Memorial Day Weekend (for crazy people)

I think I've officially stepped into "crazy" territory.

Just to recap...I'm currently looking for roommates, directing a show that goes up in less than 2 weeks, and running a two day photo-shoot with 30 actors for my novels ALSO in less than 2 weeks.

I wake up each morning and remember something I forgot to do.

No WONDER I'm not sleeping late. My brain is too busy! Hence, I was awake every morning on this past weekend BEFORE my alarm...and easily by 8am. Ugh. I'm usually a "till 10am" kinda gal so to give up 2 hours every weekend day, especially on an extended weekend, makes me sad and frustrated.

That said...I DID get a lot done this weekend.

Before we continue let's clarify things.

When I say SHOW I mean the musical I'm directing for the West Village Musical Theatre Festival (My show is in Series B). Here's a link to it: WVMTF Tickets and show info.

When I say SHOOT I mean the photo-shoot on June 11 & 12 for Living Dead Girl, Cameron Chronicles, Moon Over Manhattan and FLORA.

Now, the picture at the top of this post is from my friday night with my besty (she's also my SM for the shoot). She made us some non-alcoholic pina-colada's with grenadine...and yes, whip cream on top...AWESOME...and created cards for each character. We then taped them up on the wall in groups so as to create a story board shot list for the SHOOT. See:



Sorry the pic is a bit blurry, but you get the idea.

I got home from this event by 12:30am and to bed by 1am.

On Saturday I had rehearsal for the SHOW and then met with actors for the SHOOT. I then had to shop for summer clothes as it's been in the mid to high 80's and I have 2 pair of shorts that still fit (as I've lost some weight). All I'll say is Memorial Day Sales and Holiday Shopping Crowds. When I got home I collapsed and was good for nothing by my TV.

On Sunday I showed the room to a few people for renting, headed to meet with my web designer and we ended up seeing two movies. Highly recommend both; Bridesmaids and THOR. I know...a strange mix of what to see...but it was fun and my ONLY free time I had all weekend. Many thanks to Natalie for dragging me out to do movie day or I'd have worked non-stop that day.

Monday...ah...the holiday. Everyone in my neighborhood was either cooking out or going to the pool or beach. Me? Oh, I was seeing how much I could carry in a bag to rehearsal for the SHOW. Costumes, music player, etc. THEN, after rehearsal, I went prop shopping at Halloween Adventure. To say the employees outnumbered the customers wouldn't suprise you, I'm sure. But...I got my witches cauldron and crazy stuff for her to put in it during her song in the show.

Got home to find my dog had a horrible siezure and spent a while cleaning up my kitchen juuuust before a cast member of the SHOOT got to my place. I was to dye his hair red...




You may remember him from when we turned him from blond brown to black haired Goth rocker, Zane. If not...go here: OCTOBER BLOG from 10/25/10. Just scroll on down to about the middle of the entry.

It turned out really great! I love how versatile Robbie is for shooting. A Casting Director's dream, really. I'm happy he'll be playing Tyler for both LDG and Moon Over Manhattan.

So, that was my weekend. I'd have loved to have been at the beach, but seeing as my life is a wee bit crazy at the moment...NO GO. But, I hope YOU got some sun for me!

Next weekend? Headshot pics of me (ugh) for the book and publisher website as well as my website, rehearsal, show apartment (still have one roommate to find), meet with one more for the photo-shoot and we move into the theatre on Sunday.

Counting down to my vacation!!!! June 17-27. Seventeen days left until I fly to LA!!! Thank you God!

xoxo

Tamsin :)

TALAN is CAST!

Okay...we're breathing a bit easier now since we're down to neededing TWO roles filled. I still need Shannon and Sinopa. SO...if you know of the following, leave a comment on here!

Shannon: Female. Caucation. Tall (5'7" to 5'9") with long dark hair and blue eyes. Slender build. Must be able to pass for 18 yrs old to 25, depending on dressed.

Sinopa: Male. American Indian. Average height. Short black or brown hair that can be made to look spikey/messy. Character can look to be btwn 20 to 27.

Anyhoo...that's who I'm still in need to find.

But...before I leave you...I give you Michael Maclaren, as Talan:



Have a GREAT Memorial Day weekend gang!

xo

Tamsin :)

Re-casting: Who and why it has to be done.

I know...THREE blog entries in a day! Hey now, I was silent for ages so...you shouldn't be suprised! :)

Anyhoo...we've re-cast another role and with this re-casting I not only want to announce our lovely lady, but I want to talk about WHY I'm re-casting.

We'll start with the "why".

I'm having to recast the role of Shannon because the girl who I had set to play her found out she was going to Paris for a family member's wedding that weekend. I can't fault her for that...especially when the family buys her the ticket as a gift. So I hope Izzy had a GREAT time in Paris! We'll miss having you in the cast!

But, the the role I still have yet to fill, Sinopa, and the three roles I have recast (Justin, Riley & Flora) the reason is different than going off to Paris. It's called unprofessionalism. It's not hard to answer an email. When a casting director sends you an email asking you for confirmation of things or to come to a meeting and you either A) Don't respond. B) Don't show C) Both it is very unprofessinal and the casting director cannot trust you to show up for the gig. Why should they? You can't even answer an email.

This happened again when I recast the role of Shannon with another girl so I am again looking for someone to play Shannon. *sigh*

How do young actors and models expect to get work if they can't respond in a timely manner to a simple email? Hell, to multiple emails? I you are an actor/actress and you do not have a smart phone with your email...you should have one. But even so...I gave these people weeks to get back to me and nothing.

It comes to trust. Show a casting director they can trust you'll be there by answering emails and phone calls. I have one actress who's not been able to make any meetings due to being in a show and one due to living in CT. But ya know what, they got back to me to let me know what was going on. I trust them to still have their head in the project and show up on their day.

I hate sending emails that let someone know they're being removed from the project but...what else am I supposed to do when they don't respond to me? I can't assume they'll show up on the day of the project, that's for sure. I need to know they will, not hope.

Anyhoo...that said...the casting announcement for the day is...

The role of Riley is now to be played by Allyson Morgan!



Welcome aboard, Allyson! We're happy to have you join the cast!

Have a great week, all!

Tamsin :)

On a happier note...

This morning a group of kids got on the train on my way to work. (You're thinking you have the wrong person's blog, I know I know...just keep reading)

It was a group on a field trip. There was a teacher, probably a guy in his 30's (sorta cute if I do say so myself) and a woman chaperone (probably a parent to one of the kids) plus about 20 kids I think.

Anyhoo...they were probably in like...5th or 6th grade is my guess. And I got a really big charge outta watching them. The boys entered the door and went to their right (to stand in front of my seat) and the girls went to their left and away from me. That right there was interesting. Once they hit middle school and then high school, you see them mix more. But not these kids. Girls were with the girls and boys were with the boys and not because they were being made to be that way...except genetically, that is.

I thought about how innocent they were. How all they wanted to do was talk and chat with their friends. There were two guys, a bit on the "thug" side of life, standing near them on the train with jeans so low their privates were probably just barely in their pants and I thought how these kids will change. I thought about how puberty is horrible. I thought about how these boys, who were so just into good, fun, conversations with their friends would possibly end up like these two thug-like boys who, even for that early hour, looked like the dudes who try to pick you up in a bar with horrible lines and basically are only out to score. Sex being there primary goal.

The goal for these kids? To have fun. To enjoy a day outside the classroom. To talk with their friends. It was a nice change.

I live in a city where I see a lot of bad adult behavior...so to see innocence was cleansing in a way for me.

But the best moment of all? One boy ventured over to the "girl area", innocence all over him. A seat opened and he sat. At the next stop the seat next to him opened and a girl plopped into it but then bounced right back out to talk to her friend some more. The boy then did something that made me smile.

Instead of waving a buddy to join him he looked at the girls, stood up, got their attention, and then motioned for them to take the two seats together. They smiled and thanked him and sat. He then walked to the doors to stand next to me, catching my big smile on my face I'm sure. He knew I caught him being a little gentleman and he seemed pleased...even though it was obvious the gesture was totally second nature to him. Probably has men in his family that give their seats to women and bravo to them for that.

And bravo to this kid who would do that at his age. Hell, not all adult men even do that. I've seen grown men ignore an injured woman (me) or a pregnant woman (SO not me) and keep their seat. But here was this 5th or 6th grader giving his seat to the girls.

It warmed my heart in stupid places. :)

Allison Armstrong calls them "Pages"...basically "Knights in training". And to watch things she's taught me about Pages displayed for me this morning was a treat.

Tamsin :) xo

PANIC (the band) = Fantastic! PANIC (the feeling) = Horrible.

PANIC (the band) = Fantastic!
Before I go into my review of my night last night I want to preface this by saying what an amazing show Panic! puts on. Brendon's energy and talent are astounding! He sounds as good live as he does in recording...which is quite impressive. Same to be said for the musicians of the group. Many bands cannot do that but the talent these four have in abundance pours out of them as they lovingly share their talent and music with you. Brendon is hilarious and fun as well as a vocal god. I was a vocal performer for years and I will tell you this, his voice is bloody amazing. The energy they give off, the fun they're having, the love they have for those who came out to support them...unwavering and felt in the core of your being.

That said...

PANIC (the feeling) = Horrible.
To say I was beaten up would probably be the best term for how my body feels right now. Like I decided physical abuse was a good idea or something. And it wasn't just one person who went out of their way to be asinine, but many. Let me explain why I'm internally bruised and why I slept on ice packs.

Two things:
A) I am not amazing in large crowds where I cannot move but when I go to a concert I just prepare to be banged into a bit and I deal with a concert crowed actually much better than I do when trying to move though the crowded area in Times Square.
B) I tend to go to Goth/Industrial concerts where there's usually some mosh pit but those outside of it are not violent or disrespectful. They are aware of where they are and aim not to hurt anyone. Violent music yet humane surroundings and everyone gets to enjoy the music. I thought, there is no way this type of band can be rougher than that. MISTAKE #1.

So, last night I went to go see PANIC AT THE DISCO! at Terminal 5 on West 56th in NYC...and I feel like I had a fully body workout by a trainer who was out to kill me. To be honest, I'm lucky I didn't get injured worse than I was...and if Brendon wasn't an amazing performer...I'd be calling the night a wash and not worth my money.

My besty couldn't make the concert as planned last night due to parental arrival to the city, but she sent her boyfriend with me to the concert in her place. Garret and I arrive at Terminal 5 and got in line. A line full of mostly teenagers. *sigh* I had NO idea when I bought the tickets of the age of Panic's fans but I thought, "How bad could they be?" MISTAKE #2.

The organization of the staff at Terminal 5 seemed to be quite amazing, at first. They took us into the venue early and lined us up in the outside bar area with care and concerns for people's safety. Then, they let us into the venue at 6:30pm...also making sure no one ran or was injured. So far so good...they were going to make sure we were safe, right? MISTAKE #3.

Garret and I ended up near center on the floor about 15 feet from the stage. Good spot. Though short, I could see the center mic okay and other areas so it looked to be a decent spot. MISTAKE #4.

People started packing in tight and then we all had to stand for an HOUR with nothing to do but be shoved around and get packed in tighter and tighter with people starting to shove and hit. One drunk douchebag decided it was a great time to start treating the tight packed group of people like they were in a mosh pit. It took many of us screaming at him and his partner to convince them that it wasn't THAT kind of concert. I kept thinking, "If the band would just start people would calm down"...MISTAKE #5.

By the time the first opening band started...whoever they were...everyone was irritated, hot, crammed together and edgy. The first band, called Foxy Shazam (creepy keyboardist)...were HORRIBLE. Oh my god...they were just bad (except the drummer, he was quite good). I've seen teenage garage bands with more charisma and talent! I mean, there music mighta had a chance if their lead singer wasn't a total tool who couldn't sing a note or, for that matter, find an ounce of stage presence! The bastard even decided he was "cool" enough to crowd surf on a bunch of teenage girls in the front. I don't have words for how scarey THAT was.

The second opening act was a band I've never heard of (but Garret had) called FUN. I really liked them and luckily Garret got a good foot hold and braced his arms around me like a barier and I didn't get banged around as much (meaning I still got pushed around but not to the point where I almost fell over). Near the end of their set we could see Brendon up in the side rafters of the stage dancing around having fun and it made me laugh/smile. I started to think, "Maybe I can make it through my own panic so as to see PANIC! up close. It's why I came here, right? MISTAKE #6

The crowd is buzzing with antici...pation (sorry, I so wanted a Rocky Horror reference) and people have shoved us so far forward now that Garret and I are 10 feet from the stage and literally slammed up against people on all sides. But that's not the worst of it. The jackasses who call themselves security decide to amuse themselves. They bring out bottles of water and spray us with it and try and give water to those they can reach by pouring it in their mouths. It creates a riot. Shoving, pushing, hitting to get near the water. The security watches small girls screaming for help and they laughed. It was a game to them. I'm so pinned in I can't raise arms so when they start to chuck heavy bottles of water to people, I worry I'll be beaned in the head. Luckily I was not.

After two bouts of THAT behavior it stops and Garret and I contemplate leaving, its that bad. But, I paid to see PANIC! for the love of all that's holy and damn it, I'm seeing them! I'm not leaving my spot just before they go on. MISTAKE #7

Finally, at 9:30 on the nose (after I've taken 3 hours of beatings) they hit the stage singing "Ready to Go" and the crowd explodes! They bounce up and down in unison, in rhythm, and for a five foot nothing girl...surrounded by people jumping and pushing and screaming...I was terrified. I had to grasp onto Garret to keep me from freaking out. I considered leaving again but, others had tried to get out and couldn't. We were trapped in there.

Then it happened.

The shoving and pushing became so bad on all sides my ribcage was pressed in and I couldn't breath. The sway shoved us right, then left, then front and back and then repeated like a violent lover raping you with a force you have no control over. My feet almost came out from under me, but my low center of gravity kept me upright. I couldn't breathe and finally panic set in. A full, unleashed, panic attack. I shoved with all of my might with my arms and was able to get people off of the front of me so as to breathe.

I turned to Garret, who says the look of terror on my face and in my eyes was extreme, and said, "I've gotta go!" I barely saw him nod before I turned to my right and decided these people were moving one way or another...if it meant I had to injure them to get out. I tore through them screaming "MOVE NOW!" and "Let me out!" Garret is behind me, a foot taller, saying for people to let me out as well. And they did.

By the time I got somewhere where people weren't smashed together like sardines I stopped and luckily Garret was there to put his arms around me as I sobbed and shook like a 5 year old kid who'd been beaten by their parents. I missed that entire song of Panic's cause I was literally having a panic attack and wondering if I needed a brown bag to breathe in and out of.

I finally was able to get myself pulled together, down the rest of my vitamin water, and enjoy the rest of the concert from afar. Hence why my pictures here are from a wasy away. I just didn't even make it through a full song with them up front so no close pics for me :(. Mind you, I think if I'd have stayed I'd be in a hospital right now. FOR GREAT PICS OF LAST NIGHT...GO HERE!

Looking back Garret said he'd never seen such a small person push through a mob that fast before. LOL! I was hell bent to get out alive at that point. What's funny is that Garret tends to be in the mosh pit at metal shows and said that this was worse than that. Well hell.

We left...I bought a shirt as proof I survived the damn thing...and picked up taco's on the way to the train (mmmm...taco cart) and a diet soda and after that was down me I felt much better. Got home, walked the dog, lay on a two foot long ice pack for my back and put my feet on another one. Then I wrapped my left leg in ice as well.

Woke up this morning feeling every muscle in my back, my sides, arms, legs and feet bitching at me. But...to be honest. If I didn't work out as much as I do (water aerobics), if Garret hadn't protected me as much as he was able, and if I'd not slept on ice...I don't think I'd have gotten outta bed this morning.

Will I ever go see them again? Probably not. That wasn't worth my money. Sadly that effects Panic! rather than the venue (who's fault it actually is as no security stopped the abuse) but I just don't see myself ever going again unless I can buy a VIP area ticket. Floor standing was your only real option for the masses with nowhere to sit so it was a floor full of crazy people. Idiots who ruined what should've been a really great concert.

What's sad is this all could've been prevented by security that knew how do to their job and didn't find it funny to see people in pain.

That said, Brendon and Spencer did a wonderful job and I enjoyed the rest of the concert once I'd gotten far away from the stage. I think it was their performance that saved the night for me at all. Cause if they'd not been amazing I'd be wanting not just my night back, but my money.

But it it wasn't a complete wash.

So, many thanks to Brendon (though I don't know you). You are an amazing performer with a killer voice and you saved the night for me.

Now back to putting Biofreeze on my muscles so I can get back to work.

Hurts my back to breathe in still.

Tamsin

Re-Casting is ON...A...ROLL!

Yep! In a matter of hours I have re-cast yet another role!

God's hands are on this, without a doubt! Cause no one is this lucky on their own. :)

I just recast the role of Justin. He will be played by John Jeffords.



Happy to have him on board! He's perfect for the role!

Just need to recast Shannon, Talan and Sinopa now...

***Fingers Crossed***

xo

Tamsin :)

Re-casting is stressful.

So...since some folks flaked on meeting up this weekend and cannot be bothered to return emails or phone calls...I regretfully am going to have to re-cast some of the roles for the photo-shoot.

It happens. No hard feelings to them.

Though, I do love the girl I just recast as Flora. Her name is Alison Axelrad and she'd just beautiful.

So...meet the lovely lady who is playing Sean's sister.




Happy to have you aboard, Ali!

As new cast pop up on the radar...you'll all get to see them.

xo

Tamsin :)

The Video is DONE!

That's right, the "Behind the Scenes" Video from the photo-shoot we did back in October for the book, Moon Over Manhattan, is done!

You can check it out on UTube...HERE!

Or you can copy/paste this into your browser window: http://is.gd/8TpwSA

Hope you enjoy it! I think it's really fun!

If you want to see the pictures as well, most are up on the website. Go HERE for the picture menu! Or you can copy/paste this into your browser window: http://tamsinsilver.com/photo-gallery.php

Have a great week all!

xo

Tamsin :)

Life is CRAZY!

So...as many of you know, I have a day job. I also write...A LOT. I also am an experienced director/designer/TD/SM/artistic director...and I'm currently directing a short one-act musical inside a musical festival called The West Village Musical Theatre Festival (to be known as WVMTF from here on out). We had our first rehearsal last night and I blocked 90% of the dialogue. SWEET! I'll do the rest on Sunday and then on Tuesday they meet with their Musical Director to learn their songs and then I'll block those and we're on our way.

Along with all that of course is the book...and the photo-shoot. I'm attempting to meet with ALL cast members between Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon. And even with rehearsals...I've planned it well enough to make it all fit like a jigsaw puzzle. Oiy. I'll even get to work out tomorrow night and Saturday morning as usual. How I got this to work...hell...who knows? God is the only answer I can come up with. Ain't me!

Anyhoo...to add to the craziness that is my life...my roommate Phil has decided to move in with his girlfriend in the middle of June. *sigh* Okay, I thought. Fine. I'll fill the room...AGAIN. But today my other roommate...who's lived with me for like, 2 years, has decided to take a leave of absence from his job (don't know reason yet, I'll find out when I get home) and he's going to leave as of July.

Well hell.

SO...I'll be hunting for two new roommates WHILE I'm trying to get a book edited for my publisher, working with the art team for said book's cover, thinking of how to market said book, rehearsing and performing previously mentioned play, meeting with HUGE cast of photo-shoot,running said photo-shoot, AND...oh yeah...my bloody day job!!!!!!

Jeebus.

Dear Lord...keep me sane.

Tamsin

P.S. Release date for Living Dead Girl looks to be October! :) (my one happy thought of the day)

MARIA has been cast!

Ya gotta have faith in things sometimes. I do. It's why the tattoos on my arms are there. People ask me all the time what they mean since they're in Japanese. One means Faith and the other is Trust. Two very important things to me.

When I do creative gigs, like this photo-shoot or theatre, I like to rely on both of those often to remind myself...."Have faith that God is in control and trust everything happens for a reason...that it'll all work out the way it should."

So I didn't worry. Which is odd, since it was the last role needed and the character is important to both series; LDG and Moon Over Manhattan.

But...I got an email yesterday from the PERFECT actress for the role. So, without further ado...

The role of Maria Dominguez is to be played by Vania Bezerra:



Take care all...have a GREAT weekend...and know that I'm going to something called Nerd Nite tonight (oh yeah!) in DUMBO (that'd a part of Brooklyn, for those of you not from NYC)...looks to be fun. Come join me if you want! http://nyc.nerdnite.com/

xo

Tamsin :)

Meet our Aiden...

This is Scott Davis. He is a new addition to our cast of characters. You're thinking..."Didn't you say you were fully cast?" I did! But...it dawned on me that not only does Flora show up in Book 5, but so does Aiden. We actually meet him in The Cameron Chronicles and he pops back up when they learn about Flora in Book 5 of the series.

As I've mentioned, I'm looking to write Flora's story during NaNo this year, which Aiden is in. Add that to the fact that Aiden is in LDG5 and BAM, said the lady...I needed to cast him.

So, Scott is playing Aiden. I'm really happy to have him join us! Makes me excited to build his character for the 2011 NaNo!

Welcome to our fun band of fantasy geeks, Scott! We're happy to have you aboard the crazy train! :)

Tamsin

P.S. Tonight my Make-Up GODDESS is meeting up with me to start talking about the shoot specifics. I'm SO jazzed! Night all!

ALASTAIR IF FINALLY CAST!

That's right...I finally got me my Alastair! Woot!

Many thanks to Sarah Tillson Ruby for helping me out on finding him!

So...without further ado...

Alastair Hawkins to be played by Gregory J. Lucas:




The only role left to fill is Maria...so, if you know a tall Dominican gal who's on the super slim side, even slightly boyish figure, with long dark hair...DO let me know.

Oh...in other fun news....I'm currently filling out my Art Sheet for the person who will do the cover of the book. FUN! :)

Have a great day!

Tamsin :)

More Casting Updates!

We are almost fully cast for the photo shoot for Living Dead Girl! Weeee!

Thought I'd let you see some of our latest castings...

The role of Javin Keziah to be played by Chris Beier:



The roles of Phoenix and Harmon Keziah to be played by Peter Gosik:



The role of Keeb to be played by Ben Broad:



The role of Keeb's sister, Kade, to be played by Rachel Ghilardi:



The role of Kat to be played by Mysteena Akilah Saunders:



All we have left to secure are Alastair and Maria and we're done. Whew!

Have a great week all...and stay tuned for the last two!

Tamsin :)

It's Official...Living Dead Girl to be published!

Yes...it is totally true. As we signed the contract today I can officially announce the news.

Eirelander Publishing (an electronic publisher) has "bought" Living Dead Girl; The Betrayal (the first book of the 5 part series). It will be available on their website, Kindle, Amazon, Nook, and iBooks...from what I've been told by my contact at the publisher.

I know you're about to ask "WHEN?!" I have no bloody clue. By June we should have an official release date chosen. You see, the book goes through three edits by their staff plus we need to work on the cover art and I need to get a photo done of me (yee gads!) for their website and back of book (Vince will do that for me when we do the photo-shoot in June, cause he's great like that).

I will promise you all this...as soon as I know the release date...you too will know it!

Now...for those of you who do not have e-readers. Once the book sells 50 copies electronically, the book will be available on Amazon with "Print On Demand". But, alas, most of my friends now buy their books electronically so...that's the best spot to snag the book, I think.

So...that's the news I've been dying to tell you for over a week and a half while things became "official."

If you're not already a friend on my Tamsin Silver Facebook page...you should be! Many updates are going to go there once things get moving along!

Oh, and before you ask...the rest of the series will be up for consideration by the same publisher as well so have no fear...if you get the first book...they'll be considering the 2nd.....IF this one does well so I'll need all your guys' help to make that happen!

So stay tuned! :) And if you wanna read what the book is about...go to my WEBSITE and click on Living Dead Girl.

A BIG thank you to everyone who is a part of my life who has supported me and continues to support me in this quest. We've taken the first step folks! I'd not be taking this if it weren't for you all. Also, praise God for answered prayer. I honestly believe I only get where I go because of Him.

xo

Tamsin :)

Amen.

And I think that concludes my blog entry...cause that's all that needs to be said.

Amen.

Tamsin :)