Daddy O'

As far as I'm concerned, everyday should be Father's Day.

Especially when there are fathers like this guy in the world:

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Actually there is no one quite like this man.  The love he has for our kids is profound.   

Pete has been a dad for 20 years and I find myself more in awe of his devotion with each passing day.  

He can be tickling our toddler one minute

And having a heart to heart talk with one of our teens the next minute

He is an amazing man of God who shows our children daily what it means to love sacrificially.  

Happy Father's Day, Daddy O'!  We love you so!

Hugs, 

M.

And Then Again, Maybe...

Okay, so yesterday we made a decision on a great theatrical headshot.

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I like it because it is not too smiley or too serious.  

But then, I just can't seem to get over the "sassy".  It really is a good representation of "me".  My personality comes through in that picture.

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There is one other picture that Pete and I have been coming back to.  Actually this is the photographer, Heather's favorite.

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It is more on the serious side, which is traditionally more "theatrical".  It also still has a little sassiness. I like to call it "Sassy Light".

So team, could this be the one?  What do you think about "Sassy Light"?  Thanks for weighing in.

Hugs, 

Melissa

I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends and Family.

THANK YOU!  You all have helped me make a final decision on the headshot that I will bring to my audition.

Honestly, it felt a little strange posting pictures of myself.  I felt a bit vain and a little wacky. However, I loved your feedback.  It was so uplifting and encouraging.  It felt like we were a team making this decision together. 

The picture that we choose is the "Smiley".

Actually, this picture was not my first choice, I was opting for the "Sassy".  However, after doing some research on theatrical versus commercial headshots I had to let "Sassy" go.  In general, theatrical headshots are typically more serious than commercial headshots.  This is not an "official" rule, but a good rule of thumb.

The picture we choose is not too smiley and not too serious.  It is a good mash up.  Thank you again for your input. And a HUGE thank you to Heather of Lisbet Photography for taking these amazing pictures.

With headshots, it is very important to represent your true self.  In other words, your headshot should look like you.  That way when you walk into an audition and hand over your headshot, the director will not wonder where the person in the picture is.

Now, when it comes to printing out the headshot I learned that color prints, with a matte finish (glossy produces a glare) are the industry standard these days. Also a white or black border is a must and your name should be in the bottom left, center, or right side of the picture. Theatrical and commercial headshots are printed in a portrait format and they are always 8 x 10.

There is a great video series from a casting director that has answered many of my questions and helped me in preparation for this audition.  Here is a link if you want to check it out.

And now for the resume...Gulp...

Hugs,

Melissa

Calling All Headshot Hunters!!!

Heather from Lisbet Photography is just amazing, my friends!  She met up with me this week in Avalon Park for a headshot photo session.  Right before we met, a major afternoon thunder storm marched through our side of town.  It was raining elephants and thoroughbred horses.  And the lightning...Florida storms do not mess around.  

After the monsoon, the lighting was interesting.  Heather knew just where to get the right shots because being the pro that she is, she had already done some test shots the day before down in Avalon with her adorable kids.  Heather worked her photographic magic and snapped some really great pictures.  If fact, her work is so good that I am having a really hard time deciding on the best shot.

Will you help me find the right one?

Please?

The family and I have narrowed it down to three choices for you:

The sassy photo:

The smiley photo:

The more serious photo:

Whatcha think?  

Hugs, 

Melissa

Don't Play Koi With Me, You Macaroon!

New things we have seen / tried so far this summer

Take 1:

Macaroons =

We like!

Koi fish  = "Can we pet them?"asks the monkey.

Hurray for all things new! And for hand sanitizer (just kidding)!

Hugs, 

Melissa

Fly Me to the Moon!

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Yesterday, I blogged about my utter lack of any audition know how.  In a nutshell, I want to audition for a play / musical. So, I found a local theatre company, signed up for an audition, researched what to prepare for said audition, and found a comedic monologue that made me laugh out loud.

Today, let's talk about THE SONG.

Remember, these instructions?

"Actors over the age of 17 that wish to be considered for a musical should prepare one song (16 bars) with/without sheet music. An accompanist and a CD player is provided for all auditions. "

Well, I pondered and researched and sweated buckets.  Not counting night time sing alongs with the monkeys, and congregational worship in church, I have not formally sang since I was in Mrs. Bass's  9th grade all girls choral ensemble. Yikes!

However, I need not fear, because Music Man lives here!  Pete helped me find just the right song in the right key for me.  He has been coaching me (in between fits of shared laughter) and I must say that I am feeling more comfortable with those 16 bars of musical mayhem each day.  Pete is even going to record an accompaniment track for me on the piano. You rock, Music Man!

Oh, you may be wondering what I choose as THE SONG?

One of my all time favorites...

"Fly Me to the Moon!" by Sinatra


Hugs,

Melissa

Starting at the Beginning

Having the desire to be in a theatrical production is one thing.  Having the skills is something entirely different.  I have the desire, but what about the skills?  I mean, I have not been in a production since, gulp, junior high school.  With no formal acting or voice lessons under my belt, what I am thinking?

Well, the way I see it, you never know if you can or can't do something until you try, right?  So, I am embarking on this little acting adventure one step at a time.  My goal is just to do the best that I can to prepare for an audition, but how do I prepare?

First, I did some research and found out the name of our local community theatre.  It just so happens that the theatre is holding general auditions for the 2012-2013 season this summer.  I contacted the theatre and secured an audition slot.

Second, I do not know the first thing about the audition process, so I made sure to study the audition guidelines.

It read:


•  All actors should prepare one comic monologue. Actors over the age of 17 that wish to be considered for a musical should prepare one song (16 bars) with/without sheet music. An accompanist and a CD player is provided for all auditions.  Actors are given 3 minutes total to perform both the monologue and song; actors are stopped after 3 minutes.

•  All actors must provide two sets of headshot and resume.

All that I could think was, "Wow! Where in the world should I start in my preparations?" I do not even know where to find a comic monologue. I have not sang formally in years. Headshots? A resume (yikes)!

So, I started at the beginning.  I googled "comic monologues" and I found a roller coaster monologue that made me laugh out loud.  I can really relate to the character in the monologue because I HATE roller coasters, and well, who hasn't experienced or witnessed an awkward breakup at least once in their life?

I have been practicing the monologue for several weeks now and I almost have it where I want it.  It is challenging because I really want to make the audience believe that I am on a roller coaster.  I have to bump up and down when I am talking, scream on the "hills" and "turns" and try not to laugh.  I mean really, what kind of a girl would laugh in the middle of breaking up with their boyfriend on a roller coaster?  How insensitive!

Preparing the monologue has been really fun and challenging, but it has not been the biggest challenge.

I will tell you more tomorrow...

Hugs,

Melissa