Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Back at LMU!! GO LIONS!




Hey World,

Today is Tuesday, August 31st: the first day of my last semester at Loyola Marymount University, the best school in the world! I love LMU so much. This fall I get to be a proud Lion again, which includes the following: lots of coffee, doing homework in advance in order to get my 2-a-Day work outs in, buying more LMU Lions stickers for my car (pretty ridiculous), laying out on the quad, enjoying KICKASS live bands on Tuesdays and Thursdays in between classes, constant FREE amazing food on campus...Well you get the idea, I love LMU. I am taking a full course load including two upper division level Public Relations courses, Debate, Communications in Relationships, an Independent Study at Sony Pictures Entertainment, and a private Acting class.


At LMU, this summer, I completed my PR Seminar (490) and enjoyed a practical experience working for a PR Firm. It was quite complementary to my acting career. PR continues to significantly impact successful business conduct.

Guess what?! I'm up 16% in popularity this week on IMDB!



I am currently working on finalizing my plans for the end of the PURITY feature film shoot in Chicago. After we finish our shoot, Jason and I will work on the final cut. Afterward, I have a shoot with my co-stars for the DVD Cover and movie posters. My co-stars have been wonderful work partners. Brandon Galatz is a passionate, motivated, intelligent, hard-working actor. In fact, he is one of the most reliable people I know. I call him anytime, anywhere, and no matter what he is doing, he will drop and give his full focus to me and to our work together. Brandon is Meisner-trained. I have a lot of respect for him and he does great work. I can relate to him since I also come from a background in Meisner. Besides, I am comfortable with him on set, and God knows, we have had some long bedroom scenes together!


Garrett Schude, who plays Collins, has such great energy! He refers to himself as "the corporate" one on set, which is a blessing to have...since everyone else is wildly creative. Garrett is confident, upbeat and ready to work! I love his enthusiasm on set!

I'm so lucky to be surrounded by a great group of people!

Troy Pryor is definitely a team player! Wow! Troy is talented, perseverant and relaxed on set. His focus and determination make him unstoppable!
* * *

Wanna Be An Actor?


Today's Topic: Your first Step, Acting Class
Where shall you begin your lifelong journey in the study of acting? Be careful. You do not want to take just any acting class. I recommend beginning with a basic Improv Class at The Second City. It will open you up, free your mind and give you the opportunity to enjoy Improv!

So my tip of the day: No matter what level of acting you have taken, every actor needs Improv and specifically you must take improv at Second City (Chicago preferably).

Love,
Alex

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Wanna Be an Actor? You need headshots from Brian McConkey.




Hey World,

Multitudinous inquiries on the topic of Acting have led me to begin a new "Actors' Corner" of my EVERYDAY ENTOURAGE called Wanna Be An Actor?

Also, Random SideBar: I have re-designed my website !! Check it out!

Chapter One: The Beginning

So you want to be an actor? Are you sure? Before you can make that decision, you need to ask yourself: WHY?!!!??? Would you like a lifetime of disappointment? Are you prepared for an uphill battle? Are you an excruciatingly strong person with a deep sense of self, integrity, character and most importantly, discipline? If not...please stop reading and go on with a career in anything else. In fact, can you see yourself happy doing anything other than acting? Unless you LITERALLY cannot visualize yourself in any other pursuit...well...then, maybe you should give acting a shot.

How old are you? Just kidding. Contrary to popular belief, your age doesn't matter. Patricia Clarkson, a wonderfully talented, graduate of the Yale School of Drama, did not "make it" until she was 39 years old. However, she had studied and worked her entire life in order to build a solid foundation.

Are you willing to work through 10,20,or 30 years? Are you seeking recognition? Hopefully not! This is not a glamorous endeavor, in the beginning. Malheureusement (unfortunately), the life of a serious, committed, working actor is not what it seems. Although many successful stars shine in the light, what goes on off set, backstage, and in their own personal lives, often continues to be quite dark, depressing and pitiƩ. (pitiful)

Where shall we begin?
HEADSHOTS Every actor needs a sharp headshot. Your headshot is key since it represents YOU. Not only that, but it is the first impression that an industry professional will have of you.

Do
☆Look exactly like your headshot
☆Have a Commercial and Theatrical Headshot
☆Wear a similar shirt or same-colored shirt as your headshot to an audition
☆Spend $200-400 on your headshots
☆Book a Consulation with a photographer to discuss in advance
☆Make sure your hair and makeup are clean and have someone on site to monitor this
☆Present yourself the way you normally do
☆Find a photographer who you feel comfortable with
*I recommend: Brian McConkey (Chicago) and Scott Miller (Los Angeles)

Do NOT
^Have a "friend" do your headshots for you
^Wear Excessive Makeup
^Do anything to your hair that you wouldn't be able to do yourself
^Get new headshots without a consultation

What I love about Brian McConkey, is that throughout the years, I have developed a comfortable relationship with him. I love shooting with him because I am myself. It is easy for us to work together since we are both comfortable. You will find that when you build a good relationship with your photographer, you will be comfortable and take great photos!

I hope that this has been helpful to many of you who have asked me, "What is the first step in acting?" My first response would be: Know yourself. Know who you are and begin the process of self-discovery. I think that the first proactive step in pursuing Acting has two parts: 1) Begin Acting Class 2) Begin Headshot Consultations

Love,
Alex

Saturday, August 21, 2010

THANK YOU!! & Autographed Pictures!


Hey World!

Thank you for all of your supportive messages and congratulations texts, emails, letters! I am so excited to begin my career in Television!


Thank you!!!!! & Autographed Pictures!

Love,
Alex

Joining AFTRA!!!


My Best Actress Award - photo taken in New York City!