Priorities

Well, it's been awhile. I will admit, blog posts have not been at the top of my list but there's so much going on, it would be silly not to update it here.

I've moved from LA back up to San Francisco and by June, I should be back home in New York City. It's been six years in California but after LA, my priorities have shifted. It's important to me to be closer to family and loved ones. Obviously, it may be different for other folks. Also, being in LA, I realized how many years it would take me, realistically, to create a solid foundation for a career. I'd rather be a struggling actor in NYC and do what I can there, than struggle in LA.

Bottom line, the LA experiment for the last year has been tough - I won't lie - but I'm very happy I put in the time. I came away with some great experience, new (and closer) friendships, and a rekindled love of writing and PA work. All told, a very worth while experience, even if I fell short of some of my goals.

Some (obvious) lessons I (re)learned in LA:
1) Work begets work. Even unpaid work can help you land a paid gig. Also, it keeps your craft honed, whether that be writing, acting, sword swallowing, etc.
2) Fake it 'till you make it is good advise. I don't mean "be fake", I mean, learn to trust yourself and be BRAVE.
3) You make your own luck. Hard work is really the only thing that points you towards "Good Luck" because it puts you in the right place at the right time. Optimism is key, too, because it allows you to see opportunities as they arise.

Things that helped in LA:
1) A lot of help from my friends- Good friends were key to making it a positive experience. People who will help keep you grounded are vital. I was incredibly fortunate on this front and would not have enjoyed my time there had I not had friends that I trusted.
2) Know the way- Yes, I was only able to execute half the plan I had in mind, but it was very helpful to have a road map. Flexibility helped make the plan more realistic.
3) Wheels- Having a car in LA is a must. Mobility and access to auditions aside, it's sort of a right of passage and I don't think you really see the city if you don't drive there. I'm all for carpooling and saving the environment but LA really is a car-oriented city.

Things I'd do differently:
1) Maintain focus, Grasshopper- I'd exercise more self discipline and be sure that I attended more free industry events. Actor's Creative Workshop, for example, provided wonderful opportunities but I didn't always get to go to the workshops.
2) Get a really active agent or manager before heading to LA. This might have helped maintain professional focus.
3) Join AFTRA. The SAG card actually wasn't the problem; the lack of industry affiliation was the issue. Could have joined AFTRA and worked my way up from there. I was allowing money to be the issue. Money and fear, to be honest.

Now, as I pack up my California life and head to New York, there are more questions than answers when I consider my career options. Fighting down feelings of failure has been a challenge but this is a tough industry and if you want it, you have to keep at it. In my case, goals have started to change and become a little fuzzy. Apparently, it's not uncommon to lose your way. At least, I feel prepared for anything and positive that things will work out.