The Debut that Never Was

Time: January 2006

So I did it! I've been cast in my very first New York, Off-Off Broadway play! To tell you the truth, I was surprised I even got called in to audition. I only had one more day of filming "LE MAITRE DU ZODIAQUE" at the end of December so even though I didn't think I had enough theater experience to read for a Shepard play, I submitted my headshot and resume anyway. I always say, "Don't reject yourself for roles, because you never know."

At the first audition, I performed a 3-minute dramatic narrative monologue from the movie "Eve's Bayou." Of course, I didn't say it was from a film, and I don't know if it would even have mattered if I did, but I felt it was great monologue for me and I enjoyed working on it. The first time I did the piece, I felt good about it but the director called for more volume, more vocal strength. This, of course, was a theater audition, while I was used to film auditions.

Note to self: Research voice classes when I get home.

The second time was better, vocally, and good enough to get me a spot at the callbacks the following day.

This time, I read directly from the play for the roles of Sally and Beth, the two young female leads in "A Lie of the Mind." The callback was interesting because, unlike in most auditions, we got to see other people audition. Thankfully, at my particular time slot, no one was reading for the roles I was reading for. So I read for Beth, I read for Sally and I go home really wanting the Beth role. Beth's the delicate brain-damaged young woman whose condition was caused by being beaten by her jealous husband. As an actor, it was a role I could sink my teeth into, and the role of Sally seemed less challenging in comparison.
Fast forward two days. Phone rings. It's the Casting Director/Artistic Director of the black box theater where the play will be performed. I'm invited to a second callback. For what role?

Sally.

OK, that's cool. (Snapping fingers in disappointment.) But, I'm still excited. Immediately after I get off the phone, I pick up my copy of the play that I'd purchased at The Drama Book Shop, and read it again, this time focusing on the role of Sally.

Oh wow. This could be really fun. After the second read I realize I'd underestimated the role of Sally, and that it could be just as rewarding, if not more so, than Beth's character.

The second callback goes great and I feel very right for the role, but I wonder how the rest of the family looks. I understand that this is a play about families and that in casting, how realistic a family looks/sounds together is very important to the process. I figured all I could do is my best, and leave the choosing to the powers that be.

So...let's cut to the chase.

I was offered the part of Sally, accepted the role and was scheduled to do a table read the following week. After the holidays we jumped into an intensive rehearsal schedule and I began to work with actors that had a lot more experience in the theatre than I'd had. I wish I could say the same thing about everyone's level of commitment.

Sadly, soon after rehearsals began, things started falling apart. The girl that was cast as Beth wasn't showing up for rehearsals. The guy who played Frankie was notoriously late. The Equity papers hadn't been properly filed. Our rehearsals in the theatre were cut short due to scheduling issues. And the final straw -- The guy who played Jake dropped out a week before the show was scheduled to open. (Shaking my head.) After this unfortunate chain of events, the show was cancelled a few days before opening night.

Needless to say, it was quite an experience, and my well-worn copy of "A Lie of the Mind" still sits on my bookshelf. I don't know if I'll ever get to perform the role of Sally again, but through my hours of rehearsal, through the good and bad, I learned a lot of important lessons:

1. Be on time.
2. Be prepared.
3. Be a team player.
4. Communicate with your fellow castmates.
5. Nothing's ever certain.

Although I was disappointed at the outcome, I can walk away with no regrets because I know that I gave my all to the project. And hey, I guess it wasn't meant to be... there are better things in store for me. You see, I've just started my acting program at Esper Studio and now I can devote all my energy to my training.