Audition: "CSI:Miami” @ Nan Dutton Casting.
The week before Thanksgiving Thursday night:
I'm leaving a workshop around 9:30 ish and I check my voicemails on the way home. Since I had my phone on silent (for the workshop) I may have missed a call. Did I. I had a call for an audition Friday morning @ Nan Dutton Casting for a major guest star on CSI-MIAMI. So I call back….and get this…they’re still in the office! Damn, they sure do put in some hours. I guess that happens when you have a hit show!
Needless to say, I’m excited and started working on the sides they e-mailed me. I called a friend to come by and help me with the give/take of the lines - we're talking 12/1am here.
By the way, they are very cool and funny at Nan Dutton Casting (you can tell they enjoy their work and have fun in the office). So I walked into their office prepared, understanding the character, making my choices, etc. Went to the audition and did my best.
This WHOLE LONG STORY is all to say a few things – take note.
- You’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times: “An Actor Prepares!” I came in to that audition ready. I was even off-book (meaning had everything memorized to any rookies out there) but an actor should always still bring the sides with you just in case. It’s your security blanket that if you hesitate or have a weak memory moment…..you can simply look down and get back in there.
- If possible, you must work with someone to prepare for the audition. At your audition you'll either do the scene with the CD, another actor or a reader. Point is - you WON'T be reading to yourself. Hence, when you prepare....if possible work with another actor, friend, family member, someone.
- Submissions work! During this “new-to-the-area” period while I’m still doing my Agency Hustle (as I like to call it), I can’t possibly sit a home and feel sorry for myself. I have get out there and submit myself for parts that I’m right for. Maybe I’ll even have to book a role or two in order to get some agents interested in me. Oh well…..Bring it on! Bottom line – be your own agent until you get one. Submit yourself (responsibly that is) and you might get called in.
- Like I've heard someone say - "It's not about getting the part.....It's about making a Fan!" If they like you and feel you’re talented, they’ll call you for other stuff in the future. It’s all about building and maintaining relationships!
- You never know why you might not get the job -
The audition went great! 1. I felt I was right for the part. 2. I felt prepared and I did my best. 3. Nan liked my choices and my performance. After that, boys and girls, there’s nothing more that one can do. It’s in God’s hands (and no I don’t mean the CD’s or the Producers). I mean the Big Man on High!
