Preface: When I turned 30 I decided
that I would say “yes” more. I would take more risks, do things
that scared me, and live outside of my comfort zone. I truly believe
that if an opportunity falls in your lap and you don't take it that
you're doing yourself a disservice. Chance is fun. Surprise wakes you
up. Saying yes opens doors. There is nothing more invigorating than
the unexpected. Now, carry on.
Ok. So I spent a good portion of
yesterday wrapped up in what may very well be the weirdest thing I've
yet to experience. It all started on Tuesday when I got an email from
a customer regarding a casting call. The casting group was looking
for Massachusetts shop keepers for a tourism commercial and she
instantly thought of Troubadour. The casting call was vague and I
have absolutely no experience in this area, but I figured “what the
hay” and sent in some photos and the required information. If
anything came of it, it would probably be good for the shop. I
thought about my appearance on Chronicle last year, couldn't be much
different, right? Ten minutes later, my cell rings. I was given an
appointment for the next day, which was yesterday.
I hung up from the call and had that
instant “how do I get myself into these situations” response,
made arrangements for my son for the next day (because I figured a 5
year old probably wasn't supposed to tag along,) and laughed about
the randomness while pulling together my clothes for the interview,
particularly looking for a shirt that wasn't Doctor Who oriented. I
mean, I own some, but they aren't heavy in the rotation these days.
Flash forward to the casting call the
next day. Mind you, I wasn't nervous. This seems to surprise people.
My anxieties mostly apply to things that I have no control over. Ya
know, like pop'n fresh biscuit tubes and the imminent death of my
favorite fictional characters. I was, however, awkward. There really
is no other way for me to be. When I arrived at the casting place I
was asked if I brought a head-shot and resume. I laughed and said “I
have this 4x6 that I just picked up at Walmart.” She smiled and
gave me an information sheet to fill out.
There was a long crowded hallway where
we all waited. On the far end of the hall there was a group of guys
running lines for another audition that was going on at the same
time. It kept me entertained while I waited. There was a steady
stream of people in and out of the place. The regulars exchanged
banter and namedropping. It was people watching at it's finest. My
appointment time came and went. No one seemed surprised by this, so I
went with the flow. I was told by one of the assistants that I'll be
in the next group. It's at this point that it dawns on me that I'm
going in with all of these actual actors and auditioning. Yeah, I
have a hard time with the obvious.
My group got called in. There were
chairs for us to sit in, a very nice lady sitting on a stool holding
a clip board, and a camera guy.... with a camera. Thankfully, the
nice lady on the stool who was calling the shots sensed that this was
my first time doing anything like this (how she could see through my
amazingly cool facade, we'll never know) and she had me go last. She
asked me about the shop and I answered. It was that simple. She
thanked me for coming and I said it had been a fun experience and I
walked out. I had a good laugh to myself in the parking lot as I
walked to my car.
I'm not expecting a call-back just
based on the unreal amount of us who auditioned, but I'm so glad that
I went and took part. If anything, it was another chance to talk
about the shop and my passion for the handmade movement. I do,
however, think the shop and the town of West Brookfield would be a
great filming location so if you're a movie mogul get in touch.
Have your people call my people.
