January 2012: Music Video with Park Slope Films
After following the company Park Slope Films & Productions for the past few years (I was introduced to them after discovering their comedy Apostles of Park Slope), I decided to go and meet them at an art show they were attending in Brooklyn. I brought along my headshot and resume and asked them to keep me in mind for future projects. A year later I received a phone call asking me to be in a music video they were putting together for the local band, Neon Dynamite . The video is for their song “Outta Control” which you can listen to on their website. The shoot in Brooklyn was so fun I almost felt like I was at a real party! This was one of those wonderful examples of how networking really pays off. I’ve included a photo from the shoot and hope to put the entire video up soon. Enjoy!
January 2012: “Damages” – Emmy award winning television series
I was called in to work as a recurring hacker on the television show “Damages”. Tate Donavan directed the first episode I shot, and I worked alongside Rose Byrne (Bridesmaids) and Ryan Phillippe. The show has been picked up for two more seasons.
December 2011: Panasonic Telecommunications Industrial
I was cast as a car saleswoman for a Panasonic Industrial to be used in store demonstrations promoting the use of Panasonic products for car dealerships. We shot at Jack Daniels Audi in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. Carbon Productions is a wonderful company and I hope to have the opportunity to work with them again in the future.
December 2011: Police Cadet on CBS's "Blue Bloods"
This coming week I will be featured as a Police Cadet on CBS's "Blue Bloods", details on when to watch will follow!
October 2011: Featured in a photo and article for The Wall Street Journal
Another amazing opportunity presented itself courtesy of my job as a hair model for the company Bumble & bumble. Check out this article in the Wall Street Journal titled "Blow-Dry Diplomacy" that was posted on 20-Oct-2011 featuring yours truly.
October 2011: Cast in the television series "Fatal Encounters" with NBC Universal
I was cast by Peter Cook in Episode 103 of the crime reenactment television series "Fatal Encounters". This episode is a reenactment of the murder of Mark Fisher, a Fairfield University student that occurred in Brooklyn in 2003. We shot the episode in Prospect Park South on the same block as the original crime scene. We also shot scenes at various bars on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. My favorite scene was a driving montage through Times Square and other various tourist locales in Manhattan. The crew shot us from the back of their truck as we followed them, and then they strapped a camera to the hood of our car as we drove. It was a fun experience cruising through Manhattan with a camera on our hood; we also passed by plenty of curious gawkers!
September 2011: Cast in USA's "Royal Pains" Episode # 3014 in the role of Helena
I was cast as Helena in an amazingly innovative, hilarious, and guest star-packed episode of the wildly popular television series "Royal Pains". I was lucky enough to film this episode for two weeks outdoors in Long Island. We started with a week of closed rehearsals where I worked closely with the other actors and a special director that was flown in. Once we got to location I was blown away by the set that was constructed specifically for this episode. I also cannot give enough credit to the hair, make-up and costume department with whom I worked with for about 3 hours each morning getting ready. DeAnna Leslie was the casting director as well as the 2nd AD for the episode and she made the experience an absolute joy.
I also had the opportunity to work not only along side of the brilliant series regulars such as Mark Feuerstein and Paulo Costanzo, but guest stars like Tony Award winner Sutton Foster (Anything Goes) and Jake Webber ("Medium"). I played the character Helena, who is an actor alongside Sutton, Jake and Paulo in a community theatre production. I won't give away the details of this episode but I can promise it is one not to be missed. Tune in early 2012 to see new episodes for Season 3 of "Royal Pains" on USA.
September 2011: New fitness program with world renowned instructor J.B. Berns
J.B. Berns, creator of such trademarked work-outs as Urban Rebounding, has come up with a new series of work-out DVD's, Cardio Karate. I was cast as one of the fitness models to try out this new 60 day program. The program Cardio Karate will be released in 2012, to learn more about J.B. and this program visit his website at www.jbberns.com.
August 2011: The Chekhov Dreams: CALLBACKS
Every now and then an actor will read a breakdown for a character and think, "I can really related to her, I'd love to get a shot at this audition". Then if we are lucky enough to be chosen for the audition process we will receive sides (a portion of the script that highlights this characters range). Every once in a blue moon an actor will read these sides and think, "Not only can I relate to this character, I AM this character, I am the person who can bring her to life".This magical moment happened to me upon receiving sides for Chrissy in the play The Chekhov Dreams by John McKinney. It just so happened that John (the playwright) felt the same way upon meeting me at my initial audition that he choose me as one of the final candidates for Chrissy. As the pool of actresses for Chrissy started at around 500, 4 were invited to attend the callbacks with John and his director. After a private scene study with John and a few days alone with the script to get off-book, I felt prepared. At the callback I felt alive, in the moment, and possessing authentic chemistry with the actor playing opposite of me. As of now, production is still in the process of making their final casting decisions, but I have been invited to participate in a table read of the entire script. I am extremely proud of my work with this character and hope the outcome is in my favor. The show is slated to go up Off-Broadway at The Manhattan Theatre Club in the spring of 2012.
August 2011: CBS's "Blue Bloods" - Standing-In for Carrie Underwood
The CBS drama "Blue Bloods" has become a staple in the lineup and just began production on its second season which will premiere September 23rd. For Episode 202, the legendary Tony Bennett and American Idol winner/country superstar Carrie Underwood made guest appearances. They sang a duet of the song "It Had To Be You" that they recorded for Tony's Duet II album that will be on shelves September 20th. I was Carrie's stand-in for the shoot. It was an amazing day to be standing on the stage with Tony and Carrie. Their live performance was truly magical. Days like these I pinch myself and say - "Someone is paying ME for this?" No business like show business! For a photo from the shoot and a clip of the duo singing together visit this website.
Wasn't the dress gorgeous! I felt like a princess wearing the same one as Carrie! For a picture of me in my dress visit my Facebook page.
July 2011: Representation with Maultsby Talent Agency in New York City
I am pleased to announce that I am free-lancing with Maultsby Talent Agency as they recently opened a New York Office. I formerly worked with this solid agency as developing talent in 2006 when I was starting my career in Wilmington, NC. Geoffrey is now submitting me for legit work in the New York and Southeast regions, he can be contacted at geoffrey@maultsbytalent.com. Please visit their website at www.maultsbytalent.com.
July 2011: Two Emmy nominated series featuring Lucy Spain air in July - “Louie” and “The Big C”
This summer New York is currently home to a record breaking 23 television shows. This is monumental and marks one of the busiest seasons this city has ever seen. This season also marks a huge step in my career, as I have been in two Emmy nominated series. My episodes of FX's “Louie”, Ep 204 - Joan, and Showtime's “The Big C” Ep 206 - The Little c, both aired this July as they were both simultaneously nominated for multiple Emmys. In “Louie”, written, directed, and starring comedian Louis C.K. I co-starred opposite of Joan Rivers playing a fan backstage in her dressing room. In “The Big C”, I am a member of Cathy's (Laura Linney) high school swim team. If you missed these episodes please check them out on hulu.com or iTunes, and be sure to watch the 63rd Prime time Emmy Awards on Sunday, September 18th and root for "Louie" and "The Big C". As always, thank you for your support!
June 2011: "Girls", Lena Dunham's new project
I am a huge admirer of Lena Dunham. She is the Tina Fey of my generation. She put her name on the map with her feature film, “Tiny Furniture”, in 2010. She wrote, directed, and starred in the independent film that is a fictionalized version of her life all with the minimal budget of around 50K. It features her real life mother, sister, and friends all essentially playing themselves. The film revolves around Aura's (Lena) recent completion of college, return to her Mother's home in Manhattan, and the question that haunts all of us in our 20's - "what's next?"
After being extremely well received and successful in the festival circuit, Lena got another project, a spin-off in a sense, with the helping hand of modern comedic genius, Judd Apatow. The project "Girls", which is rumored to be picked up by HBO is currently shooting here in Manhattan, calling Silver Cup Studios its home base. Being a fan of “Tiny Furniture”, as soon as I got word the project was in production I was dying for the chance to work on it in any capacity. My dream came true when I was offered the opportunity to stand-in for Jemima Kirke, one of Lena's real life friends who plays Jessa. Jemima is an artist from Brooklyn, her acting debut was as Charlotte in “Tiny Furniture”. I'm positive audiences will fall in love with her unaffected whimsical charm all over again. Lena Dunham is one of the best writers out there right now, and I am a firm believer that with solid writing comes a solid project. For your own good, keep an eye out for "Girls", you will laugh, cry, and possibly pee your pants, but don't say I didn't warn you. . .
June 2011: AFTRA's Open Doors 2011
This year marked my second year as a member of the union AFTRA (The American Federation of Film, Television, and Radio Artists), and therefore enabled me to attend my second AFTRA Open Doors event. AFTRA open doors is a program offered by the union that gives actors the opportunity to meet with casting directors, agents and network representatives in New York. This year I choose to meet with the casting director from Casting Solutions, Liz Ortiz-Mackes. I had the opportunity to perform a monologue for Liz and got great feedback. I also set up a meeting with Lakey Wolf. Lakey is a commercial agent with one of the largest agencies in New York – CESD. Lakey and I had a nice chat where I discovered that her parents also reside in Cary, NC. What a small world and an even smaller business. I greatly admire and appreciate AFTRA for presenting its actors with opportunities like Open Doors. Networking has been instilled in me from a very young age and I attribute events like this one for the success and evolution of my career thus far. THANK YOU AFTRA!
May 2011: The Eyes of Babylon – Off-Broadway Production
I am currently working on the production side of an Off-Broadway play, The Eyes of Babylon that has been officially selected to premiere with the prestigious New York theatre company, 59E59, as a part of their 2011 Festival, Americas Off-Broadway, which features the best of American regional theatre. The play will run from June 14 – July 3. The Eyes of Babylon is a one-man piece written and performed by award-winning playwright Jeff Key. Jeff joined the Marine Corps on D-Day, June 2000 as a 34-year-old gay man and was shipped to Iraq in 2003 under “Don't Ask, Don't Tell”. The play's stunning, intimate, and playful monologue is transcribed from Jeff's Iraq journals, and captures a remarkable breadth of material – going to war, being gay in the military, and making peace with yourself – intended not for the politics of the Right or the Left, but the expression of art, self, and community. I am incredibly proud to be working on a project with such a powerful and hopeful message. If you are in New York City during the run please come out and see the show. Contact me for tickets or visit www.theeyesofbabylon.com for additional information.
May 2011: Looking Glass Theatre – Spring 2011 Benefit
On Tuesday, May 10th artists and supporters of the arts gathered at The Mean Fiddler bar and grill in Hell's Kitchen to celebrate and raise funds for the upcoming season at Looking Glass Theatre. This was the fourth benefit I have organized with the aid of our wonderful staff and interns. This year I came up with the theme, Prom II: The Benefit. The night was filled with prom photos, corsage and boutonniere making, live music by Slim Dixon and friends, and what every second prom needs, a well stocked bar! Some of this year’s raffle items included gifts from MTV, The Drama Book Shop, Bumble & bumble, Playwrights Horizon, and New York Yoga. Special thanks to all of our donors and The Mean Fiddler for their hospitality. Please visit Looking Glass Theatre's website for more information and to buy tickets to the Spring 2011 Writer / Director Forum that runs June 2nd – 26th.
April 2011: “The Big C” – Showtime series with Laura Linney
“The Big C” is a television series airing on Showtime in its second season. The series revolves around a suburban mom (Laura Linney) who is diagnosed with cancer, and her journey living life with the disease by finding humor in her everyday life. I worked on two episodes over the course of three days out in Stamford, Connecticut where the series regularly shoots. Laura Linney plays Cathy Jamison, who is a high school teacher and becomes the swim team coach. I portrayed one of the high school girls on Mrs. Jamison's swim team. We spent two entire days in a pool, which the show renovated for the shoot and also for the community's general public use. It was amazing working opposite of such a seasoned actor as Laura Linney. I have followed her career for quite some time, and have enjoyed seeing her transition from stage to television so gracefully. I will keep you updated via the homepage when I know the air date of my episode, I will also be returning to the set of the show in June to film additional swim team scenes.
April 2011: “Georgetown” – Warner Brothers Television Pilot
I was selected to be featured as a core member on the new television pilot, “Georgetown”. I portrayed a West Wing Analyst for two weeks as we shot in Long Island City at the popular Kaufman Astoria Studios. The pilot, which centers around the young people behind the power brokers in Washington D.C., is directed by Mark Piznarski and executive produced by Josh Schwartz (Gossip Girl, and The O.C.). Some of its stars include Katie Cassidy, daughter of David Cassidy, and Kevin Zegers of Gossip Girl. It was incredible to spend so much time inside of the Kaufman Astoria studios. These studios have been the home to many legendary films and television shows including the first two Marx Brothers films, The Wiz, Carlito's Way, The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, and one of my all time favorites, Sesame Street. I have much confidence that this show will be picked up by a major network in the fall, and look forward to you all seeing me work in the offices of “Georgetown” for the duration of the season.
March 2011: “Angels of America” – Pilot pitch for a new reality series
On the morning of March 12th I arrived at Penn Station, hopped into a swanky SUV limo, and headed off to live with 10 other young women at a mansion in Englewood, New Jersey. It sounds like a TV show right… Yes, you're right; I am shooting a reality show. I am playing myself, and hope the 10 other girls are planning on doing the same. Even though I spend countless hours of the day studying and morphing into other characters, Lucy Spain is the character I know best. She has fallen in the deepest of valleys and climbed to the highest of mountain tops. I know my life is in a positive place right now, a place I intend to remain, and a place I plan on sharing with the world, along with the trail I've walked to arrive here. “Angels of America” is a reality show based around 11 girls with good hearts, morals, and lifestyles. We aren't prude, boring, and spending our nights playing bridge. We are out having fun, on the prowl for men, going to the club, and yes, even arguing at times. However we do all of this without compromising our core values. My favorite part of the shoot was a visit to a women’s shelter, one of the many under the organization of “Strengthen Our Sisters”. Learning and helping at this shelter was not only incredible but inspirational. I hope the pilot catches the eye of a network that is perceptive to our countries’ need for positive role models for young women and we can continue to do much more work of this nature. A sizzle reel of the show is currently underway. Please show your support for “Angels of America” as I post updates!
March 2011: The Bleeding – Special event screening of feature film
I have officially walked my first red carpet in New York City. Let’s hope this is the first of many to come. Strangely enough, the film I was promoting was shot in Wilmington, North Carolina in 2009. The Bleeding, directed by Hollywood household name, Charles Picerni, is a horror thriller based on Shawn Black's (Michael Matthias) race to save the world from pure evil. The cast if full of talent including Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill), Vinny Jones, DMX, Kat Von D, and my personal friend and colleague from “Drive Time”, Madison Weidberg. I played a waitress serving Michael Matthias and Michael Madsen breakfast in a diner (which happened to take place in the popular downtown Wilmington watering hole Hell's Kitchen). The special event screening was held in downtown Manhattan at The Village East Cinema. Prior to the screening we signed memorabilia, took cast photos, and walked the red carpet in front of select invited guests. A Q&A session was held in the theater following the film. The film was full of humorous one-liners, carnage, and edge of your seat excitement. Everyone involved should be very proud, especially Michael Matthias for pouring so much of himself in to the film. I was ecstatic to be living in Manhattan at the time of the screening. It just goes to show time after time – it's a small industry after all. Please check out The Bleeding and add it to your Netflix queue.
February 2011: “Louie” – Co-starring role on the popular FX comedy
FX's hit comedy “Louie” starring the popular stand-up comedian Louie C.K., has begun shooting for Season 2. I was invited to come in and work on the first episode of the season. When I received the call from casting, I was told that the show is AFTRA and they are known for bumping up smaller roles to “Under – 5's” and Co-stars for union talent. I was hopeful, to say the least, as I packed my bags and headed down Central Park to the hotel where we would be shooting. After I arrived on set and made my way through hair and make-up, Louie, who also directs the show, pulled me on to the set. “Lucy, this is Joan; Joan, Lucy”, turns out, I would be delivering my lines to THE Joan Rivers. Joan was beautiful, hilarious, and had that certain star quality that we in the business thrive from. Joan played herself in the episode and I a fan that was invited backstage into her dressing room after winning a contest. Not only was this a stepping stone in my career as a union television performer, it was a lesson and an opportunity to work with one of the greats. I admire Joan for staying true to herself amidst all of her struggles, success, and critics. I hope my career will lead me down a similar path as I constantly remind myself to be true to who I am. I am fabulous, and the people who matter will see that; and those who don't, well who gives a damn about them! A mantra I'm sure Joan would be quick to agree with.
January 2011: The Vagina Monologues – V Day at Looking Glass Theatre
It is that time of year again – hooray for V-Day. Looking Glass Theatre is in its fourth year of producing The Vagina Monologues for V-Day in order to raise funds and global awareness for organizations that work to stop violence against women and girls. We are specifically focusing on violence against the women and girls of Haiti with our local beneficiary WIN (Women In Need), a woman’s shelter in New York City. All of the money raised during the performances of The Vagina Monologues will go towards this amazing cause. I am performing My Angry Vagina, a comedic conversational piece with very truthful and poignant undertones. The brilliant Rose Ginsberg, who has directed multiple shows at Looking Glass is taking the reins of The Vagina Monologues this year along with Looking Glass owner and founder Justine Lambert. It is such a special collaborative piece with all of the performers being women who are involved in and connected to Looking Glass. This type of piece is one of the chief reasons I love being involved with this theatre, to create amazing performance with talented, inspirational and brilliant young women. The show will go up February 18th and 8:00 pm, and February 19th at 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm. You can purchase tickets in advance at www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com, or at the performances. There will be beverages and snacks, so come out and support the Va-jay-jays for a great cause!
How can you help?
Learn about WIN and share their message with others. Volunteer!
- Website: http://women-in-need.org/
- Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Women-In-Need-Inc/53845761734
- We're working with WIN to find volunteer opportunities for V-Day cast and Looking Glass staff/community. Contact me if you're interested!
Encourage friends and family to attend and bring clothing or other contributions for WIN!
- Tickets are available through our web site: http://lookingglasstheatrenyc.com/
- A list of what we'll be collecting during the month of February is also available via our web site: primarily business-attire clothing
January 2011: Rap Sucks – Independent Feature Film
I landed the role of Lucy in the independent feature film Rap Sucks written and directed by Bill Zebub. I auditioned for Bill in early December and was excited to receive an email from him saying that he was impressed enough with my audition to add me in to his script. I was extremely flattered and pleased as we had a thoroughly enjoyable and hilarious time during the audition process. My character Lucy is an advanced gamer (think Dungeons & Dragons) and her scenes take place while she and some other characters are testing out a version of the Dungeons and Dragons game. Lucy is a character I got to build from the ground up since she was essentially created for me. Bill wrote this character based on my audition which is an amazing thing to have a writer do for you. I always strive to bring myself to the character I audition for, and obviously the real Lucy shone through my audition enough for Bill to write a character based on my personality. However, I am obviously not a “gamer”, so I got to really play up the “geek/chic” for Lucy. I drew on a lot of my experience and people I met this year at the San Diego Comic-Con. This is actually the first role that I wore glasses for! We shot in New Jersey on January 16th and completed 52 pages of dialog in one day! This is a new record for Bill and me, go team! Bill has completed over 20 films ranging from campy horror to documentaries, for a taste of Bill's work check out his website at www.billzebub.com.
January 2011: Audition for Graduate School at The Actors Studio at Pace University
I have been invited to audition for the Graduate program at The Actors Studio. The audition is scheduled for Saturday, January 29th. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers and send wishes of broken legs!