charissajadams

A Lesson in Acting: Improv 101

I used to avoid doing improv like the plague. Why? Somehow, somewhere along the line, I got the idea that I’m not funny, or at least that I wasn’t the token “funny one” in the group, so naturally I would be terrible at improv, right? I couldn’t handle the pressure of making people laugh. Well,Continue reading “A Lesson in Acting: Improv 101”

Training: My Wish List

My perspective on training has certainly shifted since coming to LA. Everyone here is taking classes. Now, maybe you think that is because people are taking advantage of the poor actor and extorting him/her for all he/she is worth. There will always be people doing that, especially in this town. HOWEVER, there are some freakingContinue reading “Training: My Wish List”

The Other Things in Life

I like being busy. Every quarter in college, I took 20-22 credits (normal was 15). After college, I worked a part-time job for 30 hours a week to pay the rent and was involved in shows another 20-30 hours a week. This idea of productivity and busyness is highly prized in our culture. The harderContinue reading “The Other Things in Life”

Celebrating Successes!

A couple days ago, I was waiting in line to register at Central Casting (an agency for background work- i.e. all the people you see who walk around on screen behind the actors) and I quickly started talking to a guy next to me. We figured out we had both moved to LA about theContinue reading “Celebrating Successes!”

Business Relationships: Trust

I was planning on writing about my “type” journey this week, but I woke up thinking about something else: relationships. I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was a much more pressing subject to write about. The more I explore LA and wonder how to “make it”, the more I keep coming back to thisContinue reading “Business Relationships: Trust”

My Headshot Journey

My very first headshot was taken by my dad. You should have seen the configuration of floor lamps and sheets hanging on the wall we had to make up a studio. It was right before my first audition out of college and I needed a headshot. My dad has always had a mild fascination withContinue reading “My Headshot Journey”

Celebrating Failures!

Last week I wrote about getting over my fear of failure so that I could live life to the fullest! One of the steps in doing that is celebrating both my successes AND my failures. A couple months ago, a friend of mine and I went to an audition together. As we were leaving, sheContinue reading “Celebrating Failures!”

Get Over Yourself!

There is no such thing as absolute perfection, so get over yourself! I think we can all agree that we humans aren’t perfect. Especially when it came to auditions, I used to worry if I was the “best” or if I was “perfect for the part.” However, I’ve found this to be a useless exercise.Continue reading “Get Over Yourself!”

Own it! (Part 2)

I was taught to respect authority and seek wisdom and guidance from those above me. That’s all great. However, I think that went too far into my personal and professional life. I was so afraid to make a mistake that I wouldn’t move at all. I would pinpoint the expert and ask, “What should IContinue reading “Own it! (Part 2)”

Own it! (Part 1)

If it follows you wherever you go, just embrace it! (…or call the police!) The first time I acted in a full length play, it was Shakespeare and I was ten years old. From that point on, I knew I would be an actor. I pursued theatre all through high school and college, graduating withContinue reading “Own it! (Part 1)”