For every successful actor or actress, there are countless numbers who don’t make it. The name of the game is rejection. You go to an audition and you’re told you’re too tall or you’re too Irish or your nose is not quite right. You’re rejected for your education, you’re rejected for this or that and it’s really tough.– Irish-American actor Liam Neeson was born on this day in 1952.
Admittedly, I’ve only been seriously pursuing this acting thing for about the last four years. But, for every part I’ve been offered, I’ve probably auditioned for about half a dozen more.
Sometimes you can give a killer audition and just not have the right look. Being a man of a certain age and poundage, I’m quite familiar with the concept.
But, it doesn’t stop me. There are directors who will, and have, cast me in roles. Sometimes roles that could be played by younger and less weighty actors. So, I always appreciate when I get the call.
Right now, even though I did go to an audition weekend before last, I’m on my previously announced break for the summer.
Perhaps that’s risky. Then again, perhaps it’s a dose of sanity.
Look, even with the self-imposed break I already know I have two potential projects for the fall. More will come.
Will they be the role of a lifetime? Probably not. But more will come.
Daily I watch the news for audition announcements. They’re coming. And I’ll be there.
In the meantime, I’m working on the writing. Sometimes I’m working on the writing about acting. Fair enough since, in my last major role, I was an actor playing a writer.
Along the way I’m working on how to make this creative operation full time. I’m not there yet.
Unlike Liam Neeson I’m not going to make enough on my next movie to not have to work the rest of the year.
Also unlike Liam Neeson, I suspect I don’t even have a next movie.
And, that’s okay.
Also on this day in 1776, Richard Henry Lee presented the “Lee Resolution” to the Continental Congress leading to the Declaration of Independence.
This fall Virginia Repertory Theatre will present 1776 where Richard Henry Lee will be portrayed by an, as yet, unnamed actor. Don’t even think it, I’m not right for the part.
Here’s a glimpse of what it will look like.
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