Hello world! Welcome back to another blog! So we hit the harm term holidays and the half way mark of 2024! How and where did the time go? Abit like last week it did have its ups and downs but I felt it was a better week! So without further ado here is what I got up to!
Monday: To start the day I watched more of the premier league darts. Again I know what already happens but the sportsmanship Michael smith shows is just incredible, and I felt that he was supporting littler during the final.
I then made my way to my day job. There was only one pick left and the rest was facing up. As always it was a drag but I managed to see it through and also learnt my lines without having to look at my script. So at least that was a good thing.
This then of course led onto my second day at Belvoir Castle. Despite another costume malfunction and having my apron on the wrong way round (which thankfully no one noticed), I had a wonderful day. I got called a princess (which was actually from one of the parents, and even though Alice isn't a princess she should be one), and at the end everyone wanted shelter after the rain came pouring down. It did descend into chaos, but that's wonderland for you!
To help chill out I updated my tv blog and watched last nights Britain's Got Talent where it was the last of the auditions. Once again it had everything, from a group proving you’re never too old for anything, a 9 year old magician who literally made a feather come out of her wand, a dancer who did a beautiful number to Kodi Lee's song "Change", and a sword swallower who had up to 6 swords in her mouth. Now that was talent.
I then had some time to film my phone monologue in prep for class. I know this wasn’t in a public area, but it was enough my dad to come out and ask what’s going on. So I guess it was working to a point and it can work anywhere. I aim to try and re film it at my sisters birthday meal but if I don’t then at least I have one version done, as like my acting teacher said, getting it done is better than getting it perfect.
I then watched the rest of Coronation Street from 17th May and the first half of 20th whilst walking my dog in between. After a sensational soirée, it looks like it’s game over for Steve and Demi. But in all fairness I don’t really blame her given that Steve is not exactly over Tracy yet. And after Toyah and Nick rescues Simon, it wasn’t long before Rowan got his claws in, and with Alex Bain's exit coming up I don’t want him to end on a bad note. I also know that Gary was trying to help Bethany after Sarah blackmailed him, but I feel that it won’t be too long until Maria finds out. And she’s not going to be happy about it. Finally I think that even if Kev told her straight away or kept it from her I don’t think it would make a difference when Abi found out about Corey’s documentary. And after seeing spoilers I feel that she won’t go down without a fight.
Whilst I had my tea I watched the rest of Britain's Got Talent. This included a moment in history where the audience got the golden buzzer. At this point I feel that they should either scrap the golden buzzer or make it clear that once a judge has pressed it it can’t work for them. But in all fairness the act who did it was quite cool. And along with the return of the annoying Bobby Goldfin, a prank to end a brilliant BGT auditions says it all. And after seeing the first lien up of contestants tonight I think this will be interesting on who goes through to the final.
To help wind down into the evening I printed two monologues off (which were my phone one and my spotlight competition one) and watched the start of the BGT semis. And it was a tough one so far as already the competition is high. But I’m annoyed that they put most of the good ones in the first show. And after seeing spoilers on who got through I can’t wait to watch on why they got through.
I then finished the day with checking my socials from my personal side and learning abit of French. I only did so sessions as because I was up since 5am I didn’t want to get too tired. Also because I needed to plan my day and jiggle a few other bits I needed to have full concentration on what I need to do for when.
Tuesday: Today was abit of a wobbly start as I got up later than expected. Yes it did shake me up about but I managed to work my way around it and got myself regulated ready for the day ahead.
To start with I watched the rest of the Britain's Got Talent semis. I can see why the two acts that got through did, and that the lion king number made me cry so much. I did wonder why but at the same time the show is so iconic that you can’t help but not.
This then moved onto abit of Yoga. This did help calm me down after I got up abit later as I got my body moving and kept me at peace. This was then followed by a quick trip to the shop to get something for later on. So at least I got my steps and fresh air in.
Before going out for my sisters bday meal I listened to the first part of an act int his podcast (where I got to the half an hour mark after I went out). This one was with an agent who not only reps actors but also crew as well. And one of them was Emrphys Cooper aka Rowan Sutcliffe from Corrie. What guy from the agent looks for is interesting as he looks for lovely people and believable acting. So no matter what genre I’m in as long it’s believable it’s good enough for him. Ross also mentioned the talent scout on spotlight so that if those who are unrepped are looking then that’s an option to help boost their confidence. I can’t wait to listen to the rest of it later in the week.
It was then time for my sisters bday meal. The journey there was a struggle for me, as the main road closed due to an accident and it got me overwhelmed. Yes maybe I should calm down but like Shrek I feel it’s better to let it out then keep it in. But when I got there it was so good, and definitely what I needed. And yes even though it looked small it definitely had some volume to it, as I was stuffed and I think I needed a lie down after that. All in all it was worth it!
As I got back I made a start on looking at some acting jobs and checking my socials from my professional account. Although it looks s though I may need another charging wire as the one I have now is bust nearly.
I then made my way to Nottingham for my acting class. It was a good one as despite having a substitute in place of my original acting teacher we did some more work on phone monologues. And it we a lot of fun as we merged improvisation with it in various games. So overall a really good session indeed.
As I got back I watched the start of semi final two of Britain's Got Talent. So far so good. A cheerleading group started the show off with a bang, I liked Blitzers performance more than the audition and despite initially skipping a magician after rewinding to see why they liked it, I then wonder how he did it. I also found out that my film is now out which is also very exciting! To wind the day down I did some French. I didn’t check my Socials as because I was late up once again that was the last thing on my mind. So a good nights sleep is what I needed, especially for Margo as well as seen below!
Wednesday: To kick off the day I watched the rest of Britain's Got Talent from last night. I did skip a few acts as because I knew who was through I wanted to see for myself why the acts who got through did, and I was quite surprised by the result. Yes it was down to the public but I was surprised by some not making it in the top three. But then again it is a tough competition out there.
I then made my way to the gym. It was an okay session as I got my legs in and did some boxing. I also just enjoyed the journey whilst listening to some music. And because I didn’t go at all last week it was good to be back out walking and getting my steps in.
As I got back it was one hell of a lot I did. Whilst my dads friend was decorating the house I did a multitude of things. These included applying for some acting jobs on Mandy, doing some surveys and seeing on the national youth theatre on what there’s next to offer. And I did see something linking to wanting people who are neurodivergent. But because I’m not a freelancer yet I may not be eligible. But one of my goals this year is to get self employed and other than the accountant Glynn Jelley on Act On This I need to find a good accountant to help set me up with that. So fingers crossed I can get that sorted.
I then filmed something for a few exciting opportunities. One was a monologue for a spotlight competition and as I’m writing this all I need to do is send it to the form within the post. Yes there were a few stutters and distractions but I got it done, and after my teacher saying that getting it done is better than getting it perfect, I was happy with myself. This then moved onto another tape which I got offered after applying for something on Mandy. And it was a good one to film. Yes there were a few distractions but I knew which ones stood out for me.
During my dinner I checked my socials and watched Mondays instalment of Doctors. Ryan did a really good job at helping out a family where one was quite violent, but with the youngest son he used a video game analogy to help them speak the truth. But after why he was the way he is taking it out on the youngest I can see why. It’s not an excuse but the catalyst of this behaviour is the first step to helping the family forward, especially the eldest son who has the responsibility of looking aftering them both. I can also tell that Sid is nervous about meeting Paige’s parents and if he’s that serious about his relationship with her.
I then made my Nottingham. I had to get the bus due to my dad being under the weather but it was all good. I headed to Nottingham for amplify actors and it was a good session. We worked on stuff towards a festival where even if we’re not selected we’ll still work on it towards a showcase. And what a session it was. We did some improvisation through movement and devised some scenes where once we put them together took us 15 minutes to run the whole thing. That was a real benefit for us as that’s the minimum time we need to hit for one of the categories. For the next session which for me won’t be for another 2 weeks due to filming some auditions, I need to have a written piece for this project so sitting down and writing something is the next job I need to do. And I think I have something in mind already. As I got back I printed off the scripts for the audition and did some French. It was only a short session due to coming home late but at least I got it done.
Thursday: to start the day I watched Mondays instalment of Hollyoaks. Leela is possibly going through the worst time at the moment, and after seeing the actress who plays Leela talk about her real life experience with baby loss on Facebook, it really added to the storyline. Dave is also in a real dilemma now that he’s got involved with Hannah through grief and that I hope this new storyline with Abe being violent towards Cleo doesn’t become a long one.
I then made my way to the gym. I did struggle once again due to my arms being the weaker part of my body. But I pushed through and got a good workout in ready to set me up for the day. I also did some boxing which was also a good thing as then I could let out any unnecessary stress and tension. I also went through my lines for an audition I need to film. Yes I struggled due to the horrid weather but I made a start on reading it. And it’s moments like this where it’s all about progress not perfection.
When I got back I watched the rest of the Act On This podcast with Guy Howe (where I listened to the last few minutes just after my lunch). Once again it was a brilliant session and it gave me some useful advice on building my report with my current agent. One of which was if putting accents or languages on their, I can mention where I’m at with them so that then they can pass it onto the CD themselves to then develop on if I get that job in question. And the things I learnt were if I get the acting right, it's easier to make materials, have each others back and hang in there, because it will come! And those are some things I’ll take with me for the rest of my career.
After the podcast I updated my budgeting table and watched Tuesdays instalment of Hollyoaks whilst I made my lunch. The traumatic time for Leela and Joel still continues, and whilst I may not know what it’s like to loose a baby, I know that loosing a loved one is the hardest thing to do. I just hope that with the support of their loved ones they can work through their grief. It’s a very different story for Abe and Cleo. I wouldn't be surprised if Abe's behaviour is linking to his past as maybe he needed to take back some control. But that’s not an excuse to what he did to Cleo. And I’m glad that Marie is able to sense that something is not right but whether or not it’s because of Cleo is another question. I also hope that Freddie and Robbie will be able to put aside their differences when Freddie finds out where Lexi was all this time.
I then moved onto watching the Britain's Got Talent semis from last night (where I watched the rest when I got back). It was still honestly a tough call and it’s moments like this where I wish there were two finals. But in the end the right choices were made and also Callum Scott’s new song is very catchy. I Have a feeling it may be the next ear worm song.
I then made my way to work. This was mainly a night of reducing which was okay. But I also managed to record my auditions so that for next week I can film them. So that was definitely a great thing for me.
After I got back I watched the fourth live semi final of Britain's Got Talent whilst tucking into this delicious dinner as seen above. Again this one was a tough call, although I did skip some due to with it not being that talented and also not having to watch the get crumbled when Simon pressed his red buzzer. Even though I know so got through I may watch the rest the next day before I go to set me up for the day.
To end the day I did abit of French. As I’m writing this I have a feeling I won’t be able to complete this months challenge. But I have it a good go and before you know it I’ll bounce back for Junes challenge in no time. But to make up for it I submitted my self tape for a short all being filmed from my own home and a monologue for a competition on spotlight. So as least I did that as that’s what I needed to get done.
Friday: to start the day off I watched Tuesdays instalment of Doctors. With the help of Suni, a young girl was able to step up to her grandfather who’s also her rugby coach. And he did remind me of the mothers from toddlers and tiaras who most of the time make children do pageants as they never got to do it when they were younger. And good on her for realising that she needs to look after herself first, as then she’ll be able to come back stronger. I also think that it’s not going to end well for Sid when he had to make an excuse to leave Paige’s visit with her parents so quickly. And I’m intrigued as to what Al has got planned for Jimmi and Scarlett.
I then of course as always made my way to work. I guess it was okay, as despite a rocky start I persevered and did it. I also learnt my lines for one script I need to film followed by some of the other monologue I’m needing to learn for the tape. I also managed to note down what I’m going to say for my accent and language reels on the way back. And that was an achievement in itself.
When I came back I finished my tv and theatre reviews (which you can now see here: https://www.theautisticactress.com/post/the-irish-peaky-blinders-one-special-day-and-boarding-school-madness) and started an Act On This podcast with Victor Jenkins. So far I’ve learnt so much already and now that I’m getting a hint on what the tram looks like now I can see who I need to email. I can’t wait to watch the rest of it at the end of the week if not the start of next week at least.
To help wind down I walked my dog and did some yoga. This was much needed as because there was one person down oar velociraptor the next day due to reasons beyond our control, I was slightly worried. However I it’s moments like this where I needed to be calm and it definitely paid off. I also tried to upload my accents onto my spotlight profile but for some reason it wouldn’t allow it. But after looking at what tho of recording it is I have a feeling that because it’s from my phone they won’t allow it. So my next steps maybe is to send it to one of my actor friends who has a voiceover set up and see if they can make it accessible to upload onto spotlight or re record it on a professional set. It’s moments like this where if I want it I’ll find a way if not I’ll find and excuse. And I’ll definitely find a way.
As the evening came I watched Wednesdays instalment of Hollyoaks. Leela and Joel are literally rock bottom and no couple should ever had to face that. I may have also not seen Cleo’s bulimia and abuse storyline, but I know that what Abe did only triggered it all back up. And after Myra-Pocahontas called the police for the other night I feel she might be the one to call him out.
This was then followed by the start of G’Wed. I Only watched abit of it due to a technical issue but I knew that already it’ll be a cracker. I can’t wait to see what happens with reds new boyfriend Thomas especially now that he roasted Aimee’s ex boyfriend and that if Aimee and Christopher could control their chemistry for the big performance.
This then moved onto episode 3 of The Responder whilst tucking into some steak and chips as seen above. There’s obviously still tension between Mullen, Kate and Mullen's ex after the last series. But I feel that Chris will loose his daughter forever after he lashed out at her. I also think that Marco has got himself into more of a mess and after trying to help Casey and it doesn’t look good for the social services. I also hope that Rachel will seek some counselling after her encounter with her ex and his new girlfriend.
To end the day I checked my socials whilst I learnt abit of French. I also applied for the dance class in London in which the leader of the course I did back in January is the tutor. Yes it's out of my comfort zone, but after some useful tips from him after messaging him that weekend its definitely helped me out lots. And it's moments like this where sometimes you need to just feel the fear and do it anyway!
Saturday: The first of June, and I can’t believe we’re officially half way through the year. So to start it off I watched abit of Singin in the rain. And after getting to the part where Kathy sings “Would You” I definitely feel ready and motivated for the day ahead. I then made my way to my day job. It was okay as it was abit of picking and facing up. It did take a while but it needed to be done and I’m glad I did it.
It was then time for my final shift of the mad hatters trail at Belvoir Castle. Despite a bad start where I couldn’t find the new changing room (which I blame Adam the autistic brain for as things didn’t go according to plan) it did have an affect. But after that I picked myself up and I ended up having a brilliant day, which featured a fan of Alice’s and a boy who thought the mad hatters hair was not real. It was also good to see an old friend after watching some memes on YouTube during our break and just having a few wakeup calls about our acting careers! And I'll definitely take all of it into consideration.
As I got back from a long but fulfilling day, I then watched the rest of G’Wed whilst I applied for some day jobs. I do feel bad for ted on what Thomas is really looking for but I’m glad he has Reece and co to have his back. And after a brief misunderstanding on his personality I think things are finally on the up for Mia-Louise and Ziad, but I hope Christopher will be brave enough from Lewis’ threats before the school play opening. And I do feel sorry for Aimee after she gave off that improvisation of what’s going on in her life (and Nick Dutton who played the casting director did it really well), as like myself being a working class actress opportunities may be harder to find. But it’s all about how we deal with it that matters, and I’m hoping by the end of the series Aimee will find the courage to do things her way, along with clearing her name for the de formative TikTok’s that are going around the school.
This then moved onto most of Granite Harbour. This was a new series and already I’m loving it. Lindo really gets the shock of his life when his dad turns up thinking he knows what’s best for him, when really Lindo is settled in his new life. And with another case regarding a refugee merging with another murder investigation, I feel it’s not going to be plain sailing for the team, along with Maliks life looming aftering his mum. I can’t wait to see what happens when I watch the rest tomorrow before work.
This then moved onto Thursdays instalment of Hollyoaks. It’s safe to say that Leela will be feeling the grief of Noah for a while and I can kind of see why she pushed Mercedes away. But Joel’s mistakes with the blanket just made it worse even though he didn’t mean to. I also think that Abe's "meal plan" for him a Cleo may not be a good thing after all and that sienna, liberty and dilly will need to come up with a plan on how they can retrieve the missing money after what happened to the house.
Just before I went to bed I watched the first part of last nights BGT. Even though I knew who goes through I had to watch it anyway. And boy was the competition tough. But my favourite one had to be Alex Mitchell as after seeing the clip on YouTube last night I had to watch it again. And I’m glad I did. But I’d be interested to see how the other actors did along with Alex’s performance.
This was then followed by checking my socials on my professional accounts and learning some French. It wasn't a long session but just enough to keep up that consistency which I was happy about.
Sunday: Possibly one of the worst days ever! I overslept and it affected my day at work. So for the benefit of myself I decided to leave early for my own well-being. It’s moments like this where sometimes you need to look after yourself, and as for neurodiverse individuals like myself, it’s even more so important. As then the malfunctioning in our brains can be fixed and stronger ready for when we are in use again.
As I got back I did a few things to help me settle. These included applying for some new day jobs and gathering some day player roles and scenes from Coronation Street. This was also a good thing as I’m doing a digital sprint clean on the tv as well. So that was a massive bonus.
After walking my dog and checking my socials I grabbed something for my lunch and watched the rest of Granite Harbour. I knew that those captains were bad news and after Lindo tried to investigate and with one of the bosses spotting something in the pub, it may be a problem. I also wasn’t expecting the twist when Malik went to see his brother to look for some clues, who’s also hiding a big secret himself.
To start the afternoon I watched the rest of an act on this podcast with Victor Jenkins. I’m glad I did as he said some valuable stuff especially to someone who hasn’t had any work for a while. But with the writers strike in the USA it really didn’t do any favours. And one thing I will take away is that the industry doesn’t define me and he was right. Yes it’s my passion and something I want to do full time but if I can find joy in other stuff it should all be good.
This then moved onto some stuff for my movement reel. I mainly looked at the basic turns for salsa and recapped mini sections of my routines to film and I’m glad I did. Yes even though I know the full routines I think that going over little bits to fine tune them will make it look extra polished.
I then did a few things to help wind me down ready for the week ahead. These include brain dumping everything for next week whilst I watched some old college films. These brought back so much nostalgia and it made me reflect on how far we’ve all come since attending college. This then led onto applying for some more day jobs. This time I actually applied for the ones I want more or less straight away as then it leaves me with less stress for when the closing date comes.
I then walked my dog and did some yoga. After the morning I’ve had I really needed this exercise. It’s helped me keep me in a state of zen and ready for the week ahead. To wind down into the evening I watched the rest of Coronation Street from 20th May and a full episode from 22nd and 24th whilst I planned tomorrow. This was a blockbuster, as even though Abi got to share her side of the Corey Brent documentary with her side of the story it wasn’t long until someone decided to do something bad to her. But Cassie did look sneaky with all this stuff to Kevin, so I wonder if she had anything to do with it? And after snuck and toyah were only trying to do what’s best for Simon and stop him from going to the retreat, it appeared to work in his favour as with Alex baines last scenes coming up it’s time for Simon to make a fresh start. Although Carla is quite surprised when he sees a photo of Peter with another woman. I can see why Kit would be angry with Bernie for all those years ago but it’s something that she may have to accept. I get that she is trying to make amends but there is a point where you can do all you can. But I hope he sees how grateful he is to know that she’s trying. I’m also glad that Bethany and Sarah have made up, and it’s was great that she and Daisy are getting on again. Although I’m not sure how Daniel has taken it. And Ayer initially making friends with one of the prisoners I think Roy’s luck inside is not great when Griff makes a return.
I then moved onto Fridays instalment of Hollyoaks. Now either next week Frankie will do a good audition but JJ stops her or she didn’t get in. But whatever her reason there will be some drama involving Nancy where after JJ sees them together he’ll do anything it takes to stop her. I also know that sienna will not back down from a fight to get what’s rightfully hers even though liberty is trying to help on her part but I wander why this mysterious visitor is keen on sienna? I also wonder if Joel wanting a post-mortem is the right thing to do and that Str is in big trouble when Leah destroys his fake passport!
I then did some French whilst I noted some more jobs on Mandy. I didn’t check my socials as I knew I needed to be off to sleep but at least I got my French done. And now I’m still on the current table which is the main thing.
What have I learnt this week? Yes we may have setbacks, but in the words of Alice in wonderland herself, “this is my dream and I decide where it goes from here”.
See you soon for another blog. Until next time…
This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)
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