So... from the looks of the survey I've had requests for some insight into my personal life (and one behind the scenes). This post could be a bit lengthy... grab a cup of coffee, tea or whatever your sipping pleasure may be and sit back for a while. There's a lot packed into my 40-something years :)
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| "Our Little Miss" Pageant Picture |
I'm a professional singer, actor and stage performer in the Central Texas Hill Country area. I was born and raised in south Texas, the youngest in a family of six singing siblings. That is where I feel I got my “ear for harmony”. Having come out last I had to fight to find a part in the musical mix that wasn’t already taken in order to be heard! I grew up in a neighborhood comprised primarily of boys and, by default, was a tomboy; learning to play football, basketball, baseball, roller skate, climb trees, ride bikes, and all the things that boys do… I could keep up with the toughest of them. That is when the stage performing bug first began to strike me. At the age of 5 my Mother started putting me in “Our Little Miss” beauty pageants in hopes of toning down the tomboy flavor of "her baby girl" to bring out the softer side. I donned the frilly dresses, stockings, and curled hair. I and managed to place in the top three successfully for a number of years, but soon grew weary of the pageant scene. I even took tap, ballet, jazz and acrobatics for five years from “Miss Cissie’s School of Dance” to help with becoming a girl, but sports were running through my blood and everyday after school I’d rush outside to practice shooting hoops and roller skating, my two loves at the time.
After my fifth grade year I moved with my parents from the only home I’d ever known to a remote village in Indonesia for a year and a half. My father was in charge of a government experimental agricultural project. It was an amazing experience for me at that time in my life. I learned to speak Indonesian fluently and was the translator for my family. I was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning my very first horse. Being the animal lover that I am, the villagers soon realized that they could bring any animal to my door and I’d buy what ever they had, with the exception of snakes! I soon had a virtual zoo; a cockatoo, a horse, two deer, three chickens, three monkeys, rice birds, and a strange little creature that was unidentifiable but had suction cups on its feet and could jump and stick from surface to surface.
It wasn’t until my eighth grade year that I discovered live theatre. Having been a tomboy and played sports my entire life, I wasn’t familiar with the arts other than singing in Church with my family. I went to see a production of “Annie Get Your Gun” and was mesmerized. That’s when I knew that I had to be on stage! The summer before I was a freshman in high school I auditioned for “The King & I” and was cast as a serving girl and featured dancer. That was the best summer ever! I learned that theater is family. I realized that this is what I wanted to do.
As a freshman in high school I returned to athletics, band, cheerleading and all the things that were familiar. I didn’t explore the drama department because, unfortunately, it conflicted with athletics in my school and was discouraged. Being a first string player I was torn between “sitting the bench” for missing practice for drama rehearsals and being at athletic practices, so I continued to participate in sports.
As a senior I was cast in the UIL One Act play, but had to turn down the role because my basketball coach gave me an ultimatum… "come to my practice or sit the bench!" Needless to say, I chose to play in my final year of basketball since we were a winning team and on track to win District. I had also traveled to San Antonio and auditioned for the short lived USFL San Antonio Gun Slingers to be one of their professional cheerleaders. I made the squad, but Saturday rehearsals in San Antonio would cause me to miss Saturday morning basketball practices and my coach gave the same ultimatum. I, again, chose basketball.
I was married right out of high school and had two terrific boys. I traveled with my first husband’s job quite a lot, but managed to take some post secondary education courses wherever we lived. While in the Rio Grande Valley I rediscovered the theater where I saw my first musical and auditioned for “Gypsy”. This time I took both my sons and we all auditioned. We all got parts. I was cast as “Electra”.
One of the things that makes my life interesting, I think, is that when I want something or set my mind on it, I usually get it. For instance, I wanted to work in radio, but there weren’t any openings so I offered to intern. The radio station assigned me as an intern under the Production Manager. I learned everything about producing commercials; how to write them, cut them, record them, etc. Then shortly after when the Production Manager resigned, I was offered the position. Likewise, when I moved to the Texas Hill Country I wanted to live on a farm and saw an ad for a farm and ranch manager. I’d never done that sort of work before, but I knew I could so I applied for the job. The closest thing I’d come to it was have a “zoo” in Indonesia. I secured an interview with the owner and talked compassionately about how I could take care of the administrative and physical aspects of the farm. I was offered the job and stayed in the position for three years. I even taught myself to drive a tractor, gave horses injections, and all sorts of things that I’d never done.
Shortly thereafter I moved to my present location and, thankfully, walked into Century 21 and met Shirley M. Shirley became my Realtor and my adopted Mother. She not only rented me a home, but introduced me to the theater community. She cast me in my first role with the Players’ in 1994, as Mary in “The Drunkard”. She cast me again in a few years later in “The Powder Puff Sheriff” as Willie Lovelace; a show where I met my best friend and current music partner in the trio Destination (an Andrews Sisters Review). Linda and I have been singing together in Destination for over 14 years. Our intricate three part harmonies are well known throughout the area.
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| Bryan on the set of "The Patriot" |
I took a hiatus from acting and singing for a number of years to raise children and assist as guardian to my youngest son’s acting career while he was actively working. I learned a lot about the film business by watching him on set and observing the workings behind the scenes. I had the privilege of meeting many well known actors, directors, and producers during this time and seeing how the business works. This is one of the reasons why I've decided to pursue the film and producing side of the business at this time.
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| Piercarlo Abate Session |
I am currenlty branching out… I've just signed with DVA Talent (http://www.dvatalent.com/) and have begun a series of acting classes for film. I have just formed a production company with my brother, Scot (web designer) and Gene (actor, writer, director) called Dedicated Works Productions. We are in the process of producing our first short film entitled “Ruth’s Locket” (http://www.ruths-locket.com/) about the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease. It will be entered into all major film festivals.
I have performed in 8 movies, 2 television shows, 1 national commercial, 18 plays and I am the voice over talent for a national photo product. I sing professionally in my own vocal trio Destination as well as the swing band The Sentimental Journey Orchestra (http://www.sjoswing.com/).
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| "MOTU:WOSM"The Sorceress |
The question I get asked most is, "Where do you find the time to do all that you do... and manage to do it so well?" My answer to that is... God has blessed me with really great examples in my parents and siblings. I've had a fortunate and healthy life. I'm surrounded by a wonderful husband, family, friends and an amazing support system.
Thanks... and stay tuned!
Jules*
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