Los Angeles, CA. As this year comes to a close I’ve taken time to reflect on 2021. It was a chance for me to rebuild my career and start taking more initiative by generating lots of original content.
As an actor, there’s never a certainty of opportunities (that was more evident in 2020 than ever) so I decided I would create them for myself in 2021. For instance, I wanted to have stage time so I could continue to find and hone my comedic voice, so I created and produced a live show. I also wanted to learn new skills so I could be more marketable as an actor, so I enrolled in new classes.
Anyway, I’ve compiled a list below of what I’ve been up to in 2021. I’m not looking for a pat on the back, but want to share what I’ve been up to as a way to remind myself that I am continually working hard at my craft. 
I booked a national commercial where I had a speaking role! This was for the credit card company, Current.
My Airheads commercial contract was renewed and continues to play on National TV.
I was cast in another commercial, shot it, but did not make the final cut – still an accomplishment.
Did over 40 stand-up open mics and shows, including the first and last roast I will ever do.
Produced Hump Day Cabaret, a comedy/variety show with Emma Estrada – had 3 sold-out shows at the iconic El Cid on Sunset Blvd. We’ve performed dances, original sketches, and standup comedy.
I went on 46 auditions and I got more callbacks/pins than ever before.
I became faculty at Pepperdine and started directing the Pepperdine Improv Troupe.
Did exploratory animated improv with Academy Award-Winning Director: Patrick Osborne
I started a podcast, Date a Week the Podcast, with my friend Ryan Opton. We have recorded 48 episodes and have had over 3,000 downloads!
Wrote a TV pilot about my experience with Date a Week in LA and have gone through seven edits with my wonderful new writing group. I’m hoping to pitch it this coming year.
I passed advanced improv at The Groundlings!
I took new classes: Commercial Casting with Camera Left Stage Right, Voice Over with George McGrath, Sketch Writing with Guy Stevenson, and an ongoing scene study class with John Weizke (John Rosenfeld Studios).
Did my first in-person improv show with a new group: Off-Leash!
Completed 58 online improv shows with a previous group: The Interlocutors.
Rebranded: New hair, new headshots, and a new reel.
Was cast in 2 short films and did sketches with Emma Estrada and Good Shirts (Instagram handle).
Other fun things that happened:
- Went to a casino and did not lose any money
- Dressed up as Jeff Bezos for Halloween
- Bought fake leather pants and didn’t regret it
Got vaccinated AND boosted!
Consumed some really great content:
- Favorite series: Derek on Netflix (Ricky Gervais). I also started (and cannot stop) watching Criminal Minds. I know I’m late to this, but I’m here now and more invested than ever.
- Favorite movies: No Time to Die and West Side Story (so great to go to movie theatres again – I’m in it for the popcorn). I’ve also re-watched The Holiday three times.
- Favorite Book: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, War on Art by Steven Pressfield
- Favorite Podcast: The Daily (of course) and We Can do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle.
Please reach out if you’d like any more information on any of these projects or if you’d like to HIRE ME!
Sending my very best wishes to all my friends and family for a great 2022!
Isabel Klein
