Pam’s Musings: Is There Acting After Anchoring?

March 1, 2012 No Comments

 

Acting is not about being someone different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there. ~ Meryl Streep

 

 

 

While working to find a full time job, I am making moves to find an answer to that question:  Is there acting after anchoring?

 

This week, I drove to Wilmington to audition for a role in a new movie.  A casting agent was there, to video a room full of hopefuls.

 

I am working with the same talent agent who got quite a few bookings for my daughter Ashley Marie many years ago.

 

My thinking was, that it couldn’t be much different than the work I’ve done over the yeas in the television news business.  I mean, I have been the talent in various and sundry public service announcements, and feature news segments.  I’m quite good at memorizing lines.

 

So, the work for this movie role seemed simple enough.  I would play the role of a hospice nurse.  I had just one line to deliver to the camera:  “Not so fast.  I got hot chocolate.  It’s in the kitchen.”  Easy Peasy.

 

Not!

 

I walked in the office.  I ditched the anchor wardrobe for a simple skirt and sweater. There were several other black women in the room waiting for their close-ups.  Heck one even came in dressed as a nurse!

 

I had practiced those 11 words over and over.   I picked certain words to emphasize, and I played with pauses.  I practiced in front of the mirror. I played with my tone and volume.  I figured something along those lines would prove to be winning.

 

The woman who was running things allowed me three takes.  That was it.  She thanked me, took my headshots and resume, and  then showed me the door.

 

2 hours of driving to the coast, less than five minutes in the audition room.

 

That is show bizz.

 

There’s been no call back.  I’m thinking the actress who auditioned donning nursing apparel was the chosen one.  I’ve gotten my feet wet now.  I know the drill, When my agent calls again, I will not hesitate.  I’ll tell her, I’m all in!

 

Stop explaining yourself. Shut up and act! ~ Craig MacDonald

 

 

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