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.
Melissa Maniglia
Monday, March 22, 2010
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! ;-)
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.
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.
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