Friday, July 20, 2012
Balladeer Step In and End of Days
Tonight was my first time to step in for the Balladeer. My voice warmed up about half way through the first song. The entire process of watching, making notes and visualizing everything in my head really helped in the sense I had my own character when it was time to perform. It was my own creation. Of course it has its influences but the main influence it has is me.
Sad news! If you've been following this blog, this will be my last entry. While the idea of blogging and making a VLOG is great, it's also extremely draining. It puts my brand out there and lets people know how Im progressing and what Im doing to go further in my career. But at the same time I've been spinning my wheels with it. It's been a cumbersome and timely endeavor and several entries have either no new information or rehash what I've previously said. That wastes my time and yours.
In an effort to save time and sanity, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter are the only avenues I'm pursuing right now.
My Facebook page Travis J Dixon
And the Hamlin Street Productions YouTube page Hamlin Gang
And follow me on Twitter @TravisJDixon
For all those who have followed my journey so far, stayed tuned, more is definitely to come.
Until next time!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Day 200 - Kiddle Karoo Tustin and Never Wet Plunger
Day 200 VLOG CLICK HERE
I did another Kiddle Karoo show today in Tustin. Thats a heck of a drive for a Wednesday morning, an hour without traffic.
Finished editing The Never Wet Plunger.
Check it out here! The Never Wet Plunger
Until tomorrow!
I did another Kiddle Karoo show today in Tustin. Thats a heck of a drive for a Wednesday morning, an hour without traffic.
Finished editing The Never Wet Plunger.
Check it out here! The Never Wet Plunger
Until tomorrow!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Day 199 - Kendra Castleberry
Day 199 VLOG CLICK HERE!
Kendra Castleberry, CD for Grimm, Necessary Roughness and Castle. 2nd time meeting her and we had a full class tonight. 22 students!! Great night though. Had a good read with a girl I met in a previous class. We were partners then too! Guess CD's think we look good together. Ha! Cold reads are interesting. We only had the sides for 15 minutes and every choice I made I believed was accurate. The first descriptive line about my character said I was wealthly and stuck up. Well I kind of tossed that suggestion out the window. Kendra made me bring it back. And I did.
Until tomorrow!
Kendra Castleberry, CD for Grimm, Necessary Roughness and Castle. 2nd time meeting her and we had a full class tonight. 22 students!! Great night though. Had a good read with a girl I met in a previous class. We were partners then too! Guess CD's think we look good together. Ha! Cold reads are interesting. We only had the sides for 15 minutes and every choice I made I believed was accurate. The first descriptive line about my character said I was wealthly and stuck up. Well I kind of tossed that suggestion out the window. Kendra made me bring it back. And I did.
Until tomorrow!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Day 198 - Plunger Edit, Dallas Travers Homework and Rehearsal Skip
Day 198 VLOG CLICK HERE!
The continuing adventures of editing. What else can I say?
Dallas Travers is doing a live phone conference next week and as part of our homework, we have to connect with a few business people on Facebook and Twitter. Its all about using media to help shape your business image. However, they mentioned is I was using Blogger or a few other sites I was already doing something incorrect. Great Scott!
I skipping rehearsal tonight. Not feeling great so I took a night off. Did some home rehearsal. Should be ready for Thursday and Friday.
Until tomorrow!
The continuing adventures of editing. What else can I say?
Dallas Travers is doing a live phone conference next week and as part of our homework, we have to connect with a few business people on Facebook and Twitter. Its all about using media to help shape your business image. However, they mentioned is I was using Blogger or a few other sites I was already doing something incorrect. Great Scott!
I skipping rehearsal tonight. Not feeling great so I took a night off. Did some home rehearsal. Should be ready for Thursday and Friday.
Until tomorrow!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Day 197 - Scuba Class, Assassins Nap and Dear Penny Lane
Day 197 VLOG CLICK HERE!
Took my first scuba diving class today. It was an amazing experience. Hardest part was letting myself use only the regulator to breath. As an involuntary muscle, you take breathing for granted but when I have to consciously do it in a controlled and continuous fashion you appreciate it all the more. I found it was much easier to do as I was swimming because I was using more oxygen. I hope to continue my training and become certified soon.
I was beat after that but I had to go to rehearsal. Watched as much as I could but during the scenes without one of my characters I fell asleep. I took a cat nap right in my seat. No one notices when I'm awake so asleep is no different.
And Miss Penny Lane shoot her first short today. Wrangling animals much be a tough job because Penny wouldn't do anything! Only when the cameras weren't rolling, she would behave exactly as we needed. It's an experiment in film making for us, editing and shooting, so it should be interesting.
Until tomorrow!
Took my first scuba diving class today. It was an amazing experience. Hardest part was letting myself use only the regulator to breath. As an involuntary muscle, you take breathing for granted but when I have to consciously do it in a controlled and continuous fashion you appreciate it all the more. I found it was much easier to do as I was swimming because I was using more oxygen. I hope to continue my training and become certified soon.
I was beat after that but I had to go to rehearsal. Watched as much as I could but during the scenes without one of my characters I fell asleep. I took a cat nap right in my seat. No one notices when I'm awake so asleep is no different.
And Miss Penny Lane shoot her first short today. Wrangling animals much be a tough job because Penny wouldn't do anything! Only when the cameras weren't rolling, she would behave exactly as we needed. It's an experiment in film making for us, editing and shooting, so it should be interesting.
Until tomorrow!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Day 196 - Facebook Connections and Spiderman
Day 196 VLOG CLICK HERE!
A lady who had seen our first videos reached out to our productions page to tell us how much she enjoyed them. I wrote her back and thanked her for her subscription to the channel and her support. Turns out she's manager of note so I will indeed stay in contact with her for the future.
Did two Spiderman parties today. Pretty straight forward stuff except the second party had a bit of a problem at the end. They had hired Spiderman (me), Batman, Ironman and Captain America. The father was a little drunk and lacked time management skills. 4-5pm doesn't mean 4-5:10. You want pictures with all the kids, superheroes, aunts and uncles, godparents and any other relatives? Plan accordingly. Build it into the schedule because Ill tell you, I don't mind a couple extra pictures but this was the classic "One more!!" which means shit. Well Batman had to leave because he was going to be late for his next party. This sent the father into a drunken rage. Keep in mind he already is a big the Hulk. Long story short, talked him down, we got paid and everyone is happy. That is until next year for the boys 5th birthday!!
Hulk drunk! Hulk Smash!!
Until tomorrow!
A lady who had seen our first videos reached out to our productions page to tell us how much she enjoyed them. I wrote her back and thanked her for her subscription to the channel and her support. Turns out she's manager of note so I will indeed stay in contact with her for the future.
Did two Spiderman parties today. Pretty straight forward stuff except the second party had a bit of a problem at the end. They had hired Spiderman (me), Batman, Ironman and Captain America. The father was a little drunk and lacked time management skills. 4-5pm doesn't mean 4-5:10. You want pictures with all the kids, superheroes, aunts and uncles, godparents and any other relatives? Plan accordingly. Build it into the schedule because Ill tell you, I don't mind a couple extra pictures but this was the classic "One more!!" which means shit. Well Batman had to leave because he was going to be late for his next party. This sent the father into a drunken rage. Keep in mind he already is a big the Hulk. Long story short, talked him down, we got paid and everyone is happy. That is until next year for the boys 5th birthday!!
Hulk drunk! Hulk Smash!!
Until tomorrow!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Day 195 - All Hail Kaiser Assassins
Day 195 VLOG CLICK HERE!
Continuing on with the rehearsal process. I sit, watch, listen and absorb. Nothing new except I'm in for Balladeer on Thursday and Guiteau on Friday. Sadly, its only for rehearsal.
I did see in this week's Entertainment Weekly that Denis O'Hare played Guiteau on Broadway. I knew him from True Blood and hadn't connected that I had see him twice in NYC. He was crazy good!
Until tomorrow!
Continuing on with the rehearsal process. I sit, watch, listen and absorb. Nothing new except I'm in for Balladeer on Thursday and Guiteau on Friday. Sadly, its only for rehearsal.
I did see in this week's Entertainment Weekly that Denis O'Hare played Guiteau on Broadway. I knew him from True Blood and hadn't connected that I had see him twice in NYC. He was crazy good!
Until tomorrow!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Day 193 - Props and Kiddle Karoo
Day 193 VLOG CLICK HERE!
Got an idea! Quick! Make a prop list, finalize a script, scout some wardrobe and get to bed early. Tomorrow is going to be fun!
Had a monster house party with Kiddle Karoo tonight in Pasadena. Great fun! But so tiring! Wearing head to toe monster outfits and dancing for 45 minutes in LA heat is ridiculous. I got such a sunburn!
The skin is literally peeling off!! No its really Cantankerous Carmudgien the 3rd. Or as his mommie calls him "Mudgie!"
But the little kiddies enjoy it!
Until tomorrow!
Got an idea! Quick! Make a prop list, finalize a script, scout some wardrobe and get to bed early. Tomorrow is going to be fun!
Had a monster house party with Kiddle Karoo tonight in Pasadena. Great fun! But so tiring! Wearing head to toe monster outfits and dancing for 45 minutes in LA heat is ridiculous. I got such a sunburn!
The skin is literally peeling off!! No its really Cantankerous Carmudgien the 3rd. Or as his mommie calls him "Mudgie!"
But the little kiddies enjoy it!
Until tomorrow!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Day 192 - The Assassins In My Head
Day 192 VLOG CLICK HERE!
At this point Assassins is constantly playing in my head. Im going over my parts again and again, visualizing my blocking, understanding the reasons for my characters actions. I can't wait to perform. I hope I can fill the house with my friends and MY FRIENDS ONLY!! I kid, I kid. But seriously, the house is maybe 50 people and if I can get 20 there I'll be happy. But there are also industry professionals and others I would like there too so yes 50 people! First, I have to set my dates.
Until tomorrow!
At this point Assassins is constantly playing in my head. Im going over my parts again and again, visualizing my blocking, understanding the reasons for my characters actions. I can't wait to perform. I hope I can fill the house with my friends and MY FRIENDS ONLY!! I kid, I kid. But seriously, the house is maybe 50 people and if I can get 20 there I'll be happy. But there are also industry professionals and others I would like there too so yes 50 people! First, I have to set my dates.
Until tomorrow!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Day 191 - Travers, Twitter and Assassassassassins.
Day 191 VLOG CLICK HERE!
If you are an actor and havent check out Dallas Travers then do yourself a favor. She teaches actors how to empower themselves. Waiting by the phone wont do it nor did it ever. I've been trying to implement some of her techniques. More on that as it develops.
Also giving Twitter another try. Honestly, it seems like girly attention deficit disorder nonsense. I have a thought! I must share it! But Im hell bent on learning how to utilize it more successfully to promote myself and to stay in contact with fellow actors and industry professionals.
More Assassins rehearsals. In my head, I'm ready. I need some practical application. Watching isn't cutting it for me. Im getting anxious. I see what the leads are doing and its a great job but not the way I would do it. I have made other choices and thats fine. Same character but a different interpretation. Something I can't wait to explore in the real world....within the play world.....nevermind....you know what I mean!
Until tomorrow!
If you are an actor and havent check out Dallas Travers then do yourself a favor. She teaches actors how to empower themselves. Waiting by the phone wont do it nor did it ever. I've been trying to implement some of her techniques. More on that as it develops.
Also giving Twitter another try. Honestly, it seems like girly attention deficit disorder nonsense. I have a thought! I must share it! But Im hell bent on learning how to utilize it more successfully to promote myself and to stay in contact with fellow actors and industry professionals.
More Assassins rehearsals. In my head, I'm ready. I need some practical application. Watching isn't cutting it for me. Im getting anxious. I see what the leads are doing and its a great job but not the way I would do it. I have made other choices and thats fine. Same character but a different interpretation. Something I can't wait to explore in the real world....within the play world.....nevermind....you know what I mean!
Until tomorrow!
Day 190 - Ani Avetyan and Couerage Theater Connection
Day 190 VLOG CLICK HERE!
Met with Ani Avetyan, casting director for The Closer and its spins off Major Crimes, at Actorswest. She likes to look everyone in the face and say either "Nice to meet you" or "Good to see you again." Its great she makes these connections, these personal connections, because it seems so much of this business is "you don't fit, so I forget." You make these connections first so when you are in that room and the piece doesn't quite fit, they continue to bring you in until it does and you book. Versatility is paramount!
Interesting point of interest, the previous show with the Couerage Theater Company was produced by Ani Avetyan. She knows the many of the Couerage staff and will hopefully be in attendance for Assassins.
And we did a stumble through of the show tonight. Im off book for both roles. Anybody want a night off? I'm good to go! Anybody!!?! Bueller??! Bueller......?
And some much needed BS to help validate this blogging effort. Thanks bro!
Until tomorrow!
Met with Ani Avetyan, casting director for The Closer and its spins off Major Crimes, at Actorswest. She likes to look everyone in the face and say either "Nice to meet you" or "Good to see you again." Its great she makes these connections, these personal connections, because it seems so much of this business is "you don't fit, so I forget." You make these connections first so when you are in that room and the piece doesn't quite fit, they continue to bring you in until it does and you book. Versatility is paramount!
Interesting point of interest, the previous show with the Couerage Theater Company was produced by Ani Avetyan. She knows the many of the Couerage staff and will hopefully be in attendance for Assassins.
And we did a stumble through of the show tonight. Im off book for both roles. Anybody want a night off? I'm good to go! Anybody!!?! Bueller??! Bueller......?
And some much needed BS to help validate this blogging effort. Thanks bro!
Until tomorrow!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Day 189 - Hamlin Street Productions Launch, Double Rehearsal and Edit Edit
Day 189 VLOG CLICK HERE!
We launched Hamlin Street Productions, our web series, yesterday and fine tuned a few videos today. We have 3 to start and will release a few each week.
Who's at the Door - Batman
Mime Death - Regrettable Hanging
Dialects with Idiom Goodspeak - French
Taxi Cam 1
Click! Enjoy! Like! Repost!
Ran through Assassins twice. Once as Balladeer and once at Guiteau. All blocking and numbers!
Since Batman is officially launched, I went to work on the blooper reel for it. Add a little soundtrack by Wesam Keesh and we're good to go!
Until tomorrow!
We launched Hamlin Street Productions, our web series, yesterday and fine tuned a few videos today. We have 3 to start and will release a few each week.
Who's at the Door - Batman
Mime Death - Regrettable Hanging
Dialects with Idiom Goodspeak - French
Taxi Cam 1
Click! Enjoy! Like! Repost!
Ran through Assassins twice. Once as Balladeer and once at Guiteau. All blocking and numbers!
Since Batman is officially launched, I went to work on the blooper reel for it. Add a little soundtrack by Wesam Keesh and we're good to go!
Until tomorrow!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Day 188 - Assassins Another National Anthem
Day 188 VLOG CLICK HERE!
Had rehearsal for Assassins yet again and tonight. The final Guiteau and Balladeer blocking pieces has been finished. Next week, I have to be off book. Granted, I have more time than the rest of the cast because I won't go on for some time. But better to be ready so I don't have to get ready.
Until tomorrow!
Had rehearsal for Assassins yet again and tonight. The final Guiteau and Balladeer blocking pieces has been finished. Next week, I have to be off book. Granted, I have more time than the rest of the cast because I won't go on for some time. But better to be ready so I don't have to get ready.
Until tomorrow!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Day 187 - Dog Park Rehearsal and Ballad of Czolgosz
Day 187 VLOG CLICK HERE!
Took my scripts to the dog park and went through as much as I could. Most of Assassins because that is the first script that needs to be off book. Charlie Brown is the week after.
At Assassins rehearsal we went over Ballad of Czolgosz and I stepped in for Jeremy as the Balladeer. I watch and record the blocking, I know the notes and the lyrics and as soon as I'm allowed to step in, practical theory does not apply. I begin thinking from moment to moment and pick up cues much slower. Practical application is needed to solidify theoretical practice. Hmmm.
Until tomorrow!
Took my scripts to the dog park and went through as much as I could. Most of Assassins because that is the first script that needs to be off book. Charlie Brown is the week after.
At Assassins rehearsal we went over Ballad of Czolgosz and I stepped in for Jeremy as the Balladeer. I watch and record the blocking, I know the notes and the lyrics and as soon as I'm allowed to step in, practical theory does not apply. I begin thinking from moment to moment and pick up cues much slower. Practical application is needed to solidify theoretical practice. Hmmm.
Until tomorrow!
Day 186 - Spiderman Carl's Jr, Uncle Sam and the Fourth of July
Day 186 VLOG CLICK HERE!
Free food? I will take! Carl's Jr did a Spiderman promotion on the 4th of July where anyone dressed as Spiderman would receive a free burger. I'm game. I still have the outfit from last week and off I went!
Had a few friends over for the fourth and just as the party got swinging (no pun intended) I had to head to a kid's party playing Uncle Sam. No joke. I had no particular voice in mind just that I was broke. I didn't even see a kid for the first hour. I painted only my hand and tried to look occupied. Hey, I mean I'm still getting paid regardless.
And finally fireworks on the roof of our apartment. No, I don't mean we shot them but every single direction you looked they were going off. 360 degrees. You could see Burbank, Universal City, Sun Valley, Valley Village and Van Nuys. The occasional firework would launch from less than 100 feet from the apartment and scare the life out of the dozens of people on the roof. Yes, it's illegal, highly illegal due to the drought and dryness and the proximity of thousands of residents but on this particular day, no one cares except those of us who are in bed listening to the sounds of cannon booms as we try to sleep. Go America! Now let me go to sleep!
Until tomorrow!
Free food? I will take! Carl's Jr did a Spiderman promotion on the 4th of July where anyone dressed as Spiderman would receive a free burger. I'm game. I still have the outfit from last week and off I went!
Had a few friends over for the fourth and just as the party got swinging (no pun intended) I had to head to a kid's party playing Uncle Sam. No joke. I had no particular voice in mind just that I was broke. I didn't even see a kid for the first hour. I painted only my hand and tried to look occupied. Hey, I mean I'm still getting paid regardless.
And finally fireworks on the roof of our apartment. No, I don't mean we shot them but every single direction you looked they were going off. 360 degrees. You could see Burbank, Universal City, Sun Valley, Valley Village and Van Nuys. The occasional firework would launch from less than 100 feet from the apartment and scare the life out of the dozens of people on the roof. Yes, it's illegal, highly illegal due to the drought and dryness and the proximity of thousands of residents but on this particular day, no one cares except those of us who are in bed listening to the sounds of cannon booms as we try to sleep. Go America! Now let me go to sleep!
Until tomorrow!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Day 185 - Snoopy
Day 185 VLOG CLICK HERE!
Took a look at my Charlie Brown script finally today! I'm remembering more and more of the show having seen it so many years ago. Originally, I went to see the show with a fellow actor friend of mine from high school in Tulsa, David Wilder. He played Snoopy and thought he was extremely funny. Looking back, he was a big influence.
But now I have an even bigger influence to do well in this productions. Kristin Towers-Rowles, my personal would-be agent, is in the show with me as Sally. Her father Robert Towers, played Snoopy in the original animated production. What the what!?
Until tomorrow!
Took a look at my Charlie Brown script finally today! I'm remembering more and more of the show having seen it so many years ago. Originally, I went to see the show with a fellow actor friend of mine from high school in Tulsa, David Wilder. He played Snoopy and thought he was extremely funny. Looking back, he was a big influence.
But now I have an even bigger influence to do well in this productions. Kristin Towers-Rowles, my personal would-be agent, is in the show with me as Sally. Her father Robert Towers, played Snoopy in the original animated production. What the what!?
Until tomorrow!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Day 184 - Assassins Balladeer Rehearsal
Day 184 VLOG CLICK HERE!
Ran Balladeer stuff tonight. Singing this track in my head is much easier like so many things are but the important thing I need to remember is where to breath in his songs. Phrases are long and they change time signatures so often its easy to trip and fall and never catch up. Seeing as I've only done it once and I was on track for most of it I'd say I'm in a good place.
Until tomorrow!
Ran Balladeer stuff tonight. Singing this track in my head is much easier like so many things are but the important thing I need to remember is where to breath in his songs. Phrases are long and they change time signatures so often its easy to trip and fall and never catch up. Seeing as I've only done it once and I was on track for most of it I'd say I'm in a good place.
Until tomorrow!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Day 183 - Charles J Guiteau, Baby A Musical and 6 Month Check Up
Day 183 VLOG CLICK HERE!
Stepped in for Guiteau at rehearsal today. Once I stretched my legs a little I was good to go under my own steam. I've created a character that is very much like the historical figure we know but is also my own from what the actual actor playing him is doing with it. He's happy and angry for all the wrong reasons.
Saw Kristin Towers-Rowles in Baby A Musical in West Covina tonight. Gail Wirth from my Forum production last summer was also in it. Both were fantastic and among the best things about it. But then again Kristin can't help but out shine everything. She rocks!
Did a 6 month check up on 2012. I've had 20 auditions, 5 bookings including 2 television shows, one commercial and 2 musicals. Not getting famous or rich anytime soon but I did have to join SAG which is now SAG-AFTRA. Hope the next 6 months is even better.
Until tomorrow
Stepped in for Guiteau at rehearsal today. Once I stretched my legs a little I was good to go under my own steam. I've created a character that is very much like the historical figure we know but is also my own from what the actual actor playing him is doing with it. He's happy and angry for all the wrong reasons.
Saw Kristin Towers-Rowles in Baby A Musical in West Covina tonight. Gail Wirth from my Forum production last summer was also in it. Both were fantastic and among the best things about it. But then again Kristin can't help but out shine everything. She rocks!
Did a 6 month check up on 2012. I've had 20 auditions, 5 bookings including 2 television shows, one commercial and 2 musicals. Not getting famous or rich anytime soon but I did have to join SAG which is now SAG-AFTRA. Hope the next 6 months is even better.
Until tomorrow
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Day 182 - Deedee Bradley and Cha--
Day 182 VLOG CLICK HERE!
Ran a workshop with Deedee Bradley this morning. I believe this is the second time and she is very quick with her evaluations. They're precise, short and to the point which is great for everyone. I have noticed with some of the actors who participate in these workshops are a little backward. These workshops are for when you are ready to showcase your talent to the industry professionals, not to come as green as the grass. When you ask questions like "How do I get auditions?" you're not ready to meet these people.
And I put "Cha" in the title because I watched the first hour of Chaplin. Couldnt finish the sucker. Maybe Im tired or maybe its slow. 2 hours and 34 minutes was too much. So I will conclude with "Lin" tomorrow night. I will say I was laughing out loud at the Downey Jr's physicalization embodiment of Charles Chaplin. I love slapstick and it tickled me silly to watch these reenactments.
Until tomorrow!
Ran a workshop with Deedee Bradley this morning. I believe this is the second time and she is very quick with her evaluations. They're precise, short and to the point which is great for everyone. I have noticed with some of the actors who participate in these workshops are a little backward. These workshops are for when you are ready to showcase your talent to the industry professionals, not to come as green as the grass. When you ask questions like "How do I get auditions?" you're not ready to meet these people.
And I put "Cha" in the title because I watched the first hour of Chaplin. Couldnt finish the sucker. Maybe Im tired or maybe its slow. 2 hours and 34 minutes was too much. So I will conclude with "Lin" tomorrow night. I will say I was laughing out loud at the Downey Jr's physicalization embodiment of Charles Chaplin. I love slapstick and it tickled me silly to watch these reenactments.
Until tomorrow!
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