Brittany Gray’s Journal

Following my dreams…

Brittany Gray's Personal Blog — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:43:22 +0000

Every since I was a little girl, I have had the tremendous blessing of growing up with parents that always told me to follow my dreams. To this day, I still cannot figure out a way that could show my sheer appreciation for their generosity & love towards me and what I ultimately wanted to do…be an actress in TV/Film & on Broadway. It must have been hard seeing their little girl choose a path like I did. It is filled with so many ups & downs and endless rejections. However, I guess they saw that certain sparkle in my eyes when I was dancing, singing, acting & of course drooling over makeup too! Now that I am 27, I feel more than ever, a forward momentum pushing me to go after my childhood dreams. I have accomplished a lot of them but I still feel the need to do so much. I want to be a ‘lifer’ as they say in this crazy entertainment industry. I hope so much that I am one of the lucky ones who gets the opportunities to live out my childhood dreams for the rest of my life. I want to be like a Betty White. 91 and still kicking it! …Hey!!! “Brittany Gray” is kind of close to that name right??? Both have shades as last names!!

Anyways, my Dad always says that being a ‘working actor’ is a huge accomplishment. You don’t always have to be at the top of your game but as long as over the course of your journey you are always being employed to do what you love…well, then you’ve won!! I like this notion however I still feel I have SO much to give. I am ready to be a series lead on a hit TV series. I am ready to land my 1st supporting role alongside a critically acclaimed actor in a feature film, I am ready to book a commercial being the ‘hero girl’ in a makeup commercial (how serendipitous would that be?), I am ready to be out there doing what I love in a bold and fearless way! God, Angels, Grandpa, Hilla…whoever is up there looking down on me…. I. AM. READY.

With nothing but love…

Brittany Gray

Bring on 2013!!!

Brittany Gray's Personal Blog — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:07:38 +0000

Wow! I haven’t written on here in such a long time!! I think at times I neglect this site because BrittanyGray.com is all about me whereas Fancy Face Inc, I feel is an entity outside of myself. I always seem to put so much more attention online towards Fancy Face Inc. … Why is that?? Am I scared of putting myself out there?? Do I feel like others don’t really care to hear about my journey?? At times, yes, for sure that is how I feel but you know what?!! …it’s time to turn a new leaf & to get back to showing the world who I really am.

2012 was a tremendous year for me work wise with both Fancy Face Inc & the acting side of things. I was fortunate enough to be the ‘hero woman’ in two massive national commercials, one being for Advil Air and the other for Kellogg’s Special K. They have been playing on TV non stop and I really just feel beyond grateful. I also had the opportunity of working a few days on the ShowCase TV series ‘Lost Girl’. That was a lot of fun too! It airs this Sunday at 9pm actually!! I’m excited to see the episode.

I feel beyond optimistic about 2013. I now have a fantastic agent representing me & I feel a forward momentum that I haven’t felt in my acting career for quite a while. One thing that I am happy about is the fact that Fancy Face Inc. can now stand on its own while I pursue my childhood dreams of being an actress. I have worked on Fancy Face Inc. since 2006 (I was 20 years old when I started it) to ensure that I would always have a steady income throughout the ups & downs of the entertainment business. Being a business woman and entrepreneur came easy to me with a huge amount of that attributed to my fathers teachings and guidance.

Overall this blog post is just a declaration of my excitement for what 2013 has in store. I feel nothing but positivity all round.

You have to go out there and live your dreams. Be bold & go for it!! Why?? Because there is really only one shot to do it. The time does eventually run out…

~Britt

Queen Milli Of Galt

Brittany Gray's Personal Blog — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:06:56 +0000

Dear readers and supporters,

It has been such a long time since I have written a post on my ‘Brittany Gray’ blog. To be honest, I have been so insanely busy with doing makeup for TV/Commercials and bettering the ‘Fancy Face’ company that I haven’t had much time to focus on myself as an actress. To update you all on what’s next for me performing wise, I am going to be working for Theatre Aquarius on a play called ‘Queen Milli Of Galt’. This is the very 1st time I have worked with that particular theatre company so I am greatly looking forward to it. The role that I am playing is the character of ‘Mona’. The show is in rehearsals from Oct. 18th to November 7th and the show officially opens on November 8th and runs to the 28th in Hamilton, Ontario. The director is one which I already had the pleasure of working with on The Toxic Avenger with Dancap Productions, Mrs. Lezlie Wade. The script is such an increicdible love story and to top that off it is a true story as well! The premise: Based in 1972, Prince Edward the VIII passes away at 78 after living his life in exile. Two weeks later, an eighty-year-old woman from a small town in Canada has her tombstone engraved, claiming to be his wife. From there, the story unfolds. Hope to see you all there!!! With love and gratitude, Brittany Gray

December News

Brittany Gray's Personal Blog — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 18:36:43 +0000

So, maybe your wondering what’s up for December?? Well, as of now I am shooting a short film that has yet to have been given a definite title. I am playing the mother of a little girl that is shot in a drive by shooting. Its based on a true story that happened in Toronto and it takes a look at just how terrible gun violence can be and also the turmoil that the childs death inflicts on the two parents. It really touches on how the innocent can end up being the target. This is my first time playing a mother so it is certainly a different experience for me. The girl playing my daughter looks a great deal like me so it is quite a strange yet fun experience. I will keep you posted on how the shooting goes. Today is the 1st official day of shooting. We have already had rehearsal in the past, but now…the real stuff begins.

As for auditions, I have two up for next week…I am auditioning for a musical called ‘Songs For A New World’ and also for a virtual video game for Ubisoft. The video game is to be shot in Montreal. I just love travelling to do shoots so I am keeping my fingers crossed on this one.

Still waiting to hear back on a few TV series I have auditioned for. One in particular that I would LOVE to book is for ‘The Listener’ on CTV. I would be playing a computer hacker. I have worked with the director before on ‘Aaron Stone’ so I am hoping he remembers me. Would love to end the year with a series like that under my belt.

On Friday I will be turning 25! I’m pretty excited about the year ahead. I’m sure a lot of changes will happen but I am looking forward to them.

That’s all for now!!! Thanks for reading!!

Love,

Brittany

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

FALL/WINTER 2010 UPDATE

Brittany Gray's Personal Blog — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:03:39 +0000

It has certainly been a while since my last post. I’ve been quite busy which I’ve absolutely loved!!! Since coming home from Italy I have booked two TV series as an actress and been working on a big commercial project for Canadian Tire as a makeup artist!! All and all I have been on-set quite a bit. My first role that I booked was on the TV series ‘Insecurity’. I was playing the role of Amber playing opposite of the prior ‘Bold And The Beautiful’ actor William deVry. I was playing an accountant and Williams new girlfriend. I believe the series will premiere in January on the CBC. The next role that I booked was on a series called ‘Dan For Mayor’ which is on CTV and The Comedy Network. My character name was Melanie and I am going to keep my role underwraps until it airs. Keep a lookout!! Its a really fun series. Recently, I have auditioned for a role on ‘The Listener’. Fingers crossed that the role comes my way. Its a pretty cool part…playing a computer hacker.

As for the makeup side of things, I’ve been working on the set of a Canadian Tire shoot for a large part of Nov/Dec. I love being able to be a support system and comfort zone for actors. Most actors really seem to enjoy getting their makeup done and find it a great time to relax and re-focus onset. I really have gained a great respect for both sides of the camera. I have learned a great deal about what the camera crew does and now, as an actor…it all makes so much more sense to me.

So that’s my 2010 update. Oh, and guess what?? I’m turning the big 25 on Dec.17th!!! Really looking forward to it! And now, I can FINALLY audition for beer commercials!!!!

Thanks for reading everyone!!

Till next time…

Brittany Gray

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

An epiphany in Regina

Brittany Gray's Personal Blog — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 17:00:39 +0000

So, Im in Regina killing time before I am called to set and all I have been doing lately is journalling and thinking about life. Sometimes when I journal, I get this overwhelming feeling and I find that the words on the page are just flowing out of me. I cant really explain it. Im sure a lot of you writer and journal-ers have experienced it before. Anyways, I just wanted to share what I had to say. I think its important too…not quite sure why. Here is it…I’m typing out what I wrote….

“I just had a revelation…I have spent so many years of my life being in fear of being judged and being scared of what people think of me. Why??? I’ve always greatly admired the bold ones that aren’t afraid to stand out and have an opinion. People like …. and …. always mesmerize me because although I don’t agree with their morals and values completely, at least they stand for something instead of fading away into the shadows. They speak their mind, say controversial things and more than anything HAVE AN OPINION.

I don’t know if dancing for so many years did this to me, you know, by not using my voice, or perhaps my parents did for always making me do the ‘right’ things. (I was a pretty obedient kid..not rebellious at all).. Is doing what’s quiet and under the radar the ‘right’ way to live anyways?? It’s not the quiet ones that make a difference. It’s the ones who listen and react and those who stand up for a cause who make a difference in this world.

Today I decide to no longer care what others think of me. I am going to keep my good morals and values intact but now, from this point forward, I’m going to have something to say. I’m going to CHOOSE to engage in life. For I’m not here in this life to be quiet…it’s time to be heard.”

Life after ‘The Toxic Avenger’

Brittany Gray's Personal Blog — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:37:08 +0000

Hi Everyone,

It has been far too long since I last wrote in my blog. So, I have a lot of catching up to do….

Since the days of The Toxic Avenger, a lot has happened. I spent a good couple months just relaxing, auditioning, falling in love, and thinking about what I wanted my next moves to be. I decided that I wanted to get into MAC Cosmetics to further my credibility as a makeup artist. Once I got into the company, I worked at MAC Yorkdale for 2 months and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Also, while doing this over the course of the summer, I also found myself extremely booked up with bridal party makeups and special event makeups. I really feel like my clientele base has grown exponentially this year and for that I am truly grateful. I cannot thank everyone enough for spreading the word about Fancy Face!! For those of you that do not know about my makeup artist company, visit http://www.fancyface.ca

In other exciting makeup news, I also was given the great opportunity to assist a FABULOUS makeup artist on the set of So You Think You Can Dance Canada. I met this wonderful woman while doing makeup for two music videos for Tyrone Vaughan (Stevie Ray Vaughan relative) After gaining some insights and tips from her, we kind of became instant friends and she decided to take me under her wing and bring me onboard SYTYCD. She has been working as the head artist on the show since day one and was also the key artist on Canadian Idol. I have been onset doing makeup for the lovely contestants on the show. I absolutely love it there. Everyone is sooooo nice and wonderful to work for.

Since I dedicated most of my summer to furthering my experience as a makeup artist, I have now decided to start focusing more on the acting side of things again. I am currently back and forth between Regina shooting a TV series called ‘Insecurity’ that will be coming out on CBC next January. The series is an action/comedy and has the same producers as ‘Corner Gas’. I am playing the role of Amber in the show. She goes on a date with the lead character of the show and it doesn’t quite go as planned.

I am off to Regina today again and get back on Saturday. Then, next week I have a few more makeup jobs…including another day on SYTYCD Canada and then I am off to Italy for 15 days with my two wonderful gal pals Christine and Cathy. We planned this trip a LONG time ago and I really cannot believe it is finally here! We are going on a Top Deck tour which is kind of like a Contiki tour but just with an Australian company. We start in Rome for 2 days, then go to Pompeii, Sorrento, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Lake Garda, Verona, Venice, Orvieto, and then end back in Rome. I really think it is going to be the trip of a lifetime. I have never had a vacation like this and I really cannot wait.

This half a year has really been quite a ride for me. Have had a lot of ups and downs but it has been far from boring. Throughout, I have kept focused and dedicated to pursing my passions in life and to following my heart.

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this update! Stay tuned for more soon!

I will leave you with this video of me on an episode of Aaron Stone. My web designer just edited it. Hope you like it.

Till next time…

With love,

Brittany

Performance Video!!

Brittany Gray's Personal Blog — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:01:23 +0000

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to share with you this video of me and my friend Evan Smith singing the song “Terrified” by Kara Dioguardi from American Idol. I was asked to be a special guest at The Carnegie Hall Show at Bread And Circus in Kensington Market. It was a fabulous night!!!

Enjoy!!

Here’s what’s happening this March…

Brittany Gray's Personal Blog — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:36:23 +0000

Hi everyone! Happy Friday!!

First off, just want to say a big thank you to all the readers of my blog. I appreciate you and thank you so much for your time.

As for what is new and exciting, this weekend I will being shooting a short film that will eventually be entered into the TIFF festival, among others, called Faces Of Hilary. I have been cast in the lead role as Hilary, a girl who goes through with having an abortion and has to deal with the repercussions of not informing her boyfriend before doing so. It’s called the ‘Faces’ Of Hilary because throughout the short, it shows four ways in which she deals with it simultaneously in a split screen. Cool eh?? It is a wonderful concept for a short and the director/producer and team that I get to work with, including the other two actors, are truly phenomenal. We shoot on Saturday and Sunday so I will be sure to let you know how that goes.

http://www.thenationaltheatreoftheworld.com/The_National_Theatre_of_Canada/The_Carnegie_Hall_Show!.html

" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://brittsjournal.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/new-carnegie-hall.jpg?w=194" data-large-file="https://brittsjournal.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/new-carnegie-hall.jpg?w=256" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-168" title="THE CARNEGIE HALL SHOW" src="https://brittsjournal.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/new-carnegie-hall.jpg?w=193&h=300" alt="Come check it out this Wednesday, March 24th" width="193" height="300" srcset="https://brittsjournal.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/new-carnegie-hall.jpg?w=193 193w, https://brittsjournal.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/new-carnegie-hall.jpg?w=97 97w, https://brittsjournal.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/new-carnegie-hall.jpg 256w" sizes="(max-width: 193px) 100vw, 193px" />

In other news, I will be performing at the Carnegie Hall Show this Wed, March.24th at Bread And Circus in Kensington Market. (299 Augusta Ave) I have been asked to be a special guest for the evening and will be singing two songs. I have invited Evan Smith from The Toxic Avenger to sing a song with me and also my guitar player will be stopping by to play ‘Who Will Save Your Soul’ by Jewel with me.

I checked out the show this past Wednesday and must say, it is spectacular. The comedians are first rate and it really is a guaranteed night filled with guttural laughter and enjoyment. Hope to see you there!!

The last exciting thing I have to tell you about is the re-airing of The Making Of The Toxic Avenger Musical. The date scheduled is April 11th on CityTV at 10pm. For those of you who didn’t get to see it on the night we were competing with the Oscars airtime (lol), well here is your chance! I really think it was extremely well done and is a great learning tool for anyone who may want to get into theatre. Also, it showcases all the effort and work that goes into putting on a big-budget musical from the ground up. Kudos to Dancap Productions for all of their hard work.

That’s all that is going on with me right now besides hitting up auditions here and there and also working on my makeup company, ‘Fancy Face Makeup Artistry’. Prom and Wedding season is coming up which means I get to work much more on my second passion (next to acting and singing), making women look and feel beautiful, powerful and confident from the inside out!!!

http://www.fancyface.ca

Thanks for stopping by my blog everyone!!

Much love to y’all!

xoxo

Brittany Gray

http://www.brittanygray.com

“To be interesting, you have to be interested.”

Brittany Gray's Personal Blog — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:13:43 +0000

Today I don’t want to write about anything ‘career related’. Sometimes its nice to just reflect and to share your thoughts with the world. I just got back from one of my closest friends house, and while I was there, she told me this quote. “To be interesting, you have to be interested.” I love that!! It for some reason struck a really strong chord in me. I am always fascinated by those people in life who seem so thoroughly engaged in every moment. I have a great friend, who I will keep nameless, who is THE most interesting guy I know. He is interesting because he is genuinely interested in all that life has to offer. He seems like the jack of all trades, a sort of super human, but at the end of the day he is just like you and me. The difference is that he truly makes the most of his time. For example, he is an avid picture taker, he blogs, he dances, he sings, he acts, he reads, he’s a vegetarian, he paints, he owns fish, he journals, he has a vision journal, he is a wonderful friend to many, he loves comedians and is quite the comedienne himself, he is soon to be a new home owner, he cuts hair, he travels the world when he can, and the list goes on. Now im sure this sounds incredibly daunting to many but I am writing this post to make you all understand that we can all be like this!! I truely believe that. I dont know about you but, I want to be interesting. I want to be 98 one day and have my grandkids think I am the coolest ever. I want them to see that I was a woman who engaged in life and made the most of it. We all have a choice, right at this moment, today, to get up off the couch, stop watching mindless tv and to being doing things that feed our soul. Good questions to ask yourself are…what did you love when you were a child??? Start doing more of these things!! Our childhood passions really do hold the key to a successful future. When I was a kid, there really was nothing I loved more than performing (dancing and singing like a crazed lunatic around my house), and playing with makeup. Those were my absolute two favorite things to do. And although it was really scary to fearlessly pursue my childhood passions, because of the amazing guidence of my parents, I have stuck to my guns and chose to live out what I feel i am meant to do in this world. (Im hoping it pays off). Anyways, this whole blog is meant to inspire you to do more in your life!! Challenge yourself!!! Take one picture everyday of something that inspires you. Start a journal. Read a different type of magazine that you normally wouldnt read. Sign up for a cooking class!!! The point is to step out of your comfort zone. It is here where your greatness lies.

Be bold, Be courageous, Be you.

With love,

Brittany xo