Actor Growth

I realize that it has been quite awhile since the last time I went to my weekly acting class. As mentioned before I would only go back once I finished a particular task. What is kind of cool is that the acting coach has from time to time sent me text messages asking me how things have been gong and all.

Kind of a nice touch I thought as it is nice to have as much support as you can here in this field. I really do want to go back too just to brush up on some stuff. But for now I will continue with things like trying to create some projects and all. Can’t have the best of both worlds it seems at this point and so some things need to be sacrificed.

Haven’t received the confirmation yet for the meeting still. I’m almost ready to just write it off as a no go at this point as opposed to anticipating for it. One interesting thing was that I did get another e-mail from the school saying that they are offering a new special rate for anyone that is interested in going back and to put in a deposit right away if they were interested.

I was just thinking, is this a template e-mail meaning the offer wasn’t unique at all? Cause one of the purpose in this other coach wanting to speak to me was to see his take on the situation and how it either makes more sense or not to go back at this point. As you all know the meeting hasn’t even happened yet.

It is kind of an interesting offer too. Basically, the e-mail states that for putting a non refundable deposit to attend the March workshop you can get free one on one coaching for the entire month of February. So, not an actual class attendance but rather if say you have an audition then you can call one of the coaches up and get help for the whole month.

Kind of reasonable I thought price wise. But still, since I haven’t gotten a response to setup a meeting yet that offer is still not good for my situation. In my mind, the discussion I had with my regular coach still makes the most sense to me at this point.

Still trying to find like a good web series partner or someone to create short films with though.

Just an update, I haven’t received the phone call to schedule a meeting with the other person. He sent me an e-mail yesterday saying that he would phone me and so far I haven’t received the call. So hold on as I am awaiting the meeting still.

I got a phone call from the coach and this time it wasn’t about a bad memory for the delay in response it seems but rather it was about having access to a computer. I was a little confused at the end of the conversation as he offered me some more suggestions in terms of how to accomplish my goal.

Basically, the person that was supposed to get back to him didn’t yet and so he told me that he has more tricks up his sleeve, so to speak, to try out. By the looks of it though, basically with or without the original person’s help the coach and I are supposed to start executing a plan this coming week.

I think this is pretty much the last week that I can really do this too as realistically most of the activities in the film industry will be shutting down soon until the new years. So if there is a delay in doing this then for sure I won’t be able to accomplish the goal. The good thing is that it sounds like the coach is still alive with all of this.

Okay, so a semi update about what is happening so far that is kind of interesting. As I mentioned in a previous entry I sent the acting coach an e-mail about wanting to focus more on the business side of my career. So far that has remained unanswered and usually the workshop takes place on Sundays.

So just today I did get an e-mail from him but it was a mass one sent to everyone as it was an audition side breakdown for the class. This worries me for two reasons. One, it seems like my e-mail was completely ignored. The second reason why this is making me wonder a bit is that after quickly glancing at the sides this seems like a very serious/dramatic piece.

You guys may remember that before the coach told me that I don’t really need to work on these types of roles anymore as my weakness is more with genres like romantic comedies which is what he said he would try to give me from then on. Now there is actually someone in the class who says that drama/serious roles are his weak points and I know he said that he was returning to the program for sure next month.

Unfortunately, one part of my head is saying that the coach has completely blown me off now knowing that there is a high chance that I won’t be returning if I don’t accomplish my business goal. Hence, I am more like just a number to deal with until this month is over since I already paid for the workshop.

Was all that talk about wanting to offer me help and guidance just a sales tactic? I really don’t want to believe that is indeed what is happening here as he seemed so genuine in so many cases. That would kind of suck too if that is what it is going to turn out to be as I genuinely wanted to give that school a good word too to help them grow. I know how hard it is for artists to find genuine schools that are not in it just for the money for example.

On the flipside, I remember last time my e-mail was completely ignored too and he responded to me with a funny text message saying that he was “horrible” and all. Seems to be a common theme that he has a very forgetful memory in that sense which is ironic for an actor considering the amount of dialog you need to always remember. lol. (Probably is the case here again)

I guess one good thing about documenting my journey thus far is that if this whole thing does turn out to be like a sham where it was all about getting money from me then you can all see the tactics that were used on me to keep me going initially. On the other hand, if everything still works out and I get the support as advertised along with what was told to me then you can see how patience is a virtue.

Today I went to the studio where my acting coach helped me to tape the scenes for my demo reel. His nephew dropped by to help out with the camera work. Surprisingly, one of my fellow classmates dropped by too. She forgot that there was no class today. But, she decided to stick around and help by being my reader which was cool.

For the most part it went well. One scene in particular was kicking my butt I must say. The funny thing is I have no real problems doing things that are dramatic or require a lot of intensity. However, when it comes to things that are more casual and laid back I tend to take it too seriously. It took quite a few takes to get it to the way the coach wanted.

Hilarious thing was that he commented that he now knows what type of scenes to give me during classes now as over the past few weeks he was having problems in finding things that are challenging and suitable for me. Basically, he is going to give me a bunch of romantic comedy audition sides. Have mercy!!!! j/k

Before we began shooting too I was talking to the acting coach a lot about the industry as he was sharing with me his experiences thus far in his own career. It was a very enlightening I thought and it was very cool of him to share his stories too. I was able to relate in many ways and feel that I now better understand many of the advice that he is given me such far.

He gave me a bit of a talk about stereotypes too and how to use that to your advantage. I’m very appreciative of all the time he has spent with me thus far. Now, to take the next step. I compiled everything and need to get it reviewed before going on to phase two of the career plan.