I'm Thirty, I'm Acting, and I'm so Fucking Happy

The title is as much as I am able to communicate at this moment.  Every artist has their blocks and I have finally, after 30 years, acknowledged and started to fight these demons.  Much more to write but for now...just grateful.

xoxo

The Next Five Years

I have been struggling in the past few months with some personal issues which have led me to over-share with family and (a few) friends about my situation.  If I was in a Grecian Tragedy this would be my tragic flaw, "she over shared herself to death". It's simple and complicated at the same time and as someone who strives for self awareness and simplicity of life & happiness, immensely frustrating to not have worked out and overcome yet.  The basics are this: I am desperately in love with someone who has had his own share of personal struggles this past year and the result has been incredibly detrimental to our relationship on all accounts.

Upon voicing my concerns to my moms partner Ted (who is a blunt personality to put it kindly), he simply stated: figure out where you want to be in five years and make it happen.  And so I have made my 5 year plan.  This is very personal and honest and I will not be sharing this on any personal social media as I am frankly petrified but at the same time excited to write it all down and put it out there.  I hope I inspire some people who also feel like they are figuring their worlds and their futures lives out to do the same.  It was very therapeutic.  

So here it is....

THE NEXT FIVE YEARS...

September 15^th, 2014 – September 15^th 2019

In 5 years from now I will be:

    

     Acting.  I want to be working with a great agent who respects and understand my talent, passion, and individuality.  This may only be a slice of my life but it will be there.  Whether it is play readings or regular roles in a tv show this part of me keeps me grounded, happy and whole.

       Running my successful business with the help of a fabulous staff OR have sold the company for no less than (BLANK) and started another venture (ie theatre school, theatre, acting studio), which I will be passionately and proudly pursuing.  

       

       In touch with only the people who make me happiest in my life.  The people who raise me up as much as I raise them.  I want to have a close relationship and be a friend to my nephew and any future nieces or nephews that are around at that point, and to make sure my sisters know how much I love and support them.  I will be still be close with my amazing girlfriends and we will laugh about our crazy younger days and our wild adventures and cry together about our current struggles.  I will maintain a close relationship with both my parents and never again take for granted that I have only one mom and dad in this life. 

     If I am in a relationship, I will be and be with a loving, responsible, passionate partner  with whom there is mutual respect and kiness...always.  We bring out the best in each other.  Someone who always gives as much as they take and is with me through good and bad.  Someone who is completely transparent in terms of honesty and doesn’t make me feel badly when I have moments of weakness as we all have past relationships and situations that we battle with in life.  Someone who when I look into their eyes, even when we are fighting, we know we are in it together.  Someone who is funny, likes to do the same activities, loves my family, loves animals, loves to do everything and nothing in a day…together.  Someone who has nice good friends who he spends time with alone and sometimes as a couple.  We will always make time for each other to go out and celebrate the little things.  We may only do this once a month but we will always make time to go out for dinner, or make a picnic on the living room floor and toast to each other and the lives that we have built together.  We will always remember to celebrate the small stuff & lead with love.  Someone who understands my crazy passions and encourages me to succeed in the ways that make me happy.  Someone who I support fully with all my heart and might in every way.  Someone who I look at in the eye and know that no matter what struggles with money, kids, jobs, deaths, general stresses of life, that we will get through it together and get out the other side stronger.  All of these qualities are things I have had recently although a couple have faltered under recent aforementioned circumstances.  Ay there's the rub.

        

          Living in a city or town that I love and in a home or condo that I am proud of.  Even if it's not my dream home I will treat it as such.  

          For all the successes I will have I will always give back.  I will be a continued sponsor of the Red Door Family Shelter and continue my Christmas drive every year as well as help them with other events throughout the year. 

        I will be starting a family or have started one already.  I will not panic if for some reason I cannot have children and will trust that  life works out the way it is supposed to and I will adopt babies or be a foster parent to older orphans who are in need of a loving family environment. 

           A mentor…I will give back and help younger people in any way I can.  I will take people or a person under my wing and give them the support and love that they need in the way that so many people have done to me.  It takes a village.

      Did I mention I was an over-sharer?  I hope this inspiration to anyone at any stage who is looking for a change.

       

      xoxo A

It's Been a While

"Hope is a thing with feathers"...

A very wise acting teacher of mine, Richard Pinter, said this quote to me in my second year at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre.  I never really understood it until now.  

I grew up in a very supportive loving environment at home.  My parents both told me to work hard and follow my dreams, and so I did.  I knew that becoming an actor would be a life filled with ups and downs and plenty of rejection, but I was ready for that.  I loved the ride.  I loved the unpredictability and the ever changing schedule.  I was prepared for the "rejection" of not being cast in different productions, shows, commercials, etc. I was prepared for the instability financially and was prepared to work hard at a "Joe Job" to pay the bills...for my art.

What I was not prepared for in the weird but wonderful world of acting is the heartbreak you feel when you think you've gotten your foot in the elusive "door"...when you actually GET THAT PART that you think is going to change things but then somehow things fall through the cracks.  I worked hard on countless projects that didn't go very far (AKA didn't even get the opportunity to be seen) and my heart hurt.  I was "cast" in several "feature films" that never panned out.  My agent never came to a show I did all summer that I was very proud of and then decided to let me go off the roster. I felt like a failure and frankly a fraud. I wasn't an actor, I was trying and not succeeding at being one. I started to doubt my talent and whether my life in acting was going anywhere.  I felt the years flying by and my career wasn't even close to where I wanted it to be.  The HOPE that I once felt so strongly, seemed like a broken promise that I had made to myself.  I felt as though I was stuck in an abusive relationship with my acting career and so I lashed back at it to try to gain control.

I started to focus on my business.  I stopped hanging out and chatting with actor friends.  I stopped reading plays.  I stopped looking for a new agent.  I stopped acting...and for a while, it felt right.

I tried to convince myself (and my ever supportive family) that this was the right move, that I had found the natural transition from actor to entrepreneur and that my life was unfolding in a totally satisfying way.  This state of mind which I believed to be genuine began to fade.

The dissatisfaction I felt in my life artistically crept up on me slowly but steadily.  It happened so slowly in fact that I didn't even realize what was happening...I was just suddenly more irritable, less interested in my business, less motivated to exercise and I just sort of felt..bleh. Many months later I was asked to do a corporate acting gig (I play a fun character in a "workplace investigation" to help people train for similar situations in their work environment). I prepared for it, executed it well, and I felt great.  My energy was better, my motivation was back, and I felt more like me.  I pulled out my favorite Stars album on the drive home and blasted it with a huge smile on my face.  It was the first time I had tapped into my "actor self" in almost a year.

Everything I saw and read suddenly reminded me of acting, and I felt something in my gut that I had never felt this deeply before...REGRET.

Classmates and former acting coworkers suddenly seemed to be popping up in Feature Films, Broadway shows and even TV Commercials on the daily.  My Instagram was flooded with other peoples posts about 'following your dreams' and quotes like: 'ignoring your passion leads to slow death' etc etc.  It was as though the universe was giving me a little nudge, a little reminder that it's not too late.

Some people think it is such a simple decision...just get back at it.  Balance your business (which oddly enough is doing better than ever now) with your acting schedule and just make it work.  Give it another go.  Other people think it's crazy to throw any more of my time at a career that didn't give me the financial or emotional stability that I did, in fact end up craving more and more.  

Everyone has a suggestion, a point of view and both sides are valid. I just have to figure this out for myself.  Is there some sort of magical balance between the business and acting that I can manage or is that a pipe dream?  Am I going to hit my 30th birthday as an actor/entrepreneur or just an entrepreneur?

I don't know the answer yet.  I just know that I need to make a change because life is too short and artistically, I feel a little starved.  Whether this means teaching acting to clients kids once a week or jumping in with both feet and getting a new agent, I'm just not sure yet.

xo Allie

Queen Marie Review!

Jeff Schissler (middle), Shelley Simester (right) and I in Act II of Queen Marie

We are about half-way through our run of Queen Marie at 4th Line Theatre and so far - so great!  I've learned a lot, I mean A LOT throughout this process.  The show is a bit of a marathon, especially for the star Shelley Simester who is absolutely incredible as the late, great, Marie Dressler.

Shelley Simester (left), myself (middle) and Alison Palmer (right)

Needless to say, the weather has been no less than scorching the past couple of weeks, so managing the heat and delivering your best performance (particularly in a fat suit, as seen left!) is a challenge.  Hydration throughout the day is absolutely essential!

So far we haven't been "rained-out" once.  We had a minor "rain-hold" during our first preview, but that's it (knock on wood).

Reviews, reviews...

Often I avoid reviews until after the show closes (or altogether), but I stumbled upon this write-up by  Paula Citron (critic, broadcaster and arts-journalist for The Globe and Mail, Toronto Life & more) and am excited to share her experience of Queen Marie.  Click Here to read her review.

More soon!

Stay cool :)

xo, Allie

First Week of Rehearsals for Queen Marie!

Here We Go!

The week before rehearsals began for Queen Marie at 4th Line Theatre was a bit of a whirlwind.  Before I knew it I was on the road to Peterborough with a ridiculous amount of luggage and no clue what I was really in for.  I settled into my billet Beverley's place (a hilarious and very hospitable Newfie!), and prepared for the first day of rehearsal on the farm.

A peek onstage at 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook, ON

So the amazing and sometimes challenging thing about doing a show at 4th Line is that the rehearsal/performance space is outside (!).  There is a "hats on" policy during rehearsals and I've been loading up on sunscreen (being the pasty lady that I am), and have managed to avoid a sunburn, and any snake encounters, but not the poison ivy.  Yeesh.  Aside from that itchy setback, I am loving my summer at 4th Line thus far. 

Shelley Simester (Marie Dressler), Sedina Fiati (Mamie) & Heather Maitland (Nella Web)

I have to give a shout out & thanks to Theatre Ontario, without whom I would not have even found out about the auditions for the part of "Clare Dubrey".


I've done primarily Film/TV gigs since my move back to Toronto from NYC, and working on this show has really got me jazzed up about my love for the stage...so much so that I've decided to audition for Dorothy in CBC's "Over the Rainbow" next Monday...oh mama.  Wish me luck!  More details about the show and rehearsals to come :)


I've started to workout at Kawartha Crossfit in Peterborough with some awesome people.  Running seems to have fallen to the wayside a bit but with a few crossfits a week and dancing in the show, I'm spent!  


Enjoy the sunshine, and wear your sunscreen!  


xoxo,


Allie

Crossfit & Theatre: Keepin me Sane

The weather is gorgeous, the birds are a singin', I'm two weeks away from spending my summer acting at 4th Line Theatre and yet for some reason - earlier this week I felt like I'd been walking on eggshells with my anxiety.  Anxiety used to be a much bigger part of my life (particularly in highschool/beginning of University) but after reading Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth about 50 times, I've taught my brain how to break the cyclical nature of this stress...most of the time.  It's quite possible this is just a particularly bad lady time of the month, but knowing that doesn't change anything.  There are a few very minor things that really set me off this week: a couple of very human errors I made in my day job that really set me off, realizing that I only have 4 days off the first month I'm away and how much I'm going to miss Andy, and lastly having been advised that my business plan that I've been working really hard on needs an overhaul.  

Are these things earth shattering? NO!  Did anything really horrible happen? NO! So I was telling myself to get a grip and enjoy my time in Toronto before my adventure begins but it took a little fitness therapy to really let the steam off.  

My second crossfit class at Auxiliary fitness was a Deadlift WOD.  As I added on more weight, I kept telling the instructor/co-owner Justin that I had found my max.  He shook his head no, and kept pushing me to add on a little more.  I got to the point where I literally could not lift the dang barbell in the slightest and started to get really dizzy and had to put my head between my legs and rest.  I kind of expected Justin to tell me that was enough for the day and to relax. Nope.  He told me to try one more time.  "GET ANGRY!" he said.  So I thought of the 3 things that had been really getting under my skin this week, took a big breath, and somehow, that barbell that seemed impossible to lift a minute ago, was in the air.  My first Personal Record of 140lbs for deadlifts.  To say I'm hooked is a gross understatement.

Andy and I booked it to The Stratford Festival after the class to see The Matchmaker featuring my mentor and friend Chick Reid and her hubby Tom McCamus.  The show was incredibly well executed, and absolutely hilarious.  My face hurt from smiling after the curtain.  

It's slightly embarrassing to admit to losing my cool over such trivial matters, but there's no point in denying it.  Today - I feel like myself again, but I'm not sure if I could have shook off those negative vibes as easily without this killer stress busting combo of crossfit and the arts.  Instead of deflated and worried, I feel strong and inspired.  A New Earth will always have a place on my bookshelf but somehow I don't think I'll need it so much anymore.

xoxo 

Allie

TIFF Next Wave Film Festival

Co-Star Andrew Pigott, Director Joseph Procopio & I

Our premier of Memories at the TIFF Next Wave Festival was a huge success!  I was lucky enough to have a ton of friends and family at the event and an incredible amount of support from those who were there in spirit.  Naturally I was slightly panicked about my outfit but was lucky enough to have the stylistic help of Lyndsay - who helped me plan the perfect daytime screening outfit from head to toe.

Can't wait to wear these puppies again!

With amy daytime event - it's important not to overdo it with your makeup & attire.  We worked with a dress that I already had (Tory Burch for Forever 21), added some sick shoes from Zara & a cropped jean jacket and bangles from H&M.  So including my dress which I've had for a few months, I felt TIFF ready and totally appropriate for my first big screening for under $150. 


This is just the beginning of the Memories Festival tour.  Next up is the Rhode Island International Film Festival in August.  Road trip!  I'm confident that it will be screened at some other excellent film festivals as well, Joseph has done an incredible job with the piece.  


Just a couple of short weeks before MetCon Blu and my summer move to 4th Line Theatre.  Lots of updates on both these fronts but right now, I've gotta get out the door and go for a run!


Have a fantastic long weekend!


xoxo, Allie

Make it Happen May

TWO MORE SLEEPS!


Just two more sleeps until my Goodlife Half Marathon and my mood about the whole thing is shifting fairly spastically from "Hell yes, you are ready, you got this!" to, "Oh God, oh God, what was I thinking?!".  Regardless, I'm still very glad that I made the decision to do the run.  It's been a life goal of mine and hey, if not now, when? Life really is too short to be a bystander.  I couldn't be happier to start off my 27th year with the biggest fitness challenge yet.  I've just got to remind myself that no matter how fast I run and no matter what my time is at the end, it's a huge accomplishment and has allowed me to push myself and run farther than I have ever before.


A little less than a month after my half, it's time for Met Con Blue Adventure Race!  It's a 5K fitness blitz with twists, turns and insane challenges.  My brother in law, the amazing Bill Pain, should be given due credit for my two sisters and our partners participating in this madness.  Not to mention everyone's favorite Darwinian Fail and her hubby will be participating!  How shall I train?!  Here's my tentative plan (starting after I recover from the half!):


Yoga or Pilates  -   1x per week
Crossfit Class    -   1x min per week
Running           -   2x min 5K run per week
Strength          -   Either Body Pump or solo weight training


Tweaks will inevitably be made I'm sure (especially after I discuss with Mr. Pain!).  But for now, I'm just going to try to enjoy my tapering before the run, and fuel this body as well as possible!  


Paleo Pre-Race Fuel!


Breakfast:  2 Eggs and a couple pieces of sweet potato or honeydew melon and the essential cup o coffee.
Snack:  Handful of Almonds
Lunch:  Giant salad with any protein, half an avocado, whatever veggies are in the fridge and maybe a couple of dill pickles (don't judge me)
Snack:  Snack size can of Tuna or last night's protein with leftover veggies.
Dinner:  Last night it was Fish tacos wrapped in bib lettuce with some awesome veggie toppings.  Always a protein and lots of veggies.  So many options.


Throughout the day I am trying to drink at least 2L of water as well as some herbal teas to keep the lattes at bay!  Good restful sleep is essential especially since pre race anxiety/excitement can interfere all on its own, no need to throw extra caffeine/alcohol into the mix to really eff it up!


I've signed up for The Lean Green Bean's Foodie Pen Pals! Check out her blog for more info but I'm really excited to pack up a bangerang kit!


In Other News...


"Memories" will screen at the TIFF Next Wave Festival on May 12th (yahooo!).
 Our new little car "Ricky" has arrived and she is an absolute beaut.  My 27th Birthday has come and gone and thanks to all of my amazing family/friends and the wonderful Andy it was a blast!  Plans for my secret business are developing really nicely and I will share details very soon.  I get to see my sisters this weekend and complete a goal that I've had for years, to run a half-marathon.  So this girl is pretty dang excited about Spring.  I'm officially calling it "Make it Happen May" because hey, if we don't do it for ourselves, it just ain't gonna happen.  

I'm off to the Goodlife Marathon Expo to pickup my race kit!  I leave you with this amazing tune which will DEFINITELY be on my playlist race day!  

Have a fabulous day and hey, do something nice today for yourself k?

xoxo, Allie

OH GOD, I THINK I'M A GROWN UP

Top Ten Signs You're a Grown Up:

1. You start reading home decor magazines and or food magazines
2. Before splurging on a pair of jeans, you consider what kitchen appliance you could get instead
3. You stop eating kraft dinner (except maybe once a year...obviously with hot dogs)
4. You refer to your youth as "back in the day" and are shocked when tweens aren't familiar with N'Sync or Backstreet Boys
5. You start to really appreciate your grandparents and wish you knew more about them
6. You own a slow cooker
7. You either own a dog/cat or are seriously considering it...and possibly have a tester plant (mine's name is Joseph...he may or may not be a cactus)
8. You pretend like the book you're reading on the subway isn't The Hunger Games
9. You stop hanging out with people who don't make you happy
10. Benders are replaced by epic dinner parties.

Yep. It's offical.  I think I might be grown up now.  

There are some fairly major parts of being an adult that I'm still not caught up with yet (ie buying a house), but I've finally made the decision to lease a car.  I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!  It's a little black Honda Fit named (probably) Ricky.  It's going to make this summer of performing at 4th Line Theatre even better.  On top of that, I get to pick her up on my birthday!

Half-Marathon training is going pretty well.  I invested in a "Fuel Belt" from running room and bought myself a foam muscle roller.  Now I've just gotta keep my training on track and not freak myself out too much.  Hit the 10 mile mark last week and tomorrow's 11 miles.  Wish me luck, and please feel free to msg me with your favorite running tunes.  

xoxo Allie

Spring Fever!

I had an amazing time shooting an episode of "Cold Blood" last week - so great to be back on a set!  The late shoot got me home around 4am but I didn't mind.  When you're up really late doing something you're not invested in - resentment is inevitable.  When your heart's in it - it somehow makes it a million times easier to keep your eyes open and your brain in gear.

My 27th Birthday is coming up and I'm actually pretty excited about it.  Some of my friends are freaking out about our age - insistent that we should "have our shit together" by now.  What does that even mean?  I think that comparing yourself and your life to other people's, you are bound to feel inadequate and behind the pack.  The truth is - you are wherever you are supposed to be right now. And your future, is spotless, no excuses not to do everything you want to do and get everything you want out of life.  Stop putting up artificial barriers and making excuses.  I have a hard time keeping these thoughts in check sometimes but something about the Spring, and my birthday, is just reminding me more than ever to be present and enjoy life.  Somehow it's a little easier to keep these things in check when the birds are a chirpin and the buds are blooming.

I've been putting a lot of this positive excited energy into my half-marathon training as well as working on my business plan for the small business I will be opening in September.  I have hummed and hawed a lot about the ever challenging question of what day job is the best for me as an actor.  I've done the bartending thing, I've served a ton, and most recently I've been babysitting.  Each has their pros and cons and although currently I'm just thrilled not to be working in a bar until all hours, I still find myself frustrated that I can't be using more of my skills and that my hours are so weird (right now I work long hours on weekends and short hours weekday evenings).  I'm trying to think long term here.  How can I support myself when acting is inconsistent and live a comfortable life, but also be able to see my family and friends more, ie have a more balanced life overall?  So that's where the starting a business idea came into play and I will give more detail about it as it comes closer to the start date in Fall of 2012.

I am also getting a car soon as I'll definitely need one doing the musical in Millbrook this summer...YAAAAAY!  I have my eye on a Honda Fit but we'll see... So excited to be able to go visit my sisters whenever I want!

I'm excited for my 27th year to start with a half marathon and a new side job option on the horizon.  It's so easy to get overwhelmed with the past and the future but something that keeps bouncing around my brain is: the only one responsible for your own happiness is yourself, so do what you need to do for it to be a reality.

I leave you with an amazing catchy tune by the Avett Brothers...

DEMO DEMO DEMO REEL!

A word of advice to those looking to save some dough and find someone who will do something for your career on the cheap: do your research.  I happened to cross paths with a young film student who seemed to have all the necessary qualifications for the job.  I hummed and hawed when I finally got the reel back but the fact of the matter was - it wasn't great.  And there is no point in putting something out there if you don't like what it represents. 

SO...luckily my amazing friend and director of Footsteps, Noam Kroll came to the rescue!  Over a two hour session together yesterday, not only did he create and edit a new reel for me, he also helped me understand how to get it online and onto the internet ASAP.  What a gem.  So here it is ladies and gents! Hope you like it!

Must give credit where credit is due!  The footage on my reel is from the following projects:

Footsteps - Independent Feature Film, Directed by Noam Kroll

David at Home  - Short Film, Directed by Alexa Di Cambio (official selection, Hills Film Festival)

Enamour - Short Film, Directed by Justin Ho (official selection, Soho International Film Festival)

       Allie Dunbar - Demo Reel 2012

Run, Run, Run!

It's "long run" training day and I am thrilled to say that I've completed a 5mile run!  I thought it would never happen!  Fellow blogger and everyone's favorite Darwinian Fail, Krysten, told me that every increase in distance would seem impossible but somehow if you stick to your guns it will happen, and she was right!  Now I'm feeling a little sore but ready to rock a long overdue girls night out!

And this song goes out to...

Krysten's half-marathon is coming up this Sunday in Burlington.  We had planned to run the Goodlife May 6th one together, but her surgery date was set after we made this plan and she wouldn't have enough time to recover and train pre race.  So the amazing lady found herself a half-marathon that would work with her surgery (literally the day before!).  GOOD LUCK KRYSTEN!  This song is for you, this helped me through the last bit of my run today, maybe it'll help on Sunday! 

xoxo Allie

Looking Forward / Looking Back...

The past couple of weeks have been a little slow for auditions.  It's times like these where I have to try extra hard to keep my head on straight and power through.  By some bloody miracle, I had a HUGE cleaning binge this week and I gotta say, it's helped to keep things in perspective!  What is it about having a lot on the brain plus laundry all over the place that can cause a minor meltdown?!

I also decided to personalize our little office space.  I got some cheapo frames from Ikea and a little bulletin board and put together an inspiration board and a tribute to some of the acting work my boyfriend and I have done.  

Looking Forward:

Inspiration boards get a bad rap.  All you need are some pictures that make you happy and motivated and remind you why you're doing what you're doing.  I have a fantastic picture of Diane Keaton and Richard Pinter on mine and just the look on Pinter's face reminds me of a very important lesson he once taught me in class at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre:  "Who will take over for the other great actors?  Why not you?".  

Put a little board together and make it filled with things that make you excited about the future. Somewhere to stick quotes that you find remarkable and energizing, somewhere to put pictures of friends and family who believe in you.  These little things can make a big difference on an "off" day!

Looking Back:

When you don't book a big part, or things are a little slow in the industry, I find it really helpful to remind myself of where I've come from.  The "whore" (read blog entry if confused) can tell you that nothing is going on in your career at the moment but that's not true.  Everything you have ever worked on is behind you, backing you up on your journey.

I really think this applies to all kinds of work.  Sometimes if you find yourself in a field that you don't want to be working in, or studying the wrong subjects in school you may think it's been a waste of time, but every experience gets you to where you need to be!

This wall is small for now, with just a few of our favorite projects displayed, but it's nice to have a visual reminder of how much can happen in a short period of time.  THe top row of pictures are from films that we have shot since moving back to Toronto, all of which are being submitted to some very major festivals around the world.  So, "whore", you can put a cork in it because even if I don't have any auditions laid out at the moment, I've got some great work behind me which is keeping the ball rolling.  Ha!

If you're feeling like you're in a rut, but want to do a little fun work, make yourself a board, or a wall to keep you positive.  Positive thinking can change everything!

Half Marathon Update...

Not too much to report but today is my longest run yet (4 miles) and it's a blizzard outside..oooookie dokie.  To the treadmill!  Wish me Luck!

xoxo Allie

Training and Tidbits

After weeks of anticipation and the finale to my "26 days of fitness challenge", it's time to start training for the  Goodlife Half-Marathon in May!

As someone who is relatively new to running, I've spent a lot of time online figuring out what the best training schedule will be for me.  I've taken into account the suggestions from a variety of fitness disciplines, including crossfit to come up with this schedule:

The main points that I have learned from crossfit instructors are to keep up with the strength training and to incorporate sprints into each training week to increase endurance.  I've barely begun this plan but I already feel like it's a good balanced regime for me.  After the intensity of the workout challenge, having full two full "rest" days is awesome, and as I've realized, incredibly important!

I'm happy for suggestions from anyone in terms of tweaks, so please feel free to leave your comments.







And as for my careeeeeer...

I'm starting to realize how essential it is for me to take care of myself in all respects in order to be at my absolute best in auditions.  Sounds pretty basic but it's easy to let things slide and convince yourself otherwise sometimes.   My goal for this week is to respect every element of being in a great mindset for             acting.  This includes:

• Fitness

Almost any actor that you talk to will agree with me that your body is your instrument.  It's SO easy to get caught up on weight and appearances.  Instead of focusing on the scale, I am going to go into each run or workout thinking of the confidence that I will take with me into my next audition as a result of my exercise.  It also just helps me clear my head and keep things in perspective!

• Networking

The whole business side of acting is a complicated balancing act of staying in touch and keeping doors open without pissing anyone off.  It's very easy to think that your talent will take you as far as you want to go but I've come to realize that it's not always the case.  Keeping in touch with important people and letting them know how you are doing and what you are working on is not something to feel sheepish about, and this is something I need to keep reminding myself.  So this week, I'm going to get in touch with my mentors and other people I know in the business and send some packages out to TV shows that I want to audition for.  Also - things like updating the ol' website and getting new business cards are some practical steps I can take to get the other side of my career in shape.

• Sleep

There are lots of benefits to not having a typical 9-5 job as an actor but there are also some downfalls.  One of those is when you don't have to be up at a certain time in the morning, it's easy to stay up too late and sleep later than you want to.  Problem is - this schedule or lack thereof does not help in creating a working mindset in the morning.  Artists have to put in the same time as any other working person, and getting up and starting the day at a reasonable time is the first steps in being productive.

• Nutrition

I follow a paleo diet in my day to day life and have for the past 6 months or so.  When I follow it properly that means that I don't have any processed foods in my diet (including dairy and grains!).  It may sound extreme, it may sound like torture but I swear to you if you try it for 30 days, you will never go back.  My energy is better, my digestion is better, and I just plain feel better.  I will do a full blog on this soon, but if you're interested, read Robb Wolf's The Paleo Solution.  I am not a robot.  If I'm out for dinner with friends and everyone's getting pizza, I go for it.  If it's a beautiful day off, I might have some frozen yogurt.  It's not as extreme as it sounds but after cutting these things out of my diet I realize I'm happier and healthier without them.

• Education

This is something that I definitely have to make more of an effort to keep on top of.  Education at this point for me means staying on top of training, reading plays, seeing theatre and making sure to stay on top of what is happening in the entertainment scene in Toronto.  I'm going to try to spend a little time every day educating myself!

Hope this inspires an actor who needs a little push.  Take care of yourself :)  You deserve it.

xoxo Allie

The Perfect Winter Wedding

This is some of the best stuff life has to offer.  Incredible people coming together and celebrating an amazing relationship.  This weekend, my big sister Sarah was married to her fiance Bill at Oslerbrook in Collingwood.  It was an outdoor cermony (they are super athletic and love winter sports), so the weather holding up and showing some beautiful snow had all of us crossing our fingers for the last month!

The snow came, right on time, and it fell throughout the short but sweet and full-of-love ceremony.  Betty, their beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog walked down the aisle with a double string pearl necklace (which she was very excited about wearing!).  Jose Gonzales' rendition of "Heartbeats" played as we, the bridesmaids, walked down the snowy aisle.  As Sarah emerged in her GORGEOUS gown and fur shawl, Bob Marley's "I Don't Want to Wait in Vain" played.  It was perfect.  The biggest reason it was such an incredible wedding was because of the two individuals coming together.  Sarah is truly one of the strongest, most beautiful, hilarious creatures on the planet and I am so blessed to call her my big sister.  Bill is her perfect counterpart and I cannot be happier that they found each other. I love him so much and am so excited to call him my brother in law.

Because Sarah and Bill are so active, and avid "Cross-fitters", there were some pretty strong and healthy looking guests at the wedding!  It was pretty awesome dancing the night away with some of their gym buddies.  Work hard, play hard!

Moving home was the right decision for me for career reasons without a doubt, but it's also been the right decision for me personally.  I am so happy that after the ceremony I didn't have to fly off to NYC and not see them for a few months.  I want my life to be here right now and make up for a little lost time with my sisters, friends and other family.

I did a fairly spastic speech at the wedding but incase I didn't get everything across that I wanted to I hope this blog helps.  Sarah and Bill are celebrating their honeymoon/first Valentines Day as a married couple/Sarah's 30th Birthday in Costa Rica now.  Cheers to you both Mr and Mrs Pain!!

xoxo Allie

"11 Random Things"...

If you read my last post you know all about my dear friend Krysten.  This lovely lady just tagged me in a "11 Random Things" post, so it's my turn to share.  Here are the rules:

1.       Post these rules (done and done!)

2.       You must post 11 random things about yourself

3.       Answer the questions set for you by the person who tagged you

4.       Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer

5.       Select 11 peeps and tag them on twitter, facebook, or on their blog

11 Random Things About Me:

1. What is your theme song for this year and why? 

         This is a very difficult question for me because I'm a little obsessed with music.  I literally just downloaded a new album (Bon Iver's "Bon Iver") which I can't believe I don't already have on my ipod.  I'm listening to Fleet Foxes like crazy recently, and other fairly mellow tunes but when I'm workin out - it's all pump up music and I LOVE IT!  

        So I'm going to say, tentatively, that my theme song for this year is "The Edge of Glory" by Lady Gaga.  Some awesome things have happened in my career in the past year and although I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket, I have high hopes for "Footsteps", which has its first private industry screening in LA next weekend, and I'm also really excited to see what happens with "Memories".  I also feel, more than ever, that great things are just around the corner.  I can't wait to spend the summer performing in Millbrook.  This is also the year that I will accomplish my goal of running a half-marathon (Goodlife in  May!).  So I really feel like I'm on the edge of something great,  and I'm really excited for what's to come.  I also just watched a special on Lady Gaga and am pretty blown away by her positive attitude and general confidence.  She's like a modern day May West, whom I LOVE!

2. What is the one thing you could never live without?

Sarah and Meg and I having some quality tub time

        Do people count for this one?  I'm going to go ahead and say yes.  Although I do depend on my magnesium pills these days for ahem, digestion as well as my chocolate and red wine, I can easily live without those things and there are two people that would be nearly impossible to do without; my sisters.  We have SO much fun together it's insane.  One of my fave things to do with them is have dance parties, which happens pretty much everytime we see each other.  They are the most incredible duo that you could ever hope for in family.  They are hilarious, kind, generous, and so incredibly patient and helpful.  They are my best friends.  I will always have their backs and I know they will always have mine.  I am working on Sarah's wedding speech right now which is really difficult.  I feel like there is so much I need to fit in to a tiny little speech.  I am so lucky to have them.

3. Who or what inspires you?

        So many things inspire me and totally inconsistently.  Some days I'll stick on a great tune and I'm amped for the day.  Other times I'll read articles about actors I respect and admire or watch movies with parts that I know I am right for, and I feel a blast of motivation and inspiration to keep truckin. My family and friends (esp those of you have been tagged in this!) are an incredible inspiration to me and have always provided an insane amount of support, so Thank You!

4. What is your dream vacation?

        My boyfriend Andrew and I have never been on a real vacation together before, so anywhere with him would be fantastic.  I'd love to go to Paris with him and bike around the city.  I'd also love to go to Italy with him and enjoy the amazing food and beautiful cities.  I think it'd be pretty darn romantic.

5.  Brag time, tell me what you are most proud of accomplishing?

        My last year living in NYC, Andrew and my friend Katie and I started a theatre company and produced the world premier of a play called Vincent 1979.  Andrew and I also acted in the show.  I was scared out of my mind to actually commit to doing it, but I knew that once we had said the words, we could make it happen.  We raised over $7,000.00 and did a two week run of this amazing play at The Neighborhood Playhouse in Manhattan.  We had an incredible group of actors including Suzanne Shepherd (Goodfellas, The Sopranos), and Lawrence Jansen (Damages) and was directed by one of the best acting teachers in the world, Ron Stetson.  The amount of support we got from out families was absolutely incredible.  Everyone came down from Canada on closing night and we closed with a big bang and a huge party.  When things feel tough, I remember that we did that, that we made it happen and I literally feel like I can do anything I put my mind to.  

6. Sparkles, yea or neh?

        ABSOLUTELY!  Love Tom's sparkly flats.  Need to get a pair of those.  I also occasionally sport a sequined top, although I always regret it because it feels like a torture device.

7. What is the best thing you ever ate?

        A meal at "Blue Hill at Stone Barns".  It's a farm-to-table restaurant in upstate New York and it was literally the most incredible meal of my life.  I had to close my eyes I was overwhelmed with flavor!  Awesome cocktails too.  If you have a very special occasion or are in New York and feel like treating yourself big time, GO!

8. What is your guilty pleasure?

        I love watching TV shows that I hope to be cast in one day.  I get a little obsessed.  I'm watching Bomb Girls right now and loving it (sad that the season finale is this Weds!), and I also LOVE Being Erica. Those are some quality Canadian shows!

9. What is your favourite form of exercise?

        Dancing!  At Theatre School, ballet, jazz and modern dance was a part of our curriculum and i was in heaven. I even got to use pointe shoes in ballet which I always wanted to do when I was little!  

10. What are you afraid of?

        Failing.  I am trying to keep this in check (check out my "The Whore and How to Conquer Her" blog).  Every now and then, I get overwhelmed for whatever reason and plagued by self doubt.  The thing I keep telling myself is:  I'm doing what I love, and I never have to doubt that.  I am happy and even though things might be a little simpler in my life than I would like in the long run, I am happy.  The rest is all material, and isn't what life is really about.

11. Who is your celebrity crush?

        OMG Ryan Gosling.  Have you seen Crazy, Stupid, Love?!  As if I needed any more reason after The Notebook.

Ok, my questions are:

1.  Who is the one person you would make sure to thank if you won a huge award (oscar, nobel peace, whatever applies!), and what would you say?

2.  What's your favorite thing to do on a day off?

3.  If you were able to go to any concert in all of history, what would it be?

4.  What's the wildest thing you've ever done?

5.  What short term goal do you have?

6. What long term goal do you have?

7.  If you were stuck on an island and could only bring 1 item, 1 food source, and 1 drink other than water, what would you pick?

8.  If you could have dinner with anyone in the world right now, who would it be?

9.  Who is your biggest fan?

10.  What's your favorite breakfast?

11.  Who was the most influential teacher in your life?

And I am tagging... 

Megan Dunbar

Sarah Dunbar (almost Sarah Pain!)

Jane Currah

Stephanie Case

Anne Case

Kim Foley

Katie Venezia

Edwina Haddon

Jennifer Rosart

Lauren LaCaprara

Kirsten Temporale

        For the skeptics - I know it may seem chain letter-y but it was really fun to do, and I'd love to hear all of your responses. 

xoxo Allie