Audition watch

Friday afternoon I had my first audition, and it was for a lead in a TV series pilot for APTN. I spent over two hours on Thursday night memorizing the two page script. I took out my voice recorder and recorded the other part and left space for me to say my lines. I memorized, and rehearsed in front of my mirror (really need to get a handheld video camera and a tripod). I tried different ways of saying the lines, and different emotions all true to the character, of course.

Friday morning I got ready and felt confident as I rehearsed my lines while putting on my makeup in the bathroom.

"Trust me it will be okay."

Feeling good I had a minor wardrobe freak out (decided on my Habitual skinny jeans, black leather boots, and my DKNY black sleeveless shirt) and I was out the door just in time.

I arrived to only a few other people waiting to audition and one girl who was running the show. I listened to my voice recorder while I waited to rehearse my lines once again and tried to sit patiently. Nope, can't do it. I get up to go the restroom and check my makeup. When I return, I see my friend Waawaate Fobister there. So excited to see a familiar face, I hug him and catch up briefly.

Soon I am left to fill out a form and my "slate" (a whiteboard with my name and agency on it). I get a photo taken and, as luck would have it, I am up first.

I enter the large room with the director, producers, casting agent, and a reader all present. I introduce myself, all smiles and a big handshake. They are all nice and make the process much more comfortable.

I stand at my mark and the guy operating the camera tells me they are ready for me to slate anytime. I am not sure what they want so I just laugh lightly and ask "What exactly does that entail?" The director kindly tells me to state my name and agency to the camera before I read. I think it is funny because it is my first audition so I am unsure as to the process, but I am fortunate enough to have an agent. (Note to self: enroll in auditioning classes ASAP).

As I begin my reading, I feel good. I am able to remember most of the lines and get into character and try to block out most of the external events immediately. I do however keep my eye on the director who is watching my performance on a TV in the back and notice him smiling and looking happy at the screen. Thank god.

As a young girl, I lived a life full of imagination and play. I had a single mother and two older brothers who were not around too much so I was left to my own devices quite often. I used my time to play with dolls, do crafts, read books, and create my own reality as I wanted it to be.

I never stopped doing this, even into my early 20s. I was told that I was a dreamer because I perceive things as I want them to be not always as they are, I am hopelessly optimistic most times. This has enabled me to keep light and happy. My life has not always been easy and I have encountered many adversities and challenges that have given my strength, compassion, and depth. These experiences have allowed me to understand the depth of human emotions and ultimately different types of characters from all walks of life.

So back to the audition, I was feeling great about how I was doing and how I was able to relate to my character and show emotion.

Back when I was 14 years old, I took acting classes and had to do a final monologue on camera. I brought tears to my scene, and to my character. My acting teacher was really surprised and wanted to know how I was able to pull of the scene. I told her that I was going through a breakup with my boyfriend which enabled me to connect with the pain of the character. She was astonished by my performance. It was second nature to me then and now to connect to raw emotions when required.

So I did just that during my audition, even though nerves took over me for a moment nad I felt my face do this weird twitch (I really hoped it didn't show up on camera). When I was finished the Director came up to me, shook my hand and told me that I did a wonderful job. I could tell he was genuine by the giddy feeling that was emanating from him. In fact everyone in the room had a great energy when I finished my audition. I was, however, the first one to audition, so it could be the excitement of beginning the casting process.

The whole process for me was exciting and entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable. I am so glad to have had the opportunity and to be on this journey. Now I have done my part and all I can do is wait (I find out later this month). As my mom told me "If it is meant to be yours, you will get it." Please God.