An Actress Mother's Life

Hiatus

2014-04-21T06:17:00.001-07:00

A Great 2013

The Stupid Economy Update

Some of you may already have noticed that we have performed no shows in 2014. That is because we have been on a much needed hiatus.

Yes, we were nominated for a Pulitzer prize! And, we were published in Broadway World after a sell -out Off Broadway as part of he United Solo. Thank you, again, to Robert Lynn (playwright), Dan Balocca (TD), Holly Flood (TM). xoxo

Look for us to resurrect in 2015!

Passions Discovered

Personal Training

I'm a runner and a fitness enthusiast. I was certified in CPR/AED and as a personal trainer in 2013 and enjoy working with people to help them meet their health goals. I get $30 for one hour if you the pay is in cash. $35 for credit card use. You can't beat my enthusiasm and natural ability to help you or my prices. Let me know when you're ready @ ChrissyHogue@gmail.com.

Teaching

I have been substitute teaching high school. Oh my GOODNESS! Who knew I would absolutely LOVE this?! My plan, use all of my education and skills to become a high school teacher. This new passion is so inspirational. I love it. I am qualified to teach US History, Drama, and Psychology. I am also qualified to coach. In the meantime, I am substitute teaching on a long term contract (through the end of this semester) in Biology, US History, European History, & Earth Science. Whew!

New Endeavors! IMPACT

2013-07-16T11:23:00.003-07:00

Arts, Business, Social Media, The Stupid Economy

Helping artists, business owners, and producers one blog at a time

IMPACT Arts & Business Consulting, LLC
Starring
Holly Flood, Partner, Senior Consultant and Fine Arts Specialist
and
Chrissy Hogue, Partner, Senior Consultant and Performing Arts SpecialistThe union of two powerhouse forces brings you a firm specializing in new media, business solutions, visual and performing arts development, human wellness, performance and productivity, artist management and consultation services.

Chrissy is a working actress, producer and voice over artist and has been in the business since 1984. Her work on her one-woman show THE STUPID ECONOMY written for her by Robert Lynn has developed her into an enthusiastic and motivational public speaker and credits her as an expert in producing events, theatre, and, in particular, one-person shows. This one-woman show is currently on tour and available for immediate bookings.

Chrissy holds a (pending) certification in Social Media from MarketingCertified.com and is currently obtaining a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and testing for her Certification as an ACE Certified Personal Trainer. She is also a Reiki Master, Coach, and Teacher.

After graduating from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art, Holly Flood earned her graduate certificate in American Art History from Sotheby’s in New York City. Holly spent several years working as the Associate Director of Bernarducci Meisel Gallery in Manhattan.

Upon returning to her hometown of Dubuque, Iowa in 2009, Holly became involved with the Voices from the Warehouse District annual art exhibition where, in addition to her work with IMPACT, she currently serves as the Exhibition Coordinator and Curator.

Together Holly and Chrissy as IMPACT Arts & Business Consulting, LLC come with an eclectic background making your business our business. We take the time and initiative to learn everything about you, your company, and your business needs to put together a plan of action that will show results fast!

Coop Cookery Season1 Episode 4

2013-07-09T08:02:00.001-07:00

Keep Going!

I hope you enjoyed the fourth episode of Coop Cookery, Dubuque Farmer's Market Edition.

We are having a lot of fun doing this show. I think you'll find it very entertaining and learn a thing or two while your at it!

Please contact me anytime for your projects!

Chrissy Hogue

"The Stupid Economy" at San Diego Fringe Festival in San Diego (SanDiego.broadwayworld.com)

2013-06-11T07:33:00.001-07:00

When you work so hard and never give up it's pretty cool to see things like this. I am grateful for everyone helping us along our way!!!!

"The Stupid Economy" at San Diego Fringe Festival in San Diego (SanDiego.broadwayworld.com)

Flavors.me/ChrissyHogue

2013-01-29T11:09:00.001-08:00

Looking for a one stop shop for all of you Social Networking Sites? Look no further.

Chrissy Hogue:
in The Stupid Economy by Robert Lynn

Award-winning actress Chrissy Hogue brings her comedic and dramatic tour de force to the stage in Robert Lynn's "The Stupid Economy." Chrissy takes the audience on a dizzying ride through her roles as seven women struggling with their personal finances since the economic crisis of 2008 and into the present. From the bottom to the top of the economic ladder, Chrissy weaves a story that will make you laugh, cry and stomp your feet in frustration at our current economic condition.

Through personal accounts, the show gets to the heart of the matter of what's ailing our country. Touching on everything from the college experience to Chinese production, racism, refinancing, politicians, and magic dogs, the performance provides a launching point for a conversation we all need to have about where we've been and where we're going, as individuals and as a country.

One-Person Shows | LinkedIn

2013-01-25T08:04:00.001-08:00

Not feeling very talkative this morning, so, here is a link to a Group I created on LinkedIn for people who do Solo Performances. I don't think you necessarily have to be a solo performer to join the discussion. Most of the time people are looking for things that work and don't work and other industries have much insight in these categories. Please feel free to check it out. Until someone spams it will remain an Open Group.

One-Person Shows | LinkedIn

Dreams Coming True!

2013-01-09T11:45:00.001-08:00

Okay, so, first of all, I have always imagined myself as an actor. The idea of getting married and having children horrified me because I needed all that energy to promote my career, right? Right.

Then, I met +Timothy Bauman. There is no disputing that he is amazingly funny and any girl's dream. So, I knew how lucky I was and grabbed him right up and we got busy ASAP and created Angelina and Mitchell together. As they were coming into the world, I decided my career would need to be on hold for a bit of time to get them all raised up, healthy, happy, and well-adjusted.

But, much to my absolute and utter astonishment, snuggling those kids of mine is better than the applause of thousands of people AND I am still ACTING! So, you really CAN have it ALL.

In +Jodie Bentley's recent Video Tip from +The Savvy Actor Inc. she takes on a great new spin for the new year. This year, she says, make it the year of simplicity. My mission: write down every success of 2012 and celebrate them, figure out which successes I want to celebrate this time next year, and write down my top three to work on then throw it on my Task List.

Here we go:

2012 Successes

Landed a role at my first audition of the year (had to reject).
Taught my first Film class with Julien Film Fest and Mediacom
Landed an interview to be Associate Producer at Mediacom (creating tv shows for a day job!)
Opened The Stupid Economy at Gorilla Tango Theater in Chicago.
Created Culture Cravers for MC22
Landed commercial for Milwaukee Zoo (decided I don't do commercials)
Landed many voice overs
Landed an under 5 on BOSS
Premiered The Stupid Economy at Mindframe
Landed a year long run at Trolley Depot Theater in Galena, IL (not a good venue for my show!)
Landed an on-screen web cam series
Volunteer coordination of Film Festival
Local Coordinator for Film Festival Flix with +Jill Savarese and met new friend and wonderful comedic actor Michael Boatman and Phillip J Pamer.
Hired Dan Balocca for Technical Direction
Hired Holly Flood of IMPACT Fine Arts!
Performed at Voices From the Warehouse where I've coveted a performance for many years!
Performed at Bell Tower.
Bought a house with Tim
Learned to say no.
And, a myriad of other successes that I will not bore myself...er...you with further.

2013 Desired Successes

Book The Stupid Economy by +Robert Lynn 4-8 times per month.
Start Improv classes at The Second City and see if I have any talent there.
Expand my Voice Over Business.

Mitch and Lina Update

Let's keep this simple: Lina: "Mom, I really appreciate it when you give me choices of my own choice."

Mitch: "I want to snuggle-buggle."

Life is good.

Thanks for checking in! Please, comment! What were your successes? How did you land your dream role? What are you planning for the year ahead??

As always,

I am Fearlessly yours,

Chrissy Hogue

Start 2013 with 3 Simple Steps with Savvy Actor Jodie Bentley

2013-01-09T10:40:00.001-08:00

The Stupid Economy Sizzle Reel

2012-12-19T15:48:00.001-08:00

The Stupid Economy Characters

2012-12-14T09:11:00.001-08:00

"Flight" - 'Seen in the Dark' Movie Review w/ Chris and Michael

2012-11-18T09:05:00.001-08:00

"Flight" - 'Seen in the Dark' Movie Review w/ Chris

Minor Activity

2012-07-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

At some point, a person needs to learn to say "no, thank you", even to projects which seem fascinating and educational. I have recently had to turn down two projects which were very interesting to me.

Don't worry! I am thrilled to have done so because I am TOO BUSY!

The Stupid Economy by Robert Lynn is gaining popularity. A law school is interested in bringing it to their campus (I haven't even compiled all of the emails I'm working on for getting the word out that it is available for hire), we just booked a party of 25 for a night the theatre is generally dark, the local accommodations owners are spreading the word, and we have professional level theatre-things happening thanks to Dan Balocca - Technical Director extraordinaire!

My television show, Culture Cravers, is well liked by the people who matter at the cable company and so I need to kick into overtime to get more material to them. Now that Dubuque is growing exponentially in the arts, this is not as hard or daunting a task as it used to be, thank God! Up until recently I was writing, filming, producing, editing, etc..all alone. Now, I have the help of some great production crew! Life gets easier if you keep at it, right?

Lina and Mitch have amazing imaginations and if I think for one second that I can work from home I can forget that! Who can work when Mitch is doing the most incredible, uncanny rendition of a T-Rex or Velociraptor ever or Lina's belting voice singing any Lady GaGa song? Not me.

Fingers crossed, I am currently awaiting acceptance into Loras College. More later...

Services offered; Living the dream, right here, right now.

2012-07-14T21:43:00.001-07:00

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Summer-Sizzler-Update.html?soid=1110474080912&aid=E0fIaYG6NDI

A Secret Promise - Film Festival Flix

2012-06-21T10:07:00.001-07:00

IF you missed these films in Dubuque, watch them via Streaming here~

And, watch for next Film Festival Flix - Dubuque!

A Secret Promise - Film Festival Flix

http://filmfestivalflix.com/film/the-holy-land-of-tyrol/

Exhausted but Ecstatic

2012-06-18T10:48:00.002-07:00

These months have been crazy!

An idea of my day: Shoot, research (and, in some cases, stalk new celebritie), write, record, voice over, edit Culture Cravers; my television show featuring the arts, run on my lunch break, dinner with the children, perform The Stupid Economy, meet and greet with the audience, sleep (if that's what you can call it; last night I dreamt I was postponing my death by talking the grim reaper out of it while drinking and smoking.)

Last week, all of these things were true plus I ran around organizing and wining and dining our newest guests to Dubuque. In attendance, the every fabulous Jill Savarese of MouseTrap Films Distribution and Film Festival Flix, Philipp J. Pamer, director and writer of The Holy Land of Tyrol, and Michael Boatman; Actor (Spin City, Anger Management, China Beach, Arli$$), Author, and new personal fave!

Tonight, I shoot a YouTube video (starring yours truly) for a client who views me as a spokes model...I write , research, shoot, and edit that bad boy, too.

Literally, I've aged about 20 years in the last couple of days. I hope the wisdom of age comes with it!

The Stupid Economy

2012-05-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

Written by award-winning playwright Robert Lynn, and performed by award-

winning actress Chrissy Hogue, The Stupid Economy explores the stories of six

women as they struggle with their personal economies.

Meet The Women of

THE STUPID ECONOMY

Pam Babler is a clueless robo-signer,

called to explain her actions at a deposition.

Carolyn is a single mother who

falls in a deep hole when she uses drugs to

cope with her husband’s death and her need

to find work.

LaMonica Johnson struggles

through a series of "odd"

jobs, looking for legitimate

work and trying to keep her

five daughters in line.

Summer is a young, attractive, former

drug rep working the system and trying

to find the job she knows is out there

for her.

Louise is an old-money matron

who doesn’t like how the country has

changed.

Cindy Trenette is a spendthrift

housewife forced to reform her habits

when faced with an unusual

repossession.

A nameless corporate insider narrates the show, telling the

audience the truth about how corporations and government

operate.

The characters return at the end to give their thoughts on
how we got into this mess,

and how we get out.

Throughout, we see not only how the economy has affected people, but the different

ways that people have affected the economy. In addition to the economy, the play

touches on everything from the college experience to Chinese production, racism,

refinancing, politicians, and magic dogs, in the end providing a launching point for a

conversation we all need to have about where we've been and where we're going.

Note from the Actress:
Now that the show has been performed 8 times between Chicago and Dubuque, Robert has re-written and I have re-memorized 18 versions and possibly more of the script, The Stupid Economy is just about ready for it's Galena year long run premiering May 30th at 8pm. Location: The Galena Trolley Depot Theater in historic and beautiful Galena, IL.

The support we have received moves me to tears most days of the week and keeps me going even when I wonder how I can possibly do this intense one-woman show five nights a week, work full time creating Culture Cravers, act as the local coordinator for Film Fest Flix, and care for my children.

But, I have done this before. Many times I have done this. As the show goes on so will the characters grow. I will find new, interesting details while I'm speaking that will come out through the natural, organic process. There is no way to stale a production like this unless I get lazy. And, lazy, is not in my vocabulary.

Thank you to all who have supported, promoted, attended, photographed, and cheer us on daily! Special thanks to Ronald Tigges; Digital Dubuque for these excellent in production shots!

We can't go on with out your love!!!

Deeper Film: Just Get Up! — Part Time Fabulous, at the Julien D...

2012-04-23T13:12:00.001-07:00

Deeper Film: Just Get Up! — Part Time Fabulous, at the Julien D...: "JUST GET UP!" Is brute shouting going to help? We know in our gut that it won't. DEPTH: 5 ACTING: 4 PLOT: 5 ORIGINALITY: 5 PR...

First Bikes and Long Hikes

2012-04-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

My son received as a birthday present from his paternal grandmother his first bike. It is a beautiful red Buzz Lightyear bike with all the bells, whistles, and training wheels. He went tearing off with no fear...

It reminds me of how I used to approach the stage way back before child birth landed me full on my feet in the world of reality.

Long ago I saw an actress speak about her journey since having children and she said that she suddenly couldn't act anymore because it seemed so silly. Whether this woman planted the seed in my mind or it is just the case for some female actors, it became the case with me. At the time, I remember thinking that would never happen to me because I would prevent it by never having kids! Ha! That, as we all know, was bullshit.

But, the feeling that acting is absurd is starting to wear off and I'm beginning to have fun with it again. I have a much more rounded approach. I have so much more life experience to draw on. The scars of death and birth have made it so.

As Mitch's journey has just begun, mine is a steady hike of solid upward motion and we're all getting closer.

Getting HOT in here!

2012-03-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

Who knew Dubuque, IA would have so much work for me in store! I am a neverending workhorse in that town.

I mean, I do have a few things up my sleeve of my own because, God Forbid, I sit still for a minute or let someone else lay hands on my destiny!

Here is a short list of things and projects I'm currently tied into:

Julien Dubuque Internation Film Festival Celebrity Liason

and, Filmmaker Coordinator

The Stupid Economy-A One Woman Show written for me by Robert Lynn

I am filming and editing a Press Kit Video to go along with this bad boy because I would like it to go on tour past Chicago. Which, by the way, it is. I have been approached by the owners of Mindframe Theatres in Dubuque, IA to produce it there and have been selected by Voices From the Warehouse to Present it as part of their three week art show.

Creating, editing, writing, hosting Culture Cravers. A quirky, fun, educational TV show about the arts including word etymology and history.
Just finished draft 1 of a screenplay I intend to start filming in October 2012.
Created a page for HogueMade Productions and will be holding a gathering for people interested in Dancing, Choreographing for my new Modern Dance Theatre Company.
I'm working with the incredible Jill Savarese on getting whatever she wants! That sounds crazy, but, truly, all she need do is ask and I will.
Creating, editing, writing and hosting a YouTube Marketing Series for a prominent restaurant owner.
Shooting an Industrail with the beloved Happee Smith Productions.
Casting a massive project called Family Shots, which I have conceived and written 16 webisode scripts for.

I think that's enough for now. Aren't you bored yet?

The Stupid Economy

2012-01-26T16:48:00.000-08:00

is almost ready.

Still so much to do. I never imagined this amount of work! Thank God I am currently unemployed!!! Never thought I would say that...ever.

*A portion of the proceeds will the donated to the 1% in some way, shape or form.

Capitalism: My own love story with US Bank

2012-01-25T12:56:00.000-08:00

Back in September I started a journey to buy a house. I scheduled an appointment with the predator, oops! I mean, lender and began the process of jumping through absurd hoops and emblazoned rings of fire. You know the drill! First time home buyer gets a groovy new job making money with potential earnings based on commission, everyone is excited (boy this girl is thinking, I'm going to make more money now than ever before!), my predator -there I go again - lender starts pulling strings this way and that and finally we are about to secure a closing date and WAIT! One more hoop!!! He wants me to REFINANCE my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. Really? Why? That car is a salvage and I've got my loan maxed out on it. Nobody who works at my real bank would allow me to do that because they give a shit! About me and their own careers! Why would I extend a loan out on a car five years that won't last the end of this one, I ask, what's going on? He says, You are a 41 ration for debt to earning and you need a 48. Well, now, I've already given him all my tax info and my $500 non-refundable processing fee to discover that this is the moment when this thing falls through because, SURPRISE, Chrissy, you can't afford that house!!! I say, no thanks, I'm pulling out.

I am lucky to not have gone through with that because within no time at all my big money job turned into a big sexual assault nightmare. So, I emailed the preda-ehem!-lender in a professional matter saying thank you and should I pop in whenever to retrieve my tax files? He never replied. Big shocker that one! So, I call and he refuses my calls.

I will be walking in there today in the hopes that my file is waiting for me somewhere. God help me with patience. I'm just about out!

Thank you for reading!

www.ChrissyHogue.com
www.ChrissyHogue.icanvoice.com

An Actress Mother's Life: Master Cleanser day 1

2012-01-15T04:59:00.000-08:00

An Actress Mother's Life: Master Cleanser day 1: This is the first year I made resolutions since I was a kid. Every resolve has been followed up by some further need to continue the work. ...

Master Cleanser day 1

2012-01-15T04:57:00.001-08:00

This is the first year I made resolutions since I was a kid. Every resolve has been followed up by some further need to continue the work. For example, I quiet drinking and social smoking for the entire year of 2012. The social smoking is easy with the lack of drinking because I simply don't smoke!! As part of this new lifestyle I am starting the Master Cleanser today. You might know it as The Lemonade Diet. The shock to my routine is truly only in flavor. I admit, I never thought I'd go for any period of time whatsoever without my morning coffee (strong coffee with three heaping tablespoons of sugar and milk) but here I sit, with my sea salt water obediently consuming the entire quart. From three tablespoons of sugar to 2 teaspoons of sea salt I gotta tell ya...ugh. I can't wait for my first glass of lemonade! This cleanse goes for ten days. It can go for up to 40. I should probably go to 40 to get all of the years and years of horrible toxins out of my body but I will cross that bridge when I get to it. For now, I will just focus on today...

Ragged Dick

2012-01-14T10:24:00.000-08:00

Some of you may remember this idealistic novel from reading it in high school. Other of you may have stumbled upon it yourselves. For those of you who haven't read it at all: it's a story of Rags to Riches.

Rags to Riches is the American Dream. People from all over the world come here to achieve it and some succeed. Think Penelope Cruz, Michael Caine, or any number of people who are not as famous but equally as rich and successful.

Many of us will wonder for the rest of our lives how to strike it big! There are resources, books, consultants, etc all out there ready and willing to tell you how but in the end, the fact is, it really is just luck combined with perseverance. And, even then, you may exit this life with nothing. So what!? It's fun to play, isn't it?

"Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it." -- Oprah Winfrey

Living the Dream, really

2011-06-04T16:15:00.000-07:00

I just read my last entry. Check it out!!! What a way I've come!!!

No one would ever have guessed me living in the mid-west, married, and divorced with children and continuing to pursue my acting career. Never.

But, the fact remains, that is exactly what I'm doing. I must admit, I feel completely fulfilled! Nuts? Maybe, but how many of you think I'd be this happy in the rat race where I grew up?

A short list of what I'm up to:

Starring as Co-Host in a television series called Farmers Market Live TV. To learn more and view the Pilot Episode www.farmersmarketlivetv.org

Co-Starring with Jill Savarese in a comedic and brilliant marketing effort for The Best and tthe Brightest by Josh Shelov and Michael Jaeger; working title The Battle of The Movie Trailers. The lineup team is extraordinary and I'm really looking forward to seeing how we hammer this out! Stay tuned!

Just finished production in which I was choreographer and featured dancer.

Working on putting together a band.

Happee Smith winner of an Addy Award and a Top 15 Addy Award for Fly Dubuque's Gina Commercial...check it out and my REEL at www.ChrissyHogue.com or go to www.HappeeSmith.com where you can also see all five webisodes of the mockumentary of Rhonda Tate - hilarious!

My children have just finished a year of school. Angelina is through her first her of Kindergarten and Mitchell has finished year 1 of 2 preschool years! They are acheiving high marks and character building that amazes me.

My sister is going to be teaching Undergrad Students this fall! Crazy!!! And, my nephew just potty trained. I guess you could say all is well there, huh?

Finally, I'm finishing up coaching and final touches on my in house voice over studio. I should be making my living doing solely what I love in no time at all....

In the words of Amy Sedaris' character in The Best and the Brightest,

TOOTLES