For a long time, I resisted getting a “survival” job, as they are known among actors.

I was always a little worried it would take too much time and focus away (it didn’t). We were also kind of in between films, that I would be producing as well as acting in, and it always felt like next month, we would be starting another project (yes, they are still happening).

So, I started working again for this marketing company I had worked for when I first got to LA. Out of all the actors working other jobs out there, I have to say, I might be the luckiest: I work with the coolest people, my hours are flexible to where I can sneak out for those auditions or meetings, and I’m working in marketing (totally applicable).

I’m definitely way busier, trying to squash in all the things I used to get done during the day. Now, it’s all about compartmentalizing.

I actually feel even more productive, since I have to schedule things in so they get done… most of the time (my room and car could use a good cleaning).

It’s a great place to be at for where I am, and yes, I am pretty exhausted.

Just reminding myself to enjoy the struggle, because one day I’ll look back and miss it (;]).

And a little closing quote from Matt Lucas via The Daily Actor:

When I look at him [Luke Evans], I always remember his humility. I always remember his willingness and that self respect that said, ‘I’m not going to sit home and procrastinate just because I’m not working. I’m going to go out and get a bar job.”  And yeah, it’s frustrating because it’s not how you want to be earning your living.  But I think there’s a lot more self respect in any job than there is in no job.

———————————————————————————

Dear Lena,

I wanted to not like you. Probably because I was jealous that you already have your own show on HBO that you get to act in, produce, and write, with Judd Apatow EP-ing. Therefore, I was really hoping that “Girls” was not going to be funny, entertaining, or well written, because then I could have a reason to not like you.

Really, I was just being silly, because as soon as I watched an episode, I pretty much fell in love.

Not only is your show all of those things above, but, being a young white girl from the suburbs who moved to a big city and is trying to make it in a cut-throat industry, I found it completely relatable.

Props to you for casting an extremely talented group of somewhat-unknown actors, who, yourself included, knock it out of the park every episode. Props to you for being completely comfortable in your skin (I know, it’s been said a lot, but it’s cool). And biggest props to you for creating your own projects, telling your story, and getting it out there.

So really, you’re awesome, Lena Dunham. Thanks for being inspiring.

Love,
Teresa

———————————————————————————

I found this image on Google. Don’t sue me.

It’s time to talk about that word. Auditioning. They can be oh-so-great or horrifically awful (and yes, I’ve definitely had my share of both).

But, how many times have you heard this ‘super helpful‘ piece of advice from someone:

“Just go in there and don’t care. They eat that shit up.”

Hearing that always makes me mad.
Really? Don’t care? This is my career. This is what I want to do with my life. How can I not care?

I mean, seriously. Of course you care. It’s almost impossible to not care. And caring is a good thing. It means you have drive and passion. It means you’re in the right place.

However, I’ve finally realized what people should say. They should say it’s about believing in yourself and your body of work, and knowing that no matter how the audition goes, it really doesn’t matter, because you’re headed in the right direction. That is confidence.

A lot of times, we get too attached (if I just got this one job, it would be so awesomely life-changing!…), and we forget to keep the big picture in mind. When you’re going in for that audition, it’s easy to overlook that it is just one audition in your entire career.

I know, easier said than done.
It took me a while to truly believe that (and trust me, I still have my days), but once you know who you are and what your brand is, and you start to have projects that reflect that, there is a lot less pressure, because you know if you keep working at it, you’re going to make it happen one way or another.

———————————————————————————

But frustration isn’t always bad. It pushed me to take some risks, make some changes, and things have really turned around. I set out this year with the goal to book 1-2 Guest Stars on a TV series; I’ve already met my goal and the year isn’t even half over.

Almost two weeks ago, my first guest star on a major television network aired. Exciting? Yes. Nerve-wrecking? Definitely.

For the first 30 minutes of the episode, even after seeing my name in the opening credits, I couldn’t help but entertain the idea that they might have cut me. It’s a valid fear, and I’m sure most actors have this worry– you never know what will go to the final edit.

But sure enough, 30 minutes in, they kept my scene! (They did cut a few lines, but the majority of it was there.)

It was really sort of surreal. I mean, I’ve been working hard at this, giving it 100%, and it was just… cool. Cool to finally be one step closer and see that the work is paying off.

A few days after it aired, I posted a new reel to my site. Which will have even more new footage once Superseeds and “Red Scare” release. More updates on those hopefully soon…

In the meantime, here’s a little reminder to everyone else chasing their dreams to celebrate their wins. Celebrate and enjoy all the steps along the way. The ups make any down worth it.

———————————————————————————

Personally, patience has always been a trait I struggle to embrace, and I know many actors (if not most) can relate to this. We spend a lot of time waiting. Waiting for the next audition, booking, and sure, you even get on set and shoot something, and then you find yourself waiting again for it to be released.

I think that’s why the actors who take matters in to their own hands and create projects stand out. I just love that attitude. We all know it is hard to break in, so when people are just like, “hey, I want to be working, so I’m going to make my own work”, I applaud them.

That’s why Nia Vardalos is cool.

I was browsing through The Daily Actor, an actor-friendly news source I visit regularly, when I stumbled upon an interview with Miss Vardalos. I didn’t recognize her name off the bat, but as soon as I started reading, I realized she was the writer/actress from My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

Apparently, she was so frustrated that she couldn’t get work in Hollywood, that she decided to write a screenplay, and when she couldn’t get her screenplay read, she decided to turn it into a one woman show.

I didn’t wait for the phone to ring, anymore, I created my own work in Hollywood, and I got on stage and did my own show. So what I learned was that the goal was to get the screenplay made, but the experience of it made me creatively satisfied.

After good reviews, Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks ended up seeing her show and suggesting she make a movie out of it.

If I had not had that screenplay written who would have known where Tom and Rita’s minds would have been in six months… The fact that I had the screenplay with me made a difference.  I tell people all the time, take your acting classes, get your headshots ready, have one in the car all the time, you don’t know when you are going to run into Quentin Tarantino.

Um, so cool? I think yes.

And in one final piece of advice:

So sometimes you have to tell yourself that the frustration that you are going through is because sometimes there is something bigger around the corner.  So don’t get down and keep your mind open.

Words of wisdom.

I am totally inspired by her story and hope to follow in the footsteps of Nia and other successful self-starters, like Brit Marling , Tina Fey, and Miranda July.

And to any one with doubts; if movies are truly you’re calling, don’t give up. Be prepared and make things happen for yourself.

Read the full interview at: http://www.dailyactor.com/2012/03/nia-vardalos-actress-interview/

———————————————————————————

Know what you want, commit, and don’t give up. I like this guy. He’s blunt, but we all need some tough love some times.

Found this video on Ted.

———————————————————————————

Downton Abbey has been getting a lot of buzz lately. And it is well deserved. This show blows my mind. I stayed up until 3:30 AM yesterday (well, technically, this morning) finishing Season 1, which you can find on Netflix.

After a heart-jerking Season 1 finale, I had a sheer moment of panic: Netflix only has the first season.

Luckily, there is nothing a quick Google search cannot fix, and I found out that PBS has all of Season 2 online.
I’m already on Episode 3, and oh yeah, its intense.

Reasons to Obsess:

1. The acting is phenomenal. Each character is so distinct, dynamic, and interesting, and the actors are fully committed. You see their vulnerabilities, insecurities, and they really put their heart in to it. So much so, that when things go wrong, your own heart breaks, and when things go well, you rejoice with them. The episodes tend to take place entirely in or around the house, yet there is not a dull moment, as their relationships are fascinating to watch as they unfold.

2. It is beautiful. I wish I could steal their clothes (okay, I might look slightly out of place in early 1900s attire). But in all sincerity, whoever designed the sets and the costumes did a fantastic job, and the hair and the makeup is impeccable.

3. You get a glimpse in to history. The show gives a very honest and accurate view in to what life was like in the early 1900s. The writing is strong– they definitely did their research. And what I love most, is that they give both sides of the story; what it was like for the higher class and the lower class, as the story follows two groups, the wealthy aristocratic Crawley family and their servants, living in the same household.

———————————————————————————

If I could go back in time and talk to my twenty-year-old self, the first thing I would say is: ‘Lose the perm.’ Secondly I would say: ‘Relax. Really. Just Relax. Don’t sweat it.’

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t anxious and fearful that the parade would pass me by. And I was sure there was someone or something outside of myself with all the answers. I had a driving, anxiety-filled ambition. I wanted to be a working actor so badly. I wanted to belong and feel like I was valued and seen. Well, now I am a working actor, and I guarantee you it’s not because I suffered or worried over it.

… Turns out I just had to be ready and willing to take chances, look at what’s right in front of me, and put my heart into everything I do. All that anxiety and fear didn’t help, nor did it fuel anything useful. Finally releasing that worry served to get me out of my own way. So my final piece of advice to twenty-year old me: Be easy on your sweet self….

Thank you, Jane. Twenty-year-old me appreciates the advice. And I am excited to read about the rest of your journey.

———————————————————————————

It’s been a few months since I posted my first draft VO demos. I got a ton of great feedback and I made some changes, added some new voices, re-recorded, and remixed it. A few of the voices are still the same, but check it out and tell me what you think!

CHARACTER DEMO (Version 2) [Click to play, or right click to download.]

Next up, commercial demo.

Edit: I am still changing a few things around, but I just posted a slightly updated reel with a few different variations. This seems to be the final edit. At least for a few weeks .

Also, just made a VO site! Still under construction, but check it: www.teresadecher.com/voice

———————————————————————————

I’ve never really sent post cards. Except for like 1 week randomly. I always just sort of expected that they got thrown in the trash.

But with Superseeds and Red Scare coming up in the next few months or so, I want to be ready to reach out, both to established connections and people I want to work with.

I started doing some digging, and what did I find? Casting directors (with blogs!) who wrote whole articles on the art of post-carding. Sweet!

And let me say this right up front. Yes, ultimately we toss them. Ultimately we toss your headshots, too. That’s just practical. I can’t store all your headshots in a warehouse forever. You send us your materials. We consider you. Eventually we toss your materials in the trash. Nothing personal… If someone looks interesting and I like their resume I might pull them out and put the post card with my submissions…

– Mark Sikes, “Post Cards“

… success because a relationship went from stage one (she knows me but I don’t know her) to stage two (now I’ve seen her commercial, so I know her work, but I don’t know her name so it’s not terribly helpful yet) to stage three (I’ve gotten her postcard, so now I know her work and her name) to stage four (we’ve met in person and now I know she’s not a “whactor”…

– Bonnie Gillespie, “Cross Pollination“

And not just that, but both Bonnie Gillespie and Mark Sikes have blogs dedicated to helping actors, with tons of secrets and tips:

Bonnie’s blog: The Actors Voice

Mark’s blog: The Casting Corner

I also highly suggest checking out Bonnie’s article “The Delicate Art of Self Promotion”.

———————————————————————————