That Was Easy.

I got an audition for a non-union web series for a supporting role as a beach volleyball player. When I had submitted for it I had inquired about their SAG status, since there are so few beach volleyball roles acting roles available I was hoping to see if they were willing to make the change or were in the process of changing it. The notice came in on a Friday and I had the audition, YAY, and it was for Monday. Plenty of time to prep. The sides never came. Not the first time I have had to cold read for a role but I was starting to wonder about this audition and how serious it would be. The second red flag for me was its location in the New York Film Academy. My last audition experience there resulted in the casting director never showing up and me waiting in a room for over an hour. When I arrive there is no parking since it is by WB studios. All the surrounding street parking in the neighborhoods was by permit only. I finally found some further down the street and walked two blocks in 100 degree weather, at least I was in workout clothes. The third flag came when the guard did not have my name for an audition. He let me in anyway and had me sign myself in. After I exit the elevator there are 5 people waiting in front of me and it seems to be going very slowly. No one is checking anyone in and there are no sides. I get my headshot out and start submitting myself for other projects on my phone. After 45 slow minutes pass the producers come by and shake everyone hands and introduce themselves, then they head into the room. A casting person heads out to find out who came in first and got a rough order. More waiting ensues. 

I am finally called in and they apologize for the delay and say that this will be 2-3 minutes since they have so many people waiting behind me. They offer me a seat, I take it. There is no camera in the room, and still no sides to read. The producers inform me the series has netflix and hulu interest and that my role is supporting and recurring. Slightly puzzled about the whole thing I answer the initial questions they asked me.  Then I elaborate on my beach volleyball career a bit nonchalantly, since my beach experience isn't new to me. The person casting had actually heard of the AVP beach tour(which is very rare!) and was impressed with my beach resume(also rare!). They said I booked the role and smiled. This stunned me a bit since it was more like an interview then an audition. I asked if it was a SAG show(since when I had submitted it was non-union), I was informed it was with smiles and the casting director circled the medium sized SAG logo I had placed on my resume. Finally I was asked if I was available on the 26th for filming. I told them I was, and just like that I booked a supporting role in a web series pilot. 

To be honest I was still skeptical about it, so on Friday last week I emailed them to confirm that it was really happening and that I was booked. Their response email was YES! I was booked! My inbox now has a lovely call sheet for the pilot. My thoughts, that was surprisingly easy.

Sometimes you find the greatest opportunities in the most unconventional ways.

Keep Shining Bright

xo

Lauren