My First Ever Blog

I have now entered the newest, and by far, most exciting phase of my life thus far...the blog phase. And why, all of a sudden, do I feel the need to inform others of the goings on of my life? Why at twenty two do I now feel the void left empty by the lack of blogging all those years? Because I've finally moved to NEW YORK!! I have to admit it was never a life long dream of mine to be here in this city. For the better part of high school I didn't even want to pursue performing as a career. And college was a nightmare, trying to build up the courage and convince myself that I could potentially live in this city and make a living doing what I do. So now I'm here, and as is the way with my pessimistic self, I have to say that though it is all "hustle and bustle" and though I have not been able to get to sleep at a reasonable tie since I have arrived, New York is a big city just like so many other big cities. Of course it's such a mecca for the arts and the center of so much in the business world, but when you get right down to it, it's just another place where people live and work and try to live their lives to the best of their abilities. The one thing I will say is a huge change is the attitudes of the people. It's amazing what a little southern hospitality will do to these people. Let them go first onto the subway, say "excuse me" politely as you dodge them on the sidewalk, apologize for their bags hitting you as they pass, and it throws them completely off their game. Kindness is so rare up hear and though I would never go so far to say that the majority of them are mean, I would have to describe them as inconsiderate, or selfish. It just the differences in culture. But don't worry mom and dad, I'm determined to change their ways.

As you know I've been auditioning as much as I possibly can this week. I've been going to what are called EPA's, or "Equity Principal Auditions" and ECC's, or "Equity Chorus Calls". In and EPA, generally they aren't looking for anyone to actually come in and play any of the roles. All roles are cast primarily through agents scheduled auditions (I'll explain in a second), or simply offered to people of notable talent. BUT, the good thing about them is that they allow you to sing and perform in front of casting directors who, after seeing you a number of times, start to remember you and invite you in for more auditions. ECC's, UGH, are pretty annoying. This is where that magical, mystical thing known as type will bite you in the rear end. For the Catch Me If You Can call, they invited us into the room in groups of fifteen, told us to talk amongst yourselves (so I awkwardly looked like I was in on another groups conversation) and then announced who they would like to have stay and sing for them, based on appearance and other factors I may not be privy to at this point in time. Needless to say, I was cut from the audition without having to make a sound. Not a problem. I do understand that the majority of the jobs I'm going to get are going to have to come from agent auditions which brings me to the next exciting topic of my first week here.

Through friends and connections I was able to get appointments with several great agencies here in the city. This past week I met with Michael Rodriguez of The Roster Agency. He was a lovable guy with a lot of interesting and enlightening things to say about agents and this business. He reduced my naiveté pertaining to the industry by a fraction of an inch and I'm hoping that the ones I have scheduled for next week will do the same. At the end of the interview he told me he liked me and that he would love for me to set up a time to sing for him and have a bit of an audition so that he can determine whether or not he would like to sign me. Once you're with an agent, it doesn't mean you have to work any less, but it does mean that they can (hopefully) set you up with appointments to see certain casting directors and creative teams that would be, hmmm, very difficult to do by yourself. I have high hopes for these agent interviews and am determined to sign with one of them soon. I'll right more as more happens.

I believe this blog has rambled on long enough, and though I still have so much to say, I feel like you may be getting tired of reading and there are probably so many fascinating YouTube videos or CloudyNights forum posts calling your name, so I'll let you go. I'll try to start taking more pictures so that I can share them with you all here and give you a more accurate portrayal of my life here in the city. Love you mom and dad.

TV Series: Veronica Mars s2, Flash Forward s1, Modern Family s1, Glee s1, and Parks and Recreation s1.

Text Twist Score: 18,000 (just dropped down from 120,000...darn)

Paul