Sunday, December 28, 2014

OMG HAPPY NEW YEAR! BE KIND TO ANIMALS



My message to you for this year is; Be kind to Animals.

They have such a wonderful heart, they are loyal patient, honest and very very special.  So please be kind to them.

I think kindness is a human core and it takes people like us, you and me to remind everyone else of our duty.
BE KIND TO ANIMALS.
Happy New Year www.jccadena.com 

Be a responsible Human Being and be kind.

I hope your new year is filled with rewarding chances.

#happy #newyear

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Happy Holidays

This year, the holidays for me have been very enjoyable.
Usually I feel very sad because I'm an emotional being
and for me the holidays had a melancholy air
about them.

As a child I remember having Christmas with my parents
and how great it was. The entire family, aunts, uncles, cousins came over to our house to celebrate.  It was great. We celebrated Christmas Eve and the food was so delish.  At midnight we opened our gifts around the tree.

As time crept on the Christmas celebration became smaller and smaller, people started to have a family of their own and started to celebrate their Christmas in their own home.  So slowly our huge celebration became tiny and quaint. Even my sister got married and she celebrated the holidays with her husband and her husbands family and not us.  It made me sad.  My Mother passed away in 2006 and Christmas has certainly not been the same since.

But this year, I've been working on healing some of those wounds by exploring why I feel the way I feel.  By "checking in" with myself, and checking in often.  Some of my emotional responses are just that emotional and I don't need to react the way i had in the past.  So I enjoyed Thanksgiving this year.  And let me tell you I enjoyed shopping for gifts for the very first time in a very long time. Partly because I was shopping for myself.  I hate shopping, I'm just not that girl.  Though I am a girly girl.  Shopping to me is torture.  But I enjoyed it this time very much because I got a great gift, naturally.
I shopped for new bras and found that my cup size has grown from a"B" to a "D".  Awesome gift, universe.  Thank you very much.  I got new boobs for Christmas the natural way, by eating and gaining weight.  How long will this last, only till my next diet.  But I will certainly enjoy having them.

LOL. Merry Christmas.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Getting Ready for Pilot Season


Reflecting on what to write this week.  I thought perhaps I should talk about the sexual abuse allegations that are making the headlines.  And perhaps share my opinion with such a topic.
But instead I thought I would focus on the positive things and write about what fuels my soul and what I have control over, my preparation,  Acting: Getting Ready for Pilot Season.

If you are new to Pilot Season, pilot season starts from January to April.  It is when producers film their show ideas to sell to major networks. Producers hire Casting Directors to cast the roles in these projects.  Most of the time the leads are filled with known talent.  But there are other minor roles that need the rest of us.

For Pilot Season it is helpful to have an agent.  As your agent can pitch you to these casting directors if you don't have major credits.  If you don't have an agent get on it. Don't be afraid that you don't have credits.  Some agents are looking for someone of your qualifications.

A Cold Reading Class is helpful.  Some auditions are the same day with very little time to prepare.  Exercising your cold reading muscle is very important. Find yourself a class with a good teacher.  Audit the class first to see if it's something you can learn from and are comfortable with.  You can also look up the teachers credits on imdb.com.

Make sure your head-shots are good, they need to look like you, when you walk in a room.  How is your reel?  Do you need to update it, is your resume up to date?  All these items are your calling card.  They need to look professional and current.

CD Workshops are another way to get in front of casting directors.  There are many around town.  You can pay as little as $20 or up to $500.  This depends on your budget.  Again research is the key.  On a budget I recommend Actors Comedy Studio (www.actorscomedystudio.com).  They have workshops for $20 and the classes are usually small and very friendly.

These are just a few items to get started on.  I will update you from time to time letting you know what I'm doing to get myself known with Casting Directors.

The key is to be assertive.





Monday, December 8, 2014

JC Cadena in A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare




I'll be performing at the Cupcake Theatre in Hollywood starting December 19, 2014.  Click the link for dates and times.  I'll be Hippolyta & Peaseblossom.

If you haven't seen A Midsummer Night's Dream, I recommend it highly.

See you there.

JC

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving


Happy Thanksgiving, though the entire nation is on a holiday it hardly seems like one at first.  The airports are busy with travelers visiting relatives across the country.  The freeways are filled with bumper to bumper  traffic. Shopping centers are crowded with sale shoppers.  Businesses are conducting last minute dealings before closing early on Thanksgiving and opening early for black Friday.  After all this stress gathering around the dining room table with friends and family makes it all worthwhile.  Giving thanks on Thanksgiving is a wonderful tradition.  At  first it may be disguised as a commuter nightmare but ultimately, it is a time to be with family, friends and give thanks.

The dining room table is filled with all the goodies I try to stay away from for the most part of the year.  My favorite dish is roasted potatoes.  I love potatoes it is a comfort food for me.  My eyes grow wide as I see them on the table and my fork digs deep into the potato dish first.  And I thank my lucky stars for that delicious starchy taste.

You don't need a holiday to be grateful for your blessings, however small they may feel.  Giving thanks should be an act we implement in our daily lives.  Just like that sense of relief when finally sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner, giving thanks  daily has a healing effect.  Its like letting out a big sigh of relief.  Giving thanks doesn't have to be communal, it can be a  introspective act.  And it is as easy as looking at yourself in the mirror and thanking in the morning for your health, your life.

So, dig into your thankful plate of blessings and stick your fork in the blessing that makes your eyes grow wide.
Happy Thanksgiving.

as featured in Malibu Chronicle (www.malibuchronicle.com) 

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

The Art of Letting Go


#LettingGo is an art.  It's a daily practice and it applies to so many things.  After an audition, it's especially hard.  And it only becomes easier with lots and lots of practice.  I used to obsess about my performance in the room.  My brain would play over and over and over again to the point of depression.  I would fixate on details of what I did #WRONG.

Letting go is especially hard when the people in the room comment on how amazing your performance was.  Even you pat yourself on the back and you are proud of your time.  And then you don't hear from them or you do but they've chosen someone else.  Letting go is hard, it stings.  #OUCH.

Letting go is difficult,  you've played the entire shoot in your head.  You can see the cameras, you see yourself, the set.  You picture yourself in the role.  You can't wait to shoot.  You have prepared for the role, in fact you are the role.  But you didn't even get the audition. #FUCK!

Letting go with relationships that don't serve you is the same.  You don't want to do it.  But you know you have to.  You have to press "#DELETE" on the friendship.

For me letting go is easier if I think of it as  "if its meant for me it will come back".  In my experience some don't and some do.  Even roles.  In fact it just happened to me recently.

Regardless, letting go is an art.  That you have to keep at daily, in your passion, in life .....  so you might as well get to practicing. #FIN

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Dumb & Dumber To & More


Out of my busy schedule.  I made the time for the MOVIES. 
I went to watch Dumb & Dumber To.  I can tell you I was
laughing the entire time.  Yes at time the jokes pushed the 
envelope.  It was so funny.  I enjoyed watching these two
amazing actors reunite portraying Loyd and Harry.  Two best
friends who go out of their way to outdo each other on practical
jokes. Again pushing the envelope.  SPOILER ALERT.  But its 
got a great twist at the end.  I am glad I went to watch it.  


It was an early day.  Meeting with production crew for a short
I will be involved in.  So I am looking forward to this team
getting together.  I can't wait.  You'll hear more details about it 
in the future.  

Malibu Chronicle, All Good News will be new on stands first 
week of December.  Check out my new Beauty Day Tips so 
exciting.  

I have an audition tomorrow. & Monday.  For Monday there 
is a scene (dramatic) & I am doing a monologue from a Street 
Car Named Desire, the character of Blanche.  "He was a boy 
just a boy" speech.  I'm working on it now.  Memorizing, 
working on character and working on movement.  

Check out this short I was in What I Am.  Director Areeb Ravzi
was great to work with and so creative.  It was a wonderful
experience.  

Every body is asking.  I didn't get the theatre audition but 
I got a call back.  So I was thankful to be reading with such 
amazing actors. Looking forward to watching the play. 
I still feel there is a Hermia role in my near future.  I 
feel it. 

I stopped by the Jay & Ish show today.  We had a great time. 
PS4 rocks hard.  I loved the entire interface.  
Thanks to Jay & Ish and the rest of the group, tonight.

I look forward to next week to learn choreography for the
Bollywood project

Love you all goodnight.  







Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Audition - Yeaahhh me

I don't write about every audition, maybe I should. I audition every week for commercials mainly, but also for shorts and features.

I hadn't been submitting to Theatre gigs because they require a lot of commitment.  And to be honest I've been burnt before.  Giving my soul, my time, my talent and then being burnt by the thing i love most did leave a very tender part in my heart. But lets be clear I wasn't hurt by theatre i was hurt by people running it.  Maybe one day I'll openly share.

Regardless theatre is what I love the most.  There is nothing like that moment where its just you and one white light.  And you can't see anything but faint silhouettes.  Its a dream.

I submitted to this theatre audition because it was for the role of Hermia in A Midsummer Nights Dream by William Shakespeare.  I had a late theatre audition in Hollywood on Hollywood Blvd at the Cupcake Theatre.  And as I walked across the street to the location.  I realized I was living my dream.  This was it.  It's not about reaching the goal, but about the journey getting there.

The audition consisted of a 2 minute comedic classic monologue.   I decided to do the "Fie Fie" monologue from The Taming of the Shrew, of course the role of Kate.  I had been preparing for a couple of days. I walked in gave my headshot and resume and was told "you can go in."

I walked in to a theatre with one warm light leading me to the stage.  It was just me and empty theatre and the producers way, way in the back of the theatre.  For one second I enjoyed the moment and then I was instructed to begin.  I took my moment to get into the role and I began.  I moved as I had rehearsed with ease and I knew this monologue frontward and backward. I heard my voice and I was loud regardless of the thundering construction noise happening next door.  I forgot my last two lines but no one knew and I finished it like a champ.

They kindly said they liked my voice.  They loved my movement.  I told them they had made my day. They responded I had made their last hour. They were happy I had come in.  I was so happy to hear positive feedback.  I had been rehearsing up on my feet and they saw it.   They saw my movement and heard my voice.  They watched my performance and not my nerves.

I don't know if they'll give me the role, but I'm happy to have auditioned.  I'm happy I enjoyed my moment on the spotlight.  I'm happy to remember that I love theatre and that I'm on the right road.
If I don't get a callback I'll be upset. But I'll keep going, its just a rehearsal for that one big role I know is coming.

Thank you Cupcake Theatre.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Celebrate Your Auditions



Learn to celebrate auditions.  Most casting offices get over one thousand submissions for each role they are casting.  I am being conservative on that number now.  If you get an audition, that office has picked you out of those thousands of submissions.  Yes, you!.... They want to see you, they thought you were right for the part, they want to meet you, they like your look.   Whatever it was, you were picked.  You were especial even though you may not have gotten the role.  You won the opportunity to audition, you were invited to that room.  Celebrate your auditions.

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Back Acting?



What is Back Acting?  Well, in film/television it is acting when your back is facing the camera.  It is an over the shoulder shot, and it's over your shoulder.
  
We really don't put much attention to this style of acting.  But it is very important to know that it is important.  What is your back saying, what are you thinking, are you in the moment? Or are you making funny faces to your scene partner while he/she is trying to cry on camera.  Or are you just delivering your lines because now it doesn't matter how you say them since you are "Back Acting".  

Back Acting on stage is, yet the same premise as the one we just spoke of, but it goes one step further. You are saying your lines, you start to walk around the stage, and somehow you finish delivering the lines to the wall.  You have forgotten about the audience. 

In both scenarios it's important to be aware of what you are doing. So you can make the decision a right decision to make you a better actor.   Either you'll continue making faces or you'll decide to deliver your lines convincingly and help your scene partner get to that emotional peak.  

On stage, it's good to be aware you are Back Acting and when.  Are you Back Acting when a scene is too emotional for you, are you feeling uncomfortable, what is going on in that moment that is making you turn away from the audience?  Know that when you want to turn away is exactly the moment you should look directly out to them.  



  

Friday, October 10, 2014

TYPE CAST, YES PLEASE!


Understanding your “TYPE.” 
     Its a little awkward standing in front of your peers hearing that your essence ranges from cop to tattoo artist.  I didn’t agree simply because in reality I would never, ever be a tattoo artist.  In reality the thought of putting a needle in someone’s body just makes me a little queasy.  So, how could I have that essence? Luckily I was told, that if I didn’t like what I had heard, I could change it.  But, here in lies the question.   Would embracing my type lead me to success?    Well, like a good student.  I started to research and I asked teachers, directors, my agent, my manager, casting directors, read multiple articles on backstage west, casting frontier and finally the conclusion is; there is no conclusion.  No sure path that leads to success.  What has worked for one actor has not necessarily worked for another. 
     However it is important that your agent and manager and you have the same vision/goals.  And really why was I having such a problem playing that darn tattoo artist?  If someone sees me as such and I get cast, than TYPE CAST,  YES PLEASE!  
     I’ll play a tattoo artist, heck I’ll play that hooker with the heart of gold, I’ll even play the mom that has lost that child for the fourteenth time.  At the end of the day I’ll play whatever you want me to play, I’m a trained actor.   

Constant Rejection Blues

     I pride myself on being a positive person.  I take on challenges and find solutions to problems.  But I have to tell you it's not easy being an actor.  The dream, passion, craft, acting, it challenges you in every way.  It will challenge you financially,  physically, mentally and it will all funnel into an emotional challenge.
     And sometimes yes, sometimes I even get the blues, the Constant Rejection Blues.  When I get into this rut, its hard to get out of it.  I don't even know I'm in it until I notice the candy wrappers and fatty foods I've inhaled.  By this point I'm feeling pukey sick and I'm finally sick of feeling blue about not getting that national KFC commercial, that is now playing on TV. Turn it off and get active.
     I think its healthy to feel these feelings, acknowledge them and get out of them as soon as you can.  Because when I've purged myself out of these toxic feelings I come up with creative ways to keep me happy, like starting this blog for instance. When I'm back to ME, I am ready once again to take the challenge and do it all over again.

#lovebeinganactor @cadena3