Tell us about your upcoming project(s). I am writing a feature film with another fellow Meisner Technique Studio graduate. The researching of this film has been quite a learning experience in and of itself! The idea of this film came to me while working out in the field as a foreclosure inspector. I have been writing scenes and ideas while working out in the field for a couple years now. One of the biggest things I’ve learned about this project is how important it is to be authentic when telling a story – I have really tried to live up to that. Now, two years later, I have spent countless hours interviewing people and being open to the people I have come across while taking photos of their homes. I’ve learned to be sensitive in a job, and I tell you, this is not that easy – especially when dealing with sensitive topics and with the people who have lost. I am hoping that this story will shed light on the devastation that has occurred in my community.

You’ve been busy since you graduated; tell us about your other projects and what you’ve learned. I am currently recording with a South African artist Ego, and our first show was on April 1, 2011, at the Mighty nightclub in San Francisco. The producers plan to take this show to Las Vegas and in three years there are talks of bringing it to Hong Kong. I hope that this exposure will help launch a production of my own material and songs. Therefore, I am not taking any opportunity lightly. I am also writing with a published songwriter and a Grammy Award winning producer. We plan to shop our material to established artists.

The Training

Sanford Meisner: Anyone who has been blessed to learn his method is truly lucky; it is a solid technique.

The #1 thing I learned in class was: to be a class act! And how important your word is. If you’re going to make a commitment to something – commit. In life, in our work…commit ,commit, commit!

The best advice I can give current students at the Meisner Technique Studio is: to appreciate the time you spend in the class because the two years will go by fast!!

The #1 thing I’ve learned since graduating: how important it is to surround yourself with class acts and people who are just as passionate about their art as you. I strongly believe in the saying, “You are who you hang around with.” This rings true today. I constantly try and surround myself with motivated people. Therefore, I can continue to be inspired and driven.

The biggest adjustment since I graduated: not working more than 6 hours a week on my craft. I miss that. I have recently contacted old classmates to see if they would be interested in working on the technique and doing independent activities.

The hardest adjustment since I graduated: not spending time with my former classmates. I miss them all so much. ☹

The #1 thing I miss about being in class: my friends, my creative family, working on my craft on a weekly basis.

The #1 thing I don’t miss about being in class is: the commute…haha…I live about 2 hours away from the city and drove that commute two times a week for 2 ½ years. If it wasn’t for my love and passion for this art, and my 4 cylinder vehicle…I would have been late every day…which is a complete no-no in Jim and Melissa’s class.

Jim and Melissa said this over and over but I never realized how true it was until I got out and into the real world was: They would always tell us to get to work. This is what I am trying to do now.

The Business

The Business of Your Dream class was: very informative. I have become a better auditioner ever since we’ve completed the class.

The # 1 thing I took from it was: finding those “moments to steal,” in the script.

Getting an agent: how important it is to be yourself during the interview. They want to see you!

One year from now: I’d like to have an agent in both San Francisco and in LA.

Five years from now: Filming/recording my own projects.

The best thing about where you are in your dream is: what I am learning about my dream is truly a gift. What’s important to me and what I will sacrifice to make this dream come true.

The worst thing about where you are in your dream is: time…I wish I had more time to do it all.

The #1 thing I wish directors knew about working with actors: what they’ve been through that has led them on their current path of being an actor. Then they will know why they are working with them.

You

If I could work with any actor, it would be: Christian Bale, Natalie Portman and Ryan Gosling

If I could re-cast a Hollywood movie role with myself, it would be: Black Swan, Selena..

My greatest influence(s): My greatest influence is my daughter Jadeyn Kristianna. I was in my teens when I gave birth to her but having her saved my life in so many ways. I was forced to grow up quickly – but it was then when I discovered what I wanted to do with my life. I started singing and pursuing music on a much more serious level. I became a better songwriter when I had her. She added so much depth in my life – and today I am a better actor and singer because of her. We’ve grown up together. She makes me want to be a better person. I’m so thankful and will forever be grateful to her. I’m also very proud to say that Jadeyn is also a very talented actress and singer/songwriter and I’m excited to see what she will do with it!

I first knew I wanted to be an actor: when I learned that my grandmother was an actress as a child and had an opportunity to be in a big movie during her time. However, her destiny was changed forever when her aunt, who was raising her, withheld this information along with an acceptance letter to a university. I was devastated when I learned of her story because I could never imagine what it must feel like to be robbed of your dream. For that, I am grateful–her story is my motivation. I am not only doing this for myself but for her as well….

I first knew I wanted to be a singer: when I was 5 years old.

I’ll always be: grateful to my mentors and supporters.

My mother: is my biggest supporter.

My father: is too!

My #1 problem is: I’m too nice and lack on the business part. If something sounds too good to be true…then it probably is! I work on identifying that every day, but trial and error is my biggest teacher.

I wish: I had more time in day to finish all of my ideas.

I wish Jim and Melissa had told me: I feel that they gave me a lot of information and I can’t really think of anything that I wished they had told me.

I wish somebody had told me: that not everyone will support your dream and there will be some that are only out for themselves. If this happens, and somebody burns you, look at it as a blessing in disguise. You will learn from your mistakes and come out a better and wiser person in the end.

Someday I’m going to: record a song about my experience with the Mesiner Technique Studio….I actually already started writing one. ☺

My favorite actor: Christian Bale, Meryl Streep

My favorite singer: Michael Jackson

My favorite film: Legends of the Fall, Black Swan

My favorite book: I have many favorites but right now I enjoy reading The Alchemist.

When I get overwhelmed: I pray and write.

The biggest waste: happens when I feel unhappy for some reason. I try to look at all the blessings in my life so that I don’t stay upset.

If I were not an actor and a singer: I would be an author.

Courage: is overcoming any obstacle in your life that brings a challenge to your dream. I can honestly say that obstacles feed me and my art. ☺

I’ll never: give up.

Is there anything else you’d like to say? Working with The Meisner Technique Studio has truly been a positive journey and I will continue on this path that I have set out for myself ever since I was a little girl with all the love and passion I can give. I hope that I can one day be a voice through my art. A voice that will move and inspire people the way that this class has moved me – the way that people, who have helped me along the way, have moved me. The Studio, the talent…they all inspire me. Most importantly, their integrity. They truly are class acts.

The Meisner Technique Studio would like to thank Veronica for taking time to share with us and with all of you. We wish her all the very best.