DOWN TIME

Becoming Equity has, so far, been a double-edged sword. I'm finally protected by the union, but this now means, at least within the city of New Orleans, it will take much more time, energy, and auditions for me to get hired. I'm itching to leave the city and work elsewhere. It's been a goal of mine for a very long time. Financially, it has not been in my favor to move to a more Equity-friendly city just yet. I've been vigorously working on making this goal a reality since I graduated college four years ago. I'm just taking a little longer than I had planned, and that's okay. I'm still growing and learning along the way, and that's all that should matter. I had to learn quickly not to compare someone else's journey to my own. Everyone's journey is gonna be different. No one has the same path as to how they got to where they are. . . Everyone's story is unique. So when I'm feeling discouraged, I remember this. I remember that my season is coming. But I have to be ready for it when it gets here. 

With that being said, I guess I didn't realize I would have so much more downtime after joining the union. I'm completely okay with it though. It's giving me time to work on my craft and re-visit the basics. Has it been discouraging? Yes. Have I wanted to throw in the towel? Absolutely. But I know my true potential better than anyone, and I see nothing but success in my future. I am equally aware that I will hear more No's than Yes's. Nothing worthwhile in life comes easy. It only takes one "Yes" to change someone's life for the better. Until that time comes for me, I'm gonna enjoy the journey there.

List of things I'm doing in my downtime to prepare and maintain is:
- Exercising (running + weight training)
- Clean eating 
- Voice lessons
- Acting classes
- Dance classes
- Gathering media for my reel I'm working on
- Researching and learning new songs for my book
- Researching monologues
- Supporting local theatre/Attending local performances
- Conversing with fellow theatre allies about their journey 

+ I focus a lot on my craft in musical theatre, but I am interested in putting my foot back in the door doing TV/film... ESPECIALLY if this downtime continues to linger on for a bit. 

+ I've also been interested in taking modeling more seriously. I love taking pictures and being able to show off different personalities through what I'm wearing, how my hair is styled, or where the location of the shoot is. I'm feeling as though I am more of a print/commercial model right now- but that could change. All I know is that I enjoy it and it's another outlet that doesn't feel like work to me. 

+ I've ALSO wanted to get back in the studio and record again. I enjoy bringing a producer's vision to life. I also like playing around and creating catchy melodies and eargasmic harmonies.

+ I might venture back into painting/drawing too. 

There's so many things I want to do.