Gainfully Unemployed

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2010-04-05T14:55:00.001-05:00

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The Importance of Inspiration

2010-04-01T07:18:00.000-05:00

Because the Gainfully Unemployed must often be proactive to get work, we need frequent inspiration to keep us going. We need new approaches, new projects to create, new sources of motivation.

You can inspire inspiration via quotes/affirmations, books/articles, journaling and following programs such as The Artist’s Way. Some tie inspiration in with religion, faith, and/or the universe. Insights can be generated by brainstorming or just talking your thoughts through with a friend who gets you and what you want to accomplish.

Sometimes inspiration comes when you least expect it...whether it’s a line of dialogue, that missing scene, or the seed that sprouts an entirely new project. How many people say they do their best thinking in the shower? I keep a pen and pad of paper in every room; I’ve learned the hard way if I don’t write these flashes of brilliance down, they quite frustratingly disappear into the mist no matter how sure I am I’ll remember.

I woke up at 4:30AM this morning. Worries about when I might get the last form I need to file my income taxes kept me from going back to sleep. Suddenly an idea for a YA popped into my head. For weeks I’ve been waffling over what genre to write next, unsure if any of the premises I’ve come up with are high concept and/or fresh enough. Stung by recent close but no cigar rejections like "didn't feel there wasn't a strong enough hook to market this novel...it was a tough call to make because we really do like your writing." And even when I've honed in on a genre, I go back and forth over tone/style. What I know of the market and recent sales sways me, though I know you're not supposed to write to trends. This morning’s concept just might be it.

What you do with inspiration is key...do you act upon it or talk yourself out of it? Overthink it to death or let it flow organically?

What inspires you?

For more thoughts:

Wikipedia: Artistic Inspiration

eHow: How to Give Yourself Inspiration

LearnThis: 8 Methods to Find Inspiration

The Working Actress

2010-03-25T08:20:00.000-05:00

I’m happy to report my busiest month so far since fleeing corporate America at the end of 2005 to be an actress and freelance writer/editor.

This week alone I’ll have seven auditions...all from agents. Two on camera, four VO and one theatre.

There are other ways to get auditions, but agents usually have access to the best gigs. Craigslist lists a variety of auditions, though many are non-paying, such as student films. Occasionally CL has great postings; sometimes I get auditions after submitting my headshot/resume. Other sites such as Performink and CIN list auditions--though many of these are for theatre and improv, which usually don't pay or don't pay as much as on camera or VO work. I subscribe to a couple of sites that send a bunch of VO audition opportunities every day. But to get this many auditions from agents in one week is fabulous. And as they say, if you’re not in it, you can’t win it. I hope that being on their radar now means I’ll stay there.

I also booked two jobs this week...a VO narration after an ASAP audition. Also a several day corporate gig for ComedySportz..in Las Vegas! And I’m presenting a voiceover business workshop at Acting Studio Chicago. Last week I had a 20+ minute narration job (that didn’t require a single word of revision!). I did a week of corporate training simulation for a consulting firm and was an extra in ABC’s TV pilot Matadors. Next week, so far, I’m doing a Northwestern Hospital video, via CL I have an audition to host an Internet health series, and I may be an extra in another pilot.

Perhaps the reason for this influx of business doesn’t matter, but I wonder. Is the economy improving? Are some of my many irons in the fire coming to fruition...is persistence finally paying? Does my flexible schedule help because others aren’t available? Or have I been doing good work that kindles more work? And will it continue?

Faithful readers will note this blog entry title is about acting. I'd hoped to do both writing/editing and acting. At the moment my various manuscripts are still incurring rejections, and the only writing I'm doing is for the religous parody Best Church of God. Of late, however, I haven't spent as much time pursuing opportunities/working on new projects/submitting.

Even the Gainfully Unemployed need a some down time... Stay tuned.

Extras Bill of Rights

2010-03-18T08:27:00.000-05:00

I've worked as an extra on more than 60 movies/TV shows. There. I've publicly admitted it, despite hearing that many agents/casting directors don't consider extra work worthy of inclusion on resumes.

But if I don't have an audition or booking, isn't it better for my acting career to be on a set, watching both household name (incl. Dustin Hoffman, Will Farrell & Vince Vaughn) and up and coming actors at their craft than to work a part time day job? Won't I learn more listening to famous, top notch directors (incl. Clint Eastwood and Sam Raimi)? There is also the very slim chance of being "updgraded" and given a line or a bit to do.

I view extra work this way: I'm getting paid (not very much, granted) to attend master classes on acting/directing. How else would you get to sit mere feet from Johnny Depp and hear him working with Michael Mann?

That being said, extras are sometimes treated like cattle, even when filming smaller scenes. Once we were asked to turn our chairs around and face the wall because the crew was eating. Other times, holding area conditions have been less than optimal. Outdoor scenes during Chicago winters can be grueling. Well, extras are people, too.

So I propose the following Extras Bill of Rights:

1) Holding areas will have sufficient lighting and heat/air conditioning. And garbage cans and toilet paper.

2) Water, coffee and some snacks will be available at all times.

3) In cold/hot weather, extras will have breaks to warm up/cool off.

Comments?

Multitasking

2010-03-11T09:08:00.000-06:00

We have become a nation of multitaskers. From e-communicating with one friend while talking to another to doing dishes while on the phone to working on several projects at once while keeping up with e-mail, most of us probably spend a good portion of our day doing more than one thing at a time.

Multitasking may feel efficient and productive on the one hand, but can lead to stress and frustration on the other. If our focus is scattered, if we’re worrying about what we’re supposed to do instead of what we are actually doing, it can be a challenge to complete our best, thorough work.

I’m finalizing a VO proposal for a four-part project for a returning client, editing a satirical sermon for the Best Church of God, making progress on a co-authored non-fiction project, preparing for a huge audition and dealing with a short deadline family matter entailing far too many forms and details. I’ve set a goal to get out more writing submissions and work on a new manuscript. Throw in a couple of rehearsals, workshops, some social events and miscellaneous appointments...

Trying to do everything in a timely manner had me reading e-mails while getting my hair cut. I like to a) get things off my plate and b) respond to others as soon as possible. I realize that a half hour delay doesn’t always matter. So perhaps I should have relaxed and enjoyed my salon time instead of fretting about all the signatures, documents and answers I needed to provide.

Recently I attended two meditation sessions, including a lecture and discussion, to clear my mind and reduce stress. To get better at living in the moment, being present where I am. I’d tried on my own, but got frustrated when I couldn’t stop thinking.

The group environment helped me to settle in and focus on my breathing. Each time, I was surprised that for a few minutes my mind went somewhere...not quite sure where, but relaxing nonetheless. Hearing others share similar life frustrations was reassuring. Unfortunately, the calming effect of the meditation didn’t last long. I plan to set aside a few minutes each day to see if I can sit on my own and focus on one thing at a time.

When one door closes...

2010-03-04T09:47:00.000-06:00

....another opens, as they say.  That closed door could also yield a nice surprise by reopening when you least expect it. Or it could remain closed, which can either be disappointing or result in a "oh, well, there are many more fish in the sea" attitude.

Most Gainfully Unemployed are constantly knocking on doors...to develop new contacts and expand our networks, to further, maintain and/or renew friendships/relationships. Because we never know where that next opportunity will come from.

The great gig I have this week (with at least one more week upcoming) role playing a high level executive (complete with an office that has a view of the lake & Navy Pier) came via a writer friend who used to work at the company. Way back in June 2006, she suggested I send in my resume, etc. My improv experience combined with years of award-winning corporate sales, marketing and training made me a perfect fit (IMHO, at least!). The contact e-mailed a nice reply and left the door open, but nothing came of it. I don't know if diligent follow up would have helped or not.  More than a year later, my friend suggested I resubmit to a new contact. I did...but again, nothing. Then out of the blue, a different person called me in for a meeting and hired me on the spot.

Three and a half years is a long time for something I'm interested in to come to fruition, which is why I need to have so many irons in the fire. We can't control who comes in and out of our lives or when, or the roles they'll play (as they say, we can only control our attitude...). For example, the aforementioned friend had moved away, but we've recently reconnected via Facebook.

When motivated, I'm applying, submitting, querying, auditioning, reminding people what I'm looking for, figuring out if there are any connections/assistance I can offer in return.  Coming across a bunch of naysayers or lack of responses in a row can lead to a period of unmotivation, where I think, "why bother?"  On the other hand, everyone needs some downtime, which for me often leads to a resurgence of output. And, I hope, many more open doors.

To email, text, talk, or see?

2010-02-25T09:05:00.000-06:00

Thanks to the explosion of social networking and texting, the increasing availability of email on our cell phones, it's never been easier to reconnect with and stay in touch with current and former friends, acquaintances and colleagues.

There are some people you may not communicate with as often as you used to but when you do, the connection and understanding still there. You pick up right where you left off.  You're glad modern technology facilitates bringing them back and keeping them in your life...like the college roommate who recently found me on FB.

However, it's also easier to communicate only online, and not actually speak to or see friends in person, to get sucked in to whittling away the hours on the FB game of seeing who can be the wittiest when commenting on comments to comments.  To creating the best Tweets. It's also far easier to let Internet communication take over when you are out and about. On the bus, more and more people are typing on their phones than reading or talking. There are so many outlets you could spend hours each day just keeping up with them or carrying on "conversations" via text or online chats.

How much is too much? Next time you're in a restaurant, look around to see how many people are more focused on their phones than their dining companions.  I read an article recently that said some people sleep with their BlackBerries! Hmmm.  A growing pet peeve is being with someone who simply has to respond to every text that comes in, as though a random text is more important than what you're doing and where you are right now. People who have to interrupt a conversation to take any call only to say, "I can't talk right now," when letting the call go to voice mail serves the same purpose. People who try to continue a conversation while they're checking email or texting. Do I say something or not?  Should I make a request like they do in theatres to turn off all cell phones and pagers?

On the other hand, as a freelancer, I often get messages or calls from clients and agents that say "respond ASAP." These come in any time of day or night.  If I'm at a friend's watching a movie or we're out to dinner, do I keep my phone on and pay attention to incoming missives just in case so I don't lose a job?  When is staying in touch essential or important, or simply impolite?

What do you think? There are, of course, many articles on this issue. Here are just a few:

Traffikd

BusinessWeek.com

PCMech

Too Much Change, Too Fast

2010-02-18T09:03:00.000-06:00

Some say change is good. For me, too much is changing too fast. Just when you think you've got a handle on something, poof. It changes again. And finding help to adapt can be quite frustrating and time consuming. My two undergrad and two graduate degrees and general intelligence prove useless against unrefined search engines and insufficiently detailed FAQs. Worse, you can get different answers to your questions and not be sure which is right.

Examples include:

Health insurance: As if paying $461/month isn't enough, Aetna now says I'll have to pay $527 to keep my plan, a 14.3% increase. The letter says if I switch to a higher deductible, the rates quoted aren't guaranteed. But when I called the number listed, I was assured that the letter is merely a template and my new rate is guaranteed, and without reapplying. Only if I switched to a plan that didn't exist when I first started with Aetna would I have to reapply. But when you look at the plan descriptions, I can't find where it says when the plans began. Hmmm. And if/when the Obama plan/public healt insurance comes to fruition, will we be able to understand and use it?

Facebook: The recent "upgrades" not only annoy me, it seems some of my friends' updates are displayed randomly instead of all the time. And how do you get status updates to display as your default instead of the endless news feed?

The publishing industry: aspiring authors now have a mind-boggling number of venues/options to choose from. Should we pursue the ever-shrinking market of traditional, NY print publishers? Seek a small press? Try an e-publisher, and if so, which one...especially when some come and go within months? Self-publish...through whom? With the explosion of social media and number of messages competing for our time and mental bandwith, how do you make any book stand out in a crowd?

Technology: Windows XP on my PC, Vista on my laptop. Who knows what great features these have I'm not using. Now there's Windows 7. Every time you get a new phone, the learning curve grows. I was gifted with a nook, and it took 10 minutes to figure out just how to get the thing out of the packaging. Figuring out non-intuitive features...like the fact that you can't use your finger on the scroll bar but only on the actual list of options--was frustrating.

Job applications: Changed from mail to online is fine, and saves postage. But every position, every site requires inputting different information; it's a lot harder to reuse cover letters or answers. You don't even get rejection letters or e-mails anymore. Yesterday I got a text that read like spam about a job I'd applied for, plus for some reason it showed up in a list of unrelated texts. Apparently it's from a legitmate applicant vetter, so I'm glad I called.

Auditioning: Trending toward more online, which is easier. It saves the time/expense of traveling and can be done at your leisure within a certain time frame, instead of exactly at your appointed 5 or 10 minute time slot. But it's impersonal. There's no opportunity for building relationships, because you don't get to meet those doing the casting or chat with your agent. You don't get to network with others auditioning. Nor do you get any feedback or direction on your submission; directing yourself is difficult.

What changes will today bring?

Some articles on dealing with change:

wikiHow

Qualified Life Coach

The Sideroad

Helping Out

2010-02-11T07:57:00.000-06:00

How far will you go to help a friend? Are you so nice you get taken advantage of, or are you too needy/demanding/not nice enough? Do you offer assistance to make others rely on you or insure you get something in return, or is your help a means for them to grow/make their lives easier? Are you willing to ask when you need help or do you soldier on alone?

Everyone needs help at some point...whether you're a mom who hopes your neighbor can watch the kids in a pinch or a single GU whose car is in the shop and needs a ride to get it.

I tend to prefer being the helper rather than the helpee. What is the time/effort spent helping someone worth...the satisfaction of being useful? Being taken to dinner? Tit for tat?

IMO, it's best when you can exchange help: you find someone who needs something you really enjoy doing and aren't only doing because you were asked, and he/she can do the same for you. But that kind of synergy can be hard to come by. And sometimes you don't quite know what you're getting into when you offer or agree to pitch in. Then do you back out or follow through?

Examples:
I agreed to housesit a friend's adorable and sweet not-yet-housetrained puppy. At the time, the puppy was going to be an indoor dog, so I wouldn't have to walk him. However, he has chosen to be an outdoor dog. Who wants to go out at least 4 times a day, including 5:30am. I can't just open my door to the outside...I have to take him down 5 flights of stairs (he's too small to do them himself), or walk a fairly long distance to the elevator (hoping he doesn't leak). He also whines when he hears me moving around, because he wants to play (and I can't trust him to roam about and not chew on stuff while I work). Which makes it hard to concentrate.

I'm going to LA. My cousin offered to pick me up at the airport. But for her do to that, then take me to the hotel and return home is more miles and time than I think is fair. I don't like to pick up people when they come here or get a ride (unless it's 4am when there's no traffic), so why should I have her schlep me around? Sure, I can take her to dinner/lunch in return, but is that enough reward for all of her time? We'd definitely have time to catch up, though.

Perhaps the solution is to help as much as you'd feel comfortable asking for. To know when you need it, and ask in a timely manner. And when you say you'll to help, do what you agreed to do.

eHow-How to ask for help

Ask for help

Help for asking for help

How far will you go?

2010-02-04T08:30:00.000-06:00

When life presents an ethical challenge or choice, how far are you willing to go?

If you're handed an extra dollar in change, do you give the money back? Does it depend on when you notice the discrepancy...if you don't realize you have the extra money until you get home, are you willing to return to the store? What if the amount was $10...or $100? Do you roll through stop signs if you don't think anyone is watching? Speed on the highway if everyone else is to stay with traffic? Fudge your resume, cheat on a test or your significant other?

Does the reason for violating a rule or law matter? Is there a difference if you embezzle from your employer because a) your kids need food or b) you think you deserve a diamond ring? If you intend to pay the money back, does that make it ok? Or if your chances of getting caught are very slim?

By nature I'm a goody two shoes, a stickler for the rules. Whether I agree with some of them or not, they're there for a reason...such as maintaining order or sustaining the common good. But some people believe rules don't apply to them.
Going by the book may also go against the grain. Taking the impact of your actions on others into account isn't always easy.

Garrett Hardin's tragedy of the commons theory resonates with me. Simply put: if everyone who gets a new a cow puts it in the town pasture to join the cows already there, at some point the munching cows will deplete the grass. Then all the cows will starve.

Social Networking...online vs. in person

2010-01-28T08:46:00.001-06:00

Practically every day you hear or read something about the importance of social networking (SN). Since many opportunities for the GU come via connections and who you know, effective use of SN is essential. And supposedly online is now the way to go.

But the proliferation of outlets, each with different (and often, to me, confusing) features...which keep changing, makes it a challenge to learn about and do it. Follow me here, message me there...you could spend hours each day just maintaining your profiles and statuses, updating contacts and commenting on comments. Reconnecting and keeping touch with friends via sites like Facebook has been great, but so far I haven't made any new industry connections or booked any jobs. Maybe I don't spend enough time, as Tim Gunn would say, making it work.

I've checked out Twitter, but haven't yet seen the light about why it's so popular. So I'm glad that a religous satire show I do some writing and miscellaneous projects for (and wrote a Tweet or two for) with over 3,500 followers and counting has asked me to take charge of responding to its Twitter commenters. I met with the director to discuss how this might work and took several pages of notes about direct messages, retweets, etc. Whew. Next I have to figure out the various apps for monitoring/tracking...and determine how much time this will take.

I've seen greater benefit through traditional, in person networking. The woman I sit next to in choir knows someone I used to work with who now has his own business needing freelance writers. Thanks to him, I'm meeting with a potential client next week. Ages ago a writer friend referred me to a consulting company where her brother works that uses actors for role playing/simulation. I recently booked a week (to portray a major corporation executive) with another penciled in, plus my contact offered to recommend me for freelance writing/editing opportunites in other departments. I've booked several VO jobs thanks to friends' referrals. I connected an author friend who wanted to make a rap video for her book Perfect Chemistry (it's gotten more than 34,000 hits) with a director I'd met on a short film, Stealing Kisses ...a part I got in part because a friend cast in one of the main roles recommended me. She just did her second rap video with him.

How have you made online social networking work for you?

Opportunity or Time Suck?

2010-01-21T08:10:00.000-06:00

The Gainfully Unemployed (aka self-employed/freelancer) is often a plate spinner, scurrying about to keep multiple projects aloft. Sometimes knowing which projects to accept or stick with can be a challenge...will the time and effort invested pay off in sufficient cash or other compensation such as networking value, personal satisfaction, beneficial knowledge or useful experience? If I pass on a project, will I be glad or feel like I missed out? If I've worked with an organization for years, should I continue or move on?

Acting, for example, is one field where many projects don't pay in money. The rewards of exposure, experience and working with fabulous people can be worth the time. On the one hand, I'm rehearsing weekly with a newly formed improv team. Benefits include working with a coach (with whom, coincidentally, I was on a team at iO many years ago) as opposed to being self-directed. I'm continuing to learn about and practice the art of improv, laughing a lot, and gaining performance opportunities---our first is already scheduled.  The goal is to get paid down the road.

On the other, I recently declined to perform in a sketch show. Though there would have been four performances to invite agents and others to attend and another credit for my resume, the director wanted to hold more than 20 rehearsals in 6 weeks....IMO too much of a time commitment for perceived benefits. Yet if the show goes well, more performances could be scheduled...should I have stuck with it?

I do some writing and miscellaneous projects for another show. Most of these can be done on my own time.  Recently I was asked to take on an ongoing social media project. I'll be meeting with the director next week to discuss in detail. Do I spend enough time on this show already, or should I take the opportunity to gain experience in the burgeoning online community which many freelance/part-time jobs I come across now expect applicants to have?

I performed in an annual musical revue for 20 years. I looked forward to the two-week daily rehearsal period and hanging out with the cast. But there came a point when I needed to take paying gigs instead of devoting so many hours to a free production. A tough choice, but ultimately the right one.

I'm involved with two associations that require many devoted volunteers to produce programs, activities, publications, etc. I want to help because they need it and the tasks are usually interesting or fun.  But when I agreed to judge three writing contests recently, I made the mistake of not checking the deadlines...and wound up with 14 entries at once. Enjoyable, yes. Helpful to the organizations, yes. But also a current time suck.

How do you know when, as they sing about Kansas City in the musical Oklahoma, things have "gone about as fur as they can go?"

Are you real?

2010-01-14T08:41:00.000-06:00

Often when asked to do a voiceover or on camera audition, I get "specs," or an idea of what the client is looking for. Obviously the character, the product and the copy itself also influence the read; a Mom in a grocery store, for example, would sound different than a corporate spokesperson.

Many specs ask that voices be real and conversational...like you're talking to your best friend. A recent request was a challenging "approachable and authoritative." Another wanted a voice that was unpolished and wouldn't be described as professional.

Sometimes they name a celebrity that has the tone they're looking for, other times they send an MP3 sample of a voice they like (which makes me wonder why they don't just book that person. Maybe they used her before and want someone new, maybe she's not available...)  Each VO talent has to decide how much of the referenced name's or sample's sound to incorporate into her voice, while also keeping in mind the specific words detailing the nuances of the specs.

VO teachers and other industry professionals say my natural sound can be too articulate, too professional, too announcery. This can be great for narration, especially when the copy is very technical.  A client said they booked me for a medical narration because I was the only person they heard who could make boring stuff sound interesting. But sometimes I have to work to sound real.

How do I know if I'm achieving the requested sound, if I'm meeting the client's needs? More and more we're asked to audition from home, without any direction.  So if the job is big enough, I go to a very experienced audio engineer. He coaches me and offers feedback on various takes until he's impressed. Because it's not what I hear that matters, it's what the talent buyer hears.

The upsides: I receive direction and production--he has a lot more experience and equipment than I do and also edits the takes--yielding confidence that I'm submitting an amazing audition.  The downsides: travel time to and from his studio, adjusting my schedule to fit his, paying for help when there's no guarantee of booking the job.

It's very interesting to see or hear a commercial I auditioned for but didn't get. I try to analyze what they liked about the voice they chose, but I'm not sure I extract any information I can use in the future.

Will two coaching sessions in the past week pay off? Time will tell...

New Technology: Now or Later?

2010-01-07T10:38:00.000-06:00

When I worked in corporate America, I had access to assistance with technology...an IT department and other co-workers to help me figure things out. Now I'm on my own whenever I get new software or hardware. Yes, there are plenty of online sites offering video tutorials or FAQs, but they can be frustrating because you can't ask questions or have someone show you the specific things you want to know. I guess I'm old school in that I prefer a printed manual to scrolling back and forth onscreen, but at the same time am not willing to use up my toner and paper to print them out.

I have two graduate and two undergraduate degrees but still find aspects of Facebook, Twitter and iTunes confusing. Windows 7 is upon us.  Do I really need the upgrade or will I regret the money and time spent? I've used Broderbund Print Shop, which now offers a new version. I went for the prerelease sale price. Soon I 'll know if it lives up to the hype. Recently I was prompted to download Internet Explorer 8. I did, much to my dismay.

For one thing, to me it's not intuitive. What's all this InPrivate stuff?  Compatibility view?  For another, why do I get a pop up security box when I go to many sites, and why isn't there an easy option to turn it off?

Some tout other browsers, such as Safari or Mozilla Firefox. A friend helped me download that, but I find the interface too busy and don't see why it's supposedly better than IE.  Early adapters get excited by each piece of new software/hardware. When the benefits are easy to see and use, I do, too. I got a new BlackBerry last year. After investing the time to travel the learning curve, I like many of the new features.  I still prefer the old scroll wheel on the side to the new track ball in the middle. Is there an easier way to learn more about all of the neat things our technology can do? Fellow BBers, did you know pressing B takes you to the bottom of whatever you're viewing and T takes you to the top?

Unfortunately the new thing is not always better than the old...Windows Vista, anyone? And often it's better not to run out and buy, say, the first e-book reader on the market...because improvements will soon make that hot off the press thing out of date. A friend bought me a Nook, which won't even ship until Februrary because of the demand.  Barnes & Noble has already announced enhancements which better work with the Nook I haven't even received. I'm not the only one concerned about new technology being replaced by even newer technology in a heartbeat; yesterday's The Huffington Post discusses this topic.

I guess I'll have to make the time to learn about these new IE8 "features." Off to find some tutorials. Sigh.

Winter of Wonder

2009-12-31T11:38:00.000-06:00

As previously mentioned, I am usually quite the Scrinch (Scrooge and Grinch) around the holidays....IMO there's too much fuss and preparation for only a few minutes of eating and unwrapping.

But this year, I spent more than 160 hours immersed in holiday cheer. I worked at Navy Pier's Winter WonderFest in the midst of 750,000 ornaments, hundreds of Christmas trees, dozens of hanging and illuminated snowflakes and inundated by (somewhat repetitive, considering the plethora of options available) Christmas music and the ever-present smells of funnel cakes and cinnamon coated nuts.

The thousands of patrons ranged from babies (the youngest I met was born on Christmas Eve!), to school groups, families, couples and senior citizen groups. My job as Major Nougat of the Candy Corps was to improv with my partner Colonel Caramel and the other Winter WonderFriends and entertain everyone we came across.

In addition to posing for hundreds of pictures and signing autographs, activities included: having bunches of kids march with us and help us create new, silly ways to march, serving as an attorney in Bah Humbug Court defending those ticketed by the Winter WonderForce for infractions such as insufficient holiday attire or Scrooge-like behavior, holding imaginary tea parties, telling and acting out stories made up on the spot, collecting high fives and holding dance parties when certain songs played. Several times we had the honor of escorting Santa Claus around the fest. Each day brought new opportunities, games to play and ways to make people laugh.

One of my favorite things was to infiltrate family photos. Whenever we'd see a family posing (usually in front of one of the many Christmas trees), my partner and I would literally run over and get in the picture. The photographer, staring at the camera, would see us appear in the viewfinder. Watching his/her expresison change from intent concentration to suprise to joy never got old. He or she would either burst out laughing or say "yes," or "wait," in order to refocus. One woman was so tickled by this she kept laughing and saying, "I'm just filled with joy."

Most kids were excited to see us. They'd come running over to talk, play, take a picture or even give me a hug. But a few were frightened or shy, and hid behind their parents. So we developed games to draw these kids out. If we didn't get them to take a picture, usually we at least got a high five.

Every time I made someone laugh, every time I saw a kid's eyes widen with wonder and joy, whenever a little girl or boy gave me a hug or sat on my lap, I confess I felt the holiday spirit.

Double Casting: Two Peas in Pod?

2009-12-24T08:01:00.000-06:00

Note: If you seek holiday-themed reading, I'll be posting tomorrow about Christmas traditions in medieval England at http://www.seducedbyhistory.blogspot.com/.

Double casting: two actors play one role.

The first time I was double cast was in eighth grade...as Oliver in my junior high's musical, Oliver! Being very short with short hair, I was chosen to portray a boy. The other Oliver was an actual boy (whose older brother was single cast as the Artful Dodger). I'm not sure if the school was trying to give more students the opportunity to participate or thought the role was too large for one student to perform at every performance. But after all the rehearsals, after learning all of the lines, songs, choreography and blocking, I would have liked do to more performances.

I'm currently double cast as Major Nougat at Navy Pier's Winter WonderFest. Think: Disney characters on steroids. With 11 others (in particular Colonel Caramel), I pose for pictures and sign autographs, but also traverse the 170,000 square feet of the Fest and improv scenes with patrons and other Winter WonderFriends. We gather in the center and have a dance party whenever a certain Mariah Carey song plays. We attend sessions of Bah Humbug Court, where we defend patrons who have been ticketed by our holiday cops for infractions like Scrooge-like behavior, beleagured picture-taking, insufficient holiday attire and impersonating Santa. Yesterday, Holly the Rag Doll tried to avoid her sentence to Jolly Jail and ran out of court, so I had to chase her all over. Being a ranking officer of the Candy Corps, I also encourage patrons to salute and engage in various marching exercises.

Because this is such a physically and vocally demanding role (according to my pedometer, I walk around six miles a shift), and because WWF is often open 10 or 12 hours a day, double casting makes complete sense. Yet it's odd to see the other major in 'my' costume (she told me she thinks so, too), and to feel like I'm missing out on the fun when I hear what happened days I'm not there. And yesterday in the hall outside the dressing rooms, a cast member called me by the other major's name. Hmm. Both casts rehearsed together so we could develop similar physicalities and ensure understanding of our characters. But each of us bring different things to the table, and it's fun to work with a mix of the casts each shift.

Other issues: when single cast, if you have the opportunity to do an on camera job or want to go out of town, you probably have to say no. When double cast, you might be able to trade shifts. It's sometimes challenging to get family, friends and talent agents to attend productions you're in. But when double cast with an irregular schedule, it can be more challenging to mesh your schedule with theirs.

As a patron, double casting means you have a decision to make. For example, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, this season's Tosca is portrayed by the very well-known Deborah Voigt and also by Violeta Urmana, who is making her Lyric debut. So if you'd rather see DV but your tickets happen to be for a VU performance, you'll have to hope you can exchange. On the other hand, seeing fabulous performers new to you can be exciting. (I still remember the first time I saw Jose Carreras at the Royal Opera House in Il Trovatore at Covent Garden...)

Happy Holidays!

Will you work for food? For free?

2009-12-17T09:15:00.001-06:00

Oprah is filming a pilot here in Chicago for her new OWN network. I've been contacted by a friend who will be an extra who suggested I join him and another friend.

Apparently extras can now recruit other extras, avoiding the need for a casting director or even knowledge of who/how many will show up at the appointed times and locations. And apparently there's no pay, just meals. It seems O/her production company are banking on the fact that people are so eager to say they're involved with her in any way they will work for free. So they can earn bragging rights instead of cash.

What precedent does not paying extras set? If someone at Oprah's level expects freebies, will other TV shows and feature films stop paying us?

I've worked as an extra on dozens of productions and expect to make $65 or $75 for 8 hours plus time and a half overtime, usually excellent meals (and parking). Many think even that is insufficient recompense for the effort required. Insufficient pay to endure long hours (usually at least 12) and occasionally unpleasant physical conditions...cramped holding areas, not enough restrooms, standing outside for hours in extreme cold or heat, walking long distances from parking to holding carrying the requisite changes of clothes, days where we aren't even given coffee and donuts or water while the (union) crew is constantly provided all sorts of tempting fare, and often right under our noses. I choose to look at it this way: I'm getting paid to observe famous stars/directors up close and in action, or to read/talk on the phone/email/hang out with fun people when I'm not in the scene.

Being an extra isn't brain surgery, for sure. Nor it it as difficult as being the star. But it does require some skill...even an extra can screw up a shot by walking too slow or fast and running into the star, or by overreacting or looking at the camera. For scenes shooting multiple days, you need reliable people for continuity.

Certainly there can be reasons to work for no money. If you don't have any acting experience whatsoever, student films, for example, can be one way to get some. They can be a way to learn what it's like to be on set and take direction. However, it's my understanding that these films and extra work even on a major motion picture aren't really considered acting credits by agents or those who hire talent for pay. Better than nothing, perhaps, but not as good as other things.

For example, many non-Equity theatres in Chicago don't pay their actors, but offer a wealth of experience and the opportunity to be seen. This "free" acting can count as credits; I've often heard agents like to know their talent also does theatre/improv and some will go see the shows. And in the corporate world, many companies offer internships (often for college credit, which is a form of compensation) to help those just starting out get their feet in the door.

Some free work assignments can be worth it in pursuit of a goal: a viable credit, networking and/or experience that should pay off in the future. If you think being an unpaid extra will provide sufficient benefits, have at it. But if you think you deserve compensation for your time, if you believe the old adage 'they won't buy the cow if they get the milk for free,' stay home.

Comments?

Spontaneity

2009-12-10T08:44:00.000-06:00

While some people enjoy living whichever way the wind blows, I am not by nature a spontaneous person. I like lists, plans, and schedules because they provide a sense of control. I know what's coming next and what I need to do.

So the freelance/Gainfully Unemployed lifestyle, in which plans often change at the drop of a hat, can present challenges.  I'm flexible in some ways (I can do the splits), but not so much in others. Examples: A friend who's having trouble meeting her deadline needs my help with plotting or just wants to vent. Another whose schedule is as varied as mine wants to get together at the drop of a hat. Do I drop whatever I'm doing to accommodate these requests? If I'm on my way to an audition or a job, obviously the answer is no. But what if I'm working on projects I want to complete on self-imposed deadlines? Is getting my work done as planned more important?

When I am spontaneous, I often feel disrupted instead of easily embracing sudden changes. Though I like keeping to my timetables, it's hard to say no to social opportunities or when friends want my help. I prefer to work before play, but know I'll still get my work done in a timely fashion.

Then there's the randomness of auditions and potential recording dates. Example: an agent called after 5pm to schedule an audition for 10:30 the next morning, with lines to memorize. I had plans that night that would keep me out fairly late, and already had three major events on tap for the next day. Not only that, I was already booked one of the days of the shoot. But I didn't want to say no to the agent or miss the opportunity to go to the casting agency and meet a potential new client. So I had to scramble to adjust my schedule (requiring the assistance of others to change their schedules) and make the time to learn the lines (fortunately not that many)...all without knowing, of course, if I'd book this job.

There's a continuum of spontenaeity in various types of acting. One of the reasons I enjoy being in plays/musicals is because I know exactly what to do and say next. I've rehearsed and been given direction. I usually know everyone else's lines by opening night, so it's easy for me to compensate if someone drops a line or misses an entrance. Voiceover jobs are nice because the copy is right in front of you, Even if there are script changes, you can write them down.

On camera work can be more difficult. You've memorized your lines, but someone wants a script change. Remembering the new line(s) on the spot after you've already engraved the old ones in your memory is tricky. And when they change the changes...it can be hard to keep track of what is old and new.

More challenging still (though also at times more freeing) is improv, where every word you say, every gesture you make, is spontaneous. You can't plan ahead, because you don't know what your scene partner(s) will do or say next. If you try to think of something funny to say/do, you won't be in the moment and won't be able to listen and react to what is going on.  Usually when doing improv, you're involved in some scenes, but not all. So even during a show, you have a little time to regroup. But my current job is all improv all the time (except during breaks, of course), with anywhere from one scene partner to twelve and an ever-changing number of patrons joining in. It's both exhilerating and a bit unnerving to have a job requiring so many hours of being "on" and in character.

First 2010 resolution: learn to adapt more easily to small and large changes in plans.  Some suggestions on how to do that:

eHow Spend thirty minutes with a child. These days, I often spend more than that! And it is surprising and fun to see how willing and eager most are to join in the activities my partner and I come up with, from creating new ways to march to doing the Snowflake Dance.

LifeDev Pencil it in. Oooh. Scheduling spontaneity? That I can do!

Life is a Roller Coaster

2009-12-03T09:17:00.000-06:00

I've never been a fan of roller coasters--waiting in a long line just to have suspense build while you fear you'll slide back down the huge incline only to plummet and race through hills and valleys you can't control, clinging to the guard rail for dear life resulting in whiplash (emotional and physical) with only a few flat stretches to give you time to catch your breath.

But sometimes life is like a roller coaster.  Though they say without sadness we wouldn't know what happiness is and even keel existence might get boring, dealing with huge ups and downs, especially when one follows on the heels of another, can be disconcerting and challenging.

Small ups and downs are one thing.  Say I'm looking forward to an on camera audition, then the agent e-mails that it's been canceled.  A lost opportunity to have agent face time and be seen by a client, sure, but it's easy to believe another will soon follow.  Or I'm told I'm one of the few voices being considered for a big narration project, then I learn the client has gone in another direction. Disappointing, but the producer says he'll keep me in mind for future projects. I can believe I'll book another job soon.

Then there are the big swings.  One minute I get a request for a full manuscript and am basking in the good news glow. An editor enjoyed my writing and story enough to want to want to read more. The next I learn of a betrayal. Though the two events are completely unrelated, emotions can get muddled. Dealing with bad news on the heels of good can throw you off kilter. It's hard to maintain hope and excitement and have a positive attitude about the first while trying to take the second in stride. It's hard to focus on reviewing the rest of the manuscript before submitting and meet other deadlines when trust has been broken.

There are times when the ability to compartmentalize emotions and/or not be affected by external events might prove helpful. What does help is to remind myself of all of the things I'm grateful for.

How do you deal with bad news? Here are a few articles:

eHow Consider the worst case scenario, and develop a plan of action to deal with it.

beyond the rhetoric Reinterpret it. Frame obstacles as opportunities.

When someone you know gets bad news:

Family Education  ...offer your sympathy and—if appropriate— your help. It is less than useless to act as if nothing has happened.

Beyond Compare

2009-11-26T09:26:00.000-06:00

Do you find yourself comparing your successes or lack thereof to those of other people?  Whether you're an executive wondering why the co-worker in the next cube got the promotion instead of you, a mom who wishes her kids would be as well-behaved as her neighbor's, anyone wondering if he's keeping up with the Joneses, or a Gainfully Unemployed who wants to know how Actor A books so many jobs or Author A sells so many books but you don't, appreciating and valuing your own accomplishments can be a challenge.  Even on Thanksgiving.

When I read about another author's sales, it's hard not to wonder when I'll see my name in Publisher's Lunch. Especially when it's someone I know or finaled in a contest with. I'm happy for them on the one hand, but on the other wish my turn would come. It doesn't help when a multi-published, award-winning author I critique for calls to say what I gift I have for making her books so much better and that she can't understand why I still haven't sold. (One of my mss is with one of her editors on her recommendation, fingers crossed.) When I hear how many acting jobs a friend has gotten recently, it's hard not to compare her list against mine and wonder how I can get more work.  Or when, as has happened quite often recently, I see people I once performed with on national TV or Broadway, it can be a challenge not to ask, "Why them?" To not worry about what else I should be doing, or doing differently.

Comparing yourself to others minimizes your accomplishments.  It can make you feel defeated. You might stop believing in yourself and give up, especially without any external validation. One reason I enter writing contests is because finalling provides a shot in the arm to help me keep going. The weeks between the announcement of the finalists and the winners provide lots of time to share the good news. It's rewarding to know more than one judge liked your entry and that an industry professional will soon be reading it for the final round and may ask to see more.

Christina Dodd gave a speech at a Romance Writers of America conference about how each author's path to publication was different. Some might be short (ie you sell your first ms to the first editor you send it to. I know a couple of people who managed this.) while others will be long and rocky (you complete many mss and have hundreds of rejections to your name. Sound familiar?). Others will sell one book or a few, then have trouble selling more.  The question is: do you have the stamina to keep walking?

Can you focus on gratitude for your accomplishments?

Articles about ways to stop comparing yourself to others:

ResultsJunkies

Adversity University

Zen Habits

Happy Holidays?

2009-11-19T08:45:00.000-06:00

I've written before about being a Grinch at this time of year...to me there's far too much fuss made over the holidays. Stores go straight from touting Halloween candy and costumes to pushing Christmas decorations, cards and gifts. By mid-November, lights and decorations are already on display in many places.  You can't pick up a paper, turn on the TV or go online without being bombarded by holiday ads, articles or programming. What is the purpose of so many people spending so much time planning, shopping, preparing for and then cleaning up after holiday meals...do we really enjoy all the hustle and bustle or feel obligated to participate?

Holiday preparation adds myriad errands and time-sucking tasks to to do lists that are already a mile long.  How do friends who are already overburdened running around on their kids' behalf and who rarely seem to have a moment to themselves fit in even more? The effects of our recession-burdened economy may add additional pressure to those who can't afford to givethe amount or kind of presents bestowed in years past.

It's not that I'm not looking forward to or don't enjoy attending holiday parties--as long as I don't have to host them. It's the cramming of so many social events into a few weeks, plus the crowds in stores and all the hype and, unless you never leave your house or expose yourself to any media, the constant displays of Christmas-y stuff.

Not only that, this season can be tough on the Gainfully Unemployed. Business in the acting and publishing worlds grinds to a halt. Which means hardly any auditions or jobs, and very little chance of long-outstanding submissions being read.  Full-time employees bask in the joy of paid days off, but
the GU know holidays just mean the phone won't ring. When you don't know where or when your next paycheck is coming from, it can be hard to relax.

So what do you like about the holidays? What do they mean to you?

Change, Change, Change...

2009-11-12T07:35:00.000-06:00

Technology advances mean the world is changing at an ever-increasing pace. Five years ago, who'd have thought social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter, having an online presence via a Web site and blog would be so important to so many, suck up so much time and be in the news so often? Who'd have thought many would send thousands of texts a month, text instead of talking, and that we'd go to a restaurant and see more people focusing on their phones than on their friends?

Newspapers and magazines are disappearing from our front doors and mailboxes and landing on our PC screens. E-readers like the Kindle, combined with the closing of so many brick and mortar book stores and decreased shelf space for books in other stores that now host cafes and have broadened their product offerings, make it more challenging to wander into a store and discover a new author.

Somehow we survived in the days before answering machines, much less cell phones that we put on the table when we're having lunch lest we miss something. The rapid pace of digital technology enhancements requires many of us to adapt, willingly or not... or miss out on opportunities.

The pace of the acting industry seems to be ever faster. A couple of weeks ago I turned off my phone for an hour and fifteen minutes...and lost a booking. This week I was sent an audition that had to be recorded at home and submitted ASAP. I've booked several rush jobs recently...a call at 5:30 pm for a job the next morning, a call at 12:20 pm for a job at 9 that night. Yes, the clients had chosen my voice for their projects. But given the short turnaround time, who knows what might have happened if I wasn't immediately available to accept the work.

And developments in the writing world, such as Harlequin's newly announced e-publishing division, Carina Press, raise myriad questions about the future of publishing, book pricing and author compensation.

I have not yet broached e-reading beyond downloading a couple of books. To me reading online-- when I spend so many hours on the computer already--isn't as enjoyable as holding a book in my hands. I only like shopping online for books when I know what I'm looking for; all the scrolling makes me dizzy. I don't have the patience to "look inside" a bunch of books online the way I've done in a store.

How are you embracing change?

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire

2009-11-05T08:29:00.004-06:00

A few months ago I discussed various types of lies and wondered whether you can or should trust a liar again, here. Given the recent movie release, The Invention of Lying and the FOX TV show Lie to Me, many others are also considering the impact of lies and dealing with liars.

The proof is in the pudding. And my answer is no. Recent evidence shows that where there’s one lie, there are very likely more, either already articulated or yet to come. Kind of like cockroaches. At least the nasty insects scatter and hide when you shine light on them...but you know they’re there, multiplying and waiting ‘til the time is right to come out again. Lies are like termites, because by the time you discover how far they go, the damage is done.

Whether the liar is a client who promises to pay but doesn’t, a cheating significant other, someone you hired who pads his bill or doesn’t do what he was paid to do, a post on Craiglist you think is legitimate but leads you to some scam, or a friend or family member whose mendacity makes your life more difficult, how do you handle it once the dam has been broken, once your trust has been breached? Maybe you think that person is dead to you and never speak to him again. Maybe you think, "He says he's really sorry. I'll give him another chance." Good luck. That saying, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me," exists for a reason.

If you’ve been lied to, how do you trust again: 1) others, because surely everyone you meet isn't a liar 2) yourself and your decision making ability? If you choose to keep the liar in your life, how do you relax day to day and not worry that everything that person tells you is a lie?

This brings to mind the old ad campaign, "Do you know where your package is?" The answer is: you don't, unless you can be with it and keep your eye on it 24/7.

Several articles about liars and dealing with them:

Newsweek.com: Liars get what they want. They avoid punishment, and they win others' affection.

Suite101.com: Calmly state what you know to be true.

wikiHow: To protect your own sanity, seek help.

eHow: Disassociate yourself from that person before you get hurt.

Personal Web Guide: Be careful who you let your guard down with.

Darkest Before the Dawn?

2009-10-29T09:45:00.002-05:00

When many things seem to go wrong at once, it can be even harder to maintain a positive attitude and believe there’s light at the end of the tunnel. It’s frustrating when you put dozens of irons in the fire but get little or no response. Sometimes even a rejection is better than the feeling that your audition/submission/application is floating in the ether of the Internet. The many things we can’t control, the waiting for others to offer auditions/work, etc. can be stressful. So evidence that the tide is turning brings relief and satisfaction. And creates synergy.

Acting: Quite the flurry of activity. One agent called with a direct VO booking (without an audition) that day. Another called to put me on ice for a job. And another called with another direct booking. However, I happened to be without my phone for 1 hour and 15 minutes, so she booked someone else. Sigh.

Though I missed out on that and even if I don’t get the other, it’s great to know more than one client at more than one agency is interested in hiring me. Plus the more you’re on your agents' radar, the better. And I got a callback (the call came after 10PM, another example of why I should always have my phone) for more than 5 weeks of paid improv.

I also learned that I know a couple of the auditors of an upcoming audition. This business, like many others, can be a lot about who you’ve worked with before and who you know. I hope being among friends will help me stay in the moment (not in my head) and audition well.

Writing: The recent request to revise one of my paranormals shows that my writing and ideas are good enough to interest an editor enough to take time out of her day to call, email and be willing to work with me. I needed that shot in the arm.

The sermon, opening and benediction for the Best Church of God (discussed last week) got some good laughs. Which encourages me to do more comedy writing.

I’ve been helping a multi-published friend fix her overdue book. She’s using many of my suggestions, which reinforces that I know what I’m doing.

Other: Will be spending more time with a valued friend. Many fun social events on the calendar. I’m also redoing The Artist's Way. Maybe that’s the catalyst for all of this forward motion?

I’m very grateful to be busy, get work and have things to look forward to. What developments are you grateful for?

Writing for Whom You Know, Not What You Know

2009-10-22T09:11:00.004-05:00

When you decide to be a writer, you need to choose what to write, what market you’re aiming for and who the readers will be. Within each type of writing lies a myriad of elements to consider and balance. Then your work needs to captivate an industry professional. Is it easier when you know who that person is? Two recent experiences prove the answer is yes and no.

1) Writing for a particular director and performer. I’ve been doing the weekly Missalette (program) and short marketing pieces for The Best Church of God, a parody church service currently at Chicago’s Lakeshore Theater.

An idea for a sermon popped into my head. Having seen the show many times, I was very familiar with the style, format and subjects previously covered. I also knew that since BCOG believes in the literal word of the Bible as set down in the original English, I’d need a good sprinkling of Bible quotes to support my argument. I’d worked with the director for weeks on the program and a couple of other projects, so I had an idea of his likes/dislikes. And I’ve known the performer who’d be doing said sermon for years , and could hear his character in my head as I wrote.

This was both freeing and limiting at the same time. With each sentence I thought was funny, I’d get pulled out of “the zone” of writing by questions like, “Would the director even like the idea? Would he agree that this joke was funny? Would he take a submission from someone involved in the show but not in the ensemble?” “Would Pastor Dave convey the idea with different words?” These thoughts can halt the flow of creativity. Give you writer’s block so it takes longer than it should to complete the project.

On the other hand, if I strayed too far afield, I could reign myself back in, knowing the situation so well. I could refer to past sermons for inspiration.

Fingers crossed, I sent off a draft. The director liked it...and said he could hear Pastor Dave giving the sermon. Whew. He asked for some revisions, and said I also had to write the service opening and benediction. Interesting to see which jokes he kept, which he slashed (one in particular I thought was LOL, sigh), and which he punched up. We’ll soon see if the audience/parishioners appreciate it: why the Bible says moving corpses and desecrating graves (as in the recent Burr Oaks cemetery scandal and Mayor Daley’s wanting to move another cemetery for an O’Hare runway) is the Christian thing to do.

2) Meeting the needs of a particular editor I’d submitted my paranormal with time travel romance to.

After reading the synopsis and first 20 pages, she called to tell me she was very interested in the premise, some things she thought were clever, and the hero. But the heroine was boring as was the world building. And she wanted me to change from alternating 1st person POV to 3rd. If I’d do these things, she’d take another look.

Exciting yet troublesome at the same time. I’d heard her speak, and had had an eight minute appointment with her and now this conversation, and read books from her line, so I had some info to rely on.

I’d purposely written it so the reader would learn along about the paranormal hero as the heroine did, so most comes later. And after all, you have to introduce the characters, their attraction, and the plot, goal motivation and conflict and don’t want to have what’s known as an “information dump.” But the editor wants to be swept away by his world right away. Easier if the story starts in his paranormal environment, harder when it starts in her normal one. I’m trying a couple of approaches...we shall see.

The point is that many auteurs might just want to create and think about potential buyers and markets and where their work will fit in after their opus is finished. They might be offended by blunt criticism of their long labored over creative output, even if it comes from those who can publish them. But I believe the more you know beforehand, the better, despite the constrictions placed on creative freedom.

The time and energy invested in gaining knowledge will pay off.