Auditions

Alright folks, it's audition season. For any of my new readers who might not know, I'm a professional actor, which means auditioning is one of the first steps to landing a role.

For anyone who hasn't auditioned before, they can be pretty nerve racking, that is... if you let them be. I'm still figuring out how to get my 'best audition' and I think that's something you never really stop improving on. Everyone has there audition tricks or habits, but here are some things I've been thinking about lately! I know most of these sound obvious, but they're just so important to remind yourself of.

1. Be prepared. And do it in chunks. Don't expect yourself to memorize a monologue or song in just one go. Layer it in. Take your dance classes, so when it comes time to audition you're already at the level you want to be at.

2. Do the best YOU can do. Don't compare yourself to others, don't judge yourself, and don't set yourself up to fail by acting like you've already been defeated. 

3. Have fun and breathe. Things that I very often forget to do in life. This is why you come so prepared. So when it comes time for your actual audition, you can just relax and do your work. 

Even if you never have to go through the audition process, these three steps can help you in an interview, oral presentation, or even an exam. What are your tips for success in stressful situations???

Thanks for reading! 

Love, 

CP

The Royal Opera House & Afternoon Tea

Hello Friends! I hope everyone is having a good February. This month has probably been the most exciting month for me so far of my time here in the UK. As well as my trip to Paris and Scotland, I was also lucky enough to watch two Ballets at the Royal Opera House within the span of two weeks. As most of you know, I work front of House at the ROH, one of the best Opera/Ballet houses in the world. It's been such a pleasure working there and I'm very sad that I have less than a month left. I've learnt so much about Opera, which was relatively new to me, and I've also rekindled my love for ballet. 

[ I had to get a shot of me in Orchestra Stalls lovin' life ]

The first ballet that I had the pleasure of watching was the Romantic Ballet, Giselle. It was my first time seeing it and I really, really enjoyed it. I think a big part of it was because my favourite male Ballet dancer, Federico Bonelli, was playing the leading man. Swoon. He's just the nicest, most handsome guy ever. 

[ Margot Fonteyn ]

After the ballet this handsome guy took me out for Afternoon Tea. It was a day of firsts for Remi. He'd never been to the ballet before, or gone out for Afternoon Tea. It was a special day indeed! 

So after a week long holiday I topped it all off with another trip to the ballet. I am the luckiest duck in the world, I know! Yesterday evening I saw the latest triple bill, Rhapsody/Tetractys/ Gloria. Unfortunately due to injury during the matinee performance Tetractys was not performed. I was a bit disappointed I'm not going to lie, but I'm SO thankful that the upcoming superstar, Natalia Osipova only suffered a mild concussion and would be back dancing shortly. Isn't that crazy, no sweat it's just a mild concussion. Ballerinas aren't just tough. They are the toughest. 

[ cheeky glass of champagne ]  

[ blouse: vintage - cardigan: Primark - skirt: vintage - bag: vintage - lipstick: Mac, Ruby Woo]

  

One of my favourite parts of that evening was watching Carlos Acosta perform in Gloria. I think it's my favourite role I've seen him in. I'm going to miss the Royal Opera House, but I know I will be back for lots of visits. Here's to the future!


Thanks for reading!

Love,
CP

Summer Memories...

[ Good bye, Vancouver! ]

[ London Treats ]

[ I was lucky enough to watch Once twice over the summer ] 

[ so London ]

[ grass art ]

[ summer flowers ]

 [ berries in my drink ]

 [ a little sunbathing with some old magazines ]

 [ tropical weather in Brighton. +35 baby ]

[ picnic on the beach with my pals ] 

[ Trafalgar Square ]

[ getting caught up on blogs ] 

 [ Remi's first day in London ]

 [ Birthday Blitz ]

 [ Brighton Food & Drink Festival ]

[ last summer day in Brighton ]

So that's it folks, it's officially October. Can you believe that...? Because I can not. Time is flying by so quickly. Remi has already been here for over a month and I've been working at the Royal Opera House for three weeks. What! Also, I finally bought new boots. I posted about needing new boots over a year ago (when I was still in Edinburgh), and it's taken me that long to finally buy a new pair. I copied my little sister and purchased a pair of  Steve Madden, Troopa. I am in love. 

What are you looking forward this Autumn? 

Love,

CP

Spamalot Snapshots

WARNING: If you do not wish to see silly pictures of me being a crazy person, this post is not for you! 

Here are some pictures of my amazing experience from the Citadel Theatre's production of Spamalot. Most of these shots are just me being a goofball and showing you just a taste of the amazing costuming, wigs and props by the incredibly talented, Cory Sincennes. Cory is one of the youngest major costume and set designers in Canada. I am so fortunate to have been apart of two shows (so far) that he has designed. I hope you enjoy my 'show selfies'! 

This is a picture of my beautiful ensemble ladies. I shared a dressing room with these gals every show, these ladies were such a dream! So talented, beautiful and hard working! I was in such fantastic company. I miss everyone in the cast, crew, and creative team so much. 

I hope you enjoyed my short little look into Spamalot. I can not express how much I enjoyed myself and also how much I learnt from this amazing experience. I am so very thankful for the opportunity to be part of such a fun and brilliant show. 

Thank for tuning in! 

Love,

CP 

The Fourth Flat

First look.

That's right folks, this is the fourth flat I've lived in since arriving in the UK. I know that may sound like a lot, I think that's because it is a lot and the kicker is that I've just moved into my fifth. Why all this hopping around you may ask? It's because I plan to move out with some friends at the end of January (when their lease is up), so it's a gypsy's life for me until then. This may help explain my lack of posting. I have been extremely busy running around trying to find work and a place to stay for the last few months.

 Mirrors everywhere.

 Here are some photos from my last place. It was located in Easy Finchley, NorthWest London. It was a beautiful area, not as posh or busy as Muswell Hill, but still very nice. I was staying with 4 other actors and subletting from the fifth. I am still so amazed by the kindness and love that they showed me while I was staying there. I couldn't appreciate it more. 

 Left over antiques from owners.

The house itself was amazing. SO quirky just like me. The room that I was staying in was perfect, I felt like it was designed just for me. The house also had the best kitchen I have had the pleasure of using whilst being in London, (complete with Jamie Oliver cookbooks)! I'm really gonna miss my new friends and this beautiful old house, but now I'm onto a new adventure. 

 I love this sofa. I want to take it with me.

 Paper art.

 So many great mugs. I tried to use a different mug each time I had tea.

 In the kitchen.

Will and Kate. If I ever get married, I want my face on a dish towel.

 Left over art project from owner's daughter. Kinda creepy.

 More leftovers.

 Bathroom decor. 

'My room'.

I have one word for this room. AMAZING.

I feel like this room was designed just for me. Ben and I are soul mates, or long lost twins (Twelfth Night anyone?)

 I think this is all anyone would every need. Ukulele, books, DVDs and a sword.

Thanks for tuning in and happy Movember! 

Love,

CP