Chantal's Hollywood Adventures

Hey guys, So.. things here in LA have been super crazy. We have finally finished our first twelve weeks of classes and I went to San Francisco for my very first thanksgiving with my family, which was so much fun. Now that I have returned I am in the process of rehearsing for our exam play at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. The play that I will be doing is Wendy Wasserstein's Pulitzer Prize winning play 'The Heidi Chronicles' and I will be playing the role of Heidi. The Heidi Chronicles is an iconic play that speaks a very strong message to the audience. The play follows the life of Heidi through the decades from 1965-1980 whilst she tries to find her place within society and how this fits in with the rise of feminism. Heidi is a very interesting character and I am so glad I get to play such a rounded, strong, independent character. When I was first given the character, I had a complete overwhelming feeling. This is such a strong play and I want to bring Heidi to ...

'Is drama school essential as an actor or is a complete waste of money?' This is a tricky debate and is not a decision to take lightly. As someone such as myself who has attended many acting classes and been to various drama schools I feel that there are both pros and cons to attending drama school. I don't believe there is a right or wrong answer to this question as every actor will have a different opinion depending on their personal experiences. For this reason my response to this debate is that it is all personal preference to that individual.  Some actors swear by drama school and believe that it has shaped and developed them into better and more confident actors, whilst, others believe it has made no difference in bettering their careers and now all they have to show for it is  £30,000+ in student debts.  Firstly I want make clear that I wouldn't go to drama school if you are not 110 percent sure that being an actor is for you. Acting is a craft that is very speci...

Hola Amigos,  I cannot believe how fast this last year has gone. Today is officially my two weeks notice. In exactly fourteen days today I will be heading off on my latest adventure. I will begin with a three week trip to San Francisco to visit family and then onto LA to start my new adventure at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. It feels so surreal. I have dreamt about this move since I was about twelve years old, when I would draw pictures of myself under the Hollywood sign, with my name up in lights and now it's almost here.  Yesterday I rang up EE to cancel my phone contract and when the lady asked me why I was leaving, I  jumped with excitement that I was finally able to say that I was moving to Los Angeles. "Wow I was not expecting that. That's fantastic, so your going to be actor?" the lady says in delight. 'Yes, yes I am" I reply eagerly. "Well that's definitely a good reason to cancel your contract with us". Hearing other peo...