I just got hellabusy, so I know that if I wait until I have the time and focus to write all about my audition I’ll never do it, so I’ll just hit some of the highlights, because I think there are 10 readers scattered across the ‘net who really want to know:
- I haven’t gotten any feedback, so I don’t know what they thought. Usually, if they like what I did, I get a call the same day, or (at the latest,) the next working day. It’s been two days, and I haven’t heard anything, so I am pretty sure they didn’t like what I did, or found someone else who they like more.
- The character description was “uptight conservative,” but the script seemed to contradict that. My take on this guy is that he was just a tool. He was trying really hard to be cool, and overcompensated like crazy. He calls everyone “dude,” “bro” and “hombre,” and gets really excited to put on his Creed CD . . . which I thought was extremely funny. I played him very big. Maybe a little TOO big. Normally, if they are interested in me, I’ll get a little direction if I go too big or not big enough, but I didn’t get any of that. Which means I was right-on, or I was so far off it wasn’t worth their time.
- I had a really good time. Everyone in the room was actually quite nice, except for the guy who was really put out that I didn’t bring in a resume (I thought they already had one,) and they all laughed very hard at all my ad-libs. There’s a difference between “laugh track” laughter, and genuine “oh wow! I wasn’t expecting that and it amused me” laughter, and I felt like there was much more of the latter than the former.
- I got to see my friend Maureen there. Seeing people I like when I’m on auditions is always a good time.
- Unless I am totally off, I made a good impression on the casting people, which means they’ll consider me again for other roles.
Sorry that it’s not the cool narrative style I wanted to use for the report, but I gotta work on Just A Geek so I can turn it in by the end of the month.
It rules the MOST that so many people shared encouragement and stuff, and I wish I had something more definitive to report . . . but this not-knowing is a BIG part of being an actor, so you get to share that with me instead. I’ll post more details when I have them. 🙂
Good luck on the audition. (Check to make sure the dog didn’t knock the phone off the hook 🙂
Bill in Bethlehem, PA
I don’t know if I speak for everyone, but I don’t care that this one is a highlight list. I’d rather you work harder on JAG. I can’t wait to get my paws on a copy!! It sounds like the audition went well as far as auditions go. Thanks for keeping us involved!
“10”??!!! What are ya nuckin futs? We are all rooting for ya Wil..only wishing you the best. Whatever you do – you give 110% and THATS what matters. Much mojo dude.
Sharfa
Hey Wil,
I wish I could comment something a little more upbeat like the many hundred posters that have already left you some very uplifting responses.
I feel for you when it comes to auditions, it’s a drag waiting around to find out if someone, who probably shouldn’t be in charge of a large production, has for a few minutes a yes-no vote on your working life. It blows. Roy-al.
I wouldn’t underestimate your readership though to be frank. There are only a very few people in your bracket – celebs – that have active websites. You know who they are, so there’s not much need to name them. But I’ve noticed that you pretty much dogged ~ almost ~ every casting session you’ve gone through lately and had few nice things to say about the people on the other side of the table, except one man. Don’t underestimate your readership – you may be scripting a predetermined response. And if someone does their Homework on you ahead of time, your unflattering remarks could shape your course due to their childish egos.
I will grant you though, and I am aware first hand that the folks that somehow become in charge of shows and movies wouldn’t know a good thing if they saw on, hence the reason why there’s so much crap out there.
You’re talented and wise – and to quote Bono:
“Don’t let the B*st*rds bring you down.”
Wil, you fascinate me. I really appreciate the humor and candor with which you share details of your life with us.
I will be thinking good thoughts for you.
Still keeping my fingers crossed out here in Las Vegas Wil…….sending the good luck mojo your way!
Looks like more than 10 to me, but hey I was never a Math genius so I could be wrong. 😉
Anyway I look forward to good news either in the form or JAG news or I got the part news.
Nice piece of continuity Wil, you running into Maureen again. Wasn’t she also in that ‘necronomic^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^Hbook of the dead’ movie with Chef? You’ll always have won that at the audition, a spontaneous meeting with a friend.
Let me be the 49,999th monkey to express my hope that you’ll still get this part. (By now you should know that anytime you express anything resembling ‘nobody likes me’ a violent group hug follows.)
Hi Wil,
Remember, when you enter an audition, chest out, smile, lots of eye contact and you’ll own the room.
I have a brother-in-law and his wife both in the acting biz. They say that auditioning is really their job, with brief vacations from that when they do get parts. Thankfully, they both have been quite busy – he (Kevin Earley) just got a long-running gig on Broadway in ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’, and she (Julie Ann Emery) has a lead part in ‘Line of Fire’ on TV. Now just waiting to see if it gets picked up for another season.
Your writing shows a good person doing the best they can with what they have; the kind of person that everyone wants to be, or at least knows exist. It makes those of us also trying to be that feel not quite so alone in our struggle.
You (and the Barenaked Ladies) would be people I’d love to have as actual friends.
I always carry a resume with me when I go for an interview — I never know when I might run into someone even more disorganized than me!
Heck, you could’ve just told them to turn on Spike TV any weeknight. 😉
Anyway, I’d cross my fingers but it would make it hard to type and I’ve got a major project going…so will toes count? (You could’ve told them there were 50,000+ monkeys who would never watch their stupid show if they didn’t cast you!)
Now get back to work…as should I…
Did I just hallucinate or did you get advice from one of the Fab Five?
And to Jai…I hope they find out just what in the hell you’re supposed to be doing on that show. Show ticket buying, CD shopping, eye-contact guru…that’s culture? Oh well. I heart you anyway.
Thanks for the updates…guess there’s more than 10 of us with enquiring minds who wanted to know, eh? I’ve had my fair share of waiting to hear back about auditions, so I feel your pain (luckily, my most recent one I heard back the next day–it’s just community theatre, but still). Fingers are crossed.
Even as I
I can tell from reading this web page, there is definitely more than 10 people out here who celebrate you in your successes. For me, I find it very refreshing that an actor like yourself (who has been quite successful) still finds time to include all his fans in whats going on. I’ve gone from occasionally perusing your webpage to constantly checking up. Thank you for the window into your realm. You’re very much appreciated.
Count me among WWDN’s active readers!!
You know I have to thank you once again for being like the coolest celebrity I know er well not know persay but you know what I mean. 🙂 I love the fact that I can come on here and read how you feel and what is going on in your life. Its fun and interesting. It makes me feel better about myself. It reminds me that we all have the same feelings and are just trying to get our lives together.
Also I am glad that you still try to audition for parts. I honestly think you are a good actor. I have seen a few things you have been in. Its been interesting these past months to read about you as a person and to see the changes you have gone through. Okay enough rambling on my part.
Have a nice day and always a nice life.
I am touched by how you pour your heart out for all to see. You know people care about you.
I thought an agent normally submits a b&w with resume… then again maybe I’m rusty on protocol. I’ve not acted since I was 5 or something like that. And never bothered to ask my friend locally who does costume/set/makeup what all they ask her for… I think IATSU handles all that. Eh wonder if you ever met her? Probably not unless you ever work in BC, Canada.
Anyways glad to hear how well the adlib went and such. Hope the rest of it goes well. Last thing I saw of you on tv was the Outer Limits episode where you were going to nuke an alien lizard type species.(you nuked earth instead)
Btw man you look younger than you are don’t you? 🙂 Oh and I saw part of the photo blog thing. With the truck with Wheaton on it. Down the road from me is a car dealership “Barnes Wheaton Pontiac Buick GMC” aka Wheaton Auto Group
I’m an LTWFTW, finally breaking out of lurker mode to wish you the best of luck!
Your ten is increasing. I haven’t read “Barefoot” yet but will pick it up when it hits the stores.
Hey good luck with those auditions, I too believe you are an excellent actor with a lot more to give.
Cool article!!!