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.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, April 18, 2008
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...
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...
Thursday, April 17, 2008
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:)
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:)
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, April 14, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
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.
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.
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