Retouching: How much should the industry support

Though I am a participant in minor retouching for headshots as a way for Casting Directors to see the best that I can be, this article, Unattainable Beauty, brings up abhorrent levels of alteration that could have directly cascaded from minor retouching. I feel the pressure to look flawless in pictures.  I have had several retouches done to every headshot including:

Softening of light on my face
Brightening of light in the background
Removal of acne
Softening of smile lines
Removal of fly-away hair
Addition of hair to make a shot with pig-tails look like my hair was down

I am certain that a majority of headshots have been retouched in similar ways.  I doubt that alterations would go so far as to render the picture unrecognizable since a headshot is like a calling card.  If they are expecting the face on your headshot, and you walk in looking remarkably different then you'll be sent from the room.

Articles like this one and the ongoing debate regarding the media's effects on body image (particulalry among young women) make me wonder if even a little support of this practice goes to far.

Realistically though, when I have new shots taken later this year I will make the minor changes that are expected.  To compete, I have to play by the rules.  Here's to hoping that alterations will be few.

Emily amazes in Phantom of the Opera: Las Vegas Spectacular

My sister, Emily, is an opera singer and tonight she made her debut in the ensemble of Phantom of the Opera: Las Vegas Spectacular at the Venetian.

I could pick her strong, clear, beautiful voice out from the throngs, and I couldn't be more proud of her.

She belongs on the stage and I can't wait to see what she does next.

A New Era: PCA (Post-Caruso Affiliated)

I was just fired from The Grove (owned by Caruso Affiliated) due to downsizing.  They insisted it had nothing to do with my excellent work, they simply had to eliminate my position to streamline the company.  I came in to work today with no idea that I would leave a free woman.

Of course, I freaked out when they told me I was fired, but I have decided that this is going to be the best thing that could have happened to me.

I will take a week off, go home to my mama, and get my ducks in a row.

I will return to LA to focus exclusively on Closer while I collect unemployment.  I got myself debt-free as of January 15th, so I should be able to stay above water without working for a few months.  I can finally focus on my acting career for the first time.  I don't have to make excuses because I am tethered to a day job in order to pay my bills.

Keep an eye out for great things coming my way.

The Flight is all mine

I just made my final payment on The Flight Theatre for Closer.  Once I have the details finalized, I will post all the production details.

Closer 2010

Thank the Theatre gods: I have a new cast for Closer.

Jeremy is back as the director.
Kylie is back as Anna.

Welcome to:
Jerin as my understudy as Alice (there's no way we are cancelling this again)
Max as Dan
Brandon as Larry

Rehearsals commence February 4th.