So this week I had a last minute audition for a new Boost Mobile commercial. Looks like Boost Mobile will be introducing GPS functionality in their phones since the lines went something like “I know where you at. I can SEE where you at.” while we stared at our phones. It’s funny ’cause the breakdown I was told was Asian Gangsta. They wanted to see a gangsta swagger. Crazy huh? The cool thing is that for most of the people there it was actually a callback, so the audition was in front of the ad agency. I guess they wanted to try to mix it up a little and throw some Asians in there. We’ll see what happens.
Tuesday was the CBS Comedy Showcase auditions. They kept to a strict 1min time limit and would cut you off if you went over. Luckily for me I developed my 1min monologue from my old stand-up material and also got coaching from an acting coach who loved it. I feel like I really knocked it out of the park, but I guess we’ll see if I get invited to perform at the showcase. I won’t hold my breath.
This Sunday I return to the open-mic scene and will be performing stand-up comedy at Mezclao in Hollywood. I haven’t really told anyone because right now I just need to work out my material and try some new things (along with some old stuff). I will eventually be performing spoken word at different open-mic venues as well - once I get my spoken word material written 
If you decide to come out and see me sweat it out on stage (possibly literally) - keep in mind that I’m an artist and I’m sensitive about my sh*\t :). Also, don’t be afraid to come by and say Hi!
And if you really want to see me act you should join my scene study class every Sunday at the Joanne Baron/DW Brown acting studio (the website sucks but classes are intense and very methodical).
I gotta remember to start interviewing headshot photographers so I can get new photos with my shaved head :)!
Published on Wednesday September 20, 2006 .
Sunday we had a substitute teacher come in and coach our scene study class. Just like in high-school, a lot of people didn’t show up for class because there was a substitute. Unfortunately for them, they missed out on a great class. Diane, our guest teacher, spent at least an hour talking about the key to having a career as an actor. The secret: know thyself. Know your type, know your personality and the aura you project. Know what your character handle is in real life and use your personality and real life idiosyncrisies to permeate in your work. That is what will make you stand out from the crowd. Don’t try to be somebody else. Be confident in who you are and what you have to offer as an actor. She gave examples such as Bill Macy and Philip Seymore Hoffman who you wouldn’t of ever thought of leading actors at first look, but then they created great careers by creating great characters.
This was a great lecture and something I really neded to hear and reinforce in my mind. Diane even spent the time asking each of us what roles we are most commonly sent out for and if we feel we match those roles. I told her how when I was “younger” I was also sent out for a lot of asian gangster roles but never booked any of them. She said that just by talking to me in person she could see that I am definitely not a gangster type. She said I project more of an Asian Carey Grant (who would’ve thought? Not I). I guess this would also match Tom’s comments of how I have this bit of sophistication about me. Honestly, I would’ve never said these things about myself, but how enlightening. What’s even more interesting is that I brought in a comedic monologue I wrote dealing with the struggle of self identity. How ironic.
Today I drove into Hollywood for CBS Showcase auditions and as I approached the casting office I noticed a big sign on the door “CBS Showcase Auditions are Next Week Not Today”. So I immediately called my agent who verified this. Oh well. At least I know that I can prepare a monologue very quickly.
Published on Wednesday September 13, 2006 .
I drove 30min for someone to take 2 pictures of me so I can be considered for a VW print ad. I do appreciate that I was in and out of the studio really quick, but it’s just crazy to think about what we go through as actors/models.
Published on Friday September 8, 2006 .
Sometimes you just need to shake things up.
The only bad thing is that as an actor, changing your haircut means re-shooting new headshots.
I don’t think my commercial agency is going to be too pleased since they like sending me out for “young dad” and “young professional” roles. Oh well…