Welcome to Audition Hell

Well, the weather here is hot! Really hot. It's 95 outside and probably 97 in the unairconditioned hall. That's right. No air.
There are 4 times the amount of people there that you expected. Why? Well, many are there for the first time. Though it's YOUR callback, they are getting a first shot.
Also, time moves slow here. You may sign in at 3:10 for your 3:30 audition, but they aren't looking at the sign in sheet. They have their own agenda and it's much different than the one you were told previously. They call whomever they want at whatever time they choose. Therefore, you sit and watch people just walk in and go in. As you sit, and sit and sit.
You were called for a role but no worries! They have another one, all shined up and ready for you. Mostly because they've already filled most of the roles as you sit in the hall. Waiting and waiting..
Needless to say, they don't seem to care about you at all. So why were you called to audition hell? Who knows?
But, was it worth it? You MAY receive an honorary extra role. But, let's face it. That's not why you bought the ticket.

Commercial Audition, really?

I got the call Saturday night that I was needed for an audition Sunday morning. I really hate weekend auditions. Yuck! Who likes to work on the weekend, right?
So, I said I could make it and I got the info Sunday morning. It was for a regional commercial. The Director had seen my headshot and chose me to come in and audition. That usually makes it more worth your time. Well, the company always has these really corny commercials, so my heart sank a little, but the pay was great and there were "roles" listed. So, I thought maybe this time it's a different format.
No such luck! I showed up and all we had to do was laugh and interact together in groups of 5. With lots of energy of course!! Now this happens more than you would think. It always annoys me. Why can't they just have us come in and ask some questions? You can get our personality from that! Most people know as soon as you open your mouth if you're right for the part. And, if they don't like you, they skip your slate and go to the next person. (by the way, "slate" is "Hi, my name is .. my agent is ... and I'm number...") It seems to be mostly about a look anyway, right?
The good news is it went quickly and I was about my business on a normal Sunday.
Oh, I haven't started my reel yet. I'm going to wait until I get that other DVD. You may call it procrastination..

Always makes me say "hmmm..."

So, when you are NOT a celebrity and you're trying to act, you dig up work when you can.

There are many sites that I search constantly, hoping to find something to tell my agent about or send info to myself.  I will totally do something lo/no budget if I believe in the script, etc.  Sadly, that just doesn't happen enough.

Almost ALWAYS there is going to be a lo/no budget film where the subject of "nudity" will emerge.  Granted, everyone struggles with it and you have to decide what is right for you.  I prefer to never have to do any nudity.  

So I find a movie online.  Looking for actors, not really a lot of money, script seems okay, could be cool..

Then, "nudity and sex scene".  What?  You expect me to get naked for some film where kids meet up as adults and have "revelations"?  Wow, must be a real "Breakfast Club" type of film.  Why not?  It's a big enough struggle for most anyway.  But, once you say "oh, and we're not paying actors" or "we're looking for people who are passionate about the script".  It's as much a slap in the face as ministry work can be sometimes.  "Well, we don't have money, but we'd like you to work for free because you love the Lord".  But, I digress..

Anyway, I swear that half the time, it's some kids who want to just watch some folks strip for fun.

Girls, keep your clothes on.