There's nothing like a convergence of passions to bring on a serious bout of naval gazing...
I got a call from a friend who's casting an independent film to be shot in Guthrie in several weeks. He explained the project involves a collaboration of Hollywood folks, recognizable names and associations (however only one association stuck in my memory which was CSI mainly because of Mr. Wheaton's recent gig). There are 3 roles he had in mind for me - teeny roles, featured extras, but, if I am cast in one of them, would pay $466 (scale) for a day's work and make me eligible to get my SAG card (I'm not so impressed with getting my SAG card as I am about the $466 - a pittance in the grand scope of things, but great fodder for the bankroll).
I asked when the shoot was happening and he said they were scheduled to begin around May 30th. And here's where something interesting happened. Normally when an acting opportunity I want to pursue pops up, I scan my mental calendar for conflicts and, if there are any, I immediately begin devising the plan for clearing the conflict(s) so I'm free to do the gig. This time however, I scanned my mental calendar and knew immediately that there was no way I was going to clear the (potential) conflict which popped up - nor did I want to. I knew immediately that, if I were to be cast and, if the day of my shoot fell on or between June 2 - June 5, I'd have to beg off. And I was OK with that.
I was ok with that. I had to let that soak in. I didn't experience any of the agonizing "Damn, I can't do it because..." machinations which would otherwise occur when faced with similar dilemmas in the past. I matter-of-factly explained that I had a potential conflict (compounded by my 8-5 job - but that's it's own separate annoyance). My friend said that if I was cast and it became a problem and I had to bail, they'd just cast somebody else, no big deal. So, I said ok and set an appointment for next week. When I got off the phone, I had to think about that for a moment or two.
What if I'd been cast in a role first and then the Aladdin Classic scheduled, conflicting with the shoot time? Would I abandon my commitment then? No, I concluded, I wouldn't - but I believe I would experience a healthy dose of "Damn, I can't do it because..." So it's now confirmed. Playing cards is a passion equal to (at least) and perhaps greater than (for the moment) to my passion for acting. Where does that leave the 8-5? A distant and annoying third but, that's a problem left to contemplate another day.
An aside to this is this timely post from Mr. Wheaton, in addition to his other posts regarding auditioning. The sides were e-mailed to me and I will be taking a page out of his book and preparing to present my best possible audition. To the best of my knowledge, Wil has never visited this humble blog, but if someone were to think of it when next they visit with him, please pass on my thanks - I've gained some very helpful tips from reading about his experiences.
