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I know it's been awhile, but the background gigs have been few and far between, mostly because I've been focusing more on the day job. Had to buy a new computer as the old one went on the fritz so saving money for that as well as for that goal of going union became the priorities.

So I had to dip into the funds and research the new computer. I'm currently on a diet, and have lost some weight, the healthy way, by reducing snacks, eating more fruits and veggies, and drinking plenty of water and tea. Working with small weights to tone and strengthen the arms too. This has helped and I don't feel so deprived. I have made peace that nothing was going to happen quick, especially weight loss results if I was serious about keeping the weight off.

So in some ways I continue my background career, looking for those gigs that land on weekends. I'm also submitting for commercials and print work, and re-started my Backstage subscription. We'll see how things go. I continue to keep it moving, never wavering from my goal -- to become a professional, paid good actress.

updates on treating acting as a business

Finally decided to get an organizer for my acting career. I had been staring at this book/program from some time after visiting Actor Fest over a year ago. I had signed up for email updates but hadn't had the money or the determination to actually buy this book and see what this person is all about.

I also re-signed with backstage.com to get their listings and submit to those postings listed there. Working a full time job means I have to focus more on actor related things.

Had wanted to check out a fellow BG actor's theater role but this week had gone quick and I wasn't able to get to it. Felt bad, because we're supposed to be supportive of each other's projects. I will not assume anybody can come see my work, as I'd be too shy to have someone who knows me in the audience and know about it, I just might freeze up. Oh well.

In any case, continuing to look at some actor classes as well as writing classes. Have to save money for two different causes, classes and joining union. And lose weight safely. Sheesh, much to do.

Tonight tonight

Watched the Tonys yesterday. Not bad, despite the sound technical problems they kept having, especially in the opening with Elton John slightly off-key. They had to get a hand mike to another singer singing "Sit Down You're Rocking The Boat" number. Neil Patrick Harris as host was very good and has a clear singing voice.

But West Side Story? I'm trying to understand and feel the chemistry between the Argentinian Maria and the soap-opera looking Tony. Was not impressed. Am waiting for a real Puerto Rican to play Maria -- AND win the award. But it was exciting to see that the newest "Anita" won a Tony. Her first time out too. She professed something along the lines that you can do anything as long as you have supportive people surrounding you and by your side. I agree.

Now will beat the bushes to line up some work for the week!

Heading towards SAG-eligible status

I now have two SAG waivers, the first was for Ugly Betty and the second was a 'bump' for Michael & Michael Have Issues (written on a SAG voucher as opposed to AFTRA, interesting).

So as I approach my goal bit by bit, I want to keep this here for safekeeping and to reference from time to time regarding SAG-Eligibility status and how long one can keep it.

"Any performer who works as a principal performer for a minimum of one day on a project (film, commercial, TV show, etc.) where the producer has signed a producer's agreement with SAG, and the performer has been paid at the appropriate SAG daily, three-day, or weekly rate is then considered "SAG-Eligible." A SAG-Eligible performer may continue performing in any number of both SAG or non-SAG productions for a period of 30 days, during which that SAG-Eligible performer is classified as a "Taft-Hartley." After the 30-day Taft-Hartley period has expired, the performer may not work on any further SAG productions until the performer joins the Guild by: paying the initiation fee, paying the first half-year minimum membership dues, and agreeing to abide by the Guild's rules and bylaws. The SAG-Eligible performer does not lose their eligibility to join the Guild should they choose not to join the Guild immediately at the expiration of their Taft-Hartley period. However if not part of a union it is difficult to get a speaking role that would comprise the Taft-Hartley law because the producer can be fined for allowing a non union actor to deliver a line."