Howdy! Got some actual updates for once, so let's get into it!
On a weekly basis, as far as my acting stuff goes, I'm still simply applying to casting calls. Thanks to the course I took back in January, I feel more confident doing that, like I'm putting my best foot forward, but it boils down to lots of emails. Not super thrilling. I don't talk about it much cause it feels like shouting into the void. I've been much better about following through when a self-tape request comes in. I still pretty much hate them, but submitting anything is better than nothing. I try to forget them as soon as I send them so I don't get hung up on any one opportunity.
That said, a few weeks ago, I had an audition - not just a self-tape request, but a legit audition with a human being (virtually) for an A24 project. Who's A24, you ask? Oh, you know, just the studio behind such movies as...
Pretty fucking cool, right? The audition was kind of wild. I got the script shortly before the call. No prep, so that was kinda nice. Then, I was the only one on camera and on mic. The director dude was only communicating through the chat box. I reeeally had to police myself to stop talking and not just fill the silence. And then I just went for it. My Towson Theatre Department training and experience came in handy. I got quite used to saying fuck it and just going for it. It was some peak weird theatre kid shit. And Hayden was sitting at his desk next to me.
I got to do the scene several times, making adjustments and taking notes. The guy seemed happy with my work. So happy, he gave me a second scene to do! Clearly, I didn't suck. It felt wonderful to be acting again. To get into a character and use my skills. It was a lovely reminder that I can still do the thing.
At the end, he said some really nice things about my work and told me they still had more auditions to go through over the next week or so before getting to callbacks. And that was three weeks ago. Theoretically, it's still in the window where I maaaaybe could hear back, but not so likely. But that's ok! As my professor Peter Wray told me, you're almost never auditioning for this project, but really three projects from now, or five or whatever.
Oh! And the coolest part? I didn't submit for this! I received an email through my website from this guy saying his assistant passed my profile along to him. Right??? I guess I'm doing something right! So clearly, this is not one of those casting calls or auditions that I send and forget. I will have this in the back of my mind for quite some time. Fingers always crossed under the table.
Outside of acting? I'm busting my butt at Old Navy. I truly underestimated how exhausting it would be. I'm usually unloading shipments, so it's a lot of lifting and lugging and running around. It is, however, very satisfying. This coming week, I work 6/7 days. Sooooooo that'll be a joy.
And, of course, my podcast, Tabula Rasa, B!tches!: A Buffy Rewatch Show, is still going! This past week we finally dropped the episode I recorded with my parents. That's a weight off for sure. Still too hard to sit and listen to myself, but I know one day I'll be really glad to have it.
Still wedding planning.
Hazel is good.
Hayden still works like a dog selling high-priced whiskey to rich dudes. Thank goodness.
Weather is improving here. It's feeling and smelling like spring!
Oh, and the Oscars!! For the first time EVER I watched all ten Best Picture nominees! That was super cool to do. Definitely a new tradition. Here's my personal ranking from best to worst.
Barbie
Poor Things
American Fiction
The Zone of Interest
The Holdovers / Past Lives
Oppenheimer
Anatomy of a Fall
Maestro
Killers of the Flower Moon
If you're interested in my full breakdown of what I believe the qualities of an Oscar Best Picture should be and why I ranked these this way, let me know. I'm happy to talk your ear off.
Ok. Now I believe that's everything. Ta-ta for now.