- [on "Bonnie Parker" stage play] I realized immediately that if I'm there, they (the audience) will follow. During performances, you can hear a pin drop, dead silence and sometimes I'd wonder if they were sleeping or sneaked out or if they cared. What I found is the audience is into her just as deeply as I am; it's very intense.
- Shedding of myself at the beginning of the journey was fearsome, because her journey is so disturbing and terrible. The first time I performed the piece, I was absolutely petrified. What made performing this piece easier was to remind myself it's about Bonnie, tell her story. That belief pushed me way beyond my comfort zones as an actress, and I realized that when all barriers are dropped and there is complete truth to the character, there is no fear of any thing or anyone. It didn't matter if the NY Times Theatre critic was in the audience or a manager or a CBS scout or my mother. I am so into what is going on with my character and her passage I'm not concerned about whether the audience is with me or not.
- The frustrations have been performing in a space where the theatre isn't exactly sound proof and I'd find myself competing with a band across the street or choir practice down the hall in a smaller theatre, or at a dinner theatre in a couple of restaurants, the clanging of dishes--things I have no control over. But what I do have control over is myself and my performance, so in these type of situations I'd become more intense and pull the audience in even closer. It was excellent training dealing with these challenges. I've worked with actors that can't handle distractions well and that is not a good thing, you must have that laser-eyed focus and allow nothing to get in your way, not a cough, or talking or music or anything. Take control of the room and keep your wits about you.
- The lies. I have sifted through many, many books to find out there are only a few written that were faithful to the truth and tell the story without a personal agenda or media hype.
- For me, it's about the overall story: The downward spiral of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. The task ahead, writing a one-woman show and performing it was daunting and very ambitious for any actress. Up to this point, I had never really considered myself a true writer.
- I wanted more control over prospective projects. I spent months reading and journaling and practically living in the Dallas downtown library archives. To put it lightly, I was sold out and completely committed to the true story and felt very strongly that Bonnie's journey must be told.
- Work with what's in your hands now--what interests you, not what's hot. You have to LOVE the subject matter, because that's what will keep you motivated. Know what you like and what you don't. If you aren't willing to sacrifice everything (other than family) for your film, then stop and re-evaluate your motives, and why you were interested in the subject in the first place. Starting out, I had no ambitions of being a producer or writer, it was a progression. Above all, have fun with the process and enjoy the people you get to work with. It's the journey, not the destination.
- Look the part, The Producer! Don't flirt or manipulate, in the end you'll lose if you go that route. How you see yourself is how others see you. Believe in yourself and the work, it will sell itself if it's good enough. You must be passionate about your project, be bold and believe in the work (that means you). I have no problem asking for money if it's something I believe in. Lastly I pray! I ask God for divine guidance every day
- If you really believe in what you're doing, put your money where your mouth is. I did that with the play. Since the production was successful with awards and critics, we used that as ammunition with investors when the time came to take the show to New York. Either way, keep moving and you'll find your investor team.
- All people are to be respected regardless of where they stand on the ladder. I don't believe we're supposed to be nice to everyone because someday they might be somebody, that's crap. Why not just be nice to people because they're people? You must be willing to voice your opinion and prepare for debate. The editing room can be full of tension because the director, producers and editor all have their own ideas about how to shape the film. There were some very tense moments, but we worked through our differences. That's key. We all had the same goal: to make the best film possible.
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