Indi audition voting has started!

I decided 2015 is going to be MY year, and with big goals come great responsibility. One of my goals is to reach more people and try new things. One of those ways is through indi.com. If you don’t know what it is, check it out. Basically, artists submit their work (with specific challenge instructions) and are voted on by peers. The winners get to meet/work with industry professionals with great insight and clout. This is a great opportunity for any type of artist.

I sent in my first video audition to be voted on. Please watch and vote!  I would greatly appreciate the support and any recommendations you may have. Thanks!

Voting is now open for one week. Here is a link to see my audition: http://indi.com/F97817E2

Boris and Natasha go to Hollywood

Lately, I have been looking for any excuse to learn new accents. I love expanding my dialects and accent repertoire so, this past weekend I had the pleasure of doing a short film that required a Russian Accent. The character I played was a sultry, manipulative woman who uses her talents to persuade a man to fake his own death. The character tied with the accent came so naturally, mainly, because when you drop into a Russian accent people tend to automatically find their inner deviant woman. The witty banter that ensued throughout the day was delightful. I also enjoyed working with the cast and crew who were very professional and such fun! I can’t wait to see the finished project.

Audition Marinade

I have been on a lot of auditions lately, but I wanted to share today’s audition in particular. I’d like to preface this with the fact that I don’t really care about whether I get the role or not; the experience in the room was enough for me to be satisfied and confident in what I do…every audition should be that way.

The audition asked for two contrasting monologues along with a three minute artistic statement about yourself. I had no clue what the statement entailed ( they said any median would work…sculptures, instruments, dance etc). I was not sure how to express myself through dance, song or really any facet of entertainment; I decided to just talk to them bluntly, because I figured that my odd quirkiness would be best amplified with me having to talk at all. I walked in and the artistic directors were very kind and reminded me to use this time as a rehearsal and to feel free and safe; sounded like Anthony Meindls studio mission statement( the studio where I study). The monologues went really well, and then it was time for the artistic statement. As I was prepping to talk a bit about my thoughts on acting, it dawned on me….why can’t I talk about it while doing something that I love? I love dancing but that wouldn’t work out…wait..workout. I love to workout! No one is going to be doing an artistic statement while doing Burpees. So that is what I did which led me to sing a 16 bar cut accapella of “There Where You Are” from the musical, The Existents. I didn’t get in my own way, and I let my body and emotions take me where they wanted to go. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of letting go and not caring what anyone thought. Did I lose my breath trying to talk and do Burpees for three minutes? Why yes I did. Did I need to catch my breath before singing? Of course I did! Did I sweat in my audition outfit? Heck yes. Was it worth it? Hell ya it was!

All this to prove that it doesn’t matter what’s going on in your head in the lobby, but once you enter that room. If you can leave everything on the floor of that audition room you should be proud of what you did. I try to learn and grow with every audition, and this one in particular taught me that being me isn’t always going to get me the role, but it will get me noticed and that’s alright with me.

They loved my audition by the way 🙂

In the basement returns!

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Remember when I did that concept film that ended in blood and gore? Well it’s back with a vengeance! The short film for, “In the Basement” was filmed last week, and I had the pleasure of being reacquainted with the role of Margo. Matt McGregor, along with the entire cast and crew, were incredibly professional and kind. I fully enjoyed working with this team again. Until the film is fully finished, I wanted to give you a sneak peek of some pictures. Enjoy!
For more information on, “In the Basement”, check out the Instagram @inthebasementmovie or my Instagram @tarabopp ; I’ll also be updating the information here. See you soon!

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On set with the very skilled DP, Sean Mcdaniel and Chelsea Pettit the amazing gaffer!

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Some of the crew set up a new scene. Director, Matt McGregor and 1st AD discuss what’s next.

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The Art Dept. Was wonderfully crafty as they built this set from scratch on a sound stage at Robert Zemeckis Studios. Thank you, Mallorie Ortega and all of the Art Dept. Crew!

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My partner in crime all last week, Kaytra Parkman who plays, Lizzie as we prep for the last shot(Photo was taken in video village).

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The talented Abbie Alvarez touches up “Cassandra” played by the young, yet fierce, Alexandra Neary.

*note the top picture does not occur in the film just the blood.

In the Bedroom concept video is up!

I had the opportunity to perform in a thesis film called, In the Basement. Some pictures taken during the filming of the thesis were posted in my previous blog. The concept video is now complete; It’s a teaser for their kickstarter project in order to fund the entire film. Please watch the clip and check out their kickstarter site ( for which I’ll post as soon as it’s up)! Also let me know what you think by commenting below. Thanks and enjoy!

http://vimeo.com/96954249

Makeup pictures from set

I recently filmed a short that required me to look battered and thought a little sneak peek would be fun. Here are a few pictures of my “wounds” on set. I’ll send the film once it’s completed.

Here are two of my face; my hair is packed with oil!

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Gnarly ya?

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Here are two shots during our last scene. It was messy!

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I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek; more to come next week!

“Covered” California?

Like most of the single mid-twenties individuals living in CA, I signed up for health insurance under covered California with the belief that I too could maintain my relationship with my Doctors. This belief along with united coverage and less stress on how to pay $200+ every month was the wrangler for me. And yet, here I am, sick, hurting and the Doctors I have been told are in my network are, in fact, not. The websites are not factual and the money I’m paying every month is for….what exactly?

I’ve been told by the multiple doctors that I can pay in full ($150-$200) just to step into the office with the hope that my insurance will reimburse me….
I’ve tried many many times to talk to someone over at the blue shield of California to get answers…and no one will answer..I’ve waited over an hour sometimes; that waiting music is the pits.

I can’t see a general physician because the Covered California under the Affordable Care Act doesn’t have their Act together!

How can myself along with many others remedy this situation? What’s to be done?

I’m sure there are people out there in a more dire need to seek a physician than myself; how are we taking care of them? California, get your act together and please take care of the people within your borders or you’ll find you don’t have any people left to screw around.

~I know this goes further than just CA, but since I don’t live in those states I’d like to stick with what I know and what I am personally experiencing . If you live in another state and are feeling the same anxiety feel free to write a comment.

Stay healthy people!!!!

“covered” California website

Nigerian Girls Abducted strikes a chord

 

nigeria girls kidnapped

I was just reading about the abduction in Nigeria that occurred April 14th, and it breaks my heart.

I wish I could do more to help these girls out, but for starters I’d like to spread the word.

 

Please pray for these young girls and their families. There are over 200 young christian girls who were abducted by the Boko Haram Terrorist network. They started marrying these teens to men in the group for $12. Please pray they are protected from these men while the search for these girls continue. Also, Pray for the President of Nigeria, President Jonathan Goodluck in his tactics for finding them;
It’s been two weeks already. Pray for the families strength and perseverance through this agonizing trial.

I have copied a few website videos and hash-tags, so you can also spread the word.

CNN video

Washington Post article

Think Progress

 

#BringBackOurGirls

#BringBackOurDaughters