Thursday, February 10, 2011

It's a full-time job!!

This is a real conversation. Names have been changed to save the ignorant from embarassment.

Guy: So, what do you do?
Me: I'm an actor.
Guy: Oh. Well, what do you do for a real job?
Me: Ummm, I'm an actor. That is my full-time job.
Guy: So you're unemployed? ha...ha...
Me: No, I actually work every day. Like I said, it's my full-time job.
Guy: Your husband must have a great job to allow you to do nothing all day.
Me: (What I wanted to say) Okay, GUY! I work and I work EVERYDAY. I audition for different roles at least twice a week and have to do research and PREPARE for each audition. Just so you know, an audition is like a job interview, imagine the adrenaline and nerves you feel for that interview three times a week every week. In addition to auditioning, I also record voice overs for radio and television ads (which I get paid for). There's also a theatre group that I perform with and have six plays memorized with them (which I also get paid for)....I also work at the hospital as a standardized patient and have to learn different characters and scenarios for each and every one of those. So I work and get paid....it's a full-time job.
Me: (What I actually said) Yeah, my husband is very supportive.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Nice in Hollywood?

I was out to coffee with friends on Friday and the topic of being "nice" and in the business came up. Whether or not you could make it in Hollywood if you were nice. I am of the opinion that you don't have to be cut throat or walk all over people in pursuit of your dreams. All my life I have played by the golden rule, and it's  worked out pretty well for me. When I was in the business world, I was kind to customers and those I worked with and was promoted for my abilities...but the fact that people genuinely like you helps. They are rooting for you and want you to do well. So, going forward, I refuse to become jaded and mean to "make it". What's the point of making it if I have to change who I am? Life is too short and too precious. So, when I make it, I promise to just be me. And for the record, Tom Hanks is nice. (You may have heard of him.) :) So what do you think? Who do you think is nice in Hollywood?