76 Days ago this experience began and now within the blink of an eye it has screamed to a halt. This blog was initially to be written three days ago, I sat in LAX awaiting to catch a flight to NY where I would spend the final days in the USA before returning to Australia. This was the second moment it all felt real, the realisation that this city, the friends, the people I said farewell to the previous night where no longer going to be a phone call or an arms length away but in fact an ocean’s distance away.

To be honest as I write this, I shake my head in the tought of what I am writing must sound so corny, predictable, nieve, like a broken record and you know what, it probably does but what I set out to do was blog about this and all I have experienced and this is it:

I stand by the blogs:  “Where Did it Go?”  “Choice of The People” and “Mixed Emotions”; I came to LA having no idea what to expect, yes I was scared, nervous and had so much professionally, personally and financially riding on this. I wanted to ACT, plain and simple, Acting, An Actor, Entertaining, Performing that is the goal, it’s all it has ever been about. Some people can achieve their dreams, their goals without having to leave their neighbourhood, their state, their Country. 2 days before I left for the States my dentist said to me “Wow, you have to go all the way to the USA to live your dream, I am living mine right here.” My dream, my goal in order for it ever to be a serious one saw me leave Australia to the capital of the Entertainment world - The United States of America.

I wanted to know if everyone who I ever let get me down was right, that this wasn’t for me, or if in fact one person no matter who they are, what they look like, where they have come from can say FUCK YOU to it all and live their dream!

In this experience not only did I make it from Adelaide to LA to those stars on Hollywood Boulevard but in the large scheme of things that was a small fraction of the real reward, eye opening, amazing journey this took me on. During this time the growth not only myself but many people went on could never be explained or detailed in a blog, it’s something that only you and those that went on with you can feel. Being in the city where all the movie, film, tv magic comes to life, studying at a school with many insightful lessons to be learned concreted that feeling, that contentment in knowing that Acting is the path for me and even if this answer had never been found there would not be a moment I would change, trade or will ever regret because it lead me to the people who have now become a foundation for what the future will hold. This adventure has seen the likes of 5 people with similar goals, from different places all over the world bond together through laughs, discussions, trust and talent that I will forever be grateful for…

“nothing in life is certain though this one thing I know: You guys changed my life for the better, everyday I will continue to aspire to make a difference, laugh and follow my dreams, which one day will lead us all back together again”

No doubt you are saying, “how the hell can someone talk so meaningfully or consider people they have only known for little over 2 months so close, it’s a bit over the top isn’t it, doesn’t make sense?” Let me tell you the truth, it doesn’t make any sense in the world but strangely at the same time nothing, no friendship, relationship is clearer or makes more sense, who knows why, who knows if we will ever see each other in a year, 2, 10, ever again, all I know is this experience would be nothing without the inspiration, guidance, support, laughter, memories shared with these people. These are the people who inspire me to work harder everyday to achieve my goals because they believe in it all, the journey, the goal, the work, the art. Personally they are my friends, my family and they know how much they mean to me.

Allow me to wind this up, this will be the final blog in the “An Actors Inspiration” Making It from Adelaide to LA to the Stars and back agin series. To anyone who reads this, if anyone does, whether you are 15, 50, if you have something, anything that makes you smile, warms your heart, do it, not only for yourself but the people who believe in you, all you need is the love for something, someone that is strong enough to keep that passion going. Live your life because dreams come true, it’s not a fairytale it’s life, it’s hard as hell but will forever be worth it. This journey has been the stepping stone into a future of uncertain, windy and unsettled turns but there is no ride I would rather be on;

Thank you to you; (you know who you are,)

Goodbye for today but not for tomorrow;

Until then…

MISS D

4 Days, no marriages, no waking up not remembering but in fact fabulous sight seeing, a bit of money won, 1000′s of photo’s and amazing memories. We stayed at what was truly a fabulous hotel, The Bellagio, now for those of you living under a rock, the Bellagio is the hotel on the Strip with the massive water fountain display out the front.

Our first night we hit the new rendition of PHANTOM by Andrew Llyod Webber, his Vegas exclusive production made for the Strip at the Venetian Hotel. We were fortunate that we had purchased the cheapest of the cheap tickets and as we went to sit at the back of the theatre the usher moved us front and centre in row 2, WOW. Amazing production and touched everyone in the audience. My brother who I was nervous to have see it as theatre would not be his preference, left singing (don’t tell him I told you

Day 2 it was hotel sight seeing, Ceasers Palace, The Venetian, The Mirage, Treasure Island, The Palazzo, Paris and a visit to Cirque Du Soliel - Mystere at Treasure Island! This is the original production and was funny, fabulous and fantastically amusing!

Day 3 it was more sights and a thrilling and adrenaline pumping experience in the Nevada Desert on a full throttle Dune Buggy Experience, sand dunes, hills, turns, dirt and a night of comedy at The Mirage with Terry Fator, which was a grand experience.

Our final day saw us high in the sky in an aeroplane tour of the GRAND CANYON. This breathtaking sight needs to be seen once in your life time for it really has to be seen to be believed, get out there, experience Vegas, live it up;

Until then…

Miss D

We have 4 days here to enjoy and see if the Strip lives up to it’s reputation. Will see you at my wedding, I mean back in LA very soon;

Until then…

Miss D

Saturday saw the begining of the final days of this journey. 10am in class, our final class at the New York Film Academy. Cameras were snappy happy, we performed improvisation tasks and then ended with a bang, singing our hearts out! At 12:30 it was over! For most of us this would be the last time we take the elevator down from level 5 and exit the building. We stayed for a while taking photos then it was off to El Tortio for a class lunch, Mexican and funny moments!

Saturday night, 3 classes of acting students, but in particular group B which contained 9 mentionable people who entered the Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard to see their final work screened and be presented with their accreditation of this course.

3 hours of screenings later we exited knowing that these next few hours would be the last time some of us see each other. Instead of a club, dancing or getting blindly drunk we headed to a bowling alley diner, where we sat around like a family on Thanksgiving celebrating not only each others work and accomplishments but the birthday of dear friend.

Food was ordered and we felt it due to each toast for time was running out. Each of us spoke our heart felt words and not to go into exact detail but I will share with you this; “coming here there were no expectations, thinking we would make one or two friends but now I am thankful to call of you my friends.” a group address which each toast left us all smiling.

There are 4 people who along this journey who for some reason have become more then classmates, more then friends, my family; you know who you are and to you I say; that this experience, this journey has become all the more richer for having had the opportunity to know you. If I had gotten nothing from the course, this city, it is still worth every moment for having you in my life, my sisters, my brothers, the damn loves of my life I am better for knowing you and am honored to be your friend. 4 countries across the globe will see us parted and today the first of these said not goodbye but see you later. There are 10 more days until the second, me, farewells the remaining three rocks of this foundation and Countdown the days until we are together again;

Until then…

Miss D

5 Days, that may seem like a lot but in the light of day there is only, (stressing the “only”) 120 hours, that’s 7200 minutes or 432 000 seconds that remain with the people, experience and place which is now home.

As I write this blog I sit with the knowledge that this speckle of time is all that is left. 64 days ago a 21 year old woman from little Adelaide, South Australia ventured outside what is considered to be the realm of reality, college, university, settling down, accepting a life someone else planned…She took a chance, a risk, not only in career but personal growth and experience and boarded a plane to travel 13155.6 Kilometers or for my new American friends: 8174.5 miles to search the possibility that a dream for her future could become more then just a dream.

After 15 hours in the air, one stop over, aeroplane food, a stiff neck, she stepped out into a new country, a different culture, a new way of fast paced life that is Los Angeles, California.

Not really knowing what or who to expect, thoughts of whether this was going to be worth it, was this just a young girls vision which should only be day dreamed and never lived. Questions both positive and negative, though one constant determined thought that no matter what the fire and determination to try, experience new things, accept a new approach and perspective would remain strong.

Many people have said and will continue to say that this is not reality, that this not a true and real way of life, that this is simply a dream and to wake up…What a contradicting thought. How can this not be a reality, I am here, two feet planted on the ground, I am in Los Angels and have been living a life, bills, friendships, relationships, good and bad days, working hard at a craft, a career, seeing the truth from what was once just a dream.

I am no special person with the power to effect the weather, cure disease or change the world nor will I ever pretend to be, though there is one statement I am confident to make, I am the one person who changed my world. Not accepting the norm which was presented in front of me, not waiting around for a chance or opportunity to fall into my lap, I said yes to a life, new experiences and opened my mind to the possibility that, that dream a once young girl had could be a true and genuine life. I gave myself an insight into a world that is ours to live and experience which along the way gave me more then I could have ever hoped for. So I may not be able to do things others can, a handstand, fix a car engine, but if any small part of me has been able to effect the people whom I have met through this journey as they have touched me then I am content in knowing that the dreams, intention of this stepping stone of a journey which will forever lived have been fullfiled.

Until then;

Miss D

So 2 weeks down 2 to go in the final days of study. We are approaching the end of what has been an experience which can not even be described it is something which must be experienced to be understood.

There has been a lot do, study, sights to see, lines to memorize, places to go, people to spend time with and with all this to do it feels like we have been here for only a few days rather than nearly 3 months.

I am happy to report that two special visitors from back in Aus have ventured over to see the place I have fallen in love with. Certainly 3 adults in my little studio apartment is an experience but it is all apart of the joy.

Having two newbies to the country has allowed me to search as a “tourist” and visit places like Universal Studios and Disneyland which are certainly places all must see in their lifetime. Both were amazing.

One day in Universal Studios was spent seeing, riding, doing everything possible. I will admit that on the studio tour I could not help but smile when the tram took us around the sets, talking about the artists, masters of entertainment who have walked those paths and knowing that through this journey I have had the opportunity to work and craft in those very places.

Disneyland took a two day trek and getting there… HILARIOUS! So we take the metro in order to save funds from Hollywood to Anaheim. We get off at the Anaheim, thrilled to that fact that we had arrived by 10am, we look around, no mouse ears in sight though the beach yes, thank goodness for the iphone GPS, which shows that we are now in LONG BEACH, further out then where we had originally started, How embarrassing I know, so a cab it is and we arrive at our hotel around 11:15, check in and hit the happiest place on earth. Every ride, including the children ones and yes even the tea cups we enjoyed and the firework display AMAZING.

Back on the subject of school, for the character we chose 2 weeks ago now the decision made was in fact Mrs. Doubtfire, fabulous and thank you to the creator of baby powder which turned my hair white

I know you are eager to hear about how the second monologue we wrote went. I played around, brainstormed for a while, this approach I wanted to be different, something not of regret but a progressional step forward and look into this person who has experienced an insight into a future some only dream of, discovering that real, true person inside. This monologue was directed so someone and they know who they are and the reason it was neccassary to say and speak these words. Thank you all I must say and this has hopefully brought you up to date, so much to do, and little time to do it;

Until then…

Miss D

The title of this blog second chance reasoning is because in our actual monologue class last term although I took a large step and spoke on experiences not spoke about before and personally accomplished a great deal, I feel as though I missed a massive opportunity to release and show emotion I have yet to do at this school or really even in life I suppose, and if there is any place I hope to do that and accomplish a big step in my acting this is the place and enviroment to do it.

So it is back to the writing pad and bringing out those emotions from the core we spend so long covering and Tuesday awaits. Will keep you updated.

P.S also to let you know, Saturday is the day we have to come to class as a character and I think I have decided on “Private Benjamin” the fabulous Goldie Hawn role, but still time and decisions to make

Until then…

Miss D

First up Shakespeare class, for those of you who were taught Shakespeare in High School, forget everything This playwright a visionary of his time and ripping apart his material, analyzing every word, sentence is not the way to do it. We are being taught by a passionate British Shakespearian Actor who in one lesson went through the rhythm, beat, meaning and in depth look into Shakespeare and honestly taught me more about his text then ever learnt before.

I admittedly put my hand up to speak a Shakespeare Sonnet (poem) trying to breath in correct timing, whilst physically moving between three chairs at each comma, full stop and semicolon. Now allow me to share with you the facts: 29 times having to jump seats, 14 lines, 3 opportunities to take a breath. Yes, that means there was: 7 lines I had to move chairs, speak Shakespeare and not breath – result a red hot face and comedy for the class; ultimately – BRILLIANT TIME great experience and for the purpose of the exercise, it worked very well

Next was Scene Study and yes Star Trek was performed, costume included shinny silver space jacket and shoe covers, fabulous I know. Now let’s be honest the scene no where near where it could have been, the purpose regardless of the Star Trek setting was to show the rival, competitive relationship of the two female captains, you can only give what you get…moving on..

Acting for Film, our monologues were filmed, mine will be filmed next week along with others as we ran out of time, but let me say wow! Our class is transforming, from what everyone began with 4 weeks ago to now, amazing, the change, the understanding is getting better and better, the emotion and feeling is just moving. Stay tuned because there are people here who have no where to go but up!

Until then…

Miss D

No denying the experience was wonderful, being in a room feet away from succesful and respectable actors and artists, was hopefully a glimpse into the future of where I hope to be as an actor, not to be nominated or to that extent but to be an actor who can be acknowledged as succesful and respectable.

Fame and fortune are no more than a side avenue in this career and being surrounded by so many actors yesterday, the famous ones and the less known, it was completely obvious the people (most; aspiring) who are there to just be there, they are more concerned with having their face on the television, being a personality, a face rather than an actor. I believe many people who begin in this industry are confused; they possibly believe that being an actor is about saying a few lines on set, getting a large pay-check, and the important aspect is putting on a designer dress, having people attend to you, doing hair, make up and then walking down the red carpet. NO! This isn’t an actor and it will not be a person who has long jeopardy in the industry as a respected actor. Of course there are those who will have a career as a personality and no more because let’s remember at the end of the day it is the choice of the people, and the world is smart enough to realise even after a few mistake the true talent that is out there, those who work long and hard at that craft, who want more than to just sign autographs and have adoring fans, but the true people, the actors who we choose to watch, choose to spend money on a movie ticket for and buy their DVD’s.

If you are true to yourself and your passion you will know that there is much more to acting than the cameras, award shows and red carpets, and course I am not naive to say that these are not fun, but I am also not oblivious to my own feelings which are this: I want act, that is why I am here in Los Angeles, that is why I left family and friends  travelling half way around the world to learn, because I do not want to be just a face or personality, I hope to inspire, educate, make you move and feel through the acting I do on film, tv, stage whichever medium it may be.

People say you are crazy for following your dream, you’re not living in reality or get a real job. All that can be said to these negative thoughts is that, if you truly believe in yourself and what you are doing, if you work hard and I mean hard, sacrifice and are push yourself further than you ever expected there is no way you can not be what you want. Whether it’s a doctor, teacher, painter, handyperson, hospitality worker, acting is a career you work damn hard at and when that something inside you tells you you’re ready to step out, believe in yourself and work there is nothing that can or will stop you.

It’s you the people that continue to allow the entertainment industry to survive and are the same people who films are made for, so it’s your choice and my choice to say that every actor working or not, you inspire me to persist working harder and harder each day;

Until then…

Miss D

Indeed learning a Standard American Accent is going to take time and persiatance and our homework being one of 5 monologues to be spoken in this accent on Saturday, wooow!

We did many breathing exercises today, majority of them are partner work and we progressed further today, breathing in sync with a partner and feeling the breath they feel, then all together as a class. The atmosphere and environent when 12 people in a dimmed room unable to see one another begin to feel each other through nothing more then the sound and motion of breathing is quite a powerful and mood setting experience.

Our class is very fortunate for the fact that 98% of us hold a unique and comfortable bond with one another which allows every exercise in all classes to be more powerful, genuine and real because there is no judgement, no fear to be yourself in front of them.

Now it is getting late and is time to continue studying for tomorrow is DDay, 1 monologue, 2 scenes, all off book.

Until then…

Miss D