Ok, I have been putting off this Tumblr thingy...but word has it that Twitter is a dying social art (I am that word!) and the social media world that I MOST connect with (demographically speaking) is on Instagram and Tumblr - so here I am 13 to 25 year olds! Tada! Does anyone really care? No? I have blogged in the past and just don't have the time to keep up with the jazz hands of blogging. No idea what I just meant by "jazz hands" - but owning it. I will likely never post an entry as LONG as this one again (lordy, this was WORK!), but I want to tackle some questions that have come my way about my career and explain a bit about why I do what I do and why I do it the WAY I do. Make sense? No? Sigh, Read on....
Here's what's what. In case there is any confusion (still), I am no longer with Nickelodeon. I WAS the Director of Casting for Nickelodeon for 7 years (NY Office) and I adored my time there. Next phase for me has not been announced (that doesn't mean I have no clue smarty pants, it means...some exciting irons are brewing HOT and I just can't say!) - BUT I am "currently" private coaching young talent 10 to 20 years. I only work with talent that I know or that have been referred to me by their agent or manager (and only reps that I have very tight relationships with). Sorry, not opening the shop up at this time because I am gearing up for a VERY busy winter in several areas - Independent Casting, Coaching and Voiceover Directing (for animation). Or...I may surprise everyone and take a left turn. Again, not announcing anything at this time. But I am excited! Yeppers. And by the way...I am also a Social Media Consultant for Young Performers.
My dear students are killing it (Yay!) and I couldn't be happier for their growth, callbacks, tests, bookings...blah blah blah and I am just downright honored to be apart of their journey. Truly. Here's the thing about coaching (at least from the way I work, which is never less than 150%). I tend to get very "dedicated" - no matter what I am involved in! Whether it was working at the GAP in 1994 or selling shells (yep, that happened) in Sag Harbor in 1987. With my students I have access to intense feelings, issues, true humor/wit, vulnerabilities, fears, dreams, inner self-esteem battles and all areas that make up the complete person. This has been an intense discovery for both me and my students, and I would not trade any of it - just...wow, I had no idea that I would dive so deep and care SO MUCH! Friggen love you guys! An outsider might think...so what?...you are teaching "child actors" - who cares? Meh, the journey is personal and "we" get it. You can leave now.
As a "Network Exec" Casting Director only - there were literally 2 sets of doors between me and the waiting room that held the nerves and anticipation of the talent and their guardians before making their way to the famous star that marked the black rubber floor in the Nickelodeon audition room at Nick Headquarters NY. An intern or assistant would bring the talent in. I would hear stories from fellow Viacom employees about what "really" went on the moments before or after the said "lovely young talent" would land on the mark before me, from convos in the elevators, the intense parent-to-child conversations in the bathrooms, the stress witnessed in the lobby. (Yep, keep yourselves in check...word gets around). ME, I would only see the pleasant smiles and hear "Hi, nice to meet you" & "Thank you for the opportunity" (by the way - I don't like that sentence from a talent of any age, it's forced). I would make sure every young talent left the room feeling complete with their experience. It's my way of doing business with talent under 16 yrs knowing that the industry can be ugly. There is no need for an ugly experience. Please, I have better things to do with my life than make a child/teen feel bad about themselves. Of course there were those reality check moments reserved for those I saw potential in and they needed a little tough love to come back and show me AND themselves their best. Otherwise known as "don't waste my time and yours with a half-ass audition" (I didn't EVER and would never say it that way!) NOTE: this is still a business and there is still reality! When I need to be tough - I can be. So, anyway, I didn't see the layers, the issues or hear the back stories. However, as an agent to young talent from 2000 to 2005 I of course dealt with the painful drama that comes with the territory of working with young talent because kids come with parents. Man o man, I loved so many of those families (still do) and yes, some I was more than happy to leave in the past (Buh-Bye) - just like ANY job. I am not trying to paint a pretty and shiny picture of what we know can be a ridiculous situation - we have all seen the shows on E!. Of course, I have the "bad" stories and ya know what, I will never share them. Sorry, if you want those, jump to another tumblr account. I rather shine the light on the positive and no matter what - this business will be here (oy vey)....I just rather be the lady that helps the young talent that truly WANTS to do this with every fiber of their being (and have the talent to back it up! I mean TALENT!) have a fantastic experience in this biz and also manage their expectations. My point. Here it comes...being a private acting coach to young talent is much deeper than I thought. I love it, I am exhausted from it, I am surprised by it and you cannot do this at 100% and expect for an artist to grow - so I will continue to give my 150% and manage my own expectations (or drive myself mad trying). I expect the same back from my students. 150% prepared, emotionally open and brave. 150% passionate about wanting to be in this business. 150% prepared to have your self-esteem kicked down a bunch of times, not just by industry, but by the kids in school who will pick on you for being an actor or singer, by a family member who will tell you that you are not good enough, by your own demons telling you that you are going after the wrong dream. The big secret - most young professional actors are bullied in school. Several don't have friends. Most are very funny, special, creative, sensitive, great listeners and are worth not just friends, but worth your support. I think the industry would be shocked by how many celebs were completely and painfully picked on in their youth. So, be 150% prepped for that crap. Yep, it happens. I would say that 60% of my students deal with this - perhaps more. So, I love ya guys. You have grit. There is so much more to you than wanting to be "famous" - I am NOT here to create fame (I don't have that power!). Just hope I can answer some questions, give some food for thought and if I don't have the right answer - I won't try. I will always be honest - I just won't yell at you to get my point across (not my style). And if you are wondering if you have "it" - ask yourself if you are in this to be "famous" OR because you know you are damn good, have a good look that seems to fit roles out there and you just love to perform because anything else doesn't feel like being TRUE TO YOU. Why do I care? I lost my Mom when I was 6 years old. She was a talented performer (as a hobby). I loved being backstage with her at our local theatre. Her favorite show was A Chorus Line. I loved to sing and dance as well. (I still love to sing, but never had training). When I was 8 I asked my Dad if I could audition for Annie on Broadway because a few of my friends were doing it and sadly the answer was no. Why? Because I had the painful reality of living in a single parent home and he could not physically support my dream. I understand the brain of the child who loves the performing arts. You don't have to be a professional to enjoy this!