Daddy's Girl

"Daddy's girls will not settle for just any man. They are usually sweet, kind, but not push-overs. They know what they want in life, and won't let anyone stop them from getting it."

My dad lives in Chicago and he is the best dad in the whole world. I miss my dad so much! He is my role model and my best friend. He is a great listener and gives me awesome advice. Anytime I need him, day or night, it doesn't matter what time it is, he is there for me. I once had a horrible situation with a friend and I was pretty much stranded and out of town...I called my dad at 3:30 in the morning and he woke up, booked me in the nearest hotel and pretty much saved my life! Even when I need tiny little stupid advice/feedback on anything, I can always call my dad. I am so lucky to have him in my life and I wish he would move to LA!

Ever since I was a little girl my dad has supported my acting career. When I was probably six or seven my dad bought a video camera for me. He would set it up and leave the room and I would just entertain the camera with stories. LOL. Then I would make up commercials and make my dad film them.

Freshman year of high school, my dad came to my play, "Get Smart." He said I was SO good. I focused on POMS and he never missed a football or basketball game!

Then in college, in Chicago, my dad would frequently sit in the front row of my Second City shows. At the end of every show, my dad would ALWAYS come backstage. He was the only person who would dare sneak back there. He was so proud of me and made me feel so good because after each show he would hug me and whisper, "Alex, you were the best one! I told you that you were good at this!"

It's really great to have so much positive encouragement in my life from my dad. He has always taught me to TAKE ON THE WORLD. That quote drives every day of my life.

I hope that my daddy is proud of me.

Much Love World,
Alexandra

The Perfect Girl

Hey World,

Today I feel like writing about The Perfect Girl since it will open back to back with Purity here in LA February 28th and then will go to New York.

I think anyone can relate to The Perfect Girl. She can have anything in the world. She wants one thing. Why can't she have it? Anastasia has already experienced love once, so since she knows the feeling, she isn't interested in superficial relationships. She stumbles upon three attractive men who offer her the world, materialism, all the things that she is already surrounded by that do not make her happy. She searches on, for her soulmate, feeling lost and confused since she thinks she may have already found "the one" but that she will never again experience true love.

The tragedy heightens toward the end of the story when Anastasia walks back in the same direction she came from, symbolic for her continuation of this journey to no end. What is truly sad is that she doesn't even realize that her first love was not "the one." He was simply her first love. That's it.

In the end, it's hard to forget the first love.

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Improv For Life!

my first IO show in Los Angeles

Hey World,

Happy Monday! Today's topic is Improv for Life! Improv is a critical skill for the actor. I would not be where I am today without my experiences at Second City and IO Chicago. I studied and performed at Second City Chicago from 2006-2009. I graduated the Conservatory, Music Conservatory and Acting Program at Second City in 2008. I was lucky enough to have encountered so many talented people at Second City. I worked with Michael Gellman and Norm Holly, two of my favorite teachers. I have immense respect for Michael Gellman and Norm Holly. They gave me so many wonderful gifts! Both Michael and Norm are brilliant and accomplished, while maintaining humility and empathy with their students. I was so impressed by the level of professionalism that these two directors brought to the classroom, rehearsal and performance. Expectations were high. We were challenged in an environment that allowed us to learn and grow as performers.

I recommend Second City for any actor, at every skill level. Other memorable teachers and directors at Second City were: Bina Martin, Mike Descoteaux, Stephanie McCullough,Andrew Ritter, Jack Bronis, and Michael Pieper. Bina was my first teacher in 2006 and I remember my first Second City class. It's not every day that one is lucky enough to study improv with a Harvard grad! Bina's passion and talent gave us a really unique environment to learn and grow. Mike Descoteaux taugh me SO much! WOW! He is a genius musician who has taken Musical Improv to a whole new level! Steph McCullough was and is one of my favorite people in the world! She is extremely supportive and her positive energy and enthusiasm for Musical Improv is contagious. Steph influenced me to get involved in Musical Improv and as a result, I auditioned for the Music Conservatory.

I remember when Steph came into our Improv class even before Conservatory and I was thinking, "WOW, this is SO cool. We can improvise scenes and SING! I loved it." Steph introduced me to this whole new world of improv and I fell in love with Musical Improv.

Andrew Ritter taught me to exude confidence, project strong stage presence, and take risks.

Jack Bronis taught me, "TODAY IS THE DAY!" among many other great lessons and laughs.

Michale Pieper's acting program was serious and all-intensive but it was also a blast! After graduating his program, I was invited to his private workshop and really enjoyed my time studying there. Michael gave us a practical outlook. He encouraged us to take steps forward in our careers and also gave great feedback.

I recently auditioned to be a regular performer at IO and I now perform on Friday nights in Los Angeles at 8pm PRIME TIME, SOLD OUT show !! :)


Thank you, SECOND CITY! & thank you to all of my wonderful teachers, directors and coaches from Second City who have fostered my growth, education and helped me to become a well-rounded actress!

Best,
Alex DiNovi
"> Second City Chicago

Focus on Doing the Work: Representation Will Come

before my first IO show last Friday night, my good friend, Ryan Silver and my makeup artist, Tania Alejo

Hey World,

I have received multitudinous emails, facebook messages, and phone calls on this subject so I feel the need to address it! (This may need future blogs bc it is a complex monster!)

Welcome to the world of a performer! Do you want to make a career doing what you are passionate about? You need an agent. I'm not going to pretend there is an easy step-by-step method to getting the best agent, because it's not that simple. However, I will tell you what I know, what I've experienced and how it works.

1) Headshots
You need a solid theatrical & commercial headshot. I recommend that you have your headshots done at least once a year if not every six months. It is CRUCIAL that you look like your headshot. In other words, don't have your headshot photo-shopped, don't change your hair color or anything else that your headshot presents because it is extremely annoying for agents and especially casting directors.

2) Resume
Your resume should accurately reflect your work experience. Do not lie on your resume and if you haven't done anything, take classes immediately. Improv, Scene Study, On Camera and Audition Techniques are the bare minimum required before you go off on any acting auditions. CUT YOUR RESUME with a paper cutter to perfectly fit your headshot. DO NOT print your resume directly on the back of your headshot. People actually do this and it smears and looks awkward. Really? You want to present yourself as a professional. This is no different from any other business. People forget that. STAPLE your resume. Don't glue it, tape it or come up with any other creative, cute way of attaching it to your headshot. It's simple, two staples and you're done.

3) Business Cards
This is a business right? You need business cards. I don't care what anyone says, business cards are essential for actors. Your business card should be simple and clean. It has your favorite CURRENT Commercial headshot with your gorgeous smile, your name, your website, your email address and your phone number. You should have 10 with you at all times.

You should have at least 100 commercial headshots and 100 theatrical headshots printed at any one time if this is really your professional business endeavor. You are an entrepreneur. You should not leave the house without having a headshot/resume or at least your business card on you at ALL TIMES.


Moving on...now that you have a clean theatrical and commercial headshot and a gorgeous business card, you are ready to pursue an agent.

Here's the thing, you don't want to "Pursue" an agent. It should really be the other way around. If you've never had a good agent, however, I recommend you pursue an agent so that you can appreciate your solid rep when you get with them, because you will then know the difference between a good and bad agent. I've been fortunate enough to have encountered this early on in my career. My first agent was great Commercially and my first Theatrical agent was a trainwreck, followed by my amazing Theatrical agent who is a machine, so I certainly understand the concept of a good and bad agent.

Guess what? Having a bad agent is a good thing in the long run. I now appreciate my last theatrical agent because of my experiences with a disorganized, sloppy agent.

You need to understand your brand. Your agent needs to have a clear picture of who you are.

There are two things you can do and I recommend both: 1) Focus on Doing the Work and Representation will Come 2) Reach out to potential agents who you are genuinely interested in, including large and small agencies

I think it's best to start with a smaller agency because you may find that in the beginning it is important to receive more attention from your agent and in a larger agency, where you rank lower, you really have to follow up with your agent and make sure they are sending you out.

I sent my agent a "bombshell" picture of me on the red carpet at my premiere for my film, Swirl last year and I remember just a week after that he sent me out for a "blonde bombshell" role in an upcoming Adam Sandler film. (I auditioned for the role of Rob Schneider's daughter and knocked it out. I made the two casting directors laugh so hard. Unfortunately, they ended up re-writing the role to "nerdy ugly duckling" and I didn't get it, but since it was as a result of a rewrite, I remained elated with my work in the audition, because like I said earlier, it's not all about the specific role, it's about the work you do in the room and how the casting directors remember you.) Anyway, correlation is not causation, however, it is quite remarkable that I sent the "bombshell" red carpet picture just a week before I went in for a "bombshell" role. Stay current with your agent. Let them see what you look like and what you are doing. Show interest in them! I write personal letters and emails to my agents all the time, updating them on what I'm doing. Send pictures, tickets to shows, VIP passes for movie premieres, or simply updates on your work once a month.

Before you have an agent, I recommend you write letters in addition to sending your headshot. Everyone sends their headshots, but how many actors write personal letters expressing their talent, ability, passion, current work and why they would like that particular agent to represent them?

SHARE GOOD PRESS!
Here is an example of what I mean by being sought after on a smaller scale. When I first got with my amazing theatrical agent, it was because I had mailed him a newspaper article that was written about me and my work. He called me after he received this article saying, "I'd really like to have you in the office." I remember he said, "This can't wait!" That was so cool to know that my agent was really excited to meet me.

Don't you want your agent to be excited about you so that they are excited to submit you? YES.

* * *

Warmly,
Alexandra DiNovi
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Seeing the Big Picture: Auditioning as a Lifestyle

Hey World,

Auditions come about in the most random way. You will sometimes get a call from your agent a week in advance (This is extremely rare.) You will sometimes get a call from your agent one day in advance. (This is common.) Guess what, you will sometimes get a call from your agent the same day, just a few hours before the audition. (This has definitely happened to me.) Here's the thing, I can explain the way that works as far as casting is concerned because I worked as an intern for a casting agency and learned this from the opposite side. However, this is certainly discussion for an entirely different blog because it is in-depth and can get to how that works later.

Moving on...I have been crazy busy the past few days! I am flooded with auditions. It's been boom, boom, boom auditions and work. I'm really exhausted so I will keep this short and sweet. One thing to keep in mind about auditioning is this: Remember that you are auditioning for your career, not just the one specific role. A casting director may respect the fact that you presented "Camera Ready" work and call you in again in the future as a result. It's not about that one role. Don't get bogged down in the small stuff. It's about building lasting relationships so that you keep getting called in time and time again until you book. Rome wasn't built in a day.

Perseverance & Patience--those are the words I live by. I will have to come back to this because I have to wake up early for an audition tomrorow...I have two tomorrow :)

My first audition today was long and physical. I auditioned for a "Dollface" Pin-Up Singer/Dancer group. I know, I was thinking to myself, "I should really be focusing on acting..." But I love dancing too! In February I'm doing a show at the House of Blues with a few other artists. YES. I'm singing :) I think it is okay to continue performing in all aspects that I enjoy, however, I do need to stay focused on acting.

Back to auditioning...when you are on your way to an audition, make a list of goals for yourself. Here is an example of what I do: "In this audition I am going to be 1) Confident 2) Open 3) Humble 4) Exude a positive attitude 5) Have fun " I think it's great to make a list, whether it's 3 or 5 things or even 1 that you hope to achieve in your audition. Then when you walk out, you can think, "Did I knock that out?" "Was I fun?" "Was I confident?" I really do this. It works.

K, well, goodnight world !

Peace & Love,
Alessandra

Enjoy "On the Goodship Lollipop!" This is one of my all-time favorites! It was one of the first songs my Nana taught me when I was a little girl :)

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EVERYDAY ENTOURAGE: Somewhat Single in San Diego

Hey World,

So speaking of taking off my clothes, the weather in San Diego is wonderful and my new obession is shorts with boots. I love that look. My vacation is going well, however I have been doing work while on vacation, which is not really anything out of the ordinary for me.

I'm looking forward to the beginning of my video blog. That will be so much fun!
* * *
I had this crazy experience on the set of The Break Up. I was asked to be a featured dancer and I had a blast! Furthermore, I was asked to be in the "Strip Poker Scene." At first, I accepted this opportunity, when called by the AD, he said, "You will be topless in this scene." I was still in high school and all I could think was, "My dad is going to watch this movie." No way. I can't do that. I told the AD that I couldn't do it but thanked him for the opportunity.

Everything works out in the end. I remember when I saw the final cut of the movie, I was happy with my decision. I know my brand. I'm comfortable with my image and aware that I'm the innocent good girl, but ironically enough, I'm becoming a sex symbol.


Q & A Segment:

Mike: Does your agent want you to take off your clothes?

That is a tricky question Mike, because if one is lucky and has an agent that has your best interest, they will support you in your decision to say, "no" to nudity. However, some agents have other priorities. I've had three different agents and all have been supportive and accepted it as part of my image. I did have one agent send me out on an audition for multiple roles, some of which required nudity, in which case I simply told the casting director, "I'm not interested in the roles that require nudity." However, I realize that knocked me out of the running for three or four of the lead female roles and I didn't book the part.

That's okay with me.

Clif: What is Meisner-trained?

Well...I love talking about this! I am a Meisner trained actress. This means that I have not personally trained with Meisner, but I have studied with teachers who were taught under Sandy Meisner's peers/pupils. I love Meisner but I consider myself to be more of a method actress and I follow Stanislavski. I really appreciate the Meisner training that I did undergo because it gave me a chance to learn more about my method. Meisner helped me reach a breakthrough in my acting. I was able to connect on a whole new level and honestly break boundaries. Meisner gave me a chance to open up and really take risks. It's important to make strong choices and take risks. "Saying yes" is key, as well as knowing what you want and what tactics you are going to implement. However, Meisner for me was great because besides breaking new ground, I learned to maintain focus on my scene partner. It's all about them. Acting is reacting. How can one react if they don't pay attention to their partner? What is the dream? I want to change them. What do I want?
* * *
Anyway, life is good over here in San Diego. I'm "Somewhat Single" in 2010. I've promised myself that I will remain in my current "Somewhat Single" state for 2010...which I can't really give more information about LOL

I'm a Scorpio...that's how we roll

Somewhat Single in San Diego

Hey World,

So speaking of taking off my clothes, the weather in San Diego is wonderful and my new obession is shorts with boots. I love that look. My vacation is going well, however I have been doing work while on vacation, which is not really anything out of the ordinary for me.

I'm looking forward to the beginning of my video blog. That will be so much fun!
* * *
I had this crazy experience on the set of The Break Up. I was asked to be a featured dancer and I had a blast! Furthermore, I was asked to be in the "Strip Poker Scene." At first, I accepted this opportunity, when called by the AD, he said, "You will be topless in this scene." I was still in high school and all I could think was, "My dad is going to watch this movie." No way. I can't do that. I told the AD that I couldn't do it but thanked him for the opportunity.

Everything works out in the end. I remember when I saw the final cut of the movie, I was happy with my decision. I know my brand. I'm comfortable with my image and aware that I'm the innocent good girl, but ironically enough, I'm becoming a sex symbol.


Q & A Segment:

Mike: Does your agent want you to take off your clothes?

That is a tricky question Mike, because if one is lucky and has an agent that has your best interest, they will support you in your decision to say, "no" to nudity. However, some agents have other priorities. I've had three different agents and all have been supportive and accepted it as part of my image. I did have one agent send me out on an audition for multiple roles, some of which required nudity, in which case I simply told the casting director, "I'm not interested in the roles that require nudity." However, I realize that knocked me out of the running for three or four of the lead female roles and I didn't book the part.

That's okay with me.

Clif: What is Meisner-trained?

Well...I love talking about this! I am a Meisner trained actress. This means that I have not personally trained with Meisner, but I have studied with teachers who were taught under Sandy Meisner's peers/pupils. I love Meisner but I consider myself to be more of a method actress and I follow Stanislavski. I really appreciate the Meisner training that I did undergo because it gave me a chance to learn more about my method. Meisner helped me reach a breakthrough in my acting. I was able to connect on a whole new level and honestly break boundaries. Meisner gave me a chance to open up and really take risks. It's important to make strong choices and take risks. "Saying yes" is key, as well as knowing what you want and what tactics you are going to implement. However, Meisner for me was great because besides breaking new ground, I learned to maintain focus on my scene partner. It's all about them. Acting is reacting. How can one react if they don't pay attention to their partner? What is the dream? I want to change them. What do I want?
* * *
Anyway, life is good over here in San Diego. I'm "Somewhat Single" in 2010. I've promised myself that I will remain in my current "Somewhat Single" state for 2010...which I can't really give more information about LOL

I'm a Scorpio...that's how we roll.

Everyone Wants Me to Take Off My Clothes

"We will pay you X amount of Dollars, full nudity, but no sexual situations." I laugh so hard when I get these offers. Really? How much will you pay me? haha Just kidding. I'm not a stripper. I'm not a pornstar, (contrary to family jokes over this past Christmas), but seriously...I'm an actress. I do love performing. I'm a dancer. In addition to my passion for film, I love being onstage. However, I'm not interested in Full Nudity "no sexual situations though, we promise!" LOL. I'm not here to show the world my body because I think that there are certain things that should remain private and personal and honestly only shared with one other person. Really? You want me to take off my clothes and you call that "acting" ? I call it pornography. Don't get me wrong, I'm okay with nudity if it is done tastefully or is in an artistic fashion. However, being naked for the sake of being naked is such a waste and I'm worth more than that.

So today, yet again, I received an interested casting director who asks, "Please don't wear pants to the audition, unless you would like to change before." Thanks, but no thanks.

To those of you aspiring actresses, willing to sell yourselves short, I think there is plenty of room for you in pornography.

I did a lesbian film last year. It was artistic and a really interesting experience. My co-star was partially nude and I was okay with it and it was necessary. We were lovers. It was a challenging role for me and I learned a lot about myself. I applaud Megan Wilson, my co-star for her daring abilities to undress for a beautiful independent film. It was certainly erotic but tasteful...I showed it to my mom. She cringed because she really believed that I was a lesbian to some extent through watching my work. That was interesting to me as well, since my mom has seen the lineup of boyfriends throughout the years. She even asked me, "Are you gay?" once. I had to laugh and I took it as a compliment to my acting ability.

So to all my coaches throughout the years, you have done a great job LOL...I'm still learning everyday and growing as a young actress.

I've made the leap from Chicago Second City Actress to West Hollywood Experienced Film Actress, taking on the world, one day at a time--and for that I'm proud.

When I look back on my acting experiences throughout my life, I am flooded with many good and bad memories. I remember my first acting coach in 6th grade...Lisa Machak. She was my third acting teacher at Western Springs Theatre and I loved her. I remember I would stay after every class and talk to her forever. My mom would be waiting outside in the car for me for so long...so we started private lessons. Lisa taught me so much! She was the first teacher to use the words "FIGHTING FOR" and I will never forget it to this day. She said, "What are you fighting for?" She taught me to do beat breakdowns for every scene. She said that in every moment, even in silence, you should know what it is that you are fighting for.

She taught me that "Talent lies in the choices." -Robert DeNiro. She said that was one of her favorite quotes and it has stuck with me.

I would go over to Lisa's house for private lessons and we would work on monologues.

In class, Lisa would often talk about a place where she spent a lot of time, called Second City.

It's so funny to me now because in 6th grade, I didn't know what Second City was. I just knew it was a big deal and a really special place.

Welcome 2010, Best Year of My Life!

Hello World,

HAPPY 2010! This year has already been off to an amazing start! My movie, PURITY opens the last week of February at the Fairfax Cinemas in LA. It is so exciting for me because my other film, The Perfect Girl will also have a special screening that week at the same venue.

Next Purity and The Perfect Girl will go to New York in March/April. After that I'm shooting another movie this spring in LA! It's a horror film.

I'm so thankful for those who have supported my endeavors and for my family and close friends. Thank you for constantly believing in me, my work and my passion. I love acting so much. Acting is the reason I wake up every morning.

Much Love and God Bless. I wish you all a successful and productive year.

Love,
Lexi