Two weeks after the election ... what have we learned.

"Two weeks after the election and it has been a little not so good, kinda bad", that was me paraphrasing Saturday Night Live's Sketch: Weekend Update.  If you haven't seen it, its a sketch comedy show.  Two anchors deliver the news in satirical fashion.  They were right on point on Saturday's show.  I'm glad a show in a major network is open to talk about the "majority of the country's" view on the results of the 2016 Presidential Election.

Right after the election there was this sadness across the country.  The news that Hillary Clinton did

not win the presidency said a lot of things about the country.  America is a country divided.  America is bigoted and a sexist country.  The entire world saw it.  They saw the country's weakness.  This was made public by President Elect Donald Trump as he broadcast his feelings openly to the world about woman and people of color.  Speaking clearly I feel his comments perhaps have now generalized all of us into one big negative stereotype.  I hope he has not built a wall within the country.

Quite the majority of the nation seems to be afraid that Trump and his assigned entourage may start deporting people because of their status of their legality. Primarily his changes appear aimed at Latinos.  Will we be forced to wear a badge to show that we belong here?  Meanwhile the President Elect is busy trying to figure out how he will spend half his time at the white house and half his time at his New York residence.

Many young college and high school students have taken to the streets in protest of what they think Donald Trump may have in mind "Making America Great Again". Does Donald Trump mean to say "Make America White Again"?

I have talked to many people from blue collar and white collar Latinos and most have resigned themselves to the results of the election and have taken on a "lets see what happens" kind of attitude.  I don't think Latinos can afford to have this attitude.  What do we know about Trump? We know that he finds loopholes in the law and he is not afraid to use them.  He does not always follow the rules and may break them at any opportunity.  In some news releases he appears to degrade women.

We cannot rely on the system to stop him from making laws that do not represent the Latinos of our country.  We really have to gather with our hearts and minds to implement a plan against what may be coming.

Personally, what bothers me the most about the President Elect is the fact he avoided paying taxes and he has used bankruptcy, as if it were going out of style, to get him out of financial responsibility.  I watched my immigrant parents lose their businesses and pay every cent they owed, even if they had to work 2 jobs and miss their kids lives in the process. I watched two good people work so hard to make an "honest living".  That is the reality for most of immigrants in this country.

All citizens pay taxes.  The money he avoided paying many feel he owes our country.  It's time for payback. That money could have helped to clean the streets, build education and assist governmental agencies.

If I avoided to pay my taxes, I would get bullied by the IRS until I paid them.  If I still don't pay  the IRS will garnish my wages.  Can you image that they would come after little me.  Regardless,  I still have to pay my taxes, there is no loophole for me.

What am I doing about it, well I am expressing my opinion.  I am writing about it and I'm sharing it.
And I'm using my journalistic outlets to make people think.  I have been elected "Reina de Latinos Unidos L.A", and I plan to use my position to reach out.

Let us Latinos unite and think and take action!


/jc

Bird Watching - The New Hobby!

I should say, Bird Watching - The New Hobby, for me.

I was looking for something new to do for my upcoming birthday celebration.
I wanted something different, something that I enjoyed, not too strenuous.  Did I mention I was looking for something new?

 A colleague forwarded me the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society newsletter - for Nature Education and the Conservation of Wildlife which mentioned the "Bird Watch Hike" held on the day of my birthday.  It sounded great.  It was held at Towsley Canyon,  the perfect distance away.

Louis, my bf and I, started early Saturday morning.  Since we had already committed to it, I was not going to let us back down.  We have a history of flaking on things like these.

We were one of the first to arrive. Already there was Roger, wearing white sneakers, khaki pants, a white polo shirt, and a hat that matched his pants. On his shoulders rested an amazing camera with a lens that would reach out and capture birds miles away.  The camera was supported by a sling.

About 10 people gathered at the parking lot of Towsley Canyon that Saturday morning.   I noticed everyone was dressed very appropriately for the hike, except, of course, Louis and I.  We both were wearing sweat pants and a t-shirt. Everyone else was equipped with snacks, UV Ray repellent gear.

I was surprised that almost as soon as we started the hike the group stopped.

I turned and saw a flock of bird watchers calmly looking through binoculars at a small avian hidden from the eyes of the uninterested jogger or hiker, but for us, it stood out.

The pace of the walk was slow, just perfect enough to stop along the way.  Someone would point and we would all gather around trying to find the bird within the trees.  "It's at one o'clock, from the dead branch in front of us" someone would share.  All of our interested eyes peeked through our binoculars to discover what kind of bird would take the time to show itself off to us.

Picture from San Fernando Valley Audubon Society -  House Finch

I would point when I saw what seemed like an insignificant sparrow.  We would stop, raise our binoculars to our eyes and enjoy it's splendor.

I got to see one of my favorite birds, a Woodpecker and I got to see a sparrow and several other birds that I might otherwise have missed.

Roger shared some of his birdwatching humor. "A birdwatcher can't tell the difference between a house or a Buick", Roger said half chuckling to himself.  He never explained that a House and a Buick are types of birds for us newbies.

I liked watching the birds, and noticed that my bf, Louis enjoyed the bird watching activity also.  It  was interesting for me to discover the personality of the people in the group.  They were all so very knowledgable

about birds and nature. All of them were in some form or another involved with the environment.

Birdwatching was a lovely experience that made me feel grounded.  I saw and appreciated the beauty in nature, I might otherwise have  spent that time on my cellphone.

We headed back. It was a great way to start my birthday celebration.

JC


For more info on "BirdWatching" go to:

https://www.facebook.com/sfvaudubon/
http://www.sfvaudubon.com

Keedie's Corner Gets Personal with Actress JC Cadena

I am so happy to share with you my exclusive interview with Keedie's Corner, an online magazine.

*****

Hi. I'm JC Cadena. I live in Los Angeles, California. I am an actress. I am theatrically trained and I am now making my transition into television and film.

Q.  How long have you been pursuing acting seriously?

A.  I was performing in theatre before I totally committed to pursuing an acting career in 2012.  At the time I was

working in production. I would work a full day and then run to the opposite side of town in mid “rush hour” and rehearse for weekend performances.  I would do this 4 days out of the 5 day work week.

It wasn't easy making the choice.  I traded stability for the opposite. But it was time for me to make the jump, everything in my life at that moment led to this decision. Life really pushed me. I could feel a good "kick in the ass" pushing me towards acting. I've always been a performer ever since I can remember.  So after careful consideration, I jumped in.

Q.  What type of movies did you grow up on?

A.  I grew up watching Mexican Rancheras movies and Mexican game shows.  And American television.  I loved to read and watch scary films every since I can remember.  I think it’s because when I was young my cousins and I use to sit outside near the basketball court during the summer and tell each other ghost stories. I grew up on Stephen King books.

Q.  Who are some of your influences?

A.  My mother is an influence even today.  She was buried in 2016. I always saw her as this beautiful angelic being.  She was beautiful with model looks and I loved her very much.  Her light guides me still.

Tom Hardy is an influence. He is such a great actor and his choices are extraordinary.  I really look up to his acting delivery.  I think stars such as Cate Blanchett, who make it all about their acting and not about their personal life, are great examples of artists I would like to have my career mirror.

A producer friend, Michelle Chydzik, is an influence in my life.  She taught me that a woman can have it all. She was a wife, a mother and a producer.  She was on point and always got to the office before anyone else got there.

Q.  How was it for you growing up?

A.  Earlier in my childhood I had a lot of freedom.  I could explore places alone and I was adventurous.  I have memories as early as 6 years old walking home from school alone.  When my family moved from Quito, Ecuador to Virginia in the US, that changed completely.  We did not have a lot of family around, things were so much bigger in America.  I could no longer be adventurous so I turned to reading.  I spent a lot of my time using my imagination.  I would also write songs, poems and I enjoyed singing, that is, until I graduated from high school.  I worked to try to find myself a lot, and had great experiences that let me know I'm blessed and that I have a purpose here.

Q.  Did you always want to be an actress growing up?

A.  I wanted to be a singer first.  I loved singing.  I sang at school and at church.  But somewhere along the line I got disappointed by it, by the people around it, so I stopped singing for a long time. When I moved to LA I fell back in love with music.  Well actually, I fell in love with music on a trip to Paris. LA has a great indie music scene. I don't understand why there are songs that play again and again on the radio, when there are so many bands that can share their stuff.

In LA it was easy to find music and art.  It is everywhere.  I put together a band and played around Hollywood. It was fun, but again I distanced myself from it at one point and found Acting.  I remember when I made the decision to move to LA, there was the me that wanted to act, but I got so caught up with finding stability that a full time job made sense at the time.  So I forgot about it.

But acting found me again and here I am, an actress.

Q.  What have you been working on? Any up and coming shows to be on the lookout for?

A.  I’ve shot a couple of projects for TV and film.  I finished a play titled “Sabado Mornings”, written by George Corbin and directed by Melvin Ishmael Johnson.  It was a collaboration with Ben Guillory who is Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director for the Robey Theatre.  You can look forward to seeing me in a project titled "ED Blues”, written by Butch Dubarri. It is a musical comedy. I think everyone is going to enjoy it.  It has great lines and great music.  

CHAINSAW, my production company, for films of all genres, is working with producer Barney Cohen on a film titled, STAR 69. The first feature is a Zombie picture.   I'm very excited about this film.  It will make you Laugh, make you Hot, and make you Scream.

Q. What actress/actors and producers have you worked with?

A. Before I decided to be an actress I worked in production after graduating from George Mason University.  I've been in shows with Bill Clinton, Will Smith, Julia Roberts and Adam Sandler to name a few great names. 

Q.  Which do you prefer, being on stage or on film?

A.  I cannot say whether I prefer stage or film more. The stage requires a lot of work and commitment. After I am done with the show, I often still feel like the character.  It is a process.  So I gravitate to film as a break.  Film is here and now and I don't take those emotions with me. It is difficult to choose. I love them both equally.

Q.  Which one of your characters have you connected with the most?

A.  This is a hard question.  The role I just played in “Sabado Mornings”, Rosa, I connected to a lot. Rosa loved people.  She had a young outlook on life and a positive one, yet she had a deep secret holding her back. In some ways I am very much like Rosa. I enjoy people. I have an optimistic look on life, at least I think so.

Q. How do you deal with the industry and pressure to perform?

A.  It takes a lot of energy, a great support system and a good and positive outlook to pursue acting.  Honestly, at first the pressure lies in booking the job not in performing.  Performing is the reward.

Q.  For you to feel successful as an actress what are some goals you would like to accomplish?

A.  At this point in my life I feel successful that I am where I am in my performance level.  I can feel the difference.  And I am grateful. I would like to get to the next level of course.  This year I'm really focusing on the film industry.  For me to feel successful I would like to be performing more lead roles in film and making a bigger name for myself.  And I’d like to use this platform to help the community.

Q.  What level of success would you have to reach to feel as if you made it?

A.  I would like to get an “EGOT”, (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar,Tony). That would be a dream come true. I use visualization as a form of relaxing on stage.  Sometimes I visualize my Oscar speech.  They say if you are going to dream, dream big. Right?

Q.  What would you like to be remembered for when its all said and done and the lights go out?

A.  I would like to be an inspiration to people encouraging them to chase their dreams, and to be kind to each other. 

★☆★☆★Flame Time★☆★☆★

Q.  Do you have any “shout outs”?

A.  A “shout out” to Keedie's Corner and Mike Ice who reached out to me and are giving me this opportunity to speak my mind. A “shot out” to my family.  And to all my people in Ecuador after the earthquake tragedy, blessings to you. 

Q.  Let the readers know where they can go to watch your performances?

A.  To find out more about me and my performances visit my website, www.jccadena.com.  I am always updating. You can read an extensive bio, sign up for my blog, titled; “Adventures in Actorland".  I share advice and experiences on the road to becoming a professional actress. You can contact me there as well. Plus you will find a link to all my social media sites.  

Q.  Any words of wisdom? Whatever is in your heart just speak it?

Words of wisdom from me …. work on your passion everyday, feed it, nourish it, love it.

Click here to see actual interview: keedies-corner-gets-personal-with-actress-jc-cadena/

Feel The Moment - Allow, Accept and Include

If you are one of those people that never cries,  am talking to you.  Cry, please cry.

So many of us have had some really difficult life experiences.  We have cried so much that now, a wall has gone up.

This wall of toughness, of pushing that feeling out and replacing it with something else may work perhaps.  I'm  here to tell you to stop it. It often helps to experience your feelings even if it is a feeling of sadness or helplessness.  For me, I had pushed all emotion aside to the point where I did not even know what I was feeling.  I chose to go to therapy for five years to understand and bounce off the emotions I was feeling.  I didn't even know I was angry.

I am not suggesting you have a mental break down at work or at a networking event.  But definitely

don't wait till you've been at a party and you have had a few too many and out come the flood gates. If you catch yourself getting to that place, I suggest excusing yourself and heading home.

Take the time to sit on the couch and acknowledge what you are experiencing, feel the moment.  Feel whatever you are feeling right then and there.  If it's anger, then acknowledge it. If it's sadness and you need to cry, cry.  If it's embarrassment, then sit with that feeling and let your body succumb to it.    If you can't figure out what it is, perhaps that moment of confusion is just a moment that will soon pass.  And once you've allowed yourself to let the moment pass,  you have purged yourself from toxins in your body in a healthy way.  In a kind way.

Feelings don't always have to be "down" feelings.  Make sure you also celebrate the moments that are happy.

As a creative, it is a healthier way to live with so many emotions in us.

Allow,  Accept and Include, are the words I have in my mind all the time.  Allow, accept and include. allow, accept and include......

jc cadena

Happy Memorial Day

To all you beautiful people who have fought for our country, America.  I remember you today
and thank you.  Thank you for the freedom we experience. Because of your hard work we are blessed
to live here.  Amen

Waiting for the Call!

I was anxiously waiting for a call from a director.  I was hoping that my hard work and dedication will get me hired in one of his next productions.  When he finally called, he was not, "hey beautiful and talented JC, I would like to hire you for my next show."  But, in reality, it was, "Hey JC I think you should take my workshop I'm teaching."  $$$

(Part of me thinks, "of course I got this type of call - of course I did. ")

On the other hand, I'm kind of burnt out from teachers.  I mean, to tell you the truth, my past teachers have not been all that supportive or at least not the type of support I would have hoped for.  So I've been wondering where I was going to go study next.  'Cause I definitely need a certain type of environment to study in.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not insulted by the fact he asked me to pay to take one of his classes.  When I'm working I don't take classes, because I'm working on my craft on stage and I spend all the time doing that. But when I'm not working I always get myself to a class.  I'm always learning.  

It just wasn't the call that I wanted.  I wanted to be hired for his next show. And I wanted to get paid as an actor. 

Well anyway, I entertained the possibility of working together. But, I thought, how will I know if our acting is the same type of acting.  So I decided to ask him a question on what his thoughts were on a certain performance we had both seen.  Unfortunately, our opinions differed greatly, in fact a lot.  So how can I now study with a teacher that I know has a different opinion of the actor I am or want to be.   

Should I give this director/teacher a try (Although the cost he was asking was high for me).
After all it was disappointing because I was expecting a call to be hired rather than a call that would drain my pocket book. Perhaps I'll learn something new about myself or even get better.  Now I am being very optimistic.

What do you think?

But first,  I am looking forward to a vacation in July.    jc

I'm just not that adventurous without acting.

Perhaps I should be more adventurous in my personal life. I am quiet calm I would say.  I mean my favorite thing to do is hang out at home and watch a movie with my loved ones.  But this means that I get really comfortable and stay indoors.

The only way of really being adventurous is in my acting. I will travel to and go anywhere for, and if it wasn't for acting I wouldn't really get to see all these amazing things around me.  I'm just not that adventurous without acting.

I know some people say, make sure not to make your life, acting, but that is impossible.  I am always

working, always and when you get popular you work even more. There is no time for hanging out and having a good old time.  The time that I do have I spend, marketing,  learning lines, rehearsal, preparing, relaxing until shoot day.

When someone tries to push me in my personal life out of that comfort I don't do well either.   I will go at my leisure I cannot be pushed to do something I haven't done before like Surfing, just as an example.  It had to be done like I am learning a new thing and step by step slowly until I get used to it.

Anyway, thank you acting for being the adventure in my life.

Marketing for Actors

 At an early age I was shy about the things I really wanted.

When I first started in my entertainment career I was really shy on set and even though it was the best thing in the world, I spent a lot of time at aww of everything around me.  Everything was new and I enjoyed watching the Producer yelling all the important last minute executive decisions to getting lunch for everyone in production.  I got to do a lot of wonderful things, one of them being riding a golf cart as fast as possible on Capitol Hill lawn in Washington D. C..

What I exuded in eagerness I lacked in ability to make lasting connections. As an actor or a person who works in the entertainment industry, these connections are important.  You never know when they will pay off down the road.  And you will make friends for a lifetime.

How do you do this without coming out desperate, or just plain awkward and naive? You have to market yourself.

The most important thing on set is knowing who is who.  Hint: One way to know this on the set of a film, in an independent production, is by looking at their walkies.  Most of them halve the name and position of the crew written on a white tape across it. 87% will be wearing the proper walkie. So if the director approaches, casually look at his walkie and then you'll know his name.

Now you you've let him know you are smart, you know his name.  You can even introduce yourself and bam, you are a golden child.  People love when you remember their name.

The most important thing on set is knowing who is who.  Hint: One way to know this on the set of a film, in an independent production, is by looking at their walkies.  Most of them halve the name and position of the crew written on a white tape across it.   So if the director approaches, casually look at his walkie and then you'll know his name.

Try to remember people's names so you can use this again when you casually walk past each other.
Google Hermine Hilton, a expert on memory writes book on memorizing names, she has helped me.
Begin by doing this marketing campaign for you, you will get a great reputation.

Good luck,

JC

Pictures on set for The End
 

Mother Your Light Shines Forever In My Heart

"Mother your light shines forever in my heart. Over and over you sacrificed your needs for mine. There will be my endless devotion to your love. Holding the weight of my challenges in your hands.  Even though I didn’t understand.  Repeatedly you forgave me and held me in your arms."   

by JC Cadena

On Mother’s day we honor our mothers for all the sacrifices they have made for us.  They have unconditionally given their bodies, their hearts, their lives, their love,  so we can live and rejoice.  I will reflect and honor her memory on this day.  If you are lucky enough to have your mother close, this is the day to tell her how special she is.  I encourage you to get sentimental, a hug, a kiss on the cheek, a single flower, a poem, to show a feeling of love or gratitude.

It’s not how big your gift is, but how big your heart is. Make that day special for her.  Just as she made you feel special on those days you felt low.

Tell her about the special memory you have.  Perhaps you still remember that day you felt sick or sad and she made  your favorite meal to heal you.  Or she bought you that toy, you really weren't suppose to have.  Tell her that now.

On this day its about our expression and respect for her.  If you are hesitant; perhaps, you've distanced yourself from her.  On Mother’s day break that wall and tell her you love her.  This is it.  This is your chance.

Honor her as the Greeks honored their mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele.  Honor her as the faithful were lead back to honor the mother church. And honor her the best way you know how, let yourself be that child that cried for her and love her.

Working Hard - Yep We Do That!

Playing "Rosa" in Sabado Mornings, by playwright, George Corbin, has been a very rewarding challenge.

With any play, I fall back on knowing that I am talented and  that I can get things done, meaning I can act and I do it well.  But, this attitude is the attitude that gets me in trouble.  Just because God gave me talent it doesn't mean I'm exempt from having to do the homework.  I still have to study and put in the practice time. And I have to go over the script again and again so that its fresh on my mind.

Whoever those people are that don't have to the homework, God Bless them, cause that is not me.


I've realized that, yes,  I have to put in the work when it comes to acting.  That means turning off the TV when I'm going over my lines, reviewing the script, getting together with my partner in order to run lines and initiating those phone calls to get together.

And I need to refraining from any extra curricular activities, if you know what I mean. Plus, I need to get rest in order to be my best.

To be honest its tough to work independently, to have to push myself and not fall sleep and watch TV like I really want to.  But I have to say, the effort I put in is rewarding, when the audience connects with the character you are portraying.  Like on today's performance, a member of the audience shared with me that I had made her cry.  The playwright was in the audience and I turned around and I told him,  "George we made her cry". We were both happy.

Regardless of all the hard work, lines will sometimes slip by.  I'll talk about that on another blog.

If you haven't heard,  I am from Ecuador and recently my country had a 7.9 Earthquake which hit the coast.  That emotional weight has been tough on me but  I've managed best as I can.  It wouldn't be right if I didn't even mention this because its part of my performance.

What is the lesson for today boys and girls.  Well, it is do the homework.  If you want to be the best, you have to work and work hard and then and only then will you be the best.

Now, what are you waiting? Do your homework.

JC


I will be playing Rosa for one more weekend, April 29, 30 and May 1st, 2016. For more information or to buy tickets please go to     http://tinyurl.com/sabado-mornings

To donate to help Ecuador after the earthquake go to: 
 https://www.redcross.org/donate/disaster-relief  

Count Your Blessings!

"I am so excited." These words I have been using a lot on every video I've been making.
But it is true to how I have been feeling about my life, EXCITED.  I look at my life and realize how blessed I am for having all that I have.  I think it is important for one to count blessings.  I usually do this in the morning and it has made me appreciate my life that much more.

Our breath is a blessing, waking up in the morning is a blessing, the sun shining on our skin, is a blessing. And I'm that much more blessed that I get to follow my passion.

I've been working on one project and another project right after. Currently, I am working on my next
project, SABADO MORNINGS, an original play by George Corbin, directed by Melvin Ishmael Johnson, starring yours truly, me... JC Cadena.  I will be performing the two first weekends of the show March 22nd March 29.

I discover something new everytime I step on stage.  I become aware of so many different things.  I've discovered the actual "play" within the play.  You know what I mean, right?  Play, the verb, the action of playing, and playing on stage.  That is happening with me and "I am so excited," about it.  It reminds me of my childhood, how I played in the mud, played in the sand and had the most fun.

If you are striving to be the best as I am with acting, I hope for you to have the same discoveries I have had.  I hope you enjoy and play on stage, just like you played completely when you were a child.

Now what are you waiting for, go play! Count Your Blessings!


JC

SABADO MORNINGS - by Playwright George Corbin Starring "JC Cadena"
I will be playing Rosa for one more weekend, April 29, 30 and May 1st, 2016. For more information or to buy tickets please go to     http://tinyurl.com/sabado-mornings

To donate to help Ecuador after the earthquake go to: 
 https://www.redcross.org/donate/disaster-relief 

Sabado Mornings - I'm performing, come check it out.

Singing; Heart, Mind & Voice

I've started to meditate today. And I feel very good about it. As an actor I feel this is very helpful to me.  It exercises my focus.  When I'm on stage I'm focused.  I don't think about "oops I forgot do my laundry," or "I gotta pay my phone bill."  I have to let everything else go.

It is an exercise to keep negative thoughts away from interfering with my goal and that takes focus.

I started singing yesterday. I should say, I started singing classes.  I haven't been singing for two years.  It is always the hardest thing for me.  I showed up to class, late. I walk in to see that I am the oldest there and they are already vocalizing.  Plus these girls voices are just beautiful and they are professional already.

I sit in the circle and I join in the exercise.  I felt rusty, my breath was off, but I still have a good ear to pick up the pitch.

Singing is one of my biggest fears.  Now I am faced with it.  One on one.

But sitting in that room I felt confortable.  I remember that feeling you can get from singing, interpreting a song and losing myself in it.  My teacher, Lula Ross, said that singing requires a trinity; heart, mind and voice.  Which I thought was beautiful.

(L to R) Singer Liz Eve, Singing Teacher Lula Ross and JC Cadena

I have an audition coming up for a musical. They know I have acting chops, now they are just waiting for me to sing for them.  And I'm trying my best not to talk myself out of it.

I've worked through my stage fright and I feel I"m always working on improving my acting.  I can manage dancing with the proper instructor.  And now here I am again, singing.



This is a new adventure for me.  I'm excited to see where it will take me.

JC

"Ecuador Has Talent" is Looking for You!

Growing up I was involved in talent contests and I enjoyed them.  My work with
"Comision Permanente de Fiestas Patrias Ecuatorianas (CPFPE) " has given me the opportunity to work with "Ecuavisa's Ecuador Tiene Talento", a very successful reality show in Ecuador which returns again in 2016.  This time to ..., you guessed it, Los Angeles, California.    

"Ecuador Has Talent" will be in Los Angeles March 20th and 21st auditioning talent.  They will be looking to find talent of any ethnicity to participate in it's star search.  There is no age requirement and producers are welcoming variety acts of all types specially those that break the traditional norms.  

The production team of CPFPE which includes Actress - JC Cadena, Host - Gio Galarza, and Producer - Octavio Red will collaborate with the 

Ecuavisa team and Host, Jonathan Estrada, to produce this grand event in Los Angeles.

Contestants will have 2 minutes in front of judges to show their "TALENTO".  Those who are selected during casting will travel to Ecuador with all expenses paid to compete for $30,000 at the season finale.

I am very blessed to be part of this production team.  I have the opportunity to work with Ecuavisa in showcasing "artists" who want to win the world over. You are invited!

"ECUADOR HAS TALENT"  
CASTING  - LOS ANGELES

SUNDAY 20 MARCH 9 A.M.

8039 S. VERMONT AVE. 
LOS ANGELES CA 90044

Call for more information (562) 565-4417 or you can send me a message.

I'm proud of myself today for listing to my instincts and sticking with them.

If you remember my last blog, we talked about not "under estimating the room".  Well, kids, I just have to say and I actually listened to myself.  I for some reason felt nervous today and I spent most of the day "taking inventory" to relax, going over my monologue so I wouldn't take it for granted.  And let me tell you it paid off.  I even had a cold and I rocked it.  So I'm proud of myself today for listing to my instincts and sticking with them.

Even though there were distractions along the way.  In the morning the 5 was closed, when I take the 5 to Santa Ana, where I had my performance.  So I had to pay attention to the road to see the other route option and I made it on time.  This sort of traffic thing would of freaked me out normally.  Raising my signals in frantic mode.  This time it did not.  And by the time I got to the theatre my cold was getting progressively worse.  As we speak I am sipping on some Theraflu, prescribed by my personal doctor.

But I had to write about it. I had to tell you my success and hope that you listen to my advice you don't have to use it. But just in case some day you need it, it has been stored in your memory banks.

I'm going to finish this short blog so I can rest for tomorrow, when I have to do it all over again.

Love Hollywood,

JC

Don't Under Estimate The Room

It's all about the room, the audition room.  You have to learn the audition room quickly.  What kind of mood it is in. And to adjust accordingly.  It will just help with the performance.

Today I went in with a real attitude and comfort in my ability to convey the message.  It was dress rehearsal for one of my next performances.   I sat there waiting for my turn to go up.  I was confident

I wouldn't need any kind of relaxation exercise before I went up.  I casually sat there, listening to the

entire play.  Of course you have to be familiar with the play.  But I've done the play before.  I let my confidence skip over my preparation.  So when it came down to performing I realized I was a little nervous and somewhat unprepared.

Overall I was not entirely happy with my performance.  There were a few things that I did enjoy, some moment to moment work.  Of course my body movement was organic. I wasn't connected completely.

Just because it was something I had done before I didn't prepare as well as I should have.  And this is not an attitude that I need to have.  I need to change that attitude.  I need to be practicing constantly and prepare myself as much as possible.

Regardless of what the stage, what the project, what the audition may be, prepare the same as if it was Carnegie Hall.  At the end of the day it is my name I endorse.

Don't under estimate the room!

JC
visit my website:  www.jccadena.com

Things Get Emotional Sometimes

Things get emotional sometimes, especially when your emotions are open as they are when you are
an artist. And they become overwhelming.  This just happened to me.

This past month I've been reminded of how fragile life is.  How someone can be here with us in this world and gone to the next.  Elba Berruz passed this month, a political leader for the Ecuadorian community.  I had the great opportunity to meet her and work with her and get to know her.  This loss opened old wounds, my Mother's death which tears me up, my Grandma's death.

I didn't want to do very much.  I stayed indoors for a couple of days, my dog was great motivation to get up.  That is what I do when things get a little emotional sometimes.  Today during the Grammy's broadcast a tribute to Glen Frey, from the Eagles, was performed.  They played, Take It Easy the first song I learned to play on Guitar.  Paul Mayer had passed last year, my great friend and awesome guitar teacher came to mind. He taught me to play guitar and he made it fun.

I remember all 30 some folks in class playing our guitars and singing simultaneously.  It was so fun. I still have some good friends from that class.

I realize life is precious.  And I ask myself, am I living?  or, Am I just looking at other people live their lives.

Sincerely,

JC

Our Mother's Daughters - Stage Reading

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.,I really enjoyed myself at last night's stage reading of "Our Mother's Daughter" at the Moments Playhouse 665 Heliotrope Drive, LA, CA 90004). A story about women living on skid row.  

I played, Kelly, it was a different role for me that the more dramatic roles I'm used to.  It gave me the lines to be funny, and have fun.  And at the same time deliver a good message. I pushed myself to be out there and thought perhaps I was a little bit over the top.  I am now listening to the audio, I don't sound over the top at all. 

I'm happy with how I performed and I realize that I am a natural

for comedy.  LOL

This week's message is : Enjoy every performance you do, push yourself and go to rehearsals, classes and have fun above all. 

Stay Happy, 

JC

"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." - Winston Churchill

I am not really good at catchy phrases in knowing them or understanding what they mean.  Until I really discovered I knew exactly what ""Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." - Winston Churchill" meant.
And I knew how this very appropriate phrase fit with my situation.

I had been feeling a little bit overwhelmed recently and I was not attending my acting class I needed a break.  I felt like I needed more time to rest and the one thing I could lean back on was "acting class."  My acting teacher was not very happy with this and he told me as he addressed the class, that really if I was doing what I loved I wouldn't be feeling overwhelmed or tired, what I should be feeling is the love for having the opportunity to get up and practice what I say I want to do.

So, after thinking about this.  He is absolutely right.

Today being a new day and after last night's epiphany, I approached rehearsal with love and appreciation.



I can tell you, I didn't love the traffic, or the long distance drive.

What I appreciated was that time I spent on my feet. I get to play.

Approach whatever it is you decide is your passion with joy.  Don't let the stress around you take the love away from it.

Saludos,

JC

SuperBowl Sunday!

by JC

Superbowl day and lots of people are excited.  But I don't really care.

I don't even know who is playing or what time it's all going on.

I'm not that impressive knowledgable lady fan who can talk the talk with the rest of the guys.

I have never been that girl and I've stopped trying.  But good for the girlies who have it in them to pay attention to a pigskin ball for like what it seems like 10 hours.  The game: a pigskins stuffed oval shape football tossed from one side of the field to the other.  Men get injured. and we cheer that they are tackled to the ground, over and over and over again until they reach the other side.

What I do know; I once saw a documentary on how these same celebrated athletes after their career where left with very serious HEALTH issues.

I'm not completely out of the celebration however. Honestly, I'm celebrating the real reason this un-official holiday was made up. To eat, and binge on our favorite foods and snacks.

Yeah, America!, we can get fat and get heart disease together (1 in 3 women will suffer from Heart Disease).  So just like all my fellow Americans I'm making sure I'm eating all my favorite foods.  Yes sir, I'm binge-ing.  After I'll indulge myself by laying down probably watching a movie on Netflix on my iPad, while everyone around me is rooting for their favorite team.  Of course I'll pause just in time to watch the half time show to join the country in "The Star Spangled Banner".
Lets Binge America.  Happy SuperBowl Sunday!



#netflix #superbowlSunday #cadena3

Work on Your Dream a Little Every Day

I'm so blessed.
It's been a real busy January thus far.  I have been performing in the following projects:

On the Set of Swing State with Actor Alex Beh.

*"Sabado Mornings" - > stage reading -> 4 week run play, March- April;
*The 1st 24 Hour Theatre Project (which I Directed);
*I played a waitress in a movie titled "Swing State";
*I turned in the first draft of the horror movie that I am writing -> new draft due February 15th, 2016;
*"If the SHU Fits" -> stage reading;
*The movie "Past Due" -> Cast as Bienvenida -> March- April shooting schedule.

I've done all of those things and we are only 3 weeks into the new year.
I am so blessed.  All these opportunities give me a chance to work on my craft and to get better at it.

One of the things I am working on for 2016, is to listen to direction and to listen to criticism openly.  It's been a really interesting self awareness time for me thus far.  And you know, I like listening.  I like feeling confidence in who I am, who I'm working with, and what I feel.  Honestly, I don't know where that is coming from but it sure feels right. 

Anyway, keep working on YOUR dream everyday. Don't let things get in the way.

Often I find myself letting other things take me in many directions. So I have put reminders around myself not to allow any forgetting of my dream. One of these reminders is a special cup of mine that reads "ACE ACTOR".  I have also programmed Siri to remind me everyday.  When asked my profession, I always refer to myself as an actress, and the first think I do every morning is an actor related task.

I'm here to tell you, whatever YOUR dream is, work at it daily.  Make a point of it.  Direct your thoughts toward it.  Trust yourself, the process will get easier after a while and projects will be coming your way.

Hugs,
jc

FREE FALLING

Well, no one understands the commitment it takes to be an actor in this town, unless you are an actor in this town.  I mean a serious actor - the struggle, the commitment, the sacrifice, the tenacity and the study.   I don't mean those actors whose parents paid their way for them to become actors, they are lucky, because acting does take money.

At times I sit in my car with my gas tank on empty driving to my audition.  The fact that I don't have money for gas is in my head, plus the anxiety that I'm running late, while the realization sets in that my GPS is taking me the opposite direction.

I arrive frantic, but as I go into that casting room I hug everyone.  "Hello, I'm here. OK, lets get started".   I read - and then it's over,  I say goodbye and leave the room.  I get back in my car and drive to the gas station hoping my 7 dollars in cash is enough to take me to visit a friend on the set of a film he is producing and acting in.

I mean, at least now I don't have the worry about the gas,  it's been replaced by the worry that I have less $7 in my account.  I go there and meet some wonderful people and have fun.

I'm not there begging for a part. I'm not desperate that I will do anything for a part (ha, ha).  In fact I didn't even want to really go there, but I am there, because I have a friend and if  I meet people I meet them, with no false pretense.  They know I'm an actress.  Just the fact that I live in LA and I'm in Hollywood basically screams "Actress".  I just told you the commitment it takes to be one. I can't now leave that passion at the door and forget about it.  It's a need, like the need to breathe. It's like that feeling you get when you are free falling.
No Guarantee.

This business is about networking, knowing people, but how can you get to know them when everyone thinks you want something from them. It's almost like they'll put up their dukes before you can say hello. But once in a while as an actor you have to stand up for yourself and say "enough"!  I'm not here for them to call me names, I'm not here because I want something from them.  I have something to bring and share with them and I also only desire to work with people I want to work with.  I love when people underestimate me.

Thanks for listening,

JC

Write Yourself a Part!

My New Year started with a Bang.  I won the Connect Four Tournament on New Year's Eve.  It was really a great night.

Since the new year I've been working on writing a horror script.  I've been working on this project since 2012.  I'm making revisions and a beat sheet to turn in to the Producer.

It's not easy getting started.  It seems I'm always waiting until the last minute to get things done.  I have a meeting next week to discuss the requested changes and beat sheet.  So I do have to be accountable for it. Which pushes me to write, and pushes me to do things I haven't done before.  And trust that he will like it.

My Goal is to have this film made.  I would be creating jobs and hire, actors, writers, camera men, etc.

My teachers always said if you are writing a script, write yourself a part.  I have done just that.

I can't wait to share this project with all of you in the near future.

Happy New Year 2016!.

It is never too early to start on your dream!
JC