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Actor, Audition, BUFFALO CASTING, Crossfit, dallas, DallasTalent, gail washington, God, Lois Lane, Netflix, Paul Weber, Performing Arts, Professional, Script
When I was young, I used to be a tomboy. I loved climbing trees, running through the streets with friends (normally screaming at the top of our lungs) and I once even allowed my brother Keith to talk me into being his Lois Lane – which ended with us attempting to jump out of the second floor window of our home in Indiana. Thankfully our mom was close by and stopped that potential trip to the emergency room. God protects babies and fools. That day we were both.
As I grew and matured I was still defiant about my looks and style. NOBODY was going to tell me how to dress, wear my hair or conduct myself. I was an independent woman and could make those decisions on my own!! Well, that is a nutty thought process for anyone wanting to be an actor. I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But, unless you become a one person show, you are a canvas for others to create on.
If acting is truly what you want to do you must reconcile the fact that your job is to be someone or something else. Meaning, if you have a commercial audition for a corporate spot you need to show up looking like you work in a corporate environment. Yes, yes. I know! Your tattoos and piercings are a unique expression of who you are as an individual (you and several thousand others) and you are not going to limit yourself to what the status quo wants you to be.
Well Chippy, for the few moments of that audition and if you book that gig you will be exactly what that producer, director and/or agency needs you to be to sell the product or character. This is because it is not the status quo who will be writing that check to help you keep your lights on. Also, you get fair warning (a breakdown/script) of the requirements prior to the audition for that gig.
My defiance did not end in my teens. Nope. I’m no quitter. I had a birthday this past July 23rd (way past the year 18) and I’m still ignoring other people’s opinions of my physical appearence. And I will continue to . . . with one minor adjustment.
I have a physical condition called Hypothyroidism. For years my weight has fluctuated (256lbs at its highest). I am on the correct meds and finally, last year, found a diet and workout plan that actually took the weight off (if you saw the Curves commercial). YAY! I was so excited to have lost those few pounds I celebrated with an insane amount of the wrong carbs and maybe liquor. Regardless, the combination was just wrong! Then I went back to sitting on the couch, enjoying my Netflix subscription and waiting for my agent to call me for auditions.
After attending an amazing workshop at Buffalo Casting in Dallas with Tisha Blood and Paul Weber I finally saw the light. That light, along with a picture they had posted on their website showing me deliver an astonishing bit of copy (with my ass flowing over the chair) catapulted me back to the gym.
During that seminar Paul was very clear that “talent” is what an actor needs to present the character and craft in a believable, respectful and professional manner. He was also very clear that LOOKS MATTER. But we knew that, right? As an actor you cannot be overly sensitive about losing gigs because you are insanely talented but do not fit the physical image the writer or director had for that character. No. It’s not fair. No. It shouldn’t be that way. But . . . until you start writing, directing and/or producing – it will be as it is.
So, with that said, I have chosen to surpress my inner tomboy (unless the script calls for an over-aged tomboy). I also hit the gym 5 days a week and am having a serious love/hate relationship with Crossfit (Burpee’s are evil!!) I will not allow excuses or ego to cloud my vision as I pursue my passion.
I can’t prove I lost gigs due to my weight. But, the non-verbal reactions I recall getting during past auditions (when I walked into the room and after I delivered copy) were too blatant to dismiss. I recall comments from a wonderful director many years ago who said, “Gail, you are very talented. But this is a food commercial. No one wants to give the impression that their food will make people fat.” My feelings were hurt. But I often wonder if I had paid attention to that statement in 1995 if I would be playing the mom in the peanut butter commercial today.
By knowing the brands I promote and what they want to reflect I can be more confident during my auditions and in my delivery without taking offense when I’m not chosen. If I take Gail into the room and forget that she is just the vessel, I am setting myself up for failure and rejection. I’m there to showcase the product – not me.
Last note – Take care of you! You are your product. You are your bread and butter. Regardless of what career you chose – good health (mind, body, spirit) is something to always strive for. Continue to be your unique self. But add a healthy diet, exercise, quiet time and some fun into the equation. Read your script, familiarize yourself with the client, and your character and book those roles!
Break a Leg