QUICK UPDATE

I want to do something different for my big news....So give me a day to post it I'm working out the kinks lol...but in the meantime check out me playing around at my vocal lesson with my favorite vocal teacher and the fiercest teacher in the world Tituss Burgess I loooovvvvveeeee him!!!!

The Wait

Hey guys.......
I know it's late but I haven't been on in soooo long. I even missed my 1 year blog anniversary smh shame on me. But I'm back!!! Sooooooo let me get to it. I have still been auditioning like crazy since I've been back from Little Shop. I took a short break for the holidays and had a wonderful time. I have some good news to tell ya'll but until everything is finalized I have to keep it under wraps. But when the time comes you will be the first to know! Until I can share my big news..........I'll just share this Fierce shot by Nicole White. Just a teaser from our photo shoot. She's amazing check out her work. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicole-White-Photography-Design/144007808986701

Dedication to the Inspiration

Ok so today I just wanted to take the time to blog about my inspiration in the entertainment field. He is the one that is constantly pushing me to become a better me. The one who says "you were born to do this" even when I don't believe it my damn self. He just landed the role of "Benny" in Off-Broadway's "RENT" and I was honored to escort him opening night. He was absolutely O-MA-ZING and gave Benny a symapthetic quality that many haven't t done. I'm soooooo proud to say I know him and even more proud to say he's my brother. I never knew the little messy, shy boy who I shared a bunk-bed with. Who acted like the WB frog (dance when no one is looking and stop when you want him to perform) would become the Artist he is today. Here he is in AWL of his glory.........Mister EPHRAIM M. SYKES

He speaks so lovely don't you agree 2:19min lol

Blue and Green Jacket :-)

Throwback lol

My Boyfriend and brother on the right of me (my right-hand man)

His First lead role in a movie

Him in Memphis a Farewell Tribute
I love you and words can not express how grateful I am <3

Sneak Peak

ShowTime

Ok...this past 3 weeks have been like a roller coaster ride. Two full weeks of rehearsal 10am-7pm and one tech week better known as "Hell Week". Those days consisted stop-and-go rehearsal from 12pm-12am. Talking about tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeddddddddd(tired) lol. Two-week rehearsals can be very stressful if you don't play your cards right. Try as best as you can to be familiar with the play and score(read it and youtube the hell out of it). This way you have an idea how the show looks, sounds, the plot and get a overall feel for the show. The show previewed on Friday July 15th and premiered on Saturday. During hell week, we would've never thought the show was going to come together. Everyone scared and on edge. Emotions on high+tension+small malfunctions= all the makings of a great show, weird right. Opening night was Fantastic!!! We seem to be so in tune with each other and remember everything we knew we would forget once the bright lights flooded the stage.  I was so happy to see my family at opening night, them being there made everything real. I am in my first long-run show and it's really opening night. During rehearsals I felt no real nervous energy, not even mic'd up during hell week. But as the lights went up and I saw their faces a rush a adrenaline ran through me.

Ok so let me upload a few pictures and my favorite reviews of the show. Besides I know ya'll are tired of reading by now lol.
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-07-19/news/bs-ar-johnson-little-shop-20110719_1_seymour-audrey-strange-plant
http://broadneck.patch.com/articles/little-shop-delivers-on-talent-and-fun
LadyBroadway

The Big Break!!!

HELLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ::waits for echo::
I know it's been so long since I blogged I probably have no followers :-(. I have neglected you for too long but for good reason. If you are still out there I appreciate you. So let me jump right in.

So I went on a month hiatis...but before then I was extremely busy doing auditions, callbacks, dance classes and singing back up for Tituss Burgess. You are corect The Tituss Burgess, you may have seen him Broadway's Little Mermaid as Sebastian. He is also my vocal coach. I also sung back up for Adrienne Warren you saw her as Loreal on Broadway's Dreamgirls. ::sigh:: the month of May was extremely busy. After those performances I went to Florida to visit my family for awhile and while I was there I received a call that i booked the part of Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors in Annapolis, Maryland. Needless to say I was extremely excited!

I am here now rehearsal  and it is day3 of rehearsal. My cast is absolutely amazing! I can't wait to continue my journey with them and grow as an actor and singer. Rehearsing can be exhausting but I am up for the challenge.

Oh yea before I got I was signed to Bloc Agency of New York on cinco de mayo ::throws confetti and does a litttle dance:: check out my profile http://nyc.blocagency.com/talent/legit/martina-sykes

Alrighty people I'm about to find something to eat and go over this music until next time ::sips tea:: I'm out and Be Blessed! ~with man this is possible..with GOD all things are possible~

Refreshed And Ready

Ok...so again I must apologize for not updating you like I should but these have been some of the toughest weeks . I have had some down days with bad auditions and great auditions but was not right for the part. One key thing about auditioning is you just have to get your name out there. Even if you're not right for that particular part, if you do a great job the casting director WILL remember. My brother told me before I moved to NY "Auditioning is your full-time job, a show is the vacation." That has to be the truest statement I've heard so far. Auditioning is a skill and practice makes perfect.

With all that being said.........everybody and I mean EVERYBODY needs a break to rekindle the flame for their passion. Sometimes life throws you for a loop and the very thing that makes you happy can feel like a burden. Take some time to yourself to gather your thoughts and feelings. For lent instead of sacrificing I decided to add prayer to my day 3 times a day no matter what I am doing. It has helped me tremendously! I also go to open mic nights or events where I can hear people sing. The atmosphere makes me appreciate my art and fall in love with it all over again. It's an environment where there's no pressure, no judging, just people who appreciate your talent for what it is. I was forced to sing at the open mic night last Sunday lol and had so much fun rockin' the stage. Even when I didn't know the words I free-styled.
My joy was restored that night and this week I took that same attitude and passion in my auditions. Casting directors sat back in the chairs, rocked side to side with their eyes closed and said, "wow that was amazing." I'm ready once again to take over New York!!! ::sips tea:: Until next time Be blessed!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.(Philippians 4:6)

Movers and Shakers

Hello American citizens,tax payers and every one in between...lol


    Today's blog is not about me. I wanted to introduce you to a fellow Gator who is in New York living and pursuing her dreams. We attended the same school for four years, had mutual friends and never said more then two words to each other. Now that we have graduated and moved on, we have discovered we have a lot in common especially the arts. My art of course is performing. Hers is visual and fashion. She is fierce ::Tyra Banks voice:: lol. Let me introduce you to Michaela Boyd, she has a blog that if your into fashion will inspire you and if you're not will make you want to. http://glamourphiles.tumblr.com/ 
     We recently met for lunch and dicussed our dreams, ambitions and tactics on how to accomplish them. She is well on her way #GetIntoHer 
      Until next time ::sips green tea:: Stay up!

Unexpected Blessing

Ok guys...I've been auditioning like crazy and one thing I've learned it is hard being a new actor in this business. You are always last in line because you have not earned your equity card yet and those who have are always seen. Sometimes or even half of the time non-equity will not be seen due to time limits. I have to admit it can be really discouraging at times, but if you believe in GOD like I do, as soon as you feel like giving up he steps in. Two weeks ago I had been to five auditions in only were seen for two. I also dropped my phone on the subway...the pits..I had, HAD IT!I just begin to cry and with the help of my family,friends, boyfriend and kind words from strangers, I made up in my mind I would not give up. The next week the first audition went great and I received an email from my former play RainDogs. The play that showcased in the Hamptons is coming to Manhattan in March. Right around the corner I know #GetExcited. GOD works even when we think he's forgotten.
In other news today is a very special day! Today is my boyfriend's birthday!!! I know I'm mushy but I had to give him a shout out he supports me in everything I do...soooo Happy Birthday Kevin I love you!!!

H.O.T (House Of Talent) gives back

A video of us performing and speaking to the students of our Alma Mater Gibbs High School (PCCA) http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=484444646790

Back to the real (auditioning)

I am finally back in NY and ready to work my butt off! I have been going to every audition I can and it is only the begining. This is the season for auditions. More than I can count. I have also been dabbling in t.v as well. I want to cast my net as far as it can go to have a better shot at opportunities or as we say in the House Of Talent (H.O.T) "booking the gig."
Audition tips....these are quick tips to do inbetween the big audition that will help you book the gig.
1. Research the play. You do not want to walk in there singing a pop song for a "legit" musical theater play such as Evita.
2. Keep learning and perfecting your song. If you are like me and can't afford lessons every week, YouTube is a great tool to help practice and learn material. They have the words, instrumentals and with vocals. my motto: "If it's free..it's for me"
3. Practice in front of your friends and/or family. In our house we have a 16 bar party, where we sing our 16 bars for each other.
4. Finally never stop auditioning. Sure you don't want to waste your time and go to unnecessary auditions but if it looks like it can be for you(research), or even if it is to practice a new song and receive feedback. You never know the show you may not think is for you just maybe the one.