My Hope. My Faith.

Moved. Gone. Done it. Phew.

2009-03-09T06:26:00.000-07:00

I have now moved this blog too. Last week, I moved my other blog and today is the day for this one. Again, there is a bit of sadness because I got used to this little sucker being at this address. But, what can you do when you splurge for your own domain name?

Find My Hope. My Faith here now. HERE HERE HERE HERE

Hope the two of you follow me.

That would be grand.

Another Good One

2009-03-05T13:20:00.000-08:00

I got this quote from AADA last summer. I will admit, I just glanced over it and filed it away. Recently, I came accross it again. It really speaks to me, especially at the point I am in my progress as an actor. Because in many, many ways, I am not a risk taker.

Risks

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach for another is to risk involvement.

To expose your feelings is to risk exposing your true self.

To place your ideas, your dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss.

To love is to risk not being loved in return.

To live is to risk dying.

To believe is to risk despair.

To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing.

They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.

Chained by their attitudes they are slaves; they have forfeited their freedom.

Only a person who risks is free.

Exactly what I'm learning at the Actor's Foundry

2009-03-04T11:29:00.000-08:00

I am loving my classes at the Actor's Foundry.

I love good quotes.

Today, two of these loves converged.

"Sooner or later, those who win are those who think they can."

Paul Tournier

The above quotes describes exactly what I am learning in my classes. It may seem like simple, common sense, but you would be surprised how it is sometimes hard to think positively about oneself.

In future posts, I will provide more in depth descriptions of my classes.

In the meantime...

...enjoy the quote.

My Progress

2009-02-17T07:17:00.000-08:00

My acting career is advancing slowly (very slowly), but I think surely. I do not have an agent yet and I have not been in any productions as of recently, but I am taking a mini step back. I think I'll focus on training for a little bit.

A lot of people think that acting is a piece of cake and that anybody can do it. Well, I suppose I agree that anybody can do it, but not everybody can do it well. When people hear that I'm taking classes, they ask, "haven't you had enough of school? Why not just go out there and do it?" Would you tell an aspiring doctor to "go out and do it" after his first year of medical school? If you would, that's kinda weird, but come on.

I was searching online for good places to train and at the time, I was specifically looking for something that will help me with my acting business plan (more on that later). As a result, I discovered The Actor's Foundry. The first class that I attended was the Business of Acting Q&A with Matthew Harrison. Immediately, I was hooked. As a teacher, Harrison is incredible and I found that out after three hours of business teaching! As a man, he is also great because he truly cares for his actors and wants to help them with their careers in any way he can. A big thing he teaches is that we as actors need to support each other and not compete. Those who compete will not make it far.

Anyway, the school offers a chance to audit classes for free. In fact, they encourage it. As many as you can and on any day. So, I have taken advantage of that and have been auditing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I am also taking a class on Sundays with Jeb Beach, another teacher at The Foundry. I had my first class this last Sunday, and let me tell you, without even knowing me, Jeb has chosen a scene that is bound to stretch me as an actor.

I'm scared. And excited. At the same time.

The scene is from Sleepless in Seattle. And I have to cry. Those who know me, know that I do not cry too often. At all. And next Sunday is emotional preparation week. Like I said. I'm scared.

Randomness about me and The Actor's Foundry:

1. Found out that Matthew Harrison was in "Night at the Museum" and "Romeo Must Die." I was an extra in both.
2. Found out that Matthew Harrison's wife, Michelle Harrison was in "Paycheck" and "The Invisible." I was an extra in both as well.
3. Matthew Harrison is connected with TWU (my uni) in that he created a four and a half hour acting documentary directed by one of my professors, Ned Vankevich. He has also guest taught at the university, although not when I was attending. Sadly.

I'll keep you posted.

Size, Pants and Safety Pins

2009-02-11T13:28:00.000-08:00

A little while ago, I submitted my headshot and resume to a craigslist posting asking for athletic men and women to play military on a new TV show. And then I promptly forgot about.

Early yesterady afternoon, I get a call from casting at the new Stargate series. Apparently...there will be a new Stargate show taping here in Vancouver and they wanted me to come in for a fitting, tomorrow, which is really today, February 11, 2009.

Funny thing is, the casting guy was like, I have a few questions, "What's your dress size?" I said, I had no idea. He asked, "Well, two (baaahahahha), four (hahahaha), six (hmmm...)?"

"Perhaps six to eight??" I ventured.

And, let me tell you, I could see his eyes pop out of his skull over the phone line.

"Eight?!" he exclaimed.

I back tracked, "Well, I don't really know. I think probably six?"

He said, "Well, you know, we're looking for people who are in shape." (Or something like that. I don't quite remember the exact words).

I said, "Yeah, I have an athletic body."

"That's what we're looking for. Can you come in for a costume fitting tomorrow at ten o'clock?"

I said, yes. Later it was switched to ten-thirty.

So, I walk into the studio and let me tell you, the wardrobe people were so nice! Ok, then a lady walked up to me and whisked me into a change room. There was another name pinned on the wardrobe and she wondered why they had the wrong name. It was another "R" name. Yeah, couldn't tell her.

Anyway, she said, "Try these two looks on and we will come back and take pictures." I said ok.

Pants were size 1/2 (ahahahahahahahahaha) and the shoes were size five. I wore a size five when I was seven years old.

So I waited for her to return.

She came back and said, "Oh, sorry, your name was on another list. This is not your wardrobe."

Yep, thought so.

So, she brought me to the area of the room where they were fitting the military people.

Please, keep in mind, that all the rest of the people getting fitted were in and out of the studio right quick. They got their sizes, got their picture taken and left. All the rest of the people, except for me.

The lady said, "What's your size?"

I said, "I'm not sure."

She put her hands around my waist and she said, "We'll put you in a four."

I just looked at her. But she missed said look because she scurried away so quickly.

I sat for a little while waiting, and another wardrobe person came by and asked, "What's your size again?" I told her that the first lady said I was a size four.

Second wardrobe lady looked at me. I silently agreed.

A few minutes later, I was led to a back room. I told second wardrobe lady that I don't think I'm a four, due to my booty.

She nodded and said, "I brought a four and a six. Just humour her (her being first wardrobe lady) and try the four first."

Hmmm... did the four even fit over my ankles?

Next, I tried the six and it fit better, except it was tight, on account of, that's right, the booty.

So, when first wardrobe lady came to check on me, I told her, and she looked, surprised and said, "Oh you have a booty."

Uh huh. Yeah.

So she went to work adding a little extra material. Too bad she had to butcher those pants, because apprently, they were really well made.

Annnnyway, about 45 mintues after I arrived at the studio, I was fit into the pants, shirt, jacket and boots. They took a picture and I was on my way.

When I was younger, this very experience would have traumatized me. I would have felt so fat. Growing up surrounded by a lot of white and asian people who typically do not have booties. Yep, that will do something to the self esteem of a bootylicious black girl.

Now, I'm proud of my booty. And I do not think I am fat.

Yes, I have a booty.

And for that, I can thank my Mama.

Thank you Mama.

First Nigeria Post is Up

2009-01-10T10:28:00.000-08:00

Take a look gander --> at this...

Bear with Me... por favor

2009-01-09T05:15:00.000-08:00

I'm changing the layout of my blog again. And with change comes fixing and tweaking. So, if something is not working correctly, please forgive me.

Meanwhile, connect here for my Nigeria stories (when I get them up).

Back again. Did you miss me?

2009-01-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

As "bloggeranonymous" pointed out here, it has been a few months since my last post. I am still alive. In fact, I just returned from, as my friend put it, an OHMYGOODNESSHOWLONGWASTHISVACATION six-week trip to Nigeria. This was my first time visiting and the first time meeting the majority of my family. There will be posts documenting my trip, most likely cross referenced with my other blog. In fact, you can read my short entry about it here.

So you will forgive me from the lack of entries over these last months. Finding a place to connect to the internet was hard enough, much less being able to blog.

Anyway, right now, I'm trying to beat jetlag. But I just wanted to assure you all, faithful readers, that I am still alive. Yet again.

I hope your Christmas and New Year was blessed!!

Yep, I am Still Alive

2008-10-19T16:21:00.001-07:00

I am still alive. Bored, but still alive. Just looking for employment, both acting-wise and psychology related (to supplement my income while I audition). I actually submitted my headshot and resume to another agency and they replied asking for a demo reel. So now I must find two scenes from TV or Film, a camera and a person to read off camera with me.

That's what I'm doing this week... along with looking for employment.

See, that's why I haven't posted that recently.

My life is boring.

One opportunity down, but it's not the end.

2008-09-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

So, the agent that I went to see last week... Yeh, well she said no. Well, she said:

"Unfortunately I think I’m going to have to pass on the representation at this time… the business is very slow and I feel I need to stay focused on promoting the talent I currently have. I wish you much luck in your endeavors!!!"

So that's one down, but I'm not out.

It's funny because I was talking with a friend who is currently going to AADA. She's struggling due to finances. She asked me, "Why do we love this profession so much? It's a love/hate relationship." That it is. It's not easy.

But it is what I love.

And So, The Time Has Come

2008-09-28T04:44:00.001-07:00

To celebrate my birth. :)

As an actor, am I supposed to admit my real age?

D'ah well! I'm 27 today!

Happy birthday to me.

God has really blessed me in these 27 years. Beyond my wildest dreams. Can't wait to see what He has in store for this year.

GOD IS GOOD!!!

***Yes, I know. Not a baby picture. But the closest I could find at this time. :)***

Imagine...

2008-09-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

I do not want to be an actress for fame.

But I wouldn't say no.

***Create Fake Magazine Covers with your own picture at MagMyPic.com

I Blew It

2008-09-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

Sad I know.

First things first. I had two different casting things in the last two days. Well, the first one was a meeting with an agent, as I wrote in my last post. That was yesterday. I believe it went well, although I am not sure if she will represent me yet or not. The one thing that will probably prove to hinder me in this search for an agent is my lack of experience. She assured me that I would have to go slow, probably start in commercials first. And I would be sent to smaller roles initially and all that stuff. That's fine with me. Oh, and she also said that I have the look of early 30s. I could probably pass for late 20s, but definitely early 30s. Hmmmm... I did not know that I looked that old. Not to say 30 is old, but.... well, I was unaware. :) She said she'll get back to me by early next week.

Ok, the second is what I blew. It was a diversity open casting call for NBC. (you can find the write up here). Basically, talent reps from NBC came here to look for news faces, primarily to add to their roster for the shows filmed here (ex. Battlestar Galactica, Psych, Eureka). It is not a for sure thing, but they just wanted to see different people. Well, I am usually good at interviews. I study and make sure I cover every question that could possibly be asked. I research on the internet about what to expect and all that. Well, what happened is that she asked me to tell her about my last role. I completely blanked. BLANKED! I knew it was Arthur Miller, but forgot which one of the four it was. She was holding my resume. I had to reach over to look at it. I think that, coupled with my lack of experience, made me look like this immature amateur who just wants to be a famous actress. Or something.

And that is definitely not me.

Annnnnyway, she gave me a smile and said, thanks for coming. We'll keep you headshot on file. Yeah, right. That means, thanks for coming. You suck. We're throwing your headshot away.

Others got a call back to do a cold read. I didn't.

But I'm ok with that. It's a learning experience. I will have other chances. I will just chalk this up to ignorance and add it to my list of things to expect:

Know and remember your past experiences to T!

Got it.

**NOTE: I know the picture really has nothing to do with anything. But sadness. But that's what I was going for. And isn't Matty just so cute??

Another step. The Debate.

2008-09-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, so you know the "safety" period rule thingy that people say expecting woman should follow? I think it's something like they should not announce their pregnancy until after 3 months. Or something?

Anyway, this relates to my post in that I was not sure I wanted to announce my latest news. AKA to make it public. I was debating whether or not to share this news, just in case it, you know, it did not pan out.

However, then I thought, "What the heck. If it doesn't work out this time, I will try again." But then it is good to have faith that it will work out. Right?

So here it is. My news:

I submitted my headshot and resume to two agencies in Vancouver. One contacted me back. I meet with them on Monday. This will determine whether or not they want to represent me. I hope they will.

Please pray for me and I will let you know.

And that is all.

The Definition of Dream

2008-09-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

Charice Pempengco is on Oprah today. What? You don't know who she is? Well, I didn't either, until yesterday. A "Tuesday on Oprah" preview came on and Oprah talked about the "Most Talented Girl in the World." Oprah got it right.

Charice has a fantastic story (look up her life story) and she is the topic of this post because of her unwavering pursuit of her dream. She is a fantastic singer. She is a fantastic performer. She is a beautiful human being. She has risen above oppression and hardship. And she is only 16. I am nearly 27, but I admire her. Watch the following video and see why I am so inspired by this talented teenage to never let go of my dream.

And to top it off, this girl is extremely humble.

What is your dream?

*Picture taken from YouTube*
**Video clip taken from the Charice Pempengco Official Web Site**

The day has arrived

2008-09-05T20:36:00.001-07:00

No... it is not my wedding day. That won't be for another 40 years. Or so.

Probably.

Anyway, the "day" refers to my head shot day. As you can see from this post, I was a little nervous. But, Bradford Rogne (pronounced Rog-Knee) was AMAZING. He made me feel at ease and made me look good. Bradford did make me look beautiful.

So, I know you all would like to see my pics, but I have over 400 to go through. So, I will do that and get them up as soon as I can. But here are a few to tide you over (please keep in mind that these are untouched. Go easy on me:).
If you are an actor, go to Bradford Rogne. He's brilliant!

One step closer...

2008-09-03T18:22:00.001-07:00

I got my hair did today (haha..good English huh? Sounds cooler said than read). Anyway, it's not like I had too much trouble trying to find a place to get it done, but I had no idea where to start. I googled places in LA that did Black hair and read reviews. I settled on a place in Carson, which is where I used to live, but was now more than a half an hour away by car. I don't have a car. I had to canceled. Then I settled on a lady that, by her pictures, did a really good job. The problem was one had to book 2-3 weeks in advance. I was more like four days. She said that she would call me the next day to tell me if she was able to make it into town. It turned out that she couldn't, but she referred me to another hair dresser. I went in, told him what I wanted and came out with this:

Yes, I took these pictures myself and I have my signature poses, smile:

tongue out:

and surprised.

So my hair is did, which is one step closer to being headshot ready. T minus two days.

I like the job he did.

Anthony the fantastic hairdresser!

What do you think?

Bradford Rogne must make me beautiful.

2008-08-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

BRADFORD ROGNE

So I booked my head shots. They occur on Friday the 5th of September. That's right. This Friday coming up. I must say, I'm a little nervous. I'm not used to having my picture taken. I'm a little self-conscious, which you say, might not be the best for the industry I'm entering. Plus, there was a time in my teen years I refused to be in pictures. Those years of my wedding slide show will be missing.

Anyway, I am also excited. I researched the photogs in LA for a long and I kept on coming back to Bradford Rogne. Two of my friends were photographed by him and while he's not the cheapest, he is also not the most expensive. Plus, what one receives for his prices is really exceptional. And, he is a make up artist. To the stars. Watching one of his videos inspired me. Blatanted showcased his talent. And he was just putting eyeliner on the woman. I chose to use him because of the fact that he is the make up artist for the shoot. It allows his subjects to become more comfortable with him before the pictures. He does your make up and hair and shoots you. I think it's brilliant. Everything about his business appeals to me and it relieved my anxiety... a little.

Oh, and he is not difficult too look at... (haha, jk...or am I?)

Bradford's Website
Bradford's Myspace
Bradford's Blog

Faith is all that dreamers need to see into the future

2008-08-18T19:57:00.000-07:00

I found the the above saying in The Ultimate Gift, a book by Jim Stovall. It is a terrific book that was made into a film in 2006. Both are quite good and I really think that the quote sums up the way I feel. Some may ask why I want to pursue this profession. It is because it has always been my dream and the one thing that helps me to go on is faith.

But faith falters. I sometimes find myself wondering what I am doing. I am a confident individual, but like everybody I can sometimes feel inadequate. I find myself questioning why I would throw myself into a career that is flooded with beautiful, unemployed people. These are the people that will be vying for the same roles I will be vying for. I sometimes think, why would a casting director choose me, when another girl is more beautiful. Yes, sometimes I have those days. Luckily, so far, my faith has won out.

Oh, this post was not meant to be solely about faith and doubt. It was originally intended to be a little update on my journey. So, here it is. My near future in a nutshell.

So, I finished my six week course at AADA. What a fantastic experience! The summer students were seperated into two sections. I was part of section one, with 17 other individuals. Our ages ranged from 16 to 52. I can honestly say that I will remain close friends with many of them. We have only known each other for six weeks, but because we were together every day for that time, it feels as though we have known each other for far longer.

I experienced so much in those six weeks, including acting, dancing, voice and speech training, musical theatre and fencing. This was only a little taste of the proper two year program, one which I was accepted to in 1999 and would have loved to attend, then and now, left for the fact that I cannot afford it.

And speaking of the journey from doubt to assurance, there were also other students attending the school while we did. They were the first year students who began in the Winter. One of the requirements of this school is that each student participate in a one act at the end of the semester. These one acts, coupled with the recommendation of the teachers, help to determine which students will be asked back to attend the second year. It is not like regular uni. In order to come back, a student has to be invited. Anyway, we as summer students, were invited to watch these scenes and whatever doubts I had were quickly erased by watching these plays. They helped me recognize what I love about the art of acting and also calmed my mind about entering the industry.

So, now that school is over, what are my plans? Well, I plan to stay here until September 10, 2008. In this time, I plan to look for a job, one that will allow me to audition, but still make money. So far, being in school has taken a lot of my time, but now that school is finished, I have a lot more time to dedicate. Please pray for me.

If I do not find a job by September 10th, I have to go home. I know that it sucks to put a time limit on a dream, but one cannot live on dreams alone. A girl has got to have some money. I have none. But before returning, I plan on getting my headshots done by Bradford Rogne. I will write a post about him in the near future, but in the meantime please check him out at www.photosla.com. I reckon if I have to start my career in Vancouver, at least I will have some mint looking pictures.

So that is my plan for right now. Please pray that I am able to stay and survive in LA.

But I also believe that if it is meant to be, God will work it out anywhere.

I am Lorna Moon and want to live Somewhere That's Green

2008-07-28T05:13:00.000-07:00

So, this sparsity that I talked about in my last post has extended until now because my Uncle only has dial-up. It is a sad arrangement, but he does not see the need to upgrade to something faster. I say, how does one live like this? I am sure not living. Again, quite sad.

But only another note, my summer school is going quite well. I love it. I would LOVE to attend the full time program, however, (1) I cannot afford the tuition; & (2) I really cannot afford the tuition. Plus, two more years of school seems kinda daunting. But back to the summer course. My classes are really fun. My core classes are: Acting, Movement for the Actor, Voice & Speech and Vocal Production. I attend these classes with 17 other students. We have grown quite close in the last 3 weeks. It is great to see how much we are improving even in this short period. My electives are: Dance, Auditioning for the Camera, Fencing and Musical Theatre. I love every minute of it. It is hard work and a lot of it, but worth it. I am learning so much. I am just sad that it is only 3 more weeks. Then I have to really see what my next plans will be.

All I know is that God blessed me so far and I look forward to seeing what my future holds.

My current life

2008-05-19T23:17:00.001-07:00

I am on a cruise ship. Working.

I am working on a cruise ship.

Cruise ship = internet at $.08/minute

Cruise ship = pretty slow internet

Cruise ship = not a lot of time.

Therefore, my posts may be sparse until July 7th and Hollywood.

I am sorry.

Please bear with me.

Oh and I have an additional airport story. I missed my flight on Saturday. That story will come.

2 years later! I am currently on a plane. Why does time go by so fast?

2008-05-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

2 years ago I began grad school.
I had no idea what to expect.
Frankly, I was scared.
I knew I could do it, but I wasn't sure all the time...
I was surprised that I got in,
and vowed to do better than I did in undergrad.
I did do better. Thank God.
I learned a lot,
and made a lot of friends.
Had a few falling outs with people that I believed were friends.
I felt lonely, at times
but I knew I was never alone.
God showed Himself all the time.
I can never deny Him.
Case in point: Uncertainty and homelessness in the morning of September 1, 2007 to ENORMOUS blessing in the afternoon.
And living for free for 1/2 a month.
I virtually lived in a mansion
with fabulous roommates.
I made so many giving friends,
those who were genuinely concerned about my well being.
One was even concerned that I did not eat...hmmm... me not eat?
I want to thank God for His blessings.
For leading me to complete my graduate degree.
For fabulous, life-long friends.
For an experience that I will never forget.
Now I am on to a new chapter in my life.
I am pursuing my dream.
I am throwing it all to Jesus.

Praise His Name.

Two good things

2008-04-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

I am finished my exam! I am so excited. As my roommate was quick to remind me, I have not graduated yet (:P to her). I still have to walk and receive my diploma. But whatever! I feel free and I am so happy. Praise God!

Second thing, is that I got a package from AADA. It was just a letter and a car sticker and a blue bag (in the picture!!!). The letter congratulated me for paying the school fees (my parents are AWESOME!!!) and went on to explain other things that I already knew. But I am happy. Two things that put a smile on my face.

What made you happy today?

Last exam

2008-04-28T15:07:00.001-07:00

Read THIS

My beautiful friend asked me how I always seem to acquire free accomodations... blessings, blessings, blessings!

2008-04-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

In September 2007, when I was nearly homeless, my awesome landlord allowed me to live in my present home for free until the 15th while I searched for roommates to join me. It was a miracle. It was an answered prayer.

Around the beginning of last year (2007) I decided that after I graduated with my master's degree in Forensic Psychology, I would pursue my dream of becoming an actress.

On April 5, 2008, I found out that I was accepted into The American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Now, one of the things that concerned me was my living arrangements. I was looking into living in one of the hotels that provided special discounts to students of the school. It was going to be very expensive, but I resigned my poor self to the fact that it was what I would have to do. But God is bigger than that.

My God provided me with fabulous parents and not only did they help me with tuition, my Dad also searched for a place for me to live. Yesterday, such a place was found. I will be living with my "Uncle" and his family while I attend the program. I put Uncle in quotations because he is not either of my parent's brother. He is, in fact, a person that my dad mentored in Nigeria. We, Nigerians, refer to our elders as Uncle and Auntie even if they are not our parent's siblings. It's respect. I haven't even met him or his family.

So as my Dad, my Uncle and I were conversing on the phone via three-way, my Uncle asked me, "Do you drive?" I said, "I won't have a car, but..." And as I was going to inquire about public transportation, he said, "Well, we have a car that you can use."

HOW GREAT IS GOD?!?!

You tell me.

Dear Enterprise...

2008-04-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

Not acting related, and does not have anything to do with me, but Carlos had a ridiculously horrible experience.

Read here.

The Adventures of the Walk from the Metro to the Internship

2008-04-22T08:57:00.001-07:00

**Disclaimer. I originally wanted to post this on my other site, but it did not want to work. Later I will post it there too. It was just too good to wait.***

It was a fairly warm, slightly cloudy April 22, 2008 morning.

“Can I go with you,” inquires the majorly older man.

“Pardon me,” replies the ridiculously beautiful young woman, taking out her right earphone.

“Can I go with you?” he repeats, with a shady smile.

Ridiculously hot Nigerian girl emits a slightly confused, pity giggle.

“You know, girl, I have always had a thing for the dark skinned ladies.”

Insert same giggle, a little less confused and a little more disturbed.

“Next time I eat a Hershey bar, I’ll be thinking of you,” he says expecting her to be flattered.

“Umm….,” She realizes that there were no words.

Thankfully the orange man, that signals one to walk, appears.

REALLY?!?!

Stage Name

2008-04-18T04:32:00.001-07:00

When I was younger and dreaming of my acting career, I was always trying to figure out what my stage name should be. It's not that I didn't like my name (actually, I never used to be too fond of Ruth. I thought my siblings all had cool names and I got stuck with the boring one. And yes, I do know what Ruth means and who she was in the Bible. That didn't help to a 10 year old), it was more because I didn't think that people would be able to pronounce my last name. That is still the case (just sound it out phonetically. Like we learned to read in kindergarten. Stop being lazy). I don't remember the potentials that went through my mind back then, but I am over that now. A while ago, I decided that I was going to use own good ol', God given name. The entertainment business has grown to be more accepting of "ethnic" names, if you will. No longer must an actor change his or her last name to Smith.

Now my conundrum is what rendition of my name I should go with. I would love to have my middle name in there somehow, but that's 10 letters in itself. I could shorten it, but I don't know.

I was leaning towards...

Ruthie O. Unaegbu.

Other options are Ruth Unaegbu, Ruth O. Unaegbu, Ruthie Unaegbu...

I don't know, but I need something to put on my headshots....

Whatcha think?

My Road to AADA = busyness

2008-04-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

I am going non-stop from now until at least August 15th. I have so much to do: sell my stuff, pack my stuff, one paper, one presentation, one exam, graduation, fly home, best friend's wedding, leave for ship (on the night of best friend's wedding), join the ship the next morning, work with children, leave the ship, go to LA, attend (an awesome) school. Ok, here is the layout:

May 11 - Graduation
May 13 - Leave for home
May 17 - Best friend's wedding
May 17 - Leave for the FR
May 18 - Join the FR
July 6 - Leave the FR
July 7 - Start school

I might be a bit busy this summer...

I think I am a little bit excited....

So...

2008-04-05T17:13:00.000-07:00

I got into the American Academy of Dramatic Arts!!! I was checking the mail all day long today and checked it at 4, but there was nothing. Almost gave up and resigned myself to the fact that I should resume checking on Monday. However, one last peek into the mailbox resulted in a large envelope. The first word of the letter was "Congratulations!" YAY! I am so happy. My cheeks hurt from smiling. Now that I am accepted, my plans are solidified from now until August 15 ,2008. That is, unless God has something in mind.

God is good!

Audition went well...I think...and I hope...

2008-03-31T15:58:00.000-07:00

I apologize that I was not able to post a follow up on my audition. I have been sick for the last few days and now feel slightly better.
--
My audition on Saturday was cool, I think. It was actually really short, so Jum Jum, I really did not have time to feel nervous. It only took 13 minutes! I was ushered in, the lady (picture an older, cool, eccentric actress type from New York) asked my name, my age, asked me to write down the play that my monologues were taken from and then the characters I was playing. Then I was told to perform them. After I did that, she said, "come talk to me" and I pulled up a chair and sat opposite her.

She asked me why I wanted to do the summer program at AADA. I told her because I have wanted to be an actress since birth and that I was now going to pursue it. She asked what else I did, and I replied that I was getting my graduate degree in Forensic Psychology. She asked, why I would choose a career in acting when I can make money being a psychologist. I told her, I don't care about the money (and frankly, who knows if I can make a lot of money with my graduate degree). Anyway, she seemed to accept my answers.

Before I left, I asked her if one finds out by mail or email. She said mail and that the school lets people know fairly quickly.

I hope the mail is filled with good news soon.

I'm Sick :(

2008-03-28T16:16:00.000-07:00

I have had a semi sore throat for the last couple of days and I thought it was getting better, but I woke up today with my skin achy and my eyeballs (no, not my eyes, but my eyeballs) hurting. Seriously, it hurts when I look up, down, to the left and to the right. I guess I should be happy that it does not hurt to blink. And I have had this perpetual headache since last night.

I never get sick, so I did not know why my skin was achy when it started last night. I was seriously thinking, maybe my bra is too tight because the part that started hurting first was my left side starting right under where my bra ended. But alas, I woke up and it hurt all over. Procrastination sucks because I wanted to write a paper today, but couldn't (it's due Monday). And my friend is having a party and I wanted to go since I couldn't go to the last one. To no avail.

Oh and my audition is tomorrow. ~~Readers~~ Reader, please pray for me.

How the heck is it almost April 2008?!?

2008-03-28T09:14:00.001-07:00

I don't get it. Time goes so fast. I reckon it goes faster and faster the older one gets. My dad and I were discussing this one day.
--
Anyhoo... it is almost April, meaning that it is one day before my audition for the AADA 6-week acting intensive. I had a dream last night, actually a couple of dreams. One dream I completely forgot my monologues. I could not even think of the first word of either of them. In this dream, I scrambled, on my computer no less, to find the email where I had written down the monologues (hmmm...computer-obsessed much?). The auditioner (word?) was somewhat patient , and said that I could come back tomorrow with the monologues (although you could tell by the look on his face that he was thinking that I was a moron and even if I was to come the next day, I would never get into the program), but I was like, "No. I know it. Just give me a few seconds. Please!" And of course, the internet was taking a million years to load. My second dream consisted of me almost going into shock because I thought I had missed the audition. This happened about 4 times and each time I was like, "No, it's only Friday. Phew." This is what happens to me often. If I have somewhere to be or something to do, that is important, I will have these kinds of dreams 2 nights and the night before the actual day.

So, I audition tomorrow at 10AM. I will let you ~~readers~~ reader know how the audition itself went and then if I got into the program or not.

Hopefully a leg will be broken by the end of it.

AADA Audition Countdown

2008-03-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

I will be auditioning for The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in two days minus 1 hour and 18 minutes.

And no, Jum Jum, I am not nervous yet...

After The Crucible

2008-03-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, The Crucible went really well. I am pretty proud of my performance, although, as usual there are things I would have changed. I guess the problem with only having one performance is that you cannot fix the things you screwed up on in the last performance. Regardless, I enjoyed this production.

The guest director was Delia Taylor, who is fabulous and the guest actor was John Lescault, who is brilliant.

I am loving this class and I look forward to the next two performances.

The Crucible

2008-03-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

Tonight we are performing The Crucible. Unlike last week, in this play I have a few more lines than two. I am pretty prominent in the first act and have two small lines in the third act. My characters are Ann Putnam and Martha Corey. I have invited a few people to watch, so I hope they come, and in turn, I hope I do a good job....

And 4 days until my audition for AADA! Time flies!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T04:45:00.001-07:00

Praise Jesus, for He has Risen and His Salvation has given us Eternal Life!

After After the Fall

2008-03-18T21:23:00.000-07:00

So here I am, at 12:22am. Just got back from the performance of After the Fall. I was not supposed to be in this play, however, the girl that was playing the role of Carrie had to go to the doctor and so I got to step in. As I wrote in my last post, that just meant I had two lines. However, that is another work to add to my resume.

After the Fall is loooooong. We began shortly after 7:30pm and we were leaving the theatre at 11:05pm or so. The production was really cool though. Reading the play by itself is difficult. The play takes place in a character's head and it is not linear at all. However, I got a bigger sense of what it was about when it was performed. Although we really only had one rehearsal, the performance went off without a hitch. There was definitely more energy on the day.

So our next performance is The Crucible, a more popular Miller play. I have a more substantial role, which is good. We meet on Thursday, rehearse with the guest director and actor on Monday and perform on Tuesday. For those who are local, you should come and check it out. It should be fun.

All in all, I am enjoying being in this class.

After the Fall

2008-03-18T02:29:00.000-07:00

Today is the production of Arthur Miller's After the Fall at Theater J. Technically I am not in this one, however, there is a girl who has a doctor's appointment and may not be able to attend. If that is the case, then I take over her lines. She has two:

You can see her now, Mr. Quentin
and
God bless this child.

Not a lot, but 11 more words than I had.

And if I do not do that, I am on lights. Nobody knows what that entails yet, but we will see by 6 tonight.

After the Fall is difficult to understand as all the characters come from one character's head. Some people hate it and some people love it. I think it's funny even though it's tough. I will let you know how things go tonight.

Acting in a Professional Production

2008-03-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the first day of my class: Acting in a Professional Production. This is the class for which I auditioned. Here is the description of the class, taken from the Theatre Lab Website:

Arthur Miller Series: Prepare, rehearse, and perform in a series of staged readings at Theater J--one of DC's most respected theatres. Issues explored in the class include the expectations involved in professional work, how to find it, how to make strong choices "on the fly," and what can be learned from the pros. Each reading will be directed by a professional director and will feature a well-known Washington actor in addition to a core company of students playing substantial roles. The series of four readings, which will coincide with Theater J's production of Arthur Miller's The Price, will explore both popular and little-known Miller works, including The Crucible, Playing for Time, and The Creation of the World.

The shows that we will be performing are Arthur Miller's:

After the Fall

The Crucible
The Creation of the World
Playing for Time

Tomorrow's rehearsal is for After the Fall. This is the one production that I am not performing in. Disappointing, but I will give a description anyway (taken from Wikipedia):

The plot takes place inside the mind of Quentin, a New York Jewish intellectual who decides to reexamine his life in order to determine if he should marry his most recent love, Holga.

The play is often criticised for being too similar to Miller's actual life because Maggie's suicide is very similar to the suicide of Miller's once wife, Marilyn Monroe. In fact the feelings of the protagonist, Quentin, are often believed to be Miller's own reflection about his failed marriage. Although this work remains very unpopular to critics, it is reveared in academic arena as a deep and intellectual play, albeit difficult to follow since it does not follow the conventional sequence of events found in typical works.

The play remains one of Miller's less popular works, often attributed in part to the non-linear, often surreal nature of the plot and setting, as well as the spartan, unconventional backdrop.Indeed, all but the final seconds of the play take place in the protagonist's brain, which is reflected by a set consisting of a single chair before a concentration camp guard tower, which is itself surrounded by a giant, winding ramp made up of crevices, pits, and abutments. The plot unfolds over a period of time, due to the non-linear nature of the story; characters and occurrences appear as the protagonist remembers them, and, reflecting the nature of the mind, they often disappear and their stories remain unresolved until later in the play, when they spontaneously reappear again.

I am not going to lie, I wish I had bigger roles in the productions. However, it is still a HUGE blessing to be part of this project. I will be working with some very talented people, people who are experienced and established in this business. I know I will learn a lot. It is really exciting and I will tell you all about it after 10pm tomorrow (that is when the class ends, not necessarily when I will write the post... :O] ).

Until next time friends.

Oh and 17 days until my audition for the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Countdown - 19 days

2008-03-09T22:46:00.000-07:00

In 19 days, I will be auditioning for the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. I am not nervous now, but that does not mean anything. My nervousness usually shows its face about 4.89 minutes before the actual time. Oh well, some claim is not healthy to not be nervous... I guess an easier way to say that would have been some nervousness is healthy... or something.

I will be doing two monologues. One has to be dramatic, one has to be comedy and one has to be contemporary, while the other has to be a period piece. My monologues are from Agnes of God (dramatic contemporary) and The Importance of Being Ernest (comedy period). I will go into more detail in later posts about these plays and about my specific monologues.

I have been practicing a lot. Usually I am a procrastinator, but I plan on working extra hard for this. I was accepted into the full time program in 1999. Hopefully history repeats itself and I get in again for the six week program in 2008.

Oh and I graduate in about 9 weeks! How does time go so fast? And why does it seem to speed up the older you get?

What would be cool

2008-03-05T19:13:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here watching America's Next Top Model and it is the episode in which they get hair makeovers. You know, the one when numerous girls bawl their eyes out because they are... getting their hair styled by leading professionals. I want that. Oh, but this year's girls were not too bad. That's all.

I am branching out

2008-03-03T05:24:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking. I am really loving this blogging thing and I have, this time, stuck to it longer than previous attempts. And so I plan to continue. However, www.olileanyam.blogspot.com has slowly manifested into something other than its original purposes: (1) to chronicle my journey towards my dream of being an actress; (2) to chronicle my journey towards adoption, when the time comes (now it will include things connected to adoption and not my actual process). So I have decided to create another blog to include everything else. Gracelings does it and so does my cousin and so I think I should to. I am not inclined to do the jumping off the bridge thing unless I think it is necessary. This time I think it is. So join me for all other things. I think it will be fun!

I got the part...

2008-02-29T16:40:00.000-08:00

... well parts. In short, the "production" is actually four Arthur Miller plays. I got small roles, but they are better than nothing. I will give more of a description when I talk to the director in person. But know that I am very happy to be part of it. One thing for my repertoire. Yay!

Anticipation

2008-02-29T06:49:00.000-08:00

So, today is the day I find out if I made my audition. I am not sure if they will tell either way: "Congratulations, you have been cast in our productions" or "I am sorry to inform you..." Since the audition on Tuesday, I often have chills running down my spine when I think of it. And I have been praying. So yah, today is the day. I reckon I will be very happy if I make it, but it will not be the end of the world if I do not. I will not give up. I do have a back up for this session; taking another class.

I will let you all know, either way. And if it is in the yay direction, I will post the description of the productions. :)

Audition done...

2008-02-26T18:29:00.000-08:00

.... I find out by Friday.

The article that made me mad...

2008-02-26T09:54:00.001-08:00

It was pointed out to me that this previous post might not have been clear. I thought it connected cleanly to my Angelina post, but then anyone outside of my brain may not know how it in fact does. So here goes. I was mad about the title and contents of this article because it read that they were expecting their second child. Let's see: there is Maddox, Pax, Zahara and Shiloh. I don't know about you, but I counted 4. So, if I'm not mistaken, they are expecting their 5th child (and if the twin speculation is correct, their 6th). It just makes me mad that these writers and magazines continue to discredit these children. Insinuating that adopted children are something less. A Plan B, if you will. It is discrimination. Short and simple. And did I mention that it made me mad?

See! This is what makes me mad!

2008-02-24T20:48:00.001-08:00

Grrrr!

Stupid title! Stupid article!

I'm Stuck!

2008-02-22T22:54:00.000-08:00

I do not know which template I like. Yesterday it was green (two different green templates actually) and today it is blue with dots. Who knows what it will be tomorrow? I know it is not a matter of life and death or of particular great importance, but what do you think?

I am not Angelina

2008-02-22T02:36:00.001-08:00

No. I am not Angelina. Clearly I am far from it. However, whenever I mention that I want to adopt, people automatically remark that I want "pull an Angelina." Now, I am not sure when Angie decided that she wanted to adopt, but I'm pretty sure my decision came before I even knew she existed.

However, on the other hand, the funny thing is that Angelina Jolie's life is what I imagined mine would be like when I was a kid (well, minus the out of wedlock stuff and other things). When I was growing up, I knew I would adopt when I was older and adopt from all over the world. And as I wrote before, I have ALWAYS wanted to be an actress.

Angelina is one of my favourite actresses and believe it or not, I admired her before she began adopting and working as an Ambassador... you know, back in her "crazy" years. I have always thought that she was a fabulous actress and that the media is extremely hard on her. Even now, when she is doing much for the world, people criticize her. One thing I am very annoyed about is when they criticize her family. Many believe that she should be "cut off" from having children. What? What? Come on now. Who are we to say how many children a person can have? #1. It is evident that she loves her children (in my opinion); #2 She can support them financially; #3 She does not differentiate between her adopted and biological children, again in my opinion (and no, I will not believe the skewed stories of the media). She seems to be raising them well and out of the spotlight. Leave her alone!

So, I want to have 10 children (biological and adopted). There will be those who will look at me like I am crazy. There will be those who would want to "cut me off." Meh, I do not care. I know what my passions are: Jesus, Children (family) and the entertainment business.

So I guess what I am saying is, no, I am not Angelina, but I wouldn't mind having my own version of her life.

The Purpose of my Blog

2008-02-21T18:28:00.000-08:00

This is my first entry on my new blog. Yes, I have attempted to blog before but it always ends the same. I start strong, but it fizzles out and it disintegrates. Good thoughts.... However, this time, I pledge to keep it going. I admire people who are able to keep up with theirs. And I will admit, I am a blog stalker. I stalk my cousin Jumoke's blogs: Adventures of a good Nigerian girl & Jummy and also a few adoption blogs. Among my favourite adoption blogs are Drew Carey Show, Ragamuffin Soul and Whittaker Woman. Yes, I check them multiple times a day. I have no shame.

So, one of the purposes of this particular blog is to chronicle my journey towards my dream to become an actress. Those who know me, know that I have wanted to be an actress, basically since birth. Why am I not one yet, one may ask? I can probably say fear. Not of the performing part, but of the lack of stability part. I have always played it safe. In grade 12, just before I was going to graduate, I auditioned for and got accepted into the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in LA. Of course, I would have LOVED to attend, however tuition was too high to pay for almost-certain-future-career-instability. I decided to attend a "regular" university, studying Psychology Honours and Communications. When I graduated uni, I was still scared of this lack of stability and so I worked on a cruise ship to pay off my loans. I did so in less than a year.

Long story short, now I am in grad school, finishing up my last semester of Forensic Psychology. Yes, I know, again not acting. But, I have decided that I am now finally going to pursue my dream. Life is too short to have any regrets. I have prayed and I have meditated and I have decided that now is the time to chase my dream. And so, after graduation I plan to jump right in. I am still scared, but I figure it is now or never.

Oh and I said "one of the purposes", which means I must have another purpose for this blog, correct? Yes. Eventually this will also chronicle my journey towards adoption. Buuuuuut... that is a little further in the future. I hope to marry first, and that is not happening any time soon, so I reckon the journey towards my acting career will carry the majority of posts.

So, join me. Let's see where I am by this time next year.