Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. This weekly highlights is a little different, as instead of taking you what I went through day by day I thought I would show you the key parts of my week! And as we live in a world where we have short attention span I thought that this might be easier than a long blog which will take you a week to read!
Professional:
Within my ongoing development in my acting career, I felt I've achieved a good amount this week. So here is what I got up to within my acting career.
Act On This
Every week I get through at least one Act On This podcasts a week, where some of the biggest creatives in the industry (actors, directors, casting directors etc.) give out advice on how to get on their radar and help leverage your career. This week I managed to catch up on two. So here's how I got on with them:
Claire Bleasdale
One of the latest Act On This podcasts I listened to was Claire belasdale who literally casts anything and everything. Part one was very interesting as for film sin particular she has a balance of actors who are established, this who are new and those who are not established but have got some good credits under their belt. And that’s a good thing for a project as whilst the big names will get more viewers, you’re giving new and those who are jobbing actors a chance to shine.
When I caught up on part two again I took on board a lot of information. This included a lot of reassurance before we reach out to her, a theatre performing one of my favourite Shakespeare plays and how for a first round it’s in the room or zoom auditions. Which I found very intriguing. But overall it was a very informative session and I will definitely be reaching out to Claire soon.
The Voiceover Gallery
Another podcast I listened to was The Voiceover Gallery and how to get into voiceover. This one was an eye opener and because I’ve been meaning to get into voiceover for so long (as it literally changed Ross’ life) this was a good time to listen how to do it. I was reminded on the amount of jobs there are and also how honest you need to be on flexibility. And after reassurance on some clients having other commitments like family the it’s made me more at ease. As even though I’m still looking at applying for flexible day jobs if I’m still at my current one if signing with an agent like those the more specific I am the better.
Part two took a while to complete but we got there. I got to see Ross’ home studio and how it doesn’t need to be fancy but as long as it sounds professional then that’s all that matters. They also spoke about AI and how yes I can see why some people are scared of it, it will be a useful thing for the future meaning I could earn money from multiple jobs without having to do any of the work. So that’s one thing to point out. I also know why Ross recommends green apples for when I go into a recording booth. All this information needed has got me a good idea on voiceover now and I can’t wait to see where the future holds with that.
My First Dance Class
On Tuesday I went to my first dance class at the word famous pineapple dance studios. This was a real adventure as not only was the train late but for some reason my booking didn’t come through properly. Thankfully the person at reception gave me a pass to go in and i had a lot of fun. Yes I need some practice but knowing that I did something that was going to challenge me was an achievement itself.
And I managed to explore the beautiful city of London, most specifically Covent Garden where it’ll always be a special place in my heart. And I even managed to treat myself to some delicious goodies. Yes some of them may not be the healthiest but at least I could treat myself every now and then.
Acting Class
As always I had my weekly acting class with the actors workshop Nottingham. And it was a belter as to start with we went through some castings, one of the which was happening this week. Unfortunately I knew I wasn’t going to do it as because I had a self tape I needed to film already and other factors in my life I didn’t want to get overwhelmed. But that was okay as you can’t do everything and sometimes you need to work on one thing well rather than multiple things but not so well.
After the casting we did a little exercise based off of a video my teacher saw on Instagram. I won’t give too much away but let’s just say that I think I’m a wizard now! This then moved on nicely to our work on phone conversations in the hope to perform a piece of invisible theatre using this concept. And when I went through my self written one I got some good feedback. Mainly on how to make it engaging. And I think I’ve found a way to develop it to heighten the stakes slightly.
Self tapes
During the week I filmed abit of content for both auditions and for social media. One included a project I found on Mandy and it was one of the many few jobs where I actually want to do it. I did have two more but to avoid overwhelm I did only one and then made the decision to ask someone on a later date.
Ensemble Workshop
another thing that happened to me this week was the opportunity to come to a workshop by a company called Ephemeral Ensemble where because I’m a member of amplify actors at the Nottingham playhouse I got it for free. I wasn’t originally going to go due to situations beyond my control but I was lucky to be given the opportunity. And wow it was an amazing experience! I learnt so much and how they work. One of which being they don’t write scripts and get ideas based on movement linking to current topics close to their heart, and also how you can create a story using a certain piece of furniture as seen below. And that’s inspiring to see. I may not be able to watch their performance due to again reasons beyond my control but I definitely am going to follow them for future updates!
Writing My Own Stuff
To fill in that creative well between my day job and my acting career I had the time to write some of my own stuff. The included developing a script for my acting class after the feedback given, and also a Miranda hart style sketch as part of the half term trail. As I’m writing this I’ve completed the script, and now this week I need to film it, edit it and get it posted.
Shows Watched
As per of my career it’s important to keep up with sows that align to my casting type it also a show I enjoy! So here are a few I caught up on this week
Doctors: This week on Doctors I caught up on two of last weeks episodes and a full weeks worth before it has a break for the summer. In “say when” even though Sid was trying to be honest it does not go down well with Paige. But bear knows he has just the right thing to cheer him up. I’m also intrigued to see what Michelle has planned for Zara and that even though Ryan was doing what’s right for him, it does put pressure on rob and Jimmi, knowing how tough it is to be a police officer and an FME. Luca also felt the pressure when a woman seemingly in need of support was pulling the wool over his eyes. And based on the ending it looks like her scheming won’t end anytime soon.
For part one of “A Prescription For Murder” Al is so keen to get to the bottom of the disappearance of a past family member but it may just boil up when the head of the family is killed in the middle of the night. Meanwhile Zara and Michelle will definitely have an adventure in their cottage for the weekend giving Zara time to reflect on life and the mill in general.
“A Prescription For Murder Part 2” was not what I was expecting at all. As I was thinking that one of the family members did the crime but what actually happened was surprising. I won’t say what but let’s just say that with Daphne's traumatic experience and Hugo’s money trouble they were in for a shock and I hope that they can move forward with their lives. And after initially being mad with Michelle it seems that meeting Graham was what Zara needed. And I hope that when they come back to the mill they get the perfect team for the partnership.
“Lessons In Love” was also a great episode, and I feel that it must’ve taken place during the others time away. Kirsty and Paige were definitely in for an experience, and even though I may not be able to understand what it’s like to look after a child and that I don’t excuse drinking, I can see why the girlfriend was struggling. But it was a good job Kirsty was there to give the boyfriend tough love and be there for his missus when it counted. Paige seemed to also have an understanding on the reality of motherhood and with Kirsty giving a glimpse as to why marrying someone rich is not all picture perfect, it seemed to have worked in her favour as she got the job needed to do done.
In “A Fatal Oath”, whilst I understand it’s the individuals decision on what they believe in, I do think that a mother has gone too far into this religion. So much so that it’s had a negative impact on her son, but I’m glad the grandmother was more understanding. I get that the mother may be grieving and so wants to distract herself, but the ending I think just summed up the consequences of how far she’s gone into this. I also admire Paige for sticking up for herself and that Graham did a good job of giving her useful advice.
And finally in “The Burden Of Others”, I get why a dad doesn’t want to get to know his long lost daughter due to the loss of his wife, but he needed to take into account Kyra’s (the daughter) feelings. I’m just glad that her adopted sister has her back and I just hopefully wish them luck. I also wondered why Graham was keen on the money side of things and I have a feeling that when the show comes back after the summer, Paige may experience abit of heartbreak in the process.
Coronation Street
Coronation Street was another show I’ve been catching up on to not only keep up to date with what’s happening but to also relax and unwind for the day. As I’m watching this I’ve caught up on 4 of the 5 half term explosive episodes. This was mainly forced around the events of Roy’s imprisonment, and during it we got to see that Kit was I think somehow trying to help Sarah and that Lisa swain showed a different side to Carla. She also stated why she was doing this job in the first place which for her is understandable. All I can say is now that Roy is finally out and that Joel was hiding a dark secret I can’t wait to see how it progresses. And the Friday on 31st May definitely showed it where after the thrilling week of who really killed Lauren, the after math of what happened really had it’s affect on every one of them. Bethany is still convinced that Nathan is responsible, little does she know that Ellie is being controlled by Joel. I also know that Roy is only trying to protect himself but Sam will do what it takes to see he’s got his back.
As I’m writing this I caught up to 3rd June, where I’m convinced that Cassie is the one who created the deep fakes of Abi. Even though she’s convinced that it’s not her, a slip of the tongue has caused her to loose her job. And I wonder what she’ll do now if she was responsible? But in the meantime, I'm just glad that Abi has support from Asha, who has had a previous experience. I also can’t believe that it’s the end of an era for Simon, as he leaves to join Peter. Even though Leanne was initially hesitant at first she supports his decision. But after seeing spoilers I know it’s only going to go downhill from there. I also know that Nina was trying to help Roy, and even though he’s on good terms with Carla again it’ll take a while before he goes back to normal. And Joel has made things impossible for Bethany, convinced that Nathan is still the killer, Joel has made things ten times harder for her.
Hollyoaks
Hollyoaks as always is another show I’ve been catching up on and boy was it a week from hell. Sienna will be in for a shock when the lady who helped her home is intact the one who spiked her and revealing a big secret. Ste is also feeling the pressure as even though he wants to support Leah he’s still on way to deep with Warren, and that Leela needs all the support than ever. I also hope that Frankie’s audition will be all okay but after JJ gets under her spell again I think this will be the start of his downfall after seeing spoilers.
Tuesdays addition was also thrilling but also annoying for various reasons. I get that Ste is scared of the consequences for not following warren’s instructions but it’s getting to a point where he needs to stand his ground. And you know what I don’t blame Leah and Peri for being angry with him as he let Leah down again. And after Martha saw the results of the DNA test I wonder if she does have terminal cancer? I also absolutely hate JJ for going behind Frankie’s back. I get that they want to protect her, but now it’s getting to the point where I really want the truth to be revealed. Then they can see why she did it!
Wednesday was when Frankie nearly finally told them what was really going on. But when the secret about Morgan was finally revealed things took a time for the worse. I just hope that because of the recording on the tablet, someone will spot it and then get to the bottom of it. Mercedes is also definitely it for revenge where after a quick check up on the babies she’s out for revenge to help Freddie with her plan. Dilly is also still trying to find her feet, although she has sienna and liberty to help with that, and it’s obvious that Misbah still fancies Donny despite him asking out Norma on a date.
Thursdays dealt with the aftermath of what’s happened to Frankie. It was horrible to make JJ lie to Frankie but I wonder if Charlie will spot anything on the iPad whilst he goes away? Mercedes is also on thin ice trying to seek her revenge on Warren, and that it’s obvious that Misbah and Donny have a spark between them. And you know what I don’t blame Zain for being angry, as their double date with him, Misbah, Donny and Norma said it all. And with Jonas Kahn’s exit announced I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s linking to this situation at the moment.
Friday brought tense and suspension. After not being able to find the money, Freddie had to resort to taking drastic measures, but he may be having second thoughts when grace sent him a letter. I’m also glad that Nancy had the support she needs after previous episodes and that it’s still obvious that there’s chemistry between Misbah and Donny, and it may be the last straw for Zain. But I wonder if it was toms idea to stop feeling lonely after Yazz? I also dread to think what will happen now that Zoe is attending hunters funeral, given what she and Prince have done.
G’Wed
I also watched episode 5 of G’Wed. I’m glad that the truth about the videos is out, and that Mia-Louise and Christopher are supportive when Aimee’s real reason for not coming to school is revealed. I also couldn’t believe recce’s cousin stealing something so valuable, but with his mum and Christopher thinking he did it I hope they can put their differences aside ahead of the finale.
The Responder
Another show I watched was the penultimate episode of The Responder. Chris definitely does look worse for wear m, and after how he was with Tilly I can kind of see why Kate wants to move to London if she got the job. And by the end of the episode he needed that sleep more than anything. And even though Rachel was trying to help Steve’s new girlfriend locking her in the house wasn’t the best way to go about it. I also hope that Casey will not get into any trouble again after one of houses assistant revealed a secret to her and that Marco will be able to give Adele the stability she needs.
Granite Harbour:
Granite Harbour also got tense. The gang have managed to link the two cases together, but with Lindo doing things his way again, it has caused a slight rift between him and Bart. And with his father thinking he knows what’s best for him, but only because he cares, it’s got more intense, specially after what happened when Lindo’s mum died. And malice has caused quite the commotion that could jeopardise the whole case and the ending scene really left me shook. I’m just interested to see what happens in the series finale.
Personal:
As well as developing my craft as an actor/creative I’ve also did some other stuff to keep me fulfilled. Here are some of those things I did.
Surveys
Throughout the week I took part in a few surveys to collect points in exchange for cash. Although this is one where I need to work on it more, as the more points I get the more money I receive. But next week I need to make it my aim to do three surveys as a non negotiable.
French
I’ve also been learning my French to build up my craft if another language. At the moment I’m still doing little segments but keeping up that consistency. As I’m writing this I’m now on unit 8 of section two which I’m very proud of myself for.
Cooking
Every week I do some cooking to help build my independence. Yes this week was more oven cooking but everything on there was not processed and healthy stuff on the plate. And also when making stuff like fish tacos again I can use that fish my Nan recommended for the next lot.
Writing
Something else I need to start regularly is writing my stories. But this week I finally managed to post one of my stories I’ve been writing for months but never got round to posting it. The main character is inspired by myself and the opposite is inspired by a contestant on Britain's Got Talent and the main message of it is that just because you’re autistic it does not mean to say you can achieve X y and Z. Here is the link below to have a read along with the lovely cover below: https://www.wattpad.com/story/368920638-spectrum-symphony?utm_source=web&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share_myworks
Reading:
Throughout the week I read 4 chapters of “An Actors Alphabet” by the legend that is Julie Hesmondhalgh, where each sharper is by running order of the alphabet. On Wednesday for the letter E, I’ve learnt that the arts need to be more looked into in education, as because young people are being swayed to look for “proper jobs”, I agreed with her that it need to change. And sometimes like myself it may be a good therapy to use. For F, I’ve learnt about filing for well when not acting. So if for me it’s quiet as no jobs suited for my casting type are not coming in, then doing myself some activities is key to keep myself distracted. Then when I do meet creatives, I have something to say. On Saturday, I’ve also learnt that through G, I have learnt that instead embrace growing instead of growing old, and through H, I’ve learnt when something is not right, how to approach it and how to handle mistakes I may have made in the past.
Exercise:
I've also been keeping ontop of my exercise this week. This included going to the gym two times a week, one being leg day and the other being upper body. I've learnt as well that abit of boxing on upper body can really help I think. I managed to get in a full boxing session on leg day but only two minutes on the Thursday, as there is someone who normally has a private session on Thursdays. But those little moments definitely helped with my mood that day. I also did my regular spot of Yoga. As I'm writing this I did my usual 4 times a week, where instead of 15mins on a Friday I only did 10. But because I had the ensemble workshop that day it was a good cooldown exercise for me.
Shows Watched
Gogglebox
One show I’ve been watching as part of my self care routine was Gogglebox. This was to mark the half way point of 2024 and I can’t quite believe we’re half way through this year. They have reacted to so many stuff including Gladiators, Masterchef, Anton and Goivanni's Adventures in Spain and a very spicy segment on This Morning. And Gogglebox is one of those shows that just maybe you can relate to some of the people on there and you can laugh cry and scream along with them.
Love Island
I haven’t been too hooked on this but I’ve watched specs of Love Island. Honestly I mainly watch it for the drama, and not even the appearance of joey Essex has peaked my interest. But I occasionally have it on in the background now which I think is enough for me.
Celebrity Gogglebox:
Celebrity Gogglebox was just pure entertainment. Let’s just say that as much as I do love Vicky McClure, I don’t want to watch Insomnia, and that Milf Manor was just hilarious to see them watch it. I also had my stomach churned when they watch my strange addictions and that I’m wondering how is trump still getting away with what he’s done. Finally I really don’t see the point in shows like The Nevermets as that’s what tinder is for.
And that’s what I got up to this week! I hope you liked my new format of my weekly highlights, and the one thing I learnt this week is:
Be flexible and be confident. Something I may have repeated in the past but sometimes it can be easily forgotten.
See you soon for another blog. Until next time…
This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)
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