M. and I went to out first Christmas party this year. It was in my acting studio.
The studio was decorated really well and with dim lights, it looked totally different than during classes. Actors-students and guests were, of course, fashionably late for hours. There was a variety of food people brought, including ourselves. You see, it was an American creation-potluck-so one doesn't have to do all the work, even as a host. I actually like this invention. It really takes a load of one person or a household, for bigger events.
So, M. and I talked to one of my former classmates.She's the only one I knew, not counting couple of teachers. We were also approached by a couple of boring people and barely escaped that with our lives. We did have a bite of almost anything there was--from pasta, lasagna, salads, pies,cookies,hummus...Oh, my God, it would be faster to say what we didn't taste. Ice cream?
It was kind of enough of everything after an hour and a half, but they summoned us into the stage-room , for raffle drawing. I never had much luck with lottery. Apparently, M. neither. But it was fun, funny and useful. The director spoke about the acting business in New York and gave us some useful tips.
None of my current acting friends came. I have no idea why. I was looking forward to introducing my teacher to M. as well. Maybe next year.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Seurat, auditions
I had another audition today, this time in my league-a student film. It was fun, and the best one I had so far. The audition itself was in the same neighborhood as the previous ones, but in a professional looking studio, with autographed headshots of real, famous actors on the walls.
The "casting agent" was also a screenplay writer, but because he was young and only getting into the business( I presume,) he was nice, gave me time of the day and the atmosphere was much more relaxed that previously. I didn't do the monologue, but read the "sides," which is acting vocabulary for the parts of the script you read during an audition. So I read, we talked, I read again and than he said he'll get back to me. The shoot, if he ever calls me back, will be outside of New York. But that's o.k. It would be fun, and a good experience.
As it happens, everything happens at the same time. I got a phone call for another student film just hours later. This audition is on Monday, also for an interesting, a pretty big role in a NYFA film.
So, keep your fingers crossed. It's good experience and, boy, do I need it!
On my way back from the audition, M. and I stopped at packed MoMA, to see Seurat.
I highly recommend the exhibition! His late work is amazing! I was stunned by his drawings from the family of "At the concert European," where he's drawn nightclub singers and the atmosphere in French clubs from late XIX century, with such insight. He's a symbolist, with the heightened use of mysticism. His best work was just before he died, at the age of 31, from diphtheria. It's amazing how much he was able to achieve in such a short life. What a waste.
So go, see it, now!
The "casting agent" was also a screenplay writer, but because he was young and only getting into the business( I presume,) he was nice, gave me time of the day and the atmosphere was much more relaxed that previously. I didn't do the monologue, but read the "sides," which is acting vocabulary for the parts of the script you read during an audition. So I read, we talked, I read again and than he said he'll get back to me. The shoot, if he ever calls me back, will be outside of New York. But that's o.k. It would be fun, and a good experience.
As it happens, everything happens at the same time. I got a phone call for another student film just hours later. This audition is on Monday, also for an interesting, a pretty big role in a NYFA film.
So, keep your fingers crossed. It's good experience and, boy, do I need it!
On my way back from the audition, M. and I stopped at packed MoMA, to see Seurat.
I highly recommend the exhibition! His late work is amazing! I was stunned by his drawings from the family of "At the concert European," where he's drawn nightclub singers and the atmosphere in French clubs from late XIX century, with such insight. He's a symbolist, with the heightened use of mysticism. His best work was just before he died, at the age of 31, from diphtheria. It's amazing how much he was able to achieve in such a short life. What a waste.
So go, see it, now!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Bliss
I had an hour of Bliss yesterday. It's the most unbelievable spa in New York, one I've read about in magazines before moving here.
It's on the fourth floor of the fancy, trendy W hotel. When you walk in, everyone's smiling. The spa seems large-there are showers, steam and sauna, lockers, than my favorite-women's lounge. There, under the dim lights and relaxing music, you can have cheese and crackers, lemonade, tea, olives, cucumber and variety of delicious cookies, a much as you want. And read magazines, while munching.
This is where your aestetitian picks you up and takes you to an individual room for a treatment. The warm, cozy, anatomically shaped bed there is helping you relax as you enjoy your facial or a massage.
A Romanian woman did my facial. We chatted about Ceausescu and the communism, and the contemporary times. Things have not been much different there than in Serbia, historically. She did leave Romania over 25 years ago. Her accent was still strong.
She was surprised when she heard I was married. "Are you in school,?" she asked while massaging my face. "I got done with school recently and I'm looking for a job now." "How old are you, 21, 22?" That's when I started laughing while increasingly enjoying my treatment. They don't give you only the facial, but also an ego-enhancer.
"No, I wish, I'm a bit older that that," I smilingly answered.
She seemed genuinely stunned when I told her how young I am. Really, she did. I can tell when people are just giving you a compliment without meaning it.
I mean, I thought I look younger, but never that young. God, Bliss feels so good!
It's on the fourth floor of the fancy, trendy W hotel. When you walk in, everyone's smiling. The spa seems large-there are showers, steam and sauna, lockers, than my favorite-women's lounge. There, under the dim lights and relaxing music, you can have cheese and crackers, lemonade, tea, olives, cucumber and variety of delicious cookies, a much as you want. And read magazines, while munching.
This is where your aestetitian picks you up and takes you to an individual room for a treatment. The warm, cozy, anatomically shaped bed there is helping you relax as you enjoy your facial or a massage.
A Romanian woman did my facial. We chatted about Ceausescu and the communism, and the contemporary times. Things have not been much different there than in Serbia, historically. She did leave Romania over 25 years ago. Her accent was still strong.
She was surprised when she heard I was married. "Are you in school,?" she asked while massaging my face. "I got done with school recently and I'm looking for a job now." "How old are you, 21, 22?" That's when I started laughing while increasingly enjoying my treatment. They don't give you only the facial, but also an ego-enhancer.
"No, I wish, I'm a bit older that that," I smilingly answered.
She seemed genuinely stunned when I told her how young I am. Really, she did. I can tell when people are just giving you a compliment without meaning it.
I mean, I thought I look younger, but never that young. God, Bliss feels so good!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Tired, showy, lazy N.Y.C. day
The open call and the acting classes last night totally drained me. Plus, I didn't sleep well at all. So I woke up feeling sick, while healthy. I did have two auditions on my calendar today, but going to them, the way I was feeling, would not be fun, but a torture.
So instead I stayed in for half of the day, catching up with some bills and home errands, went to the gym where I read T.Williams, and then to TJ's for fun food shopping! I love TJs! Great food, courteous people, reasonable prices.
The 20 block chilly walk was sobering-I felt less tired after it.
I haven't taken that walk along the Third Avenue for a while. I forgot how much I enjoy it.
I've noticed how New York gets a certain Christmas charm even outside of the Fifth Avenue. One artfully decorated flower shop on my way, and the enlightened trees, made me want to buy an egg nog. And put on Sinatra and the Christmas tree.
Maybe tomorrow.
So instead I stayed in for half of the day, catching up with some bills and home errands, went to the gym where I read T.Williams, and then to TJ's for fun food shopping! I love TJs! Great food, courteous people, reasonable prices.
The 20 block chilly walk was sobering-I felt less tired after it.
I haven't taken that walk along the Third Avenue for a while. I forgot how much I enjoy it.
I've noticed how New York gets a certain Christmas charm even outside of the Fifth Avenue. One artfully decorated flower shop on my way, and the enlightened trees, made me want to buy an egg nog. And put on Sinatra and the Christmas tree.
Maybe tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Freezing your way to casting
I never believed that I would wait an hour and a half to get to an open casting call. But, I did, today!
I wasn't even late, I got there exactly on time, and the line was nothing I've ever seen before. Worst than the Millionaire's. I swear!
"Is this what New York is all about? Long lines? Waiting?,"I kept asking myself. "I don't know if I'm cut out for it."
But I stayed. At first, because I had nothing better to do, and a caramel macchiato in my hand. Later, because I've already waited for almost an hour. But at exactly an hour into it, I got really close to the entrance.I couldn't feel my toes anymore.I was dressed warmly, but in about 35 to 38 degrees max, two pairs of socks can only do so much.
I wasn't freezing for nothing for an hour! So I stayed! I finally got in, filled the paperwork along with another 200 people, gave them my resume and the headshot, they took another two pics, and that was it!
They will call us when they need us! Did I mention it was for a casting agency that works for "Law and Order" and "Sex and the City?"
Don't get too excited, it's just for an extra. But, you never know...
I wasn't even late, I got there exactly on time, and the line was nothing I've ever seen before. Worst than the Millionaire's. I swear!
"Is this what New York is all about? Long lines? Waiting?,"I kept asking myself. "I don't know if I'm cut out for it."
But I stayed. At first, because I had nothing better to do, and a caramel macchiato in my hand. Later, because I've already waited for almost an hour. But at exactly an hour into it, I got really close to the entrance.I couldn't feel my toes anymore.I was dressed warmly, but in about 35 to 38 degrees max, two pairs of socks can only do so much.
I wasn't freezing for nothing for an hour! So I stayed! I finally got in, filled the paperwork along with another 200 people, gave them my resume and the headshot, they took another two pics, and that was it!
They will call us when they need us! Did I mention it was for a casting agency that works for "Law and Order" and "Sex and the City?"
Don't get too excited, it's just for an extra. But, you never know...
Monday, December 3, 2007
Audition-Take Two
I've survived my second audition in this city crawling with wanna-be actors.
But this one was legitimate. When I walked in, I found a scene you all probably saw at least once on TV--a room filled with actors reading a book and waiting to get called.
"Do you need to sign up?" said a woman close to the door, couple of minutes after I've must have been looking lost. "Yes," I answered, thankful for the attention. "The sign up sheet is in the other room."
The first empty slot was 83. It was 12:30 p.m. And they were auditioning number 38.
So I put my name on the sheet, pack my bags and meet M. for lunch.
Two hours later, they're listening to the number 59. At least I wasn't late.
Looking for an empty seat in the packed waiting room, I spot this young, friendly looking girl and make my way there. Soon we start talking about the business and how competitive it is in this city. She's a professional actress, even has a M.F.A. in acting. This is all she does and how she supports herself. Very impressive, I thought. She's been doing so for seven years now and still cannot get an agent?!
"Can I see your resume," a Serb in me is rearing her nosy head. "Sure," she says, and the rest of the conversation was about how she got to be on "Law and Order."
"Wow, " I said, "that's all I wanna do!"
She's been kind in saying that it was just a tiny role, but to me, it sounded magical!
Her resume is impressive- a lot of theater, some TV...I felt like such an amateur.
Then I realized, most of the people in this room are probably as experienced as she is. What am I doing here ?????
But, I was already there. It was a long walk. It took me an hour just to get ready.
So, I'm not leaving without at least walking into the auditioning studio and saying my monologue. Even though I felt like finding a big hole and crawling into it.
So I did it! I walked in, said my monologue, thanked them and left. The panel of four people-two mid aged men and two youngsters were at the table. I was in front of them, in this large, more-less soundproof room. They didn't seemed impressed.
Still, I felt so good about myself leaving that place, despite knowing I'm not going to get the role. I did something I was afraid of. I also got so many advices from that nice actress I bugged. And I might actually be better next time!
But this one was legitimate. When I walked in, I found a scene you all probably saw at least once on TV--a room filled with actors reading a book and waiting to get called.
"Do you need to sign up?" said a woman close to the door, couple of minutes after I've must have been looking lost. "Yes," I answered, thankful for the attention. "The sign up sheet is in the other room."
The first empty slot was 83. It was 12:30 p.m. And they were auditioning number 38.
So I put my name on the sheet, pack my bags and meet M. for lunch.
Two hours later, they're listening to the number 59. At least I wasn't late.
Looking for an empty seat in the packed waiting room, I spot this young, friendly looking girl and make my way there. Soon we start talking about the business and how competitive it is in this city. She's a professional actress, even has a M.F.A. in acting. This is all she does and how she supports herself. Very impressive, I thought. She's been doing so for seven years now and still cannot get an agent?!
"Can I see your resume," a Serb in me is rearing her nosy head. "Sure," she says, and the rest of the conversation was about how she got to be on "Law and Order."
"Wow, " I said, "that's all I wanna do!"
She's been kind in saying that it was just a tiny role, but to me, it sounded magical!
Her resume is impressive- a lot of theater, some TV...I felt like such an amateur.
Then I realized, most of the people in this room are probably as experienced as she is. What am I doing here ?????
But, I was already there. It was a long walk. It took me an hour just to get ready.
So, I'm not leaving without at least walking into the auditioning studio and saying my monologue. Even though I felt like finding a big hole and crawling into it.
So I did it! I walked in, said my monologue, thanked them and left. The panel of four people-two mid aged men and two youngsters were at the table. I was in front of them, in this large, more-less soundproof room. They didn't seemed impressed.
Still, I felt so good about myself leaving that place, despite knowing I'm not going to get the role. I did something I was afraid of. I also got so many advices from that nice actress I bugged. And I might actually be better next time!
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Snowy New York
Winter finally came to New York. Not that I like winter, but I do like snow. I wish it could come without the cold.
I woke up to a white city, and it was snowing heavily and slowly throughout the day. But somehow, it all seems to be melting now. I guess N.Y.C. is after all too hot for snow. In every way possible.
This is my first snow-watching in New York. Unless I count a visit during winter of 2004. I don't remember watching it fall though, like today. And I certainly didn't feel home back then. In fact, I didn't know where I was going or what I was doing.
It just seemed like this huge, bright, the most alive city I've ever seen.
When I think back of three years ago, so many things have changed. And if anyone told me back then that I will watch the snow fall down on Manhattan from my own window, I'm not sure if I would believe.
I woke up to a white city, and it was snowing heavily and slowly throughout the day. But somehow, it all seems to be melting now. I guess N.Y.C. is after all too hot for snow. In every way possible.
This is my first snow-watching in New York. Unless I count a visit during winter of 2004. I don't remember watching it fall though, like today. And I certainly didn't feel home back then. In fact, I didn't know where I was going or what I was doing.
It just seemed like this huge, bright, the most alive city I've ever seen.
When I think back of three years ago, so many things have changed. And if anyone told me back then that I will watch the snow fall down on Manhattan from my own window, I'm not sure if I would believe.
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