Persistence
is the key to a successful acting career
but be aware that over persistence can
be a negative thing. Remember, too many
cooks spoil the broth. The short script
below is a tongue-in-cheek look at what
happened to Steve when he tried that
little bit too hard. Enjoy.
Wannabe: My name is Steve. I want to be
a
TV extra in Eastenders
Friend: Sounds exciting. Simply Write to
the BBC for an application form for an
acting audition for a role
Wannabe: Errrm…. They don’t actually
issue forms for walk-on parts to members
of the general public.
Friend: Okay then, why not just ask when
and where the next acting auditions are
being held?
Wannabe; Errrm…… They don’t normally
hold open acting auditions. Auditions
for Eastenders are strictly by
invitation only. They normally cast from
agents who they regularly work with so
they know they are getting competent and
experienced actors.
Friend: Okay, why not request a list of
Agents they regularly work with and join
one?
Wannabe: Errrm…..Not really possible as
they also sometimes recruit from drama
schools.
Friend: Look, I'm beginning to lose the
will to live here! Go and get a list of
drama schools they work with and join a
damn drama school! Another pint?
Wannabe: Errm…. There is no actual list.
It all depends. If you’re an amateur you
need to be aware that all BBC actors
need to be trained. I read that Frankie
Fitzgerald (Ashley Cotton) said he just
sent in some photos to the BBC and
received a phone call many months later
out of the blue asking him to attend an
acting audition and he got the role!
Friend: Look, I have a really great
idea. Send a letter to the BBC saying
you grew up in London's notorious East
End and that you feel that you would
make great Eastenders villain because
you have a long history of violent
convictions. Tell them you can say the
word “bruv” in a whispering menacing
voice and that you do not work because
you have a mysterious illegal “gangster
type “income". Oh, and ask the producers
if any of them has a racehorse that
sleeps in their bed….. failing that,
apply to Coronation Street instead or go
busking.
2 weeks later ... and back in the pub
...
Friend: How did you get on?
Wannabe: YES! It worked. They kept
throwing me out of the studios but I
followed the producer into the toilets
and kept persevering and asking for a
role, a walk on part, anything in true
cubicle to cubicle style :-)
Friend: Hmmm not a good image in my head
but its always good to try. What did he
say?
Wannabe: Well it paid off!! In view of
my persistence he has referred me to the
Rumpachump Film Company who have now
offered me an audition!!! The character
I am auditioning for is a drunken
disillusioned Millwall supporter. As
part of my audition process, I am to get
drunk this weekend and wander through
Manchester town centre on Saturday
night, drop my trousers, bend over and
sing loudly “Liverpool are the greatest.
Liverpool are the best” for 2 hours. I
am assured cameras will be recording my
audition. This could be a life changing
experience. Boy, am I excited! Will let
you know how it goes!
Editors note: 3 weeks have now past. I
have been informed that wannabe Steve is
now working in the sex trade in Moss
side, Manchester, and has changed his
name to Gloria. He no longer wishes to
be in Eastenders.
PS. 75 men, 17 women, 2 police officers,
3 dogs and a racehorse (huh!) have been
charged
with GBH and assault following an
incident in Manchester town centre.
So what is the moral of this story? This
is a fiercely competitive industry! To
be successful in acting auditions and
casting calls for good parts, you will
need to be persistent and to keep
knocking on doors, just don't overdo it
or you could end up getting shafted! Use
smart choices such as applying only for
parts that are suited to you and your
abilities and preparing beforehand so
that a producer will shortlist you above
the competition. Winners never quit,
quitters never win. Keep at it!
