Actor Spotlight on Alexandra Park
Mar 01, 2022
Episode 12: Actor Spotlight on Alexandra Park
Today I am talking with Australian Actor, Alexandra Park. She's sharing with you her experience as a Working Actor in Los Angeles and how she mastered the American accent.
This episode is full of great advice and tips from a Working Actor who's experienced the highs and lows of the Hollywood Film/TV industry.
By the time you finish listening, you'll know:
- How Alexandra Park finally mastered the American accent
- Alexandra's process for auditioning an working on set
- What Alexandra Park new Television series is all about
If this episode inspires you then I'd love to hear from you! Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram stories and tag me@katherine_beck_ !
Then follow me on Instagram to go 'behind the scenes' with me and my own journey as an American accent coach and Voiceover Actor.
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Ready to master the ALL AMERICAN ACCENT? Grab my free guide to learn how to master the All American accent. Grab my free guide here.
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SHOW TRANSCRIPTYou're listening to the All American actors podcast, Episode 12. In today's episode, I'm going to be speaking with Australian actress Alexandra Park. She's going to be sharing with us her journey working in LA and talk to us about her brand new series that's coming up next. Ready to go behind the scenes and learn what it really takes to build a sustainable career as a working actor in the US film and TV industry. Join me Katherine Beck, your all American accent coach, as I give you the insight and inspiration to take action on your career, learn my best tips and tricks to performing with an American accent and hear from working actors and other industry professionals. To give you a comprehensive overview of this biz we call showbiz. This is the all American actors podcast. Welcome back. And Gosh, I gotta say the reviews we have received for the show has been out of this world, just incredible. Listen to what Barry Bissell has to say about the show. He says, At the start of this year, I had a goal to research an American accent coach to be able to work in the US industry and Catherine's resources and teaching approach is like no other. This podcast is a fantastic learning point for starting and individuals already in the industry to develop their American accent to the best they can. Don't waste time on YouTube videos. This is the real deal. Thank you so much. You know, I am so happy to be able to inspire you to reach your goals. And that is really what I'm here for to be your biggest cheerleader to tell you that you know what you can do it do not give up, reach for the stars and make your goals happen. And if you also want to be featured as one of our star listeners of the week, all you got to do is leave us a five star review. And when you do I'll give you a shout out right here on the show. So if you like this episode, then go ahead and leave us a review. Today's guest is not only talented, but she is one of the kindest and most hardworking actors I know. Originally from Australia. She has made her way both in the Australian and us industry. You may know her as Princess Eleanor from his first scripted series, the Royals. And she's got a new series out on Hulu in the US. Please welcome to the podcast. Alexandra Park. Welcome Alex. Thank you so much for being on the podcast. It's really great to see you. It's been a while. Alexandra Park 2:46 Hi, Kat. It's my pleasure. So great to see you. You look exactly the same as when I last saw you. Beautiful. Katherine Beck 2:55 You as well. You haven't aged one bit. How's la treating you? Alexandra Park 3:01 LA is not my favorite place right now in the world. For obvious reasons, but it's Yeah, it's been an interesting year over here and particularly right now it's it's LA is getting hit pretty hard. But so the industry has been pretty pretty quiet this year, unfortunately. But you know what, it's okay. I've been keeping busy doing other things. And there have you know, it's crazy all this. I don't know when they're gonna have auditions happening again. But those are all, you know, self tapes, which I kind of prefer, in a way to be honest, I think, no, there's no need for those to come back in room auditions. And so there's been things floating around. And yeah, it's just a strange time. But it's, it's, I still love it over here. Katherine Beck 3:47 It is a strange time. I will agree with you on that. Um, well, maybe we should start just by telling our listeners just a little bit about who you are your background. Alexandra Park 3:56 So I'm Australian, obviously, I'm 31 and I, I've been trying to be an accent for as long as I can remember, I sort of I got my agent when I was about 13 and started auditioning for various Australian TV shows and things and didn't have much luck. For about 10 years I sort of in and out of guest spots. You know, I was on homeaway a couple of times and and you know, elephant Princess and the shows like that Packed to the Rafters sort of bits and pieces here and there. And, and then I moved over to LA in 2013. I went over one time before that for a pilot season by myself which was very intense as a sort of thrown throwing me in the deep end and types of situation. But then you have moved over I sort of had that experience where I had about a million auditions and I think I got I got traction on maybe one of them, and then decided to move over here permanently. For more rejection. So I've been living here. Yeah. For since since then since 2013. A long time. Katherine Beck 5:16 Yeah, that's right. So I met you. So you went over there. And then you came back. And that's when I met you. And we work together. And then you went back. Alexandra Park 5:25 Exactly. So I went in. That's exactly right. So I, I went over first time and was told, and that was probably why I got zero traction on all of my auditions is because my American accent was not very good. In the beginning, and I'd seen in various teachers, I'd seen a few in Sydney, and I think maybe online, and I just wasn't quite getting it. And I was definitely getting feedback that they were hearing my Australian accent, you know, just popping out in little in little sections that, unfortunately, is extremely distracting and almost an immediate strike out in the industry. Over here. It is so competitive that if they've got any excuse to, you know, to cross your name off the list, they will and accent is one that is, you know, very easy for them to use. And so I went back and then I found Kath, I found you thank God, I don't remember how I found you. Do you remember how Katherine Beck 6:26 I think it was through your agent because I had a meeting with one of your agents. And they said, We want to start sending over some of our clients to work on their American accent and get them more out into that part of the industry. And so I think that's how it happened. Alexandra Park 6:42 Okay, maybe it was it would have been? Maybe it was Sandra, my acting teacher, did you? Yes. Yeah. It could have been Sandra as well. Yeah. Anyway, either way. That's when I found you. And I remember just you, you know, it was exactly what I needed. Yeah, I was just like, what do I need to do and be like, well, this is I mean, I was coming over what, once or twice a week for a while for months? You Yeah. And yeah. And that's when I you know, thank God, I found you. We really, really worked on it. And he gave me homework. And that's, and then I went back and I, yeah, I never got any bad feedback on my accent again. Katherine Beck 7:24 And he went back and I remember you're really close to booking a TV show. Mm hmm. You didn't get it. But you were one of maybe like one or two girls that were up for it ended up going to somebody else. But then you got something else right after that, didn't you? Alexandra Park 7:40 Yes, so I went. That's right. And I so my, yeah, that was that camp. Yeah, that was. Yeah. And so that was with my new and improved American accent. I got very close to that show, but then didn't get it. But then yeah. And then I went back and, and then I was caught in a show called The Royals, which didn't require and Katherine Beck 8:08 That was the funniest thing when he sent me that email. You're like, I booked something. But it's not an American accent. Oh, well, I was still so excited for you. Alexandra Park 8:17 Well, but it was it. But this is the other thing. And I was actually talking to my fiance about it yesterday, when I was telling him I was doing this podcast with you. And he was like, but I feel like you're all of your, you know, studying with Kathy. Like, I feel like what what we did together with my American accent gave me a really great understanding of accents in general. And that, you know, it would have indeed, helped me sort of get a grasp on a British accent without having any real training in that department either. Obviously, it's easier to speak British accent than it is American as an Australian but I think just the way that you taught new teach it just it's you sort of really get in there in terms of the way things how it'll make sense and the way sounds are and I think it definitely helped Katherine Beck 9:06 How to break down the sounds how to identify the sounds. Alexandra Park 9:10 Yeah, yeah. 100% Katherine Beck 9:12 Yeah. And you were a good student. I mean, I taught you phonetics and you applied it very nicely and you picked it up pretty quickly so that I would assume that the phonetics part of it probably helped and preparing for the Royals and and also feeling really confident, I guess, with that accent Alexandra Park 9:34 100% No, and just all I remember all the work, you know, I'm I have never I've never been one that enjoyed or been very good at homework, but I really wanted to, you know, to improve and the homework that you gave me, I still have the folder here and some information in there. And, and it was just really easy to understand. And so I felt like I was getting And each time it was that sort of instant satisfaction of like getting them getting better and understanding it, that doesn't usually happen to me with anything else. So and so did Katherine Beck 10:12 you find then when you moved back over to LA Did you find then that it was so much easier to audition or speak in the accent? Like, when did you feel that you kind of turned a corner with it, and then all of a sudden, you felt a little bit more fluent in the accent? Alexandra Park 10:30 Honestly, I think after that intense training that we did together, it was it was almost quite immediate. Like when I came back to LA in that the I mean, I feel like at first, I didn't get any sort of there was you know, because for before I found you, I was getting feedback, like almost 70% of the time 80% of the time that they heard the accent, they heard the Australian accent. And then after doing that intense training, which is what I said, I'm like, What do I need to do Catholic? How are we going to? How can I get this up to scratch by the time I go back, because I want to hit the ground running. And so that's when, you know, you said, well, we're going to do like a couple of times a week in this country, a lot of homework and blah, blah. And then I'm sure there were a couple of maybe there was a little a little bit at the beginning when I first came back over, but since then I just get constant feedback from my agents that, you know, I was getting constant feedback that my accent was flawless. And, and then see, and that was sort of their their way of saying, I guess, telling me that, you know, they were impressed with the work that I'd done with you. But then Ever since then, in the last couple of years, like they don't even mention my accent at all. So it'll go good. I mean, I talk about you all the time to so many people, because they're, they're fascinated by it, because it's not an easy thing to learn. And I think even now, still, I watch so many Australians on TV shows, and they can be actors who have just started out or they can be actors that are highly renowned and very, very famous and been working forever and should have better accidents than they do. And they and it's so distracting what stands out. And it's just, it's just blows my mind that people just don't get away with that. I mean, it's Yeah, it's it's not an easy thing to learn. And I think, unless you have someone like cat, like a, like I said, I store three or four other teachers, people who had written books, and were recommended by such and such. And my accent was crap. Katherine Beck 12:44 So what did I do? That was so different? I Alexandra Park 12:48 Just had I I don't know. I mean, it's the way that you it's your method of teaching, it's the way you and I have I have like learning disability disabilities, and I'm not, no, I'm not someone that you know, creative people, I don't find it. A lot of creative people find focusing on sort of methodical, methodical type, things like that challenging, you know, we've got a lot of attention spans, and we you know, and it's difficult to understand and really grasp what it is you're trying to say and, and interpret the difference in and in sounds and be able to create them yourself. And I think, I don't know, I just remember doing all these physical, not warm ups, but exercises that you have to do and like that, really, I would have liked these light bulb moments. Oh, and like talking about the palette and how that has to be raised and how jaws are as Australians have so much, you know, less inclined to move and therefore our sounds are very flat and monotone and things like that and getting that sense flow of the Act plan, as well as you know, as well as all the obvious things like the hours and the vowels and the inflections and all you know, it's such a combination of sort of aspects that all need to be happening at once and I think that's the way you broke those down. One by one was was easy for me to understand and and that's something I hadn't experienced before that within with an accent Hmm. Yeah, and that's why I said William to you, William played my brother on the Royals and he's British, and has even less of an attention span than me. We love him to death. But you know, and he and I remember because William and I when we were in London, we would spend you know, our weekends doing self tapes for American jobs back home or Well, from London for LA and you know, humane Britain moving Australian and I remember William wood was really jealous. My American excellent. kind of blown away. How do you? I mean, how is your acting accent? It's just so consistent. So consistent, Alex, it's so good. And I was like, I got the girl. I got her. I got her for you, man. I'll hook you up. And so cookie up man really was and Williams accent is is fantastic now as well. So Katherine Beck 15:22 yeah, he's done a really great job. Yeah. Well, it's been so much fun to work with both of you. So I'm curious. Because your accent is so incredible. Do you still ever practice? Like, do you have to practice anymore? Or is it just like, so easy, because you live over there now. And you can just jump straight into it? Alexandra Park 15:40 It's Listen, it is a lot easier living here and being surrounded by Americans. And my fiance is American. And, and I'd say practice. Yeah, I mean, in what way? Do I sit there and sort of go through, like I used to know, like, go through the scripts and make sure that I've identified everything that needs to be identified. No, but because we're auditioning, I'm auditioning. So frequently over here. I'm constantly practicing my accent. And I'm very lucky because I have my fiance who can pick up and there are occasional words, for sure. I'd say almost every every audition Well, yeah, almost every script, there'll be a word or a bow bow or something that stands out that I might miss, particularly if there's been a bit of a stretch between auditions. When they're constantly happening, I feel like I get the hang of it a lot easier. But it really is about doing and I do those, I do all of the warm ups that you've taught me. So when I'm about because I feel like every time I'm about to do an American self tape, I can feel that my joy and my tongue and my mouth is not prepared for the accent. And so therefore, there's the dialogue doesn't come out as naturally, when I start speaking the American accent as it doesn't, so I need to massage my jaw and push my tongue out all the way and do raspberries and just kind of get everything moving. And because I remember that was something that that you identified with me very quickly that my jaw was particularly lazy. And it's true. And that's why song bows don't quite come out. Again, and it really helps immediately. And so after I've spent five minutes, doing those exercises that you taught me, it suddenly feels much, much more effortless for the words to come out in the accent, which obviously you want. Because when you're focusing on, you know, bringing in the scene and the emotion of the scene, or the main, the comedy of the scene or whatever, you don't want to be worrying about an accident, it needs to be coming out, you know, not comfortably and naturally, so you don't have to think about it. So those techniques, I definitely still practice. Katherine Beck 18:01 Well. That's good to hear. And what about when you're on set now. So like you're doing an American accent, you're on set? How do you approach that whole atmosphere? Do you speak in the accent the whole time? Do you break out of the accent? Alexandra Park 18:19 Well, I actually so if I I've had a few jobs in my American accent. I don't talk a lot on set. When I'm like for the jobs I've had like I had a pretty a pretty spectacular experience. I had a small role in a Peter hedges film with and I had like a quite an intense thing with Lucas hedges. He's obviously an incredible actor. And I was Julie Roberts was there and I was incredibly nervous because it was my fault. It was like, you know, I've done bits and pieces in my American accent but that was you know, something you don't screw up at all in any way. And so I didn't really talk a lot of I think I was pretty silent for the whole day until that scene, but I made very, you know, I made sure I would go through it, you know, with James or, or, you know, and even with Peter I believe and just make sure that everything's locked in so that I know exactly how each syllable is supposed to be sounding. But yeah, I mean, I will I will speak in my American accent when I'm introducing myself on self tapes. Just because, you know, it's it's probably just a little less jarring for them to to not hear the Australian accent before before the scenes but no, I I wouldn't say that I speak in my American accent. onset. No, but I didn't talk much so. Katherine Beck 19:52 Well that's interesting. And do you also find that you know, because you said you slate with your name and your American accent. Do you Find that that also serves like what you're saying before, doesn't give them a reason to not book you for the role. Like if they hear the American accent, they're connecting you to the American character that you're going out for. And if they hear the Australian accent, do you think that might give them a possibility to like, listen out for something? Alexandra Park 20:22 I do. Yeah. I mean, whether or not that's true, I don't I don't know. But I just I think that, you know, there are so many different casting directors who operate in different ways and have different opinions and ideas about actors and and what they're looking for. And it depends on the job. And I just think it's just eliminating, you know, and something that they could be distracted by. So if they're seeing us, you know, if they're, you know, saying they're seeing a bunch of tapes, and I don't know, it's just, you just don't want them to go, Oh, well, now I know that she's Australian, I'm going to listen, I'm going to see if I can pull her up on the accent, I don't want the casting directors to be focusing on. You know, my accent I want my because my accent is is very good. Thanks to you. And so I don't want to give her an excuse. You give her a reason to be looking for something other than, you know, focusing on what I'm doing the thing? Katherine Beck 21:20 Yeah. I was just thinking about something when you first went to LA as well. Was it hard for you to get your a one visa? And that whole process back then? Or was it fairly simple for you? I know a lot of our struggle with that whole thing. Alexandra Park 21:35 Struggled with it. Yeah. I mean, back then it I mean, it's never it's never an easy process and heard that it's been easy for anyone but the Oh, one visa I got a long time ago. And it was fairly straightforward, because I believe that, that there was a leave, I was able to be sponsored by my management back then. But you know, allowed to do that anymore? Or I? Yeah, it was so long ago. It's hard to tell. But the Yeah, so then my where's my great green card as well. That one was difficult as well. Yeah. I mean, it's that's why it's just become much more difficult. Now. They're not making it very easy, but I think it's just a tough time over here. Yeah. Yeah, Katherine Beck 22:25 I know. It's, it's such a strange time. And so have you noticed a Alexandra Park 22:29 Good lawyer, sorry, I was gonna say for a tip is having a really good immigration lawyer is is is the ticket for a one basis, the reason mine came through because I hadn't I didn't have a lot of experience. When I applied my one, though. And I was doing a little something, I think I was doing like, a web series or something. And that I was able to get sponsored by my managers through that, but it was very sort of jumping through hoops and kind of it was a little bit is this gonna work out. But I had a fantastic immigration lawyer who, you know, is very experienced with that kind of thing. So that's really what you want to look for, to make sure that you got the best chance of having that approved, getting a referral or recommendation from another actor that's gone through it, make sure that you're working with somebody who really knows what they're talking about, and can make that process smooth for you that transition. Katherine Beck 23:26 Absolutely. That's good advice.What do you think's been, like your biggest lesson along the way of, you know, working in the US industry, like, cuz it's so different, you know, to the Australian industry, what was sort of the biggest shock or the biggest lesson that you've learned in that progression from working overseas in Australia and then into the bigger market? Alexandra Park 23:49 Oh, the biggest, the biggest shock, the biggest difference between the two industries? Hmm. Well, I will say something that that is actually I hope quite uplifting and encouraging. And that is that I found the Australian industry was a lot a lot harder for me to just sort of prove myself in to break through. I'd been at it for a long time about 10 years and sort of just I like I said, it works a little bit here and there, but I just didn't I never sort of felt that I was really getting the opportunities that I really was after. And I don't know if there's some something to explain why that why that is, but I know that that's the case for a lot of us a lot of other things. And I guess the the the massive difference for me was was coming over to the States. The industry is much, much bigger, much, much bigger, and there are there are so many more opportunities and And like LA, on its own, it's just a city full of people who are like, this is their life, this this industry, so everyone's willing to help help out. And everyone's everyone's looking for something new and different and willing to I feel like in my situation, I'm not sure if it was, if I was just incredibly fortunate, but I, I think from speaking to other friends, I can say that it's similar for them in that over here, the industry is more willing to give people a go a little bit more. And sort of, you know, see what, see what somebody's got, who hasn't gotten, you know, hasn't been on a bunch of shows and doesn't have a huge resume. Because they're, they're interested in kind of finding something new. And I think that was incredibly amazing for me, because I just sort of people were, you know, excited to see me and I felt like I really had an opportunity to, to show what I had worked so hard at doing, and, and it continues to be that way that that doesn't mean that you know, you come over here, and it's really easy, like I've had, I've had periods of excitement, and I've had periods of wondering if I'm ever gonna work again. And I'm sure that's just the way it goes. But yeah, I think that's probably one of the one of the big differences is that it's just, it's a lot bigger over here. And there, there are a lot more people involved, who are looking for, you're looking for all sorts of things from everywhere. And this is kind of something for everyone. So there's not enough being made. And that being said, I think maybe there's a bit of a reverse happening now. I think there's a lot of things being made in Australia right now. So maybe I need to get back. Katherine Beck 26:50 Yeah, come back. Well, but you've got something that's gonna be on Hulu. Is that right? Alexandra Park 26:58 Yes, yes, a half hour comedy eight episodes, and it's called everyone is doing great. My fiance is the is the showrunner he and I and our best friend Stephen Colletti. He, the two of them are sort of the brains behind the whole project. But I was a producer as well. And we sort of have spent the last three years creating a show. And we So James, my fiance wrote and directed it, and then we all produce it and activate it. And we sort of it was a bit of a family affair, we sort of shot it with a crew that James worked with on some independent films over here. And it was a real sort of Mickey Mouse production where everyone just sort of did what they could. And, you know, I think I think I filled in with set design at one point. And it was an amazing experience. And yeah, we were inspired to just make something that with characters that we wanted to play. And so that was a little dream project. And we were lucky enough to to have Hulu pick it up. And so it's going to be on on January the 13th in the States, and we're in the process of selling it trying to sell it in other territories now, including Australia. So hopefully, they get on board as well. Katherine Beck 28:23 Oh, that's very exciting. I hope so I would love to watch it over here. Yeah. And so was that in your American accent? Alexandra Park 28:31 Unfortunately, not. No, that was I played an Australian in that in that one just because we thought it would be interesting to have some different accents. Flying through and one of my friends paraiba his career behind is an Australian actress as well. And she's in Australia. So we play characters with Australian accents. And then the boys have a very casing California accent and that's a nice color contrast. Katherine Beck 28:59 Nice. I love it. Oh, well. I look forward to watching that whenever I get a chance to watch it over here. I'm sure it'll make its way overseas. And what else is going on? So we're so what do you have in the works? Any thoughts about what your next step is? Or what you want to see where you want to see your career going? As you you know, move forward into this next era in your life? Alexandra Park 29:30 I would listen I would love to just kind of continue on the on the road. I'm on I think I am. I'm really excited about the show coming out because I think it's some it'll, it'll show me in a very different sort of light than I've been seen before. The show that I was on for a long time was you know, obviously the British accent And it was very smooth how I say it was a character, it was a character and I was much, much, much younger. And, and I'd like to move into more to more comedy and to, you know, just I just want to work and just do interesting roles and challenging roles, the more challenging the better. And I'd love to possibly work in Australia as well. And so I'm looking into that there's something that might be happening there that I can't speak about, but it's, yeah, I don't know what the year being what it's been. It's, it's kind of a little bit, you just kind of like, let's just hope for the best and hope that the industry bounces back in a way that there are many more opportunities again, and, and I think I will I mean, there, it's it's doing a great job of just, you know, doing what it can and yeah, I just, I just want to keep working. I think I'm so grateful for the opportunities that I've had so far and excited for whatever's to come. I'm just grateful for my awesome agents that I've been with, and manager have been with for a very long time. And yeah, just Hey, you just gonna hang in there and just wait for the next thing and see what happens. And yeah, I'm excited. I think I think it would be great once all this, you know, hard time and totally does. And Katherine Beck 31:33 Most definitely. Well, I thought I would wrap it up by just asking, asking you if you have any advice for international actors, because you're an international actor, you started in Australia, and you're over there, you've you know, successfully worked and made it in the US film and TV industry. Do you have any advice for actors that are where you were when you were first starting out? And just trying to sift their way through it? That, you know, confusion? And not really knowing where to go? or What to do? Or do you have any advice for those actors? Alexandra Park 32:13 Ah, yes, let me try and let me try and figure out a small natural version because I could I could get quite emotional and be here all day. Because all I want is for people to for actors like myself, wherever they are, whatever stage they're in, in their careers to just stay in it and just stay focused and don't veer off the track ever. Because what it takes to to really make a splash and to be given a shot in this industry is your entire focus, it takes that and you need to want it more than anyone and you need to work really, really hard work with Pat on your accent and get it perfect, because she will, she will make that happen for you. That is a guarantee. And just don't don't take anything from anyone because it's hard. It's hard to be in this industry. And it gets you down a lot of the time because, you know, they stay out of 100 auditions, you'll hear back from one of them. And a lot of the time. That's, that's completely true. And it's it's hard. But that doesn't mean that that one is around the corner because it is and you know, I know what it's like to wonder if it's ever going to happen. But the thing but the bottom line is, and this is what I used to tell myself all the time is that, like, there's no way of knowing you know, what's going to happen, anything could happen at any time. And you've got just as good a chance as anybody else out there. So don't surround yourself with people that don't make you feel great and lift you up. Because it's very easy to be brought down and to the end to doubt yourself and, and that will that will kill your chances quicker than anything. The The one thing that I'll tell you is that you got to just believe in yourself, you gotta want it so much that you believe you were meant to do it. Because you were, if you love it that much you were and you've just got to keep you got to hang in there. And you know, if you've got if you're lucky enough to have an agent, don't keep it around. Don't keep that agent around unless you feel in your heart that they believe in you. Because that's just a waste of your time. keep knocking on doors and find somebody who you feel does believe in you and has that same excitement that you do. Because you I mean it's a magical industry, but it takes time and it's hard. So you just got to, you've got to, you've got to love yourself and work hard and and take every opportunity even if it's you know something that's not exactly what you're thrilled about. That comes along. Just to Take it as a as a as an as an exercise and, and do the best you can and just just keep knocking on doors and just yeah, surround yourself with people who make you feel good and that you you're worthy of placements in this industry because I need that and just keep at it, don't stop, just say I'm still growing. Really big deal. I, you know, I know what it's like, I'm very fortunate. And I've had to, I've had amazing opportunities I'm so grateful for but like I said, I've had moments where, you know, the last couple of years haven't been that easy for me, and I know, but you've just got to remember that the pendulum will swing and somebody will notice and someone is always watching, and just just stay in there, because it's what you love, and just love it and do it and just keep your eye on the ball. Katherine Beck 35:59 That's right. And I think that's why you've done so well, I, I remember, when I was working with you, you were such a hard worker, and you were so focused on the outcome, you knew the outcome that you wanted, and I never had a doubt in my mind that you would, you know, like, I just knew, and I even said to you back then I don't know if you remember I said you you will make it I, I know you will make it. I had so much faith in you because you proved it to me even back then. And I said this girl is going to get whatever she wants, she's going to get it because she's a hard worker, and she believes in herself. And it shows. Alexandra Park 36:39 That's very sweet. But it's true. You have to like you know, and whoever's listening, I hope you feel that kind of burn in your heart when you hear that because it's, you know, if you love something, you fight for it. And, and the most important thing that's gonna get you to where you want to be, is you is your belief in yourself and your vision, knowing that you have to have in your heart that you are gonna do this, and you have every right to do this. And you're good enough to do this. And just work on that every day. And you'll get there. I don't know when but you will get there. You'll get there. Katherine Beck 37:19 Gosh, makes me want to go back to acting. Maybe I need maybe I need to follow your advice, Alex. Alexandra Park 37:30 I don't listen, I know what you're still acting on you. Still doing some acting? Katherine Beck 37:37 Very little, very little, mostly voiceovers, really just voiceovers at the at this time. But, you know, I always say once an actor, always an actor, and I just got to a point for myself where I felt like I just needed a break, it started to become like work, which, you know, was assigned for me that I just needed to pause and reflect and go, you know, maybe I need to focus on other things right now. And I can always come back to it when I feel like that time is right. But you know, there's always that love there. And that joy, I think when you're creative, and you have that. It's sort of like an outlet of, you know, I need to perform in some aspect in my life. So for me right now, it's voiceover or even coaching, you know, teaching, there's that element of performance anyway. But the actual act of auditioning, you know, for roll after roll, I just felt like I just needed to pause and just take a break. Alexandra Park 38:36 Because and that's another thing is if it's if it's, if it's not feeling good, step away from it for a bit, because, you know, that's, that's very, that's very good advice. And it's very true. Sometimes, you know, you've got to feel good. If it doesn't feel good, then you're not going to make you know, it's not right. That's right. Yeah, I think, you know, we've got to be nurturing and, and we're creative people. And as long as we're creating, and it feels good. That's all that matters. You can do that in so many different ways. Katherine Beck 39:09 Yeah, that's it. Yeah, you can create an Alexandra Park 39:12 Proven by Kath who wears seven hats. Katherine Beck 39:14 seven hats. That's right. But it's so true. You know, we did we were creative, different creative hats. And even though you're not maybe acting or doing something else, that's still feeling that sense of creativity, which we need we thrive on as, as creative types, right? We have we have to have that. Otherwise, we don't feel complete. Or at least I know, I don't feel complete. Alexandra Park 39:39 Yeah, exactly. Yeah. And there are ways to do that, like sometimes at the auditions that come in, or, you know, they're, you know, for me, that's been the case for a lot of the last little while and you find yourself doing other things, anything to keep that sort of magic alive. It's you don't need to think Oh God, I don't have any options therefore, I'm not getting Getting running. Like, there's so many different ways you can you can keep that creative flame a burn and burn it in. It's all it's all working those muscles and keeping you, you know. Katherine Beck 40:14 Yeah. Well thank you Alex, it was so nice to speak with you. It's been forever. So it was really nice to catch up. And I really appreciate you taking some time out of your life to speak to our listeners and share with them your story, Alexandra Park 40:29 my absolute pleasure. Katherine Beck 40:32 Thank you so much, Alex for sitting down with me today. And if you're out there feeling like you want to work on your American accent and learn my process for mastering the American accent just like Alex did, then go ahead and join me in my number one American accent program. American accent freeway, the doors are now open, they are open until Thursday night. So if you want to check it out all the details and to join just head over to Katherine Beck training.com slash A F. I've linked it up here in the show notes as well go ahead and check it out. The doors are open until midnight Thursday. And remember, if you ever have a question, like asked me about the podcast, just join me on Instagram at Katherine underscore Beck underscore, you can find me there, send me a DM and let's chat. Let me know if you have any questions or topics you'd love to hear on the podcast. I would love to hear from you. I mean, next week on the scale about why thinking locally instead of globally, we're gonna look at ways to expand your career much larger audience. Now until then, don't forget to share the show with all your actor friends. Let them know what's coming up next week and invite them to tune in with you and learn how to become an all American Actor so you can be the working actor. Until then, go practice your American accent and I'll see you back here next time.
