My "Loving" Review

I went into the theater not expecting to be wowed by the movie “Loving,” but to my surprise it really was as the critics have been saying one of the best movies this year. The acting by the main stars Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton was flawless and believable. The cinematography was amazing. I felt as though I was transported back in time.

Though I am not in an interracial union, there were a lot of things that were relatable. I immediately picked up on the fact that Mildred Loving was shy. Negga portrayed her perfectly – soft, demure, and feminine. Even though Loving was quiet in nature, she was instrumental in getting the ball rolling and changing history. She wrote the letter that resulted in the Lovings getting an ACLU lawyer, and she also contacted the media several times. I could also relate to the rural setting, being from a small, farming North Carolina town.

As I was watching the movie, I remembered that I was supposed to audition for the Laura character. I had to decline though because I was in the process of moving to Houston. But it was interesting to see who got it and how she approached the role. The actress who got it, Ardrene Ward-Hammond did an excellent job. I even spotted a North Carolina actor who had several prominent scenes named Will Dalton.

If you get a chance, you should definitely go check out the movie. You will be inspired and glad you did.

I got my SAG-AFTRA letter!

I recently received my letter allowing me to join SAG-AFTRA. I am so thankful and proud that I was a part of the hilarious, award-winning "Actors Anonymous." Look out for the web series to premiere soon on YouTube. We will film additional episodes next year.

April Update

Lately, I've been feeling stressed. I have rehearsals two days a week for "That's the Way of the World" in addition to working and squeezing in auditions. Today, I had a first (two commercial auditions in one day). But I welcome being this busy!

At least they were in the same city -- Austin, which is a little over a two-and-a-half-hour drive for me. The first one was in the morning, then I had to wait around for several hours for the next one.  The second one lasted all of two minutes.  Then I was on the road again to go back to Houston.  By the time I got home, I was exhausted. For the most part, I feel good about both of them.  If I don't book either one of them, I'm still blessed and thankful for getting more auditions than I did in North Carolina. So I guess my new head shot is working.

Since I joined my new agency, Tory Christopher Group, I have been asked to audition consistently -- which is an improvement from every two or three months.  I must have a commercial look, because all of my auditions so far have been for TV commercials and print ads.  I can't wait until I actually book one.

I've been bummed that I had to miss a couple of auditions because of my job. But I always feel better when I get an email for auditions to replace them and seem to work out better with my schedule.  Just this week, I had to forgo one for a movie that will film in Dallas.  That one kind of hurt.  But at least familiar casting directors are inviting me back, and I am meeting new ones.

Baytown's Finest Movie Promo 2016

Baytown's Finest

I am filming an independent film in the Houston area called "Baytown's Finest."  I play Malia, the older, bossy sister of Hakeem, a high school basketball player who doesn't want to focus on the future. I continue filming in February.  The film comes out later this year.  

Eyeglass World commercial

This was a fun, quick shoot I did a few months ago.

I’m an introverted actress

For most of my life, I’ve always felt that whatever I did wasn’t enough. I was always too this, too that but need to do this or that. I would try really hard to please people and still come up short. I’ve been called really unkind names – cold, conceited, self-centered, snobbish – sometimes by family. I always liked myself, but being shy plus introverted bother some people around me.

People think I don’t like them because I chose to listen instead of talking incessantly. I don’t know if my resting face falls into a frown or what, but I can be deep in thought about the latest fight on “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” and someone will ask me why I’m upset. Instead of being phony and tensed, staying home to read a good book was a better option.

Words do hurt. If a person insulted me, I would pretend that he or she didn’t and appear stoned face. Or I would smile and laugh it off. This would keep me from crying when that was all I wanted to do sometimes. 

I was acting all along so I decided to pursue it seriously.

I knew there would be challenges. I kept it a secret for the most part scared that a well-meaning family member would try to talk me out of it. I already knew people would have their doubts since I’m so quiet. I had some bad auditions, some so soul crushing that I wondered why I even got out of bed that morning.  I did mostly background work but got to speak a line or two in a student film.

Then I finally got up the nerve to start classes. To say the least, my acting coach was aggressive. And I get that – to fully let yourself go and just be as an actor is serious business and takes lots of dedication.

But my former coach bordered on abusive. When I had enough I nervously gave him my two week notice. In front of my classmates he uttered matter-of-factly, “You’re not going to book anything.” Shaking his head he said, “You haven’t gotten out of your shell.” I knew this, but I was dreading class every week instead of being excited.

I was offended and embarrassed as I tried to explain that I needed a break. He only got more irate and stated the same thing louder. I wonder if he was angrier about losing an extra $200 a month or that he wouldn’t be able to help me reach my “full potential.” That comment gave me such a complex until I told myself that I would book something. I used his damaging remarks to fuel my passion. And I did book too. As a matter of fact, I booked some good paying jobs.

I saw my old coach at an acting event about six months later and proudly told him I had booked a paid job. He was happy for me as he gave me a hug and a big kiss on the cheek. Maybe he was just in a bad mood on the day I decided to quit his class.

Even though it was a little scary, I took another class. This time the coach was courteous but firm and helpful when I needed it. Taking classes and studying are vital to being a better actor so I want to study theatre and film making at a local university soon.

I feel myself growing into a more confident actor with every job I book though I'm still getting used to rejection. I’m not there yet, but at least I do see improvement. I just want to see more. And I do want to fully get out of my shell.