Hey there,
It’s been five months since I last wrote on my blog. It was a purposeful decision. I really didn’t have much to say during these five months that wasn’t totally about me dealing with personal issues. I’m moving beyond the personal and back to the professional to some degree today. It’s been a purification of water, fire, air, and dirt (thrown in my face). I’ve been extremely blessed to work in a performing arts school that’s about five minutes from home which is beyond cool and extraordinary. There are constant performances in choral and instrumental music with my students including drama, dance, and art. I’m eternally grateful to become a part of the faculty.
Today’s purpose is about voice-overs as a union talent in a right to work state. I was sent a non-union voice-over audition from my agent in FL who knows that I’m a union actor. Heck, I have SAG-AFTRA on my website. So, I’m being tested to check if I will do a non-union gig under the table. That is the only rationale that I can think of at this point since they needed decent, good, or great African-American women to submit the audition and send that baby to the client. Apparently, I passed the test of “decent” enough that they wanted me to submit.
(Sigh)……I have the desire to post on my Facebook and biz pages that I do not accept non-union work since my agent is on my friend’s list. That is just a reminder to them. However, no, I will not. They know. I’m just being tested.
So, I’m sending my a$$ to Nancy Wolfson to become more bad-a$$ and see if I can book the gigs that I hope she sends my way and book the sh!*&t out of them. After that, I’m sending my a$$ to Celia Siegel for marketing help.
If a talent chooses Fi-Core, then fine. However, I’m not Fi-Core. I get plenty of non-union auditions daily. I don’t do them. I audition as a union talent. I’m sharing this since a talent has to stand up for what they believe in doing. Morals trump money (so that’s why I’m broke…hmmm). Most of the time, it’s the other way around. I’ll keep my morals (thank you God). If I want more money, I don’t prostitute. I work as a bartender or pet sitter or teach music/drama lessons if I need more money. We all need more money. However, I’ve come to realize the whore side of this business. It’s not for children and yet child actors need protection as well. It’s a crazy, ruthless, stab-you-in-the-back-kind of business. Yet, I have some morals that I choose to keep. I intend to keep them (praise God) and will work towards that end.
So, I’m working now locally and my auditions have improved. I’ll continue to work hopefully with sessions when I can afford them with Nancy Wolfson and company (Jeff who?). It’s a matter of showing up and showing out.
Parents beware. Raise your children to become excellent people first. If they want to work in the arts, they will find their way. Raise your child and pray for them daily.
Meanwhile, be bad-a$$. That’s what this takes. I don’t know how the ending will come out. However, nothing less than your best will do. Get the best and do your best.
Kim
GVOS and Me 