Alecia Batson: Professional Auditionee

Win Some, Lose Some More

I received a phone call last week.

“Hey! How are you? Are you available to work on [insert name of major network TV show here]?”, the voice inquired.

My heart leapt. ”Yes”, I responded happily. ”I can be available!”

“Oh, that’s great. We’ll need to you do stand-in and it’s perfect because you look just like her. We’re only waiting on her height.”

“Oh…alright”, I answered as normally as possible, my heart sinking. I knew exactly what was going on.

“We’ll call you later with the details.” Click.

Flashback to the previous week…

I’m nervous. I’ve slept as much as possible. I’m memorized, have an outfit packed neatly in an unassuming bag, a headshot in hand and I’m prepared to ride a bus. I’m on my way to audition for a guest-star role on [insert name of major network TV show here]. My mental checklist has been reviewed to the point of tatters and I’m certain I’ve got everything I need.

Once in the audition room, I forget the review of the other candidates waiting in the hallway and focus on my character choices and hope my wardrobe change is enough to imply the character but not beat the casting director and guests over the head with obviousness. Overall, my experience is good. I read four times with direction provided between each take. A few questions are asked and I answer all truthfully, knowing that some of my responses may not be the ones they want to hear. Specifically, I don’t play certain sports. Will it affect my chances? I don’t know…

Return to the phone call…

After the hang-up, I knew exactly what had happened. I hadn’t gotten the role. But clearly, someone looking like me had. And the casting associate thought I was being handed a great opportunity to work stand-in. Would I take it?

Fast-forward to two hours later…

“Hello?”

“Hey. I wanted to let you know she’s five-eight. So…” The voice trails off.

A pregnant pause.

“So does that mean you won’t be needing me?”, I ask gingerly.

“Yeah. Sorry.”

“That’s alright”, I comment, knowing I’ve now lost two jobs; one due potentially to sports (or some other reason) and the other due to height (or lack of it).

Lately, I am continually reassuring myself that everything happens for a reason. Am I right?

The Proxy Advantage

I’ve recently been employed as a stand-in on the set of a new ABC drama, Body of Proof. If one is offered the opportunity of stand-in work, I highly recommend accepting it. True, on-camera time is not a benefit, but there are so many other rewards that come as a result.

Working as part of “team 2″ enables one to have a wonderfully in-depth on-set experience, learning the various rhythms that make filming so exciting and preparing one for the day that principal work is on schedule. Unlike film sets, television sets are fast-paced, allowing for approximately one episode a week … Continue reading »

When Choice Reigns

An unusual situation presented itself to me today. But first, a little background:

Earlier this week a casting director asked to submit my materials to the director of a TV series for consideration for work. I indicated this would be fine with me. Why pass up an opportunity for a director to look at materials?, I thought. A couple of days later this same CD asked if I was interested in doing some background work on a feature film. Since the Industry is in a dip of slowness in parallel with the current economy, I consented to availability for work on the feature film, not realizing both the film … Continue reading »

Happenstance Perusal

From time to time I get to do print work. The last opportunity was with the Massachusetts Lottery’s Billion Dollar Bonanza campaign. Yesterday, though, I came across myself unexpectedly. A few years ago I was hired to do some stock photography for Hewlett-Packard but never saw the final results. Have you found me in this image? I’m the happy technician pictured–wearing next to no make-up. To achieve a “natural” appearance for us “technicians” (which is how technicians appear, I guess), we all received a dusting of powder and that was … Continue reading »

I Spy

Someone sent me this image today saying, “I see you have decided to become a spy.” Well, I may not actually be a spy at the moment, but I see no reason why I should not play a spy! I think I’d make a great Anna Chapman, don’t you? Surely there will be a MFTM (made-for-tv-movie) by the end of the year. I wonder who should be the target of my audition … Continue reading »

A Panacea for the Blahs

I find when I’ve been experiencing the IBs (the Industry Blahs), those times when I question if I’m on the right life path, there exists a simple remedy in proactivity.

As a professional performing artist, I’ve learned it’s in my best interest to always keep in touch with important contacts, offering summaries of what work I’ve completed recently and in doing so, the review of my successes reminds me that I’m moving in the right direction. So today, to temper my self-questioning nature, I’ve been quite productive, dashing off postcards, … Continue reading »

My name isn’t Frank

Last year I had the good fortune to work on a great commercial shoot, but never saw the commercial. It had been rumored that the spot would air only in a test market and, if successful, it would air in other markets. Well, I guess it has been successful! I saw it this evening out of the corner of my eye. It stars my friend Walter Mudu who makes for a great wedding planner. As for me, I’m the assistant carrying the flowers in the background. Though it’s not glamorous, recognizable screen time, it is work and I am grateful for it. As an aside, I would like to point out that my name … Continue reading »