Like Falling Off a Bike

There was a minute — one full, sixty-second interval –when I had that fish out of water "what the heck am I doing here?!?" feeling. I filled out the "Noises Off" audition application with my name and address….and nothing else. It asked for us to list the last three productions we’d been in, and in what capacity. What WAS the last play we did in High School? The Diviners? No…it was something else, I’m sure of it, but  I wasn’t about to ask Patrick and have the rest of them laugh at me. So under Previous Experience I wrote on the top line in big letters: "NOT FOR A REEEEEEALLY LONG TIME."

For other 149 minutes of the audition, I was strangely at ease. Maybe because it was Patrick directing, so I didn’t feel like I was being judged. Maybe because it was community theatre and not Carnegie Hall. But I’ve shaken like a leaf in front of friends and high school audiences in the past. Maybe it’s because I’ve been rejected by so many magazines I don’t feel threatened anymore. Maybe it’s because I’ve done massive amounts of public speaking in the past few years and I no longer have any fear of addressing an audience of 20…or 200. (Did you see that the "Hour With Sherrilyn Kenyon" at Dragon*Con is being held in one of the Centennial Ballrooms? Holy CRAP! I’ve made it to Main Programming!!)

I SUSPECT I spent the evening in a happy Zen place because if any of my friends had said, "Hey, Lee, wanna come over tonight and read a bunch of scenes in over-the-top British accents?" My answer would have been an emphatic "Hell, yes! I’ll bring the Red Rose tea."

I had SO MUCH FUN. Possibly way too much fun, if that’s possible. Patrick had said he wanted over the top…so that’s exactly what he got. Most of the time, I didn’t even feel like i was auditioning. I introduced myself to the actors both on and off the stage — I felt like I was there to keep everyone happy and excited, and to read a few scenes as a favor for a friend.

I made it to the second round — call backs are tonight at 7pm. I brought make-up and different shoes with me to work and I have no idea what the heck I’m going to eat for dinner…which probably means either nothing or this handful of dark chocolate-covered espresso beans I happen to have here in my bag. I’m fine either way. I can’t wait!!

Oh — and people have asked me if I have my eye on any particular part. Are you kidding? Of course not! Once Upon a Time I stole the entire Duchess scene in Alice in Wonderland as the Cook with one line ("Pepper!"). There are no small parts, only silly people.

A special thanks to all my blog-reading peeps, my Facebook friends, and the Twitterverse for the constant stream of good wishes and support. This is so much easier to do with you guys behind me. I have the best friends ever. xox