Two years ago when I decided to leave full-time teaching to pursue other avenues, I took an acting class. For many years I worked on the production side of the camera. I wanted to see what it was like on the other end. I took several acting classes over the two-year period. It is a great deal of fun; however, much harder than one would think. Also, during this two-year period (actually, pretty early on), Andrew and I both secured agent representation. Basically, this meant we had a way of getting auditions for commercials, as well as roles for television and film. Exciting! Yes, but also very difficult because there is so much competition with other actors, as well as many factors that influence the final decision of the director. I look at auditioning like playing the lottery. Keep in mind, you have to play the lottery in order to win. Same goes for auditioning. You have to go on the audition in order to get the part.
Yesterday, I auditioned for the role of a middle school mom for a Post-it commercial. I have not been on an audition in over a year. This is my fault. During the spring semester, I was working as a 2nd grade teacher for a teacher who was on medical leave. I used work as an excuse not to audition. However, I chose not to audition because I was fat and yuck. I felt inadequate, self-conscious, and had low energy. That is not the case now. Since I’ve lost weight, I feel more energized and confident.
My audition time was originally scheduled for Wednesday afternoon; however, I was substituting in the library and couldn’t make the audition time. I let my agent know I could not make the audition Wednesday, but was available on Friday. Thankfully, she was able to get the audition rescheduled. My hubby was also off of work on Friday and drove me to New Orleans for the audition. Honestly, I was a little nervous. I had no lines. I had no idea what the casting director was going to have me do. I just prayed I didn’t have to interact with something invisible. I desperately need to take an improv class. I just had to take my own advice that I tell my children and mon frere, Moonius Maximus, all the time….DO YOUR BEST.
I went into the auditioning room with another actress and actor. The casting director was pleasant. The three of us had to say our names and show our profiles. The casting director asked each of us a question. Mine was, “If you could have any super power, what would you choose?” I said, “I want to read minds, so I can know what will happen next.” HA! This would keep you one step ahead of the bad guys. The casting director also asked if any of us had teaching experience. I told her I had fourteen years that ranged from Kindergarten through 8th grade. The casting director then asked us to talk with one another for 45 seconds about anything except acting, the parking situation, or the weather. Afterwards, we each looked at the camera and said our names again. The audition was over. I think I did well. Regardless of the outcome, I DID MY BEST.
“Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.” ~ Miguel Ruiz
The Kat Files 