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Saturday, August 2, 2025

“Acting Like You Know What You're Doing (Spoiler: You Don’t)”

You ever walk into an audition room, callback, workshop, self-tape setup, or even a community theatre potluck and think:
"Wow. Everyone here knows what they’re doing… except me."

Yeah. Me too.

But here’s the secret: none of us actually know what we’re doing all the time. Some of us are just better at pretending. And that, my friends, is where the magic happens.

Whether you're memorizing lines in the parking lot, Googling “What does off-book mean again?” or doing vocal warm-ups that sound like a haunted goat, the key is simple: Fake it til' you book it.

And faking it doesn’t mean you're lying or being inauthentic. It means you're showing up. You're giving it a go. You’re brushing the Dorito crumbs off your shirt before clicking “join Zoom audition.” That’s commitment. That’s bravery. That’s borderline professional.

Here’s what I’ve learned this week:

  • Confidence is contagious (even if it's caffeinated).

  • Nobody remembers your weird self-tape background if you crushed the read.

  • You don’t need fancy headshots to be talented. But let’s be real, they help.

  • And yes, submitting yourself for a role that’s “not quite right” is still better than not submitting at all.

So if you’re out there, wondering if you belong in this industry—let me just say: you do. Your weirdness? Welcome. Your vibe? Valid. Your hustle? Inspiring.

Now go slap on that bold lip, pretend you know how to pronounce “Chekhov,” and get out there.


 Weekly Amazon Actor Must-Have: Emotional Support water bottle


Listen, hydration is a performance enhancer. You can't cry on cue if you're shriveled like a raisin. This massive water bottle comes with motivational time stamps like “Keep going!” and “Almost there!”—because who doesn’t love being yelled at by their beverage while silently rehearsing sides in a parking lot.

Hydrate and dominate—click here (referral link, obviously).


Your turn:
Have you faked your way through something lately? Got an audition horror story? A tip that works for you? Or just wanna yell into the internet void with someone who gets it?

Leave a comment below, share this post, follow the chaos, or send it to your actor bestie who needs the pep talk.

Until next time—
Fake it til’ you book it.

Saturday, July 26, 2025

Confidence, Coffee, and Complaining Creatively

 Short. Sweet. And probably funnier than your last audition. This week’s post is a snack-sized pep talk seasoned with just enough sarcasm to keep you booking-adjacent and emotionally hydrated.


You ever scroll through someone’s “I just booked!” post and whisper to yourself, "Was it the vision board? The accidental manifestation? The sorcery of six headshots and a Pinterest-worthy self-tape setup?" Meanwhile, you’re over here coaching your ring light through an existential crisis and wondering if your résumé screams “Please cast me, I’m emotionally available and desperate!”


Listen. Booking a gig in this industry is a lot like online dating: half the battle is showing up without visible resentment. So this week, we're leaning into delusional optimism—our favorite performance art. Because sometimes pretending you’re booked does move the needle. I’ve flirted with entire casting offices using nothing but confidence and a well-timed Instagram story.



This Week’s Pro Tip:

If you’re not booking, brand. And if you’re not branding, nap. Because burnout never booked a commercial.

Weekly Amazon Pick:

Color Nymph All In One Makeup Kit (audition emergency makeup kit) because nothing says “I’m ready for my close-up” like concealer that covers both blemishes and existential dread. Compact, cruelty-free, and perfect for those last-minute self-tapes when your skin decides to rebel.

(Yes, it’s an affiliate link. Clicking it supports this blog and my caffeine habit. Priorities.)

Closing Curtain Call

If this made you giggle-snort or spiral in a productive way, hit that follow button like it owes you money. Share it with your equally unbooked bestie,or drop a comment with your latest rejection story—we’re collecting them like Pokémon. 🎭

Catch you next week, where we explore the artistry of pretending you’re thriving during callback season.



Saturday, July 19, 2025

“Networking Without Being a Creep: Is It Possible?”

 

Networking. That word that sends actors into a cold sweat faster than “we’re going non-union.”

They say it’s all about who you know. But nobody tells you how to get to know them without coming across like you’re about to pitch them a pyramid scheme, ask to touch their aura, or slide them your résumé while they’re mid-sip of a $17 matcha.

So here we are:
Can you network without being a complete creep?
Short answer: yes.
Long answer: yes—but it takes finesse, timing, and the ability to read the room (preferably before handing someone your headshot in a bar bathroom).


Here are a few hard-won truths from the trenches:

 1. "Don’t Be Weird" is Not Enough Guidance.
Everyone says this. But what does it mean? It means don’t lead with “Hi, I follow you on Instagram and I think your dog is cute and also I printed my script on scented paper, want to read it?”
It means maybe—just maybe—don’t corner someone at the craft table to explain your five-part web series about time-traveling goats.


2. Compliment Without Groveling.
It’s cool to say, “I loved your work in X.” It’s not cool to say, “You’re the reason I breathe and I named my succulents after your characters.”
(Unless they’re really into succulents. Then maybe.)


3. Talk Like a Human, Not a Walking IMDb Page.
Instead of flexing every credit you’ve ever had, try: “What was the most fun day on that shoot?” or “How’d you get involved in this?” Be curious without being clingy. Basically, flirt without being gross. Like networking foreplay. (But fully clothed. Please.)


4. Know When to Wrap It Up.
If their eyes glaze over or they suddenly remember an "important Zoom" with no Wi-Fi in sight… you’ve lingered too long.
Say thank you, smile, and make a graceful exit—before you become that person who accidentally follows them to the parking lot.


This Week’s Amazon Recommendation:

A Portable Breath Spray That Smells Like “I Respect Boundaries”
Okay, it’s just mint, but still—essential.
Nothing ruins a solid intro like leftover craft services hummus breath. 3 Count Mint Breath Spray Mouth Spray Oral Care Breath Freshener for All Ages 0.33OZ (10ML) Mint Lemon Flavor


 Your Turn:

What’s the weirdest “networking” encounter you’ve had?
Was it someone pitching their screenplay in a hot yoga class?
Did you accidentally insult someone’s reel before realizing they were standing behind you?
Tell me everything in the comments.

 Drop a story.
 Share with your fellow actors who have trauma from “mixer events.”
 Follow for weekly pep talks, industry truth bombs, and a safe space to laugh at our collective awkwardness.

Until next time, fake the confidence, sip the Prosecco, and network like a non-creepy boss.



Tuesday, July 8, 2025

“No, I’m Not Auditioning for Your Love Life” (Just My Career, Thanks.)

 Hello? Is anyone out there?

Cool. Because I have a bone to pick with the entire universe of dudes who think that because I post my headshots online or share a reel, I must also be thirsting for a date with someone named Brad, Chad, or “aspiring director” Kyle.

Let me say this loud enough for the back row and the dude who slid into my DMs while I was mid-costume change:

Just because I put myself out there to showcase my talent DOES NOT mean I’m casting for a boyfriend, situationship, or your unsolicited man-opinions about “lighting and angles.”

I post a monologue → you clap, or don’t.
I post a scene → you say “great work,” or scroll.
What I don’t need is:
“Hey, you were really convincing as that grieving widow. Wanna grab coffee and trauma bond?”

Um. No.

Actors are already emotionally raw on purpose. It’s literally the gig. I don’t need extra unsolicited feelings from a dude who thinks “Meisner” is a brand of protein powder.

Let’s talk about networking, because for some people (hi, creepy Steve), it seems they skipped straight to “net-weing.”
Pro tip: just because we’re both in the industry doesn’t mean I’m interested in discussing your screenplay titled Hot Girl at the Bus Stop 2: She’s Still Hot, Now With Trauma.

And while we’re at it, I didn’t ask for dating advice either.
I’m out here trying to book roles, not consult with the local Fantasy Boyfriend Bureau on whether I “smile enough to land a leading man.”

If I wanted pickup lines, I’d be in a rom-com—not a casting call for Woman Who Can Cry on Cue and Dodge Emotional Vampires Simultaneously.


Actors are taught to be vulnerable, expressive, open. But none of that means we’re open for business in the romantic sense just because we posted a self-tape.

So, fellow creatives:
Share your work. Post your weird voiceovers. Cry on TikTok. Be your full dramatic self.
And if someone tries to turn your career into a dating app? Politely remind them:

“I’m not auditioning for your love life—I’m busy being a star.”

🎬 Roll credits. Mic drop. Exit stage left.


Now It's Your Turn, Drama Queens (and Kings):
Ever had someone mistake your reel for a dating profile? Got a cringe “networking” story that still haunts your inbox? Drop it in the comments—I live for the awkward, the absurd, and the aggressively unsolicited.

If this post made you laugh, cringe, or re-read your DMs with side-eye…
 Go ahead and share it.
 Leave a comment.
 Hit that follow button like it's your first callback.

Because around here, we fake it til’ we book it—but we never settle for “hey beautiful, you got representation?”

See you in the spotlight (not in the DMs).


This Week’s Amazon Rec:

The Third Door: The Mindset of Success


This one’s for those of us who want to build real connections, not awkward vibes and passive-aggressive follow-up texts. Alex basically sneaks his way into some of the biggest rooms in the world—not with pickup lines, but with persistence, charm, and zero creep factor. Inspiring and useful, whether you're trying to land a role, pitch a project, or just survive a mixer without punching someone.
 #BoundariesAndBooking

Saturday, July 5, 2025

Hello? Is Anyone Out There? (Or Am I Just Yelling Into the Internet Void Again)

 So, quick question—hello? Is anyone out there?

Like… genuinely. Blink twice if you’re reading this. Clap if you believe in blogging fairies. Leave a breadcrumb trail in the comments if you’ve made it this far and haven’t been distracted by a TikTok of a dog playing the piano.

Because honestly? Sometimes writing a blog in 2025 feels like throwing glitter into a black hole. Yes, it’s sparkly and magical and I’m committed to the bit, but… does the glitter ever come back? Do you see the glitter? Do you appreciate the glitter??


That brings us to this week’s theme:
“Creating When You Feel Like No One's Watching”
(AKA: Channeling your inner drunk Shakespeare in an empty dive bar.)

Whether you're an actor waiting on callbacks, a writer refreshing your inbox, or someone who reorganized their spice rack alphabetically and wanted applause—this one's for you. Sometimes it feels like you're performing for a crowd that ghosted before Act I even ended. But guess what? You keep going. You fake the audience until you book the ovation. You blog into the abyss. You rehearse like Netflix is about to option your life story. Why? Because silence doesn’t mean failure. It means they’re lurking. Probably. Hopefully. Maybe just quietly stalking your brilliance while eating a bagel.

Confession Time:
I started this blog thinking it would instantly catch fire and take off like one of those “day in the life” reels—but with less latte art and more late-night spiraling. But here I am, a few posts deep, shouting “HELLO??” like I’m trapped in a haunted house of unread drafts and ghost followers. I check the analytics like it's a Magic 8 Ball:

  • “Are people reading?”

  • Outlook not so good.

  • Should I keep going?”

  • Signs point to wine.

And yet—I’m still here. Why? Because the work matters. Because your voice deserves space. Because someone, somewhere, might stumble on this blog at 2 a.m. while crying into a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and say, “Same, girl.”

Also, because therapy is expensive and blogging is only emotionally draining.

Creative Dry Spells & Wi-Fi Ghosts
Let’s be real: it’s demoralizing to pour your heart into something and get zero reaction. No “likes,” no comments, not even a weird bot saying “DM for collab.” That’s how you know it’s bad—even the bots ghosted me.

But here’s the thing: you keep showing up anyway. Because it’s not really about the likes (okay, it is a little), but mostly—it’s about the doing. You’re training your creative muscles. You’re building something. You’re whispering to the universe, “I’m still here, I still want this.” And that, my friend, is badass.

This Week’s Amazon Rec:
Because even when no one’s listening, you should still look fabulous, I present:

Let That Sh*t Go: A Journal for Leaving Your Bullsh*t Behind and Creating a Happy Life (Zen as F*ck Journals)

Because sometimes the only way to move forward (creatively or otherwise) is to rage-write your feelings and then zen the hell out. This journal is like therapy, but cheaper and with way more asterisks. Perfect for letting go of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or that one casting director who “loved your energy” but ghosted you anyway.

Conclusion:
If this post made you laugh, cringe, or whisper “same” under your breath—don’t leave me hanging in this echo chamber.

👇 Drop a comment (even if it’s just a random emoji), hit that follow button so I know you’re out there, and share this with your fellow creatives, overthinkers, or anyone currently yelling into the void with flair.

Because this blog isn’t just for me—it’s for all of us still faking it ‘til we book it... together. 💫

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Why Pretending You Belong Is the First Step to Actually Belonging

 There’s this weird thing that happens when you chase a dream: You constantly feel like you’re playing dress-up in someone else’s shoes. Whether you’re walking into an audition, launching a new creative project, or even just introducing yourself as a writer/actor/artist/etc., there's a tiny voice whispering, “Who do you think you are?”

That voice is loud. But it’s also lying.

“Fake it til’ you book it” isn't about being fake. It’s about believing before the world does. It’s about choosing to show up—even when your knees shake. It’s about introducing yourself as an artist before the paycheck validates it. It's about saying "I'm a writer" even if no one's read your book yet.

Every booking, every break, every big opportunity—starts with someone deciding they were ready enough. And usually, they weren’t. They were scared. They were unsure. But they showed up anyway.

So here’s your reminder:
You don’t need permission.
You don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to be brave enough to show up.

Pretend you belong in the room—until you start believing it.
Eventually, others will too. And guess what? You’ll book it.

Keep faking it. Keep showing up. Keep saying yes before you feel ready.
Because ready is a feeling that shows up late—but only after you’ve already walked through the door.

You’ve got this.
See you on set.
Or on the page.
Or center stage.

 Wrapping It Up (Before I Spiral Again)

So there you have it. A motivational pep talk disguised as a sarcastic rant—because that’s how we cope around here.

Now it’s your turn:
Have you ever faked your way into a gig? Said “yes” to a role, then Googled “how to act natural” in the parking lot? Or maybe you’re just out here pretending to be emotionally stable on casting day (same).

Drop your favorite “I have no idea what I’m doing but look at me go” moment in the comments.
Because if we can’t laugh at ourselves, we might as well just cry into our audition blazers.

👇 Smash that comment section like it’s a callback email.
❤️ Follow for more semi-unhinged encouragement.
🔁 Share this with your favorite delusional dreamer.

Let’s keep faking it, together.
One overly confident eyebrow raise at a time.

Probably Writing This in Pajamas
Fake It Til’ You Book It


WEEKLY AMAZON REC:

This week’s must-have for the Delusional Dreamer’s Toolkit:

Mini Desk Gong

Because sometimes, words aren’t enough. Whether you just got ghosted by a casting director again, or you’re celebrating that callback you accidentally booked by blacking out in the audition room—this tiny gong says it all.

Ding it for drama. Ding it for motivation.
Or just ding it when your espresso hits.

You deserve theatrics. You are the moment.



 


Thursday, June 19, 2025

The Art of Auditioning: Owning the Room Before You Even Speak

Auditioning is basically speed dating, except the person across from you holds your entire career in their hands and probably hasn’t had their coffee yet. Before you even utter a word, they’ve already decided whether you’re the second coming of Meryl Streep or just another name they’ll forget before lunch. So how do you make sure they remember you? You own the room like it’s your personal stage. Here’s how:

 

1. Enter Like You’re the Lead in a Biopic

Your audition starts the second you walk through that door. Don’t slink in like you accidentally stumbled into a board meeting. Walk in like you were sent by central casting to be “Confident Actor #1.” Stand tall. Shoulders back. No weird hesitations or apologetic shuffling. You belong here, even if your brain is screaming otherwise.


2. Your Energy Is Your Resume

Look, you don’t need to radiate Tom Cruise intensity (unless, of course, that’s your thing), but you do need to bring an energy that makes people pay attention. If you show up looking like you just got hit by a rogue existential crisis, casting directors will notice—just not in a good way. Even if you’re internally spiraling, fake the effortless charisma. It’s cheaper than therapy.

3. Eye Contact: Use It, But Don’t Terrify People

Confidence isn’t staring at someone like you’re trying to hypnotize them. It’s engagement, a casual yet intentional connection that says, Yes, I am here, I am fabulous, and you’re going to remember me. Find a balance—warm, present, but not like you're trying to steal their soul.

4. Body Language: Say It Without Saying It

Your body has its own script, and if you're slouched, fidgeting, or standing like a malfunctioning robot, you’re not selling leading-role energy. Plant your feet like you mean it. Open posture. No weird arm-crossing like you’re bracing for battle. Be comfortable in your skin, even if inside, your nervous system is plotting against you.


5. Grace Under Pressure: AKA, ‘Don’t Let Them See You Sweat’

Something will go wrong. You’ll trip over a chair. You’ll forget your line. You’ll start speaking before realizing the casting director is mid-sip in their coffee. The trick? Recover like a pro. Take a breath, reset, and never—NEVER—apologize for existing. That’s the difference between an amateur and a pro: one spirals, the other flips the mistake into a moment of brilliance.


6. Exit Like You Just Dropped the Mic

Your audition isn’t over when you say the last line—it’s over when you leave the room like a legend. No awkward hesitations. No speed-walking like you're escaping a crime scene. Just a casual, confident exit that says, You’re welcome for this moment. Leave an impression that lingers longer than that director’s burnt coffee.

Final Thoughts? Fake It. Book It. Repeat.

Owning the room isn’t about being the loudest, the flashiest, or the most obnoxious—it’s about knowing you’re worthy of being there. So, next time you walk into that audition, remind yourself: You don’t need permission to be memorable. You already are.

Now, I want to hear from you! What’s the wildest thing that’s happened to you in an audition? Ever walked in like a boss only to trip over a stray chair? Tell me your best (or worst) moments in the comments below! Let’s commiserate, laugh, and maybe even hype each other up.

If this post gave you a confidence boost (or at least made you chuckle), hit that subscribe button and join the chaos—I mean, the journey! Share this with a fellow actor who needs the reminder that they’ve got this.

See you next time, and remember: fake it ‘til you book it!

Weekly Amazon Rec:

  How to Stop Acting by Harold Guskin

Despite the title, this book is gold for actors looking to bring presence and authenticity to auditions. Guskin’s approach focuses on freeing yourself from rigid techniques and living in the moment—which is exactly what makes an audition unforgettable. If you want to walk in, take up space, and make an impact, this one's for you.

Snag a copy, throw out the over-rehearsed energy, and own that room before you even speak!


“Acting Like You Know What You're Doing (Spoiler: You Don’t)”

You ever walk into an audition room, callback, workshop, self-tape setup, or even a community theatre potluck and think: "Wow. Everyon...