Adventures in Acting

According to some directors and actors I know a "working actor" is classified as one who works at acting. Even if it's only to audition all the time. Of course, the IRS thinks differently... but what do they know?

First of all, I got a callback for INKwell, the audition last week where I was mugged. I know the other two girls I'm up against, but I feel really good about my audition(the director said it was the most original read she'd seen thus far) and the director and playwright are really really nice. Yes, the playwright. This is a work in progress, so things could change. I'm not right for the role PHYSICALLY as it is currently written, but take out the two or three jokes about boobs and I am all set! We shall see. That might be too cool even for me.

I had another audition last night, afterwhich I decided that I should always be mugged before an audition, or otherwise attacked. I am so so so so so so so kidding. But it was not good. It was a cold read of 3 monologues that i knew nothing about. With INKwell I was emailed the script and was able to relate myself to the character before ever stepping onstage. I was also full of rage. For this, I suppose I could have gotten copies of Setzuan Woman and Orestia... but I didn't. And it was just THAT. A cold-ass reading. It was freezing in the room and I was frozen in my delivery. Even after notes. Fortunately it was for someone I'm friends with, and shows I wouldn't mind not being cast in. If I'm not and I end up having the time, I will ask if I can Asst. Direct, so either way I will have an artistic experience.

I have one more audition this week for Maryland Shakespeare Festival. I have been warned that they're a big bowl of crazy, but I'm actually going in expecting nothing. They rehearse and perform in Frederick, so unless I sprout a motor and wheels from my arse I'ma not going to make it to rehearsals! However, I need to audition A LOT and I don't see the hurt in auditioning for Shakespeare no matter where it is. Well, unless it has the potential to be God-awful but even then does my heart have a choice? This is pointless rambling. I'm auditioning and that's ok!

Tell the IRS that I now CAN write off all those movies, books and personal appearance crap as a WORKING ACTOR (though I've yet to have a part.)