Improvising On Television

      Well, here I go again, on the precipice of a whole other adventure. This one started approximately 3 weeks ago. At that time, a friend of mine sent me a link on Facebook to become an actor on a court television show. I thought it was interesting that she thought of me. I wasn’t sure why I came to mind, but it was nice to be thought of. I told her that it sounded like fun, she even said that she’d go with me. I thought it’d be hilarious. I didn’t follow up though. However, I kept thinking about it. I was on the verge of trying to look up her post. But sometimes I think about looking things up, then when I’m sitting in front of the computer, I can’t remember what I was going to look up. So, on Tuesday, the link came onto my feed. Not sent by anyone, just somewhat random. Sorry if it’s naïve of me, but I took it as a sign. What could it hurt? I might have fun. So I signed up, and got a Zoom audition for 3 pm on Wednesday. The audition was a little weird. There were quite a few people auditioning. I’m not even sure how many people there were, I couldn’t see everybody. I got to see a few people go first. The casting director just asked our name, where we’re from, what we do, those kinds of things. He asked some people about their hobbies and background, but it was all very informal. There were a couple of people who once they gave their answers, the producer would come on and say: “Okay I’ll call you in a couple of minutes.” Most people were just told: “We might have something for you, check your email.” When it got to my turn, after about 10 people, I barely got my name out, and where I’m from, when they asked if I’d have a problem getting to LA. I told them “No,” and the producer came on and said that she’d call me in 10.

     I never even got to tell them about my experience. There was no acting involved. It seemed so odd that whatever they’re looking for, they are able to tell right away. It’s an improv role, no real script, we’re just given a scenario, and are supposed to fill in the gaps. It sounds exciting! But it also seems weird that they’d hire someone to improv on screen, and not have any idea if they’re actually able to do so. I guess they might feel I must be serious if I’m willing to drive 2 hours for this gig. And that’s another little thing. Well, maybe not that little. It’s in LA! I have to be in LA by 8 am tomorrow! I’m guaranteed $100, but could get as much as $140, depending on how long filming takes. That’s barely going to pay for my gas. A minimum of 4 hours in the car, waking up at 4 am, for about $50. I guess there’s no need to say that I’m not really doing it for the money. I know that spending $50 to make $50 is not a good business decision. I’m doing it for the experience. I’m going to get to be on TV! It’s pretty exciting. Improvising on national television! I know it’s not SNL, but it’s something, and I’m happy to give it a try. It’s a little out of my comfort zone, so I am appreciating the challenge. I wish I had more than a couple of hours to think about my character. They just emailed me the general profile, and told me I have to fill in all of the character’s backstory incase the Judge asks me about the character’s life. Whoa! I got that information right before I started doing this. But I decided I still needed to get this done. Halfway through the year, and I haven’t missed yet! Plus, I have band practice tonight, so I won’t get time this evening to come up with the necessary information. I’m really in a crunch here, hoping for a miracle.

     I’ve always thought I could do something like this, and now I’m going to find out if I was right. Love it! Although now that the reality is hitting me, I’ve got a bit of work to do, and not much time to do it. Oh well, this is what’s happening. 2 hours in the car should give me some time. However, I do like focusing on the road while I’m driving, so we’ll see how that goes. I can’t believe I said yes. This all seems to be happening so fast. I kind of got caught up in the whole thing, it was so exciting. They said it could lead to more gigs, but I don’t want to keep going to LA for a couple of bucks. If I started getting real money, that may be different, but like I said, I’m doing this just for the experience. I’ve wanted to be on TV for a long time, and now it’s finally going to happen! Tomorrow! Last year I finally got to perform a comedy set at a comedy club, now a TV show. Things getting checked off the list! I’m buzzing! If you can’t tell. Filming a TV show tomorrow, then the Calvins have a day-time gig on Saturday. Busy busy. Oh well, I’d rather be busy than bored. And it leaves me thinking about 2 things: 1) I find it interesting that at around the time I’ve tried to decide to be a “Go for it person,” I get something to go for. I’m not sure that it matters what you’re actually “Going for,” I think the Universe just needs to know that you will indeed “Go for it.” The timing, and the feeling I got from this whole thing is indescribable. I know it’s not a major role, or show, but it’s something, and I’m doing it. 2) I wanted to be an EMT, I became an EMT, and then didn’t care for it. I’m not sure if that counts as a negative thought or not.