Damsel in distress

So, my car is shaking like a snow globe in the hands of my three year old niece, and a tire goes out. Tread has shredded from the tire, and I need to change it by the side of the road. I get out the spare and the tools and start to work. No sooner than I have the car raised on the jack, a red pick-up pulls to the side of the road. A small Mexican man, covered in paint with an American flag on his hat and gold on his front teeth comes over to the car and offers his assistance. He finished the job in about twenty minutes and was on his way. I headed down to Discount Tire to replace the one that gave out. When I met my dad, he sat me down and explained that I had nearly stopped his heart. The last thing he heard from me was that a man had stopped to help me. I had left the phone in the car and therefore didn't answer when he called twice more. He was driving frantically to the Discount Tire hoping that I hadn't been kidnapped. Luckily, I was fine and we got home with one shiny new 88-dollar tire. LESSON: keep the phone with you when you've told your family that a stranger has you alone.

I heard back from MGM about the Gatekeeper position, and I was not accepted. They said I did well, but they offered the position to others. They will keep my name on file, though, and they'll call when another position is open - probably in two months.

I need to find something else to keep myself busy. Maybe I'll start dating. Maybe.

Perks of the job

I had my first day of work yesterday. I was in the office from 9-5, but had little to do. I work for a new office that hasn't really gotten the word, yet. I only had to anwer about a dozen phone calls and saw only one patient. Because we had so much down time, Dr. Kim gave me a microdermabrassion. Here, let me practice my pitch, "Using the DiamondTome wand, Dr. Kim uses the customized wand to exfoliate my skin, removing the dead skin cells from the face. The vacuum of the wand removed the dead cells and helped to stimulate collagen." I can already notice a difference. My skin is smooth and bright with a more even tone. It's great.

I also had my second audition for the Gatekeeper at MGM. I have no idea whether I will get the job. There were 12 final applicants and only 4 positions. Though those odds are better than the grad school auditions that I just survived, I have no idea whether I demonstrated that I am just what they are looking for. I really want the job. I should find out by Friday (no latter than Monday). Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Receptionist by day

I now have a part time job as a receptionist at a dermotology office. I have to answer phones to answer questions about procedures and schedule appointments. I also have to look perfect every day since I am the first face women will see when they come in to look their best. That's a bit of pressure.

I also did a call back for a student film. It seems that few student directors know how to direct their actors. I felt a little lost, but the director looked worse off. I need to get some experience, so I'll work with all kinds.

Auditions - Las Vegas

I have been trying to get a job and some film experience since I've been home. My dad lead me to some auditions on the Saturday after I got back from Chicago. The first, was for a short called "Dirty Laundry." Though the audition was more organized and the staff seemingly more competent, I may be less likely to work with them. Reason #1: the usual, competition. The producer team is holding more auditions and posting audition calls than the other one I went to that day. Reason #2: nudity. I would be required to wear nothing but panties as the camera filmed me from behind while I am about to embark on a sexual encounter. The team tried to quiet my fears by insisting that only the other actor and the director would be there while filming the scene, but that's not as comforting knowing that the film will be released for far more strangers to see. Another supposed comfort, we wont actually film the sex scene, only this prelude. I told them I would consider the nudity if and when we crossed that bridge. Oh, and I would be paid for this gig, also unlike the other one. Any advise anyone? It probably wont be an issue after all, but it's interesting to think about.

Second audition was for several student films though UNLV's film department. The audition was a mess. I was there for 3 hours; only read one scene and performed my monologue once. The bulk of my time was spent reading about 250 pages of Irving's "A Prayer for Owen Meany." Evidently I made an impression, though, because I just got an email asking for a call-back. I would play Cara, the object of the main character's affections - if only he could figure out what her sexual orientation is. As the synopsis says, "hijinks ensue." I'll keep ya posted on what comes from it.

The most important audition was on Monday. I replied to an add to be a Gatekeeper at MGM's Cirque du Soliel show Ka. I would be an usher, but with the added fun of keeping in character. For the interview/audition, I had to spontaneously create a character and lead another auditioner in front of the auditors (which was a length of about 8 paces). I had to show a compelling character and display my aptitude for customer service. I showed my "audience member" the theater then became distracted by his outfit and my desire to touch his clothes. It was really weird. I wasn't sure what I was doing, but it seemed to have gone alright. Afterwards, I was asked a random question to see how well I could improvise a response. I had to sell the auditor on moving to Las Vegas. I talked my mouth off about the strip, good schools, family community and the University before he asked me to stop because I had sold him. There were four of us in the group and I was one of the two asked to complete the application. The next day, I got a drug test (which involves cutting a sample of my hair) and I should hear from them sometime next week. The position is only on-call, so I need another gig to keep my income steady.

Luckily, my friend, Lauren, knows a doctor's office looking for a part-time receptionist. I am going in for an interview tomorrow afternoon. It would be fun to be a receptionist by day and a Gatekeeper by night.

Auditions - Chicago

Chicago was lovely. I wish I hadn't needed to rush around to all my auditions and completely stress out in my spare time. I'd like to go back when I'm not under duress.

My first grad school audition was terrible. I was completely stressed out and easily distracted. Somewhere in the first lines of my second monologue I saw the auditor pick up my resume and examine it. My headshot was attached to the other side, so all of a sudden I could see my own face out of the corner of my eye. Just as suddenly, I forgot the middle of my monologue. There was no arc. I accused the guy and them let him have it. No build. Therefore, no final audition. With URTA, you are seen by two judges who decide if you should be seen by the representatives of the 20 or so colleges that are in attendance. After that, the colleges that are interested in you call you in for an interview. Unfortunately, I did not pass go. Do not collect two hundred dollars.

After that was Yale. It went much better, but when there was a call back at the end of the hour, my name was not called. Quickly on to Denver Center. The audition was great, but I don't think I was my best in the interview. The best for last, Old Globe, was my best audition and interview, but their competition is to fierce that I doubt I will make it.

So, for now, the plan is to go back next year and try my luck again. I also have to return to see the rest of the Art Institute of Chicago. I only had an hour to peruse, so I missed most of it.

I had a chance to see Steppenwolf's production of the Apple Orchard, which was good. It was minimalist in it's design and emotional choices. There are things that could have been clearer, but I enjoyed it. I was surprised how much Chicago reminded me of London. It just makes me want to go back even more. I am already in mourning for the season I will miss this summer. Luckily, Laura will me there, so I can at least experience it by proxy.