If you read my little info tab on the right you know that I'm back in the Hollywood acting saddle after a 12 year hiatus.
Let me start from the beginning. I've been a working actor off and on for many years, including my childhood. Now, I didn't say consistently working, but landing gigs here and there for many years. I've been in commercials, on tv, in a few feature films, industrials and lots of stage experience. Some paid, some didn't, all were wonderful experiences that just confirmed what I always knew, I'm an actor. I'm not in it for fame, don't do it for the money (although getting paid is nice!) but have to do it for my soul. When I'm not working on a project I drive my friends and family crazy.
About 12 years ago, I decided to hang up my acting boots and give marriage and motherhood all of my energy. I was a bit burned out, auditioning, teaching drama, dance and fitness and not landing the gigs I really wanted. I thought I was finished with my acting career. Throughout these 12 years I've taught a few dance and drama classes in my sons school, I've helped with every production that his elementary school has put on and have run a few home business, all of which I portrayed 3-10 people in a very large corporate environment. (drove my husband nuts!) You can take the girl out of Hollywood, but you can't take the Hollywood out of the girl, I suppose. ;) I would answer the business line as Suzy with a neutral accent, I portrayed Ann the stern sales person with cranky customers, I portrayed Shelly the sweetheart with a southern accent for the contractors that were uptight, it always calmed them right down.
I really didn't think I would want to get back into the full swing of auditioning, booking, searching for gigs, etc., but then I had a dream one night that a man told me to get back to what I was good at, what really made me happy. I woke up and decided that day, February 8, 2011, to go back to work.
Its been a non-stop roller coaster ride everyday since then! It's only been 3 months and I've worked more in that 3 months than I ever did when I was younger! I've portrayed the lead, co-star and supporting roles in 2 student Grad film festival films, 4 Indy short film festival films, 1 feature film still in production, 5 commercials and 2 industrials. I've portrayed everything from a 28 year old hooker (yes, I know a BIG stretch but hey I didn't cast myself!), to a 48 year old women who's never been in love.
I'm not sure if it's my attitude, desire, age range (yes I'm working that!) or that I just don't really care what anyone thinks anymore that's booking me so many gigs but I'm having a blast on the ride!
After telling my friends, family and new acting buddies about my adventures on auditions and gigs I decided to chronicle it. I've had many nay sayers telling me "Oh it's not possible to start or re-start a career for a women of your age in acting" and many other negative comments. I say to them, well I must not believe that because I've booked jobs consistently over the past 3 months, with expired union status and no representation! HA so there you go.
I'll be posting as much as I can, I'll try to keep it up weekly. I'll be blogging, vlogging, posting my auditions if available, my gigs and whatever else I can.
Until next time
See You In The Movies! ;)
Shannon
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