Melissa Maniglia




Tuesday, November 30, 2010

A Toast to Friendship

A good friend is a sounding board for you when life sends you a speed bump that slows you down and even more so when a wrecking ball decides to give you a window to the outside world where you previously had a enclosed apartment.

(But, hey, we need more natural light, right?!?)

They help save you from doing something stupid OR are there in the cop car with you going "Damn, that was fun!"

They know you through the ages, through trials, tribulations and headaches. Through first loves and their break up. Through fashion disasters that only a true friend will state the magnitude of to your face. Through children, long absences and recessions. Through Sci Fi & Chick Flicks. Through Peanut allergies and emergency room visits. Through mood swings and PMS (No, boys, they are not one in the same). Through everything, they are there.

We are truly blessed if we find one person like this.  Overwhelmed with riches if we find two.  And kidding ourselves if we think we have three.

So, in dealing with life, love & what I wore (yep, I "borrowed" that one!), I say thank you to those who have stuck by.  I am truly grateful and blessed to have you in my life.

M



Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Justifying the Struggle

Very often someone will make the statement "Your smart and educated. Get a real job and make money!" 

Oh, this is the economic climate to answer that one! 

Every day, even as we slowly move out of the long lasting and painful recession, we are faced with more people than ever losing not only their jobs but the financial security they struggled so hard to obtain for themselves and their family. In one moment, people are wiped clean of savings, investments, careers, and security.  

If their stories aren't the perfect economic lesson as to why I should trudge forth and pursue my dreams, then I don't know if there is one. 

In a way, by not experiencing economic wealth as an adult, I am blessed with the perfect spring board to move forward. Since my standard of living is low, it can only get better.  I do not have to worry as much about maintaining a style of living/a family since I can easily replace my current income with any number of low paying but readily available jobs.  

I do dream of the day when I have my own home, my own car, have a family, and a weekend that will be entirely mine (just maybe not in that order ;-) ). But I am willing to wait until my career is has gained more stability to pursue those ends. 

Ironically, these dark economic times are the perfect justification to following your dreams. 



Friday, November 12, 2010

Its the Soundtrack of Your Life

Anyone have a soundtrack to their life, be it what you blare as you work on submissions, calm down after a crazy day, or are pumping yourself with confidence on the way to an audition? Oh, I know I do!

Here are just a few of the songs that can be heard blaring on my playlist at any given moment:

Submission Productivity:
Pumping for a Audition:
Chillin:
Letting Loose After A Long Day/More Submission Productivity:
After One of THOSE Days:
Dealing with Men: 


 This week's theme has definitely been the man himself, Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire."  But then again, when isn't that song appropriate?!?

M ;-)



Thursday, November 11, 2010

Looking Back/Looking Forward

WHAT A YEAR!

And the crazy thing is, its only November!

Jobs have come and gone. Classes have come and gone. Sadly, even friends, have come and gone.

I've moved. I've created my blog and website. I've auditioned and received a multitude of results. I've traveled. I've studied. I've met new people.  I've gained TONS of new experiences and grown from them. And the possibilities are just getting better!

I've even lost weight (oh HAZAH!)!

I know this list will just grow by the end of this year. I simply can't think of EVERYTHING that has happened this year. Its been crazy/insane/amazing!

Even as early as November, I can tell you that I am not the same person I was last year.

Thank you, God, for that!

(To Be Continued! ;-) )

Secret Agent Man

Has anyone read the Backstage columns by "Secret Agent Man?" 

Its nice to have a concise, real perspective on what a agent really thinks when your in the room.  Too often we, as actors, walk into a meeting with our list of recycled questions hoping that we will connect on some basic level and get to work with the person.  The agent sits there, smile plastered across their face, nodding while you perform.  They say "Good Job" and "Keep in Touch" and send you on your way.  Sometimes you work with them, sometimes you don't. 

What I like about this column is that "Secret Agent Man" actually lets you into the head of the agent faced with desperate and hungry actors who I think, deep down, need industry validation of their chosen path. 

If any of you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. It's my favorite column out there. 

M

http://www.backstage.com/bso/advice/secret-agent-man/index.jsp



Monday, October 11, 2010

It Gets Better from Memphis on Broadway

Hey All! 
I am so proud to be part of this video with the amazing cast and crew of "Memphis."  

Being a theatrical, outgoing individual in a conservative Pennsylvania town wasn't the easiest thing in the world.  Spending all of your energy trying to conform to other individual's definition of "normal" was frustrating to say the least. The best thing I ever did was throw off their definitions, move to the big city, and start discovering who I am.   Now, this enlightening voyage of self discovery hasn't always been easy.  I've made many a mistake and learned, sometimes on multiple occasions, from them.  But, that being said, I know I am far more content with my life now than I would have been following the more traditional, conservative path.

So, here's to self discovery and accepting who you really are.

It gets better.

Friday, September 17, 2010

The Quality of Debate

You know, I truly find debate wonderful...

Even if its in my own head.

Its not uncommon to question one's life direction and adjust it accordingly.  Though I personally crave stability, I've learned that change moves you forward and saves you from one day being a monotonous continuum of the day before.

So, I'm changing.  Things that were rather stable factors in my life are being swept up and placed in their proper place; My past. Though I have a few things in the works, they are all items that will move me into a far more positive and productive direction.

So, its a long way to say that, after a rather long absence, I'm back and thinking towards the future.  And its invigorating.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

CONGRATULATIONS MEMPHIS!

If you are in NYC and have a chance to see a show, I HIGHLY recommend the new musical, "Memphis." It has charm, whit, humor and heart that leaves the audience RAVING! The people involved with show are some of the kindest I have ever met in NYC. I'm so grateful to be working at this theatre.

AND 8 TONY NOMINATIONS!! It couldn't have happened to a better group of people!

Friday, April 30, 2010

HOCKADOO BABY!

Final bowling game of the season:

Started poorly, looked as though I wouldn't top my all time high of  118 that I scored previously.

Then...

Wait for it...

Three strikes, then two spares, then two strikes, and a gutter ball!

Ended in typical Melissa fashion!! :-D

New all time high score: 164

I have pictures to prove it!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

What Ever Happened to Art?

Alright, time to rant.

Have any of you ever wondered what it would be like if struggling actors like ourselves didn't need day jobs? If we didn't have to spend hours a day wondering which acting class to take, which showcase we can afford to do, and which submission we should make all based on finances. If all we had to worry about was the art, what would our lives be like?

I am not ashamed to admit that I am one of those idealist who can be found sitting down over a cheap glass of wine, or hanging out with a group of friends at Blockheads ($3 Margarita's Baby!) and dreaming about what the world, and my career, would be like if money were not an object in this equation.  No longer limited to the "safe" auditions that fit into my tight work schedule, no more sleepless nights doing audition prep that would have been done earlier if I didn't have to work, no more wondering if I could do this great play reading but realizing that I would have to take off too much time from my paying job to do so. Just being able to act.

Sometimes the business of the business takes us too far away from the art of it.   And its kinda frustrating.

And that's my rant...

Friday, April 9, 2010

Updates, Updates, Updates!

Hello All!

Life has been crazy since my last post, both good crazy and just plain crazy. But there are some wonderful updates to tell you.

First off: I will be participating in the AIDS Walk in NYC this Sunday, May 16th at the bright and early hour of 8:30am. More info to come regarding how to donate, but until then, please check out the official AIDS walk website. http://www.aidswalk.net/newyork/index.html

Secondly: Getting back into the swing of things includes working at Actor's Connection. I used to work there on a regular basis, and really enjoyed the additional opportunity to network with my fellow actors, but had to stop when working to pay off school. This Monday is my first night back. WOHOO!! I'll let you know how it goes. BTW: Congrats to everyone who is booking work from there! There is an amazing sweep of my fellow hosts finally getting their big break. Double WOHOO!

Thirdly: Bowling Update - First game, almost broke a hundred! I'm getting there. Second round, well its past my bedtime so it can't be held against me, right?!? I'll focus on the positives!

Fourthly (Is that even a word?!? Guess so, spell check says it is): Monologues are coming along, thank goodness! It’s nice to have something like that to work on and play with.

More updates to come later. This has been a crazy, and now that I think of it, an actually good week.

PS. So, for those of you who don't know, I am a severely addicted to German musicals. I saw "Jekyll & Hyde" there when I studied abroad and was amazed by how in-depth the stories are; they are willing to be a little more innovative in how they tell the tale. Well, I just figured out that one of my all time favorite German musicals, "Elizabeth," is available on R0 DVD. WOHOO! Full review to come! Now all I have to do is remember my German...

Friday, April 2, 2010

The Theatre Mystic

You know, sometimes I forget how lucky I am.


What am I doing right now? Sitting in the empty house of a Broadway theatre and simply breathing in the life of it.

A theatre is truly a living, breathing being, made up of many different organisms that give it life and energy. This energy draws us towards it. We want to be there. We want to see what it's doing, what it's creating, how it is living.

As I sit in the empty house, I hear the sounds of the associate music director practicing a classical composition in the lower lobby. Simultaneously, I watch as an actor casually taps one of his own creations out on the stage piano. These dueling melody's are uninterrupted by the production stage manager checking out the house. All the while, patrons discuss which tickets to purchase for tonight's show in the outer lobby to the fugue of car horns on 44th Street. The cooling system hums in the background while the theatre mouse squeaks behind me. And here I am, creating my own little buzz, typing away on my keyboard.

Theatre has a mystic to it and sitting in the empty house, I feel it. Its not just the show patrons come to see, but the being that is "Theatre."

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Monologues & Horoscopes, Oh My!

So, for any of you who know me personally, I've been bemoaning my current monologues for some time now.  I've just picked up three plays at Drama Book Shop and I am curious as to what you think of my choices for new material. Do they fit me? Do you think they will work? My selections are:

  • "reasons to be pretty" by Neil LaBute - Steph
  • "100 Saints You Should Know" by Kate Fodor - Theresa
  • "Sense & Sensibility" by Jane Austin, Adaptation by Ashley J. Barnard - Elinor
Let me know what you think.

In other news, I just sat down and checked out my horoscope for the month of April.  Good things are coming, so it says.

Taking seriously your astrological attributes can be somewhat of a joke or a taboo in the world today. That being said, many people check them daily "for fun." Amusingly enough, in this business, almost immediately after you are introduced to someone, they ask your astrological sign.  So I'm wondering, do you find that the things mentioned in your horoscope actually happen?  The jury is still out for me, with my being more skeptical than a believer, but there are some things I have found to be true.  For example, I am constantly surprised by how often people get moody or temperamental around a full moon.  But on all other aspects, I have yet to have any prediction make me a believer.

So, what are your thoughts?

Monday, March 29, 2010

What Kind of Nerd are You?

I am a nerd.  A great big Sci Fi lovin nerd!!


Now, I am a particular brand of Sci Fi nerd. You have some who are all about Star Trek. You have some who are so engrossed in comic books that they can't read anything without pictures (Yes, my dears, I mean you!). Then you have my version of nerdom.

In my version of nerdom, supernatural dramas rule and Joss Whedon and his Buffy-verse is to blame! I love the teeny bopper CW shows and download "The Vampire Diaries" and "Supernatural" weekly. I have a iTunes Season Pass for "Ghost Whisperer" and can withstand the teasing of my friends for enjoying a Jennifer Love Hewitt TV Series.. I love the old TV show "Dark Shadows" as well as its 1990s reincarnation. I've read Anne Rice's Vampire and Mayfair Chronicles at least once a year in addition to seeing all of the movies her books are based on (In my option, Stuart Townsend's Lestat was far closer to that of her novels). I actually sat through "Lestat" TWICE during its limited Broadway run and would really like to see the cast recording finally released (Drew Sarich ROCKS). I've read all of the Sookie Stackhouse novels that the "True Blood" series is based on and actually enjoy the twists HBO has placed on them. I will admit to having read all four Twilight novels with no shame. Also, penny pincher that I am, actually repurchased all seven season of "Buffy" when a friend "borrowed" them (Note: I will never lend them out again. Don't even ask!). At times, I have actually had to turn to Canadian television and the BBC for Sci Fi shows when the US won't give me enough to support my addiction. And if any writer can throw my love of costume dramas into their script, I'm a dedicated fan.

So thank you, Joss Whedon, for forever opening the door of Sci Fi nerdom to me. If it weren't for your clever show about a cheerleader living on the hellmouth with a vampire problem, I would never have experienced the epic and giddy delights of vampire nerdom.

And yes, I even watched/am the proud owner of the "Buffy" movie.


PS. I also drool over "Dr. Who." It took me two seasons of David Tennant to get over the fact that Eccleston was gone... I don't know if I can handle Tennant leaving too!

PSS. "Torchwood" had better return!

PSSS. Check out this link to help discover which type of nerd you or your loved one are!!
http://geektyrant.com/storage/post-images/Sci-Fi-Superfan-Reference-Manual.jpg

Cheap & Healthy Eats in NYC - Your thoughts?!?

So, when I first conceived this blog, I wanted it to be a place where I not only shared my experiences and thoughts on this business, but where my fellow actors and I could engage in a dialogue on the business, living in NYC, and anything else that came to mind. So, here is my first discussion topic: Cheap & Healthy Eats in NYC

So, Cheap & Healthy Eats in NYC could be a bit of a oxymoron, but I have a funny feeling I'm not the only actor asking themselves that question. Apples, Bananas and Deli salads work for awhile, but can get boring after the umpteenth day. Where can we go, in a city that is overpriced to begin with, to grab a healthy and affordable bite to eat before the next class/audition/gig. We have two categories: Under $10 and Under $5. Once I get enough responses, I will create a separate page on my blog for us to reference and keep updating as we discover new places.

I hungrily await your responses!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Channeling Dory

Just keep submitting! Just keep submitting! Just keep submitting, submitting, submitting!

Ever see "Finding Nemo?"

Well, I kinda feel like Dory, leading Marlin into the dark part of the Ocean.

Who knows where I am going... Who knows what I am getting into...

But going down there will get me closer to my goal.

SO...

Just keep submitting! Just keep submitting! Just keep submitting, submitting, submitting!!

(Side note, blogging is a excellent distraction from submissions! Just thought I would share that with you! So is laundry... I really need to revisit that one soon!!)

Monday, March 22, 2010

MIA Blogger Found - Craziness Insues

I can't believe its been seventeen days since I blogged last. How on earth did that happen?!?


Well, at least I can say I have used the time productively.

Lets see, I've:

* Had a very nice visit with my family. Being in NYC, and without a car of my own, means that seeing the parental units and little muchkins (who are no longer as short as their nickname "Shorty" implies) is a rare occurrence. Quality family time is wonderful and rare so its always appreciated when it is available.

* Saw the invited dress of the new Broadway show "Red." Alfred Molina was amazing. He fully embodied his character and had no visible "tricks" or false moments to carry his intense and emotional performance. His character flowed so naturally from his person that it really showed what true acting is. I also gained a far deeper respect for him as a performer and as a star; very few actors in his category would willing set their egos aside to sit on stage during the entirety of the rowdy and loud walk in just to set the production's scene. I really need to sit down and watch some of his film work now.

* Presented a unrehearsed scene from Shanley's "Doubt" in class. The last time I did one (ironically from the same play) it was entirely different. My work when I first moved to New York was very self conscious and presentational. I wasn't acting or living in the moment, but presenting what I thought others wanted to see. Having grown up a bit since that sad time, I feel more willing to just be; to let myself alone and let what is going to happen, happen. So this time around I found the unrehearsed scene rather empowering. I look forward to seeing what happens when we present it as a rehearsed scene in class.

* Begun the long lost monologue search... again! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am no longer in love with those I had used and am looking for something new. Something Fun. Something SASSY! Any suggestions?!?

* Also beginning the task of submissions to commercial agents. I've already pinpointed those that I think I would work well with and now I am beginning the process of contacting them. If you have any suggestions of whom I should contact as well, please let me know.

In other news, I enjoyed seeing the First Lady at "Memphis" on Broadway. It is wonderful seeing the show receive the positive recognition it deserves. It really is a word of mouth show and, it appears, that word of mouth includes the White House. Very cool!

So, I am breaking one of my cardinal rules today: I will be in NYC on my day off. I know, crazy, but I have tickets to the show "Come Fly Away" so I think I can bend my rule this once...

Break's over. Back to submissions.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Breaking News: Strike-A-Doo Girl Got a Strike!

Boys and Girls, Children of All Ages, This Just In:


I scored a 101 in Bowling!

Yep, finally beat that 100 mark! Oh yea, quitting the day job and going professional!

Right...!

Switched to beer last night. Hum... wonder if that had anything to do with it?

Anyway, this post has very little to do with acting and everything to do with the improvement of my all important bowling score. Hum... which I can actually link to acting/career goals by saying that, if you work hard at something, survive your derailments (i.e. ER visit) and persist, you will SUCCEED!

He He! Cliché, anyone?!?

But true, none the less! ;-)

Monday, March 1, 2010

And in this corner, "Life"

Sometimes the best laid plans are unexpectedly derailed by that little four letter word which we both love and hate: "Life."


After my last blog, I was burgeoning with the momentum of finishing a wonderful and inspiring class. A fire was in me and I was brimming with both excitement and productivity. My "To Do" list was diminishing at a remarkable rate and I felt on fire. Then, that night, "Life" decided to slow me down with a personal trip to the ER. Though I was released that evening, it forced me to slow down and allow my body to recover. And that is when the little demon of self doubt begins to creep in.

When you are productive, that little devil on your shoulder is drowned out by the power of your creativity and momentum. You can see your goal and how to work towards it. When you slow down, for whatever reason, that devil's voice can take prominence in your thoughts and make your goals seem far fetched and ridiculous.

Now, one thing I have learned is that, to work through a problem, you have to admit that there is one. I know, I know, that is probably the biggest "Duh" statement you've ever heard, but how many times have we tried to "work through" our feelings by denying what we feel in the first place? For example, when I used to walk into an audition, I would try to fool myself into thinking that I wasn't nervous when, in fact, I was. It took me a long time to realize that everyone who walks into an audition, at some level, is nervous. By acknowledging the fact that they, and myself, were feeling the same trepidations, it allowed me a greater sense of calm and freedom to be myself and, dare I say it, even have fun?!?

So, now it is time for me to get back on the bike that I fell off of Thursday night. First thing on my “to do” list: Reach over and strangling that little, yappy devil on my shoulder.

Oh, that felt really good!


_______________


You know, I started this blog to keep myself focused on my career and what I am doing to advance it. Sitting down today, I struggled to put my feelings of frustration into words that would propel me into action. By finally doing so, in a way, working through the problem, I feel the foggy haze of the past few days clearing enough for me to return to work with focus and energy. The ability to admit your frustrations, and perhaps to admit them publically, has a therapeutic quality. To complain bitterly is one thing, but to admit to a problem and work through it is energizing.

I'm rather enjoying this.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Snow & Strategy

As the snow falls, rather romantically, outside my window and I curl up with a cup of coffee (sprinkled with cinnamon) and my laptop, I think "This is a wonderful day to just stay in bed a enjoy the simple things in life."

Sigh...

Now that I've had my moment of nostalgia, its time to get crackin (as my loving grandmother would say).

Double sigh...

The week, thus far, has been hectic but productive. In fact, most of my weeks are a bit of both.  With three double days (with either class and a show or two shows) life can sometimes feel like its running on auto pilot.  So, now I am going to enjoy the restfulness the snow has provided and strategize. 

Last evening I had the sixth and final commercial class with David Cady of Donna DeSeta Casting.   His class has always been on my "To Do List" and I am glad I finally had the opportunity to take it.  David creates a relaxing, supportive and pressure free environment that is highly informative and, I feel, provided me with a great deal of personal growth.  And after two years out of the business, I find I both enjoy and celebrate these little milestones more and more.

As the saying goes, when one door closes, another door opens.  And that door seems to be far bigger than the one I just shut. 

Classes are great, but if you don't take what you learn and expand upon it, frustration will inevitably follow. Yes, I speak from experience.  SO, how does one expand?

Fortunately, class last night provided me with some ideas as to where to start and I think I've come up with some of my own. Here we go:
  1. Spend some quality time with my "Call Sheet."  Pinpoint a set number of commercial agents who specifically work on SAG projects that I would like to work with.
    (BTW: "Call Sheet" Really?!? Call me an old foggey, but it will always be a Ross Reports to me).
  2. Talk to friends who work with SAG agents and ask them for recommendations as to whom they like.
  3. Prepare and Send Mailings to said Agents
  4. Spend more quality time with my "Call Sheet." Pinpoint a set number of commercial casting directors who work on SAG projects whose radar I would like to be on.
  5. Talk to friends who are auditioning regularly for SAG commercials and get recommendations as to whom they think I should be seen by.
  6. Prepare and Send Mailings to CDs.
  7. Meet Agents and CDs
  8. Continue to watch commercials, see how copy is delivered, and learn what is popular now.
  9. See #1.
My favorite thing about classes, in general, are that they tend to light a fire under me. So, now its time for me to take this energy and expand upon what I've learned.

You know, I used to dread school when I was in K-12. Now I miss it.

Triple Sigh... With a cherry on top (ok, now I am just being silly!).

On a totally unrelated note, check out the blog photos from bowling last week. You can see my VERY snazzy pink bowling shoes!  
http://www.memphisthemusical.com/blog/2010/02/22/the-big-match-up/

Hum... I guess it is time for me to leave my cinnamon spiced coffee and get going. The snow is wonderful to watch, but a ever constant reminder that NJ Transit will take any possible excuse for my bus to run late.

But it is pretty!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Strike-a-Doo's, Baby!

Another week, a slightly better bowling score.


For those of you who don't know, I am a bowler on Memphis' "Strike - a - doo" bowling team. Last night we played the other Memphis bowling team, the "Pintasticals" and, fortunately, I didn't do as bad as I had the week before. The week before started strong, for me, in the 70s and ended with a dismal 48. Yea, I know, it was THAT bad! So, I decided that, for me to improve my bowling score, I had to start drinking. And, let me tell you, there is something in that. Not only did I score two 65s (come on people, be happy it wasn't a 48 again!) but I had a little bit more fun.... :)

Sadly, I am not the professional drinker that my friends are. Which is good, because the drinks at the Alley aren't cheap and, when you are a fan of scotch straight, a little goes a long way.

So, though I have no intention of quitting my day job to become a professional bowler, I do intend to play until my bowling shoes fall apart. Have to get my money's worth with them.

And, yes, I said it. I have bowling shoes. LONG story, but they are pink and don't look like bowling shoes, which makes me VERY happy!

Friday, February 12, 2010

Back in the Swing of Things

Well, I don't know if you survived the Blizzard of 2010 that some are calling it (or maybe that is just NJ transit which, so kindly, decided to cancel my bus home Wednesday night... GRR), but life and the pursuit there of continues to flourish in my neck of the woods.


After taking an almost two year hiatus from acting to pay off school, I am finally getting "back into the swing of things," as my mother would call it. To start off, I've gotten back into classes. This was, at first, a terrifying experience. I had been out of the game of awhile and felt entirely insecure in my dusty foundation. But getting back into class has been wonderfully invigorating with a dash of inspiring added in.

You know that moment, when something clicks into place? Well since I returned to classes in January, things have been clicking far more quickly than they had before. Perhaps it’s the fact that I can actually give myself fully to what I am doing and not have to worry constantly (or at least, as much) about how my ever mounting bills will be paid. It could also be that I am far more comfortable in my skin than I was two years ago (the stress of the never ending, seven day work week really puts life/love/friendships into perspective). I am not quite sure about the WHY of my current mindset, but I love how it affects my life and my art.

The stars are aligning, the pieces are falling into place, and I feel that I am where I need to be in life. I don't remember having ever been this confident about my working in law (an entirely different story, I might add) and I am both a bit scared and a bit thrilled by it.

So let’s talk about goals for the upcoming week. This is a feature I am hoping to post on each of my blogs to keep myself focused on where I am and where I need to be. So, by Sunday, February 21st I will:

- Go to TWO auditions that I found on my own;
- Write a "Personal Monologue" exercise for scene study;
- Find a new monologue to learn.


Updates to come. You know I will keep you posted!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Because there is Beauty in the Struggle

When I first told my friends and family I was starting "Struggling Actress Blog," I was greeted with a wide variety of responses.

"Cool"

"That's nice..."

"What's a Blog?"

"WHAT?!? NO! That's a horrible name! You don't want to be struggling forever!"

Well, I kinda expected the first three but was floored by the last one. After my friend and I discussed her viewpoint, I can see where someone might misconstrue my meaning.

So, please, let me explain:

When looking up the word "Struggling" on Dictionary.com, there are 9 definitions. For me, the 9th and final one describes my meaning. "A task or goal requiring much effort to accomplish or achieve."

No matter where you are at in your career, you are always setting goals for yourself. Whether it is to book your first job, get the series regular role, or only accept roles that challenge you artistically, you are always working towards that next goal, that next achievement. Even those in the A list category are still working towards goals (or at least I assume so; not quite there myself yet!) And, well, “Goal Making Actress Blog" is just not as catchy for a web page! So, since I have learned to find the beauty in the struggle (at least on most days), I decided on "Struggling Actress Blog" for my blog name.

Now I am starting this blog to document my effort, or lack there of, to achieve my artistic and personal goals. They always say "It takes a village." Well, I have found that to be a true, yet annoying, statement. SO, my dear internet village, help keep me on track! :)