Corporate Acting Gigs...and Why I Am OK Being Paid in Food

One of the many delightful ways to earn some money as an actor is the ever interesting Corporate Acting Gig. 

Not actually what it's called, I think, but that's just what I decided.

I heard about these things from my friend Raven back in DC when she regaled me with tales of working at training facilities where an actor is hired to play an abused child (because clearly getting a real one would be absolutely NOT okay) in order to have a doctor train how to properly question a patient (this is just one example of the different parts you'd play). There's also jobs out there of the same thread but with law enforcement.

And then there's the odd ball gig. This is what I did about a month ago now. 

My friend's partner does a lot of stuff for events at a big hotel in London and for this particular event he needed to hire some actors. To sit in a hotel room to make it feel more homey....for three hours....while tourist agents came in to have a look.

Yup. Totally a gig. 

Are you jealous yet? Do you totally want to ditch your career and sign up for the bohemian chic actor lifestyle?

Well don't quite yet. We weren't able to get paid in cash for this gig but we were offered to be paid in a free ticket to the party afterwards...with free food and free wine.

So, duh. That's, like, my favourite thing ever...I mean, after money, of course.

This particular event was put on by Thistle at Marble Arch and boy do they know how to throw an event.

My cohorts and me at the after party. Brazil World Cup themed. 

First, the actual job.

I didn't think to take a picture in the hotel room, but I should have. The room we were in was actually really swank and lovely. Me and a fellow actor, Mark, were requested to bring a packed bag to make the situation seem more real. So I brought a few things and hung out barefoot in the room, with the tv on, chatting with Mark about my London food obsessions.

See, if we hang out in real life, guys, that's how riveting my conversation gets. FOOD.

The dessert selection was ON POINT.

The event that was organised involved bringing tourist agents around to see the different room options. A pretty good idea in my opinion. If you're gonna be selling people on this place, you should know what you're selling.

It was pretty hysterical to see the reactions to us being in the room. First the guide would warn people, 'don't mind the actors'. Which confused us as much as it made us laugh. 'Hi, we're the actors, feel free to ignore us!'

Then they stopped doing that and people would walk in and almost always say 'Oops! Oh I'm sorry, I didn't know anyone would be in here. Umm...are you enjoying your stay?' or my favourite 'I hope they're paying you to let us into your room, that was nice of you!' All the tourist agents were delightful people with a great sense of humour for such a unique situation. I do wonder if other hotels have done this. I think it was a great idea.

After we were done, we were invited to take our fill at the party. And boy did we. You really need to be comfortable offering a bunch of students/actors free food and drink. We definitely consumed our pays worth. I basically just camped out at the station with the STEAK and YORKSHIRE PUDDINGS.

Dear Thistle,

Feel free to hire me again if you're paying in Yorkshire Puddings.

Kind regards,
Lindsay

P.S. I'm serious.

They had a mariachi band walking around at drunk o'clock part of the night. Good idea, guys.

The room the party was in was masterfully decked out.

This is my 'HOW FANCY IS THIS BATHROOM?!' photo.

And the best way to end the night....free cupcakes in a carrier box on our way out.

Blue Cupcake. Not sure of flavour, but it was delicious...and blue. 

As a thank you, they also have offered us a free afternoon tea on a day of our choosing with whomever we want to attend.

Guys, it's like they just knew what my heart wanted.

Or my stomach.

xx

**Thistle Hotel in no way asked me to write this post. This was just an interesting experience I had, and enjoyed and didn't mind writing about their fabulousness. All opinions are my own. 

Pretty Dresses, Sneaky Photos, and Acting Advice

Is there any better way to spend a sunny day in London than hidden away inside the dark halls of a museum? Well normally, if I was truly English, I'd be pulling my clothes off and indecently sunning in the parks with some booze (no really...people go crazy when the sun comes out here. Goodbye modesty.)

A new exhibit just opened at the V&A called Wedding Dresses: 1774 - 2014. I may have snapped a few photos in a possibly, maybe, I just can't remember no-photo zone.... I'm only showing a few here, but you really should go check out the exhibit if you're in London. Have a girly day and enjoy 'ohh' and 'ahh'ing over the lovely dresses they have on display. (My only qualm, other than no-photos, was there just wasn't enough. I wanted so much more! But the two floor compact display space was spectacularly filled regardless.)

 I dragged Amanda along with me from Rhyme & Ribbons, one of my favourite expat friends to adventure around with in London! Additionally, she didn't bat an eye over any sneaky photos in the museum. I mean, come on people, DRESSES! Pretty, sparkly, WEDDING DRESSES. Of course I'm gonna take quick, sneaky photos with my iPhone. #sorrynotsorry

We were pretty happy with a lot of the purple dresses. This was an old maid's wedding dress. She was past 30, so ya know...practically dead. She did what she wanted.

By far my most favourite. Check out my Instagram for more info on this piece.

I want them Louboutin's. Dream a dream.

And another favourite. So gorgeous. Look how it sparkles!

After drooling over the dresses we quickly found our way through the rest of the photo-friendly and free fashion exhibit, also worth a good look around.

Before we headed out into the sunshine, Amanda showed me the joys that is the Theatre and Performance collection, which is nicely hidden away in an even darker corner, where you'd only really stumble upon it if you were in a school group having lunch...or you were really lost.

There we learned some hard facts about acting. Don't know why I even bothered working on my master's degree. Let me hit you up with some knowledge:

'Building a character: Acting is central to any performance. The way an actor speaks and looks and moves onstage changes the audience's emotional response to that character. There are many approaches to acting technique that consider both the external and internal life of a character, from emotion through to the way of speaking and moving onstage.'

I'm off to get my Oscar now that I understand it all.

I just thought this was fascinating. And kinda what I'd like to wear to breakfast.

Amanda introduced me to her favourite section...the costumes. They didn't smell so pretty, but neither does theatre, kids. And don't you forget it. It's smells of tears, sweat, ambition, and poorness. ... Ya know, if it could smell like that, it would.

But we smelled pretty cause it was a girly day.

Oddly enough we were the only ones enjoying this thoroughly enjoyable collection. Maybe because it was put off in the dungeons of the museum. Where no hope survives. Welcome to the Theatre collection, where dreams come to die.

So that got morbid. Go back and look at the dresses. Preeeeetty.

Overall it was a delightful visit and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. I would recommend going to visit the pretty dresses, and please, if you have time, go say hi to the lonely Theatre and Performance section. There's even stuff on Shakespeare!

xx Lindsay

Little Sis in London: Day 4--Sunday Roast & Sunday Giggles

Guys, I don't want to brag or anything. But I know how to do Sunday right. It's all about not having a plan during the day and then enjoying a roast and some comedy at night. BEST IDEA. Also drinking too much with your sister on a Sunday has it's fun moments.

I made breakfast...I think...I actually can't remember now. Especially since I didn't instagram it for proof....But who cares. This happened:

Classy jump shot. In front of a boat.

We had a wander around Greenwich. The gem of Southeast London, IMO. Couldn't find a place to eat as every place was packed. The tourists feed like zombies at an all-you-can-eat human buffet when it comes to weekends in Greenwich. 

I took Lauren to my 'just recently passed food obsession' Byron Burgers. Still kind of hanging on a bit to this fixation, but it's slowly being shoved out of the way by my Pho Cafe obsession...which can be seen here.

Stuffed with burger. Clearly.

 I can't recall what we did in the afternoon to occupy our time...but that's probably because I was so damn excited about taking my sister to see Newsrevue at the Canal Cafe Theatre that evening and for a roast before hand.

I've seen this show a few times, as the cast changes every six weeks, and they only do the show based on current events. So it's always changing. It's only an hour long and often times completely hysterical, depending on the cast. I had seen this cast already because my friend Rae was in it and I couldn't wait for my sister to check it out. I do have to mention that Rae did rap in it...and I don't care who you are, but if you rap well, your attractiveness goes up exponentially in my book. However, I am bff with Rae's partner...so there was no drunken, confused flirting going on. You're welcome, Rae. My gift to you is not having to experience that.

Beforehand, we booked a table for a roast. Sunday roast's in England are a huge deal and most of the time you should be on the safe side and book a table.

Really, I just feel fancy seeing my name.

AND they spelled my name correctly. Makes me feel sexy towards you, Bridge House Pub. Spelling my name right...such a turn on. And you think I'm joking...

 Delicious Sunday roast....we did chicken and that odd little shaped thing in the upper right hand corner is essentially why I moved to this country. YORKSHIRE PUDDING. Like a doughball made with fat. So good. If I ever get married, I may give them away as wedding favours.

 My sister and I were raised right and made sure to get dessert. You don't know when dessert may run out, so get it every time. Family Rules to Live By.

We split dessert. Cause we love each other. I will only split dessert with someone I care about.

Lauren loved the show and we were in stitches the whole time. As Americans, we got about 90% of the show as there's obviously a few UK politics bits thrown in, but of course there's loads of ragging on America as well. You can only laugh...and drink some more.

Tipsy sister selfie.

Overall a decent night, other than when I made what I thought were sweeping gestures of flirtations towards one of the guys in the cast...but failed miserably. I think my flirting comes across as polite conversation, and I give the attitude of 'you hold enough interest to keep me awake', sadly. Must work on that... Why are there not classes on this??

So I got tipsy with my sister, bar closed at 11pm, per the unfun rules of England, and we skipped home. Good thing we ended the night rather early because the next day was.....HARRY POTTER DISNEYLAND! Get excited....

xx Lindsay

Throwback Post: Long Weekend In DC

*This is a post I started ages and ages ago. Completely forgot about it really. But there are so many fabulous photos in it that I just had to finish it up. Enjoy! I miss you DC!!!

Before I jetted off to live in London, I made sure to get a few things done. I managed a few books...despite my ever present anxiousness that I am not reading enough. In about a day I finished my very first David Mamet book (yes, my first). A DC actor I know recommended it. The book is called True and False: Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor. It was actually a very good read. I don't think I've read someone who has such a definitive view on acting. He is extremely pro-script 100%. Almost to a fault. I agreed with a lot of what he was saying, but obviously as I am clearly an education supporter (and off to get my master's in acting), I did not agree with everything. I would recommend it as an interesting view point to read, however. Here's just a screenshot of one of the many things I admired in the text. And remember kids, just like retweeting, underlining does not confirm my endorsement.

I just love 'the self-respecting person keeps her thoughts and emotions to herself'. Makes me think of those actors who are always over 'emoting'.

There was a long weekend in DC where I got to road trip with my little sister so she could hang out with her friends too. It was just the absolute perfect weekend to have before moving abroad. I ate my favorite things in DC, hung out with a lot of my favorite people, tried a few new things (race spectating, hello, best thing ever) and just had a fantastic send-off. Also me and my sister had a ridiculous amount of bonding time. We already lived together with my parents, we probably didn't need to get closer than we already are...oh but we did! There's now a selection of creepy catchphrases we can use to creep each other out. We can thank the audio book A Midsummer's Night Scream by R.L. Stine for that. Thought it'd be a good, scary take on Shakespeare. Oh no. It's complete crap. If anyone would like my copy, I'd be happy to mail it to you. And then I need to call you and creepily say 'Claaaaaire....I'm going to make you a star, Claire...'.

So Lauren and I got iced coffee from Cowgirl Creamery first. One of my favorite fancy shops in DC. They're technically a cheese shop...but soooo much more. I adore them and highly recommend their coffee. They use these drip cone things that slowly lets the hot water seep through the grounds. It's the best way to have coffee in my opinion!

Ridiculously hot. I mean that in temp and in my current 'road trip' attire here. 

Later on that evening after me and my sister parted ways, I met up with my old work colleagues from my theatre, Folger. I only worked there three years, but it had such a profound effect on my life and I adore the people there so much, I don't think I'll ever be truly separated from them.

I miss our tequila meetings.

Taquitos. Not at all authentic food, but still delicious.

I hung out with the loveliest of coworkers, whom I miss dearly. This photo really just sums our relationship up. Happy and completely, ridiculously silly. (I'm looking at you Caitlin!)

My former place of business. I will miss your darkly lit halls, your tea breaks, and your Shakespearean gossip.

My Folger friends and I had to make an afternoon break over at THE BEST PLACE EVER. Seriously. It's the Pretzel Bakery in southeast DC, not too far from Eastern Market. It's tucked away in a little house with just a door front, where you order from the window. I have to say, there is just nothing better than a Philly pretzel, and Philly COFFEE, when in DC. 

Pretzel with a sweet glaze. Gimme now.

Always to be consumed with coffee from La Colombe

Before I headed over to England, I had to hit up some American outlets and see what I could find to bring with me. I feel in love with these beauties....though sadly, the calf sizes run a little small and they just did not fit me. Probably a good thing not to spend $230 on a pair of boots before a trip to London.

I love you Michael Kors.

The rest of my trip to DC I'll summarize in these photos.

Favorite white wine at favorite pizza place, District of Pi.

Seeing some theatre at Shakespeare Theatre Company. Got some tickets via Shakespeare love of my life, Caitlin. She knows people there, hence the ridiculous title on our tickets "Rabbi and Mrs. Caitlin ******* Phd" Faaaancy. She let me be her date for the evening because they were showing Measure for Measure, which is where I get my dramatic monologue from. For the record I did not like how the actress performed it. But that's how it goes. The production was entertaining enough with a burlesque show prior.

We met up with some other good friends there as well, Raven and Kiernan. Good times and I miss these beautiful people. (No really, you are too pretty. Stop it.)

I have a drafted post about it somewhere, but I went and spectated a race that I knew Betsy Transatlantically was running in. I got Annie to come with me and it ended up being the most ridiculous fun, despite not really recognizing Betsy when she did run past. We were the only spectators at Mile 7 because the race started much later then we knew about, we were turned away from the course and ended up getting stuck on it. So with our usual silly gumption, we decided we could spectate the whole race. Everyone loves a cowbell on a cellphone let me tell you.

If any strangers need a spectator for a run, I am so your girl. I had a freaking blast!!

I ended the weekend with a drunken picnic with some of my favorite rowdy Columbia Heights crew (not all living in Columbia Heights, but we always had the craziest adventures there).

Happy birthday Monica! You are now on the internets. You're welcome.

Beautiful and lovely Crystal. Her blog, antes & despues, is too gorgeous for me to even handle. She does design and Awesomeness for a living.

When we picnic, we go straight to the dogs.

Then a lovely party at Raven's house, full of wonderful DC theatre folk. There was lots of wine, food, gossip, drunken rants about theatre shows and monologues. I love these parties.

Adding frozen grapes to your white wine can keep it chilled without watering it down. The more you know...

On our way back home from DC we stopped in to see my brother and his girlfriend on one of their last weekends living in Philly. I am sad they moved to DC only because Philly was so much fun to visit.

Also I do not remember the restaurant we ate at or the food I had. But it was damn good. Wow...I am such a good blogger....

It was a dish with meat and therefore delicious.

Hello brother. Are you excited to be included on my blog? YOU'RE WELCOME.

It's like me in a cup. Sweet and fluffy. 

Cheers,
Lindsay xx