D.I.Y: It's the New Black

My interview with Blast magazine!

2012-02-16T06:43:00.001-05:00

Check it out folks! I did an interview with Blast about my production company 'Can't Wait Productions' and I gotta say for my FIRST interview it's very exciting....well I'm very excited and in turn hope you'll be excited with me!!

Click on the title of this POST to read it!

Ciao,
Dobs

Can't Wait Productions: An Interview with Blast Magazine

2012-02-12T17:37:00.001-05:00

Dancing out of the womb

2012-02-06T06:57:00.000-05:00

There's this notion that people have of talented folks-especially performing artists. The idea is that we were destined to be performers because we might have danced in front of our parents' video camera during family functions and therefore have a natural talent...a gift that once we get old enough will make us megastars! (...and I agree to some extent that some things do come naturally for SOME people)

We watch a clip of Beyonce as a child singing in her parents' living room in the 80's and think "wow she was made for it". The next clip is her flawless performance of "Single Ladies" at the VMAS. But what about all the stuff that happened in-between? No one wants to ear about her hours upon hours of rehearsals, voice lessons, dance classes. They just want to see the PERFECTION. Similarly, I think a lot of artists want Beyonce-like success without putting in the work.

I tend to forget about training until important auditions come up. Between work & life I fit auditions into my schedule sometimes without even reading the whole notice. I forget that if I don't periodically attend voice class, my voice will sound like a flemmy mess if I attempt to sing the sheet music that's been sitting it that dusty folder in my closet. And then I'm upset...I wonder why I do this all the time...I pass up auditions that I'd really like to attend but they require me to sing & I'm terrified so I end up not going for fear of being unprepared.

The same goes for acting-I wonder why the same monologues I've been doing for...IDK how long feel stale & robotic? Maybe because I should work on them, find new ways to do them OR find new ones (sometimes shit is so much easier than we make it huh?) DUH. So should I even question why I didn't book that gig? No. Should I blame myself for the stress? Of course.

Because let's face it. Nobody came dancing out of the womb. I'm pretty sure if Beyonce never practiced in those 6-inch stilettos she would fall on her face while cracking a note or two.
We have this talent but we convince ourselves that everything will fall into place eventually...that we can switch it on & off at will. That MIGHT work for some people but honestly...let's get real about it.

So should I stop talking myself into blowing off important things like working on the song from last week's voice class & get my shit together? Absolutely. Because it's my belief that for every performer that's not actively working on their craft, there are a dozen others that are. And they'll be happy to take those gigs from right under your feet and reap the benefits of your not so hard work.

I'm sure you've heard this quote before "The definition of CRAZY is doing the same thing repeatedly, expecting a different result" ....Well I think that says it all. Don't you?

Curious George saves the day

2012-01-08T16:19:00.000-05:00

This week I read an article in The Globe about a recent exhibit at Norman Rockwell Museum entitled: "Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margaret and H.A. Rey". They were the writers/illustrators of the iconic Curious George books.

Here's a quick passage detailing their voyage from Paris when the Germans began their westward invasion circa 1939:
"They had no car. Unable to purchase bikes. Hans bought spare parts and constructed two bikes himself. The couple rode out of Paris in the rain, the manuscripts for "Fifi" and their other projects protected under a coat in a basket attached to one of the bikes. For three days they pedaled, staying in stables and spare rooms at night, hoping to get to Portugal. Eventually, they did, although not before being stopped on the train from France into Spain by an official who suspected they were spies...Four months and two long sea voyages later, the Reyes and their manuscripts were in New York. Before the year was out, they had a contract with Houghton Mifflin for four children's books. All four had been carried out of Paris by bike...the first Curious George book was published in Boston in the fall of 1941".

These two authors showed such courage during a war where essentially they were the target (both Hans & Margaret were born into Jewish families). They not only managed to make it to their destination unscathed but went on to share their stories through books such as Curious George.

I wonder...(yea there I go again! WONDERING...) if war broke out in this country right now and I was the target as the Reyes were, would I be able to display the same amount of courage? To not only survive the ordeal physically but maintain mental strength and continue w/ my craft so intelligently?

Idk...

The story of the Reyes is one of the many encouraging stories of history that I think people should be reading about. Who cares how EASILY you can become a STAR? from winning a reality television show. What I applaud is sustaining yourself in the face of turmoil. That's admirable to me.

Or maybe the Reyes didn't think their work was that important to the world & were merely trying to survive. It's hard to say. They say live for today. You never know what's going to happen...blah blah blah. Yeah we all know the saying. But what does that REALLY mean anyway?

I mean...as artists should we settle for what's available because it's easy & that's what we're used to or can we function as though we don't have everything so easy? Should we try to function with a greater urgency & focus so that no matter what does happen we're prepared to hop on our bikes with a copy or two of our script, song lyrics or painting or w/e the passion & make it?

I like to think that the Reyes had this inner urgency driving them to their destination. That the manuscripts in the folds of their satchel were a little piece of hope carrying them safely the rest of the way...

...who knows? Maybe it's just ME...dreaming again...

LADY THEATRE: Video vixens suddenly disappear! A waitress flirts her way through med school, and a black girl gets existential- CWP 1st full season

2011-12-26T19:48:00.001-05:00

I am a Producer and for the next couple of months I will be devoting my time to my theatre production company's first FULL season of theatre. This means that we'll have not ONE, not TWO but THREE A-MAZING shows lined up for YOU! Yes YOU reading this blog right now.

Soooo don't be shy check out more details on our website:
http://www.wix.com/adobuere/cant-wait-productions

AND

Check out our Kickstarter page because we are a start-up company and we need help with funding as most start-ups do: http://kck.st/v4SJxk

I promise you. We DO NOT disappoint.

Peace.
Dobs

Ridiculous

2011-12-21T20:16:00.004-05:00

I was disgusted when I read this article. Not just because I love Rihanna & her music but because it's 2011 and people still don't GET IT.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/45750487/ns/today-entertainment/

Can't Wait Productions 2012 Season on Kickstarter!!

2011-12-10T09:42:00.002-05:00

The three shows for the season are:
The Inside by Tasia A. Jones and Lydia R. Diamond
Show Up by Paloma Valenzuela
Wednesday Double by Gabriella Ciambrone

Click the link below the video for more information on each show & how to become a part of this great theatre movement!!

Curly Girls

2011-12-04T17:27:00.000-05:00

It's easy to feel alone in the city. For some reason when making decisions both small & large we can feel as though we are the only ones that have ever experienced it. Last night I learned how wrong this belief can be.

I hosted a Curly Girls/Naturals Meetup & sat down to the great company of 10-12 women who have natural hair. It was a small celebration of sorts. We shared hairstories and to my great suprise I heard echoes of my own experience as we went around the room to share how we ended up perm-less. Some women said it was an emotional decision that led to the cut. For some the BIG CHOP symbolized nothing at all but it did make life easier by allowing the hair to be more affordable & easy to maintain. Some shared that they had been called "ugly", their physical appearance was recently compared to looking like Arsenio Hall in the film COMING TO AMERICA and told their hair looks like a "trash basket". Unfortunately that's just the tip of the iceberg. But the whole meeting wasn't to dispose the negatives. We saw that
although there is stigma there is also a lot of positivity, support & understanding within the community of natural girls as well.

When I cut my weave out & chopped my straight hair off in 09' I was definitely NOT trying to make a statement. Nor was I on a "Black Power" trip. I didn't even make the observation that I was "going natural". I was a broke, confused, nomadic 20 year old. Frankly, I just didn't want the weaves anymore. Just as many women pointed out last night, going natural made the most sense to me at that point in my life. Will we all be "natural" forever? Is it just a phase we're going through? A trend? Something cool to post on Youtube? Or a new franchise to feed on the pockets of women? Who knows?

Oh and BY THE WAY: We didn't ALL LOVE "Good Hair" the documentary and we're not all super-bohemian, perm-bashing hippies either.

One thing I can say for sure is that we love ourselves & have come to accept what we have naturally and that's good enough for me for now.

-Dobs

Brother/Sister Plays

2011-11-13T09:40:00.000-05:00

It's very rare that I am moved enough by a piece of artwork to write about it. I could blame it on the fact that it's been too many months since I went to the theatre or an emotional week. But I don't think that's the case here.

Friday night at 8pm I sat down at seat M11 at the Boston Center for the Arts theatre for Company One's Part 2 of the Brother/Sister Plays by Tarell Alvin Mccraney.

So many times during the plays I was on the verge of tears & not because I was sad. The emotional content of the play was spellbinding. But I think to cry would somehow demean the work as if the writer was saying "there's so much more to feel if you can focus and listen well enough". The characters were so much more than their voices booming with anger, their jokes, sexuality or race.

Because just when I thought I had them figured out, I hadn't. Another layer was revealed. The actors took it to the next level. Not a level of talent or "Acting" or a "show" of feelings but what I felt from them was "real feeling"...if that makes any sense? For me it was a flawless performance from an incredibly strong cast. Now LOOK- I'm NOT a professional theatre critic and I certainly don't pretend to be. But Friday night I went to be thinking about this play and I woke up with it on my mind and I couldn't help but write.

Part of my connection to this play stems from the fact that I have a friend in jail right now. A friend that I love deeply and miss every day. And even though he's a few train rides away, he feels far. One of the characters in the play was just released from jail and they make decisions that will ultimately lead them back there. It pained me to watch some parts of the show, not knowing how much time my friend is facing or when I'll be able to see him next. i wonder what he's doing at this very moment. I think "if he'd seen a play like this in his earlier days would he have been moved as I was? Enough to make better decisions in his life. Because that's all life is right? A series of decisions to be made. Well, I made the decision to go to the theatre Friday night and it was a good one.

So as I sit on the MBTA headed to my lame job I wonder...if I wasn't an actress and directly involved with theatre myself, would I be so enamored with this play? I can only hope that the pieces I write will be as cohesive and entertaining as the Brother/Sister plays. I can only hope that the work I produce will capture someone's mind this way. It's a big goal considering Company One's history to produce compelling theatre year after year by fresh playwrights with a great vision. But hey, a girl can dream can't she?

Go see the Brother/Sister Plays! You will NOT be disappointed.

-Dobs

"The question is, do I remain here, or do I go after the things that are calling to me that I'm longing for?"- Tarell Alvin Mccraney (Author of the Brother/Sister plays)

Curly Girls/Naturals Meetup

2011-11-06T16:27:00.000-05:00

Hi all! It's been a minute but I am here to announce that I'll be hosting a Natural Girls Meetup Saturday December 3rd at my place in BOSTON, MA. Of course I won't put my address on blast on my blog! Sooo if you're interested in socializing w/ fellow naturals, eating some good food, having a drink or two and maybe winning a nice goodie at the end of the night, HIT ME UP at adobuere_ebiama@yahoo.com or leave me a comment to rsvp.

That's all for now! More details coming soon!

-Dobs

SKINNY

2011-08-14T14:23:00.000-04:00

I'm gonna start this by saying that women have to support each other. Now, with that said I'm not hardcore feminist or anything but forreal we have to stop the nonsense. By nonsense, I mean pouring our insecurities onto other women without thinking twice about it. About two weeks ago, I returned to ballet class after a couple weeks absence. Since I was last there I lost a few pounds and since I'm tall I guess it's pretty noticeable how slim I am. ANYWAY, barely ten minutes into the class my teacher decides to come over in front of me at the barre, look me dead in the eye and says "You're too skinny. You need to eat something." Shocked and confused I replied (while in plié of course), "What? I do eat...what?" "Yeah but eat more", she replied. "It's not attractive". Seeing the look of irritation on my face she continued "Have a frappe!" with a smile on her face as if to lighten the fact that she just insulted me.

SO You can imagine my shock. I was baffled for the fact that she had the nerve to say such a thing & secondly that she felt the need to express this concern as I was doing my port de bra's...I'm thinking wtf lady....But ok...I'll cut her some slack because some people just don't have filters when they speak so even if she meant well...it didn't really come out that way.

Now, if I was an insecure teenage girl I probably would have bolted for the door crying, thinking "Damn, too skinny...but the magazines tell me I'm too thick"...etc But who's to say? And more importantly Who ASKED YOU? In my opinion, this is how women get so damn confused.

But it wasn't just her that had me vexed. Cuz this was like the icing on the "you're too skinny" cake. For weeks people that I hadn't seen in awhile felt the need to comment on my weight. And I have to say it was really starting to get on my nerves. No one wants to talk about their diet or their weight all the time even if they are confident in themselves & it's definitely not the FIRST thing that someone wants to hear you comment on when you see them. As a young, dark-skinned nappy-headed woman in the entertainment industry I have enough to worry about in terms of appearance or all that other bs. The last thing I need is something to add onto the list. I've never been one to worry about my weight but after weeks of people commenting on it you can really start to think something is wrong. I mean forreal though this ballet teacher came at me like I'm a walking sack of bones.

I guess people look at you-determine something & try to decide who THEY want you to be or maybe that's not the case at all....maybe some people just need a better filter before they say *hit. I mean really though am I supposed to go stuff my face with food because someone else thinks that I'm too skinny. In that case maybe I should go bleach my skin if a Casting Director thinks that I'm too dark or put extensions in my hair because a guy I'm dating thinks it's too short. I just really want to know when people (women esp.) are going to stop obsessing over weight every minute. I don't think I should have to offer an explanation for the way that I am. Especially if it isn't directly affecting someone else's life.

So maybe the next time you feel like commenting to someone about themselves, think about something positive to say and go with that :)

Type? Cast?

2011-08-14T13:39:00.001-04:00

A monologue that I'm working on right now touches on a lot of deep issues that black women face everyday like skin color and hair etc... And of course to some level I can relate. But for some reason I'm having a bit of trouble connecting to the piece emotionally. Something just hasn't been feeling right. Maybe I'm afraid of what I might find if I look deep enough? Maybe I'm afraid that the words of this monologue might offend? Idk...

I definitely appreciate people of color for producing these shows & hopefully the piece will ring true for someone who really needs to hear it. But all I can think about sometimes is if "The For Colored Girl" choreopem is the only work that I'll ever get? Will I have to play the black wife in a "Fences" type play for the rest of my career? OR can I just be cast in a play as a wife in a play-ANY play(if I'm good enough & fit the the role of course). Is it inevitable for me to be in a historical movie about slaves & the Middle Passage or as a maid in a Civil-Rights era film (where the lady of the house & the help form such a strong bond that the people of the town miraculously come together & forget about all the issues of race, color & class?...yeah...right) Or am I just tripping? Should I just shut up & be grateful that black actors are even getting work at all? Some people would say so.
What I really wanna know is when I can stop asking these questions....??????

Scripts

2011-08-11T16:50:00.000-04:00

Hello all,

Once again I have to begin this blog by saying that it's been too long since I wrote you. But I've been productive at least. Back in Boston for now. The move happened a couple weeks ago & I'm still wrapping my head around yet another move but when a city calls your name, you must answer RIGHT?

Anyway, I have a lot to say but I'm going to focus on this book I'm reading. It's called "What do you say after you say hello?" By Eric Berne m.d. I randomly picked it up at a friends' house & was so intrigued that I had to get it at the library. Eric Berne is the supposed "originator of transactional analysis" (yea I don't really know what it means yet either...) but so far I've found that it's a great read & he's throwing some serious knowledge at me in a Psychology book in a way that I can understand & it's kinda funny which is the only reason why I'm still reading it.

In the last year or two I've been coming into serious adulthood (I guess..or maybe I was already here and just didn't know it yet). I've been questioning the patterns in my life and how to knock off annoying habits & move FORWARD instead of what feels like circles & never-ending mazes.

This book focuses a lot on what I'd like to know without having to lay on some therapists' couch pouring out my deepest feelings into a box of Kleenex. He talks about the "hidden scripts that control our lives..." & dictate who we meet & how we interact with people. Reading it just seems to make so much sense to me right now & I like learning about myself. A 23-yr old entrepreneur/entertainer like me needs a little perspective every now and then if you catch my drift?

SO I'm going to dig myself deep into this book & see what I can find without being too analytical if that's possible. I'll try and keep it practical. For now I'll leave you with a quote:

"Although men are not laboratory animals, they often behave as though they are. Sometimes they are put in cages and treated like rats, manipulated and sacrificed at the will of their masters. But many times the cage has an open door, and a man has only to walk out if he wishes. If he does not, it is usually his script that keeps him there. That is familiar and reassuring, and after looking out at the great world of freedom with all its joys and dangers, he turns back to the cage with its buttons and levers, knowing that if he keeps busy pushing them, and pushes the right one at the right time, he will be assured of food, drink, and an occasional thrill. But always, such a caged person hopes or fears that some force greater than himself, the Great Experiementer or the Great Computer, will change or end it all."

DEBUTING in BOSTON: Love, Queens who Suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder by Jamila Capitman and Heather Thomas

2011-08-11T12:07:00.000-04:00

Hello all!

I am a part of the cast of "Love, Queens..." It is the last week of August from the 22-28 at UMASS Boston. All the details are below. So if you're in the Boston area come & check it out!!

Hope you can make it!

Best regards,

Adobuere Ebiama

Raw Fruit Theater Troupe presents:

Love, Queens who Suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
at Snowden Auditorium, UMass Boston
Monday, August 22nd until Sunday, August 28th
Doors Open 7:30pm
$12
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/191618

"Love, Queens..." depicts 7 women ranging in age, sexuality and female identity. Each of the women wears a different color, representing different aspects of the marginalized woman. In the tradition of Ntozake Shange’s iconic play, “For colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf”, “Love, Queens…” uses the beauty of spoken word, song and dance to encourage reflection and healing from the traumas of urban life. The play consists of poetry written by several Philadelphia-based female poets and was compiled and written by Jamila Capitman and Heather Thomas.

Sponsored by the UMass BostonTrotter Institute, and supported by The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, this critical piece of performance art is a movement, with the goal of destigmatizing mental health issues in urban communities. The production sheds light on unresolved issues in our society, such as gun violence and mental health, which often go ignored. This piece offers healing, while creating a platform for conversation.

"Love, Queens..." first made it's debut at the New Freedom Theater in Philadelphia in 2008. Since, the play has had consistent sold out performances, and is now on a nationwide tour! The Boston production of “Love, Queens…” is the first stop in this unconventional seven city U.S. tour with stops in Baltimore, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Oakland, New Orleans, Atlanta and New York, all urban hubs of the black community. DON'T MISS THE BOSTON DEBUT!

Come celebrate life and the continued struggle for peace in urban communities:

Monday, August 22nd through Sunday, August 28th.
Doors open at 7:30pm and the show begins at 8pm.
Tickets can be purchased online (https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/191618 )
OR at the door.

For more information, or for group rates please contact:
Lovequeenstour@gmail.com or (609) 408-8912.

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=inbox&action=read&tid=KB8WAafisasjY7xvYoqIbw#!/event.php?eid=229407497100707
http://www.rawfruit.weebly.com
SUPPORT BLACK ART, ROYALTY.

My Theatre: Can’t Wait Productions presents its first piece, "Oleanna"

2011-07-02T11:49:00.000-04:00

My Theatre: Can’t Wait Productions presents its first piece, "Oleanna"

A successful first show!!!

2011-06-22T11:50:00.000-04:00

Check out what audiences are saying about our Premiere show 'Oleanna'
www.wix.com/adobuere/cant-wait-productions

Website updates!!

2011-05-20T11:57:00.000-04:00

I've just updated my Production Company's website. It now includes cast bios & generally a brand new look. It's still very much under construction but check it out anyway!!

http://www.wix.com/adobuere/cant-wait-productions

Head Chef

2011-05-15T17:58:00.000-04:00

Yo, I have been seriously neglectful to this blog but it's all for a good cause.

We are now in rehearsals for Oleanna and it has been a journey, adventure and serious learning experience to say the least.

I tremble at the idea of putting up my first production as a company with my own funds and my own vision. But I'm grateful that I have followed through thus far and will be able to successfully finish what I started. There is a lot to be learned in this process about working with people, having your *hit together and being a leader throughout the whole process.

I'm very grateful that someone convinced me out of starring in the show myself because producing is already a lot of work on its own. But I'd also like to point out that as a Producer and captain of this ship, I know now that there needs to be a balance between listening, taking critique/suggestion and doing what you feel is best. We all know the saying about too many cooks being in the kitchen but when you're not used to being in a leadership position, it's hard to understand what being the "Head Chef" really means.

Coming straight off 9-5's where as the associate constantly being told what to do and just getting it done without question was the norm. This producing thing is the exact opposite. And not just producing theatre but being an adult and being a woman has to do with making hard decisions and sticking to them whether the whole clan likes it or not. You can't please everybody right?

Listening does not mean remaining passive when you strongly feel that something different needs to be done about a particular situation. Listening does not mean letting people take advantage and more importantly being a nice person does not mean NOT standing up for yourself when you absolutely must. But then again you have to handle it tactfully so it doesn't come across as egotism and a "my way or the highway" kind of attitude".

Oh, the balances of life!?! I feel secure one day and the next day I feel like I'm tipping way off...? It's a day to day thing I guess...

Thanks for listening,

Dobs :)

Conquering New York

2011-04-12T16:37:00.000-04:00

Just recently I sat with a friend that I met shortly after I arrived in NY a few months back. She had also moved from their hometown to NY a few years ago. So we shared our experiences on the matter: the conquering of the city.

She mentioned to me that someone had asked her if she had in fact "conquered New York City yet?". Since we spoke my mind has been puzzling around this idea that cities need be conquered at all. I mean, what does that even entail? When I think of city conquering I think of old Ancient cities in books by the great philosophers and playwrights from Theatre History class. I don't think about my little actress self.

There's some strange idea buzzing around that if you move here you're out to rule the world. I suppose it comes from that old idea that "If you can survive here, you can survive anywhere". I'm not sure if that's true. Ok, I KNOW that it is NOT.

There are plenty of cities all over the world that deserve the title of the "harshest" city to live. Yeah sure, it's dirty, it's loud, people are mean (sometimes obscenely so), and it's really expensive. But it's not much different than other big cities. I moved from Boston because I was tired of it and needed a change. I wanted to meet new people and see what other people are doing in the world. Also, I went to school here briefly so I knew the city a bit and it's a great place to be a performer. Do I have intentions on conquering it? NO. The idea is so grandeur that to me it makes no sense.

When will I have conquered it when I land a solild job that pays $100,000/yr? OR when I move into a closet-sized apartment that rents for $2,000/month in the Upper-Ease Side? I mean, what are the terms here? I feel accomplished by the fact that I'm still breathing and I have my dignity. I think that's more than enough for now.

The fact of the matter is, I choose to live here because it suites ME not someone else's idea of what living in NYC is. If/when I'm ready to move on from this city I will. It won't have anything to do with any of that extra nonsense. I could do the same things that I'm doing now- ANYWHERE. I simply choose not to.

...Maybe if people stopped putting so much pressure on themselves & the "idea" of being successful they could actually accomplish something.

Website!!!!!!

2011-03-29T13:57:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone, I have seriously been ghost but Producing is hard work. And I've been working on a website for my Production company. Please check it out and tell me what you think: http://urlmin.com/cantwaitproductions

-Yours,
Adobuere

Laziness/Potential

2011-03-09T10:07:00.000-05:00

I started the process of producing for Oleanna in January after I received the rights. Since then I've decided on a theatre (haven't booked yet tho), potential rehearsal space, funding is in process etc etc. Because the show is in June and I started so early, I'm getting a little lazy in between doing things and down time. Having all this freedom to do what I want is great but being your own boss is a little difficult when you make your own deadlines and can really do them whenever you feel like it. I thought I was done procrastinating!?! Apparently not...

Maybe I'm just getting a little nervous because my goal is getting closer and closer with each day. Next month I hold auditions, then have rehearsals starting at the end of April. Woah. The last few weeks have seemed to go by very fast. I know that I've planned well up until now. I just have to continue to keep up with my gained momentum cuz this is probably when it matters most and I don't even realize it yet.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us" -Marianne Williamson

What to Overlook/Birth of a Nation

2011-02-03T12:44:00.001-05:00

Yesterday afternoon I was really bored. I chose to take a day off from Producing duties & I decided to catch up on some movie watching. I came across a list of must-see movies. It included a lot of classics that I had seen but one that I had not, "The Birth of a Nation".

This is a 1915 silent film based on the novel, 'The Clansman' by Thomas Dixon. In three hours this film chronicles the Civil War era, the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and of course the birth of the extremist, white-supremist group "The Klu Klux Klan".

From my observation there seem to be a few major opinions of people that have watched this movie. 1. They hate it, it's racist. 2. It is racist but it's a great film considering that it pioneered new camera techniques, cinematic and artistic techniques. And we cannot judge those that made the film because it was nearly a century ago. A third opinion is that it's just overall a great film and disregard the racist undertones.

I'm torn. Yes, there are several scenes where "blacks" (actually white actors in blackface) are portrayed in a negative light. Yes, it is quite offensive and I cringed a little when I watched some scenes. Especially the glorifying of the "KKK" as a heroic group that ultimately saves the day.

Looking at it as an audience member is tough because you can't imagine someone making a film like that today. But a lot of critics say that it was a pioneering force in the film industry. The American Film Institute even voted it one of the Top 100 American Films in 1998 (#44). So what are we supposed to overlook? As an artist am I supposed to respect this movie for the aforementioned aspects and take its racist undertones with a grain of salt because it was 1915? Or should I look more to the content in this film to guide me towards an opinion and disregard the fact that is was the most successful silent film ever made?

What do you think?

Trying to articulate

2011-01-27T17:03:00.000-05:00

I've found that being a performer isn't just about the talent. That's a given for most. You have to know how to properly articulate your objectives, movements and motives. But also as a producer or director it's important to know why you are doing what you are and keeping it as specific as possible.

Last weekend, I started videotaping for my promotional video for 'Oleanna' on Kickstarter. I know exactly how I feel about the piece and what I want to say but sometimes it just doesn't come out right. I'll have to do some more recording...

People will question your every motive in life today & forever but I'm finding out that if you can articulate properly what you have to say now it can do a great service to your mental intelligence and your artistic integrity. Even if ten years from now you are wondering why you said it in the first place.

Sooooo.....
"If you've got something to say, say it- and think well of yourself while you're learning to say it better"- David Mamet

Second Backer!!

2011-01-27T13:45:00.001-05:00

I just got the second backer for my 'Oleanna' funding campaign!!! I'm very excited about this because it has been a great process thus far. Now I have 10%/$100 in support for the project. We still have $850 more to go and I know that we can do it. Word of mouth is and always has been a great tool to use.

I started this project in the hopes that I can generate enough money for myself through profits from producing entertaining theatre while being able to cast myself in the show(s) so that I can stil do what I love! It's going to be a great show so don't hesitate to support the indie out there!

STUFF

2011-01-25T16:02:00.000-05:00

Hi folks! I know that I'm a bit late with this post (my schedule is every Friday) but there is a lot going on right now. And it's all good and exciting!

I've been in rehearsals for the past few weeks for "Savage/Love" by Sam Shepard Produced by Continuity Theatre & Dance Company. It's going to be a great show & it will go up Feb. 12th & 13th at The Dance Complex. For more deatils look here: http://continuitytheatreanddanceco.webs.com/

Also, I've been organizing for my production of 'Oleanna' that's set to go up in June. Tomorrow morning I'm looking at a theatre in Manhattan to see if it'll be good for the show. Other than that, I'm just chilling! I hope that you are as well!

Sting of Rejection

2011-01-17T15:10:00.002-05:00

Going on auditions can sometimes feel like getting all dressed up to go on dates with different people every week. You put yourself out there for the person to see, you tell all your best jokes, smile & nod when you have to, and thank the person for a great evening. A large majority of the time they never call you and when they do you put in that same effort only for them to realize that you weren't as cool as they thought you were.

My very first sting of rejection came from my audition for the 'Julliard School'. I was a senior in high school about 17yrs, young, and naive but determined so I decided to audition for the prestigious performing arts school. I had no idea what I was in store for and no one had warned me. Julliard's audition process was intense. First I had to send a videotape & application, then hop on the train to NY from Boston (which cost money and time) to do a second audition, THEN wait an hour or two after the audition to see if your name is up on the list in the hallway for a callback to audition a THIRD time. So basically if your name is not on this list, you came all this way for-NOTHING. Guess what? My name was not on that list. Talk about depressing! After that instance I swore to my young self that I would come better prepared for that deep sting of rejection.

But how can you REALLY prepare yourself for rejection time and time again. Some people start to think that its the way they look. And most times that's exactly it. You just don't have the right face, you're the wrong height, you're too old or maybe even too young. there are a lot of factors that can make you feel really insecure.

I've found that it can really kill your spirit but after the last few years I've also learned that PATIENCE is key if you want to get ANYTHING done. There are a lot of reality tv shows these days about being able to showcase your talent in a short span of time, getting judged, get a couple thousand dollars and maybe a record deal.

There are a good deal of folks walking around thinking that it's always going to be that easy.

PERSISTENCE is also key if you really want it. Sticking with it may be easier said than done on the days when you don't book your dream role. But if you have enough PASSION for what you do then it won't always feel so bad.

I've also found that doing something to keep your mind off all the audition craziness is very useful. That is why I'm working on producing theatre and starring in it myself rather than waiting for someone to cast me. In the meantime I can focus my creative energy and do what I love.

Hope this helps you actors/artists out there.
Con mucho amor,
Dobs

KickStarter & Oleanna: A multimedia Experience

2011-01-16T16:35:00.002-05:00

Hello all!! This is one of many updates on my first project as a Producer. In mid-June of this year I am putting up my first play entitled "Oleanna" by David Mamet here in NYC. I have a detailed project summary up on 'KickStarter' which is a great wesbite that allows artists to "fund & follow creativity". Check it out please & let me know what you think. Feedback is always welcome!

Much love,
Dobs

Check it out: http://kck.st/hGZUFy

OR click on the link to the left of this post

Bukowski

2011-01-15T12:39:00.001-05:00

A Poem entitled "Roll The Dice" was recited after my Yoga class this morning. I know what you're thinking how "crunchy". But it was exactly what I needed to hear. This industry is tough but I'll keep it moving!

It's a long one but totally worth it, I promise :)

"If you’re going to try, go all the
way.
otherwise, don’t even start.

if you’re going to try, go all the
way.
this could mean losing girlfriends,
wives, relatives, jobs and
maybe your mind.

go all the way.
it could mean not eating for 3 or 4 days.
it could mean freezing on a
park bench.
it could mean jail,
it could mean derision,
mockery,
isolation.
isolation is the gift,
all the others are a test of your
endurance, of
how much you really want to
do it.
and you’ll do it
despite rejection and the worst odds
and it will be better than
anything else
you can imagine.

if you’re going to try,
go all the way.
there is no other feeling like
that.
you will be alone with the gods
and the nights will flame with
fire.

do it, do it, do it.
do it.

all the way
all the way.

you will ride life straight to
perfect laughter, its
the only good fight
there is."
-Charles Bukowski

Oleanna!

2011-01-11T09:56:00.001-05:00

Last night I got the green light on receiving the Rights to produce 'Oleanna' by David Mamet. Originally I put down that I wanted to produce it for mid-June so I have five months to figure out funding, cast, and a bunch of other goodies. I can't wait to get started. This play meant something real to me when I first read it in full in September so I hope I do it justice! Stay tuned for updates :)

Faith

2011-01-05T14:09:00.000-05:00

"Faith is taking the first step when you can't see the whole staircase..." MLK

'Unwanted Guest' Movie Trailer

2011-01-02T22:34:00.002-05:00

Check out 0:44 for a glimpse of me :)

More from Director: Daniel Ademinokan:
Guilty Pleasures

LOCA/FAITH

2011-01-02T11:58:00.000-05:00

I finished my last shift selling merchandise for the tour of The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre yesterday and my internship which means that I have all this time on my hands! I have decided to completely devote my time to developing my craft, auditions and training. That's what I came here for anyway! I can't waste time doing this 9-5 stuff anymore. I have some savings and I'm confident that it will get me through. It might sound crazy but I have faith that a great gig is coming my way if I work at it. I didn't move to this city to sell t-shirts. I did enough of that in Boston.

I'll be rehearsing in Boston a few weekends this month for Savage/Love by Sam Shepard a show produced by Continuity Dance & Theatre Company set to go up in Febuary in Cambridge, MA. While I'm in NY, I will be attending several seminars, dance classes, auditions and sending my info to agencies! Welcome 2011! It's about to be on!

Throw-Back D.I.Y.

2010-12-24T15:52:00.002-05:00

"I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I was promoted to the washtub. From there I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations....I have built my own factory on my own ground."

Madam Walker,
National Negro Business League Convention,
July 1912

Jay-Z

2010-12-24T12:11:00.002-05:00

He's such an inspiring man and I hope that I get the chance to sit down and speak with him one day. If you ask me he's like the Sidney Poitier of my generation.

"A huge lesson for me was that if I was gonna be successful, I had to be successful as myself—I couldn't be successful doing what other people were doing. I had to do what I believed in and what felt real to me and felt true to me, because the worst thing to be is successful as someone else". Jay-Z

Don't need straight hair to be successful or sexy

2010-12-20T16:36:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling really inspired by all these lovely natural women that I've been seeing lately. We are popping up everywhere! Especially in the entertainment industry and it's very nice for those of us aspring to be in those positions one day.

Shingai Shoniwa: lead singer of the Noisettes was on the cover of PRIDE magazine this past August & I didn't even know! How did I miss that? HMM? The cover headline quotes her "You don't need straight hair to be successful or sexy". YES.

Check it out: http://urlmin.com/6gb

Don Cheadle fans!

2010-12-17T03:02:00.000-05:00

Don Cheadle has just submitted a script for a Miles Davis Biopic with with screenwriter Steven Vegelman. Check out the article on Backstage.com: http://www.backstage.com/bso/news-and-features-news/don-cheadle-time-for-a-miles-davis-biopic-1004134762.story.

Currently Listening to: Flamenco Sketches, Miles Davis.

NYC Actors Over trained?

2010-12-16T21:09:00.000-05:00

I met a film casting director the other day and she mentioned to me that actors in NY are doing the MOST! Aka they are training too much and have a too polished feel to their acting. I understand what she means by this because I do meet a lot of people who pay a lot of money to attend so many classes every week even AFTER graduating from a 4-yr instiution and paying $40,000/yr. So where's the balance? Should we rely on our raw talent and try to make the most of that? Or should we constantly be training for our craft? When is it really just too much? How can we measure it.....?

I wonder.....??

The Weekend Part 2

2010-11-21T19:45:00.000-05:00

So this afternoon (Sunday) I went to an amazing audition. It wasn't amazing because I know that I was cast, or I did so amazingly well in the performance of my monologue. As a matter of fact, I didn't even get to do my whole monologue or the other two partial sonnets that I had to memorize ( which btw I totally forgot about and did it this morning :/).

The audition was amazing because I was reminded of the reason I have chosen this profession and what I'd like to learn about myself as an artist. I saw possibilities in this audition that made me feel good about my path.
There were at least 60 of us in one room all at the same time. The gentleman coordinating it was full of energy, amusing and clearly thoroughly educated in his craft. And he was nice. That was the most refreshing of all because I guess when your in this business, people tell you that you have to be an a*hole but I've always believed that it doesn't have to be that way. Anywho, this gentleman is looking for a good group of actors which something special for his cast. He recently arrived in N.Y. from Paris. He referenced Stanislavski, Grotowski, Peter Brook and a plethora of other greats that we have all studied time and time again in Theatre class. But the WAY he explained it- the jokes- the charisma- the goal to get his point across and help us to understand was what made him stand out to me. He had no intention of shutting people down and a great thing that he said at the start of the process was something like- 'You cannot be successful in your craft if you do not fail. So be prepared to fail today because even I do not know what we will be doing'. And of course he did have a general idea but the great thing about him was his technique of explaining things and the energy that he put into showing us how to say one syllable or one physical action and then helped people to individually understand.
For fellow actors, I think you'll understand better what I mean having had some experience with a great moment that you've had on stage and then it's gone like a flash. But this teacher was focused solely on getting us to that point and not acting but something real and his classical training was very impressive.
It's so easy for us as performers to get stuck in these mechanical ways of moving and forget our techniques and masters like Stanislavski and what they hoped actors to understand. Honestly we get tired of hearing about them but ultimately (today I remembered) it's more important now than when you first learned it. There's going to be a second audition and the teacher gave me a ref. book to look at until then and I can not wait.

I believe that these are the kinds of teachers that should be all over the city helping artists understand what real acting is about. There's never really an end to where you can GO...I think...Instead of these scam artists out here giving themselves titles. They charge you hundreds of dollars to do a monologue for them and they teach you nothing.

-Dobs

The weekend part 1

2010-11-21T19:21:00.000-05:00

Hey! How was everyone's wknd? Good I hope. Let me update u real quick on what I was up to.
Friday after work I went to the gym with Lisa and honestly I thought I'd be a lot more sore right now but I'm ok...lol...oddly enough. I've kept myself quite healthy this wknd sans fast food

Yesterday (Saturday) I met up with a photographer from MassART. She came down from Boston to do the shoot. She is a film major doing a really cool Senior Thesis Film where the particiants react to paint being poured on them for a few minutes. I know it sounds strange but with a combo of great editing, graphics, good acting, and the effect of the paint itself as seen on film with different colors- makes for something cool, experimental and artistic.

I never met the artist before but she ended up being real cool and I trusted our connect not to lead me to some psycho's house. I ended up in Queens for the second weekend in a row- it was a different section of Queens than last wknd and I gota say I like the area, its relatively close to Manhattan and the apartment was cute. Anyway, I got there and was sitting on a stool in a shower covered by plastic to avoid wall damage- and then here comes the paint- my first reaction was panic but I stayed calm. I had to fight the urge to get up because for a second I couldn't breathe cuz the paint got up my nose and like a fool I left my mouth open and take a wild guess.... I got paint in my mouth! AND I couldn't open my eyes cuz it stung like hell. But it was worth it bc I met two cool artists and got a chance to expand my modeling portfolio by taking some new, creative pics. Let's see how many other models don't mind getting paint poured on them....

P.S. I am NOT naked in the photo that I've posted a link for below- just to clarify! I know how it looks.
Check out one of the still photos here: http://urlmin.com/69f
The Visual Artist Name is Claudia F. Quigua
Her website is www.claudiaquigua.com

Reading a new book!! Check it out!

2010-11-21T19:12:00.000-05:00

Hi guys! This blog is specifically for the ladies.
I was at the Science, Industry and Business Library earlier and got a new book. I'm only at the introduction but it's amazing.
The Book is "A Purse of Your Own" (An easy guide to financial security) by Deborah Owens.

Check it out on Amazon------>

First Film Done. What's NEXT?

2010-11-15T18:36:00.000-05:00

Hello folks, it's been awhile I know.
You'll be glad to know that I've been really busy.
Just last Saturday I finished filming my first film- I wasn't the "STAR" but that's all in due time. I had a small role in a Nollywood film and for those of you that don't know Nollywood is a booming film industry in Nigeria. The film's name is "UNWANTED GUEST" Directed by Daniel Ademinokan.
Here's an imdb link for him if you'd like to look him up: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2859554/
My character's name was Meggie and I am wearing a wig in the film so if you look out for me and don't recognize me at first- that's why :).
I only shot for two days in the whole week that they were shooting but I had a lot of fun and the cast was great. Hopefully I can work with them again sometime.
I did realize after working on this film that I need to seriously get a manager/agent or just be better prepared when I do get roles to under the process/ contracts etc...It's all a learning process I suppose. And this is only the beginning.
So what's next for me?
Well, I have two auditions this week. The first one is on Wednesday for 'Julius Cesar' and Sunday I have another one for a Shakespeare festival...I think lol...my mind is a blur from trying to memorize a new monologue after filming. Man, Shakespeare is tough!
Anyway, hopefully I'll book some more work soon. Til then keep me in your prayers guys!

Much Love,
Dobs xoxo

p.s. I'm also gearing up for a photo shoot this upcoming Saturday with a new photographer that I've never worked with before and a very interesting concept. Look out for pics and updates soon!

Film Audition

2010-10-23T12:04:00.001-04:00

I have a film audition today and I'm really excited about it! My first audition in NY since I moved back. Hope I break a leg! xoxo

The ART of Networking: that I have not yet mastered

2010-10-17T11:38:00.000-04:00

Last week I went to a networking party and it made me feel really weird. I'm laughing a little as I write this because I can't figure out why? Or maybe because it's just funny lol.
I should be able to go into a networking party and shine right? As a performer we're expected to be beams of light everywhere we go. As if every breath we breathe is as if we're on the stage. But that's really not the case- at least not for me. I am not loud in my personal life. I wouldn't say that I'm refined but I definitely shy away from attention. A lot of people I know that are performers are the exact opposite. A lot of times they tend to be musical theatre actors/actresses...haven't figured that out yet.
So anyway I met one guy wondering around this party. Talked to him for about twenty minutes. Actually it was more like I was being talked AT for twenty minutes. I got in a word or two. I wonder- was it that I LET him talk at me for twenty minutes? Maybe I should have taken more initiative to say more so that it felt more like an actual conversation. After the twenty minutes this gentleman didn't seem to be interested in talking anymore and as it was a networking party- I guess he didn't find any real need to keep talking to me.
Later at the party, I wondered about in my awkwardness lol and decided to introduce myself to a woman standing alone. She explained to me that the only reason she was there was because her friend was going to be there later. She was merely killing time until the show started for the tickets she just bought on Broadway. Well, leave it to me to start chatting up the WRONG person at the party. A few minutes into our chat, a talent manager crossed our paths and she was quite friendly. But, before the two of us could barely get a word in with her a young woman (that had clearly been scouting her out) went in for the kill and snatched her away in deep conversation- ready with quotes directly from the manager from a previous statement she had made- maybe researched on her website/forum. The young woman had done her homework and the other woman and I got left on the backburner...FAIL. I don't think I've ever felt so dissed lol... I guess the lesson learned here is that I should do more research next time. Especially when there was a list of important attendees on the website for the event. Probably should have taken notes...one of those little mishaps of mine. The little details matter a bit more sometimes.

It might take a while for me to feel like I'm really A PART of this city. I know I have the internal determination to get things done but if I don't go out and meet people and get over these little things, I'm not going to get anywhere.
Gotta find the balance between changing who I am and adjusting to different atmospheres that will greatly benefit me. yea...I THINK that's it......

Work isn't everything

2010-09-26T16:23:00.000-04:00

We have to remember to look good too & keep up with the latest trends. Just recently discovered this and I am in LOVE. Put up a new profile. Look me up :)

D.I.Y. is it really best? PART 1

2010-09-24T20:24:00.000-04:00

Recently I had someone drop out of a project with me that was going to help further my career...or at least I had hoped that's what it was going to do. We had been working for a few months...negotiating and it seemed like a solid deal. We were moving forward...slowly...but surely. Just last week they decided to cancel the deal. I'm not trying to put this person out in the open because I couldn't care less. What's done is done. The question that I'm asking is: are some things just better off when you do them yourself. You have a better grasp of your vision, goal and how smoothly you'd like to run things. You can leave out the middle man and save money. Yes?

In this business as an entertainer, we have to be multi-faceted. We have to be great performers. We have to understand how to brand ourselves, schedule auditions, manage a job. We have to network and make time for a decent social life. We trust people like agents and/or businesses skilled in their field to help us get to where we need to go.

Thus, already with enough on our plates, we trust these people to get tasks done and when they are not completed efficiently we are left with...well really nothing to say. These instances can leave us hopeless because we constantly hear that there are snakes hiding in the grass just waiting to take advantage of those of us that do not have the time or funds to hire the "BEST" person for the job. We settle. But ultimately when it comes to our careers I suppose that we should never settle. I suppose that we should do our best if we want great results to make time for our careers by figuring out how to do things on our own.

Frankly, I don't want to leave my work in the hands of someone else. Frankly, I'd like to know that if I leave a task for someone and trust them to follow through that it's going to get done. Am I naive? I like to give people the benefit of the doubt but will I just end up kicking myself at the end of the day?

When I started this project (and this is what happens when I start a lot of things) I became paranoid and thought that maybe I should try it myself first. I've been trying not to stretch myself so thin. Maybe I should trust my instincts next time. Only I know what's best for me. RIGHT?

Here's a book on Self-Management for Actors that might make life a bit easier if you haven't yet found an agent/manager to do the dirty work for you OR even if you do have one.
Have a look:http://www.amazon.com/Self-Management-Actors-Getting-Down-Business/dp/0972301984

Back 2 School? For FREE?

2010-09-24T17:45:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking a lot about getting back to school. The reason I left in the first place was bc it was far too expensive. I recently came across an interesting article about Zac Bissonnette. Zac is a graduate of UMASS who apparently went to college without any money hassels, including loans, scholarships or parent-mooching. It's quite interesting and I just might have to pick up a copy.

Check it out: http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-110657-6644-3-how-one-college-student-beat-tuition-costs?ywaad=ad0035

-Dobs

Quote of the Day

2010-09-06T11:34:00.000-04:00

"You should limit the number of times you act against your nature. Like sleeping with people you hate. It's interesting to test your capabilities for a while but too much will cause damage".

Random anecdote on the wall @ MOMA (The Museum of Modern Art)

What a great day! :)

2010-09-01T21:05:00.000-04:00

Today was an incredibly exciting day for lots of fun reasons!

9am I get to work and start off a lovely day of Intern fun at Roy Arias. There were two new workstudies and I had a lot of fun meeting them and helping them get to know the computer systems amoung other things (I've always enjoye training others. It helps me to devlop my leadership skills).
Around 10 am I had to run over to our 37th street location to let a few folks into the studio. They hadn't been waiting long but I dashed over (literally!) from the 43rd office. Thankfully they were nice and didn't mind waiting. When I got there we took the stairs up 5 flights. I kept forgetting stuff...like o you have to sign this or oh I need your ID...SO I went up and down the 5 flights until I remembered that I had the elevator key...(sometimes I...dont know lol) But it was cool cuz everyone was patient and it all turned out well in the end.

The afternoon was steady- work at Arias til 1pm- burgers for lunch (yum yum) then I wandered about Midtown. My original plan this evening was to go to "HORTON" class at 7 pm the Alvin Ailey Dance Studios. It would be my first class there ever! I was excited and also quite nervous...because I mean have you seen those dancers...and I understood that there are open classes for all levels, ages etc...bus just to be in the same building with them...makes me quiver...just a little...

Got to the studio at about 4:15 pm and realized "Damn, I can't wait around here for 2 and a half hours so instead I signed up for "AFRO-CUBAN" at 6 pm. So that would be only an hour waiting then I could head over to class early, change, dance, and be on my way home at a reasonable hour. I was walking over to Duane Reade to pick up the "essentials" ( you know toiletries and such...) when a cafe at the corner caught my eye. So I thought "Hey, I'll grab my stuff and chill over there til class.

So I get to the cafe and sit down by the window...There's a guy at the table next to e. Pretty normal looking guy...he's got a briefcase, a polo, a baseball hat...ten minutes or so passes and the kid at the counter asks this guy sitting next to me "You ok?" He must have looked very tired just sitting there with two empty espresso cups on his table. The man replied with something like "I've been up since 4am....blah blah blah...I'm a producer for Law and Order....blah blah blah..WAIT HMMMM?

Ok HOLD UP.
I just SO HAPPENED to plop my butt down right next to one of the producers of a major television show?! NO? Really? And I know every actor you ever meet will say "Everyone's been on that show so what?" But hey one thing can lead to another..and another...and another...
So I'm thinking do I interrupt this guys alone time. Ask him for a card? Tell him I'm an actress? I can only imagine how many actors he meets in this damn city wanting a way to get "IN" via HIM. A few minutes pass and I'm still thiking and then Im thinking ALL THIS thinking is wasting time. If this guy gets up right now and you miss the opportunity to speak to him, to even say" hello my name is..." then what the hell are you doing here?!?!

So I went for it and low and behold he was quite the friendly guy. We spent at least 40 minutes talking about the industry...how to get noticed...blah blah bah... He answered all my questions willingly and even gave advice I didn't even ask for! But I didn't want to grill him too hard so I did my best to be an intent listener and because he turned out to be an interesting person it wasn't difficult at all.

All in all , I learned today you can't pass up an opportunity to grow sitting around thinking about the results of what you might....could possibly...maybe next time...DO. A lot of people say that things are out of their hands but I don't believe that. I want complete control of my future. Scratch that. I HAVE complete control. Could I have chosen not go into that coffee shop and not ever met this guy? YES. But ultimatelyhe could be the beginning of a great relationship/networking associate. I think that some things are set up for you but if you don't understand that the framework is there then you'll never know how to move forward.

Therefore, I don't believe in "Hocus Pocus". Just FOCUS.

A Business Trip

2010-08-31T16:07:00.000-04:00

So last week I went to a Minority Business Conference in Washignton, D.C. I saw it in "Black Enterprise" which is btw a "wealth building" resource for African Americans founded in 1970 by Earl G. Graves. The resource provides great information for entrepenuers, professionals etc.. I picked up a copy a the bus depot on my way to New York one day and I definitely plan on getting a subscription later because it is so very useful.

Anywho, I got to D.C. last week on Tuesday August 24th (I chose this day out of the whole week that the conference is to be held because it was International Trad Day and before I start any business that involves importing or exporting, I'd like to have a lot more info first). First of all the morning was great because they overbooked the flight and I got bumped to business class (How Appropiate)! (My first flight alone- I WAS TERRIFIED). It was quite a way to the hotel but I found my way and was exhausted by the time I got there so I grabbed some espresso , changed and ate a bit.
When I walked into the hotel I was so pleased to see a crowd of beautiful, black professionals surrounding the lobby. I registered at about 11 am just in time for the next conference session. I soon realized that I was one of the youngest people in the room of about 150. But it's cool, I'm used to it. After an hour of listening and taking notes I got up, stretched my legs to prepare for the next session.

Now lets get something clear off the bat- I cannot sit still for a long period of time. I think this is why I am a performer. I have to constantly be actively moving a muscle-doing SOMETHING. And I know now that to learn something valuable there is a very particular way that I need to learn it or it won't stick because afer ten minutes, I am no longer paying attention lol...

So you can see where I'm going with this....after the second session I left for lunch with the intention of returning for the afternoon...didn't happen SO Hmmm....I think that maybe next time I should look for a conference for young profesionals and college students. Yea I think that would be more apropriate. Also I think maybe I go so hard sometimes like I'm the biggest boss and can conquer anything when really I need to just say no I'm not ready for this yet and as mature as may be I am jus starting on this new business adventure. Going to a conference in D.C. surrounded by a load of much older ladies and gentlemen who have been for years attending these junctures and hold masters, ph.D's...shoot man I don't even have my BFA yet...lol
Sometimes I forget to say just cool it dobs...one day..at . .time.

The trip wasn't a complete waste though. I did get some great information from the few notes that I did take and I got to do some sightseeing and get to know D.C. a bit more. I visited the Smithsonian, National Mueum of Women in Art, and the National Portrait Gallery.

And! I got to have dinner with fabulous Njambi Wagacha- always a pleasure :).

Would definitely visit D.C. again...maybe for a conferece that I am better prepared for or as a tourist but I wouldn't stay too long. D.C. has its perks but its not for me. NY is the PLACE TO BE. Oh and I moved here two days ago. Brooklyn all day baby! Check me out soon for updates on how my new NY life is treating me.

Ciao for now!
dobs xo

Greetings! It's been a while!

2010-06-29T10:44:00.000-04:00

Oh no! It seems that I've neglected you but I swear that it is NOT so!

Hi guys! I sincerely apologize for having been away so long. I've been quite busy. With what? Well, I'm glad you asked!

This past weekend I was in a summer play festival at the Boston Playwrights Theatre produced by the Boston Actors Theatre. I was in a short 20 minute play entitled "The Least of These" written by a local playwright. I wish I could call it the premier of the play but there was a staged reading before we went up so I can't...but we can pretend ;). It was a short run of the play only for the weekend from June 25- 27th and all the shows went quite well. The audiences were very responsive and all the folks involved in the festival (producers, stage managers, directors) were very professional which is always great! Not to mention a very cool cast that I got to be onstage with. Hopefully I'll get to work with them sometime in the future.

Weeks before the festival, I've been busy driving myself up the wall for no reason lol...well I just overexert myself, pile on tasks and stay so busy that I have no time to enjoy my life. I'm a bit paranoid now I think because I think if I chill for one second then I'll get back into super chill mode and won't get anything done for awhile and miss out on some ill opportunity. But I NEED TO RELAX! I'm 22 for goodness sake! There's no reason to be so serious all the time. So I guess in the last few weeks I've learned not to take myself so seriously. It will be a gradual feat but I will take it on. Honestly, I just don't have a choice.

I wanna feel young while I'm young. Not feel old and be young...so backwards!

So if you're reading this, I hope you can take some time out of your day to breathe and relax. I know I will!

Ciao for now,
dobs xo

The be or not to be...NAPPY? The LOOK...

2010-05-13T10:52:00.000-04:00

Hello! What's up guys?! Hope everybody is chillin. Today I came across a really interesting article and video on bglhonline.com which is one of my new favorite sites. The web name stands for "Black Girl Long Hair" and it's a great inspiration for black women that are going natural or have already done so. My hair has been natural for about two and a half years now and I'm loving every minute of it. Sometimes I want to turn back but my hair has been really short my whole life. So I thought I should turn it around and stick with something that I haven't done consistently and see where it takes me. It's great because it's low maintenance, cheap (broke actress here! lol) and it makes me feel good and more like myself than I've ever felt before.

Before I was putting in weaves and straightening and all that jazz...you know the drill. Now I don't have a bunch of fake crap waving around in my face, hiding my true beauty. I also realized before that it was making me look much older than my real age. That's not cool. So anyway, I'm reading this article on bglh entitled " The color of beauty: the struggles of black women in modeling" and well I think that pretty much sums it up! I mean, really need I say more?

Every day I wonder how far I'm really going to get in this industry because looks are so crucial. And Lord knows that I don't have a slim pointy nose, small hips, legs the size of a pencil, and straight long flowing hair. I have a fro, a wide nose, and all the makings of the exact opposite of what they usually look for in the industry that I've chosen to pursue. But I know for a fact: I'M STILL BEAUTIFUL! :)

All the time I wonder...should I crack to the pressure and go get a perm, some weave, maybe a nose job if I save enough money? And starve myself to look like a stick figure? Um...yea I don't think so. I'm perfectly comfortable with myself and I hope that I can be lucky enough to not always be type cast and for people to see my real talent. I'm not complaining and bellyaching. Not the case here. I'm just stating the facts. And sometimes you just feel better getting some things off your chest like this. Because these are things some of us ladies think about daily....maybe even too much. So no, I don't plan on making any major physical changes to myself/my body unless it's an inner personal choice that has to do with me solely. Cuz we all know that at the end of the day, I'm still going to be Dobs. I won't wake up any lighter, my nose will stay the way it is (not gonna pull a Montag) and I'll try to stay trained and up to par so that my talent speaks for me and not the other way around.

Big ups to BGLH & ARISE for being so INSPIRATIONAL.

xo,
dobs

First Mission

2010-05-11T10:56:00.000-04:00

Good morning damas y caballeros! This is my second blog to date and I'm just glad you're even tuning in with me right now. Much thanks :).

I'm starting a week full of work & organizing. This weekend I was in N.Y. with the one & only Gabriella...went to the MET Opera saw Tosca..hung out with Lisa for a bit & partied at the Hudson Terrace...good times...good times... back in Boston prepared for the next step. While I was in N.Y. I picked up a very valuable piece of literature "BACKSTAGE". O Backstage you make my life so much more manageable. Lucky for me this edition is the "How-To" edition that I so desperately need. It details how to market yourself, social networks, being safe at auditions, choosing the right headshots/monologues etc. I may feel old a lot of the time but I'm only 22 and I've only been in one professional show to date. So I really still have no idea what I'm doing. Every day I'm learning and I'm so glad. My street smarts can only take me so far. Now that I've got that...I think it's time to develop some great marketing skills and figure out how to do this right! I'm really not trying to half-ass it because I every day I feel these great bursts of energy waiting to explode in my body. I need them to explode somewhere useful. The stage perhaps? I need to be surrounded by lights....camera....action....yea I said it lol. But first, I gotta book the audition. Then I gotta grand slam that joint!

First Mission: What's My Look? Am I the next Jada Pinkett? Angela Bassett? Maybe a little Halle or Kerry Washington (LOVE her btw)

I'm going to spend the next few weeks...months...how ever long it takes developing my look. I've been saying that I need to do this for awhile. It's time to get to it. All action no mas hablar...

Tune in later to see what I've come up with.

*Besos,
dobs

What's my Adventure?

2010-05-07T13:14:00.000-04:00

Hello ladies and germs! What it is? What it do?! My name is Adobuere and I am so fresh and so new to Twitter. I've created a Profile & this blog especially for people (friends & professionals) to track my adventure....What adventure? Well, I'm very glad you asked!

My adventure seems to have begun a few years ago. I left New York City from College and returned to my hometown in Boston, Massachusettes. I was 19 at the time. Since I've been back here I've been moving from apartment to apartment all over this city...I've had enough retail & customer service jobs to fill a COUPLE of resumes. It has taken me almost four years to really get it together but I'm ready now to begin something amazing.

I am an actress. I am an artist. I just love to perform. I'm ready right now to seriously being my very own pursuit of happiness. I'm going to audition. I'm going to train. I'm gonna dance & sing and act my heart out. But I gotta make the right connections. I gotta find my way around in this business. Most importantly- I gotta get back to New York!! I love that City so much! So for the next few months until September, I'll be on my grind trying to find ways to get back there. I'm looking for apartments left and right. I'm researching agencies, photographers, training schools, jobs etc etc. The city awaits me! But I could sure use some support! I'm a tough girl but even the strongest feel weak sometimes...so follow me on here...hit me up...show me some love and I'll be sure to return it. I know I'm going to make it. It will take time but I'm ready!

I'm aiming for the sky! I hope I see you there! ;)

Love,
dobs