Welcome to my first blog…….. First, let me say what an amazing year it has been so far!

There have been up’s and down’s but overall I feel that I have grown so much as both a person and an actor. I spent the first 3 months of 2009 in LA, where I worked with some fantastic acting coaches – David Kagen, Brett Rickaby and Paul Messinger at David Kagen’s School of Film Acting. Lew Callihan for ‘Police Tactics’ at Aaron Speiser Acting Studio. Sam Christensen and Samantha Bennett at Sam Christensen Studios for the ‘Image Proces Intensive’. I was blessed to stumble across Candace Silvers and participate in her life classes, and finally the entire team at TVI Studios for Boot Camp! During this time, I also worked with some inspiring fellow actors who made me strive to achieve more, and I made some lifelong friends whom I love dearly! What a journey – to those who travelled it with me, I thank you for your love and friendship and ongoing support.

Since arriving back home I have madly been laying the foundations for some projects in the back half of this year, and 2010. I have been tweaking some scripts and working with two of my besties, Lynda-Maree and Bek to produce a short that we have collaboratively written (Watch this Space!) and have been honoured to have been involved in two short film projects – ‘A Fly On The Wall’ and ‘Medicine Wheel’ – in support of my dear friend, Tess O’Flaherty. I am also in consultation with another actor, Steve Parker, for an exciting project that is in the final stages of planning and I am very pleased with the way the script is shaping up on this film too. I am also looking at producing my first piece of Australian theatre next year……….. so – busy! busy!

I was also honoured to join a theatre masterclass last Friday the 12th of June with esteemed director, Michael Hill – thanks to Actors Equity. It was a great opportunity to touch base with many familiar faces from the local industry and see what everyone has been up to! Not to mention honing my theatre muscles again after so much film and television training in Los Angeles.

I have also been indulging somewhat, and am taking the time to read a lot more books and am enjoying reading some classic Pinter plays and Tennessee Williams…. and we call this work?? Ha! Not only this, but as Sam Christensen would be happy to know, I am continuing to work on my Image Process homework to discover more and more about myself every day. What a joy!

I have also recently taken up Kali (a form of martial arts) with my girls, with the long term expectation that we can do our own stunts… he he! I am starting to feel like I am improving slightly at this form of stick, knife and hand combat – but I still sometimes catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror looking more like E.T than a seasoned street fighter. Sigh. Some things take time, I guess………

I also really need to get back on the pole, and have been inspired to do so for the upcoming “Le Grande Revue” for Miss Cara Brown’s birthday at which I will be performing. Watch out world! Only problem is, I conveniently forgot about the muscle ache and death bruises that come as a result of being off my game………argh. No pain, no gain – right??????????

So – I think that’s probably it for now, but as we all know, I like to write, so check back regularly to see what’s going on in my world….. There’s so much happening in the pipeline I expect plenty of updates headed your way soon…..

Until then, I want to thank the many who have inspired me this year to get up and be better…… to my girls Lynda-Maree, Bek and Ceri – words cannot explain the strength you give me and the love I have for you all. To Mum, Dad, Kristin, Nana and Grandpa, Sonya, and the rest of my family and friends in Adelaide – thank you for believing in me and giving me all the support in the world to go chasing my dream. To our LA crew – Shawn, Kevin, Mo and all the crazy bunch, Michelle, Stacey, Nick, Scott, Victor, Lamorna, Rochelle – thank you for accepting us into your family and loving us for who we are, and making the journey fun! To Erik and Kathy, Petie, Tess, Steve and all my fellow creatives who are always willing to open the door for me and SHOW ME THE MONEY! Or, sometimes, lack of it……………. To all my teachers and my new friends across the globe from my classes in LA – I have learnt so much from each of you and treasure our time together in the creative womb…. To Jaimz and Fuzz – thanks for helping me out with things I have no idea about! To my agent Chris, who constantly lifts me up and supports me and champions me, no matter what.

And finally, to Shane. Whom I miss dearly, but who taught me more about myself than anyone else. I feel your presence with me every day and know I will get there with your help and guidance.

So for now, it’s goodbye. Until next time, my friends – STAY AWESOME!

xoxo
Leash