LA! Like all young naive actresses, I decided to come to LA to begin my career. Afterall, there are a lot of opportunities here. I have been in LA for about 5 months now and I think that is long enough to develop some opinions. Take what you want, leave the rest:
1. Hollywood is cheesy, overrated and not clean. It's interesting when I always meet people and tell them I am an actress in Hollywood. In their minds, they automatically over-glamorize everything. In fact, my life always feels the coolest when I'm talking to people or recalling in retrospect.
2. Unfortunately, it really helps to know people. It is a blessing because you have many different avenues to choose from. However, it is also difficult because you have many different avenues to choose from. I am often overwhelmed by the millions of rabbit trails. You have to stay very focused in this city or you will get lost.
3. I LOVE that every homeless person I meet tells me about Jesus. I think it's great.
4. It always surprises me how when you mention acting, EVERYONE has a cousin or gym buddie or mother's sister's co-worker's friend who is also an actor. It has become a tiring conversation. The worst is that they always pretend that they understand. In reality, the ONLY people who can understand an actor's life is other actors. Period. But I smile and nod as they give me pointers.
5. David Mamet's Book, TRUE AND FALSE is my favorite book in the world and mostly because when I auditioned for Yale, NYU, Brown, UCSD, UMKC, USC and Harvard for my MFA, they all rejected me. So the reading is rather cathartic, especially the parts about Meisner.
6. I think it is HILARIOUS how everyone says when you don't get a role, it isn't personal. That's ridiculous If I don't get a role, I hope it is very personal because acting should be personal. I am pursuing a career based on my unique personality. You see, we have to be consistent. If I am hired, I want the reason to be because I fit the role because of my personal choices. Don't lie to me when I'm rejected and say all of the sudden it isn't personal.
7. You must walk into an audition focused and give your best read and be fulfilled in knowing you gave a good read. Then move on. Never be waiting for a specific project. For as we all know, any project could be dropped at any moment for any reason or no reason at all. You don't have a gig until you are shooting and even then they can drop you after the pilot. So be excited and prepared, but don't bet your life on it. And especially don't walk around like a conceited prick telling all your aquaintences.
8. I actually like West Hollywood and cheesily enough, the Grove. I also like Culver City and Beverly Hills and Studio City.... You have to be in the right places to find the trendy bars and coffee shops.
9.. You have to get connected to a supportive group. It gives you hope and the connections are priceless. No one wants to be here alone.
I never thought I'd say this, but LA is actually growing on me. And it is fun to be on the adventure of making my dreams come true. The journey will be worthwhile.
