Living in the Burg

I've been here about a month now. If you had asked me a year ago, I would never have told you I would be living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Mainly because I knew nothing about Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

I love Williamsburg...but not for the same reasons as everyone else, I'm afraid. I love Williamsburg because of the small cafes on the random corners that look like hell but have amazing food and coffee. I love that there is a health food store on every corner even if they overcharge beyond belief. I like seeing young and hip couples walking into their first apartment at night. I love this bookstore in our "mall" called Spoonbill & Sugartown...and I love that they sell every Moleskine journal you could ever want. I love how it's just one stop away from Manhattan even if the L train sucks in the morning. I love that everyone has style in WIlliamsburg and makes an effort to look great...even if you know they spend an hour on their hair every morning to make it look like they just rolled out of bed...like myself. It's charming. I love Williamsburg because it reminds me of a nicer haight street in San Francisco...a place that I spent many a day in highschool. It also reminds me of London...a place that I'm desperately missing.

However, I'm not crazy about the scene in Williamsburg....Which I feel like is the reason a lot of people (and kids my age) end up living here. Let me just say that being affected has nothing to do with your style or how you dress...that's just personal taste and trends. But I don't like it when I see people living in an area because they think it says something about themselves that they want said. Especially when it's a complete lie. I went to a bar the other night with my roommates. I love my roommates and I really enjoyed the bar...although, I wasn't crazy about the personalities there. It felt like people were trying incredibly hard to prove just how artsy and out of the box they were...and I couldn't possibly care less for that attitude. It felt a bit college-frat-party-ish...and a frat party is a frat party even if you dress it in vintage clothes and skinny jeans.

But who cares? I've never been into "scenes" and I'm not about to try and fit into one. I'm an old lady when it comes to going out. I like to find a favorite bar and stick with it. Good company and a quiet, comfortable atmosphere is my idea of a night out. I skipped the whole frat party days for a reason and I don't have to join in on the fun now. I love beer but most of the time I'm just craving a glass of red wine. I can't imagine how affected that looks...Oh well.

I'll enjoy Williamsburg in it's pre-condo state for now. It wont be the same next year and I'm sure it will be another world in five more years. I'd hate to see it become the next Chelsea but everyone knows that's where it's headed.

A Rush of Positivity

You know, no one can describe the ups and downs in this business to you. There is just no way of truly understanding what it's like to be here in this city until you make the move and decide to do that for yourself. It changes on a day-to-day basis. You never know what's next. But all of that sounds so cliché....until you just finally do it for yourself. Then you get it.

For the first time in three months I feel like something is happening. There is an excitement and rush of joy that has come flooding back into my life that makes me say "GOD it's worth it!"

I feel like I have had one of the most productive weeks of my career. I was called back in for a Broadway role this week that I was up for in September. The feedback I got from the creatives was not only remarkably flattering, but it was extremely promising. I felt so honored just to have been asked to come back in for it. Receiving such a great response has been jarring. The casting directors for this project have been especially supportive and have even submitted for a role outside their office.

My agent has sent me out on a couple submissions this past week that were perfect for me. I am so happy that she has a good understanding of what my type is and what I would be good for. Both calls went great and are things that I could never have even dreamt of being seen for a month ago. It's great to have found someone who believes in my talent.

I am also taking acting classes in the city and I feel like everyday I am taking a step forward. I no longer feel as if I'm in hibernation. Spring has awakened (in many ways!) and I've finally gotten out of my adjustment/transitional period. My classes have been going well and are a drastic change to what I have studied in the past. I believe in being a well-rounded performer. I can only achieve that if I dive into as many forms/types of training possible. I have to get back into training in musical theatre as well. Vocal performance is and will always be my strongest attribute. However, I am learning that I can't ignore it while I continue to push forward in non-musical theatre.

It will be interesting to see what happens over the next few days, weeks, and months. In this business, just a phone call can completely change your plans and your life. After seven unexpected auditions and callbacks this week, I am still continuing to learn that it is NEVER the phone call you expect. It truly is a roller coaster ride.

"I know there's so much more to find...Still I know to trust my own true mind....You watch me."

TGIJ: Thank God It's January

Well...

It was a pretty dead winter but I'm back...and things are finally moving.

I have a couple of very exciting calls on monday. If all goes well...I will post it on this blog.

I am living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and loving it. I have 3 fantastic roommates and a great apartment. The area is wonderful and just a step away from mid-town manhattan.

I am currently working with the youth division at CESD. It's great to have an agent during this month.

As soon as I get some free time I will write more. Things are moving forward.

Matt