As I reach the 2-week mark in New York, I suddenly realized I have so many emails to write, so many updates! So here's my solution... (druuuum roll please)...a blog! This way I can update all the people I love in one stop! Smart idea, huh? I'm not the only Nelson with a Blogger account...
Soooo my life! In New York! Can you believe it?
Well… the first week didn’t go as planned. I was sick. Of course. I think I was getting sick beforehand, and then took a big plane ride. Not so great combination. It sure didn’t mean my weekend wasn’t filled with excitement. We arrived Friday morning and immediately set up my room. I had a dresser, lamp, and full bed by the time we were done! And then, of course, some last minute Bed bath and beyond things. (And, FYI, EVERYTHING in New York delivers… how awesome is that!)
But after my mom left on Monday, I pretty much was flat on my back in bed till Thursday. Not exactly what I’d like to be doing my first week. But, while I was in bed I managed to sign up for a babysitting website. Pretty handy for some extra cash…but guess what?
I got hired today!!!! I'm lucky enough to have several family friends in new york, one of which is involved in the restaurant business. One family in particular has always been so sweet to me, and really taken me under their wing. Through some luck (and family kindness) I got an interview! These restaurants are UNBELIEVABLE. They’re opening a new restaurant on the lower east side, called “Beauty & Essex.” And today they hired me as a hostess! I know hostesses don’t make tips, which sucks, but the owner said he recommended me for the new restaurant, because this way I can start off at the same level of seniority as everyone else. I’ll have even footing for requesting time off, or for when there are opportunities to move up. And to be honest, a job is a job! The only bummer is I have to dress fancy… you better believe I’m shopping for fancy at bargain prices!
My roomies are INCREDIBLE. Since day 1 they’ve been so sweet, so kind, so generous. My first night here alone they made me a Mexican feast! And when I was sick they would stay in and watch movies with me… we even made a pizza! I’m just having a blast. We’re having a harvest party on Saturday so that should be fun as well! It’s just nice to have a warm, inviting home to come back to.
I know I should be conserving money (and I am!) But I got a little ancy and bought some craft supplies! I want to paint some canvases and hang them in my room! Anything to brighten it up. My sheets are yellow and my comforter white with navy polka-dots… sure, a little unorthodox, and maybe not the best fit… but my goal is to fill my room with warm colors- that way when it’s snowy and windy and cold outside, I can come indoors and snuggle my yellow sheets. Well… it’s a theory.
Auditions! Oh, Auditions. So apparently New York is slow… like, slowest fall audition season of all time. Last months my friends had only one or two auditions. But things seem to be picking up. I went on my first official New York audition on Tuesday! For “A Christmas Carol” at Gateway Playhouse. I crashed an equity call, but got seen just fine. It went really well, and they seemed receptive. And let me tell you, it was just so much fun to sing a song! I have more on the way (hopefully) so we’ll see what happens. (side bar- a tip I’ve learned. I went to Gateway, but the Adams Family was having a call the same day. My friend was #250 on the Equity list, but when she got there NOBODY WAS THERE! She walked in at number 11! People have started to avoid some of the big calls, and go for the smaller stuff (i.e. Gateway) because jobs are so scarce.) Anyways…
So when there haven’t been auditions, I’ve really tried to make contact with all my New York connections, just to say hi! And in doing so I’ve managed to pick up some great names of voice teachers, coaches, advice on bargain hunting, etc.
I had dinner last Thursday with two friends of mine, Kristin and Michael Mulligan. They’re married, and I met Kristin by doing “Pirates of Penzance” with TCLO. She’s worked at small theaters all around Orange County, but Michael’s had quite a career. He’s done all sorts of theater, he’s done some really great work. But as it stands right now, he is an unrepresented non-union actor in New York.
They moved about 6 months ago, and so far have been doing fine. But when I was discussing New York, my decision to move, etc, he had some pretty interesting things to say. Here’s my attempt at recounting the conversation, word for word:
“I really wish I moved fresh out of college. I spent so much time building up my resume in Southern California, but it really doesn’t matter here in New York. I am essentially starting from square one. I figured the connections and networks I spent years building [he just turned 28] would somehow transfer over to New York, or maybe there would be a helpful reference or two. Theater is theater, right? But so far, nothing. These casting directors don’t even know what the Hollywood Bowl is… the Hollywood Bowl! I am starting from scratch and I’m 28. Which is fine, and I’m blessed to be here, but I wish I had known. Nothing transfers over here- they just flat out don’t care about California theater. At least you’re starting from scratch fresh out of school… the way it should be. “
Here I was thinking I was crazy to move to New York without hundreds of big roles under my belt, but now I’m glad I did. The SoCal mindset seems to encourage sticking around LA, making some money, and building your resume. But the gist of the attitude in NY is the opposite… Why not earn money, get established, and do roles In New York!
Anyways, I know it’s long-winded, but I left their house exhilarated, elated, and determined. Another tip I got from them is the benefit of having a partner. They have each other- a kind of partnership- and that’s what has made it so nice for them. And I am so lucky that UCI has provided me with several partners. I just keep on connecting and connecting. I’m sending emails to all my Satellite professors, letting them know I’m in the city. Sometimes coaching is too expensive, but they’ll most likely always meet you for coffee.
Side note…. Last spring I had an interview with a theater manager. It was awful. Ghastly. But guess what? Ya, well he’s been calling me all summer. It died down for a bit, but it’s picked right back up! He’s leaving messages like “ Hey Annie, You have a beautiful voice; I’ve watched your youtube clips. Some of them are unmarked, but your voice is beautiful and the clips are good. Well… one isn’t good. But I still need your pictures, schedule, etc. Call me back!”
So, I haven’t called him. But I looked at his website today… AND I’M ON IT!!! MY PICTURE AND NAME ARE LISTED IN HIS INDEX OF CLIENTS!! What?????? How can this be legal? I HAVE to call him, and straighten it all out…
But really what I've learned is right now, I'm supposed to be here. In New York. I didn't understand why things weren't happening for me in SoCal... no callbacks, wonky auditions... things that didn't make sense. But I realize now, doors were closing. And ever since I've arrived here, it's felt like doors have been opening left and right. My job, my apartment, my life- everything! And I guess that's the biggest factor in deciding where to live... sometimes it's not waiting for the magic door to open, like a Broadway gig. It's to look around... closed doors are just as telling. And what a blessing it is, being a place where things are finally clicking!.
But I love you! And Will try to keep updating, asap!!
