My first audition rejection happened as a 2nd grader. Our class was a part of a week long workshop of sorts where we were bused to a campus and offered enrichment classes one of which was drama.
Side Note: This story is 35 plus years old. Some of the details are a bit fuzzy. I do remember how I felt.
We spent part of the class learning our two lines of dialogue. Next we were to teacher say our lines while she recorded. When my time came, I said my lines, but when I saw face on screen, I laughed. The teacher yelled cut and chastised me for laughing. She said an actor never breaks character. I was then dismissed. No do over or anything because of a little girl’s nervous laughter.
At end of the week, the drama class put on a performance that I watched from the stands. Funny how I still remember that heartbreak of not getting a second chance.
For decades, I tried to create my own 2nd chances. I took a drama class in an after school program. I took a drama class in college. In my 30s, I took a drama class at a community college. Someone hit my parked car (and ran) denting the back fender. I could not afford to fix it right away. I could not make it to class. I even gifted myself an acting class on my 40th birthday. I even auditioned for a play (after chickening out of a previous auction for musical theater). All without resulting in an acting gig.
But God
Thankfully, God, the creator of the universe, allows new opportunities for growth. Second, third, and more chances. I’m now in my 40s and recently made my acting debut in the independent film, Beauty’s Only Skin Deep, by Dr.Cynthia Reid-Wills. It is a model adaptation of the Book of Esther in the Bible. Ironically, a good friend called me with this opportunity. It was God’s gift to me.
Beauty Is Only Skin Deep is available to view at Look Dine-In Theater in Arlington, Texas on November 7th, 14th, and 21st. I hope you take the opportunity to see this amazing film. I am so honored and blessed to be a part of it.
Movie showing dates as Look Dine-in Cinema
Leave a Reply