Life Lessons I learned from Improv Class

As I groggily drove home from the final Improv 3 class at Second City, I tried to justify the now $1100 I have spent at the school.  Sure the classes are absolutely hysterical and so much fun.  And I can say without a doubt that I have not only stepped out my shell but I perhaps even shed the damn thing all together (picturing a shell-less turtle is not exactly the model image of courage I was trying to conjure with that metaphor - but you get the idea).  But confidence boost and mastery of 101 theater games can't really be worth the grand I should have put towards a new car...

or can it?

WHAT I LEARNED FROM IMPROV CLASS 
1. The golden improv rule: Never say no.  To say no to your scene partner in an improv sketch is the highest offensive, punishable by banishment from subsequent participation.  Really.  No matter how odd or vulgar the suggestion is - if your scene partner blurts out 'like a bag of dicks', you damn well follow up with, 'oh right, that's a great idea Billy - maybe we should gift him two bags of dicks just to show our gratitude!'.   Albeit a horrible example, this rule is painstakingly applicable in life.  Stop automating with no and negativity.  Saying YES as often as you can in life will leave you wide eyed and ready for all of life's greatest pleasures.

2. I guess the golden rule is really not just 'always say yes' it is always say 'yes - and'. It is not enough to just be a minion who blindly agrees.  In improv you add on by saying yes, then building upon the idea or situation in order to propel the scene forward with life and vitality.  Are we finding a pattern with how this applies to life? YES AND it is that in improv and in the real world it is always a rewarding experience to be a contributor.

3. Everything is open to interpretation.  Today an audience member suggested 'curling' and one improviser started curling his hair, and the other started curling weights.  They recognized the miscommunication... and made it work - turning the story into a school too cheap to build separate male and female locker rooms in the gym.  My perspective is so drastically different from yours.. and that's where the magic of collaboration comes into play.  Tis important in life to be completely open to interpretation. Let yourself see things from another point of view...and never assume anyone will see things from your eyes.

The Bucket List, revised.

When I first wrote out my bucket list senior year of college, my goals and dreams seemed unattainable.  Some, like pursuing acting and hosting, I knew were so far out of the realm of possibility that I was too ashamed to even write them down.  The list had things like, win a pageant, write a memoir, learn to change a tire, drive cross country, see the grand canyon.  As I stretched into myself and began crossing off some of the travel and adventure goals, I added more elaborate ones, like yacht week and running a half marathon.  And somewhere around my 25th birthday, I swallowed my fear of failure and judgement and made a profound leap of confidence, writing down 'land an acting role in tv or film' and, the very far-fetched 'host a show for Travel Channel'.   Over this past year, this goal has manifested itself, and I felt overwhelmed with disbelief when I got to cross off both goals and shoot further into the stars.  My travel channel show is still on reruns, and I realized that perhaps, what I really wanted was not to just have a show on Travel Channel, but to host a travel show - where I get to

Acting Epiphany

I used to leave Aaron Speiser's acting class with these great epiphanies.  Maybe the classes would take me to a dark place in my mind and bring up an onslaught of suppressed emotions.  Those night, I left feeling emotionally and physically drained... but always with a better understanding of who I am and where I come from.  Other classes would leave me over analyzing everything I encountered, from interactions at the supermarket to the peculiar rhythm of brushing my teeth.  On these nights, I left so wide eyed and curious, with an insatiable thirst for experiencing every single facet of life to it's fullest capacity.  Of course, Aaron and his team covered the intention and objective of the scene, figuring out what your character needs and how they are trying to obtain it.  But for me, the classes went so much deeper.  It was as if I was receiving a therapy session while listening to a lecture on sociology and psychology all wrapped up in the fulfillment of an enlightened understanding of the craft of acting.

Acting is such a peculiar profession.  To embody an entirely different persona and live out a entirely scripted scenario based upon this fictional character's back story, habits and circumstances.  All to bring enjoyment to an anonymous audience.  Hmm

Now it has been over a year since I studied at Aaron's studio, and I was ready to try something new.  I chose Doug Warhit's classes for two reasons: proximity to my home and decent reviews.   If Aaron

Short Scene for a Workshop or Class - Romantic Drama

Here's another short scene I just wrote to perform for my acting class and perhaps a few casting director workshops.  I often find it difficult choosing a scene from the list - simply for the fact that I know at least 2 actors ahead of me and 2 after will do the same exact scene.  When I used to hold workshops as an agent, there was nothing that made me tune out more than listening to the same exact delivery 3 times in a row.  So, I wrote this quick and easy scene in my own words to give me a leg up against the monotony of overused scenes.  Again, not the best writing and definitely room for improvement, but I love how well a scenario like this resonates with 90% of us.

Feel free to use or adapt this if you too are struggling to find a unique scene that hasn't been overplayed.

HOW'S THE DOG

Ext. GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT - DAY

Paul, 27, is walking out of the supermarket, carrying a bag of groceries when he bumps into Claire, 26.

CLAIR

Wow! Hi! I can't believe.. it's good to see you!

PAUL

Wow, Claire.. hi

CLAIR

So, how are you?  What's new? How’s your mom? and brother?  And Rex, oh my God, how is Rex?

My Bio for Backpacker Nation!

Less than one month until I'm traveling through Latin America and I figured I'd publish the bio I wrote about myself for the show.. sure it's a little aggrandizing, but who doesn't build themself up once and awhile?!   ...This ones for you Uncle Charlie.  Sam said you were disappointed by my lack of blog activity lately :)

   Chelsea Gilson is synonymous with wanderlust - and lives for adventure and travel.  This acute travel bug started at a young age.  Growing up an only child in the small town of Halifax, Massachusetts she would pour through pictures of exotic places, and of course never miss an episode of "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego".  As a kid, she got the best of both worlds; a father who taught her to farm and properly hammer a nail, and a mother who groomed her for pageants and  a love of the arts.  Her parents spoiled her with trips to

Acting class mock scene - Sitcom

A scene I had to write for my new acting class.  Not my best work, but I figured I'd post it for anyone else looking for a quick, fast paced scene.

I'm taking classes with Doug Warhit and he had a valid point when it came to mastering a sitcom character: they are immature and one dimensional.  And that couldn't be more true.  There's almost always a father/daughter or mother/son dependence when it comes to spousal relationships, the characters are almost always neurotic and easily confused, and everyone consistently whines.  I find myself more of a film author with some twists and turns.  But, if sitcom is what is asked of me, sitcom is what I'll deliver. 

EXT. CENTURY CITY.  Erin and Sarah, both 28, stroll casually through the outdoor mall sipping Starbucks lattes.  They are dressed in Lulu Lemon workout gear and fit in perfectly with the quintessential Los Angeles single woman profile. 

ERIN:

...and then, after bearing through nearly two hours of these god awful stories, get this.. he actually took my credit card! And let me pay!!

Another one bites the dust. Audition 1, Chelsea 0

Actor life is getting a bit ...how shall I say it... it is getting to be a bit of a struggle.  

I just left an audition at this beautiful theatre within walking distance to my apartment.  And when I pushed open the heavy mahogany doors I knew in my heart's heart that I would land this part. 

Problem was, I wasn't quite sure which part I was reading for.  

So I pull instead of push the door until someone helps me and clumsily stumble inside.  The casting assistant asks which role I'm reading for.  Well, funny story, I'm not really even quite sure - a friend who was working at the theatre just happen to extend an invitation to a casting and I thought well, no opportunity is a bad one unless you miss it! 

hm.

There were four other women (let me reiterate women.  because I keep booking 19-20) all dressed, head to toe, in Marilyn Monroe outfits.  

So I reply, "I'm reading for Marilyn!"  I'm wearing black leggings, little booties, a white tank top and an oversized zebra sweater (stop judging me. it was cold out). 

"Great have a seat".

As I start reading over the Marilyn sides my nervousness subsides and I feel elated with confidence.  I AM Marilyn, I WILL get this part.  I'm perfect for it.  I rehearse how I'll say each word, how I'll command the stage, how I'll pile on the sex appeal.  Well, I rehearse this all in my head anyways.

I can faintly hear the audition before me, and I hear a bunch of applause.  How many casting people are in there I wonder?  Oh well.  All the more people to impress.  

And now it's my turn.  So I waltz in with my zebra grandma sweater and I take front and center stage on the most beautiful and regal stage I have ever stepped foot on.  There is even a balcony!

I pucker my lips, sashay my hips and get ready to deliver my lines with conviction. 

"Alright dear can you just do your song first then we'll get to the lines"

"what? a song? was I supposed to prepare something?!"

"no no.  anything will do.  just give your normal audition song.  You're a singer right?"

"yes, I can sing"

"whats your range"

"um well. I sing low.  like baritone"  (i cringe immediately.  baritone is the guys range).

"alright well just sing happy birthday for us"

here it goes.  I walk up to the microphone and I caress it, and slide down singing my sexiest "Missstah pressssident" and when it's all through I wait for my applause. 

someone shuffles their feet.  

"hah. hah.  that was like a show tune version."  the casting directors exchange looks "alright well go ahead with your lines"

And so I performed.  I paced back and forth, I delivered each line, didn't miss a beat.  But the Marilyn had faded.  The character was gone.  She died in the Happy Birthday song, and now it was just some too thin blonde shuffling her feet in the middle of this grand stage. 

It ended.  There was still no applause.  

So I gathered my things and breathed a sigh of release.  Lesson learned, now pack up your humility and hightail it home for a glass (or 3) of wine.  

"Hey, can you do a french accent?"

"of course!" 

They like me! they like me!

"Good.  go read the sides for Lila, we'll call you back in after a few minutes"

Hooray! I knew my performance was good. I brought so much life to the character.  I just didnt get it because I'm too young!! 

I take the new sides in my hand and read them (in my head) with my best French accent.  The only basis I have is Sebastian the crab from Little Mermaid, but I feel like I've still got a pretty good grip on this.  Instead of stripper I'll say streepah.  Instead of mister, meestah.   Piece of cake. I search "french for dummies" and look up a few more vowel tricks.  Down pact.  I knew I was always great at accents!  Hah! the way everyone will be so impressed when I nail this! And then I can put it on my resume!  No one will ever even know I was born here! I'll book every french role there is!

"Alright we're ready for you"

Back on stage.  Another pucker of the lips.

And I deliver my lines. In a perfect French accent.  beautiful even. 

but.. there's still no applause.  At this point I've hear applause from every other audition.  And there's likely been a dozen. 

"well thank for trying"

And with that.  I left.  And picked up another bottle of wine on my way home, in case 3 glasses wouldn't cut it.

So what is the lesson learned?  

Be prepared.  Know your strengths ...AND your weaknesses. Dress the part.  And when all else fails, keep a full wine bar stocked.

"I don't mind making jokes.  But I don't want to look like one"- Marilyn Monroe

Bliss

Can you remember the last time you couldn't stop smiling?  The last time you were so blissfully happy that you had tears in your eyes and you felt completely at one with yourself and the world you inhabit?

I couldn't either.  Until today.  

I was leaving a shoot for a health and fitness show for cable, about to make the trek home.  While I was listening to Kenny Chesney and making mental checklists of things I needed to get done, I slipped out a smile.  Today was fun, the shoot went great, and who know? It could lead to even more.  

Thankfully, I am not unaccustomed to this feeling of contentment, or pride, or accomplishment... or even happiness in general.  I feel truly blessed most mornings and I still have moments of bliss that take my breath away.  I relished in the grin before being snapped back to reality with an email notification. 

The email was asking me for a background check following a callback I went on.  From the Travel Channel.  Sure it's just a pilot, and yes nothing is set in stone.. but I am so close to my dream life, I can taste it.   

In this brief instance I was overcome with joy.  An uninhibited bliss I hadn't felt since my childhood. I felt like I was in the right place at the right time.  That the stars were aligned, that my destiny was in my hands.. and that, after getting lost and breaking down a time or two, I was finally on the right path. 

This might not be my break, but it was the reminder I needed that my dreams are attainable.. and if I hang in there and stay positive, they will come to fruition. 

I don't always love myself, but I'm trying to learn to.  And with each day that I work to find myself and discover who I am and who I want to become, I feel a little closer to actualizing my dreams.  

 Now that I know this feeling, I want to aspire to find it again, and again until it's a normal indulgence.  I'm going to double count my blessings, hope for the best, put myself out there and reach for the stars ...but hopefully feel completely content if I land somewhere close instead. 

And I wish the same for all of you. too. :)

Speaking of Audition hell...

Since I'm in that self deprecating type of mood, I'd like to share my recent auditioning mishaps.

Today, I went out for:

 a super hero

 a girlfriend who was dumped because she wouldn't have a threesome 

a sorcerer who wanted to deplete my enemy's energy level

& I rounded it out by an interview to be considered for focus groups

Yesterday I graced the audition field as:

a psychopath who cuts off peoples faces and wears them as masks

a pedestrian who gets her hair cut off by a stranger during a prank

& a needy girlfriend who had to actually plant a kiss on my scene partner drug dealer boyfriend

Oh and I took pictures of my feet for a potential spa pedicure commercial

If you know me, you know my inability to act cool, my hopeless jokes, and my clumsiness.  Factor that in with my lack of auditioning experience and you've got one hell of a recipe for disaster.   Lets just pray that none of these audition tapes ever go viral.  Or hell, that I never bump into any of these casting directors in public. 

True Life: I'm a Struggling Actress in Hollywood

Now I get it.  Struggling.  Actor.  Emphasis on the struggle.

I've been neglecting my blog because I've been so absurdly busy.  How naive I was to imagine that quitting my job would free up all of my time.  I imagined I'd be working out twice a day, eating healthy, spending more time socializing, getting more sleep, writing more, but what am I doing instead? Cramming in a week chock full of auditions and juggling meetings, a boyfriend and social outings.

 The lack of a schedule and routine feels more cumbersome than my 9-5 ever did.  I'm so worried about missing out on opportunities.  I spend hours submitting for auditions and castings and then practicing lines.  I rack up miles zig zagging across this city, wait in crammed casting offices for eternities only to be rejected on the spot.  Or worse, think I nailed it then never hear from casting again.

Being an actress sucks.

it sucks worse that I know what I should be doing.

I know I should get new headshots with a clean background.  And then print them out with a professional resume on thick paper.

I know I should get into character, figure out my scene objective and write a back story and moment before for each and every scene I prepare.

I know that I should dress the part, and change my look depending on the audition.  I should look at the reader not at the camera.  Stop saying like and um.  Stop doing that obnoxious deep sigh that no one does in real life but all amateur actors put into their performances. Research the project, director and producer. I should stay thin and ready for a bathing suit shoot.  I should keep my roots dyed, my skin with the perfect tan, should deliver my lines uninhibited and without reservations.

I know all of this, because I've been on the other side.  I've worked in casting, been an agent, given this exact same advice and criticism.

But it's tough!!! I'm running through my savings fast and don't have extra money for nice new headshots and professional resumes! And there are too many auditions, and they're too short notice! And for god sakes I can't stay thin and work out, these auditions are ALL of the time! and i'm stressed.. and stress eating! Give me a break!

Maybe I will catch a break.  Maybe I wont.  But I have a new found respect for the struggling actor trying to make it.  This isn't a profession for the weak of heart.

Best Acting Classes Los Angeles

You probably couldn't have come to a better place for ratings on LA's BEST Acting Classes. As a cut throat theatrical agent, I've done extensive research to determine the most accredited programs.  As a hopeful starlet, I've graced the majority of these studios with an open mind. 

There are many amazing acting coaches in Los Angeles, but these names are recognizable and will take your craft and your resume to the next level. 

you're welcome. 

BOOKING THE AUDITION: Brian Reise Studio. Perfect class for someone completely new to auditioning.  You'll learn cold reads, how to audition for the camera, where to stand, how to dress, what headshot is appropriate.  The whole nine yards.  This is a business approach.   http://www.brianreiseacting.com/

TECHNIQUE/SCENE STUDY: Aaron Speiser Studio.  If Brian Reise's classes are book the audition, Aaron Speiser is keep the job. Check my previous rave review on Aarons studio -- These classes go beyond the sides and teach the concrete techniques of how to envelop a scene and get into character without losing sight of your scene objective. http://www.aaronspeiser.com/ 

CASTING DIRECTOR WORKSHOPS: TVI and Actors Key. Both are great, they just get different names.  Shoot for the workshops with CDs and associates currently working on shows you could actually be cast on.  If you're overweight and you have a slight lisp, going to see the casting department for a soap opera or Pretty Little Liars probably isn't going to be that helpful.  Also, chose a scene that is relatable to the CDs current genre. http://www.tvistudios.com/  http://www.actorskey.com/

MEISNER TECHNIQUE: The Ruskin School.    This is for the actor who needs a method and theory, someone with a lot (2+ years) of time on their hands to develop their craft. This is a life changing program for anyone who is ready for it.  Plus the classes are held in a airport hanger turned theater.  bad. ass.  http://www.ruskinschool.com/

IMPROV (Physical): Groundlings.  Let go of your inhibitions, find your voice and live in your actions.  This is an over the top theatrical stage approach to improv, but it breaks down barriers and will have you thinking on your feet in no time.  Plus the recognizable name is fabulous for a resume. http://www.groundlings.com/

IMPROV (sketch comedy): UCB or Second City.  If Groundlings is slapstick humor, UCB and Second City are political science sketches.  Still improv games and fun, but with a bit more wit than Groundlings.  http://losangeles.ucbtheatre.com/  http://www.secondcity.com/

LEGENDARY: Ivana Chubbuck.  While considered a method class, Ivanna will give you it all - and make sure no student is left with an unanswered question.  You don't become a hollywood legend for nothing, right?   http://www.ivanachubbuck.com/

NEW FAME: Anthony Meindl. Fun and fabulous.  Anthony cultivates a comfortable environment where students of any level can feel at home being critiqued on his stage. http://www.anthonymeindl.com/

COMMERCIAL AUDITIONING: Carolyne Barry. A theatrical character study approach to commercial auditioning? ingenious.  This is how you book a commercial.  http://carolynebarry.com/

HOSTING: Marki Costello.  There's no competition when it comes to hosting in Los Angeles.  She will teach you everything from reporting to green screen to actually finding and book the job. http://www.becomeahost.com/

COMMUNITY: Beverly Hills Playhouse.  A serious time commitment, but worth it for a new actor moving to LA and new to the auditioning world.  In addition to the 8-10 hours of class/stage time per week, small groups meet to discuss their progress in LA and map out their plan of action. http://www.bhplayhouse.com/

If you end up visiting any of these fine establishments, make sure to name drop me as your reference :)

Working as an Extra : The real story

Welp. Extra work is a little less exciting than I initially anticipated.

8 am call time.

Some less than friendly woman corals the downtrodden extras and sifts through their bags of clothes searching desperately for something passable in case we happen to make .01 second of the commercial.

From here, we sit and watch the principal extras get pampered and swooned over while we roast in the sun.  I stare at them with deep seeded envy, knowing they're making more than my rent money today, and that I'll likely walk away with 100 dollars after taxes.

After brooding for an hour, the 50 extras and I are herded onto a bus.  Here we chatter back and forth, sizing up one another and guessing which, if any, will be pulled up as a featured extra (and make an extra $200!).

At the first location they fill us in as cookout guests and we have forced conversations and laughter for the next two hours while the principals get their noses powdered and re-do their one simple line over and over. and over.

Back to the bus to sit.  We aren't needed for this scene.

Hours later and it's lunch time.  Which is an incredible gourmet feast.  Really, the food is scrumptious and while laden with calories, none of us care too much at this point so we fill our plates high not once, but twice.

Back to our humble home, the bus.  And it's off to Griffith Park where we sit on the grass, waiting for the shot to be set up.. and in this case the sun to set.

Sun sets.  it's 8pm and we're ready for our big premiere again.  They chose a handful of us to walk past the camera's wide screen.  Hopefully my leg makes it in as I cross by a woods fire party filled with principle actors.

Two hours later and we're all crammed into the frame of a concert crowd being instructed to jump up and down singing... yet there's no music.  Glow sticks, laughter, arms waving freely in the air, but the camera is focused on the one principal actress in the crowd who had an 8pm call time and hasn't been melting away on the bus with us all day.  This overpaid princess keeps making the duck face instead of smiling. So we do the shot over and over until she finally cracks a smirk.

And it's a wrap.

Or is it.

We all stand single filed waiting for the coveted voucher that proves we suffered through a day of peasant work so we can call and demand our $100 and change check if it never shows up in our mailbox.

'Tis the sad existence of a commercial extra.

Arm the Animals photoshoot

Arm the Animals 5/11 photoshoot: Fashion, celebrities, puppies and mimosas in a loft downtown?  Not sure if a Saturday can get much better than that.

Arm the Animals is a charitable clothing company that makes bad ass tshirts and tanks to raise awareness and funds for struggling animal shelters. 

Not only can you get hipster-approved threads from their website.. but they also have listings for animals in need of a good home.  The profits from their clothing line goes directly to animal shelters.  The more these shelters receive the longer they can keep adoption hopefuls from euthanasia.  Long story short, the hoodie you just bought might have kept a dog alive long enough to be adopted by a loving family.

I feel blessed to have stumbled upon this cause and excited to help spread the word about their mission. 

#ARMTHEANIMALS 

So you want a hollywood talent agent? Listen up.

As a misguided but hopeful aspiring actress, I have made countless mistakes on my quest for stardom.

But as a commercial and theatrical talent agent at a boutique SAG franchised agency in Beverly Hills, I have witnessed some truly dreadful attempts at seeking representation.

So here is my gift to you.  Straight from the mouth of an agent whose rejection list is tenfold in comparison to the slim number of talented actors and actresses that make it onto my roster.

______________________________________________________________


1. Unsolicited emails and calls are just that.  unsolicited, and therefore frowned upon.  Send me your headshot with a resume stapled to it and a cover letter with references.  Keep it short and sweet, but for god sakes sell me on why I should waste my precious time watching you fumble through some god awful monologue that I've already suffered through 4 times that week.
  
     Try this.  Dear [agents full name], My name is X and I would love to be considered for representation with [talent agency].  I want you to tell me who you studied with, what roles you've landed, your most recent or impressive project and anything that makes you unique (i.e. languages, stunts, race car driving, etc etc etc).

2. well well well you didn't listen did you (you terd) and went for the unsolicited email to save money on headshots and stamps.  Fine, well you better get the agency name right in the email body and you better attach a link to a reel, imdb or at least a youtube video that will make me giggle.   And don't think I'm not annoyed that you're already having difficulty following instructions.

3. Act grateful and honored that I have called or emailed you for an interview.  Thank me and thank me again.

4. Show up on time.  And on time is exactly 10 minutes early.

5. Dress business casual, get your roots retouched and cover your tattoos.  I can hear you now whining.  But I'm an actor, I'm expressive and an individual not bound by the conformity of business attire.  No, you're lazy and your acting teacher inflated your head with nonsense.  This is an interview for a job and I'm offended by you're unkept hair, stretched out vneck, and, gasp, flip flops.  Let your "vibe" come across in your photos.

6. Show up with a headshot and resume stapled to the back, I want to know I can send you out on auditions and you'll be prepared.

7. Imbecile. Your headshot is not 5x7 photos your friend snapped of you at a cookout.

8. No really.  bring those and I will not only kick you out of my office, but I will spend the rest of my day cursing your stupidity.

9. Oh you have a full time job, 3 kids and a mother in law that sucks you emotionally dry?  Um, I feel bad for you, but you've just been rejected.  Lets try again.  "I am passionate about acting and building my resume and career.  I think of this as a full time job and have absolutely no obligations that would keep me from attending auditions.  Furthermore, I am extremely tech savvy and will confirm my ability promptly on LA casting and Actors Access"  I might not even like you, and your resume may be painfully bare, but this declaration would make me absolutely giddy with happiness.

10. DO NOT look me in the eyes while performing your monologue.  Creep.

11. Don't drone on and on.  Answer my questions concisely and honestly, then let me do the talking.  Did I mention that I don't care how much you despise your mother in law?

12.  Compliment me.  Preferably that you can't believe how young I am with my list of accomplishments.  But I'll totally take "love your earrings!"

13.  Don't be afraid to say you're shopping around at other agencies.  Now you've got me questioning that I zoned out 8 minutes ago.  I can't have my competition steal you! You're the only actor I've had all week that dressed appropriately and brought in a legitimate headshot.  Plus you complimented me!!  I might just have to offer you a contract right now!

14. Above all else, breathe.  If you're nervous with me how the hell can I trust you to audition in front of much bitchier casting directors?  Be prepared, cordial and prompt. Know your strengths and accomplishments well and brag about them!  I already like you enough to cut into my overwhelmingly busy day, so don't sweat it.  Just smile and be yourself! :)