Diesel, Auditions, Standing Womb Only

[plumtreeblossom]

I had a wee wedge of time yesterday to stop into Diesel and say hello to friends at the PolyBoston meetup, following the vile Herald article. I was relieved to see no creepy gawkers (nor hear about any) and that everyone was safe and enjoying a nice evening. Had a much-too-brief visit with peeps who I miss madly, then regretfully had to disengage myself from teh goodness to dash off to auditions.

*****

Auditions: this was only the first night, and already I could cast my play three times over. All my life I have perpetually and habitually cast plays/movies in my head, but this is my first time doing it for real, and there are emotions connected to it that I didn't anticipate and do not like one tiny bit. As an actor, I know well the heartbreak of not getting chosen. As a neophyte director with multiple actors who would each be equally outstanding in the roles, how (the fuck) do I choose who to give that experience to? The knowledge that I'm going to have to say no to perfectly qualified and talented actors is sitting very heavy on me right now. I'm quite certain there will be tears on my part before this is over. But I took this task because, as an actor, I feel it's important after all these years that I get a deeper understanding of theatrical creation from the director's perspective. Hard, this.

*****

So heya, I'm pre-pregnant! My mom will be so happy. No matter that my potential bundle of joy would likely have three heads and spina-biffa-tarda-touretta-siamese-syndro-itis, that bundle's health is more important than my own. And in case you didn't get the memo, you're a walking womb or sperm-bank, too. Part of me can't fathom that this is really happening, and that it's not just sci-fi that I read somewhere. And I have to wonder who the folic acid industry is in bed with.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_guitarzan_/]

"in case you didn't get the memo, you're a walking womb or sperm-bank"

Negative...done been snipped!

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

*high five* Stickin' it to The Man!

[spwebdesign.livejournal.com]

That picture is so inappropriate! I wouldn't want Tony doing the snipping…he'd be likely dip my balls in a ginger-wasabi sauce and swallow them whole!

[goat.livejournal.com]

I'm actually just happy that I auditioned well. If I don't get chosen for one of the plays, it's because I didn't fit for some reason or other, not because I'm a bad actor.

Not sure what changed last night, but something did!

which play are you directing?

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

I'm directing Surprise, the one about the marginally-psychic guy. I saw so many people who would be good for the 3 roles I have. Prior to last night I was blue that certain of my friends are not auditioning. But today I find myself thinking THANK GOD they're not, because what if I had to cast someone else over them, which would kill me. Bad enough that there were at least 10 good friends there last night, all of them fine actors.

Yep, I'll be crying before this is out.

[goat.livejournal.com]

Ahhh, I liked that one! But yes, many people auditioned it well.

I can really see how frustrating and confusing it could be, what with all the different things different people and combinations of people bring to the parts.

Good luck!

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Thanks, and hugs. As hard as it is, I'm glad T@F offers actors the chance to direct these little plays. The view from the other side of the fence is very broadening, and a good education.

[goat.livejournal.com]

I imagine!

My non-experienced advice to you is this:

This is your play. You are the director. Decide what vision you have for the play, and choose among the pool of qualified actors for who best fits your vision. They can all be equally good, but I doubt all are equally good for what you envision the play to be.

[androidqueen.livejournal.com]

heh, i wish i could do it, but i'm happy to lessen the number of people you have to say no to. :)

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Who's to say I would have had to say no? :-) You're so damn good!

[kalisti23.livejournal.com]

On chosing actors:
I usually take offers of sexual favors into account.

...

Seriously though, I would be happy for more choices, because once you start fighting, er, uh, negotiating with the other directors, you'll find your choices get narrowed down. You'll want to make a list of choices, and usually not everyone will get their first choice, but it sounds like you'll be happy with 2nd and 3rd choices. Also, at callbacks you'll get to try people out in different roles, and see who works best with whom. So that will narrow it down as well.
Also, go with your gut. If you cast the right people, half your work as director is already done.

Have fun! Casting is so exciting! (and scary and frustrating, but that's part of the fun).

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Looking back, I feel so fortunate that I got cast in the All In The Timing festival. There were a lot of people at that audition, and only 6 plays. So grateful to Shayna for giving me a chance. Philip Glass remains one of my favorite performances to date. I glad now that I'm able to give that chance to someone else, now that the shoe is on the other foot, though I can only take 3. Wish it was 30!

[spwebdesign.livejournal.com]

On chosing actors:
I usually take offers of sexual favors into account.

So, um, do I submit a headshot and résumé, or just show up?