Last post Tue, Jul 15 2008 8:18 PM by rainey826. 10 replies.
I'm a multi-talented singer, musician, composer, and performance artist, among my other creative abilities. I do these things for fun, though I do dream of doing them as a career I could make a living at.
In 2006, I wrote an original skit for a celebrity I impersonate, and want to copyright it, but don't know how to set it up so I don't get in trouble. I understand a little about copyright law, having copyrighted songs I wrote, but this is new to me, being a performance artist impersonating someone famous. I'm unsure if it would fit the definition of "parody," as the law defines it. The name I use is slightly different, not because I'm afraid of legal trouble, but out of deep love and respect for him, though he's long gone now. The skit was good enough to get me invited to play it at a performance theatre, and other places in my area. I knew it was good when I wrote it, and took a chance on playing it, though I'm wasn't an actor. Occasionally people told me I'd do good in comedy. That's what I'm doing now, and adding to the skit as I go, which includes interacting as my character, at parades, fairs, and other events, this has been more successful in the short time I've been doing it, than all the years I put into singing, but I am a very good singer, and still believe in my ability to do well with that, too. I've had a lot of success with both, and being disabled is not an issue, except where transportation is a problem. It was only after my successful audition and acceptance by the theatre Director, that he asked me about my eyes. They did their best to accomodate me, too, and treated me very well. That was the happiest 6 weeks of my life, during the summer of 2006. I'll be sharing more about that in a blog I'm working on. I searched for entertainment lawyers online, hoping for a free consultation. Perhaps I should contact the copyright office.
This most unplanned adventure changed my life, which started with a prayer and a movie, it's helping heal my depression brought on by extreme loneliness, fear, and shyness, due to a lifetime of virtual isolation, though I don't give up reaching out and trying to make a place for myself in the world. I bookmarked the link for an arts related disability organization, too. If I were healthier and could get transportation, I'd be performing more, and doing other things, socializing, of course, and speaking to groups about disability, focusing on ability, equality, and the benefits of inclusion. In my own unique way, I'm doing all that, through my performances. I'm also reviving my singing career.
As a community volunteer, I donate my time and services. Occasionally I get paid, but the most valuable payment is far greater than money, in the smiles and laughter I get, especially playing this person. My first love is music, that's what drew me to him, my other first love is helping people.
Sincerely, Ariel
go ariel! do you have any videos of your performances? i'd love to see some of what you've put together :)
Hi Ariel, I would be awesome to see some of your skits. We all need to laugh more.
Stay Strong
Vinny
naomimimi,
Hi, thanks for the note. I have a video but it needs to be done over. Someone who was helping me develop my act made it for me for free, but since then, I have parted ways with her and I don't have access to a video cam now. Someday I hope to have another one done, with an audience. My video was filmed in back of a store, and there were technical glitches, it was only made for me to evaluate my performance. When I get the skit copyrighted I will find a way to have another video made that I will distribute. I'm glad it was made, I can see what others see, and it's amazing to me, not being an actor, to be as good as people say I am, though I know I can always do better.
I have some photos of me playing him, anyone familiar with who he was will recognize me instantly, in fact, many see my photos alongside his and ask who's who, often they pick the wrong one! That still amazes me. I'm just a humble performer who stumbled onto something wonderful. If my life were a movie, I know I could never have written the script for it, especially about how all this began. It was an answer to a prayer, and a Miracle to me.
Vinny, hi and thanks for the note. I hope someday to be able to share it with more people. The laughter I bring to others is priceless, it's brought a lot of magic into my life, the kind of magic that comes from being a child at heart, just as my character was. I've shared it with all age groups. This whole adventure still amazes me.
hi ariel. it sounds like a great passion that you have and i would also like to see a video if you ever make one for us.good luck, i love music too, keep on singing!
hey Ariel--As a former pro dancer/choreograher/performance artist, with hubby having worked in film, I can say that the biggest thing is to NOT GIVE UP! ! ! Believe in yourself, and others will believe in you too. The fact that your current work is more successful than your singing does not mean that your singing wasn't really good. So much is luck, time, place, luck, luck, time, place . . . .
Just keep working, and working, and perfecting what is already feeling perfect, and I feel that you will be able to carry yourself forward onto the pro level you want. It is very hard, but you describe quite a bit of positive feedback. That does not come if you are not talented.
So best of luck to you dear heart, and I can't wait to hear more from you in the future. bonnie
Good luck Ariel! Let us know when you post your video!
Becky
Hi Becky and everyone who responded:
Thank you all for the kind words, I'm sorry I haven't replied sooner. I am just entertaining for fun, although I still dream of being in the big time, I haven't the strength or the resources to persue it that far, the stress is too much for me so I have to do it the way that's best for me. Deep in my heart I know my singing is good enough to make it big. My other things are good, too, though I don't know how far I can go with them, but I believe I could do very well, in the right place and time, with a little help. At least I know I'm good enough and do believe in myself, that I'm still a success. To me, success can happen at any level. In my own way, I did succeed, just on a smaller scale. I have the courage to share with others and get up on stage in front of an audience. People enjoy what I do and compliment me. They encourage me to do it more often, and give me advice too. I sincerely appreciate the feedback from them, and from all of you. As far as having a video online, I doubt that'll happen. I've become very disenchanted with the net and am planning to quit it within a year. It's too stressful for me. I'm doing my best to be content with the knowledge that I AM Good Enough and if my situation were different I KNOW I'd be up there, not just with entertaining, but in public speaking, and stress management workshops I'd like to do. I've helped a lot of people, my techniques and ideas help me, too. There aren't many to help me so I'm doing my best as my own teacher, healer, companion, therapist, and best friend. Occasionally I get to perform for people, as well as share my other talents. That has to be good enough; meaning, I have to accept my situation and do my best to make it as enjoyable as possible, because I don't have the energy or the assistence I need to do more. I've reached out till I was exhausted, now it's time to pull back.
Thank you all again for your kind words and advice. If you are curious, I will explain more of what I do, especially in my latest venture and what the video is about.
pleas share , would love to see them rainey
