2012: new beginnings

I’m in an interesting place in my life right now.

Up until now eveything has felt secure. I’ve started my own theater company and am running it full time in the next month which means I’m leaving the security of my job. I lost my car and I have to find a new roomate in order to stay in this lovely house. To the observer it would seem that my life is collapsing and it is true. The common thing for us to do is panic when all this sudden change occurs but I have a sense of calmness and knowing that all things are working together for my good. I created my 2012 on 11.11.11 which was such a powerful day to create. The ideas were so great that only a new me, stripped of all the old would be equipped for what is to transpire in my life. 2012 was predicted as the end of times and from where I’m standing this is true.

Life is meaningless and empty.

It only has the meaning which we give it. So 2012 for me is a year of travel, prosperity, abundance, love, manifestation of all desires, an undying commitment to my own success. This is the time and I’m blessed to share it with every living thing on this planet.

Ash

2011: What’s been working for me…

I must say that this year has been absolutely amazing. As I look back at my journal entries I have made quantum leaps since last year. I knew what was possible but I didn’t know how and now the plan is laying itself at my feet. I must say I’m blessed. I just had my last two performances of 2011 at the Disney Concert Hall at REDCAT: Studio series which presents dynamic work from emerging artist. It was a great collective of talent at Studio and I was honored to be a part of it.

I have had a chance to really evaluate what has led me to these seeming miracles in my life and I wanted to share:

1.foundation: by learning from an expert in my desired field, I’ve had an opportunity to see HOW my business is done. I’ve come to realize this is really what jobs are for–to sustain you as you learn in order to create your own opportunities successfully.

2. Tithing: When I tithe miracles happen. The VOICE gave me an outrageous task and told me don’t worry, just tithe and I’ll prove to you what is possible–I’ll share this task with you all when the thing is done. I have seen phenomenal things happen as I tithe. I stopped for a month and half and I felt the strain of circulation happen, that “not enough” come back…I won’t allow that to happen again!

3.Accountability Partner: this might need to be Number 1 on my list. I have made quantum leaps because I have someone holding me accountable to follow through. Bianca Blanco has been a driving force in my success. She doesn’t think I’m crazy or that its impossible when I tell her my plans. She supports me when I’m afraid and looks at me with the knowing that it is all possible and can be done. And then she expects me to get it done! This has been the best thing to ever happen to me in my career.

4.Going through the finish line: I’ve always kind of clunked out inches before I’ve reached the finish line because many times I set myself to just finish. I’ve been practicing going above and beyond the goal. Going through the finish line and its been working. The results are insane..I really do have to pinch myself to know that this is real.

5. Recognizing that this is a game: By allowing myself to play LIFE as a game, an obstacle course–all my challenges have become a spartan race, an extreme sport. I’m playing a game with myself and its all for the Fun of it. Looking at each of my “weaknesses” as a training course to handle the success coming my way has been helpful for me to learn the lessons and keep it moving in my game.

And finally, gratitude; every time I say thank you I feel so happy that new ideas begin pouring out of me. Finding the good in everything is bring amazing people into my life and miraculous opportunities. Like they say..you get more of what you focus on

I’m celebrating Thanksgiving with friends in Los Angeles this year. And I’m celebrating a Bomb-Ass year of creating, following through, planting seeds, and flourishing.

I’d like to give a special thanks to three very significant people in my life: Bianca Blanco, Mike Butler, Ana-Maria Alavarez, –These 3 people have pushed me further than I could even imagine I could go. They have taught me that I deserve my success and that life is not either or–you can have both!

 

with Love–A.TOM

NBC Universal Short Cuts film festival

I had an opportunity to attend NBC film festival. It was an inspiring experience. Here are my thoughts directly from my journal (a few words have been omitted for the sake of privacy) enjoy!

“My life’s a movie!!! Its crazy where I am and seeing where I’m going and everything paying off. Today I woke up with the ability to laugh at myself and some of the silly decision I’ve made…Like driving my car up a hill when the transmissions already jacked and my girlfriend already offered to let me borrow her car. Instead of being an excellent receiver I find myself stuck up a hill on La Cienega and Sunset and reversing down looking for an alternate route to my final destination. funny. Even more I felt today for the first time that I’m living this life as an artist, it’s not me “trying to make it”. I’m just being and that idea felt so empowering.

I was so inspired by the NBC shortcuts film festival last night. I met a lot of great people and enjoyed the work presented. the world gets really small when you’re out and about and I saw myself in these people and I caught a glimpse of myself and my work chosen for this festival. i’m currently in pre-production for my first film and it allowed me to see the caliber of excellence I’m to aim for. This festival was created to bring exposure to underrepresented writers and directors in the industry. I recommend novice and experienced to attend this event. Its free and well done. (http://www.comedyshortcuts.net/)

Listening to Ram Daas this morning helped really put my life in perspective. This is all a game. It’s all fun. Its meaningful and meaningless at the same time and I am blessed to be apart of the whole in the grand scheme of things. Wow. so many projects to complete before the end of the year. 2011 has been on hell of a year!!! I feel like I’ve revved up an engine and I’m full speed ahead.

I’ve been really _____________ lately…I’m sure it’s a spiritual urge I’m going through but manifesting itself as this energy. I still can’t stop thinking about __________ but hey, if it was meant to be it would be. Soooo I  let the universe guide me to my self-awareness when it comes to relationships

A.tom

Your Gift is a tool…Not your passion

So many times I’ve heard many say (including myself) Acting is my passion or dancing is my passion or [Insert Gift here] is my passion. I was sitting examining my own gifts and my passion and I realized that my gift is not my passion. My gift is a tool to execute my passion. When we really think of what we are here on this earth to do, to serve,  to live our best live, there’s no way I could continue to accept that “acting” is my passion. Acting is something I absolutely love to do but it is not my passion.

I realized that acting alone (or any other talent for that matter) is all ego. Acting alone: I do for the love of being on stage, the adrenaline rush I get from the lights and the crowd, for the grandeur that comes with being a guest star, supporting or starring in productions with A-list Celebrities. Who does any of this benefit? Who does it serve? Me. And I think this is an amazing feeling  and one should  feel good about their success, with a balance of self and serving in the equation.

We are all here intentionally with a purpose to fulfill a need. When we use our talents for only ego-fulfillment we are denying other people  something that could possibly save their lives. What if I used my acting to teach youth how to write, to be able to express themselves, to inspire them to create vision in their lives? Or battered women an outlet to mentally and emotionally let go of their situation? We need to begin re-framing the statement about our passion. I’ve learned that my passion is education of youth and financial assistance to the disabled community. I’ve decided to utilized my gifts to educate, to make money that will serve hundreds of thousands of children all over the world in schools that I’ve established to transform the institution of education. That is my passion. Its gets me fired up and my gifts/talents do too, which makes me unstoppable on this climb towards my goals. Gifts are to be shared with the world. I use acting, dancing, writing, and choreographer as a form of self-expression, as a means to inspire people, and as a tool to educate.

The “Why” is the most important question when figuring out your passion. Why do you act? Why do want to make lots of money? The bigger the “why” the more easier it will be for you to commit to your goals (taken straight from the Millionaire Mind Intensive If you’re at a job that you hate and the “why” is because I need the money–heesh your soul is probably dying inside (trust I’ve been there)..but what if the “why” was to save money and invest to become financially free so that I can do what I love. Wouldn’t that “why” wake you up in the morning in better spirits? It may even give one the courage to step out and do something that they truly love.

Create a big “why”. What is your passion?? Now go and use your gifts as the tools to serve that in which you’re most passionate about :0)

Just my perspective.

With gratitude,

Ashlee Katrice Thomas

When You’re feeling empty

It has just been one of those days for me. I am empty. And all day I’ve tried to put a happy face over it and affirm how beautiful and talented I am and how I’m valuable to the world and what I’m doing matters.

But deep down–I just don’t feel like that at all. In the grand scheme of things I know all the above to be true but this very day, I just feel like poo. What is an artist to do?

I streamed an on-line sermon at Agape International today, which help for the moment; I played with my dog and that helped a little more. I sang a song and cried a little bit and this even made me feel a little better. But it didn’t get me to the Elation I know exist..that place where I’m vibrating so high that I can literally feel life in every breath I breathe.

So I’ve come to this conclusion today–Everyday is different. I choose to be happy but that doesn’t mean that everyday I’m just going to wake up and feel Stellar..some days will feel like Poo and I should acknowledge how I’m feeling-don’t harp, don’t complain but keep finding those simple things that remind me of what joy feels like until I’m at 100 again. Work out, Listen to comedy, Cry, Scream and then list all the amazing things happening in my life. So I just wanted to share this list right now in the midst of this feeling to add one more thing to bring me closer to my happy space:

I’m alive and healthy w/ the use of all my facilities
I have a mother and siblings who love me dearly and are all well
I live in a comfy home in a safe neighborhood
My dog adores me and I him
I get paid doing what I love
I registered my business and I’m an official business owner
People donated to my fundraiser for the biz
Everyday I can see that I’m in line w/ my bigger vision by the people I connect with
I live in a country where women have the freedom to own business, drive cars, run for office, and have a voice-this is a blessing and I owe it to women who do not have this opportunity to be their voice.

Yes–I have an amazing life when I lay it all out. I appreciate that. So this feeling I know will pass. Its just one of them dayz and that’s ok

–your turn. get back to happy!

Am I working hard enough?

I have been living in LA for almost 4 years now and have seen some amazing things happen for me. I can actually say I am a working artist.–A hard-working artist. As I embark on my second project with my company, Enlightened Theater,.I ask myself–Am I working hard enough?

As Oprah ended her show this past week and her career-in-review is being aired everywhere, I reevaluate how much effort I’m giving to my greatness. I believe in my vision and outsiders see me working my tail off. So why do I feel like I could be giving and doing so much more to make things happen faster, manifest faster..and this is where my aha moment comes in.

My vision is HUGE!! Harpo wasn’t built in a year or 4 years…it was built over my lifetime. My vision is my life and I would never say that I want my life to move faster towards my death. No. I want to enjoy every moment of this life..of this climb. Push myself harder and further and see it till the end.

I guess I have to come to accept that I will always feel like I can work a little harder, give a little more…maybe this is the thing that propels us to success; The eternal yearning to be bigger and greater than your last success.

It is challenging at times to stay connected to my truth–that what I have is valuable and I’m worthy of my own greatness. My pre-conditioning and insecurities kick in and sometimes try and paralyze my evolution. But as they say: Having courage doesn’t mean you don’t get scared or insecure..Its knowing that your dream is bigger than your fear and pushing past the pain until the vision pulls you (Agape message

I leave you with this…We are all Oprah. She believed in her vision completely. She built an empire, despite growing up poor or being a minority. She was so focused on her dream..no world opinion’s could stop her from living her truth. I am standing for us all to do the same. #Living my truth

Ashlee

The Papillion Institute of Art: Submit your short film here!

I attended a film screen last week at a new art gallery downtown called the Papillion Institute of Art (PIA) (www.papillionart.org). The Gallery Director, Michelle Joan Papillion, was hosting a short-film screening, which is a quarterly event at her studio. I was very impressed with the quality of selections that were included in the screening.

Two films really stood out to me. The first was  The Young and Evil, written & directed by Julian Breece. It’s a story about a sexually defiant teen who provokes and HIV+ safe-sex advocate to infect him with the disease. This film was disturbingly beautiful and I think Julian is a director/writer worth following. The Second was a romantic Comedy, Cocoa love, written & directed by James Bland. The story follows a  couple who plan a burial for their dog, Cocoa, and everything goes awry.  It really helped lighten the tone after Julian’s piece.  It was witty, cute, and most importantly, funny!

PIA has quarterly screenings and you can submit your films to be screened. You’ll meet some amazing people.
The space is an art gallery so you can always check out the visual art aswell. I love finding locations like this because these places become a safe haven for artist, giving us an opportunity to commune with one another and  transform the world through art Thumbs up for the Papillion Institute of Art!

Remember getting out and meeting new people is probably just as important as your talent…You can have talent but if you have no community  to share it with… who will ever know?

Happy Monday,

Ashlee

I need and Agent!!

It’s pilot season and I need an agent! That’s probably what most of you who’ve run the “how to get an agent” search are saying. I have a few tips I’ve learned along the way:

1. You don’t need an agent but it sure does help to have one, especially when you want to book substantial work

2. Knowing Casting Directors is sometimes more important than having an agent.

3. An agent will never work harder for you than you are willing to work for yourself

 

1. Getting and Agent:

If you’re in Hollywood searching for an agent, there are a number of ways to submit. You can start by creating online profiles at audition websites such as: www.lacasting.com, www.nowcasting.com, www.actorsaccess.com . These sites are really the three main sites used by casting directors/producers to post auditions. An agent will sometimes post “now seeking” new talent request. All of these sites require you pay a monthly fee. You can also submit yourself directly to projects sometimes, which helps you keep working. It also shows your agent that you’re hungry and they’ll work harder for you if you’re out booking work on your own.

You can also pick up “THE AGENCIES” book at the Samuel French Store (there are two in LA; in Sherman Oaks and in Hollywood). This book is updated monthly and gives you a list of all the agencies and who is seeking specific types of talent. Submit to those that are seeking your type. Otherwise your photos/resumes may end up in the trash. If there is an agency that you really want to be with but they are not seeking your type. Put them on your follow-up list and call once a month to see if anything changes.

Getting a commercial agent is the easiest agent to get. Start there, if you have nothing. Some Agencies, like Daniel Hoff Agency, host open auditions but you must have a referral from someone who is signed with their agency.

Focus on agents that will get you work in areas that you are very strong. I am a dancer as well as an actress and I’m searching for a new agent. So I am focusing on agencies like DDO, MSA, Clear Talent which are all great agencies for dancers. DDO is strong for stage,choreographer, variety. MSA is strong for choreographers.  Clear Talent is strong for Commercial Hip Hop/Tours.

You can submit to more than one type of agent in LA: Dance Agent, Commercial Agent, Theatrical Agent, Voice Over Agent (there are a lot of agencies in this town!!) If an agent really likes you they will sometimes try to get an exclusive contract with you–handling all portions of your career. If you trust the agency and feel they will work for you–go for it. Otherwise, let each agent handle their specialty

2. Knowing the Casting Directors is sometimes more important than your agent

Casting Directors are really your key to the producers to the show.  The producers trust the casting directors to cast the right people for their projects. If a casting director really likes you, They will be requesting your agent to send you in before your agent even submits you. If you don’t have an agent the Casting Director will send you to their favorite agency, get you signed and get you working. How do you get to know the Casting Directors?? You can get the “The Casting Directors” book for Samuel French as well and begin to research TV/FILM that you can see yourself in the role. Reach out to those CD’s as you are the types they are casting.  You can also go to www.imdb.com and search movies/tv shows and look up the casting director. IMDB will show you current projects they are casting aswell. I say pick  3-5 CD’s to have constant contact with. This way you build a relationship with them. You can send your Headshot and reel and when you have a new update or new pictures or a holiday comes around, send them something to keep you fresh in their mind. (be careful with calling or stopping in–its annoying when thousands of actors do this..they can’t get their jobs done!) A great way to get to know the CD is to attend their workshops. They host them to help actors understand how casting works, doing cold reads, etc.  This can be very pricey but its a worthwhile investment. Why? You are basically auditioning for the CD in a non-competitive environment. They can get to know you more personally and this is always helpful..because you call on people you have personal relationships with much quicker than an unknown Head shot.

3. Your Agent will never work harder for you than you are willing to work for yourself

So many actors think that once they get their agent all they have to do is wait…… The agent will be calling anytime soon to book them for an audition. So they wait…and wait..and wait…and then say “my agent’s not working for me”. No, You are not working for you!!! People who get noticed are people who are our making things happen for themselves. Taking classes, self-submitting for auditions, creating their own shows, networking. An agent feels confident when they can say, “Oh my talent is working right now–get em before he starts his next project.” As we become more technologically savvy, agents are becoming less vital in getting your foot in the door. You can submit directly to Casting most times, which takes out the middle man. An agent sure does help but YOU have to do the work, its your career!

whew!! There’s a lot more to say but I’ll save it for another post. I hope this helps you get the agent you’re looking for. See you in the movies!!

-Ash

At a crossroads..Did you Make the right decision?

“If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking” - 

As an artist I feel we all come to crossroads in our lives and careers. Along the way you are met with obstacles that lead to friends like Patience, Hope, faith and sometime the nemis fear.  I find myself here at this very moment wondering exactly what I am doing? Did I make the right decision to pursue this career as an artist? Am I taking the right steps to get to my goal? My emotions well up  and that tiny voice echoes loudly against my brain “Am I ever going to make it??”

This wisdom I know is true, there is no place to make it to. I write to reaffirm it to myself and the many who sometimes forget; This life is a steady climb on a winding road that will only end when we breathe our final breath.  I remember when I was 12, I couldn’t wait to be 15 and then I couldn’t wait to be 18 and then I couldn’t wait to be 21…No one told me one day I’d wish that time back. At one point I couldn’t wait to be a senior in highschool and then a college graduate and now (specifically today) I impatiently await world recognition and financial abundance.

Its a process I tell myself constantly…some days this is harder to remember than others. So I pull out the trusty Gratitude Journal (which is so powerful, I suggest this to everyone)  and write why I am grateful:

• I wrote/directed/produce a stage play in Los Angeles
• I am choreographing works for a professional dance company
•  I tour with a professional dance company
• I teach at amazing private schools throughout Los Angeles
•  I get paid doing what I love
• I’m launching a youth theater program with an amazing partner
• I  have the capability to use every facility in my body
•  I woke up this morning with a choice

I’m at a crossroads with patience on my side. She seems to wander now and then but always comes back to reminds me that she, coupled with persistence, is a lasting friend. The advice I pass on today is to enjoy the path you choose, you may go around in a circle for a bit..but you’ll figure it out as long as you stay grateful, persistent and patient. I’m learning everyday that the less I focus on fame and fortune and truly enjoy the process of being an artist; serving others–giving a voice to those unheard through my work–the more gratifying my journey is— and funnily enough the recognition and abundance always seem to follow.

Humbly yours,

A. Thomas

Envy & Ego..Terrible Twins

Happy New Year to all my fellow Stars!  This year has started off pretty busy. In the midst of working I’ve been dealing with moments of undesirable envy for people who I love. To say it out loud just sounds wrong but I thought it was important to share because I feel we all have moments where our Ego’s get in the way of our growth.

The entertainment field is competitive and all of us our looking for our big break and when a friend or two seems to be getting that break a little faster than you..well as happy as you feel for them..your ego may start to do something like this:

Me: I’m so happy for you And I support you 100%

Ego: Why can’t that be me..I’m just as talented. What do they have that I don’t?

Me: Congrats on booking your new  gig

Ego: I went out for the same thing..I know I have the look. It just  not enough work to go around

                               Me: I’ll be at your production and vote for your events

Ego: Life just isn’t fair. When will I get my break. Maybe I’m not good enough

And to Your Ego and Mine I say: SHET UP!!!

The fear of failure and idea of  scarcity make our weak little Ego’s begin to envy the success of other people.  We may be doing all these amazing things ourselves but look at someone else’s growth as better than our own. The truth is we all have different paths to our own success and there is an ABUNDANCE of success, wealth, and goodness to go around. We are all here as individual expressions of greatness, always remember that and when you forget, quickly remind yourself!

If your friends and close associates are doing amazing things, most likely you are on the right track. Like energy attracts:  amazing can only attract amazing!!   If your friends aren’t doing much….. birds of a feather flock together…

So when you hear your Ego, like that little  green devil sitting on your shoulder, starts to go on and on about  “Why nots” and “Has nots”; look within yourself, remind yourself that you are amazing, send a silent blessing to those around you..wishing for them what you would want for yourself because the law of reciprocity really works. You can not have what you are not willing to give away. Look over your actions and if you see you are lagging in some regard, take that as inspiration to create a new habit that will put you and your career one step closer to where you wish to be!

Have an amazing 2011!