It's been quiet lately, things have indeed changed since I got my SAG card nine years ago. At the time, I was fresh, a new face, booking speaking parts, and background work left and right. Some of you can relate. One day I would call a casting office, and be put on hold for a little while, then a job would be offered for the next day. Most times my cell would ring off the hook with work. I know times are hard all over, but this has occured over the past few years. Perhaps it's the age thing, but I see casting calls that once called for a Big Black Woman with Attitude. Mind you, I didn't mind, we all fit a certain "type" in this business, however lately other ethnic types are being sought out. Now I've been replaced by younger more in your face people. No Nurses, (which I referred to as the new Maids), no smirky tough gigs have been offered since my recent brief appearance on Law & Order SVU. I'm blessed about that gig, but I must admit, it's been a while. These days you have to register often, hoping the calls will come in once more. I almost miss the casting comments at an audition to be a bit Blacker, one person asked if I could "broaden" my approach. I remember asking her to explain broader and she replied, you know more attitude.Anyway, I attended one of those registrations recently, and the lament from my colleagues was that there was little or no work for actors over forty. I think we've been replaced. Shows are seeking much younger folks. I looked around and sure enough, the average age was 45 and over. Now I read for pharmaceutical ads, I don't offer fried chicken and mac & cheese at a family gathering, I have high blood pressure, and diabetes. I'm not happily married, I have joint pain, several kids and no man in sight; and don't get me started on my irregular bowel problems while fighting bone loss. No wonder I've been replaced. I have more problems than a math test! The list goes on, and yes that's life, but I still feel young, and vibrant. However my demographic says something quite different in the world of advertising.

Thank God, I sing, and teach! There will always be the occasional Porgy & Bess production somewhere, and singers can rejoice once more. This Opera is a Masterpiece! For over twenty years, this work has blessed me with a chance to perform, and see the world. Yet I find myself thinking is that all there is? Well I temper that with being happy for the work, and I have done other contemporary works; but if it weren't for Porgy, I'd still be working on Wall Street, and singing at church enjoying fried chicken, and very sweet punch in the basement. Nice work if you can get it. But twenty years of Porgy, really? I was bored, if I heard Summertime one more time, I'd run out of the theater screaming. So I took a break for six years, and tried my hand at Musicals, auditioning for, and booking other projects like: voice-overs, print, TV, and film. All the while wondering if I was committing financial suicide. Was it wise to leave my uncomfortable comfort zone? Not really, but it was rough for a little while. I know, you're shaking your heads, how can I complain. It's not a complaint I just love to show range, and continue to have a diverse career. 

Well there it is, I have to accept change in every aspect of life. I try to remain encouraged so that I can honestly bless aspiring artists. Their joy, and hope gives me some balance, and I get to regale wonderful stories of a good life.