Hello world! Welcome back to another blog! And welcome to the first full week of October 2023! Here’s what I got up to to start the new month on a high!
Monday: As always I started Monday with going to my morning shift at work but not before watching the rest of strictly come dancing from Saturday. I didn’t watch the results show as now I mainly watch it to get myself in a good mood, and not forgetting the beautiful costumes and also supporting 2 contestants in the show.
The afternoon then consisted of myself watching an Act On This Podcast with Headshot photographer Tony Blake. This was an insightful and useful session, as my headshot is the first thing creatives see when looking for actors. So if my headshot doesn’t match in line with what they’re looking for, then the chances of them looking at my spotlight profile is very slim. And Tony himself was a lovely man. So chilled laid back and definitely someone to consider for when I get headshots done next year (as after looking at them I have a feeling that 2024 is the year to get new headshots). I then looked at my budget, and thankfully I was okay as I took away some money from my premium bonds for the showreel date, and all I can say is thank god for those.
I then moved into some yoga. This time I did a different video not only to explore a new practice but also mix up my workouts to target areas in my body which I haven’t targeted yet. As I’m writing this, I feel like such a different person, as I guess it released some form of tension within the body. Sara Beth (who I do yoga videos from) said that I may experience emotional release, and I’ve noticed that I have tingling sensations not only in this practice but also in certain positions in other practices too. As an autistic person it’s difficult to express emotions as it is, but this rate meant she mentioned may be the key to helping me release some emotions that I’ve kept buried for some long along with my creative writing. I also felt quite satisfied after that session and it may have been slow, but sometimes less is definitely more.
As soon as I finished my yoga I looked at and applied for some more jobs on Mandy and messaged the Autism documentary group about the next steps. I set myself a a task to get what said done by Thursday, but I know I have other stuff to organise like the rest of my taxis on showreel day and gathering at least 3 options for costumes. But I have a way to look at that without getting overwhelmed.
When I planned tomorrow, I noted to write a synopsis and break down each scene as my non negotiable task before I get ready for Nottingham. Then that way if I don’t get everything done I at least have the main task of the writers getting started in the script done. This would also be beneficial as when it comes to audition time, they’ll have a script to work with. I may re-tweak it in the morning as like I said I still haven’t booked my taxi from the premier inn to Chris’ house and also on the way back. But I’ll message my scene partner to see if we’re getting one back to the station together or if we’re getting it separately. But maybe until tomorrow because as I’m writing this it’s very late and I think she’ll be sleep now.
Once I finished scheduling tomorrow, I took my dog for a walk and had a nice hot shower to wind down (which did take what felt like forever to get the hot water running). This was then followed by abit of Coronation Street and listening to the rest of Tony Blake on act on this. What an inspirational session, and he’s really a child out due. One of my goals for next year is to update my headshots, so I may look into booking him for next year, or at least look at other companies as well.
To the day I of course checked my ocular and learnt some more Korean and French. During which I made the consecutive decision to recap unit 4 of French but simply name it French unit 4 version 2. As I’ve noticed before the update it was a different unit title, so I simply went by the new title and focus on that language before moving back to Korean.
Tuesday: To start my day I did a workout a home, knowing I was going to be busy but I needed to get my exercise in somehow. As always my dog was very supportive (not). This was then followed by walking my dog and emailing Chris Stone on my costume for the showreel scene. I got a reply later on to say that I only needed 1 shirt, when really I got a few choices. But that was okay as he may see something in the other choice that will completely change his opinion.
To kick off the rest of the morning, I looked at writing my scene breakdown and synopsis of my script for my short film. I’m amazed to get it done so quickly (mainly because of my drive and ambition to get it done by 15th march which is the deadline for the royal tv society). But I sent it to Steve to get a second opinion and fingers crossed he likes what he sees. I also tweaked the script to send to the others and also drafted reviews of shows I watched recently, just to show everyone what I’ve been watching and that I enjoyed it.
At one point I had to email my agent to ask about an open call on instagram just to check to see if a job I found was also on spotlight. Thankfully I could apply for it directly and did just that. She also asked me if what I’ve been subbed for was okay and I’m yet to reply but it’s good to know that I’m getting subbed for what I want. However I’ve made the decision that if after the film is done and I’m still not getting tapes, I’m going to have a call with her and see what we can do to increase my chances of getting at least 1 self tape.
I then made my way to Nottingham to search for uniform style outfits and also see Hobsons choice with Steve (as a cast member from dad days is in it and she’s also autistic too). On the way there I recapped my two actor jam monologues and also listened to abit of The Diary of A CEO, so at least I had something to pass the time. Then headed into primark and I was pleased with my purchases, and then I had an epiphany… I know I’m only going to need one option, so whatever I don’t wear I can take back when I go to see chitty in a couple of weeks, and the dealing to return anything is Halloween and I go to see chitty 3 days before. So it couldn’t have come at a more perfect timing.
During my visit to Nottingham I bumped into some of my Actors Workshop friends. It was a locket surprise and I even managed to have quick drink before I headed off. A much needed drink it was! I also had to be there as one of them said they had a shirt I could borrow for the showreel scene and she said that there’s no rush to give it back to me. I thought to myself “what a good friend I have” as everyone in the workshop is so nice!
I then met my colleague to watch Hobson's Choice. At one point I did get emotional, as I’ve been hiding how I really felt for a long I couldn’t keep it in any longer. But he was okay with it as this was the reality of my life, and he encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and ask for what I wants and that was all you can do.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the show, as normally straight acting plays don’t interest me, but after tonight I changed my opinion on it. The cast were brilliant, the humour was fantastic and someone who I was in a show with has improved so much since I did Salad Days with her. I even managed to get some interval ice cream, which was always fantastic.
I did get back home late yes and I got to sleep later. But before I went to sleep I did the usual and checked my socials (where I only checked my stories personal instagram account), had one Duolingo session to keep my streak coming and just spent 5 minutes planning on what I’m doing tomorrow. I know it was late but I still like to plan out my day, and now that I’m doing it daily, it’s made me less anxious.
Wednesday: To start Wednesday I watch the first half do Mondays episode of Doctors and it’s safe to say that Suni really has his work cut out. As always I then went to the gym. On the way there and back I did something different. These were a multitude of things which rehearsing my actor jam material (whilst listening to a hot seating scenario for my self written piece) and also an audition script I found in Mandy. I knew that had to be the main priority, as this is the season of my life where things do start to get busy, so line learning had to be a definite. I was also hoping to see a show at the nottingham playhouse where someone directing it (who I reached out to after applying for a job on Spotlight), suggested I should see it, and it even had Annabel Davis in it, who is currently playing Lacey Lloyd on Hollyoaks and is the daughter of Warwick Davis. But again I made the decision not to, as whilst it would've been nice to relaxed and take a break, it would also play on my mind due to having a very busy period in this part of the year.
As soon as I got back I looked at some day jobs and applied for 2 of them. This was shortly after I found out that I wasn’t taken to the next step with pets at home. I was absolutely gutted as I really wanted this job (as my other passion is animals) but it made me more determined to apply elsewhere. These included some pub work which I know a lot of people have mixed opinions on, but now that I’m signed with an agent I need some flexible hours so that if don’t get any work for a while I’ll still have an income to come to, and if an agent puts me up for an in person audition I can work around it ASAP.
Soon afterwards I looked into the main points of the recording from the self tape session from Saturday. It was alot to recap but I was surprised by how quickly I got it done, but the longest task was correcting the typos. Either way it and been really helpful for me, and tonight I’ll share one of my choices with my teacher so that when I film it tomorrow before work I’ll know which one to record.
I then settled to have lunch whilst I watched Doctors but not before I finally posted some clothes onto my Vinted account. This was a much needed job to start, as I’ve realised I’ve already spent a lot already and now I’m even worried about my actual savings itself! So even though it’ll not be an overnight thing, gradually putting my old clothes on a site to gain some extra cash is a start. I may not get much but at this point anything is better than nothing.
I then briefly looked at a Succession script and also noted down some more jobs on Mandy. I then filmed my song for world mental health day itself, and I know it wasn’t the best, but I’m proud for doing it. If I have time tomorrow I’m going to refilm the song along with my audition piece for actor jam. I also quickly set up a document to drafted some emails to casting directors to let them know I still exist. I need to film the self tapes linking to the casting director asap so that when I submit my actor jam stuff I can focus on the tapes.
To help me wind down before class tonight, I read chapter 7 of my book and learnt some more French. I was surprised by how much of it I got done, as chapter 7 was done before you know it. This was then followed by gathering some scenes and day player roles from last weeks explosive week of Hollyoaks.
After watching the last 15 minutes of Doctors from yesterday, I then moved onto scheduling my week followed by walking my dog. I felt like I was abit harsh on her earlier due to my bad mood, but I’m hoping she forgives me. I’m sure she will though, as earlier she was sat next to me whilst I read my book.
After watching the last few minutes of Coronation Street from 27th September, I then did my acting class, where we talked about practical aesthetics. I’ll be honest I’m still wondering how it’s done, but I’m still willing to push through. I may let my teacher know that with my script, I’m willing to show it but with regards to other stuff happening I don’t want to overwhelm myself. So I’ll email my teacher tomorrow to explain what I’m doing and that if I’m not fully off script he’ll know why. But that’s okay as any feedback I get I can take it on bars and film it to post onto my socials to show everyone what I’ve been up to. I even got to show my monologue which was the one I wrote myself. The only thing they said was to cut out the last line as it felt forced. But so far it has got positive reviews, and tomorrow I’m going to take the risk and film my self written one for feedback. And then if I’m not selected for this i still have chance to work on it again submit it followed by my other one to send. But regardless of what happens I’m still going to show my material on one way or another, so if I don’t get in for other of them I’m going to post them both onto my acting accounts but if I get selected I’ll simply post my other choice for everyone to see. I then ended the day with checking my socials and buying some extra costumes for the showreel shoot, followed by learning some more French.
Thursday: I started the day by watching Mondays Hollyoaks. I must say, after last weeks stunt week, I wonder how they're ever going to top it off. But when the secrets start to unravel (especially Hunters), it will all come kicking off. Even Margo was excited about all of the fun as you can see.
I then went to the gym, and the session itself was brilliant. I realised that I wouldn't be able to go next week other than Thursday as I'm off to Stoke-On-Trent. But providing I keep moving regularly and go for it on Thursday before work, I should be okay.
On the way there, instead of listening to a podcast, I looked at some audition material as I felt that this was the only time I could rehearse. On the way back, I checked some emails I drafted to certain directors, and I also started to draft my review of Hobson's Choice which I went to see on Tuesday. I know I won't be able to get it out straight away, but I made a start on at least drafting it, and starting it is the main challenge.
After coming back and walking my dog as always (where as you can see above she was very excited), I booked my taxis for next week (and pre-paid for them as well), and started to cook the tea. Because my nan was away, I had to cook what I know best... stir fry. Healthy, simple and a good source of protein. This was then followed by recording my monologue for feedback, and I decided to send in the first take, as it felt the most natural out of all of them. It's moments like this where if I have a deadline, I have to go with my gut, and I've started ding this more when I record stuff in my own time, as me being the worrier that I am, if I keep looking back it'll get me overwhelmed and therefore doing more.
As it came to lunch, I uploaded some of my options for costume for when I go to stoke to film my showreel scene with Chris Stone. This was so that I can only bring one option which he likes , so then when it comes to packing my overnight bag, I can only bring that option along with a change of clothes and my toiletries. I then moved onto Tuesdays Hollyoaks whilst I had my lunch followed by Wednesdays instalment of Doctors, where Scarlett tries to help a guy find his feet again after his van breaks down.
Work itself was actually okay. I got a little bit anxious at first after after last week, but immediately I felt so much better. I even managed to look at some voiceover lines along with my script for class and my showreel scene. I know it’s alot to take in, but I’ve already learnt a page and a half of my showreel scene and the first few lines of my script for class. And as long as I take my time and also be familiar with my voiceover scripts I should be okay. I'll be amazed if I get off script by Sunday, and there were so many to choose from. However, like with the self-tapes I had to go with my gut on what I feel is best for me. I had to pick 3, and I was stuck between two for the third one, but because I've already done two from the same category (one of which was from a previous session and currently in my voice demo), something different but also fitted me as a person was the wiser choice.
When I got back from work, I settled onto my delicious stir fry. Dad said it was the best one I’ve done so far, although I did add in some more soy sauce. Whether that was the secret or not he still enjoyed it so that was a bonus. I then printed off my scripts for class, my showreel scene and the voiceover class, which was alot, but providing I take everything one day at a time I'll be able to achieve all those things.
To end the day as always, I checked my socials, had one session on Duolingo and applied for one job on Mandy that was due tomorrow. For some reason there was abit of a technical glitch, but I made the decision to leave it and see if it had gone through. And if it did, great, but if not then maybe this job was not meant for me, as they do say to get rid of the good to make way for the great.
Friday: I started off my day by watching the rest of Wednesdays Doctors! I’ve now only got one more episode from this week to catch up on, and with it being Daniel Granger's last episode, I feel the tissues may need to come out. I’ve also noticed in one of next week’s episodes that Suni and Scarlett have lunch together. It made me then start to wonder if they’ll become an item, as even thought Scarlett is with Ollie, I thinks she’d be more suited to Suni. I mean you never know but I hope they do, as I think they would make an adorable couple.
I then headed off to work and planned today, as I went straight to bed last night so therefore don’t get chance to plan today yesterday. During work it was actually better than last week. During my shift I even managed to rehearse some lines for my self tape, voiceover class, showreel scene and my script for class. I managed to get on with the tasks at hand when I did it, as for me repetition for line learning goes a long way.
At lunch I ran through my voiceover lines briefly, but I also looked at who will be doing what crew wise in my film. I know I was off schedule slightly but once I know what I want I need to note it down.
On the way back from work I managed to send a follow up message to directors Steve Hughes and Jordan Hogg, both of which I met through Act On This. I even managed to drafted an email to Hollyoaks director Sean Glynn. This was an achievement for me as one of my non negotiable in this area was to at lead draft the message I was going to send but sending two follow up messages were a bonus.
When I got back from work, I started to sort out my emails, deleting ones I don't need. this was a job needed indeed, as they say if you have a clear mind, you have a happy mind. This was then followed by finally posting my review of I Used to Be famous. For a quick access to it, please see attached here: https://lucyelizabethmoon.wixsite.com/lucy-moon-aka-the-au/post/i-used-to-be-famous-the-most-inspiring-and-uplifting-film-this-year
This was then followed by a session of calming yoga. This was only for 10 minutes, but it helped me to get relaxed, and de-stress after a busy but productive day at work.
After taking the dog for a walk and starting my PIP application, I settled to watch the first half of the long shadow. I was stuck between this and Boiling Point, but because the long shadow was aired before that, I decided to do that, all while I tucked into my second bowl of Stir Fry. I’ll admit I didn’t get into it at first hit gradually once I was worked I couldn’t help but get hooked in. This was then followed by 3 quarters of Wednesdays Hollyoaks, where I really do hope Rafe can tell Sienna the truth before her heart breaks all over again. As even though the whole point of her plan was to make a better life for her children, I feel her heart will be broken once he tells her the news.
I then ended the evening as always checking my socials and learning some more Korean and French. I also went through lines and also a script which I was sent by my agent earlier today. I needed to do two tapes, one of my own accent and one in a different accent. I did it briefly in a class before, but because of my teachers account being hacked I can’t go back on the archives to be invested in the classes. But when there’s a problem there’s a solution, as I had some tapes from when I did a BBC sounds recording in a Yorkshire accent, so along with that as a guideline and sketch feedback from any Yorkshire friends, I should be able to pull it off.
Saturday: As always Saturdays is my morning shift at work. But not before I watched the rest of episode 1 of the long shadow. I’ll be honest, it took a while for me to get into, but I’m willing to see it for the rest of the series, and with it being based off a true story, it gives me even more of a reason to watch it.
I then headed off to work. Work itself was alright, as whilst I did my tasks, I repeated some various lines for different things happening and I think I’m proud of myself for doing that. I know I my colleagues have noticed it and tried to focus on my work and not get distracted, which I do agree, but now that I know my lines without the use of a script, it's just the case of repetition, as whilst I'm working, repeating it as much as I can knowing I have what feels like 500 other things to do outside of work is the best way forward.
At lunch I started to watch the first three quarters of the first episode of the final series of Sex Education. I've seen bits of it on Gogglebox already, and I can't wait to watch the rest of the episode and overall series. I'm sad that it's the final ever series, but I'll be sure to get in touch with The Casting Director with my thoughts, and also email her some relevant stuff so that if she's casting a spin off to the show or similar projects to this she'll have me in mind.
I then kicked off the afternoon with filming a self-tape for a job on Mandy, and then filming a piece of content for world mental health day. I was going to post a song, but after the recent couple pf weeks I've had where I've had an autistic blip and everything getting too much, I thought what I wrote would be more suited to the day itself. I then worked on my audition script, where I've only just managed to be off script, so providing I keep repeating it, I should be okay when it comes to filming. I did this whilst I also completed a survey online.
As always I continued to read my book by Stephen Hawking, which was then followed by planning tomorrow whilst watching the rest of Sex Education. It was a surprise to see the return of Isaac and some new faces, so I can’t wait to see what happens. And once again Otis’ advice is definitely a gift he has, as Cal confides in him about a personal problem they were experiencing, but for Otis, I do hope that he doesn't overthink things when Maeve tells him about one of her friends on her course.
After my usual Saturday self care routine (which was going to the shops, walking my dog, and having a shower), I watched the first few minutes of Strictly Come Dancing where it was movie week, where I had a lovely cuddle with Margo whilst I watched it.
I love this week, mostly because of the costumes from the film themselves, and how it adds to the character. Although I ended up crying when they did the opening number. I think it was because that Disney has played a part in everyone's lives, as it makes them feel like a child again, and with it being 100 years since Disney came into the scene, it was even more magical for me.
Soon afterwards I then sent my script to one of the writers involved in my film for him to work on and that I would inform him of who else I would like to get involved by tomorrow. This was then followed by watching the first few minutes of The Long Shadow. One again I was stuck between this and watching more of Strictly, but I decided to do watch the first few minutes of the second episode because as I needed to be up early for work, I had to wind down with abit of drama.
I then ended the being with watching Thursdays addition of Hollyoaks and the first half of Gogglebox from last night. With Hollyoaks, all I can say is I hope Romeo is okay, and if he did do the crime that was committed, let’s hope that he admits that he did it in self-defense, as I know he would never hurt a soul. As always I ended the day with checking my social media and learning some French. It was then followed by listening to myself performing my line, which included my voiceover scripts for tomorrow, and reading the rest of chapter 9 of Stephen Hawkings book.
Sunday: Before I went to work, I watched Thursdays instalment of Doctors. This was a sad episode indeed, as it was Daniel's final appearance, and I would just like to praise Matthew Chambers for putting in an amazing performance to his role. I may have only watched Doctors since June 2022, but I can’t wait to see what he does next both in and out of his acting life. Well done Matthew, you really made your mark with Dr Daniel Granger.
Shortly afterwards I went to work, where once again I rehearsed lines whilst I did my jobs at hand which proved helpful. I also even managed to get one of the writers in my group know who I would like to help write the script alongside him, which for me takes a massive weight off of my shoulders, as then I can focus not only the other areas of the project, but also my own career in the process. I also let the group know that for the next few days I'll be busy with my showreel filming and also other areas in my life I need to complete, which was important for me as I needed to set my boundaries.
After work I made my way to Nottingham to do a voiceover class with The Actors Workshop Nottingham. It was so much fun! And I met the guy before both at a previous workshop and at a demo with him which took place at the end of February this year. I did this class as I wanted to get back into voiceover sand yes I do have a reel, but I know I need more knowledge and sometimes having the same thing repeated over again is a god thing, as then you can keep using it as repetition in your muscle memory. Although I did forget my scripts which had my notes on. This caused me to panic on the inside, and I feared it would impact the rest of the session. However I kept my cook, relaxed and just enjoyed myself which I did! I managed to get 3 decent demos in and to add onto my Spotlight profile :)
One thing I did find a a challenge but a win for me was learning when to say no. As after the class I was aiming to stay for a drink, but my body said otherwise. And with my showreel scene happening in a few days, a self tape which needed to be in a small number of days and script for class, I wondered if it would play on my mind if I did stay. But I’ve learnt to say no to it so I can get an early night and also do abit of prep on my script before I plan my week. I also heard that someone from my class is originally from Yorkshire, and that gave me the idea to send a voice note of me doing the script in a Yorkshire accent before I record it on Tuesday before I go to stoke. I was going to ask my teacher something after class, but I simply sent him a message just saying what’s happening and the reason as to if he notices I’m not putting in as much effort when we do the scenes.
When I got back I started to brain dump everything for this week, and scheduled it into tomorrow whilst watching strictly. I wasn’t going to overdo it tonight as I felt tired coming in and I knew focusing on my sleep was so important. As Matt hall would say, if you look after the basics, then basics will look after you.
This was then followed by doing some yoga and waking my dog. And a good session it was, as it helped me to wind down for the evening and prepare myself for the week ahead. After walking my dog, I watched an episode and abit of Coronation Street, all while I had a delicious chicken dinner, which actually woke me up after the long day I had, but I think mainly because I was just hungry. The wedding between Billy and Paul was so emotional, which I know will also break my heart when the time does come for Paul to die. I also know as well that after the rogers is closed for repairs, it’s safe to say that Jenny is in over her head with Stephen. And after seeing spoilers for next weeks dramatic conclusion to Stephen, I’m beyond excited to see how it unravels.
After Coronation Street I recorded my tape for some feedback from Act On This members who were in a group chat. The feedback was very helpful, as the main point was don’t overthink it. And they were right, as whilst I’ve been fine on my own, recording it was abit scary. But sometimes you need to do the things that scare you. Afterwards I ended the evening with watching Fridays instalment of Hollyoaks whilst editing a cover letter for an audition on Mandy. I now wonder what Romeo has to hide, as even though he was genuine about what Rayne did to him, he then seemed fine as he was getting in the taxi. But just what is he hiding? Only time will tell.
After Coronation Street I recorded my tape for some feedback from Act On This members who were in a group chat. The feedback was very helpful, as the main point was don’t overthink it. And they were right, as whilst I’ve been fine on my own, recording it was a bit scary. But sometimes you need to do the things that scare you. Afterwards I ended the evening with watching Fridays instalment of Hollyoaks whilst editing a cover letter for an audition on Mandy. I now wonder what Romeo has to hide, as even though he was genuine about what Rayne did to him, he then seemed fine as he was getting in the taxi. But just what is he hiding? Only time will tell.
I then gradually looked at my next post for World Mental Health Day, which was you will be found from Dear Evan Hansen. This song touches my heart for many reasons. Not only was this my last show before going into the first lockdown, but the message in the song said it all. You always have someone looking out for you, they just need searching a little bit harder. This was then followed by a tasty gingerbread man (even though it was half eaten by mu dads partners granddaughter, which I don't blame her as she's only 4), and a session of Korean, but only a small one, as my brain needed some sleep. And sleep I must, as I’ve got a busy few days ahead.
What have I learnt this week? Learning when to say no to benefit your wellbeing or to not do things you don't want to do. Simple but true.
See you soon for another blog. Until next time…
This is the autistic actress signing off :)
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