New Girl On the Block

Hey world! My name is Dominique Toney and I just graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. What does one do with a B.F.A. in Theatre, having spent 4 years in the theatre capital of the world? She moves to L.A., that’s what she does.

Although I grew up in the San Fernando Valley (yes, the same valley made famous in the movie “Clueless”,) I feel like a complete stranger here. I’ve been back for 2 months and I find myself constantly asking for directions. I haven’t even driven on certain freeways. My first introduction to the 110 was a few days ago when I went down to USC to audition for a film.

A culture shock would be an understatement. I miss getting my daily exercise simply by walking to and from the subway and don’t even get me started on the food culture. I’m still trying to find the Los Angeles version of Pomme Frites. Most of all, I miss my friends who slowly became my family. I’m hoping to find that same sort of family of actors/singers/dancers/theatre makers and shakers. It was so easy in college because you’re constantly surrounded by these sorts of people. I have to force myself to get out of the house and into the world to meet them, because I know I’m not going to randomly bump into them on the street because no one walks in this town unless it’s to your car.

The one thing I know I’ll have to learn to embrace is patience; patience while waiting to be seen at equity auditions even though I'm not, patience while waiting for people to return emails and phone calls, and ultimately, patience with myself. That's probably the hardest one of them all.

--Dominique Toney

Comments

[Jeff]

Your last paragraph is spoken like a true Jedi. The force is strong with you.

[stacey jackson]

Welcome!

[Dominique Toney]

Thanks Stacy! I've been admiring your blog for awhile. You're a wonderful writer and have great advice!