A Christmas Redemption.

So everyone knows, that Christmas is around the corner! Which is a time to spend with family, a time of happiness, giving and laughter. But for some, its a time to mourn, and time of stress or a time of frustration. This is what a Christmas Redemption potrays. Mrs. Kim Thomas created a magnificent play that shows 3 different families and thier lives around Christmas time. It shows different families from the wealthiest to the poor, and it shows behind the scenes of how their version the holidays really is for them. The play comes from a place of real, laughter and seriousness. I am really grateful to be apart of this production behind, and in front of the scenes. Just by watching the actors rehearse I could tell that they are giving their heart in every single scene with no dissapointment and they have found the essence of their character. The creator of A Christmas Redemption, Kim Thomas is amazing at what she does. By watching her direct alone in this play gives me the ultimate motivation and hope that if you just put your mind to a dream, it could happen. And I know that A Christmas Redemption is what she's being working on for a couple of years now, and finally with just patience and determination, it  is coming to life. Kim Thomas is very hardworking, and she deserves every bit of what she has accomplished. I am truly blessed that she is my acting coach. Now the play is just around the corner which is on the 5th, 10th and the 11th of December at Misissauga Secondary School. So don't miss out to see this incredible production and miss the opportunity to see a variety of amazing & different talents. And at NO COST! So why not come?

The Accident.

A few weeks ago, my acting academy couch Mrs Thomas has assigned us an assignment to do a scripted scene written by professional writers and perform them in front of the class in a week. So we chose our partners and scenes and got down to work. The scene that me and my partner (Dane Smith) were intriged by was a scene called "The Accident". This scene is about a spoiled repeat offender who has suddenly become a killer. In this scene she is talking to her lawyer about getting out of jail. But her lawyer isn't having it this time. This lawyer is the type of lawyer that always had her back everyime she  got into trouble. But now that there was an accident involved, he wants her locked up for good. This causes conflict and arguement and the girl now terrified that she might have to be in jail for a long time because she has killed a mother and daughter due to drunk driving. Intense story line right? So today is game time. Presentation day. And me and my partner was chosen to go first in our presentation. I was REALLY nervous and I was not ready to perform at all. Me and my partner hasn't had the rehearsing time that we really wanted so that made me lose confidence during my performance. So we perform and it wasn't good at all. Well on my part. I was not prepared, and I blew it. But all I have is myself to blame because I didn't mentally prepare myself to perform in front of the class. I should of been more aggressive with my partner so we could rehearse more. So after the performance I was heading for the constructive criticism, which we got and deserved. But it wasn't the outcome that I wanted at all, so all I could do was be dissapointed in myself; so I bursted out in tears. It's not me to not take a performance seriously, and for this performance I didn't take it seriously because I wasn't prepared. As good as the script was, our performance could of been way better that how we potrayed it too the class.

LOVE IS LOUDER.

                         

Recently I have come across a Public Service Announcement which is entitled Love Is Louder and I find it very powerful and compelling. I wrote down the lyrics just to get a taste of what they are talking about:


LOVE is louder.
LOUDER.
LOVE is louder.
LOVE is louder than sexism 
indifference.
than hatred. 
LOVE is louder than homophobia. 
threats. 
bigotry.  
doubt.
LOVE is louder.
LOVE is louder.
IS LOUDER.
IS LOUDER.
LOVE is louder than bullying. 
than bullying.
than bullying.
LOVE is louder than anything.
THAN ANYTHING.
THAN ANYTHING.
If you need help call 1800 668 6868 (Kids Help Phone) 




To watch this inspiring PSA CLICK HERE : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C83TcSaYo_g

ATTENTION: THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT !

Last week, I got the privilege to watch PSA's created by aspiring actors and they are apart of a company class called Prolific Productions. They are filled with tremendous humble sprits and I am privileged to be their leader and mentor. The PSA's that I have witnessed were about many different issues, like homophobic bullying, Child Trafficking, Child Abuse, and Domestic Violence against Women. These different issues were performed in by 4 powerful groups where they have created a presentation, media presentation, and an object to remember their campaign to create awareness. Just by watching them throughout the weeks, I could tell that they were working really hard to make their presentation spectacular. Which it was. All different issues were expressed perfectly, and it really got me more aware and more educated of the issues and what we need to do as of now to change them. All groups did an amazing job and I couldn't be more proud of Prolific Productions. I can't wait to see more from them and what they have in store in the future. 

Learning to adapt.

As I became apart of Soul Visionary Productions I was really excited to be around different diversities and personalities so I can later on clash with them and perform with them in different acting scenes and work with them in the business field. What I have learned previously is that most of the member that are apart of Soul Visionary Productions, were apart of a previous production company called Stage Life. I really don't know what that company was about because I wasn't apart of it, but I have seen their awareness shows and performances that they have created which have been outstanding. On the other hand, I feel that the company still does bring up Stage Life as if it still exists when it really doesn't. It makes me feel excluded sometimes from the group when they do talk about Stage Life because I was never apart of it, which is unfortunate but that is what the circumstances came up too. I feel that since Soul Visionaries has been created it is time to put Stage Life to a rest and move on to sometimes fresh and new. Yes, the memories will always be there, but as of September 2010, Stage Life has retired and since it has it is time to turn into a new chapter. Soul Visionary Productions is the beginning of my journey and I hope soon the rest of the production will leave the past and take the journey on with me to the future.

Seven DEADLY Sins/ Seven Heavenly Virtues.

SEVEN DEADLY SINS

Envy: the desire for others' traits, status, abilities, or situation.

Sloth: the avoidance of physical or spiritual work.

Gluttony: an inordinate desire to consume more than that which one requires.

Wrath: manifested in the individual who spurns love and opts instead for fury.

Pride: excessive belief in one's own abilities, that interferes with the individual's 
recognition of the grace of God. It has been called the sin from which all others arise.

Lust: an inordinate craving for the pleasures of the body.

Greed: the desire for material wealth or gain, ignoring the realm of the spiritual

SEVEN HEAVENLY VIRTUES

Humility: Being Modest in Self. his virtue in its purest form is not self-hatred (a common mistake made by those with good intentions but self-esteem problems), but rather a sense of inner knowledge that one does not need to prove their greatness to the outside world to actually be great. Opposite of Pride.

Kindness: Being Good Towards All Life. Opposite of Envy.

Chastity: Being Unhindered by Worldly Desires. The ability to overcome temptation and show self-discipline. Note that the fulfillment of the virtue is not through lack of being tempted, but rather of making the conscious decision to better yourself rather than do what you know is morally wrong. Opposite of Lust.

Patience:Being Peaceful in a Goal. A willingness to forgive and show mercy. In the face of adversity they may hesitate, but in the end they will endorse stability, reject revenge, and accept the faults of others without prejudice. Opposite of Anger/Wrath.

Temperance:Being Controlled in Self. The moral decision slopes encountered through life are slippery, and it is easy to descend into unintended but well intentioned extremism. Opposite of Gluttony.

Diligence:Being Steadfast in Work. Despite the problems that surface, no matter what stands in their way, one with this virtue will accomplish their goals and stay true to their core beliefs. Opposite of Sloth.

Charity:Being Generous Towards Others. A willingness, or even desire, to help others and better the world, no matter the cost to your personal self. The path of a graceful and noble spirit. Opposite of Greed.

Vintage Scene.

As I explained in my older blog, I told you my experience in vintage shopping and the challenge. So we got our vintage items and we have to create a 'vintage' scene with the items that we have purchased. Therefore, what my quadrant has chosen to do was create an 80's scene and re-enact the hit television show Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. 


Yes, Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. The greatest 90's show out there! We knew it was going to be difficult re-enacting the characters from the show but we were confident in playing these characters. Based on our personalities and whom we were comfortable on playing, I have chosen to play Hilary Banks. For those who don't know the character, Hilary Banks (played by Karyn Parsons on far left of image) is mainly the spoiled, snobby and ditzy member of the family. It was somewhat hard for me to adapt to her character because since everyone from Soul Visionary Productions knew who she was, it was more pressure on me to play her character correctly. But the day of presentations, I went and did the best that I could, but it wasn't really successful. My characterization was there but my showcase wasn't. Our quadrant tried our best to adapt to the character to the best of our abilities, but playing another character that everyone is so used to seeing is extremely difficult because you are signing yourself up for the audience to be really entertained. And when you don't have that IT factor, like the actual show, then your scene will become a bust. Therefore, our scene wasn't really what we planned but it was fun trying something new, and this vintage experience was really interesting, and I would never ask for anything better. The other scenes were amazing, and it got me to see all the different styles that the 60's and the 80's has had. It made me realize that fashion has been in our century for years and it changes more significantly every time. But overall the experience has taught me something, which Soul Visionary Productions teaches me something new everyday which I am grateful for. 

Se7en

Not to long ago, Soul Visionary Productions and I had the opportunity in watching the movie Se7en starring the iconic Morgan Freeman and the amazing Brad Pitt. This movie was very interesting and magnificent because it showed me the seven deadly sins, which I never knew about, which was gluttony, greed, lust, sloth, envy, pride and wrath. This film made me glued into the story line because they showed me the importance to each deadly sin and the thriller as to why these random citizens were dying because of each important sin shown throughout the film. Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt's method acting was remarkable which made the movie such a success. But the actor that took my breath away was one of my favorite actors of all time ; Kevin Spacey. I can't even put into words how good of an actor he is. His ability to play such an evil mastermind is incredible to me. He was amazing to me because he was never out of the moment and I could tell that he really does do his research as to how a real murderer acts and how they portray themselves.  This movie really put me into a willingness of disbelief and a real cliffhanger. I really do recommend this film because the acting is incredible and it really does teach you something. This is why Se7en is such a huge hit, and this movie is really on of my top picks . 

5 stars ! 

PINK !

Okay I had to blog about this. I AM DESPERATE to purchase this. This store I feel is really expensive for my liking but I really want an ILOVEPINK sweater. It's what I've been wanting for so long I think Im going to freak if I don' t get it. I just love their stuff, its comfortable but very pricy. Every time I go into that store, I just melt for some reason. But then I have to leave because I don't have enough for their things. But hopefully for Christmas or Boxing Day, ANYDAY soon I get a I <3 PINK sweater for the winter. If I really get one Ill be the happiest person ALIVE !

-GASP- that is all.

VINTAGE, VINTAGE, VINTAGE!

On Friday October the 29th Soul Visionary Productions were on a mission. We were on a mission to find vintage clothing in Toronto. But the catch was this, we were on a a budget of only 10 dollars and 10 dollars only. See, this was a challenge. A challenge as to who gets the right vintage clothing on our budget at a certain amount of time for our 'blast from the past' vintage performances coming up. In the mix of it all the experience was amazing, from just getting to know more about vintage clothing, to knowing the art and the reality of Toronto. While we were doing our challenge, we also had to capture whether it was on photography, video or spoken word, what you experienced at Ossington & Queen and the effects of poverty. I never really realized how bad the homelessness really was till I got there. Just by looking around I was really grateful for what I have now and the people that are in my life because not everyone has that. From shopping down there I really got a feel of friendliness and kindness because everyone there treated you like they already knew you. Not once was I treated with disrespect from anybody. Honestly down there is really beautiful because as you look around everything is like a piece of art. Just looking at the graffiti and paintings were a masterpiece and just seeing the amazing creations are citizens can make was just amazing. The experience was a blast and I would love to do it again anytime. Just by taxi though because the walking was brutal ! HA ! 

He said She said.

Gossip. Everybody does it. By why? Does it satisfy you? Is it the highlight of your day? For most of us it is, and that needs to change. Gossiping about others really doesn't make any sense because it really is just spreading news around that possibly isn't true. Then someone else spreads it to someone else and it escalades from there. From gossiping and spreading rumors, it causes more and more stress upon the victim who is being gossiped or talked about. Nowadays, people are getting cocky and arrogant saying that they everybody has haters and "haters hate" so they are encouraging them to speak their smack. But that is the most stupidest decision you could make. By encouraging somebody to speak smack about you it just causes them to do it more, and that just doesn't solve anything. Honestly what is the point of gossiping? To get your daily fix of the latest news? 

Let's use Perez Hilton as an example. He is famous for spreading the latest gossip about celebrities and he also talks smack about them as well. He just annoys me because he has nothing better to do in his time other than talking about people behind a computer screen. But what if those celebrities weren't there? His career would be over. But another thing he doesn't know is that saying those negative comments about these celebrities really do hurt their feelings, and if it can hurt such high-status celebrities, it can hurt anybody. So is gossiping really worth it? Don't think so.

The untold story.

Amazing. That is the one word that crosses my mind when I think about this play. On November 3rd 2010 was the day I saw one of the best plays in my life; WICKED the untold story of the wizard of oz. The orchestra, the dancing, the singing, costume and everything else you could think of was just amazing. You could just tell when you watched it, that they have worked so hard to make that play such a success. I was really impressed beyond belief and Im glad that I was not dissapointed. Now I have such a whole different view on the movie The Wizard Of Oz now, and I feel that not everything is what it seems to be. You just get a whole different feel of how the Bad and the Good really was and what the true story was. Everything was planned out perfectly and I really do recommend this play for all those who wish to watch. It is truly worth it and I would watch it a million more times if I had the chance. The casting was great and everybody played each character perfectly. Nobody got out of character and they were truly in the moment when they were singing and acting as well. I was overwhelmed the most by the character Elphoba the bad witch's singing. It was remarkable and she hit every note with ease. Wicked is truly amazing and watching the play with Soul Visionary Productions was great. I wouldn't trade that day for the world.