On Friday, I was called into my first-ever audition for a television pilot. This one, so the treatment says, is "a politically charged supernatural drama." I have no expectation of appearing on a television near you any time soon, but it was an interesting experience to take my mark, slate my name and contact information, and perform solo in front of a camera to a scene partner behind it. It wasn't something I thought I'd ever have the chance to do beyond college. Certainly not for a pilot.
When I walked into the audition room, conveniently located in San Diego (yes, the LA actors were driving here), the difference between stage and film was immediately evident. Though everyone was certainly nice enough, there was a definite vibe that you don't get from most folks in theatre. When they asked me what I'd "done," I knew they weren't asking about dinner theatre.
Being a newbie, I soaked it in. But not for long. In film, unlike the theatre, there's not a lot of wasted time. Time is money and film is expensive. In and out. Whether the camera loves you is something they'll determine later, when you're not there. Whether you can act... well, that won't matter much if you look like you've got two heads, crooked teeth, and a nose from the Prerhinoplastic Era on film. Next!
In other news this week, in the more familiar land of theatre, I was offered the position of Artistic Director at a local professional theatre, which I chose to turn down. Though the offer was flattering, I have my hands in too many other pies now to want to narrow my focus to someone else's bottom line; but I continue to volunteer many hours to the theatre in question. In fact, I'm spending a great deal of time this weekend covering its promotional booth at San Diego Pride, an event aimed at the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community which features an annual (34th this year) parade.
The other pies? Well, I recently closed shop on a new local theatre festival which featured 24 plays written, performed, and directed by San Diego talent over the course of two weekends. It was a surprising success and something which I may do again next year if I can secure the same venue. Finding a venue was a major hassle in 2008 and not a search I care to repeat, but the rest of the work to pull off an event of that scale was absolutely worth the result. It was a hit.
I've also decided to repeat last year's efforts to begin getting directorial experience in a small, local theatre which will give anyone the opportunity, regardless of experience. I discovered last year that not only did I enjoy directing, but I particularly enjoyed it on the small, black box scale which didn't require me to break the bank on sets and set dressing.
And on the heels of the success of my festival, I've been offered my first producing gig. I suspect that producing is where I will truly find my niche, as I won't be stepping on anyone's toes to do exactly what I always do -- make sure things get done! Then again, much like the AD gig, this one is a big effort for someone else's bottom line. Although I do get a stipend (I think!) for the work, I believe that if I continue producing beyond this adventure it will be things like my recent festival -- where the decisions are mine and my time is rewarded if it's a success.
Yeah, I like that.
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