Hello NYC!

Yes, it's true! I am now living in NYC. I absolutely loved Boston, and calling that city my home for two years as I completed my MFA could not have been more special, but as one chapter ended it was time to start a new one. I am officially living that commuter life and audition season in NYC is in full-swing. It means there are a LOT of 5am morning alarms, but I truly believe in just showing up. Even when you're tired and haven't been seen at anything that week, I tell myself I should keep showing up. After 70 auditions in the city (yep that's a big 7-0) I have put together my survival kit - all the things that I cannot audition without. Here's a list of my current top 5 must-haves:

1. My Jansport rolling backpack! I was skeptical at first about a rolling bag but it has saved my life and my back. I had been carrying two heavy bags in and out of the city to auditions and by back and neck were in major pain. Now that I've switched over to this bag I'll never go back. And it has a lifetime warranty which has put my mind at ease.

2. A portable phone charger. I use my phone for everything - schedules, train tickets, podcasts, you name it. There are lots of days where I wait at an audition for upwards of 8 hours and I need to keep my phone alive. Finding available plugs can be a battle so I always want to be prepared. I got mine at Bed Bath and Beyond for $19. Worth it.

3. BOOKS! I am a total book lover. I always have been. Waiting around at auditions has given me a lot of time for reading which actually I am very excited about. I am powering through several books at a time. I always have at least two with me.

4. Hand Sanitizer. Let's just admit it, germs are everywhere and I want to avoid getting sick like it's my job!

5. Friends. I am so lucky to have a group of amazing friends in the city who are all on this wild audition ride with me. It is always so much more fun to sit in a holding room with buddies. I started a group chat with some actor-friends and we schedule to meet up at auditions every week. It's a great way to pass the time and stay connected. We get coffee and eat lunch together on our breaks, and we keep each other sane. I have also made some new friends in holidng rooms. If you don't have anyone in your life that is also pursuing a career in performance, I would absolutely recommend forging connections with people you continuously run into in holding rooms. You begin to recognize the same faces and you're all in the same boat. I've met some lovely people.