Back in December, I heard about a new murder-mystery group that was starting up and needed actors. A friend recommended me to the organizers of the group, so I went to a meeting/audition/reading. They were pleased with my reading and asked me to be in the show. I was glad to say "Yes" because I have done several murder-mystery shows in the past and always had fun with them. Plus, I knew a couple of the others in the cast, and it looked like a nice group of people.
We rehearsed several times in January and had our first performance on January 28. It went over very well and I enjoyed myself quite a bit. I got along well with everyone in the company and was looking forward to the next time I could do the show.
Unfortunately, I had to miss the next show to leave town to visit my sick mother-in-law. I was assured that my role would be waiting for me when I got back. However, it never worked out for me to rejoin the production. There wasn't enough rehearsal time to work me back in; there was another cast replacement who would have had to "adjust" to having me back in the role instead of the person who took my place; or whatever. I can only assume that they really did want me back but circumstances prevented them from using me again. I hope that is the case, and that there wasn't something about me that made them decide to cut me from the group.
In the meanwhile, I read about auditions for a different company, Lone Star Murder Mysteries, which performs every weekend at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Hotel right here in Grapevine. I sent them a headshot and resume, and they contacted me to come to their audition in Fort Worth on March 4. Step 1 achieved: they called me in. The audition went very well. I used my experience from the previous murder-mysteries I had done and played everything big and broad, over the top, just as they were directing the other actors at the audition. Some of them seemed to have trouble doing that, while others were quite comfortable with that style. I also brought with me all of the scenes that they had e-mailed to the auditioners, which made it easier to volunteer to read the other roles when the other actors needed someone to read with. At the end of the audition, one of the producers told me I had done a good job and they wanted me to come to callbacks in two weeks. Step 2 achieved: I impressed them enough to get a callback.
The callbacks were yesterday. Once again, things went well. I can't say that I felt like I absolutely nailed everything they asked me to read, but I don't think I fell on my face either. I made them laugh once or twice, and I thought that was a good sign. The producers talked to all of us about the company, the various types of shows they do, their history, their production schedule, etc. It was presented as if those of us who were there were under strong consideration for being cast, if not in fact already in. They said that by this coming Wednesday they would contact everyone who came to the callbacks to let us know if they were going to use us or not; they don't do the "If you don't hear from us, you haven't been cast" bit, which I am glad of. I am hopeful that the call I get will be a positive one. I got a good feeling from the people at the auditions, both the producers and the other actors, and I think I would enjoy working with this group. Also, it is close to home, and they pay their actors $75 per show for the murder-mysteries, which would be nice to get for doing something that I love. This week I should find out if Step 3 is achieved: getting the job.
I feel good about my chances to land this gig, and if I do, I will put my best effort into it so I can get the most out of it. Lately I have felt like I could use something in my life to perk me up; give me an extra reason to look forward to getting up each day. Maybe this serve that purpose.
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