Inspection

When one rents a car, there is this walk-around-dance one performs to make certain that any dings or injuries to the car are noted on the contract, and then one steps into the driver’s seat and closes the door.  Yesterday the shift-change-busdriver did a ‘rental’ inspection of the bus he was about to take command of and drive.  This inspection was the first time I had ever seen this take place.  Made me wonder what his history was?

The Doors

Raced down the stairs toward the waiting subway car.  As I landed on the bottom tread, the doors closed with the customary ping.  Took the three steps so that I reached them just as the shutting action was completing.  I looked to my right, down the platform, the conductor in the middle of the train, happened to be checking my direction, and as I ‘signed’ something, he slid the door open and quickly shut.  I slipped into the car between those two actions.  Those are the days you think all is right with the world!

How the Actor Business Works…cont’d

Had an opening night performance this past Friday.  Following the performance someone from the theatre space pulled me out of the crowd as I was leaving and said someone wants to meet you.  I was taken to the bar to meet a producer of a film. After he explained what the project was, and after I explained what my non-availability was, he asked if I would audition the following morning, meet the director and all of this was to happen before I went on for a matinee.  At midnight I received the ‘sides’, which is a part of the scrip the director wants you to be familiar with, printed them out, made notes, re-read them a number of times and went to bed.  The next day, I showed up, as asked, which was two hours before my stage call time.  As I was being led to the audition, the staffer who was escorting me said, “We saw you last night, and upon ‘seeing’ you really wanted to have you come in and audition for us”.  What can one say but ‘thank you!’

And so I had the audition, a great lead role.  A real break-through possibility.

And now I wait.

And so it goes.

How The Actor Business Works

This is an actual transcript: from a telephone call received into voice mail on a random Sunday evening of a specific week.

Hey [fill in my name], this is [fill in her name] I am calling regarding [fill in name of project – which I neither understood nor recognized] you auditioned for about a year ago.  I’ve just wanted to get in contact with you and see if you’re available this Friday to shoot a scene.  I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch with you while we’re making our way through the film.  If you can give me a call back [ # given]  thanks a lot.  bye bye.

So I called back, left a message that I had a play going up on Friday, it would be tight, but please call me back with more particulars.

Silence.