Monday: To kick off the day I watched abit of Dancing On Ice to keep my energy up. I was glad that the celebrity that won it did, as it’s always the dark horses that always make their way to the top. This was then followed by making my way to work, where I only did facing up but one thing I got out of it was that someone said they would sign up for my charity darts tournament. Now that is a massive bonus.
After walking my dog and having a nap I then watched episode 3 of Trigger Point whilst I had some lunch. After the last episode I absolutely praise Lana for carrying on with her work despite the setback. And also Helen for also dealing with the lose of mark and having to face an intimidating possible criminal in Nick hood. But I feel that their grief may have impacted the timing of the bomb, and the face she pulled said it all. Even though I’ve seen the spoilers on Gogglebox, I can’t wait to watch in more detail how they catch the criminals.
I then moved onto gathering some scenes and day player roles from Coronation Street and Doctors. This was a mammoth job as even though as I’m writing this I’m up to date with Corrie and 4 episodes left of doctors I couldn’t get all the clips needed on YouTube. So writing them down in my notes was a job that was huge but I got it done. I just need to skim through Hollyoaks on Wednesday and the rest of Doctors and then fingers crossed I should be up to date whilst also clearing the storage from the planner too. After a brief bit of YouTube I did some yoga. This was a difficult session due to my nerve pain in my shoulder. But I got through it and had a well deserving session.
After walking my dog I then had my industry ready session. This was the final session on my material and let’s just say that there was a lot to take in. But thankfully I have the recording and providing I double check that everything is safe on there after the recording, I’m all good. I even got to ask 2 questions which really helped and learnt that one of the dos is make sure it’s on a pdf format. All I can say is I’ll keep it noted.
Whilst I had dinner I watched Doctors from today. This one saw Liv get into abit of trouble, only to find out from Rob that the incident didn’t happen at all. But I knew something was up as she was on the phone to someone a while ago, so I wonder if she got herself into abit of bother. Who knows.
I then noted some jobs on Mandy and started some cover letters for them. And there were a few jobs I missed the deadline for but thankfully some that have peaked my interest for a while. Let’s hope that when I do apply for them I get the response I want. This then moved onto doing some Korean and French. I had a good long session, as I went from being right at the bottom to second in the table. So all in all I was actually quite proud of myself for getting that far and quite surprised as well. But I managed to once again complete my daily goals and that was all that mattered.
I was going to watch episode 4 of Trigger Point but thanks to my dog wanting to play, resulting in my shoulder flaring up again, I didn’t have the energy for it. So I watched a little bit of Saturday Night Takeaway from a few weeks ago. Because it was the last series what they did was absolutely in incredible and the people who have been involved in charities close to their heart were all in the audience. And all of them got a takeaway. And you know what? Because it’s the last series I don’t blame them. But I would to want to be in ant and decs shoes when they did the challenge. But kudos to the for completing it.
To end the day I checked my socials and planned the next day. This included starting a draft of a new script. Yes I still have another one to complete and the one I’m writing tomorrow may not be the original idea. But as mentioned before sometimes the first thing may be the best thing, so I’m going to let the state of flow see where it takes me. And maybe after that I’ll have finished my other script I started a while back.
Tuesday: To kick off the day I watched abit more of Saturday Night Takeaway from the first episode. And I must say Simon Cowell undercover was brilliant, and a perfect bit of entertainment to watch.
I then made my way to the gym where I got a decent leg session in. I was also going to start my tv and theatre review and also my review of Witness for the prosecution by Agatha Christie. But because of the rain I had to put it on hold to avoid myself and my phone getting wet. But I know I have the walks to the gym there and back to continue it which is the main thing.
I spent the morning writing a script for an idea I’ve had in a while. As I’m writing this I’ve not got the first draft fully complete, but I’ve got what I needed to out of my brain. And if it does go further and the actors in question want to change their lines slightly that's something they can do.
At lunch I watched the second to last episode of After The Flood (where I watched the rest of it in the evening). Now this episode was where things started to get interesting, as secrets were spilt from Molly and Pat, and after Tasha finds out the truth from someone from Daniel's past, it has literally changed the course of the show. I’m just interested to see what happens in the final episode.
The afternoon consisted of recapping last nights industry ready seminar (which was very useful) and going through some more movement work. I came to the decision to work with what I’ve got and even though I didn’t go to the full 4 week salsa class course, I’ve got some basic steps to at least show off my footwork to develop later on. After last nights seminar of not pressuring myself to learn a new routine, I’ve made the decision to go with what’s I’ve got and then take it from there. Now all I need to do from then on is look at what I need to wear for each video and book a venue to film it in. But not without recapping the movement and feedback from my fellow actors to make sure the timing and genre is correct.
I then moved onto doing some surveys and learning some French. For some reason I hate it when some surveys stay in there past the date it due but are not taken off automatically. Even though I didn’t get much luck before, I’m going to ask to see if the surveys that are out of date can be taken off just so that I don’t have to worry about completing them.
I then hoped onto a Spotlight session where I learnt about how to do an Irish accent. I’ve learnt that it’s most linked to the jaw being very open, so I think from now on for this accent and ahh other accent I do I need to exercise it well. But I can’t wait to develop it even more and even use the script I got to implement it in it. However my nerve in the shoulder starting to lunch again, and that hindered the session and made more notes, so I put some ice on it to see if that did the trick.
After abit of dinner and watching some childhood nostalgia on YouTube, I checked my socials and planned the next day. At this point I’m pleased with myself that I have done what I did today with regards to getting something out of my head, as I’ve been putting myself off for so long that one day I knew if I didn’t start it I never would. And even if it doesn’t get used for a while, having it there as a back burner for future projects is always handy. I can’t wait to hopefully finish it tomorrow.
Wednesday: To start the day I watched the end of Saturday Night Takeaway episode 1 where Becky Hill was the end of the show show act. And the act she performed it with were incredible, as it just goes to show with movement it’s not always about the backflips that do it. But obviously and and dec do make it more entertaining when they’re in it, and with it being the last series it’ll be sad that we don’t get to see them on the screens on Saturday nights anymore. but I’ll be honest I don’t even know if I’ll manage to catch up on the rest of the episodes. But if I do I’ll skip the usual bits like win the ads (as I know how the format goes) and other bits and leave it with the under covers and get out of my ear.
I then made my way to the gym. Because of my shoulder I didn’t want to put so much pressure on it. So I simply rescinded the weights and reps on some exercises slightly and changed one of them so that I’m still working on that area but not as intense. This is also an example of what’s best for your body, and that when the injury is recovered, I can come back to the weights stronger. And with a little bit of boxing as well I hope it’s taken the she off of my pinched nerve.
On the way there and back I managed to go into full detail of my tv reviews and my review of Witness For The Prosecution. And I’m proud of what I’ve done so far. Even though neither of them are not finished, I made a start which is what counts the most.
When I got back I applied for some more day jobs and developed my script. As I’m writing this I didn’t submit all of my day jobs due to arriving late back home but I’m slowly working through them. And as I’m writing this the script is still it finished but I’m slowly getting there with the story structure. At this point I’m just writing what comes to mind and I hope that this will be the start of either something to send to the bbc writers room for a future competition or even for a future project. Either way I want this to go somewhere.
To finish off the morning I listened to the start of an Act On This podcast with stage and screen actor Mike Jibson, who is currently in the stranger things west end show. I’m glad that Ross brought a guest like him on, because as someone who’s exploring both tv and theatre, it’ll be brilliant to know first hand on how he got the role he is playing (and his story on how he got on the original west end cast of Hamilton is just amazing) how long it takes rehearsal wise and life when performing the same show for so many months. I’ve already learnt so much and I can’t wait to continue this podcast later.
During lunch I watched Tuesdays episode of Doctors (where I watched the rest later in the evening). This one saw cover doctor Michelle have supper at Nina’s, and I thought that Nina was out of order on a few things. Particularly suni and Scarlett’s relationship and sunis sexuality. And after some very honest questions Michelle seemed to have put Nina in her place at this point. I still don’t know what Nina’s agenda is but maybe after loosing her husband maybe she doesn’t want to feel alone. As mentioned before there’s always a reason behind certain things and this may be one of them. I also was amazed to hear Bears voice and how well he can sing. But Luca need not fear as he’s also a star in the making. I do also hope that something will happen between Rob and Ruhma and now that filming for the show has stopped and with Liv missing, they can work together to help with her life and that they can live happily ever after by the end of the year.
To start the afternoon off I watched another actors expo seminar where it was all about screen acting. I know it was the same thing I’ve heard before, but sometimes it’s good to go back to the basics as not only is it a constant refresher for the job itself, but it’s also good to hear it from a different company and how they got to where they are today.
I then moved onto reading a play in preparation for an audition for one in July followed by learning abit of French and Korean and gathering some day player roles and scenes from Hollyoaks. As I’m writing this I’m up to date with Hollyoaks and I was going to recap it from doctors but due to time and prepping dinner for my self I had to stop. And with the play I’m reading, if I get this role it’ll be the most challenging role as there’s dialogue practically throughout all of the play. But part of being an actor is stepping outside of my comfort zone, and if last year I could sing a soprano solo then I know I could do this.
After walking my dog I hoped up on an industry ready seimiar. His was the final session of my brand and it talked about mainly applications and budgeting. This was a lot to take in but thank god it was recorded so that tomorrow I can make some notes just to recap what’s been said and that I’ve not missed anything else.
I then had my acting class where I continued to look at meisner. And despite my shoulder I managed to get involved in the activity and how it can then structure in the scene. So in this case I’m doing a word search in a certain amount of time to win a competition. it’s still a work in progress but I’m willing to stay into the end of this month to finish learning about it.
To finish off the day it watched Doctors from today. This one saw Barry Bigalow have a stressful day and after a talk with Sid I can honestly relate to Barry after what he’s been through. As when someone you love hurts you it makes you question everything. But I’m hoping he’ll be able to rebuild his life. I’m also gutted that Luca won’t be involved in the singing aspect of the charity auction but his other way of getting involved is interesting to say the least. And I don’t know what Nina’s problem is, but all I can say is she is up to something and I don’t know what.
Thursday: To kick off the day I watched Mondays addition of Hollyoaks. And peri does not mess about when she tells James she’ll tell everything to the police if he doesn’t help her. And I wouldn’t want Tom get on the wrong side of peri after that. I also know that Lucas didn’t mean to upset Frankie but it’s clear that something has spurred it on, and after seeing spoilers linking to her and JJ I dread to think what will happen in the aftermath of it.
I then made my way to the gym. I did well and once again took it easy knowing my shoulder was still abit dodgy. But even though I didn’t do any boxing or a certain leg exercise I’m glad I got it done. And on the way there and back I managed to send some emails and developed my Agatha Christie review. I just need to write up about two more characters and tweak a few things then it’s ready to post. I also managed to send some emails to other creatives, some who shah posted some briefs on spotlight and I’ve been needing to follow up on that and some who I agent reached out to in a while and again it may have been small, but it’s all those little things that’ll build up over time.
I then finished the Act On This podcast with Mike Jibson (where I listened to the rest in the afternoon). Now this was a long old chat and I took a lot of it from that. This includes liking aftering yourself and also eating good food in the process. As someone who has a takeaway before show night as a safe food, I know that if going into long contracts like this I would need to reevaluate my diet and look at options that are also autistic friendly and also healthy. And I loved what Mike said about playing pretend as that’s we do as actors. So all in all a brilliant listen on my day off work.
During lunch I watched Tuesdays addition of Hollyoaks. It was the end of an era for Romeo nightingale as he set off in the run and leaving the village forever. And Owen Warner did a brilliant job of portraying an iconic character. I can’t wait to see what Owen does next after going out in style, and I also hope that peri and Hunter can finally put aside their differences. I also hope that Frankie will be okay after nearly breaking something so sentimental to jack. But after this episode I’m dreading for the spoilers I’ve seen and that hopefully we can see what has caused her this pain she has been feeling.
As I wasn’t working in the afternoon I managed to do some extra things where I wouldn’t normally have the time. This included catching up on last nights industry ready seminar (where I watched the last few minutes later on). This was really helpful and again talking about applications and having to go over it a few times and feedback from peers to make sure it’s ready to send off. I also had the chance to film an audition for an acting job I saw on Mandy to send in. I read only a short one but with the time frame I had it was simple and I managed to get it sent. Good one me.
To finish off the afternoon I continued my script. As I’m writing this it’s just about finished. All I need to do is type the montage, go over it to make sure I’ve got the structure of it set out and then send it to friends to feedback. And who knows? It could be in the running for the next film or sent for a BBC writers room competition at least.
After checking my socials and starting to plan the next day I watched the premier league darts with my dad. We did this while tucking into a Marks and Spencer’s Chinese as seen above and it was actually better than the takeaway version itself. I think next time we order a Chinese we may have to consider a change in routine after that lol! I also enjoyed the quarter finals itself. We may have not watched all of it but what a few matches it has been. Peter Wright finally getting some points and Luke Littler nearly hitting a 9 darter. What a match and what a game it was. I then ended the evening with doing abit of Korean. I didn’t do great but that’s what it’s all about. We make mistakes but if I push through them then you can go wrong.
Friday: To start the day I updated my budgeting table. This wheeled me feel productive and that I’ve already ticked one thing I needed to do before I started work. I then made my way to work. This was an okay shift as despite my nagging shoulder I managed to get through it. I even had a chat with my branch manager about autism acceptance week, where if my original plan doesn’t go to plan, we have a backup in place.
As soon as I got back I started to update my drafts for emails needing to be sent next week and also my cover letters. Again it may not seem like much but it’s all in prep for next week. And also because casting directors office are not open at weekends I don’t want to run the risk of emailing them when they need to relax and have a life too.
I then moved onto a session of yoga. This actually helped my shoulder. As whilst it didn’t take the whole pain away it helped easy it slightly. So maybe I need to be in the puppy dog pose even more in the near future.
I then had my final industry ready seminar. This talked about taxes and being self employed which was useful to know. This also gave me the reminder to post about Act On This to not only mention about Mike Jibson but also about Glynn jelly who’s Ross Grants accountant. And even though it’s a tv based network, I know that the skills learnt are transferable to theatre as well. I’m also glad it was the last session as apart from re watching it tomorrow I can have my evenings free until the next thing comes along. What that might be I don’t know but at least I have the skills from the theatre side to move myself forward.
After walking my dog I watched coronation street from this Monday and Wednesday. And all I can say is the investigation into Laureen disappearance is getting more suspense by the minute. And you’ve got to feel for poor Bobby, as he’s doing everything he can to find her. I also wonder if Amy will actually like Tommy more now that she’s met him with just her mum, and that also I wish the Eliza and Dom storyline will stop soon as at this point it’s starting to get boring. And even though the nightmare of Mason may be over for Liam, I have a feeling there’s more to come from the Radcliffe bully.
I then moved onto watching Wednesdays episode of Hollyoaks whilst tucking into some sticky toffee pudding as seen below. I’m glad that Dilly is managing to turn over a new leaf and that even though Prince may have got more than he bargained for, he may like the thrill of it. Each to their own I guess. And the end was kind of hard to watch, and you know when it hits you when the theme tune doesn’t play out in the credits. And after seeing the spoilers things are only looking to get worse for poor Frankie.
I then did some Korean to end the day whilst checking my socials from my personal side. During this I got a message from the course leader about my emails and it has helped massively. But I also need to remember that this can’t be rushed. So even if I don’t get those tweaks in by Sunday it’s not the end of the world (as he said himself he doesn’t want to make this stressful), but as long as I can get at least a start on it that’s all that matters.
Saturday: That morning I was going to start the Act On This broadcast from Monday but because I wasn’t fully awake, I decided to leave it until later on and focus on getting ready for work. Some might call it lazy but for me it’s getting my priorities right. And I know that later on I’ll be more awake and fully focused.
I then made my way to work. It was okay but the only thing we did was facing up. This is one of the least favourite jobs as it does feel like a million years are going by so slowly. However once again it’s moments like this where like Ross Grant, I need to find the good in the situation. And that is that there are people around the world who aren’t even earning an income for various reasons. And even though retail is not my full time plan as mentioned before, it’s moments like this where I need to be grateful in the here and now. And somehow it’s managed to come through for when I finished.
After a well deserved nap and some lunch lunch I didn’t do everything I had planned but I did what I could. The main thing I did was catch up on the final industry ready seminar (where I had a break before catching up on the last 10 minutes of it) and I think I’ve got everything down that I needed to get down. And now that the course is over I can focus on looking through the actors expo seminars and the act on this podcasts so I’m caught up with everything. This was then followed by drafting some more emails to casting directors and applying for a day job. Again this wasn’t in the plan but I’m glad I got it done as if I struggle to focus on something, I step away and come back to it later. And with my shoulder still a little bit sore I was right to do so.
I then moved onto reading more of a play in prep for the audition next month. It is certainly a long one, and I did spit a moment where I relate to the character I’m auditioning for. As I’m writing this I’m a few pages away from finishing act 1 so this week if I can get that finished then that’ll be a win for me. This then led onto planning tomorrow whilst listening to the first half of an Act On This broadcast from Monday. But due to technical difficulties Ross had to start the livestream again, meaning I didn’t see the trailer for the last seminar but I can’t wait to watch it, especially now that we find out how Ross got the coronation gig.
I then quickly made the tweaks to my emails after the feedback given by Christopher. I’ll be honest I don’t know if I can get it to him by the time the course finishes but as long as I’m on the right track and I keep it short and simple, then I’ll be in the right direction. And he said himself he’s there for a message if I need any extra advice or support needed.
I then started to relax into the evening by walking my dog and doing some yoga, which then led to finishing checking my socials from my personal side afterwards. What a session it was, and yes I may have been behind schedule again but the important part is I got it done and I feel all the better for it.
Whilst I had dinner I started a new watch of Mr Bates vs The Post Office whilst tucking into some pizza and pasta as seen above I was willing to give it a watch as I’ve heard good things about it, especially given that it’s based off a true story. I love the cast already. Julie Hesmondhalgh, Will Mellor (who may not be a Harvey from Corrie but you still won’t want to get on his bad side), and there was someone who was even in doctors as someone’s lawyer. And so far I’m just shocked at how something like the technology they have today can cause so much damage, which makes todays technology even more alarming. But I can’t wait to delve into the last 15 minutes tomorrow to see how it pans out.
I then moved onto Thursdays addition of Hollyoaks. All I can say is Leela not letting Joel in is silly. Yes if the romantic spark is not there that’s fine but she should at least accept that he’s only trying to think about the baby, and that the gift he got her is just a way of showing it. But I think after seeing spoilers things may be on the look out and I hope I’m right for the baby’s sake. And after the last episode of JJs horrid actions, the music that Frankie was dancing to may be another link to her trauma. I’m not sure what yet, but maybe she stopped dancing because that had something to do with JJ. I don’t know. But what ever it is the sooner Frankie gets help the better. And I can’t wait to see the confrontation between Warren and Ste now that the main man is back in town.
To finish off the evening I watched the first half of Gogglebox. And I have a few things to say about that. First of all I don’t think I want to eat lamb for a while after seeing what Martin Compston has witness in Norway. And second of all after seeing how a female Bonobo stops war breaking out, it’s made me question about is as a species. That and with a edited photo of Kate and her children and a young man doing fairly well on who wants to be a millionaire has already made it a packed episode and I can’t wait to see the rest of it tomorrow. This then of course was followed by some Korean, with Margo wanting to help as seen right here lol.
Sunday: To start the day I watched the rest of the first episode of Mr Bates vs The Post Office. Now I don’t know if the scene in question was created or brought to life, but Alan bates certainly felt proud of everyone in the post office coming together to sort out the situation once and for all. I then made my way to work. This one was okay as it was mainly facing up and reducing. But whilst the shop was closed the songs that we had in the background were classics.
During lunch I watched the rest of Gogglebox. As well as watching Crufts, I also looked at them reacting to Casualty. And I was wondering how I haven’t seen this show before as the start of it literally had tongues wagging and a cliffhanger to end the episode was also startling. But with the spoilers seen on social media. I have a feeling it doesn’t look good for the character in question, who I think is the Ken Barlow of Casualty. I also noticed that Angus castle-doughty aka eric foster in Hollyoaks was also in it, and played a very dodgy character. He may not have been a woman hater but he definitely stuck with his casting type and went to the dark side. Once again a fine example of following your casting type, sticking with it and getting seen for the work you want.
I then moved onto the second episode of Saturday Night Takeaway. Once again I had to skip a few bits as I dread to see the embarrassment of people if they get the answers of win the ads or say something they shouldn’t on love tv. And without being mean I can see why it’s going to end after this series as sometimes a break is what’s needed. But who knows it may come back in the future. It happened before (and I remember I very well showing my age) and it may well happen again or something even better to come along.
The afternoon consisted of me watching two actors expo seminars, one of which was about auditions and the other was about networking and having the confidence to do so (where I listened to the last ten minutes an hour later). With Suzanne Smith who talked about auditions, it was very chilled and laid back. Not once did I have to stop the rewind as much as it was clear, concise and I managed to get a lot of notes down as I was doing it. She’ll be someone I’m definitely reaching out to as it’s also the second time I’ve seen her on an actors expo seminar. The second one was very quick but I managed to get some notes down. If there is time after I painted to the recordings I want I may go back to them to see if I’ve missed anything out it I don’t want to pressure myself if I don’t. But one thing I did take away from it is that when people ask you what you’ve been up to, all I need is a personal thing and a professional thing. And that is all I need to strike up a conversation. And I also learnt that they never said the exact time frame of what you did so I could easily mention my recent musical in the summer of last year and then a conversation will hopefully start.
The final thing I did was brain dump everything for next week whilst listening to the rest of the Act On This podcast from Monday. I didn’t have time to schedule the next day but I managed to write down what I needed to. This was then followed by walking my dog and doing some yoga, which once again really relaxed me into the evening . Once again I was a little bit over schedule but that didn’t matter. I felt zen and ready to take on the new week ahead.
To kick off the evening I watched Thursdays addition of Doctors. Michelle really kept her cool when a suspect who went through a horrid time was brought in for questioning, but it was a good job rob was on him when things got heated. I don’t want to give any spoilers away but let’s just say when it’s liked to one of Robs closest colleagues you do not want to mess with Rob Hollins. And even bought the witness didn’t report the past (which was understandable given that she wasn’t in the right headspace to report it) it’s hopefully given her the confidence to open up to others about what really happened. I also hate to think what Scarlett will do when Suni bends the truth to Nina about their breakup, and with the charity auction really taking shape, Kirsty will be brilliant at hosting it after the original one stepped down for legitimate reasons (and I’ll be honest, I’m glad he went as he was starting to get on my nerves anyway). But that May all change when Bear looses his voice. I hope it all goes to plan by the next episode.
I then moved onto watching Fridays instalment of Hollyoaks. And I’m finally glad that Leela is finally giving Joel a chance not just to be a dad to their unborn baby but also rekindle their relationship romantically. And I felt for Frankie as she really wanted to tell Darren what really happened but if JJ didn’t step in then maybe things will have changed. And I also think that Kane has learnt not to mess with Warren fox after finding out who really killed Ella. And I think James being where he is now is just the beginning.
I then checked my socials and applied for some more acting jobs. As I’m writing this I’m up to date with nudging my agent on some jobs I saw on Spotlight and have nearly finished some drafts for some covers letters linking to some jobs on Mandy I’ve seen. I don’t know what will come of them but I can’t wait to see what it is.
I then learnt some more Korean where I’m nearly at the end of unit 2 of section 2. Yes there were the odd errors every now and then but I persevered and just like that I completed it. Well done me! But judging from Margo's expressions above I think it knackered her out just watching me!
What have I learnt this week? Look at how far you’ve come and also learning your boundaries. And if you’re having a day where you can only give 70%, then make the most of the 70% as it’s better than 0%.
See you soon for another blog. Until next time…
This is the autistic actress signing off :)
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