Elizabeth Bernhardt, Actress

Morning Show Interview for The Mousetrap

2012-02-16T08:33:00.000-08:00

I was interviewed this morning, along with the director of The Mousetrap, on Tulsa Channel 8's Good Morning Oklahoma. Enjoy!

http://tinyurl.com/7l9kx2y

Please Disregard

2012-02-12T23:06:00.000-08:00

If you are a follower of this blog, you received an email with a new post that was meant to be posted to a separate blog of mine. Please disregard that post as a part of this blog.

Thank you!

Opening Night

2012-02-10T11:35:00.000-08:00

The Mousetrap opens tonight at Sapulpa Community Theatre!

http://www.facebook.com/events/236282943116268/

Review: A Christmas Carol

2012-01-19T06:26:00.001-08:00

I am a bit late on posting this, but here is the Tulsa World's review of the last show I was in. I'm mentioned in the second-to-last paragraph.

Enjoy!

http://tinyurl.com/tulsachristmascarol

Show Info: The Mousetrap

2012-01-18T08:03:00.000-08:00

Location: Sapulpa Community Theatre, 124 S. Water Street, Sapulpa, Oklahoma (near Tulsa)

Performances are two weekends:

Friday, Feb. 10, 7:30 pm
Saturday, Feb. 11, 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, Feb. 12, 2:00 pm

Friday, Feb. 17, 7:30 pm
Saturday, Feb. 18, 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, Feb. 19, 2:00 pm

Call the theater to reserve your tickets: (918) 227-2169, then pay at the door when you arrive. $10 adults/$5 children.

Come see the longest-running play in the world (running at the St. Martins Theatre in London since 1952). Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap tells the story of a group of strangers stranded in a boarding house during a snow storm, one of whom is a murderer. A classic whodunnit on a winter's night at a great price.

Elizabeth plays Mollie Ralston, one half of the married couple who run the boarding house.

Booked: The Mousetrap

2011-12-05T19:36:00.000-08:00

I have just been cast as Mollie Ralston in Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap at Sapulpa Community Theater, a short drive from Tulsa.

I look forward to taking on this new challenge, my first Agatha Christie, and am very excited to play opposite Robert Young, who is currently cast with me in A Christmas Carol as Mr. Cratchit.

The show is directed by Todd Campbell and runs February 10-12 and 17-19, for a total of 8 performances.

I Have Representation

2011-11-12T10:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I interviewed with the Linda Layman Agency here in Tulsa, and was accepted into their talent roster! Thank you to Don and Linda for the meeting--I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

Tickets: A Christmas Carol

2011-11-11T05:34:00.000-08:00

Tickets are now available for purchase! Visit http://www.tulsapac.com/calendar.asp. Choose December from the drop-down list and then click the link for A Christmas Carol.

The role I am playing, Charlotte, turns out to be more featured than I had originally realized. The American Theatre Company's version of the tale really allows the audience to feel the pain of Scrooge's decisions--especially in a heart-wrenching duet between the young Ebeneezer and his love, Belle.

Scrooge's nephew, Fred, and Fred's wife, Charlotte, embody the hope of what could have been and now could be for the old miser.

This show has been a holiday tradition in Tulsa for over 30 years, and is a great one to bring the kids to if you are looking for some family bonding time, or have relatives in town. I am absolutely loving the process of creating this show--obsessed really--and would love for you to share the experience.

Booked: A Christmas Carol

2011-10-01T19:08:00.001-07:00

I was just cast in American Theatre Company's musical production of A Christmas Carol. I will be playing Charlotte. Come out and see us in December at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center!

View My Commercial

2011-07-14T14:43:00.001-07:00

Now you can view the Windstream Communications commercial I mentioned in my last post! I've just posted it to my website--click here to see it. Just open the attachment at the bottom of the page.

I am wearing teal and am featured as the second and the last "tv screen person".

Thanks again to Jen Halpern Casting and the wonderful production team at GB Films who created this spot.

Kudos from Ken Lazer, Commercial Casting Director

2011-06-21T07:56:00.001-07:00

I recently received the spots from a commercial I did for Windstream Communications. Feeling proud of the work I'd done, I sent the videos on to Ken Lazer, who taught me in a fantastic acting for commercials class at Actors Connection, and who asked me to audition for him a couple of times. He gave me permission to post his feedback:

"Wow, Elizabeth! You look great! Nice job with being natural/conversational! Thanks for sharing this. Congrats!"

In other news, I have moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma! I know, it's a bit cliche, what with that Friends episode, but actually, like Chandler, my husband did get a new career opportunity in Tulsa, so here I am. While it is certainly not NYC, there appears to be a thriving arts scene here, and I am excited to dive in and explore the possibilities.

Stepping Back

2010-10-16T11:59:00.000-07:00

I have decided to step out of acting for the time being in order to get some perspective. I'm not sure where this journey will take me, but I trust that I am doing the right thing. I will stay committed to my current project, which is the Actors Studio audition scene from Hello From Bertha, but I have no other work scheduled after that.

This means that you will most likely not see me on this blog in the near future. But then again, who knows what the future will bring?

All the best to you and yours,

Elizabeth

I'm Back! And the work continues...

2010-10-08T14:49:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted in a while because the show kept me very busy. We closed Julius Caesar last Saturday, October 2, much to my melancholy, as this was a fantastic group of people with which to work.

Currently, I am working on a scene from Tennessee Williams's Hello From Bertha, which another actress, Sui, and I will perform as her audition for the The Actor's Studio. We are playing two prostitutes in an East St. Louis brothel in the early 1940's.

Next Saturday, I am auditioning for Othello, to be directed by Christopher Dames at the Paul Robeson theater in Brooklyn.

Julius Caesar Opens Tonight

2010-09-16T07:44:00.000-07:00

Now through October 2, come see me and my fellow very talented cast members in William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, a production of the Queens Players.

Location: The Secret Theatre, Long Island City
Ticket & Info Page: tinyurl.com/queenscaesar

This is an Equity Showcase--Equity members get in free, as well as any industry folks. The show is performed in the environmental theatre style; please be prepared to move around the building, and be ready for a unique, gripping experience of Shakespeare's tragedy.

Audition: NY Campaign Ad

2010-09-02T11:10:00.001-07:00

Commercial casting director Ken Lazer called me in for tomorrow to audition for an NY Ad Campaign against tax legislation.

Booked: Windstream Commercial

2010-09-02T11:09:00.001-07:00

I got an email from casting director Jen Halpern today saying I booked the commercial for Windstream! It shoots next Thursday, September 9.

New Headshot!

2010-08-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

You might have noticed that I have a new headshot posted there to the right. That is compliments of the talented Jeremy Kruse, who is establishing his business here in New York after working as a headshot photographer for 10 years in Chicago.

He is also an actor and a filmmaker, so he knows what it's like to be on both sides of the camera. He's easygoing and understands that nervousness that comes over you--even if you are an actor--when a camera is pointed at your face, which is a nice trait in someone who's pointing a camera at your face.

Click here to check out a sample of his recent work: http://www.flickr.com/photos/krusephoto/sets/72157624651431550/

I am a girl, and I'm owning it!

2010-08-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

You might have noticed that I changed the title of this blog from "Elizabeth Bernhardt, Actor" to "Elizabeth Bernhardt, Actress." While it seems to be the thing to do in the theater world these days to claim the gender neutral title, I like the fact that I am a woman and an actor...I mean actress. And I am doing my part to bring back that word. So there it is, on the title.

And seeing how popular this blog is, I know this change will bring a real impact to the New York acting scene as we know it.

First Refusal: Windstream

2010-08-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

I was notified by Jen Halpern that I am on first refusal for the Windstream commercial (meaning they gave me a date that they want me to hold open because they liked my audition and might give me the job). We will wait and see!

Audition: Windstream Commercial

2010-08-12T15:04:00.001-07:00

I auditioned today for casting director Jen Halpern for a Windstream (internet, tv, phone) commercial. It was fun. I sat at a table and the camera was positioned low to the table, so it was supposed to be a web camera I was ranting into about my bills going up. We had been given copy, but the directions were that you didn't have to follow the copy verbatim; just be yourself. I had fun making up complaints about cable company fees, and I liked the improv nature of the audition.

After my first go, Jen said that she didn't really have any adjustments for me because it was really good, but said to go ahead and try delivering it in a more mature style (maybe she meant not quite so quirky?), as if I were a little older, maybe a mother. So I slowed everything down, soothed it out a bit, and the second read went well. As I left the room feeling at ease and confident, I was grateful for my commercial classes with [casting director] Ken Lazer. Good stuff, Ken!

Memorizing Lines=In the Moment

2010-07-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Virginia Kull (look for her on HBO's Boardwalk Empire), gave me some great advice. That whole "be in the moment" thing can seem so elusive. What is the key to being in the moment when your every move is being watched by an audience or a camera?

I asked Virginia about this, and she told me to "uber-memorize the lines." Know them better than you think you need to know them. Roz Coleman (the on-set coach for HBO's In Treatment) told our on-camera acting class that you should know the lines so well that they come "trippingly off the tongue."

I kept these two phrases in my head as I prepared for my current show, Something Outrageous. You would find me walking to the subway, saying the lines as fast as I possibly could under my breath, going over and over the parts where my mind would "blank out". And it worked!

I feel so much more freedom performing these monologues. I realized that lines are an actor's task; thoughts are a person's task. When your lines come trippingly off the tongue, they seem to come from the same part of your brain as normal speech. So you are no longer an actor, but rather a person having a conversation. You are in the moment.

Ba-da-bing, ba-da-boom! Thanks, Virginia and Roz.

Show Details: Something Outrageous

2010-07-21T17:52:00.001-07:00

When: July 24 & July 31, 7:30pm
Cost: $25, which includes open bar!
Where: 45th Street Theatre, 354 W45th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenue)

Tickets available on www.smarttix.com or with cash at the door.
45-minute to 1-hour show.

I Got the Part: Julius Caesar

2010-07-21T17:47:00.000-07:00

I have been offered the role of Metellus Cimber in The Queens Players' Julius Caesar, to go on at The Secret Theatre in Long Island City in August and September.

More details coming soon.

I Got the Part: Something Outrageous

2010-07-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

I was cast in the play Something Outrageous to be performed at either the 45th Street Theatre or The Producer's Club in midtown Manhattan on July 24 and July 31. The play is a combination of monologues and improv, and deals with romantic relationships.

Come out and see it! More details coming soon.

Audition: New Original Play

2010-06-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

I have an audition tomorrow in the city for a new original play (as yet untitled), which is a comedy set in New York City. According to the description, "the play is a collection of funny sketches and antidotes from every day life experiences of people living in New York." They will be casting 10 men and 10 women, and I am excited about this project because, well, life in New York is worth writing endless plays and movies about--really. I don't see it as overdone. There is that much material. Also, it looks like this would be an ensemble piece, and I love that kind of thing.

Looking forward to it!

Another Great Seminar from Lisa Gold!

2010-06-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

Last night, I attended yet another great seminar led by Lisa Gold of Acting Outside the Box. It was called "Networking Know How" and was expertly timed to be 2 days before her monthly networking party at B. Smiths in midtown. (You can go for just $5--check it out at http://actoutsidethebox.com/). What I appreciate most about Lisa--and her lovely assistant Tracy Costa--is that she teaches artsy fartsy actors to be in the business of show, showering us with wisdom like candy from a pinata, wisdom that could help us end the "starving actor" syndrome and make actors into savvy business people who know their product (themselves) and can market it in a way that offers something of real value to the industry.

Haven't gone to one of these seminars? I highly recommend them. Seriously. I tend to walk away from every one going, "Okay, I CAN make it in this business, AND I know how to get there." She's helping us turn our dreams into plans. Wonderful stuff.

Thanks, Lisa and Tracy!

Mingle, Mingle, Mingle

2010-06-29T07:14:00.001-07:00

I am getting out and networking it up! Here's a peek inside my little black book, in case you want to catch me around town:

Last Friday:

Party it up at ACEFest's Film Industry Bash at The Luxe Lounge (hot date--my husband, Chris)

Tonight:

Take "Networking Know How" seminar by Lisa Gold of Act Outside the Box

This Thursday:

First Thursdays Networking Party at B. Smiths in midtown

Thursday, July 15:

Freelancers Union Film & Television Networking Party at Deity in Brooklyn

I hope to see you while I'm out and about!

Bard Business

2010-06-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Shakespeare Day for me! I took a free Shakespeare class with Andy Goldberg of The Shakespeare Gym in Manhattan, which was wonderful! It really made acting Shakespeare, and the approach to acting in general, a total body experience. I loved it. I ended the class really needing some water. We'll see if my schedule, budget, and goals work out to where I decide to continue with his training.

Last night, I auditioned for the Queens Players' production of Julius Caesar at The Secret Theatre in Long Island City. Coincidentally, this production will also be taking a total body approach to Shakespeare--there's even a physical bootcamp required for the whole cast. So great! If I've been called back, they'll let me know this week sometime. I am definitely excited about the prospect of taking on both Shakespeare and a team-building physical challenge.

Audition: Murder Mystery

2010-06-19T04:59:00.000-07:00

I had a great audition last night. It was for a murder mystery play called "Nut Case". We were asked to prepare either a one-minute comedic monologue or a joke.

I met Ken and Susan and did my monologue for them, and then they asked me to tell a joke. I had one ready, which was the "three sisters"joke (thank you, Summer from Camp Lutherhaven!). Ken died laughing, and Susan was laughing, but I think wasn't sure if she should be laughing! (You'd have to hear the joke.) Then, they wanted to know if I could sing. I had explained in our initial chat that I sing for my church, I like to sing, but I don't have a lot of vocal training. They said to just sing anything. So I started into Amazing Grace, singing the first verse. When I opened my eyes at the end, Ken sat back in his chair with his hand to his heart, and said, "And you said you couldn't sing." He mentioned that he was impressed with the musical style I gave the song. I said, "Well, it's not me; it's from God," and pointed up.

They gave me a line from the script to work on, and let me go outside to practice it. It had some very technical-sounding words in it, so I figured the point was to show them that I was good with copy. So when I went back in, I delivered the line matter-of-factly, not stumbling over the words. Ken talked to me about the character he wants to see behind the line. He said the character of Cookie is mostly on a video screen, but she's got to have a certain appeal, she's got to have "something". He asked me to seduce the two of them with the line, which was interesting given the technical-sounding jargon, and then to try it using my Texas charm.

Ken said it had been was a good audition, and that they would definitely be calling me next week. (I know from being in this business for a little while that that is no guarantee of a part, but definitely encouraging!)

Oh, the endless variety of acting...

2010-06-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

So, I found myself working on a commercial last week in a unitard, covered from fingertip to toes to neck in stretchy, shiny orange fabric, with a matching orange bike helmet on my head. I was on a sound stage dancing, doing the wave, and standing at attention like I was in the military.

Is acting an uphill climb? Yes. Does it make you wonder if you'll ever have career stability? Yes.

Is it boring and monotonous? Absolutely not!

AFTRA Waiver

2010-05-24T06:28:00.001-07:00

At the beginning of this month, I worked background on the show Lights Out, and got to talking with one of the guys behind the camera, who was happy with my professionalism on set, and decided to give me one of the available AFTRA waivers for the day. For those of you not in the industry, this means that I was counted as being a member of the performer's union called AFTRA for that day of work. Because of this waiver, I am faced with the decision of whether to go ahead and join AFTRA or wait. For research purposes, I attended a talk at Actors Connection given by the heads of the NY Chapter of all three actors' unions: AEA (Actors' Equity Association - stage), AFTRA (the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), and SAG (Screen Actors Guild), and it was very informative.

What the decision really comes down to is whether the large monetary investment upfront will end up being worth it, and also whether committing myself to only working under the jurisdiction of one particular union will pay off in this economy, where there seems to be more non-union than union work available. Big decisions, but I know that having to think through these things will only help me grow.

Audition: Fragmin

2010-05-12T06:08:00.001-07:00

Casting Director Ken Lazer called me in yesterday to read for an industrial video for a drug called Fragmin. My preparation involved doing my research by calling up my cousin, Anna, who is studying to be a physician's assistant, and also memorizing some very technical copy--"heparin-induced abnormally low platelet levels" anyone?

I did two takes, one with the teleprompter and one without. The biggest challenge was making it conversational while trying to get out two paragraphs of difficult medical-related copy. I now see the merit of my friend, Virginia's advice to "uber-memorize" everything. Whether I got the part or not, I definitely learned a lot!

Pilot for Web Series shot on Saturday

2010-05-10T11:48:00.001-07:00

On Saturday we shot the pilot episode of X Pimp, a web series written and co-directed by Jeremy Kruse. The show follows an ex pimp named Antonio in his attempt to come clean and start a dating service. I co-star as Sarah, Antonio's upbeat and wholesome assistant.

I will post the link to the series on this blog as soon as it becomes available.

Tribeca Film Festival: Earth Made of Glass

2010-04-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, I took part in something which felt very important. From the casting call I attended in Soho in the early afternoon, I traveled up to Chelsea, to the SVA Theater, to take part in one of Tribeca Film Festival's documentary screenings. What I saw was Earth Made of Glass, the title derived from a powerful quote by Emerson about how there is no place to hide for the guilty, how the earth becomes like glass for them.

The film centered around a man called Jean-Pierre Sagahutu, a 47-year-old man living in Rwanda whose entire family--2 parents, 2 brothers, and 3 sisters--were killed in the 1994 genocide in his country. During the course of the film, Sagahutu finds and confronts one of the men who killed his father and talks to him face-to-face to learn the long-awaited truth.

What made this event especially memorable was the "Tribeca Talks" panel discussion afterwards, in which director Deborah Scranton, producer Reid Carolin, and Jean-Pierre Sagahutu himself answered questions posed by moderator Jeff Chu and members of the audience. During the discussion, they shared the country of Rwanda through the eyes of Rwandans and how it differs from the media's portrayal. They talked about the process of making the film, how they went in without knowing what the story would be, and stumbled upon Sagahutu's tale of a quest for resolution and memories of nearly two and a half months spent hiding from the Hutus in a septic tank.

What a valuable afternoon this was. Film is such a powerful tool for empathy: transporting the audience to another place and another life, and dispelling years of apathy in record feature-length time.

Stock Photo Casting Call

2010-04-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

I was asked to come to the offices of Image Source today for a casting call for an "everyday health" stock photo shoot. Sitting on a sunlit white couch facing an identical white couch, I had a casual conversation with Lisa Curesky, the casting director, and Steve Prezant, the photographer, whose business card, which features a 1920's looking model, impressed me with its style. I've been thinking that stock photos would be fun to create; I use them often for the e-newsletters that I design. I'll let you all know if I book the gig.

Audition: Amtrak

2010-04-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

I have been selected to audition for an Amtrak commercial tomorrow. The casting director is Ken Lazer, whom I met at NY Connection a couple of weeks ago. I'll also be taking his commercial class starting at the end of the month at Actors Connection.

17 Industry Professionals See Elizabeth's Work

2010-03-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

Last week's 5-day NY Connection was incredible. I left with a solid understanding of where I fit into the industry (the girl next door), strong confidence in the work I am doing, and a host of new industry relationships.

Reviews

"When you smile, the camera lights up. It just lights up."

Lisa Lawrence, Headline Talent

"Very good at taking direction. You look good on camera as well."

Michele Bianculli, Stewart Talent New York

"That was delightful."

Eve Battaglia, Eve Battaglia Casting

"Thanks for being good. You are very well suited for [romantic comedies]."
Brette Goldstein, Brette Goldstein Casting

Casting Directors in Attendance
This list in addition to list of agents on March 9's post (minus Peter Kaiser, who was unable to attend).

Eve Battaglia
Independent Casting Director, Eve Battaglia Casting

Paul Fouquet
Casting Director, Elissa Meyers Casting

Brette Goldstein
Casting Director, Brette Goldstein Casting

Camille Hickman
Associate Casting Director, Lincoln Center Theater

Maria Higgins
Associate Casting Director, Tucker/Meyerson Casting

Ken Lazer
Commercial Casting Director, Ken Lazer Casting

Barry Shapiro
Casting Director, Herman & Lipson Casting

Tori Visgilio
Associate Casting Director, One Life to Live

Patricia Mauceri

2010-03-16T06:01:00.000-07:00

I have started going regularly to the Actors Group that is part of Redeemer Presbyterian Church's Center for Faith and Work. The group meets once a month at Ripley-Grier Studios on 8th Avenue in the Fashion District. Last night, we had a guest speaker: Patricia Mauceri, who spent 14 years working on One Life to Live and has a New York acting career that stretches back about 40 years. It was such an invaluable time as we heard about not only her creative journey, but the journey that God was taking her on that whole time, even before she became a Christian. Her wisdom really helped this room full of young actors, me included, to look at our own journeys and motivations for being actors with a fresh perspective: one in which Christ gets the glory, not us. In fact, the first question she addressed to the group was, "Why do you want to be actors?"

Another piece of wisdom that I pray will stay with me is something she heard from her agent: "The minute you start believing your press, your career is dead."

Theatre, Commercial, Film, oh my!

2010-03-09T05:45:00.000-08:00

Preparing for NY Connection is a process of being stretched. The 5-day intensive includes work on commercial copy, theater sides, and film/tv sides, all of which need to be memorized and prepared, ready to be worked over with casting directors and then presented to agents.

The agents to which I will be showcasing are as follows:

Film/TV
Steve Maihack, Stewart Talent
Peter Kaiser, The Talent House
Lisa Lawrence, Headline Talent
Diana Doussant, Leading Artists, Inc.

Theater
Ben Sands, The Mine
Cynthia Katz, Gotham Talent
B. Lynn Jebens, The Krasny Office

Commercial
Julien Bouscarel, Innovative Artists
Fatima Wilson, Bloc NYC
Michele Biancolli, Stewart Talent

These are representatives from some very well-established and prestigious offices. The praying and working continues!

Monologues on youtube

2010-03-01T09:03:00.001-08:00

I have posted two different monologue videos of me on youtube. Here are the links. Check 'em out!

Amanda from The Food Chain (Nicky Silver)
http://tinyurl.com/eb-amandafoodchain

Marge from Split (Michael Weller)
http://tinyurl.com/eb-margesplit

Accepted to NY Connection!

2010-02-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

I have been offered one of the 20 spots in Actors Connection's NY Connection, taking place next month from March 20-24. The event will be an intensive 5 days (10a-10p each day) spent working with and showcasing to agents and casting directors.

I plan to bring my A game! I just finished Jandiz Estrada's (Mackey Sandrich Casting) film class at Actors Connection last night, and I plan to use her spot-on feedback to prep my monologues...as well as a lot of prayer.

Three Auditions + Grace & Race

2010-02-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update on my recent auditions:

-This last weekend, I auditioned by video submission for a student film entitled Finding the Words. The casting person was very happy with the submission and passed it on to the director.

-On Friday, I will audition for one of the twenty spots for actors at the NY Connection taking place in March, which would put me in front of agents and casting directors and give me the opportunity to learn from them for 5 days straight, 10am to 10pm! Wowzers. I have a goal to get an agent by June 1, and I would plan to use this to try and open that door.

-On Sunday, I have an audition for a movie musical called Picture Perfect. I am going out for the role of the rebellious daughter who is immersed in her struggle with an eating disorder.

And on Friday, I will join some other actors who are part of Redeemer Presbyterian's Actors Group to present an evening called The Drama of Grace & Race. Come out and see it! 7:30pm at the Redeemer Offices (1359 Broadway 4th Floor New York, NY 10018). I have not seen the piece I am performing yet, so it might be an exercise in cold reading!

The vision for the event is "to see the Redeemer Body embrace the Gospel call to redeemed relationships where the ethnic/racial other is pursued." There will be a discussion after the readings, which is the main focus of the evening.

Coming Into My Own

2010-02-08T07:33:00.000-08:00

I am currently taking the Feature Film Boot Camp class at Actors Connection, taught by Jandiz Estrada, casting director for Mackey/Sandrich Casting. The class is working to push me to the next level of my acting ability, and it is both scary and exciting! Baz Luhrmann's Sunscreen Song was right: it is worth it to "do one thing every day that scares you."

The first week, Jandiz got me on indicating. If you are not an actor, that means showing the audience what you are doing instead of actually doing it. I was pretty bummed after that, but with the help of friends (shout out to Boggie, Virginia, and Neil) and time spent in prayer (shout out to Jesus), I came back strong and faced my fears with the scene for the second week. This time, I found a new kind of freedom that I've been looking for in my acting. The big thing I learned: If I remember that acting is not everything, and I don't take myself or acting too seriously, then, ironically, I can act to the best of my ability, the way I have it in me to act.

Jandiz has been saying that in this class, we will work on developing our own system of preparation for roles. Here's how I prepared last week before class in order to not take things too seriously: I ate unabashedly in front of everyone on the subway, made sure to drink the Dr. Pepper that came with my Chinese taco stand meal (knowing that it would produce burps and that this would fit the scene, which I thought of as taking place after dinner), and decidedly did not walk down the streets of Manhattan to get to class as though I was a beautiful, aloof actress/goddess on the pages of People magazine, but rather just as myself, as Elizabeth, messiness, imperfect posture, and all.

And it worked! I am learning so many life lessons from acting. Very grateful to have the chance to pursue this calling.

New Audition

2010-01-19T07:13:00.001-08:00

I have been notified that I have an audition for a play version of The Little Mermaid sometime at the end of this month. More details to come.

This makes me laugh because they were asking for kids and youth 21 years of age and younger, and I thought, "Why not? I keep being told that I look younger and can play younger." And I got the audition! This takes me back to elementary school days, competing with Catherine Benavidez on the playground for who could sing "Part of Your World" better.

Update: Neva Give Up

2010-01-15T15:14:00.000-08:00

The play I am in, Neva Give Up, will be performed next on March 6 & 7. I am waiting for more details, as I was scheduled to go to my first rehearsal last night, but it was canceled because the mother of one of the cast members is in Haiti, and they are working to get her a way out of the country. I will post more details regarding our performances as soon as I have them.

It's nice to have a character to work on! I am playing the main character's friend, Sharon, both when they are in high school, and after time has passed, when they are out in the working world. One way I've worked on the part is by doing an animal exercise--shout out to Jared Housemann, my teacher at AIDA--where I decided what animal Sharon is most like (a butterfly), and then got under the skin of a butterfly to see how it moves and breathes, and then incorporated it into the character's lines. It made for some very interesting discoveries as well as a way to get at least one step away from who I am and create a character different from myself and my own mannerisms and patterns. It's scary but exciting!

Solo Brings me to a New Level of Acting

2009-12-16T13:22:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, I did what has become a Christmas tradition for me: singing Amy Grant's Breath of Heaven as a solo for my church. This year brought it to a whole new level, as I was able to use the acting tools I've learned over my first year as a New York actress to bring the virgin Mary to life in a whole new way.

I sensed myself being much more vulnerable as well as more open to discoveries along the way as I sang. This vulnerability and openness brought a whole new level of joy, opened me up more to what God wanted to do, and proved to be very useful. Halfway through the solo, a 2-year old Jamaican girl, Samantha, who hardly ever smiles at me or acknowledges my lame grown up attempts to say hello to her, walked up the aisle mesmerized, and I had my acting teachers' words in my head saying, "Go with it." So go with it, I did. I knelt down and included her in the picture of the story I was telling--or rather, God was telling through me. Because really, it was His moment in the sun. This much was very obvious to me.

Afterwards, people kept commenting on Samantha's entrance as one of highlights of the solo. And I am thanking both my Lord and my acting teachers Jeri Smith and Jared Houseman for their advice to "Go with it!" By doing so, I started to understand more what it means to really live the life of the character...and the deep joy that that can bring.

As always, thanks for reading. And merry Christmas everyone!

I Got the Part!

2009-12-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

I just got a voicemail from Dina last night saying that she wants me as a part of Neva Give Up! I will post more details when I get them. This is exciting news; at the audition she talked about her plans to take the show to California, Washington, and several other states in response to their interest. Stay tuned for more details...

And for more information about the show itself, here is a review of its run at the Producer's Club in Manhattan: http://tinyurl.com/y9jel4u

This link will give you the inspirational story of the director Dina Levin's life and motivation for creating the show: http://tinyurl.com/yandlzc

Fantastic Audition!

2009-12-03T17:04:00.000-08:00

I auditioned this week for a stage play called "Neva Give Up". I was going out for the role of a social worker dealing with child custody cases, and in preparation, I did internet research, worked the script, and even had the chance to interview one of my husband's coworkers who used to work in the field (it gave me a whole new appreciation for social workers and child abuse situations).

Funny thing: I got into the audition, and the director, Dina, asked me about my age range (as in what age range can I play). I answered with, "about 20-30" and she said, "Really? I see you as more like 18." (Ha! Know thyself: Even in business casual with a full face of makeup I come across as...a high school senior. Very valuable information. And I will definitely be going out for more roles on Gossip Girl!)

So, anyway, this led Dina to ask another actress and myself to improv as mother and daughter, in a situation where I have just found out that my high school friend was taken from her mother at a young age by my social worker mother. The scene went really well! I was really proud of both of us, and our chemistry was great. The audition assistant still wanted us to read the audition sides for the part of social worker, and Dina said to her, "Really? We've already seen her acting ability." We did end up reading the sides, but it was evident that our mother-daughter improv was really the acting highlight of the audition.

She then put me on the spot and asked me to sing. When I asked what style, she had me sing Amazing Grace. She then pushed me even further by saying, "Now sing your favorite song." I knew exactly what to do and started singing Amy Grant's Breath of Heaven, a song I can at this point fully inhabit on cue.

When I finished singing, to my amazement, the other two auditioning actors started clapping! That's a good sign. The woman I had improved and read with kept telling me how great the song was, and Dina said, "We will definitely be calling you."

I would label this audition success.

Audition: Digital Film Academy

2009-11-25T13:51:00.000-08:00

I had an audition today for a short film being made at the Digital Film Academy on 9th Avenue. It's for a teenage best friend role. Amazing how I just turned 28 and I am told that I can go for high school roles. Plus, I am starting to embrace the fact that my type is the wholesome best friend/girl next door. I had an acting teacher tell me he could see me as "America's Sweetheart". Well, when you put it that way...

On the Boardwalk...

2009-11-17T13:09:00.000-08:00

So, yesterday was great. I worked on Boardwalk Empire, and loved all 14 hours of it.

The show will be aired on HBO starting, if I heard correctly, near the end of 2010, starting with a pilot directed by Martin Scorsese. Being on set was incredible, just like stepping back into the 1920's, and I do love period pieces. And it was fabulous to watch a background cast of about 75 actors be transformed one by one by an upbeat, hardworking team of hair, makeup, and wardrobe artists from 21st century New Yorkers to 1920's boardwalk walkers. And I don't care if I was "just" background, I put my heart and soul into every scene I did as a passerby! I was just letting it all soak in, thinking, "Thank you, Lord. I am getting to do what I love to do. How amazing is that?"

My Pliable Face

2009-10-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

In case you are looking for a wide range of facial expressions for your project, here's a sampling of what I have to offer!

Check out my album.

Shaking Matt Damon's Hand

2009-10-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

Oh, and by the way, last Tuesday, I worked on the movie The Adjustment Bureau, and had the chance to shake Matt Damon's hand! Here ends my acting journey.* I have reached fulfillment.

*Not really. Please keep checking back for further updates!

Roz Coleman's Film & TV Technique Class

2009-10-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

This month, I have been taking class at Actors Connection under Roz Coleman, the on-set coach for HBO's In Treatment. This has been an excellent opportunity to get in front of the camera and really learn the ins and outs of on-screen performance from a woman whose career spans film, television, and Broadway and who has worked with the likes of Meryl Streep.

For the class, I have worked on scenes from Law & Order: SVU, the sci-fi crime show Fringe, and the scene I brought in from the film Pride & Prejudice (2005). We've worked in the context of both auditions and on-set performance, and it's been an invaluable experience: I have gained both confidence and performance skills. Thank you, Roz!

2 Songs

2009-10-05T07:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at church I had the chance to sing a classical solo: "The Lord's Prayer" by Albert Hay Malotte. Boggie, our pianist, did an incredible job improvising, especially considering we hadn't practiced until yesterday morning! One talented woman. I was proud of myself for how it sounded, particularly the high notes, and people who came up to me afterwards said they really enjoyed it and were moved, one woman even to tears.

On a completely different note, although also a musical note, one of the Dutch tourists on my Manhattan tour bus sent me an email recently. Apparently, she had promised to send me the video she'd taken of me singing "New York State of Mind" on a tour. Not only did she send it to me, but she made it available to the whole world! (Oh, dear.) So, if you need a mini-break from work, check out the short video of me getting in tune with Billy Joel: Zangeres in New York.

Booked! isABelt Infomercial

2009-09-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

Shoots tomorrow in Greenwich Village. Yay!
I am now officially a soccer mom...with no kids.
Here's the website if you are curious about the product...I'm really hoping I get a free one for my efforts. Apparently it was given out in one of the gift bags at New York Fashion Week.
http://www.isabelt.com/

TV Intensive with Melissa Moss

2009-09-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

Not only do I have the infomercial audition tomorrow, but I will also be attending an intensive class at Actors Connection on auditioning for tv roles. I am particularly excited about it because Melissa Moss, the casting director teaching the intensive, also cast Heroes and High School Musical! (I have no shame in admitting my status as a fan of both of these prestigious programs.) And she is currently casting a new New York television series. Great to be making valuable connections.

Audition: isABelt Infomercial

2009-09-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, I'll be auditioning for the role of Soccer Mom for an infomercial about the ORIGINAL invisible belt product. My first audition for an infomercial. Should be interesting to try and sell a MUST-HAVE Fashion accessory that solves problems that have plagued women forever. Plus I'm kind of liking the idea of being a soccer mom. I feel inspired (no comments...you know who you are).

Tackling Roberta

2009-09-09T09:59:00.000-07:00

Currently, in my acting class at AIDA (the Australian Institute of Dramatic Arts), I am working on a scene that is meant to stretch me as an actor: Roberta in the play Danny and the Deep Blue Sea. It's by John Patrick Shanley, who also wrote Doubt, out of which they made the recent movie.

Reading the play, I was immediately struck by its story of redemption. As Roberta, I am saying more cuss words than I ever have before, and also jumping into the skin of someone I possibly would not like if I met her...that is, until I got to know her. She's hard, but longing for beauty like every other woman.

Thankful to be stretched.

Successful weekend on set of short film

2009-08-17T05:18:00.000-07:00

I spent Friday and Saturday (Aug 14 & 15) shooting the short film, Diminished Chords. I put my heart and soul into my one line of dialogue ("I got the part!"), creating a strong objective based around the epitome of high school motivation: a crush on a boy.

I also "sang a solo" in the school musical, although it had been decided before I ever came to rehearsal and showcased my singing talents that it would be dubbed over...to use on my reel or not? My lip syncing skills are a fine addition to any project, I must say.

News: Accepted as a member of 13th Street Repertory

2009-07-31T06:09:00.000-07:00

This week, I interviewed and auditioned to become a company member of 13th Street Repertory Theater, an off-off-Broadway theater in the Village. After an interview, I was accepted into the company! I then had the opportunity to perform for the directors in their intimate 60-something seat theater.

Talking to Edith O'Hara, the owner of the theater since 1972, who is now 92 years old, I got the sense that she really gets what it's all about. Everything frivolous about the acting world just fell away as I sat on the couch and she sat in her armchair in the theater lobby and told me about her childhood in upstate Idaho, her three children (all artistically gifted), and her lifelong devotion to theater.

I will keep this blog updated with any new developments.

www.elizabethbernhardt.com

2009-07-19T14:17:00.000-07:00

It is much easier to remember my website now. I am becoming more tech savvy using trial by fire. Instead of sites.google.com.supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, just go to www.elizabethbernhardt.com. Simple? Awesome.

New website up!

2009-07-10T20:20:00.000-07:00

I just created a new website: sites.google.com/site/elizabethbernhardtactor. Spent most of today trying to get it finished. I plan to buy a domain name so that the website address is not so convaluted! This one's a little hard to remember.

News: New Role in "Diminished Chords" (SAG)

2009-07-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

I was just cast in a musical number as well as several scenes (including one line) in the short film Diminished Chords. This will be my first work done on a SAG project!

News: "Kiran" canceled

2009-07-10T13:00:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, I just heard from the director of the film Kiran, Jimy, saying that for a number of reasons, the shoot has been canceled. I was really looking forward to this project, but before the project closed down, we did have our dance rehearsal for the Bollywood scene, which was a great time, and a chance to learn moves I've never done before.

News: New Role in "Kiran"

2009-07-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

I have been selected to be part of an NYU student thesis film called Kiran about an Indian girl who goes to high school, wants to be accepted by those around her, and views her life through a Bollywood lens.

So...I am super excited about being one of the Bollywood dancers in the film! I'd show you my cool new hand move, but that's hard to do on a blog.

The film will be shooting in mid to late July here in New York.

Join me on my acting journey!

2009-07-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome, everyone!

Blog mission statement: This blog will be a place for me to post updates about my journey as an actor.

Quick bio: I am originally from Austin, Texas, but recently spent two years in central China, and am now going strong in New York City. I am currently studying acting with the talented folks at the Australian Institute of Dramatic Arts. The most recent class I took there was Neutral Mask.

Me as an actress: If I was typecast, I'd be the sincere, intelligent girl-next door. However, I have played a variety of roles, and have also performed as a singer and ensemble dancer. So basically, I am an actress who sings and "moves well," as they like to describe it on audition notices.

My main focus right now is breaking into film and television, but I also enjoy the stage. I also have a desire to be part of musical theater, but I am trying to put "freeing limitations" on myself...keeping it simple so that I have a specific focus and a channel for my passions. So, straight acting is my main focus at this time.

Why I do what I do: As a Christian, I believe God has given me these talents and passions for a reason, and I desire to use them with the best that I have to offer and with my whole heart trusting in Him. I want to tell stories that matter and that inspire. I want to be an artist to the best of my ability, and always on the path that follows His footsteps.