What a week! Disappointing to say the least, but way more frustrating than any discouragement of not being cast. Two auditions, two rejections and two uniquely bad choices made my the productions of each. Obviously, this is my opinion, and any justifications/excuses provided do not change the general disrespect of the actor. I sincerely hope this isn't a trend. Suffice to say, I've lost something. I hate saying that because I love performing. Not sure what I've lost.........maybe some respect for individuals I considered friends. Maybe I've lost a little faith in this town and the throw-away mentality people here have; Actors, Producers and Directors alike. This ain't New York, we aren't paid Equity Actors, but volunteers in the Art we love. But, I digress. You probably want to know what happened. If not, then why are you continuing to read?
The first audition was for a musical and one that should have had more attention paid to it then what the turnout of actors indicated. Tony Award Winning and powerful story, but obviously not well known outside of NY. It's mostly singing and only 5 roles (Two of which fit my category), but perfect for a small Vegas venue. Maybe the location of performances turned away actors, or there were too many other shows that the actors were interested in auditioning for. Regardless, when you are the only age appropriate actor to audition, you tend to wonder. I'll interject that I still have nerves with auditioning, but I am way more confident then I used to be. The range of music for the show is in my higher register, and though I know I can hit the notes, I didn't "Bring It" to the audition. Still and all, I got a callback. Maybe my reputation provided a bit of consideration, but that apparently was it. Shortly after the callback notice, a public request went out, looking for more actors to audition for the part I was "being considered for", as well as the others. In and of itself, not bad, but the message it sent was, "Sigh, we might have to use you as a last resort." Now I understand that a Director wants to see more and different actors, but in such a small community it sends a horrible message. Not getting a call back would have bothered me less than getting one and moments later seeing that their first choice was still out there waiting to invited in. I inquired with friends that direct in town, and got the placating answers of "they're covering all their bases" or "they have to match for a whole family" or "want to see more and different, not necessarily better". However, from every actor I've spoken with, it's just rude and unprofessional. I even went to the production team to gain clarity and met the same answers. My issue is, why continue to consider me? Even so, I go into the callbacks poised, prepared and a bit more confident. No one told my voice that, however. Still, I was kept there for the duration, reading and singing and being paired up with other actors. Three days later another public request. Nothing said to me. What to think? Contact Production Asst. that sent out message..........no idea. Contact Producer/AD/Costumer/Et.Al...............I'm not being considered. When was I going to find out? Don't you think actors deserve a little respect? Don't cast me, that's fine. I understand not being the right ______________. But to let things drag on the way they did.
Alright, move on. There are a five more shows still auditioning in the next few weeks, so moving on to the next one. A comedy. A two-person show where each actor plays a number of characters. Not Greater Tuna. Not a big turnout either. I had more confidence with this one as 15 years of improvisation lends to creating characters. I read with three other actors and felt I gave changes in my readings each time. Again, I know the director, he knows me. Let the chips fall where they may. No callbacks on this one and less than 10 people showed for the auditions over the two scheduled days, so I felt good. Whereas the musical would have stretched me vocally, this show would have stretched me as a comedic actor. Maybe I didn't "Bring It" again, or the director thought I was already in another show, or whatever........, but two days later I find out who was cast on a public forum, and not by the Director or the Theater, but by a former critic turned auteur. Double check emails for form letter. Nope. Contact my friend, the Director. What? Contact the source. "I got it from the theater's website". Less than 10 actors and you can't give the courtesy of a form letter? WTF. Again, I don't get a role and I'm O.K. with that. But sloppiness and complete lack of control over information?......that's bullshit. To make matters worse, I receive a form letter an hour after I called out the oversight. Who the fuck is running these things?
I will stipulate that I expect to not be cast in most of what I audition for. I usually get callbacks, but even then I never assume a role is mine. I know my reputation is as an actor that works hard, is easy to get along with, respectful of the process and beyond that, moderately talented. I also know my limitations and would never waste a Director's time auditioning for a role I didn't think I could act/sing beyond their expectations. But I'm getting a feeling that the business end of the process discounts the actor's feelings. I would expect that in NY or Hollywood. Hell even here when it comes to something that pays. But there is a limited pool of talent here willing to do it for free, and though this may be isolated, it's still not acceptable or professional. I'll get over it as I know the intent was not there, but don't assume we don't have feelings.
For the record, I have spoken directly with parties involved and no hard feelings exist, but the sting lingers.
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