The past few months have made me feel SUPER. Here are some reasons why:
On July 31, I recorded a voiceover gig for the popular video game ASSASSIN’S CREED ORIGINS. I voiced three promos for their latest version, “Tales From the Tomb” and I just received word they will be aired on TV, but you can watch them now online:
A not-too-too-hot August flew by as I continued to audition, work, and also train for my next half marathon. I forged on with filming myself doing a monologue a day for my SUMMERLOGUES project, and I took a two-week class with NY Theater Casting Director, Pat McCorkle, presenting a monologue (week 1) and a scene (week 2). I did find time to take a break and have a Beach Day with my friend Michelle (it was Summer after all!) I also welcomed my dear friend Chelsea back to New York. If you’re ever in the area, check out her awesome band LATE SLIP!
Chelsea and I all smiles at The Pixies concert on Long Island (one of her fave bands).
I spent Labor Day weekend with my sister’s family in Maryland. My mom was also visiting, so I started off September with some much-needed family time. On the following Tuesday I returned to teaching as a new Adjunct Professor at Marymount Manhattan College! I am teaching two Acting classes to freshmen and sophomores, and am both overjoyed and terrified by it! This month I took an on-camera scene class with CD Ross Meyerson. Meanwhile, I was busy writing and rehearsing a short play for October Shotz...and still making time to run/train.
With my Mama and sister Patty over Labor Day Weekend.
First day of school (teaching)!
And then came the best/busiest month: OCTOBER! My short play, The Daily Routine was produced on a New York stage during Brevity is the Soul of Shotz, Amios’ monthly play series at the Kraine Theater. It was a physical piece with a “silent” theme, where we were allowed to use up to seven words, but I opted to have none. Inspired by work I’ve done with my Suzuki teacher, Robyn Hunt, my piece featured four characters going through the day, and the ups and downs that can come along with it. I received a lot of positive feedback and was happy to see it come to life.
A moment from my short play: “The Daily Routine”
To reward myself for all my efforts this summer, I took a weekend away to Louisville, Kentucky. My boyfriend, Will, met me there and we enjoyed being together and seeing our talented friend, Rami play the Angel (and others) in Angels in America (Parts I and II) at Actors Theatre of Louisville. I had never been to this well-known regional theater; I had never seen Mr. Kushner’s two plays live. It seemed like the right thing to do. Bonus: my MFA Brother, Daniel happened to be in town shooting his next film. So awesome. I ate good food, drank good bourbon, and saw some amazing art. And as an avid baseball fan, I visited the giant bat at the Louisville Slugger Bat Museum. And of course time with my love is always sweet!
(Top L) My brother, Daniel R. Hill; (Bottom L) Rami and a Pair of Pants; (R) Tiny Katie, Big Bat
Upon my return, I began rehearsals for the next Shotz: Unicorn & Garbage Fires -- “questioning the fine line between fantasy and reality.” This month’s Shotz has been a collaborative effort, with the actors, director, and writer devising the script together, hence a longer rehearsal period. We will perform two shows on the first Monday in November. The following weekend, I ran the Brooklyn Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon in 1:50:09. The weather was perfectly cool, and I felt NO pain in my hip. I was thrilled! My friend Kayla ran it too, so we celebrated after with a free beer and live music.
Another Half Marathon in the books! Celebrating with Kayla and free beer.
The second half of the month included a class with another NY Theater Casting Associate, (Camille Hickman from Lincoln Center Theater), celebrating my birthday (woo!), and one more thing for me: a weekend Empowerment Workshop specific to actors and auditioning. I spend so much of my time going to auditions, so when this opportunity came across my path, I decided to grab it. The “Acting Biz,” which comes with a lot of rejection, can sure make one (me) feel inadequate, downtrodden, and just plain negative. And I have felt this way. A lot. So I spent the last weekend of October with 15 other actors focusing on positivity, gratitude, and getting back the JOY of doing what we love to do! Every audition is a possibility to play, even if it ends without getting the job. Which it often does. But that doesn’t mean it’s me. I just have to keep working hard and eventually the right opportunity will come my way.
“The Universe doesn’t say ‘no,’ but rather ‘not right now’ or ‘not yet’.”
So each day I seize my “Wonder Woman Moment” -- something where I feel super or joyful or positive, rather than focusing on the negative. Sure, I’ll have days where negativity will creep in, but I can’t and won’t succumb to it. I’ll fly out of there, my cape blowing in the wind, and keep going.