Audition #1
I got an email from my agent letting me know that I had a commercial audition. I look at the script, pretty easy considering that I only have one line to say. The role is for "mom" 25 - 35 years old. So I carefully pick out my outfit for the audition. I choose a nice shirt topped off with a cardigan. Pretty mom looking I think - it screams responsible. So I prepare my one line. Prep work is done.
The next day I walk into the audition after pounding away a long day at work - my audition is
at 6:00pm. I wonder why it's so late in the day but realize as soon as I arrive that I'll be actually auditioning with children too. Kid auditions legally have to be booked after school hours, they tend to start
at 4:00pm. I'm called in with two kids.
The casting director asks the kids if they know the lines and goes through the script with them. One of the kids says that he doesn't have the same script, so the Casting director stops the audition and asks us the leave the room, that we will have to wait for another kid to audition with. He gives the kid that doesn't have the right script a copy and asks him to look it over and learn it before he comes back in. The receptionist finds another kid and then calls us back in the room, in front of everyone in the waiting area she says ' if you were just in the audition room, please go back in, minus the kid that didn't know his lines." Yikes.. So harsh - its not his fault he was sent the wrong paperwork. But in this business - time is money. And you better be ready, because no one cares what your excuse is - there time is more valuable then yours - dance money dance!
We get back into the room, the CD gives us directions, where to stand, what to do. I take a good look at these kids - there is no possible way I could be their mother. They are 11 or 12 years old and taller then I am. When did I have these children at 17 (which there is absolutely nothing wrong with that) but I realize at that time that the casting decision will probably come down to 'fit'. Who looks like a family, how old are the kids that they are casting and who looks like their mom. They have mixed races auditioning so if they go with another race then too bad for me - I lose out because I've lost the race game.
Anyways, we run through the audition 4 or 5 times, each time the casting director provides adjustments either to one actor or another. The audition is over within 8-9 minutes. No time to waste, good thing too because as he dismisses us I remember that I've been parked illegally and I better make sure i still have a car. I'm finished, as I walk out I email my agent and let her know that I've finished my audition. I see another note from her come in... I have another commercial audition the next day! Score! I'm looking forward to it. Things are picking up for sure.
What I learned
Whether or not I book this role, I realize that there are a lot of variables that really play into it. Just be happy that I was brought into the room.
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