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TAKE 5:
Knowing How to Win
Leon Acord, Los Angeles
FROM BOTH SIDES NOW
Apr. 6-12, 2009
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Maybe it's because I'm a Gemini, but I enjoy producing almost as much as I enjoy acting. And it's been a busy month of preproduction on Carved in Stone, the show I'm co-producing and in which I'll play Quentin Crisp; pulling together a commercial for the Internet; sweet-talking potential investors; working on another staged reading; and auditioning for understudies and featured roles.
Speaking of auditions, every actor should spend time on the other side of that table. I've done it a few times, when either precast or producing, and I always learn so much. First of all, you see it's rarely about being "bad." We saw actors for three days, and every single one was talented, interesting, and unique, even if they weren't "right" for our needs. So remember, it's "selection," not "rejection."
You also realize CDs are your friends, not your enemies. They want you to be exactly what they're looking for. So if you have a chip on your shoulder, leave it in the lobby. Don't be defensive or hostile. Nobody wants to hire an angry actor. The CD is (almost always) on your side.
And you'll witness, firsthand, the bad habits many of us have, and you'll learn to avoid them. For instance, I'm always a bit shocked when someone apologizes for their work, especially before they've even begun. Leave the "judgments" to the auditors. After all, we actors are often our own worst critics. Chances are, you're better than you think.
Many actors, myself included, sometimes feel compelled to justify their choices, to impress by discussing the depths of their preparation and insight. Remember, "Show, don't tell" applies in the audition room, too. Don't explain how you work (unless they ask, of course). Just show them.
Making effective entrances and exits should be "basic training" for actors. Yet many actors seem desperate to stay in the room, to hang on to the moment for as long as possible, hoping for some glimmer of promise. Don't. Smile; say, "Thank you, very nice to meet you" shake hands; grab your stuff; and exit gracefully. One of the oldest (and wisest) axioms in show business is "Leave them wanting more."
With all this producing, I was happy to don my actor's cap for the March 15 staged reading of Carved in Stone at Theatre Asylum. The feedback was incredibly encouraging. We attracted some new investors, and one of our previous angels decided to double his pledge. I'm trying to remain objective, which isn't easy as folks tell you that your show is a sure-fire, can't-miss hit. There's still a lot of work to do and a lot of money to raise.
In other news: This month I auditioned for and was asked to join the Theatre Group at Edgemar Center for the Arts in Santa Monica. It's a great organization, full of enthusiastic, talented members and housed in one of the cleanest theatres I've ever seen. Their honorary board reads like a Who's Who of Hollywood. The best part: It's only 10 minutes from home.
Okay, time to work on callbacks.
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