Broadcasting Blog

Thursday, July 27, 2006

busy, Busy, BUSY

Well, a lot has been coming at me pretty fast. Luckily, it has all been falling into a schedule that is working out so that I can do it all.

Because I'm not really sure EXACTLY what it is that I want to do with my life after I graduate in a few months, I am trying to do as much as I can in all facets of the entertainment industry. I am still interning, and have recently found a manager who is representing and submitting me for auditions. In the mean time, I am taking acting class, where I am meeting A TON of industry professionals, including many casting directors that are working on shows like ghost whisperers, NYPD, and Cold Case. It is a really great experience not only to talk with them about what they do and learn about their end of the industry, but also to act for them and get their critiques.

On top of all of this, I have been helping with some casting. I never would have thought that at this point in my life I would possibly be helping to cast a play at the Stella Adler Theater in Hollywood, but I did. I worked as a casting assistant to Sheila Thompson to cast The Bow Wow Club. The director is Dan Martin, the producer is John Marshall Jones, and the screenwriter is Levy Lee Simon. If you look them up, you will probably recognize them from different TV shows they've been in. It was really an awesome experience to be a part of such an amazing crew of people and to be casting at one of the most well-known theaters in Hollywood.

Then, today I helped with the casting of Toby Keith's new video "Crash Here Tonight." I really enjoyed seeing how a music video is cast as opposed to the plays and films I have been working on.

Overall, I'm learning A LOT out here and am trying to make the most of the month or so I have left until school starts back up again. And, I am really enjoying myself in the mean time. I spent some time talking with casting director Stephen Snyder today about what my goals are, and I am starting to come up with a list of my short and long term goals. So, I guess I am starting my path one step at a time. Or maybe a few steps at a time....

I'm going to get some sleep. I have a REALLY busy day ahead of me tomorrow. And, if you get a chance, be sure to watch "Funniest Comic in the City" and cheer for Cocoa Brown. She's in my acting class and is in the semi-finals tomorrow night at B.B. King's.

Until next time,
Kirstan :)

Friday, July 14, 2006

It's been a while, but I'm finally settled

So I am finally settled in my new home in California. Besides enjoying the lovely weather and scenery, I've been very busy. Not only did I get a serving job at a local restaurant, but I've also been doing my internship as well as taking acting classes and being an occasional assistant casting director.

As far as the internship goes, I am enjoying working with Richard very much. I am learning how to be an agent for actors, as well as putting out breakdowns for different things that Richard may be casting. It is a really neat experience to be seeing what goes on behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. I also have been taking Richard's "Audition" workshops, so that is helping me as well for the actual acting side of things.

Along with Richard's class, I am also taking acting class with Stephen Snyder. His class involves working on scenes with partners as well as performing cold readings for multiple casting directors and directors. I just recently performed an intense dramatic scene from the movie "Imitation of Life." So far, I have been in front of two different industry professionals, and so far it has gone very well.

Also with Stephen Snyder, I am going to be working on the casting of a short film. That will be a good learning experience as well, and I will most likely get an Associate Casting Credit for it. So, since I got out here three weeks ago, I have been keeping myself very busy. But as they say....Shoot for the moon, that way, even if you miss, you will still land among the stars!

Well, I have to be up early tomorrow to help Richard with the casting of his latest project. So, goodnight!

Kirstan :)


P.S. I almost made my national television debut on the Today Show singing "Buttons" by the Pussycat Dolls. I'm sure American Idol's Simon would have given the critique, "You are the worst singer in the history of the United States of America!"