Almost There....

So in spite of my lack of blogging, I have been making progress in my NY preparation. Headshots/resumes out to several TV shows. Standardized patient work set up at a few programs, temping agencies contacted... have a few leads for teaching artist work.

Celebrated the past few years in DC with several friends-- new and old.. It's been a good chapter, and I've been blessed with lovely people in my life!

My concert over Thanksgiving in Rhode Island was a blast! Will upload pictures soon. I was blessed with an awesome accompianist, Diane Gualtieri, and Marcel and Andre with whom I sang "A Little Fall of Rain" and "Breathe". I am contemplating the upcoming "In the Heights" audition.. why not?! What have I got to lose?

Anyway, four days left til moving day. This time I WILL be packed before my parents arrive to help me this weekend :)

Days Until Move: 4

Workout: Treadmill, crunches, chair leg lifts

.. been making money

That's why I haven't been keeping up... financial maintenance is part of my pre-NY boot camp, so it's a good thing... But, now, time to catch up with where I'm at. I had a great discussion with a successful DC actress yesterday about working out. She is super fit, and there she was eating a grilled brie w/fries, and a side of hummus/pita. I had to inquire about her fitness regimen. First off, half of the food was going home with her, and secondly, she makes a few visits to the gym, DAILY. Okay, that's where I've gone wrong. I currently visit the gym a few times, weekly. SO, time to amp up my regimen. Kickboxing this afternoon! No matter my schedule tomorrow, I am out of bed tomorrow early to get quick run in before the hectic day.

In career news, I have been cast in a student film at American University. If all goes well, I'll have another clip to add to my "put a reel together" set.

My brother, Marcel, is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter in NYC. If you live in the city, and are free Saturday night, check out his show or website (www.myspace.com/marcelarsenault) :

When: This Saturday, November 1 at 9PM
Where: The Perch Cafe, 356 5th ave, Brooklyn (between 5th and 6th)
Take F, M or R train to 9th St and 4th

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Days Until Move: 51
Workout: Kickboxing

- received music from composer/ now have all the music for the concert I am prepping for in November
- cast in student film

TO DO: -fix computer so that my new printer will be compatible
- Plan and accomplish 5 workouts this week, and add on next week

Monday... my favorite

Love the fresh beginnings that Monday offer! Rented a car for my Busch Gardens trip yesterday, so went on errands today. Jaymez gave a stunning performance (at B. Gardens) as usual.. Congrats!! In the Heights definitely in his future... Gorgeous fall day in DC :) Crisp and cool, thanks for the package with my winter coats, Mom!

Days 'til move: 59

-received e-mail from composer whose music is unpublished ( i've been seeking it for over a year).. He is sending at least one song my way!
-began organizing recital/concert in Rhode Island
-purchased printer

Week One Down...

Days til move: 62
Workout: Rest day (rode bike to Rayna's and workin at restaurant tonight--- i'll be on my feet)

-created a page on Actors Access... Check it out: http://resumes.actorsaccess.com/elisearsenault
-planned trip to Busch Gardens this weekend to see Jaymez perform!

Workin it out..

Days Til Move: 63
Workout: Run/Walk (40 mins)

- Acquired addresses for 10 TV shows cast in NY
- Scheduled a student film audition for next week

TO DO: BUY A PRINTER

Progress Report before the Debate

Days til move: 64
Workout: Toning Video (30 minutes)

- compiled and discussed (w/Aaron) a list of goals through October 2009, checked back on the list I had created last year... a major goal was re-gaining my singing voice, and I have!
- brainstormed and charted out a 3 day visit to NY in November
- submitted H/R to film student project

TO DO: UPLOAD H/R TO ACTOR'S ACCESS, AND SUBSCRIBE TO BACKSTAGE

One day down....

Used good self discipline at the restaurant tonight, as far as eating healthy... no munching on fries, or splurging on any junk. Since I had worked out pre-work, I had a burger with salad, and later on a skim chai latte... all yummy and nutritious!

Days 'til move: 65
Workout: Kickboxing (45 mins) --- love Ron's class, he is SUPER INSPIRING, and will make fun of one if she is not working as hard as she can! He called me out for missing the past two weeks!

-contacted a successful NY actor regarding websites that would be helpful
-heard back from a submission for a local independent film company... they recently aired a show on the Sci-Fi channel, and will contact me with the date of their next audition
-began recording 2008 receipts and business expenses, which will be helpful when I file taxes in the new year

TO DO: Compile list of goals for the month and year to share with Aaron at our meeting tomorrow

Vanessa Redgrave says...

"You can't be striving to please. You have to be striving to get to the heart of the matter." What a freeing thought as an actor. Only when one stops caring only about the audience's reaction, can one deliver a truthful performance. This in no way means not reacting to the audience, however... Food for thought.

NEW YORK BOOT CAMP begins...

So, I have come to the conclusion that I need some accountability in my free-lance lifestyle, in order to improve/promote myself in time for my move to NYC in mid-December. Through December 18th, my blog will serve as a journal of accomplishments for the day (workouts, submissions, contacts made, etc.)

If you have feedback, or ideas, please, please, please leave a comment!

Days 'til move: 66
Weight Lost since May: 7.8
Workout: Total Body Conditioning class @ gym (1 hour)

-made dermatologist appt. for early November, have to clear the skin before TV/Film auditions
-received contacts from DC colleague of Teaching Artist opportunities in NY

TO DO: CLEAN MY ROOM/OFFICE SPACE

Life is Flying by......

at a rapid pace! I better hold on, and get myself in order, to accomplish all I want to accomplish. My birthday last month reminded me that I have been a DC resident for two years, and woke me up to the goals I have set. A goal of mine has always been to be in NY or LA by the time I am 25, my bro, Marcel, invited me to move into his apartment in Brooklyn, and here I come... I will be up in New York in late December! My national tour was cancelled in late June, and I decided to use the following months July-December, as a sabatical... making money and cleaning up my act.

Since May, I have lost ten pounds, attended an amazing Improv Retreat in the Catskills, continued to hone my voice with my brilliant voice teacher/guru, attended more workshops with my acting teacher/guru, and gained confidence in myself as a performer. This downtime was majorly necessary, and now I must kick my butt for the next few months as I transition to The City.

In the words of RENT, "No day but today". I need to kick myself out the door to get my run in this afternoon. I need to organize a solo concert before leaving DC. I need to clean my room out, and re-organize my desk so that I can be successful in business. I need to lose my final ten pounds, and clear my face of acne once and for all.. Yea. I've got a busy two months ahead!

Reminder: REGISTER TO VOTE before it's too late!!! Also, if you are still undecided... I URGE you to support Barack Obama... he is very detailed in his plans of positive change and has rallied the country together to believe in America once again.. More info at www.barackobama.com

On the Road Again

No, not on tour again, rather training a tour team... My national tour will begin in September. This week, I find myself in Americus, GA training a "Robinson Crusoe" team with Missoula Children's Theater. Last week, I was worried I had forgotten everything about working with the company, but I now find it's like riding a bicycle.. never forget... I mean, I did tour for 15 months! Anyway, the week is already off to an awesome start, and I'm working with a fabulous team.. good times all around. See my 2005-2006 blog posts to learn more about this amazing company.

Also, I'd like to take this time to express my huge excitement about the 2008 campaign... Barack is rockin it!!! I was waiting tables on the final Tuesday primary, where we basically had our own rally at the Shirlington Busboys & Poets. Barack came to Northern VA last week, I unfortunately missed it, no worries though, I WILL be at his inauguration in January :)

Be well!
Elise

And the Seasons, They Go Round and Round

End of May already?! It's been an interesting winter into spring transition. I have not been performing a whole lot, which does anything but excite me. In April, I worked on a great project at Discovery Theater, Seasons of Life. It was an educational show at the Smithsonian for all ages.

About a month ago, I was in a terrible car accident. I totalled my car on a day of torrential downpours... at a sharp turn on an exit ramp, my car went out of control, more than hydroplaning, hit a guard rail, and turned a 360. I emerged from the car without a scratch. My car's front wheels and front end were gone. In the week that followed, I was in shock, and since that day, my life has changed. I aim to discover what is most important to me each and everyday, and take time for those things and people.

Two weeks ago, I was offered a national tour of Three Musketeers. The play is with National Theater for Arts and Education, and I will be playing a bi-lingual role (French) of Queen Anne. I am thrilled that I will have the summer to brush up on French, and will be on the road again... this time with more than one other person! The tour will be through December, and I am thinking New York is next!