled with junkies, pimps and prostitutes, in disgust, since the lawyers, the court system or something of a sort, is on strike!
So, I was standing outside this courtroom door, waiting for the call, and smiling, even laughing from how good it felt to be there. Here I am, on the set of my favorite show! After only seven months in the city. Hey, back in August, I didn't even know how this city works, let alone the world of acting.
The only better thing would be to get a speaking part on the show.
So I started networking. I put my cards on Law and Order board. I met Linus Roache,the guy who replaced Sam Waterstone, who by the way, is sooooo nice. I met couple of other actors and I gave my card to the guy who was managing the background talent, saying: "I'm actually an actor..."
At first, I thought that all of the people there are actors. But last week and this one, I found out that most are, but some not.
At the end of the night, I was happy with how I behaved. I was proactive this time. I felt so good about myself. Hopefully, something will come out of it. If not, there's always the next time. And believe me, this is only the beginning.

TurboTax sucks, so does Verizon and Toshiba

I've spent an hour and a half with a tech support guy from Toshiba this morning. I swear, my ear was numb. We never planned on being on the phone for that long so we never bought an "earless" phone. That would be o.k. if they would have been able to help, but alas...
M. spent at least two hours last night on the phone with Turbo Tax and Verizon people, due to the fact that he can't e-file our tax returns. You already know where I'm going with this, right?
Turbo Tax support said call Verizon. Verizon said call Toshiba. And Toshiba? Guess!
You're right, Toshiba said call Turbo Tax.
Idiots!
So I had to yell a bit at the Toshiba guy. And he caved in. Yelling usually works with tech people. I guess it scares them off. With M. it's just the opposite. So I would try not to use that technique on husbands.
Apparently, we have a problem with sending and receiving large files. I can't upload a video to my blog or You Tube. Or e-file taxes.
So we can call them again. Round and round we go. I bet they will keep transferring the responsibility to each other. Until one of them is lucky enough to figure out the problem. Yes, it's nuclear physics. Or whatever you guys say...

Becoming Jane

I've actually seen a movie recently that made an impression on me, and lingered with me for a while. I haven't seen Becoming Jane when it came out because The New York Times' review of it was just o.k. When there are so many movies out, you have to use some tools to sort them out and decide which ones are worth seeing in the theatre and which ones on your sofa. That's why we have Netflix.
But I do love Jane Austin. Especially movies made out of her books, such as an amazing Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice series with C.Firth. So, I was intrigued by Becoming Jane.
It turned out to be great! Again, McAvoy was very, very good, and the lead actress, Anne, was not bad as well. Not as good as him, but just fine. The story itself is interesting, romantic and you can't really predict what is going to happen at the end. Unless this movie is historical and you know of Jane Austin's life, as well as her novels.
It made me a bit sad though. And it made me think about life, and choices we make. And how they determine the rest of it. And do they? Or are they not ours to make at the first place?
Now, don't think I've told you how the movie is going to end. 'Cause I didn't. But you should see it. And then tell me what you think. And did it make you think.

Help them survive in our world

Last Friday was not a fun day for me. I was physically exhausted from being on a shoot for 12 hours, as well as spiritually down for not being braver and more aggressive in my acting career. So I've turned into a couch potato for at least half of that day. Luckily I had a dancing class I've already payed for so I had to drag myself out. But for about half an hour before I went to it, I've been switching channels, when my eyes got stuck on Oprah. It was about animals, who I love, and about shelters and euthanasia. So I switched to it.
It made me cry. For real. As it did Oprah.
Now, I don't watch Oprah usually but I do respect her. Sometimes she bring up important issues, such as the animal situation in the States. And she supports Obama. Wise woman.
The following sad and sobering event I saw that day on TV, I've never seen before. They showed a day in a shelter, when a worker has to decide which healthy dogs to euthanize, because, and only because,a lack of space. It broke my heart. They showed the whole thing, every step, every move, and as painful as it was to watch, and as it makes me sick to my stomach even now, I believe it was important to show, and see, because it is the truth, and because people need to see it, and remember when they are buying a dog or a cat from a breeder, or when they give up their own pet because of an inconvenience.
That picture of poor, cute, innocent dogs being put down to sleep, will stay with me forever. They said that millions and millions of dogs and cats are euthanized each year only because of the lack of space in the shelters. Really, how cruel are we?
Now, I feel sorry for the poor, destitute people. I really do. And I want to help. But I feel even more sorry for animals because they don't have our brains to make their good or bad choices and suffer consequences. They try to survive in our world. We won't let them roam our streets, but we don't necessarily put all of them in homes either. We kill them because there's no room for them?!I almost don't believe that. But it's true. Unfortunately.
What I did right away is give some money to ASPCA. Then I went to the Petco in Union Square and gave some more to the shelter that has cats for adoptions there. Then to Petco close to me today, to sign up for fostering.
I want to ask you to do whatever you possibly can, even if it's inconvenient, to help these poor animals stay alive. You can either adopt from a shelter, not from a breeder, or foster until that shelter finds a home for the animal. Or you can give them money, so they can have more room for more animals. And make sure your pets are spayed and neutered.
Please, just do it.

The true Mr.Big

Yes, yes, I know you really wanna know stuff about Mr.Big.
Well, he's a goofball, in the best sense. He was joking all the time he was on the set.
Mostly with the show's producing team, but once with us, background actors. There were couple of actors-speakers on the podium of this amphitheatre, and he was joking by inciting a protest against what they were allegedly saying. It was kind of funny.
He did got angry once, and swore for messing up a scene, and stoped acting while they were still rolling. "Chris, you know we're still rolling," the director, Norberto Barba said. "Yes, I know we're still rolling but I_________, so there's no point of continuing when I__________." So, he's passionate about his work. Of course. Who wouldn't be.
He also threw a bottle of water to a friend/colleague/team member, half way across the theatre. It flew a long way. It could've hit something and burst, or someone, with people all around and cameras....Goofy. I told you.
But he was smiling a lot. And he looks a bit older than on TV. But still good. Really good.
I'm a big fan.

Mr. Big in the same scene as me!

I was really looking forward to being a part of such a huge show like Law and Order:Criminal Intent, even if I just appear in it for a few seconds. I was looking forward to it for the experience, for the prospective contacts and for shallow reasons, like meeting Mr.Big.
What I actually got out of it is no contacts, exhaustion and bitter-sweet aftertaste.
The beginning was great! I got picked to walk into the couple of scenes. In one, I was just in front of a principle actor...I was jumping up and down within, like a little girl. And I kept staring at Mr.Big, like one as well. Hey, I'm a big Sex and the City fan. And Mr.Big made that show what it is.
After about eight hours into the shoot, I got so tired and nervous about not really having a good chance to actually meet Chris Noth. Yes, he passed me several times but I was too much of a prude to get up and stop him or something. Also, I didn't wanna be thrown out of the shoot. That would be so embarrassing. So I did nothing. Unfortunately.
I could've given my postcard to other actors or assistants as well, but I kept waiting and waiting until it was too late. It was my fear that was keeping me down.
By the time we were leaving the set, after a 12 hour day, I was too dead to do anything.
So, yes, I saw them. And yes, I'll be in the same scene with them. And I can put it on my resume. But I didn't do what I really wanted--try to open the door for getting a bigger part.
I feel so little today. Even though I didn't really lose anything. Except a possibility of a great opportunity. I might never have another one:(

Long night for Criminal Intent

So you know I've registered with several background talent agencies in the city, right? That's how I got the call for Law and Order in January, while I was, unfortunately, in Aruba. Well, I did have a great time. Something's gotta give.
The same agency advertised for someone I can be the other day. So I called them. And they said:" Are you available on Thursday?" I was thinking for just a second. "Yes," I said. I lied. "All day?" "Yes" again. I lied again. Well, not really. I just thought, I'll postpone the dance class I should have had tomorrow.
And then she said to call her back today. I did. Then she told me what to wear and not to wear, and to call again tonight, for my directions and time. Nothing about the tiny part, if you can even call it that, or the money...Never mind, really.
But, it's midnight, I'll turn into a pumpkin and they still don't know the time and the place of shooting Law and Order: Criminal Intent tomorrow?!
So I have to stay awake and wait. If I wanna do it. And I do.

Evaluation or presentation?

I had that half an hour private evaluation class at the ballroom and Latin dance club today. It wasn't at all what I expected. This Russian instructor, obviously a pro, was more trying to impress me with what he can do, than focus on what I can do. He has a really big ego, I must say. All he made me dance, for just a bit, was cha-cha-cha and samba. And there are 10 dances I use to know.
Samba I couldn't really remember. It looked familiar and I could remember doing some steps a long time ago, but I couldn't remember the technique then and there. He didn't give me much time anyway. Cha-Cha I did remember, and I did dance a bit, but he found many flaws in my moves--posture, hand movements, hip movement.
Well, you can imagine, I wasn't happy about that.
Then he offered private lessons. I said I was interested in the group ones. Then he said he'll write that I was level I. Level I?! That's a beginner, I said. "Not necessarily," he defended himself. But he put in level II. There are five levels. Five is professional.
So after that, he went with me to register. Thursday works best for me this month, so I let him and another person talk me into taking a Level I class of Samba and Cha-Cha. It's with a great teacher, they said. I guess I do need it for Samba. But for Cha-Cha? Will see.
Anyway, I might try to switch to Level II Rumba on Fridays. It seems to make more sense. But then again, I won't know how fast and how useful these classes really are until I try one.
Also, I might have an acting gig on for Thursday. I don't want to get my hopes up yet though. I'll find out tomorrow. And let you know, of course. Keep your fingers crosses. Pleeease?