M&R: Why the Website?

“In free countries, every man is entitled to express his opinions and every other man is entitled not to listen.”~ G. Norman Collie

So… why the website? For starters, I have learned so much from reading other people’s stories. If any of mine can help some other like-minded individual out there… why not share? Our lives are so busy, and the web offers an accessible way of keeping up to date with the goings-on of our industry and an awareness of the avenues that are open for creative collaboration. Since my career is ever-evolving, my hope is to use this site as a way to reflect upon my journey, and to connect with others who have similar paths. So, if you’re looking for information on me and my career… here it is, straight from the horse’s mouth! And if you aren’t– um… why are you reading this?  

M&R: Storytelling…

“Storytelling reveals meaning without committing the error of defining it.” ~ Hannah Arendt

Apparently, when my mom asked me at 4 years old what I would like to be when I grow up, I replied, “An actress, writer, or the Easter Bunny.” 2 out of 3’s not bad, right? I’ve always been a storyteller. Growing up, I was happiest either acting on stage, or…. furiously writing novellas in my room. Today, I’ve written children’s books and screenplays, and I pinch myself whenever I get paid to act.  While it’s my work, it’s also my life… I’m so grateful to have married my best friend, and that he shares similar career interests. The personal and professional is quite blurred, and thankfully, we’re okay with that (not that it’s always EASY!)

“The essence of childhood, of course, is play, which my friends and I did endlessly on streets that we reluctantly shared with traffic.” ~ Bill Cosby

I love the quote above because I think so much of our work feels like playing. The true work we do is dealing with all of the traffic that comes with this business– so that we feel safe enough to play and enjoy ourselves, and to not get discouraged, or hurt, by any of the other random drivers with whom we must share the road.

“The events of childhood do not pass, but repeat themselves like seasons of the year.” ~ Eleanor Farjeon

My childhood definitely helped grow the storyteller’s seed inside me.  Because of my dad’s job as an NHL goalie, our family moved several times, and every time I entered a new school– I was challenged by the many new people to meet, and things to learn– from names and faces, to accents and expressions, to local heroes and sports affiliations. I marveled at how other kids adamantly believed their team was the best team, their way of speaking was the right way… and I was fascinated at how different everyone seemed on the surface, but how similar we all were in the end. I was definitely making connections that would help in my career one day. Thankfully, my family is very close, and remained a strong constant for me alongside so many changes. Also, seeing my dad go to practice every day so that he could be conditioned and strong for the challenges he faced (both on and off the ice) had a huge influence on my work ethic. In addition, he did countless charity events and community benefits and I witnessed how moved people were by the time and energy he dedicated to his fans and people in need. I carry these lessons with me daily, ingrained from an early age.

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” ~ Seneca

Growing up, I did lots of community theater. At the end of junior high, my mom finally broke down and brought me to an agent after years of my begging.  For the next several years,  I worked on numerous local commercials and industrial films in New England. Then it was off to college where I pursued my other love, writing, and a Communications degree at the UPENN. I took as many classes in the business and production side of entertainment as I could, and used my summers off to intern back at the wonderful agency that helped me out so much as a kid (The Cameo Agency!) During my junior year, I studied abroad in Australia, and interned as a production assistant and in the editing bay for two TV shows. To anyone who is thinking of getting involved in this business, in whatever field, I would say that these experiences helped me tremendously… If you want to be a writer, take an acting class. If you want to be an actor, assist an editor. There is no shortage to what you can learn about your field by seeing it from a different angle. And of course, if you want to be good at whatever you do… TRAVEL! Live life– get out there and try new things, especially ones that scare you. Talk to people, watch movies, read books, immerse yourself in culture. I am telling you, despite how scared it made my parents…  when I finally graduated college in 2001, I felt confident and ready to take on the formidable and majestic town of Los Angeles… and I’m not sure I could have survived otherwise.

“Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work.” ~ William Arthur Ward

In general, I don’t really think you can teach someone randomly off the streets how to act or sing or write…  the seed’s already gotta exist within. It’s the same with sports… you have to be naturally athletic if you’re gonna make it one day in the big leagues. I believe all people are born with some innate talent (the trick is finding out what!) And then, it takes proper nurturing, conditioning, training, coaching, and your life experiences– positive and negative– along with hard work and determination– to help grow that seed successfully over time. When it comes to being an actor, writer, director…  I think the key point is “over time”…!  To compare one person’s story of “success” to another’s (especially in this field) is truly to compare apples to oranges. We can only learn from and be inspired from each other’s stories. But then, we must to go out and DO things on our own. There’s no ONE path. And… there’s the capricious nature of “good luck” to take into account. With so many flowers in a field, how can you control which gets picked, and when? That’s why, in the meantime, it’s incredibly important to be in a place where you get enough sunlight and water to survive, and hopefully flourish. If ever you’re feeling droopy… Perhaps volunteer your time, energy, and talents with someone who not only appreciates it but very well may need it. I think being artistic and creative is a gift that keeps on giving.  In the end, we’re all connected and can truly benefit from sharing our stories, and lending a helping hand.

On that note, I can’t help (from time to time) use this website as a platform to share some amazing volunteer opportunities and stories about charitable organizations as they touch me along the way!  ♥  Here are two of my favorites in L.A. that I truly feel blessed to volunteer for…!

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end” ~ Ursula K. LeGuin

No one can *sustain* a career in this business on freebies and connections alone. You have to at least some talent and you definitely have to be willing to put in the work. As individuals, my husband and I have been working tirelessly to make things happen in our careers, and our workload definitely increased when we started a production company. We feel both blessed and inspired by the many people we’ve met and worked with along the way who’ve shown the same amount of passion and perspiration. We’ve also been let down and frustrated by people who’ve over-promised and under-delivered on just as many occasions. In the end, we have truly learned so much, each step along the way… and every lesson counts. Life (synonymous with work for us) continues to be a roller coaster, with plenty of nauseating falls and thrilling highs. Our goal remains, however– no matter what happens– to enjoy the ride along the way. Now it’s nearing the end of 2009, and I’ve had 8 straight years of ups and downs in this business. I’ve done 9 television pilots for major networks, some of which got picked up and aired, others which have only been seen at parties thrown by my parents. I’ve guest-starred on shows and met countless inspiring and interesting actors along the way. I’ve had small parts in big studio films and big parts in small indie films. And man, have I AUDITIONED!!! Recently, I began doing voice-over work, and my hope is to parlay my love of acting into some animated characters as well… which has always been a dream of mine. Of course, I’ll be updating here whenever that happens- so thanks again, for caring and your support.

xoxo