I'm having my own lttle pity party.....

This morning I was part of a little short video that was being made for a church, to promote their singles group. There were three women and three men and we met at a local tavern at 7:00am to shoot the film. We had to dress like we were going out for a night on the town. We did scenes that had men coming on to women and the women were disgusted and bored. The shoot lasted until 10:30am. Since I have never been on a set before this was pretty neat. Even though there's nothing very romantic about being in a short church film it was neat just to see how everything was done.

Now, for my pity party......having been out of work since mid July for back surgery, I am seriously dreading (which is really much too weak a word) having to return to work on Oct 2. I really need a new job! I live in Monroe and I work in Atlanta at Piedmont Hospital--it's 49 miles one way. In Atlanta traffic it usually takes me close to two hours to get to work and another two to get home--three and half to four hours each day spent commuting amounts to a part-time job, around 20 hours per week. My job is okay, I manage doctors' offices and some hospital programs, but I'm tired. I'm tired of doctors doing whatever they want to do, making my job harder because I'm responsible for their compliance. I'm tired of dealing with staff issues (sick babies, flat tires, or whatever other reason they can't come to work). I'm tired of feeling unappreciated and unsupported by my bosses. And, the idea of driving two hours to deal with all of that really depresses me.

I'm in my last year of MBA school and I plan on seeing that through but I have no idea what I want to do with it. There's really nothing around Monroe. The next closest towns (Loganville, Snellville, Athens) don't have that many opportunities either. I really don't want to stay in healthcare but I don't really know what else I can do. Ugh!!!!! I wish I were rich and didn't have to work. And, I don't think stuffing envelopes, buying/selling property or cold calling are legitimate "work-at-home" businesses. I seriously would rather have another major surgery than return to work. That's sad. I'm sad. I want Thursday to come because of the season premiere of The Office, but I don't want it to come because it's one more day closer to October 2. Ugh!!!! This totally sucks!!

My very first audition ever!!!!!!!

Hey, y'all.

Yesterday, I had my very first audition ever! I read for a part, Leah, in an indie movie titled "God is dead." Leah is not a main character in the movie but she does have a respectable presence. Plus, since I'm just now starting this acting thing, I'm no where near ready to try for an advanced role. I was SOOOO nervous! I tried to hide my nervousness--I don't know how well I pulled it off though. It was also very exciting.

I studied the sides (script) for Leah's part for a few days prior to the read. I had imagined that a conversation had already been going on when Leah begins speaking, so I began the scene with a little "can you believe this" laugh. I also felt like the other character that Leah was talking to (Leigh) wasn't really paying that close of attention to what Leah was saying, so I kinda didn't acknowledge Leigh's comments between the first couple of lines. I also felt like Leah should be a little underplayed--not a lot of emotion, but enough to show that she has character but it's gonna take a lot more to get it to come out.

Anyway, I walked into the room and there was the casting director and two other men sitting behind a table. The table had a monitor on it and both men had clip boards and other stuff. I brought in a headshot of myself, but it was homemade because I haven't had a professional headshot taken yet. I will be getting one though. The casting director took a photograph of me anyway (I didn't smile--why, I have no idea--I don't know what the hell's wrong with me). I also do not have a professional acting resume, so I wrote the casting director a little letter explaining that I was new to acting and just attached my regular resume to the letter. (I know, I'm such a dork.) There was a camera in the room and I had to look into the camera and state my name and the part for which I was reading. I started the reading and the casting director read the part of Leigh. The whole thing was over in a matter of minutes.

I have no idea what they thought of me. They said that they will have callbacks on Sunday. So, I guess I will find out today if they would like for me to come back in read again. If I don't get a call back at least I can say that I gave it shot. Plus, the film will need extras and so forth, so I might still have a chance of being in it--just not as Leah. That would still give me something to start my acting resume. I don't really know exactly what casting directors look for in a reading. I don't know if I gave them what they were looking for. I don't know if my interpretation of Leah was right or not. I don't even know if it matters. If anyone can shed some light on this for me I'd greatly appreciate it.

I do plan on taking acting classes and some improv classes too. That is also bound to help me. In any case, I had a great time and I plan on auditioning for roles as often as they come available. Wish me success!

Hugs!
--Paula