Where Seeing the "Glass Half Full" Gets You

Photo of Olivia Applegate
Source: Photographer unknown,
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I remember back in high school geeking out when my friends and I saw our older theatre classmate, Olivia Applegate, in the quarter finals of America's Got Talent as the musical duo, Eric and Olivia. Since then, her career has sprung into the film industry, setting the example of young actors everywhere.

During her time at The University of Texas at Austin, Olivia auditioned for the biggest talent show on campus, Texas Revue, with her friend and guitarist, Eric Nikolaides. The duo won first place and was soon scouted by America's Got Talent.

The act made an amazing first impression with the judges and continued through the competition till the quarter finals.

"Being on America's Got Talent really gave me a crash course in the industry," says Applegate. "The experience was all very glamorous, but there was also manipulation involved, such as the interviewers guiding you to say certain things."

The duo was offered a record deal, but the friends decided to split in order to focus on school and their individual careers.

Before graduation, Olivia spent the summer in Los Angeles and was cast as "Emma" in an upcoming Terrance Malick film titled "Weightless," starring big name actors, including Rooney Mara, Christian Bale and Ryan Gosling. The movie is currently still in post-production and is scheduled to be released in 2015.

Once graduating in Fall 2013, Olivia moved to Los Angeles and continued to audition for roles. She found a community of artists to work on films with.

"I moved in with people who were already out in Los Angeles. It's helpful finding a community of people you can make [art] with."

After working on "Weightless," Olivia was cast in the short film turned feature film "Krisha." The picture was screened at SXSW this year (2015) and won an array of awards, including the Grand Jury Award and the Audience Award in the Narrative Feature category.

Cast of "Krisha" at SXSW
Source: Getty images

But fame comes at no easy cost. Olivia is a constant worker, balancing both her day jobs and acting career.

"Be prepared to work your butt off," says Olivia. "And be realistic -- it takes a long time to make things happen."

When she's not writing or taking dancing and acting lessons, she is working a series of flexible jobs including hostessing, dog walking, and being a nanny.

Olivia also holds the secret to being successful in the industry -- staying positive!

"I believe the most successful people are ones who are optimistic and positive people," says Olivia. "Yes, luck and timing is a huge x-factor when landing a gig, but I find it exciting that my daily routine is so different everyday. I'm not scared of what lies ahead and I chose to see it positively."

Photo of Olivia Applegate in "The Honor Farm"
Source :The Honor Farm Facebook page

Olivia is currently working on three projects in Austin, Texas: "Follow"(a dark psycho drama), "Here We Are" (thoughtful rom-com), and  "The Honor Farm" (a coming of age thriller).

The actress also has personal goals set for herself in terms of how she wants to impact the film industry.

"I'm interested in storytelling. I want to put more stories in front of people that are diverse and have a positive family structure, whether that means producing, acting or writing."

Keep your eyes out for Olivia Applegate. This multi-talented UT alumna is sure to make an impact in the industry. Any last words for perspective actors out there?

"Be realistic. Be professional. Be nice."

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Faith, Trust, and a Little Bit of Pixie Dust

Photo of Andi Carder from The Show Ponies Facebook Page

Not everyone has the guts to pack up their life and head to Hollywood, leaving behind friends, family, and security. Yet, little Andi Carder from Kingwood, Texas decided leave school and head to California, seeking opportunities of her own.

Andi and I first shared the stage together as Peter Pan and Jane in our high school production of "Peter Pan." She is now the singer for a traveling folk band called The Show Ponies, predominately known on the West Coast, but is now touring across America.

Before heading to California, Andi was attending St. Edward's University as a theatre student. The theatre department wasn't exactly to Andi's liking, with the cattiness of fellow students and the competitive environment. Andi's heart was telling her this wasn't her path.

"I felt like I was standing still," describes Andi. "My gut was telling me something else. So, I told my parents I was dropping out and going to California. It was super hard but it was something I felt I needed to do." That's guts for ya.

Andi found herself a support system of friends online to connect with once heading to Los Angeles. Her biggest advice for people interested in the entertainment business is to surround yourself with a group of people who will support you.

"I suggest a theatre company that believes in you or even people outside of theatre. You really need them when you start doubting yourself; they can pick you back up again."

Andi found her support system through her church and fellow employees at Lululemon. In 2012, she met up with her old friend from Kingwood, Jason Harris (guitarist), and Clayton Chaney (vocals, bass and harmonica) to form The Show Ponies, along with fiddle player, Philip Glen, and drummer, Kevin Brown.

Photo of the band members from The Show Ponies Facebook Page: 
(From left to right) Philip, Kevin, Andi, Clayton, and Jason. 

The band started playing in Los Angeles venues and weddings, but soon began to tour on the West Coast. The band is predominately funded by fans through a company called Ziibra, which allows subscribers to fund the band in exchange for monthly exclusive content.

"The website is great if your an artist and want to be sustainable," says Andi. "It really involves our fan base and creates an intimate relationship between the band and its fans."

The skills Andi has learned from years in theatre has continued into her performances on stage playing with the band.

The Show Ponies performing at Hawthorne Lounge.
 Photo Credit: Kate N Pdx

"The things I've learned from theatre, like being present in the moment and being comfortable on stage, I still practice when I'm performing. I guess that's why I like doing shows more than recording a song in the studio."

For those of you thinking of heading out to Los Angeles, Andi encourages people seeking a career to be confident and know the environment is very competitive.

"You have to be willing to hustle and can't expect things to come to you."

Of course, be sure to check out The Show Ponies! I saw them live after my interview with Andi and they are great! Such an energetic bunch!

Here's their recent music video of their hit "Run For Your Life" and be sure to check out their tour dates! They could be coming to a city near you!

The Show Ponies:
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Instagram: @theshowponies

Does Having a Degree in Theatre Make a Difference?

What people typically think of when having a theatre degree
Source: The Prospect

"Should I invest in a degree in Theatre and Dance?"
"Is it worth the expense?"
"Do you need a degree to get a job as an actor?"

During my time being involved in theatre and productions, these questions have surfaced time and time again.

My own personal opinion pertaining to these questions is: "No, you don't NEED a degree in theatre. That is, if you have tons of talent, amazing work ethic, lots of experience, AND luck, then no, you don't NEED a degree in theatre."

However, going to school to exercise your skills and discover other careers in theatre couldn't hurt your chances.

Before attending the University of Texas at Austin as a Public Relations student, I was once a perspective theatre major, searching for what the University's Theatre and Dance department could provide for me. A lot apparently. 

The University of Texas at Austin
Source: The University's Webpage 

The University's College of Fine Arts provides artistic students the opportunity to learn and make a career in what interests them. In particular, the Department of Theatre and Dance is one of the largest theatre and dance departments in the United States, providing over 150 classes and more than 50 faculty and staff. Competition is stiff with the department only admitting 100 students each year.

Attending a university or an observatory that is well known for their theatre departments could very well set you a part from the rest of the crowd.

Having a degree will give you more experience, more diversity, and more knowledge of all things pertaining to theatre.

I talked with the College of Fine Arts career coach, Sophia Sherman, to get a professional's perspective on the matter. Not only does having a degree teach you theatre based skills, but also skills applicable to any career.

"Students develop writing skills, communication skills, team collaboration, leadership, all from the classes the college offers," said Sherman.

Most colleges will also provide services to help students enter the professional world with a leg-up, such as the Fine Arts Career Services. The Fine Arts Career Services provides students with career guides for specific majors and cater to the student's career plan. The coaches will work with students on their resumes, cover letters and even work on auditions.

Every girl would nail her audition if Ryan
Gosling was her career coach
Source: Quick Meme Website

Students using university career services will also lead them to a variety of internships, connections students outside of a university might not get. 

Sherman says, "We encourage students to apply for internships and jobs with an open mind. Any internship, even it is not specifically what you are interested in, can be useful."

 The main goal when applying for an internship is getting experience and hands-on learning. The benefits of applying for an internship as a theatre and dance major, is that any internship you apply for you will be working with passion, created people like yourself!

Another advantage to being a theatre and dance student are vast array of career paths students can take. Career titles range from Director to Audience Relations Specialist to Lightening Designer. Students may never get the opportunity to immerse themselves in the different aspects of theatre to the extent if they chose not to go to school.

Having a degree in theatre will not only give an advantage in the professional world, but going to a university will also expose students to different career paths having a theatre degree can lead to.

If you're seriously considering entering the industry as a profession, I would highly recommend going to school. It also gives you some time to have fun before entering the real world.

Any further questions you may having regarding what school to go to or career opportunities theatre majors provide, please take a look at the following articles:

• To Be or Not To Be a Theatre Major
• 25 Best Drama Schools in 2014
• 3 Reasons a Theatre Degree is Important