2015 was a character building year. I started the year in debt, which is fine. I’ve become accustomed to a certain degree of living in discomfort. But it’s the first time where I’ve carried debt for an entire year. Nothing crazy, but enough to be a nuisance. The problem with debt is that it hangs over your head like a storm cloud because if affects every decision you make. Go out? Grab dinner? Catch a show? Do a workshop? Take a class? Buy new underwear? It also means you mother is constantly asking if you’re OK. I am, thanks mom.
I almost climbed out of debt a couple times, but there was the time my car was towed because I parked in front of a small driveway. 300 smackers. Or the time I had to pay for a master cylinder so my brakes worked. And then there’s the fees for license and registration.
Here’s the thing about LA. And being an actor. It’s just like running a small business. As much as it is a talent game, it’s also a marketing game, which means it’s a cash flow game. Cash flow is king. So, when you’re constantly looking over your shoulder, you’re not looking ahead.
Despite being hampered, I managed to accomplish a lot:
- Completed UCB’s improv training program.
- Completed Lesly Kahn’s Comedy Intensive.
- Made Rogue Improv’s house team, Wishing Fish, and performed in several of their shows.
- Shot a short scene with the very talented Isabelle Schuler and had the opportunity to work with her and fellow AdlerImprov studio members on a short film.
- I started marketing myself more aggressively using Dallas Travers’ Actor’s Business Blueprint.
- I did two casting workshops with comedy casting directors. Both had ties to Chicago. Just like that, we have a bond.
- I took a vacation – to Chicago – for a week in September.
Most importantly, I continued to grow as an actor. I’ve been studying with Rob Adler, AdlerImprov, for two years now and taking his scene study class for a year. All the tools I’ve picked up since I started acting are congealing. And that’s exciting heading into 2016, which brings me to my goals, which are ambitious, but reasonable, and since I can’t control the number of commercials, movies or TV shows I’m in, I’m going to focus on the things I can control. Here’s my goals for 2016:
- Get out of debt ASAP
- Get my SAG card
- Build even stronger relationships with comedy CDs
- Meditate
- Run a couple 5Ks
- Increase my cash flow through an online PR course.
- Take a passport vacation
- Attend Cubs spring training game
- Get better sleep
- Taste my food
My longline coming out of Lesly Kahn’s class is a young Jack Lemmon meets Richard Kind as Chandler. Expect more of me in 2016.