Pam most recently was a WINNER on the new reality show where actors compete against other actors called, “Fight For Fame” on E! Entertainment. She also had a supporting role in her first feature film called, “My Date With Drew” which opened domestically in theatres in August and will open internationally September 30th. Pam has toured the film festival circuit with two short films as well, “The Rick” which was an Official Selection at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and the short film “Happy Hour” which won “Best Short Comedy” at the New York International Independent Film Festival. Pam’s most proud of the one woman show, “The Quiet Room Or What Happens When A Schizoid Ballerina Is Locked In A Room With A Duck” which she has performed since 1998 all over the world. It Won “Best Solo Production,” and was nominated for, “Best Leading Actress,” at the ADA Awards in Los Angeles. She’s also had the wonderful opportunity to perform in many of the JCC’s Celebrity Staged Reading Series in Los Angeles and worked with such seasoned talents as: Ed Asner, Len Lesser, Bruce Kirby, Joan Van Ark, David Groh, Alan Oppenheimer and Charlotte Ray amongst others. Pam has worked Off-Broadway in two productions, “Shivaree” and “Grandma Sylvia’s Funeral” and has appeared on NBC’s, “Frasier.” She just got cast in an independent film called, “Once In A Lifetime” that shoots in November.

 

When did you know you wanted to be an actor, and how did you get started?
I didn’t realize that I wanted to be an actor until my senior year of college. I had always participated in the school musicals from Elementary school through High school but it was in my last year of college that it really struck a cord with me that this might be my calling.

I had auditioned for the theatre production of "Crimes of the Heart" by Beth Henley and was cast in the role of Babe. This was such a yummy role. I had really immersed myself in the character. She had the wonderful balance of comedy and drama and I think I just fell in love with the craft.

The following year I decided to audition again for the upcoming show, but this time the whole drama department was now being organized by a completely new group of people. They were doing the play "Beyond Therapy" by Christopher Durang and I managed to get cast as the leading female. It was at this point when I thought that maybe I had a natural talent and needed to pursue this to the next level.

After graduating from college with a marketing degree and an economics minor, I decided to lay the bomb on my father and tell him that I wanted to move to NY and start my training as an actor. He responded by buying me 5 business suits. Needless to say, it wasn’t easy to convince my family of my new endeavor. I studied acting in Philadelphia (in the evenings and on weekends) with an amazing woman named Irene Baird. She is a truly a gifted actress and mentor, to this day I think I’ve learned the most valuable lessons in her studio. I also took a train to NY once a week to learn on camera technique and soap opera class. It was a terrific way to sample different aspects of the art. Three years later I left my marketing job to study full time with the National Shakespeare Conservatory in New York City.

You recently won a contract with Acme Talent and Literary Agency on the show, Fight for Fame. Can you describe how you became involved with the show?
My friend Gayla Goehl is an incredible acting coach in Los Angeles. A few years ago we did a 1940`s pulp fiction play together and have remained friends ever since. Gayla called me to tell me that she received an email from E! Entertainment that they were doing a new reality show where actors compete against other actors and asked if she could recommend her top students between ages 18 to 35. She said she immediately thought of me and would I be interested.

I initially said NO because in all honesty, I am not particularly fond of reality TV since they are normally very mean spirited. She said in a nutshell, "Oh shut up and do it! What the hell."

It sounds funny, but I instantly got a really calm, positive feeling about the whole idea. I said, "Well, you better send my stuff in quick, because I'm only 35 until the end of September. What are we waiting for...send it in!"

They called me the next day! It really was one of those things that were meant to be.

On Fight For Fame, the biggest issue was your age and whether you’d be marketable as an “older” actor. Have you ever had moments of doubt when you thought maybe you were too old to make it? What gives you the confidence to keep fighting for a career in an industry that appears to value youth over experience?
It really is quite sad the way the Entertainment Industry views age. I try to embrace it and not be afraid of it. It is human and normal to grow older. I have met some of the most extraordinary people in my life from traveling with shows and touring all over the world. I find that the most amazing people are usually much much older than myself who have experienced life and lived, I mean really lived.

I have had the pleasure of acting with incredibly experienced actors that are in there 50's, 60's and beyond doing celebrity staged readings with the JCC in Los Angeles for the past 3 years. I have worked with such talents as Ed Asner, Joan Van Ark, David Groe, Estelle Harris (George's mom on Seinfield), Charlotte Rae (Mrs. Garrett on "The Facts of Life"), Len Lesser, amongst many others. This is were I really learn the craft from the experts. These are pros that have been performing for so many years, in so many of our favorites shows we've watched since we were children.

There are plenty of roles in both film and TV as well as theatre for all ages of actors. How boring would it be if there were only teenagers and actors in their early 20's in movies and television shows? What I find comforting is that many of the most recent hits on TV are made up of actors that are 30 and above, for example: "Sex in the City", "Desperate Housewives", "Will and Grace", "Friends", etc. the list goes on and on. It baffles me that agents are so close minded when there are so many actors in there 30's who are actually experienced, trained and talented individuals.

Adam Lieblein and Greg Meyer, the two agents who decide which actor is offered a contract each week, felt that your final competitor had a more marketable “look” but perhaps not as much skill as you. What does the fact that they offered you the contract tell us about the business of showbiz?
It only takes that one person to recognize your ability. I happened to be very lucky that Adam Lieblein recognized mine. It took me 14 years in the industry to have a solid agent go to bat for me. I have had a few much smaller agents in the past, but let's be honest, there are agents and then there are agents who actually make things happen. To sign with a decent, solid agent is a gift. I am grateful that talent prevailed! It was a momentous occasion!

In your episode of the show, one of the other competitors felt that training was a waste of time for actors and that he was interested in becoming a star because “acting is easy”. Do you agree or disagree with that statement (and why)?
I think acting is a skill. Some people are blessed with a natural talent and others have to work extra hard to achieve their goals. I believe that whether you have it or not, it is always important to hone that skill, practice makes perfect. There are soooo many levels to acting, from the character development, environment, the history and background exploration, improv, auditioning, breathing, articulation...the list goes on and on. It really is endless the depth and knowledge of the art.

If you go into this field with the perception that it is easy and anyone can do it and that you are doing it to become a star, it seems to me that you are doing it for all the wrong reasons. In any occupation it is so important to really enjoy what you are doing and from that enjoyment stems greatness. The passion and love that you bring to the table shows in your work through your enthusiasm.

At the beginning of each episode, the actors deliver a monologue in the Acme office, as is pretty common at a first meeting with an agent. You took a risk and began with a pretty far out monologue. Can you describe the piece and explain why you made the choices you did?
Why did I choose that strange monologue...hmmm...well if you saw that monologue on paper, it reads like a poem or spoken word. It is a very challenging piece from a book called "Street Talk" which is filled with risky, delicious monologues that you only wish you had the opportunity to perform. I realize now, in hind sight that the average reality show watcher would have no idea that I worked incredibly hard to make this poem sound like a fluid piece with layers and layers of emotions and back story and all that yummy stuff that makes a performance stand out. I thought this monologue would show my range, my depth, my training and really showcase my ability as a performer.

The show is essentially one extended audition, the likes of which the average actor faces every day in Los Angeles. How do you feel about the audition process, and what (for you) is the most difficult part?
Auditioning is tricky because 9 times out of 10 you are not equipped with enough information and time to really be prepared. So, with that in mind I think it is crucial to do as much research as possible to be at the top of your game. I always imdb.com the casting director and anyone else that is involved with the project. This way I have done my homework and can speak with confidence about their work. The most difficult part of the audition process is the memorizing; I for whatever reason have a tough time learning my lines. It takes me a little longer than the average bear; so, I try to read the sides over and over again to get as familiar as possible with the scene. Most of the time you are not privy to the entire script, so I try to make strong choices with the material I have and create a reality for the character.

Some actors hate auditioning; some tell me they love it. How do you prepare to audition for films and television? Do you have a routine you follow each time?
I think it is incredibly helpful, especially on big auditions to go to a coach to work out some of the transitions and make them as fluid as possible. It is also great to have constructive feedback before the real audition.

I think it is so important to feel good about the way you look. I make sure I feel confident in my outfit for the audition. Sometimes, depending upon the role I might dress to suggest a character. I also always do vocal warm-ups in the car. I go through all my tongue twisters, and do my scales and move my lips and tongue to get my whole mouth ready to perform. I like to listen to music that feels right for the character. Usually that really sets the tone and puts me in the mindset of that particular role. Physical warm-ups are also great just to get my entire body stretched out and limber.

Many aspiring actors believe that the first step in an acting career is getting an agent, and yet before the show, you’d presumably been working without one. How had you managed to build a career without an agent?
Yes, I have always been a self-starter and always created work for myself. At the age of 25 I spent a year of my life writing a business plan to produce a play Off-Broadway called "Shivaree" by William Mastrosimone. I raised 35,000 dollars and played the role of Shivaree, which literally got me work for the next 4 years.

Everything I have ever gotten was because of hard work and tenacity. I believe that the only person in control of your destiny is you.

 

Now that you’ve signed with Acme, how are you working with Greg and Adam? What are the actors’ responsibilities after signing with an agent?
Adam Lieblein is the president of Acme and Greg Meyer is my agent. We have a year contract with each other. My responsibility is to be as prepared as possible when I have an audition. I want to prove to Acme that I am worthy of my title as a winner from "Fight for Fame" and go into these auditions with confidence, talent and skill. I have been on three auditions since signing with Acme and I am pleased to say that I just book my third audition which is a SAG independent film called "Once in a Lifetime" that shoots in September.

Can you describe your “plan of attack” now that you’ve got an agent and some attention from the show? How has the show changed things for you?
I have basically been following the same routine I have always done before. Such as sending out postcards about what I'm currently working on, going to casting director workshops to get my face in front of as many casting directors as possible so they will hopefully consider calling me in throughout the season, working out and staying fit and taking occasional class to brush up on technique.

Things have been slightly different since signing just because not only did I sign with Acme but I also was in my first feature film called "My Date With Drew" that was released this August. I have a supporting role and was also one of the associate producers. That has been unbelievable because I have been traveling all over the United States promoting the film and I am currently in Norway promoting internationally.

I think what has changed most for me after winning "Fight For Fame" is that now when I go into a general meeting with a casting director or industry professional I feel like I have a little more leverage. I think the show has increased my credibility. The show coupled with the film indicates that I am a working actor at the moment. This is a wonderful building block for my career.

What are your goals, and what do you do consistently to achieve them?
My goals are to continue to do independent films. I would very much like to have the opportunity to work on roles that stretch me as an actor, for example films with such meaty parts like "Monster" or " My left foot", "Boys Don't Cry" and "Million Dollar Baby". I tend to gravitate towards unusual characters with handicaps and disadvantages. I am very curious about those kinds of situations and the humanity behind those stories.

I also enjoy sitcom and broad stroked characters. They are always so much fun to wrap your brain around. I think one of my strengths is my physical comedy, so I would really get a kick out of developing a character like a Karen on "Will and Grace" or Joey's agent on "Joey". Those are awesome role models to look up to. These are actresses who have really raised the bar.

What do you think is the greatest misconception aspiring actors have about building a career in showbiz?
I think actors in general who are just starting out tend to have a very wide-eyed, idealistic interpretation of what the biz is all about. I think they think that if they move to LA during pilot season and stay for two weeks, they will have meetings with casting directors, auditions and immediately book an agent. This is truly a misconception.

I have been in LA for 6 1/2 years and I think I have been on 3 pilot auditions. This is scary. I had come to LA with a one-woman show called "The Quiet Room or What Happens When A Schizoid Ballerina Is Locked In A Room With A Duck." I did not write this beautiful piece but had performed this show off and on since 1998 and toured with it all over the world. The show had garnered "Pick of the Week" in the LA Weekly and was awarded "Best Solo Production" at the ADA Awards in Los Angeles. I was also nominated for "Best Leading Actress" yet...I still could not land an agent. This is the reality of the business. It is not about the talent a good portion of the time.

I mentioned this on "Fight For Fame" and I mean it from the bottom of my soul, "I'm an actor because I have to act. It is in my soul and in the fabric of my being. I truly love the craft."

In your opinion, what impact do shows like Fight for Fame, I Wanna Be a Soap Star, and American Idol have on the industry?
I think it allows the underdog to have an opportunity that would typically never present itself. An actor from Ohio who would never have the chance to play the game is now able to give it a shot. In my case, an actress who is well trained, worked Off-Broadway, won awards, performed in over 25 theatre productions, had a film in Cannes last year, toured all over the world with a one-person show and STILL has not experienced pilot season. This will be the first real pilot season and episodic season I have ever gone out for. It truly is criminal. But, with that said, I am soooo blessed and thrilled to NOW be able to go balls to the wall and have this wonderful chance.

Overall a lot of actors criticize reality programming for taking away jobs, however "Fight For Fame" and shows like it are offering opportunities for talent to be recognized. For this reason I personally am very thankful.

You made several appearances in the film, My Date With Drew, a documentary about a young man’s quest to get a date with Drew Barrymore. In some ways, your experience has paralleled Brian Herzlinger’s in that you’ve both boldly reached for your dreams regardless of the odds. What did you learn by watching Brian struggle through his often-painful journey?
To quote Drew Barrymore "If you don't take risks, you'll have a wasted soul." To have a lifelong dream and be able to fulfill it is worth every bit of the ride. The highs will be high and the lows will be low but the journey is the most exciting and delicious experience you can ever take.

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