3/04/2009

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

Posted by ruthie


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.

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2/17/2009

My Progress

Posted by ruthie

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.

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2/11/2009

Size, Pants and Safety Pins

Posted by ruthie

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.

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9/30/2008

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

Posted by ruthie

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.


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9/28/2008

And So, The Time Has Come

Posted by ruthie

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. :)***

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9/26/2008

Imagine...

Posted by ruthie



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

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9/23/2008

I Blew It

Posted by ruthie

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??

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9/03/2008

One step closer...

Posted by ruthie

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.

What do you think?

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8/31/2008

Bradford Rogne must make me beautiful.

Posted by ruthie


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

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8/18/2008

Faith is all that dreamers need to see into the future

Posted by ruthie

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.

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4/24/2008

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

Posted by ruthie

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.

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