I've MOVED!

Well...my blog has moved.  It is a very exciting time in my career and it's perfect timing because I have a new and improved web-site that also now hosts my blog!  Let me know what you think about the new site and the new blog.  www.angelakerwin.com/blog/

It's a Wrap!

Haven't had a chance to blog about my experience doing the show, Forever Fosse. It was a really wonderful opportunity to perform and do what I actual came here to do...perform! Even though it was a small theater, production, etc... I loved that I had rehearsals daily and that I got the opportunity to sing. I am definitely going to look for more theater opportunities. Here are a couple of fun pics:A compilation of Cabaret, Chicago, Damn Yankees and Sweet Charity, Forever Fosse was a blast! Needless to say, we were dressed (or not dressed) for most of the show...hence the black lingerie. Mom and dad approved ;)

Um...somebody thought they were hot stuff apparently. Nice collar (thanks Jeanna for the loan)

LA Comedy Fest and other stuff...

This morning my performance improv group, Duck Tape, and I are hoping to "wow" the organizers of the LA Comedy Festival so that we can perform as part of it in November. After almost two years of working together, each of us knows the strengths/weaknesses (not that we have any) of each one of us. I believe that our biggest strength is our ability to work together as an ensemble...there isn't any of the "hogging/showing-off/selfish" stuff that often times plagues an improv group. I feel really fortunate to have such a kind and committed group of professional actors to work with! Wish us luck.

On another note, I've done some more work with General Hospital and I absolutely love it. I would love to be a part of this show....mostly because the cast and crew are so darn nice. Not to mention, Gwen, the casting director, is the sweetest woman I've met down here in LA - - always quick to respond to me and just treats actors like "people" which is so refreshing.

I've had a good few weeks. Forever Fosse is wrapping up this weekend and my parents are coming down to see it -- yeah! I was also booked for a comedy pilot...and then cut from the script (boo). Such is the life of an actor.

I start my photography classes again in a few weeks and I am so excited to develop my skills in this area. All in all though, a great summer but I can't wait until I book even more jobs.

FOREVER FOSSE

I don't know what I was thinking but I was recalling my earliest memories of acting. Most notably my "debut" in Annie when I was 10 years old and I thought to myself, "hey, I'd love to do musical theater again, I'll look into it tomorrow."

So "tomorrow" which, was actually Monday morning, August 10th, I saw a casting notice on the breakdowns for the role(s) of Sally Bowles (made famous by the fabulous Liza Minelli) and Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta Jones) and I thought, what the heck, I'll throw my hat in the ring. I wasn't expecting a call but sure enough, the next day I received a call from the Director asking me to come in the next day to audition. Kind of crazy, right? I didn't even have a song rehearsed and the last time I "sang", was a lip-sync to my vocals that had been pre-recorded during the Miss Oregon pageant back in 2001. Even then, this was a stretch but at least I had the benefit of a sound editor and some choreographed "razzle dazzle" to distract the audience.

I literally went onto Youtube, found the song "This Time" from Cabaret, and videotaped myself singing it with headphones on and it didn't sound half bad. Seriously, though the great thing about not being 19 in this town is that I have the mentality that I truly have nothing to lose and auditioning and being uncomfortable is why I moved to LA in the firsts place!

Armed with about 2 hours of vocal practice and my resume, I threw on some bright red lipstick, and walked into The Hollywood Fight Club with confidence. I have realized that confidence can get you places you never dreamed and if you don't believe in yourself, how can you expect a casting director to believe in you, right? I was offered the parts of Mama Morton (Queen Latifah's role from Chicago) and Lola from the musical Damn Yankees on the spot! I accepted and literally two weeks from our first rehearsal on August 13th, we had our first show.

Being in Forever Fosse has been an extraordinary experience and I absolutely love the theater. While I wouldn't call it "Broadway", it has been wonderful to be a part of something and the cast is extraordinarily talented! Being in this show has also reignited my love of dance, which I had done for 13 years and then just stopped one day - - well, not anymore. I'm dusting off my jazz shoes and gonna start hitting the studio again!

I am already looking for more shows to be a part of and will keep ya'll posted. I think the Lord is working in mysterious ways because I could never have predicted this path when I moved down here 18 months ago but what a journey it has been!

If you live in LA and want to come to the show, let me know! We just finished the first three shows and it runs every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday until September 13th. Pics to come!

Marketing/Branding - JENN CHIANG ROCKS

I believe it is critical to an actors success to have an online presence and a marketing strategy. I also believe that an actors and their work should be easily accessible. One way to do this is through a web-site. Another way to do this is to mail information directly to various casting directors, agents and managers.

I am working hard to find work, which will give me more material for my web-site and I am also creating a direct-mail plan. This plan needs to be consistent and one that is branded properly. I am a big believer that image is everything. I know this may sound trite and vein to many but it is true nonetheless. I should clarify that I don't mean my "physical image" and that it is the most important thing (although, it is important), I believe that the image or the "brand" we communicate with can either increase my chances of getting work or decrease them.

Lucky for me though, I hit a jackpot when I met my good friend JENNIFER CHIANG! Jenn is an amazing designer and graphic artist and she has graciously and joyfully taken on the task of creating a web-site for me as well as my logo, business cards and some mailing materials. If you agree, I would highly recommend her services for anything you may need her for. She is ultra collaborative and is a perfectionist. I feel SO incredibly blessed to have her friendship and her expertise. I look forward to paying her back when I get my big break.

General Hospital - small part...big potential :)

So I did my little G.H. shoot yesterday. It was fun and quick. I'm not sure we'll even see me but the best part is just being on the set and there were only two other "extras" hired for this so it's pretty cool. I swung by afterwards to say hello to Gwen (the casting director) and she was gracious as always but obviously busy. She offered me a number to call if I want to do this more. Um...yes, I'd love to be on a set with people who make decisions and make a little cash-olah$$$ while I'm at it. I hope she looks for even bigger roles for me - -wouldn't that be cool. My pics are kind of corny but fun nonetheless!

My call sheet

My dressing room...o.k., it's a little basic but I was the only one there so if felt like my very own room - the life of a working actress ;)

That's a wrap! "thumbs up"...I entertain myself sometimes - - I just get so excited :)

General Hospital - Woot woot!

I met Gwen about 9 months ago but neither of us knew that we were in the "biz". I was volunteering at an event and she was attending and I had no idea what she looked like, what her last name was etc... so we just enjoyed a great conversation about this and that. I didn't feel intimidated or that I needed to prove anything to her and so was free to be myself. I told her that I live in Little Tokyo, downtown and she shared the best kept secret in LA and that is the $20 theater tickets at the Ahmanson Theater Group! Finally, at the end of the conversation, she asked what I did and I told her that I am trying my hardest to be a working actor. She informed me that she is the casting director for General Hospital, which I knew once she told me her last name! It just so happens that I had mailed her a postcard asking to meet with her just the week before! She said to keep in touch, send my stuff, and she'll see what she can do.

9 months, 4 postcards, and 3 emails later...my persistence paid off and she booked me for this coming Monday! She called and asked if I wanted to do a day of extra work and before she could finish, I said "absolutely"! Now, some actors think they are above extra work but not me, I'd be happy sweeping the floors if it would get me closer to the people who do the hiring/casting, plus, it's a great way to meet fellow actors and get my foot in the door. She even went on to say that this is a great way for her to see me again and that she'll look for an even bigger part for me if this goes well. I'll keep my fingers crossed that this comes along but I am so thankful that she remembered me and it's nice to know that persistence really does pay off.

I'll keep you posted on the exact episode. All I know is that I'm a honeymooner in "Mexico" and I'll be wearing "resort wear'. So funny yet so glad it worked out.

Target Shoot

Last Friday I arrived on set to shoot the Target web/commercials.

It was an interesting shoot and the other mom's were very nice. Unfortunately, none of us were made aware that the shoot was scheduled for all night. We were told that we were going to be forced to stay inside of the Target for what they called "lock down" from 12 am - 4 am. Luckily, my agent called and they released me after they were done filming my part. It was a good experience and I learned a lot namely, that regardless of my union affiliation, I am not someone who can be coerced into doing something that I did not agree to (i.e. staying until 4 am!). This is not to say that I wouldn't have stayed until 4 am had I know, but it was the principle of the matter. I was told that I was hired for a job during the day and then it was moved to night and then it was expanded to "all night". We likely didn't know about it because our agents would have negotiated a higher rate for us. Ah, the glories of being non-union! All in all though, I was thrilled with the opportunity to do a little job for one of my favorite stores!

Right after finding out we were gonna be in "lock down"

Booked it!

Boo Ya! It's a phrase I like to use when I book something and I am pleased as a peacock that I booked my first Target commercial/web-banner thing! This was for another non-union gig but you know what, I'm all about doing what it takes and if driving to Santa Monica two times in two days is what it takes, I'll do it. The audition was actually a pretty fulfilling experience. So many times I walk into a room, say one line and walk back out but this time I actually got to use my commercial training (pre-life, utters and mutters, etc... - - thank you commercial teacher Carolyne Barry!)

The callback was even better because the casting director and I had a nice conversation about different music venues around town and that lead into a conversation about the Fleet Foxes and it turns out that he is good friends with the lead singers dad and we were at the same concert a few months ago! I feel like these kinds of auditions/meetings are little gifts from God when He lines up all the right people, scenarios, etc... and a certain type of magic happens. I am thrilled to have booked it and feel great!

Following up on the last post re: 9Innings. I honestly don't know how this one went. The beginning felt a little stiff but the second half of the monologue went pretty well. I was even more perplexed at the conclusion because the director asked me if I could sing?! I sang in concert and jazz choir in junior high school and attempted to sing at the Miss Oregon pageant when I was giving up my crown but I was really thrown off. I didn't expect this at all and of course, wanted him to know that I'm willing to try anything/new things - -so I attempted to belt out my best little song-ditty and said thank you. Now, I'm not sure I get very many "points" for vocal performance but hopefully my willingness to make a fool of myself will help. It's out of my hands and I know that what is meant to be will be and I have faith in this.

Lastly, I am proud to say that I have enrolled in my first official photography class and am super excited! I've been intrigued by photography for a long time and even purchased a fancy SLR camera about five years ago but didn't have the time to devote to learning the craft so I returned it. In March I purchased a Canon Rebel XS, which gets great reviews as a good introductory camera and it took nice photos on my trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. I can't wait to start my class in a couple of weeks and look forward to posting pics soon.
xo
Ang

Good News and Conquering a Mountain!

May has brought good news and a monumental sense of accomplishment! I got called back for the Layon Gray film, 9Innings, and I am thrilled! I felt incredible after the audition and look forward to working hard to make the second round go as well....I just found out it's this Thursday - - wish me luck! Also, things seem to be picking up a little bit more both commercially and print and I hope this is a positive sign that the economy is recovering more quickly than I once thought.

On a personal note, I accomplished a major physical goal this past weekend with energy to spare. I hiked over 20 miles to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. I love getting out of LA and experiencing nature - - it helps me to reconnect with the things that truly matter in life - - my health, my relationship with my husband and my overall outlook on life. It's easy to sweat the small stuff when living in LA but life is what you make of it!

View from Glacier Point. The 20+ mile hike looped around to the right, on top of the water fall and ended at the top of Half Dome (the big piece of stone to the left)

Half way Base of Half Dome - You can see the cables that line the way to the top

Almost a 45 degree angle without a harness - -surprised the Nat'l Park Service allows people to do this but glad they do! Walking around on top of Half Dome
My husband and I on top of the Diving Board on top of Half Dome

It was an amazing adventure and I am looking forward to many more Mountains and goals to conquer in the future!

Auditions and Boot Camp

Had a busy busy weekend! Friday night I auditioned for Layon Gray's new movie, 9 Innings, and it was a tough audition -- very emotionally charged but went well! I always feel blessed when I can leave an audition and feel content and pleased with my work and really, that's all you can ask for in this crazy industry. I also worked with my improv group, Duct Tape. I think we are really starting to come together and understand each others strengths and weakness and work with these in the best way possible. I'm excited to continue with the momentum we've established!

I ended the weekend with another audition but this time it was for an Internet talk show, Perspectives,it went alright but I'm just not sure about the actual concept of the project and the likelihood that it'll get picked up by a major network. Let's focus on the first hurdle though and that is to get the job. The way it was described to me is that it's like The View with more humor? I figure that auditioning is always good and if it's meant to be, it'll be.

Today was the most exciting though because I started Kutting Weight boot camp! Sometimes, I impress myself (ha) because it takes a lot for me to commit to waking up at 5:30 am 3days/week for 5 weeks! I am hoping it kicks my butt and gets me in tip top shape for bikini season. Wish me luck!

A long long time...

It's been quite a while since I last wrote. I may quite possibly be crazy because I started two blogs at roughly the same time and I find myself blogging more on the other one (http://www.russandang.blogspot.com/) about my life outside of the "acting world".

Since we returned from Vietnam and Cambodia, I've been working a lot on getting my name out there and have reconnected with my theatrical agent, Carlyne, and I am looking forward to good things to come. The following are some of the highlights I've been working on over the past couple of months:

• Read for Lesly Kahn and was placed in her intermediate class. I start in June because of conflicts with my existing schedules May.



• Began working privately with my favorite teacher to date, Annie Grindley. She's a doll and I respect her as a person, which is a hard thing to do in this town. She's not full of crap and I like that she believes in me.



• Auditioned for Destination Green - An Eco travel show that would have been perfect for me. The audition went better than I could have expected but unfortunately I didn't book the job. Not a bad starting audition for my soon-to-be successful hosting career :) I must have misunderstood the memo that requested we dress "sporty casual" because I came dressed as a real traveller (khaki shorts, t-shirt, sporty shoes and pony-tail)...the other 50+ girls looked like they just walked off of the set "Deal or No Deal" complete with huge boobs and miniskirts. I'm sorry, but could you really hike up the pyramid of Chichen Itza in those 4" heels ? I don't think so. Oh well, you win some you lose some. I love my hosting agent, Adam at NTA and he deserves a medal for working it to get me in for this one.



• Beginning the hard work with my improv group, Duct Tape, to hone our characters and skills in anticipation of ongoing live shows throughout Southern California. It's a great group of 8 of us who have been doing this for the last year together and we are now ready to take it to the next level and do live shows on our own. We are blessed to continue our training with Donovan Scott



• Auditioned and booked a job with legendary photographer Peggy Sirota - - she's shot basically everyone under the sun. She is a creative genius but unfortunately, she was shooting me for a Wells Fargo campaign and they tend to be more conservative. I understand though, it' s a bank, not a fashion magazine. Nonetheless, it was cool to be in her presence. Even cooler to be doing the shoot in her offices where you can view her entire wall filled with boxes labeled "Bratt Pitt photo shoot, Charlize Theron Photo shoot, Clinique Happy Campaign, George Bush Photos, Justin Timberlake, etc..." It was pretty rad and not a bad paying gig for less than a day of work.

I've also been a busy bee with "life", which is why I've been neglecting this blog. I'm back in the saddle again and ready to rumble. I plan to start working in some casting director workshops in June as well and hopefully, this will work me into my big recurring role on Law & Order :)

Over and out, Angela

Energized and Refreshed

My husband and I are on our last leg of our adventure through Vietnam and Cambodia. We've been in SE Asia for about 16 days and, while I am sad to leave, I am also excited to get back to work. We are currently in Siem Reap, Cambodia doing some last minute emailing. Originally, we hesitated travelling to Cambodia due to time limitations but it all worked out and I am glad that it did because this country is amazing and has been a highlight of our trip.

The temples, the people, and the beauty of these countries is breathtaking. I think it has been a great mix of indulgence, "roughing it", relaxation, and adventure (snorkeling, hiking, walking a ton and exploration). We did it all - Hanoi - Halong Bay - The Beach/Nha Trang - Hoi An - Island of Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon - Cambodia/Angkor Wat/Siem Reap. It was an adventure of a lifetime!

My impressions of SE Asia are mixed. This part of the world is filled with beautiful scenery and exceptionally nice people. I feel convicted in that I should do more for those in need. At times, I found it difficult to lay on the beach, ordering drinks all the while the support staff are working hard and doing so with a smile on their faces. In the past, I am not sure these things really crossed my mind, but I am grateful that I was aware of this and of the blessings we've been given. Nonetheless, tourism has been a siginificant economic driver in both Vietnam and Cambodiaand and so our "being here" is actually helping in a small way.

I look forward to sharing photos when I return to the US. Much love.

My First "Date" (with the Agent)

My meeting with "the agent"went well but I have yet to hear back. I find these meetings interesting, challenging and a bit awkward...much like a first date. On one hand, I want to be completely be myself, warts and all. Yet, on the other hand, I sometimes want to impress him and so I try and figure out what it is "they" are looking for and conform to this idea. Thankfully though, I have some "wisdom/years" under my belt and have learned that at the end of the day, this strategy doesn't help anyone, least of all myself.

So, it's our first "date". I arrive in the office all gussied up which, for me means showered with hair blown dray, make-up applied and a pair of high-waisted jeans to show how "stylish" I can be (little does anyone know that I spend most of my days in a pair of spandex capris with a tank top and no make-up). I walk to the reception desk where I am then asked to wait. I sit awkwardly on the overstuffed couch that doesn't allow me to sit up straight to avoid "the fat bulge". I am relegated to sitting on the edge so as to position myself just "so".

I casually peruse the trade papers as if it's something I do daily. I should but I don't but I did learn that 90210 got picked up for more episodes. I am so excited, are Dylan and Kelly getting back together...wait, wrong cast - - I don't even know who is in the "new" one. Ten minutes pass when "the agent" i.e. "my date" hurriedly comes in and apologizes for making me wait. Whether he is truly sorry or wants me to believe that he is really busy because he is booking SO much talent, I will never know. For my sanity, I believe that he is very busy. We shake hands and do the inconspicuous "once-over" as I like to call it. You know, the look from head to toe without really letting the other person know that you're doing it. My sister actually has a different technique with me. She is a modeling agent and makes no qualms about give me the once-over when I am acutely aware that I am in sweats and t-shirt. This once-over, regardless of who is doing it, isn't fun but is necessary.

He leads me to his office and we sit and talk about random stuff. One may find it interesting to learn that we talk very little about acting. Our conversation starts with some stuff about me being "new" to LA. To me, fifteen months feels like a long time but to him, I am a new Angeleno. He asks me how it was to be Miss USA ? I feel bad as I correct him and burst his bubble, stating that I was just Miss Oregon, in the Miss America pageant, and this was many years ago. He still seems impressed so I roll with it and we talk some more. After about 30 minutes of exchanges, I can see his wheels churning in his brain and I am certain that he is asking himself, "can this girl make me money?" Conversely, I'm looking at him thinking, "is this guy/agency the right fit, does he have my best interest at heart, will he be aggressive with his representation of me and can I trust him?"

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I have a hard time keeping my trap shut, so I make a conscious effort not to hog the conversation and be a self-obsessed actor who is screaming, "pick me, give me a chance, give me a job." I try to play it cool and let him talk for while. I once learned that you can judge the success of a conversation/interview based on how much you do NOT speak. I probably spoke for 60% of the conversation and I hope it's enough to get me a "second date".

We shake hands and he says that infamous Hollywood line, "we'll be in touch." I smiled and said, "thank you." As I drove away, I reviewed the meeting in my head and felt good. I like this guy and his agency. I like that he is also one of four kids and went to college. I like that he is a little zany (in a good way) and is somewhere in his first decade of the business, which means he has a fire in his belly and desires to make his mark on the industry. I think these are all pluses for me because, lets face it, I'm not Nicole Kidman being offered upwards of $20 million/picture. It's a gamble for both of us and it takes a certain amount of "magic" for he stars to align just perfectly where we'd both agree to enter into this relationship. I love that he shared a book he just read about dyslexia because it shows he is interested in other topics unrelated to "the industry". He seems like a well-rounded human and a nice guy. I think I would like him to be my agent but that isn't up to me.

I know, I sound like I'm getting married to the guy but I take this stuff seriously (as I should) and who I decide to represent me will have a significant impact on my future.

On a different topic, my husband and I depart for Vietnam tonight. The total flight time is around 19hrs. with a layover in Taipei. It's great because we can sleep on the flight and then when we arrive in Hanoi it's only 10:35 am. I am very excited and even purchased SLR camera for the adventure (and because I've been wanting to get more serious about photography for a while now). The rough outline of the tip is Hanoi to Halong Bay, travel down to Hoi An (beach town and great garments), then down to Nah Trang which is supposed to be hip beach town, down to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and over to Cambodia to Angkor Wat and back to Ho Chi Minh City where we'll depart from on the 21st. I intend to take a lot of photos and look forward to sharing the adventure.

Not Another Manic Monday

So it' s Monday and I always find myself mixed about Mondays. One, because the weekend is over but then again, it's the beginning of a whole week of possibilities! I think to myself, maybe I'll book something, maybe I'll meet an agent who believes in my talent, maybe I will wake up and my hair will automatically look shiny and straight, maybe....you get the point.

I have several key things going on this week: audition, book club, meeting with an agent, and I leave for Vietnam and Cambodia on Thursday night! I'm excited but there is a lot to get done before the day is over and the book club girls arrive. I look forward to posting about all of the above but for now, I have to achieve the look of "ultra hip/upscale casual mom"??? I have no idea...I'll settle for my skinny jeans and blouse and call it good. Wish me luck.
xo

The Adventure of My Life! Los Angeles

About 15 months ago I left my life as I knew it. I was working as a economic policy analyst, living in a great home and was surrounded with a group of caring and supportive friends and family. After watching a play in which the primary theme was aging, illness and death it got me thinking about the end of my life and the goals I hope to accomplish before I meet my maker. While this seems morbid, it was actually a wonderful time of reflection and clarity and I heard a voice very clearly telling me to savor my life and to refocus myself and my goals. Where once I was focused on living a predictable, comfortable and "safe" life, I was now moved to pursue a path less direct and one that has been rife with ambiguity and sometimes disappointment. Yet, it is also a life filled with more passion and excitement than I could have every imagined. A life lived in Los Angeles, California.

I recall reading a quote by Souza many years ago and one that is imprinted on the front of my journal that roughly states, "life is the journey not the destination". I enjoyed this quote ten years ago but for some reason, fifteen months ago it became real to me. I realized that I wasn't savoring my day-to-day life as much as I should and was focused on getting a task completed before I could enjoy my life. I believe that life should be savored and enjoyed and that each day should be lived to it's fullest because life is short.

Maybe it's the Hollywood obsession with youth that has me more aware of the brevity of my life but this is one lesson from Hollywood that I will gladly accept and be grateful for - - live life well and live it with every ounce of my being. At the end of my life, I want to look back and not say "woulda, coulda, shoulda", I want to say, thank you - - "I did".

I am excited about blogging, and would love to hear from you!