Audition Blog

8/25/20

It’s always something when worlds collide! I just earned my Group Fitness Instructor Certification with the American Council on Exercise, and this self-tape request was for a fitness buff! I was asked to lift bags of groceries and talk about my workout routine! Twist my strong arm! :) 

6/29/2020

Performing has changed! I have too! In any case, I submitted some materials, received a callback, and tonight the session was all via Zoom! It was pretty incredible and I'm actually feeling excited about the work and format! I hope it works out and will continue to accept what is in front of me (and what is not!) 

5/17/19

My feelings about today's audition can perhaps best be described in my latest Facebook post: 

"One room, five minutes, terrible odds, countless nerves, 20-30 skilled and talented women (all whom are dressed alike and look remarkably similar) focused intently on three sentences of text...must be an audition! #theremustbeabetterway"

I am feeling jaded. The best part is working on and performing the piece. However, the former is in prep for the latter and the latter lasts less than one minute. But, if I'm having fun prepping and performing then why does anything else matter? Hmm...

2/20/19

Playing the "less than awesome" Manager was kinda fun today! ;) Taking my mom's advice and shooting to get as many rejections as possible might actually prove to be helpful! I still gave it my best, but it feels less charged and more doable. I think I had a great read, though my usual frustrations with the process are still there. Days like this, I feel nuts for doing all we do for such a small chance of booking the gig (no matter what we do)! If I don't get lucky this time, then I'll be free to audition again (for something else) next Wednesday! Win-win! :) 

11/29/18

Today's rope climbing audition was the first of its kind! I did some pushups and pullups to prepare and I climbed to the top twice! I'm not sure how I looked doing it, which is what the client will care about, but it felt great! The rope didn't seem as high as it did in elementary school, but that's probably because I'm taller than I was then...slightly! If the rope is a metaphor for my career, I will keep climbing! :)

10/24/18

I had so much fun with this monologue! :) And, I've learned some valuable audition/callback lessons lately, which I hope to carry forth. First, a little fun can open up creativity in a major way! Second, the reality is that things can go perfectly and still, they go with someone else, who also had things go perfectly! It's not over till it's over! Lastly, during a cold-read, it might be best to not heavily rely on script analysis, but rather my own personal relationship with the reader. Onwards! 

9/28/18

Two auditions this week...one for a flashmob and the other for a season of a fabulous local regional theater. Both were very positive! In this entry, I'd like to highlight the groove I fell into last night! It's the kind of stuff that, as an actor, I live for! I was completely in it, not in my head, but in the heart of the character, taking it in and responding presently. It feels amazing and I want more of it!!! 

7/11/18

Self-tapes are a lot of work, but much more fun with a friend/scene partner! When I came across today's notice, I knew just who to call! Steven came over, we rehearsed, and shot! I am happy with what we came up with! Hopefully, we'll book it together and be rewarded with a friendly (and lucrative) roadtrip to Maine for the commercial gig!

6/29/18

Today's audition was unique in that there were no lines, but rather emotions reflected through my face and body: fear, compassion, flirtatiousness, empowerment. I had fun and felt free as I self-taped transitioning from one emotion to the next. When I showed Natalie my tape, she guessed each one! :) I'm hoping it's not just because she knows me so well, but more so because I played each emotion clearly. 

4/23/18

I did a contemporary monologue and read from the script for this morning’s audition. Auditions are just plain hard! I thought I knew this play, but still found myself tripping on all the words! Shakespeare is hard! I did my best and will hang the rest! I hope to get called back! I have auditioned for this company before and seen many of their plays...it would be a dream to work with this director! Even if it's not this one, at least she saw a little more of my work! Can’t stop, won’t stop!

4/10/18

Stage Source Auditions!!! I prepared and gave it my best! The audience was filled with Industry Professionals. I have 90 seconds: 45 for a song, 45 for a monologue. Pressure is on regardless of how relaxed we try to stay! Walking away, there are things I would do differently and there are things that went well. Knowing I am a perfectionist and hard on myself, I hope I made a good impression! I was surrounded by talent and it feels good to have been in the room! My wife is proud of me and I am getting there! :) Hopefully, it's a step in the right direction of personality meeting purpose! 

4/5/18

Self-taped an audition this morning and I'm pleased with it! I'm using this monologue in three different ways for recent projects, and it's been interesting to modify it for each. I don't usually do this, but as a treat for being here, take a look! :) And as always, thank you for your support!!! XO! :) 

3/27/18

Success!!! Tonight, I auditioned for Company One's Professional Development for Actors course and was invited back! :) I can't wait to dive in and learn all I can! I had a chance to practice my Stage Source monologue, and was asked on the fly for another contrasting piece. Luckily, I had one ready to go! :) Here's to preparation, professionalism, and prosperity!

3/20/18

On cloud 9 again after today's audition! If the way I feel after an audition is any indication of the love I have for this craft, then I am in exactly the right field! I "celebrated hard as my team won" and skipped away wondering how not everyone would find this type of work to be the most fun!!! 

2/13/18

Nothing like being ready at a moment's notice! Today's audition fell in my lap and I rose to the occasion! Going first, however, proved to be a challenge. I remained proactive, and it all worked out. I felt comfy in this role and had fun selling it! :) 

1/20/18

It's so awesome to live so close to the action that I'm able to walk to auditions and gigs! Somerville is shaping up to be quite a hub! And, I loved the monologue I worked on for this audtion! Performing it for such pleasant people was a blast, as usual! It's been a rough couple of weeks during which for the first time in my career I wondered if I wanted to continue this never ending hard work. I got a fix through this audition and I'm feeling like myself again! :) Plus, this winter cold is on its way out! The combination of these factors turned things upside down, but seems like PMS and temporary sickness is no real match for my grit! 

1/10/18

This audition shifted things inside of me: down to up! And, I must say that my self-taping work has paid off b/c I think they've gotten much better! However, I couldn't have done it alone...a HUGE thank you goes to my wife, Natalie, who helped with nearly every aspect of this shoot! I love this script and can relate to the dynamics b/w the characters, having plenty of sister experience myself! 

1/5/18

Art imitated life at today’s audition! We were directed to “freeze in the snow outside and then warm up in the car.” I had a BLAST taking risks and learning from them! Auditions like today’s are reminders of why I do what I do! It truly is so much fun to play pretend! ;)  

12/13/17

I was psyched to audition for the first time today at Slate Casting! I read for a mom who was stressed about a dinner party and getting a great family photo! I had fun preparing for the audition and was able to do some of what I rehearsed. Here is to practice and new connections! It would be amazing to book this! 

10/28/17

Not every audition ends with the director responding "Damn, girl!" But, this one did! She thought my acting game was strong! :) I rehearsed hard for this one, wanting to find those sweet spots that would allow me to stay connected, present, and vulnerable in this character, despite being watched and/or filmed. My work paid off as I did what I rehearsed, and didn't force the emotion. As always, I am hoping for a callback!...Follow up: booked it! :) 

10/21/17

I love to go holiday caroling and have been wanting to do so for the last couple of years. I came across a notice for paid carolers and figured, "why not?!" I submitted my materials (head shot, resume, video links of recent Harvard and USO performance) and booked the gig! I can't wait to start Fa La La La La-ing for the Dola Dola Cha Ching! 

9/25/17

Self-taped two sides for this one and thoroughly enjoyed the involved process! Each character was unique and specific: one super tough and one sweet, but sleepy! I put 100% in and can be proud of my submissions!  

9/1/17

Two for one this week! I had a follow-up interview for an audition I did back in 2015 (see 10/16/15 entry)! And, I auditioned for a main stage show at the prestigious Loeb Theatre in Cambridge. It was a cold read with challenging material, but still fun! :) I always have fun at auditions! I'm hoping for a callback! 

3/20/17

This past weekend, I transformed our apartment into a film set, trying to self-tape two sides for an interested director. I had a blast creatively setting up the shots, though simply showing up for an audition seems like a lot less effort! I wonder if self-taped auditions are the wave of the future? If so, I need to get the hang of it! For one scene, I had to play the guitar, which my nephew just taught me to do last weekend! How's that for synchronicity?! A special shout-out goes to my wife who worked as my director, camerawoman, and set dresser, as well as played the other three characters! 

5/23/16

This audition opportunity found me as I was pursuing something else all together! Further, I'm not sure I've ever felt quite so right for a role. All of this is to say, I think I've come to the right place! Auditioning yesterday, for True Story Theater, I felt like the penguin in Happy Feet when he finds his people! I'm delighted to say, the director and troupe invited me to continue working with them! Powerful and healing performances are on the horizon and I can't wait!!!

2/26/16

I left last night's audition on quite the high! For the first time ever in my career, I am going after one specific role only in this musical.  I thoroughly prepared my song (after following my heart on its selection) and monologue and was able to do exactly what I had rehearsed, even when a couple of curve balls were thrown at me. That alone equals success to me. Further, I paid close attention to what the director said she wanted, and then brought it! I really hope I get the opportunity to bring this character to life and my life to this character!!! 

2/14/16

"I am not throwing away my shot." That's what Alexander Hamilton sings in the musical named after him. I wasn't going to go for this gig and then I became inspired by this line! I'm so glad I submitted my audition video because I booked the job and it feels really good! I love auditioning, and my last several gigs have come without a formal audition process. I've missed it and it's nice to be back!!! 

10/16/15

Yesterday, I got to read to be a part of a touring theater troupe that educates youth about the dangers of alcohol and drug addiction. This opportunity was especially exciting, as I recently celebrated a year of sobriety! I feel like this work is at the intersection of who I was, who I am, and who I will become, with Caryn the actor remaining constant throughout. It requires me to go even deeper in order to learn how best to share my experience with others. It will be the next leg on my journey, and I can't wait!!!

10/14/15

My most recent audition was awesome because the director said things like "okay, now try this," and "let's do it again, only this time..." Auditions are great opportunities to act, but often they are over way too soon for my taste! Whether I book this or not, I got to do some really fun scene work! So, thank you, Ms. Director, for spending a bit more time with us than usual!

9/25/15

Last night's audition called for a cold read and a monologue. I made strong choices and did what I could to pursue my actions. I'm thrilled to be able to report that I reached that "in the zone" place where I was no longer self-consciously aware of my body and voice, but instead simply going after what my character wanted with laser sharp focus! It felt great, and I can't wait for the next opportunity to do my job!

9/11/15

Today, I auditioned for The Donkey Show at the American Repertory Theatre, and I have to say, every audition should be this fun! I bus stopped, worked to charm the ladies, and performed a blast from the past: Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive!" I prepared all I could ahead of time, and gave it all I had! I KNOW I have what it takes to play these roles, as this kind of dancing, acting, and singing happens in my living room pretty much on the daily! It would be a dream to share my energy and talents with larger audiences! (My fiance and her cat have probably seen and heard enough!)

9/4/15

I just performed "Unusual Way" a week ago, and then came across an audition for the musical NINE! I was psyched, carefully selected my 16 bars, went in and did my thing! It felt great! The song and character are rich with range, and I love going to the highs and lows! I left the audition on cloud NINE! ;) 

9/3/15

I LOVE the play Proof! I love both Claire and Catherine and getting to read for these characters was a bit of a dream come true! Unfortunately, I didn't get to do all the sides I prepared ahead of time, so I tried to make new choices. Lesson: Anything goes at auditions! As usual, the challenge is to auditon, and then forget all about it! My job is done. Back to work!

8/24/15

I had the wonderful opportunity to audition to sing with my fiance's orchestra! It felt big to audition just as a singer. I did what I rehearsed and it feels GREAT to be back! If this ever materializes into a gig, my sweetheart and I will be on stage together!!! :)

7/10/14

Boston Casting was looking for runners and bikers to feature on billboards selling sports watches. Being that I'm training for a triathlon, I felt qualified! I submitted photos and was called in to audition. These were more model types than actors, but I gave it what I got! I ran, jump roped, and did a couple of yoga poses. I had a blast and got in a little extra exercise! Here's to hoping I booked it! 

8/1/13

It's a powerful feeling when an audition finds me and today's was a first of its kind! Times sure are changing as I auditioned for this film via Skype! Auditioning for a webcam presents a new set of challenges and benefits. I had to negotiate my gaze as what my eyes saw (on the monitor) and ears heard (through the speakers) were not in the same place. My body was essentially eliminated because of the very tight frame. The material I've been reading for my thesis informed my take on the character as I enjoyed endowing her with a real sense of strength amidst some serioius life challenges. As always, I gave it my best shot, had fun, and am very grateful for the opportunity!