Sunday, August 02, 2009

Back To Work!


I had seven auditions last week. Here's how it all went down:

Monday: "Brothers," "The Mentalist," "Wizards of Waverly Place"
Thursday: "Wizards of Waverly Place" (callback) and "Grey's Anatomy"
Friday: Home Depot (commercial) and "Grey's Anatomy" (callback)


So, in a nutshell, I had 5 initial auditions, two resulted in callbacks, and one resulted in a booking ("The Mentalist"). And the one for which I didn't get called back was the one I didn't think I was right for anyway. They were looking for a matronly woman in her mid-40s. It didn't sound like a fit for me, but I read/ worked on the script. I was to play the role of a woman who had taught two brothers (the show leads) in class when they were children. I looked up the show on IMDb to see what actors were playing them. Turns out it was Darryl "Chill" Mitchell and Michael Strahan. Both older than I am. I was precocious as a child, but no way I was teaching them in class unless I was teaching them to jump double-dutch.

I spoke to my mother first, and she told me that they could use age makeup if they liked me. I told her that they don't do that much on TV unless the actor is already well-known. They just get someone who's actually around the age of the character. I explained that it wasn't a vanity thing (i.e. being labeled as older than I am and/or matronly) because I wouldn't be chomping at the bit to get to a "hot bikini girl" audition either. Doesn't mean I have self-esteem issues, I'm just aware of my type.

I didn't want to waste casting's time nor mine (driving time), so I checked in with my manager who told me that whatever I decided was fine, and that of everyone she submitted, I was one of two who was called in. She also reminded me that even if I turned out to be totally wrong for it, at least they would have seen me. I went, it went well, I left happy, and the CD didn't mean-mug me like I had just wasted her time. On the contrary, she looked like she had been entertained (which, really, is the point of this whole thing, isn't it?) So, for the cost of gas from the valley to west L.A., I was able to get in front of a new casting director and make her a fan. MUCH less than I have spent on casting director workshops in the past! Because of this, I have no qualms about not booking or getting called back on this. Casting directors want an actor who is the solution to their casting puzzle. She'll call me when she believes I'm suitable for a particular role. My job is to keep up with my marketing (let her know I'm still out here working so that she doesn't forget I exist), and deliver when called upon.

While I hope more good news comes early this week, I think last week's ratio turned out pretty good. Of course I want to book them all, but I honestly had lots of fun preparing and auditioning. Each time I got a call from my reps, I emotionally cheered "Yayy - I get to act!" L.A. driving sucks, so that part isn't fun, but that's the only downside.

Here's hoping for another fabulous, invigorating week!



--Nicole

2 comments:

  1. I LOVE that you always find the good in every situation, Nicole. Lots of actors would have bitched & moaned & declared it A Waste of Time. I know that CD will be calling you in for an age-appropriate role in no time!

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  2. Hey Michelle--

    I once heard someone say "Instead of just asking how much something costs, ask how much it's worth." That's one of the things I play on my 'mental tape' and when I catch myself complaining about the time/ money/ effort something takes, I can press 'play' (figuratively, of course) and be prompted to look for opportunities that are usually hiding just beneath the surface. If I go no further than bitching and moaning, I'll miss those opportunities!

    --Nicole

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