Jamie Monahan

Love is all you need!

2/22/2019

I love love and all of its wonderful possibilities! And I love Valentine’s Day because it’s a day to celebrate all the different types of love in your life. I’ve always been a “hopeful” romantic and I hope your day was/is filled with love.

To be #transparent my life the past month has been a bit of a sad country music song:

My family dog Rosie died.
Two people I know passed away suddenly.
I found out I had skin cancer and had surgery.

But before I get all “hopeless” in my lonesome blues, here’s what I learned:

Life is fleeting and it’s important to tell those around you, even acquaintances, that you love them as often as you can. Ps- I love you! You matter. I am SO glad you were born!
Get your skin checked! It’s covered under most insurance plans and it’s better to be safe. *1 in 5 people get skin cancer.

Other words that start with “C” but aren’t scary:

Classes:
This month I started my second round of “Pitch Perfect” classes at Actors Connection and I’m already inspired by what this group is going to create!

I’m also facilitating a year long Mastermind (accountability group) for Ken Davenport. The projects these pros are working on are beyond rave worthy.

I really love helping people create and get their story out there. I truly believe there’s enough room in the world for everyone to be successful.

Casting:
SAG-AFTRA asked me to join SAG-AFTRA’s Open Door 2019 Session as a “casting professional!” I’m beyond thrilled to get the opportunity to meet actors one-on-one and get to know them a little more personally. Especially excited because I’m already thinking of casting my next project! If you’re SAG you can check out the Open Door program here.

I had my first interview to be a full time casting assistant at a major office!

Hope you're feeling the love this month but if your heart is feeling a little empty just respond to this email and I'll happily remind you of how amazing you are.

Love always, (your now skin cancer free friend!)

Jamie Monahan

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Live your BEST life!

1/23/2019

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"New Year, New Me" is my least favorite New Year comment...I like to say "New Year, Better Me!" I don't agree with completely reinventing yourself. Just little enhancements along the way, and getting rid of stuff that isn't serving you. This year I had a tough time writing my New Years resolutions so I made my vision board first for some clarity. It's just missing a picture of me in the middle, my favorite coach says YOU should be at the center/heart of your vision board. Loving the color pallet this year! I hang my vision board where I can see it every day and be inspired.
FREE: Wednesday January 30th at 3pm at Actors Connection I'm teaching a #free seminar about producing your own work! I'll also be talking about my upcoming Pitch Perfect class which was a HUGE success in the fall. Click here to join! *There's a Q&A after with yours truly and I'll be discussing some exciting news about LA.
Below are my 2019 New Years Resolutions to put out in the universe and to hold me accountable. Check them out! A big one is seeing more theater and performances, so if you are in something this year or your band is playing a gig I want to know about it! So far this month I've seen Sleep No More and I'm planing on seeing Avenue Q a second time before it closes.

What are your goals/resolutions for 2019?

Love Always,

Jamie Monahan

Jamie's 2019 New Years Resolutions

• Book a juicy recurring role on a major network.
• Attend festivals LUCID gets into.
• For LUCID to be nominated/win awards!
• Pitch LUCID to 3 major networks/production companies.
• Representation for writing/directing.
• Write and start pre-production on LEGACY.
• Travel
• See 36 shows. (Theater/Live Music/Films) *Go to museums more!
• Get ASA1 sailing certification.
• Quit bartending.

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Bye 2018!

12/31/2018

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Happy almost New Year! I hope your holiday season has been merry and bright. I love this time of year because it's a great time to reflect and plan for next year. I’m a huge goal setter, but I also know life is unpredictable and that’s what is so great about it! This year was filled with unexpected magic, and things that were better than what I imagined or planed! I gave myself an 8 outa 10 on my 2018 #resolutions. Check out how I did below!

#BestNine: the photo above shows my top nine performing posts on Instagram for 2018! It's filled with me directing, producing, writing, teaching, sailing, and creating. This year was filled with so many firsts for me! Want to see what your Best Nine would be? Create one here it's free!

Super excited to see what adventures 2019 holds for all of us! Keep me posted on all of your successes. I've always been a great cheerleader (Varsity Cheer Captain in High School) and I'll happily be yours! #YouGotThis

Love Always,

Jamie Monahan

✨Jamie's 2018 New Years Resolutions✨

• Book a juicy recurring role on a major network.
Still putting this out into the universe!
• Travel! ✔️+ 1/2
LA 🌴
Indiana ⛵️
Vegas 😎
Chicago 👰🏼🤵🏻
• Produce/Direct my own project to premier at festivals in 2019! ✔️
LUCID
• Be a producer on 3+ projects ✔️
TRIAD, LUCID, Below The Belt
• Create and launch "Women Crush Wednesday's" podcast.
• Send my Newsletter every month. ✔️
• Attend a festival that a project I'm apart of is premiering! ✔️
Jim Thorpe Film Festival
• Add 3 Casting Director/Casting Assistant credits to my resume. ✔️+ 1/2
Casting Assistant- TRIAD
Casting Assistant- Below The Belt
Casting Assistant- LUCID
Casting Assistant- The Shallow End
• Quit bartending.
I didn’t quit bartending but I bartended less! And I got paid to teach. (1/2 point)
• Unassisted Handstand
I can do an unassisted handstand but I should have been more specific with this goal and added an amount of time. (1/2 point)

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Hamilton

11/29/2018

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I bet this will be the most opened newsletter I've sent since my very first newsletter in August 2013 (that's 5 years ago y'all)! Let me start with a BIG heartfelt "thank you!" Thank you for being apart of my life, my artistic journey, and for being my cheerleaders. Whether you are new to my newsletter or one of the original 39 I love sharing my journey with you and I'm so very grateful to have you in my life! I'm also very grateful because I FINALLY SAW HAMILTON!!!

I am so late to the Hamilton game and to be honest, at times I wondered if it was worth all the hype. Guys, it's worth all the hype and then some! Here's some reasons why I'm "helpless" over Hamilton:

You know it's a good musical when you walk away singing all the songs and downloading the album before you get home!
I love when I learn something (literally everything about Alexander Hamilton's life) or my perspective is changed (coming from Virginia I've always been a #TeamJefferson girl).
But I think the thing that's moved me the most is Lin-Manuel Miranda himself. He wrote so much of himself into Hamilton. People who know him say that he was/is always writing. "Why do you write like you’re running out of time?" As someone who's written so much this year I can't get Lin-Manuel's work ethic out of my head. How can I tell stories so beautifully and moving? Can I use my life experiences to enhance a story as beautifully as he has? His fingerprints are all over Hamilton!
Choose your words carefully. You can move the nation with just words.

"You'll blow us all away!" - My Pitch Perfect class at Actors Connection has been going incredibly well! I'm so inspired by my students. They have so many creative ideas that it solidifies by beliefs: that we all have a story to tell and that so many new stories have yet to be written!

"I'm the one thing in life I can control!" - I submitted to The Sundance New Voices Lab and the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival. Both I almost talked myself out of. I had a million reasons not to and a hundred hoops to jump through to make the deadlines. I'm sharing this because at the end of the day it's up to you. And...

"I'm not throwing away my shot!" - If you haven't seen me dancing around with Busta Rhymes on Jimmy Fallon check out this throwback Thursday!

"Look around, look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now."

Love Always, Xx

Jamie Monahan

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Picture Lock

10/18/2018

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I have spent most of the past month in the editing room watching LUCID over and over, and over, and over, and over. You'd think I would be "over" it but I’ve learned so much from the editing room! In the editing room we get the opportunity to really dissect and discuss the story beat to beat. We also see what we missed whether it’s in performance, shooting, or writing. This can be frustrating at times but also fun because it helps you get creative and hone in on the most important part of storytelling, the story. Brit Marling says “This is where we become better storytellers — when we have to get creative to solve a missing beat so the story can connect.”

Filmmaking is such an intensely collaborative process and I’m lucky to be surrounded by so many talented people who are making my vision a beautiful reality. I seriously can not wait to share it with all of you!
Pitch Perfect: I’ve been developing a brand new class with the president of Actors Connection called Pitch Perfect! Here are some of the many things you’ll learn in this class:
- How to perfect your elevator pitch.
- Pitching do's and don'ts.
- How to protect your idea.
- How to get a pitch meeting.
- Learn how to make a Pitch Deck/Show Bible.
The finale class you'll have the unique opportunity to pitch your project to producers in the industry and you'll have the confidence and materials to do it! We'll give you feedback on your pitch that'll set you up for success for future pitch meetings. For more details about the class click here.
Gimme some of that Dirty Sugar, sugar! I had a photo shoot with the talented Dirty Sugar team *the picture above is an unedited photo. If you want to help me narrow it down to the winning headshot let me know. I highly recommend them if you're looking for some fresh shots.

Love Always, Xx

Jamie Monahan

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Mastermind!

9/6/2018

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As an actor it can be tough to hold yourself accountable for your career. You didn't nail the callback, you don't have an agent, you "suck" at networking, your day job is crushing your soul, you can't afford to re-brand, or you just feel stuck...I totally get it. I've so been there!

If you're struggling with any of the things I've mentioned I encourage you to apply to Ken Davenport's Actor Mastermind Program which is accepting applications until September 12th. Yours truly will be your facilitator.

What is a Mastermind? A Mastermind is a small group of smart, talented, driven people who meet once a month in New York City with the guidance of a facilitator (that's me!) to tackle their challenges and problems together. They lean on each other, give advice, set goals, share connections and even collaborate with each other.
My first Mastermind group saved my career! Not only did my productivity greatly increase I felt empowered. Since then I've been running Mastermind groups for 5+ years and coaching actors on successful goal setting, gaining confidence, and taking control of your career.

Here's what people have said about working with me:

"Jamie gives the gift of inspiration. Every time I meet with her, I leave feeling empowered and motivated to be the best actor, writer...heck, the best PERSON that I can be. She offers simple, practical advice. Because of Jamie, I now know how to take small steps towards my goals each day." - Maggie

"I have gotten more items completed in nine months, on my never-ending list of goals, then I have in the past five years. Ms. Monahan, is a 21st century muse, whose commitment to you is a personified force of constant creative stimuli!" - Larry

"I always feel inspired and ready to take action when I leave a mastermind with Jamie. Since I started working with her I have been able to clearly focus on the vision of what I want both my professional and personal life to look like in the next month, year, and beyond. Now I feel like I finally have the tools to make it happen!" - Aly

Click here to apply now and take the next step towards your success!

Love Always, Xx

Jamie Monahan

Ps- Have a question about our Actor Mastermind Program or if it's right for you? Email me or Summer Groh!

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She believed she could, so she did.

8/15/2018

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I haven't always been qualified. When I produced a musical Off Broadway my naivety was my saving grace. Had I known how unqualified I was I might not have done it. I rarely read instructions unless it's building something from IKEA. I know that I don't have all the answers but I also know I can figure it out if I get stuck. One of my trainers at Mile High Run Club (I'm #OBSESSED) says that if you set your mind to something your body will stretch to reach that goal. That has been the theme of my summer. Say "YES!" when opportunity presents itself and stop listing all the reasons you are unqualified.

I have some pretty exciting news that I can't share yet and it's killing me! Here's what I can say, I'm working on developing a new class with the President of Actors Connection and it's going to be super cool. As soon as I can share you'll be the first to know.

Last month my seminar at Actors Connection was almost sold out! I met some incredibly talented actors who I'm excited to work with in the future. I'm teaching my second seminar at Actors Connection Wednesday August 22nd at 6:30pm! There's a Q & A where we'll discuss all things casting, producing and creating your own work. After I'll see sides with a reader one on one. For more information or to attend click here.

Lucid is in post production!!! Filming was a dream! After callbacks and rehearsals I knew we had something special but being on set with this incredibly talented cast and crew made me realize that this is going to be a game changer for all of us. The pictures above are screen grabs from my talented Director of Photography Jake Simpson. We are currently working hard to edit everything in time to submit to the big three: Sundance, Tribeca and SXSW. If you still want to be apart of the process you can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/LUCIDPilot.

Say "YES" to something today! It could change everything.

Love Always, Xx

Jamie Monahan

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Actors Connection!

7/12/2018

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Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July! I spent my 4th in Indiana making some incredible new friends and connections. I’ve been thinking about connection a lot lately. Connections between friends, family, coworkers and strangers. What does it take to make a genuine connection with someone? Or a memorable one?

Tomorrow we start shooting LUCID! Send me all your good vibes, positive energy and prayers. I'm super excited to connect, in multiples ways, with the actors and crew this weekend.

Actors Connection:
I’ve been taking classes at Actors Connection since I moved to New York City. I’m thrilled to be a teaching my first ever seminar at Actors Connection Monday July 23rd at 7pm! There’s a Q & A where we’ll discuss all things casting, producing and creating your own work. After I’ll see sides with a reader one on one. For more information or to attend click here.

My favorite mentor Dallas Travers is retiring and said a very special farewell to actors she’s worked with: “Thank you for your bravery: facing rejection every damn day in the audition room so you can pour your guts out telling stories that make others think, laugh, cry, and connect.” This sums up why I’m an actor. I’m a storyteller. And I believe that the stories we tell can change the way people see the world.

Writing, directing and producing my own project has been all about connections! Friends and family have donated from all over the world to make my dream a reality. I'm so incredibly thankful! I’ve been working together with the cast and crew to form the strongest team all connected to a shared vision. The whole process of creating a pilot requires multiple points of connection to bring something this big into existence! If you still want to be apart of the process you can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/LUCIDPilot. Any donation small or large helps me to create this project, pay the actors, crew, and make sure that LUCID is exactly as I envisioned it. Hopefully this will be the thing that propels my career so I can support others in this same way in the future.

Thanks for connecting with me!

Love Always, Xx

Jamie Monahan

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Go Fund Me!

6/13/2018

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Friends, Family & Fans,

We are one month away from filming LUCID!!! After producing and executive producing tons of projects I'm finally creating my own! By donating to this project not only will you be contributing to art being made but you will also be paying artist for their hard work. The funds raised will be used to pay the Cinematographer, Costume Designer, Gaffer, Composer, VR glasses designed exclusively for LUCID, Make-up Designer and so much more.

Written and directed by me LUCID is an edgy sci-fi thriller following Charlie's Virtual Reality therapy after she is sexually assaulted on a girls night out.

The series will explore topical issues such as sexual assault, addiction, and therapy within the post apocalyptic world and in Virtual Reality. As Charlie becomes addicted to the way she feels in VR she becomes less attached to the real world her friends are desperately fighting to bring her back to. Will her friends save her before it's too late?

Help me fund this project and you'll find out! Click here to donate.

A little more about me:

I am an award nominated filmmaker, director, producer and actress. I produced and directed ALMOST MAINE at The Shell Theater and produced SWINGTIME CANTEEN (Off Broadway) at Cherry Lane Theatre. I produced and directed the award nominated short THE WISHING TREE, and assistant directed the short ANATOMY OF AN ORCHID, premiering in festivals this spring! Last fall I produced ASTRAL, which was just greenlit by Adaptive Studios, and Sundance Lab Finalist FLAT EARTH with award winning director Sonja O'Hara. I am currently executive producing with Sonja O'Hara and producing BELOW THE BELT with Mark St. Cyr as well as LUCID this summer.

Every dollar makes a difference but if you can't donate please share this link: https://www.gofundme.com/LUCIDPilot on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

Love Always, Xx

Jamie Monahan

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Supergirl

5/30/2018

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Supergirl, on the CW, is my not so guilty TV pleasure. I'm obsessed with how this blonde beauty (Melissa Benoist) fights crime, instills hope in others, and always sees the best in people. #Goals Supergirl has a full-time job working at CatCo Worldwide Media and still finds time to save the world! I often feel like her running from job to job, or audition to job. I've mastered the art of changing in a phone booth, taxi, or bathroom, but maybe I should just start layering more efficiently like her.

After producing and executive producing tons of projects I'm finally creating my own! It is no wonder to me that the first pilot I would write and direct would be sci-fi. After spending three years immersing myself in Virtual Reality at Tribeca Film Festival I'm excited to film LUCID in July!

LUCID is an edgy sci-fi thriller following Charlie's Virtual Reality therapy after she is sexually assaulted on a girls night out. The series will explore topical issues such as sexual assault, addiction, and therapy within the post apocalyptic world and in Virtual Reality. As Charlie becomes addicted to the way she feels in VR she becomes less attached to the real world her friends are desperately fighting to bring her back to. Will her friends save her before it's too late?

My birthday is this Friday June 1st (same as Marilyn Monroe) and all I want for my birthday is to film LUCID this summer. Click here to make my birthday wish come true! By donating to this project not only will you be contributing to art being made but you will also be paying artist for their hard work. The funds raised will be used to pay the Cinematographer, Costume Designer, Gaffer, Composer, VR glasses designed exclusively for LUCID, Make-up Designer and so much more.

Every dollar makes a difference but if you can't donate please share this link: https://www.gofundme.com/LUCIDPilot on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

Your Supergirl, Xx

Jamie Monahan

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