Okay here's the sitch. So My director at my college called the other day to encourage me to audition for our upcoming production of "the government inspector" because he has a few roles in mind for me. Good right? Well heres my dilema. from what he was telling me he has me in mind for Marya the mayors daughter who is a love interest for the man presumed to be the inspector. Now its obviously not for sure yet so maybe I won't even have to worry about it but from the grapevine our directors has pretty much promised the role of the "inspector" to this guy . The problem is I sort of had a thing with him. It wasnt huge or long running or anything like that but It ended badly and I really regreted it because long story short he made me compromise some of my values and I feel very timid around him now. I know actors have to deal with this sort of thing a lot but I just don't know how to do it. If we both get the characters I'm thinking we will, how do I manage my feelings, and stay true to the part. It was kind of a really public thing that happened, at least in terms of the theater department. How do I just overcome my feelings and do what i love? Part of me wants to request a small part to make sure that this doesn't happen, but I know it's not mature to let that hold me back as an actress. Others have done it, but how do I?
"I think I've still got a bit of a sado-masochistic streak in me, because if I'm not going to be restricted by corsets and covered in lace, then I still wind up wearing an ape-mask over my face. I do wonder how I get myself in these situations! "-Helena Bonham Carter
Posts: 62 | Location: Washington | Registered: June 18, 2007
Originally posted by Snuffleupagus: Okay here's the sitch. So My director at my college called the other day to encourage me to audition for our upcoming production of "the government inspector" because he has a few roles in mind for me. Good right? Well heres my dilema. from what he was telling me he has me in mind for Marya the mayors daughter who is a love interest for the man presumed to be the inspector. Now its obviously not for sure yet so maybe I won't even have to worry about it but from the grapevine our directors has pretty much promised the role of the "inspector" to this guy . The problem is I sort of had a thing with him. It wasnt huge or long running or anything like that but It ended badly and I really regreted it because long story short he made me compromise some of my values and I feel very timid around him now. I know actors have to deal with this sort of thing a lot but I just don't know how to do it. If we both get the characters I'm thinking we will, how do I manage my feelings, and stay true to the part. It was kind of a really public thing that happened, at least in terms of the theater department. How do I just overcome my feelings and do what i love? Part of me wants to request a small part to make sure that this doesn't happen, but I know it's not mature to let that hold me back as an actress. Others have done it, but how do I?
Maybe the guy could meet with an unexpected "accident"... hehehehe. Not I am messing around. Seriously, you need to weigh it up. Are you going to get what you want out of doing this show, enough to make it worth your discomfort? I mean, on one hand maybe it's not worth it but on the other hand it could be good practice for the future, when they are dangling a nice paycheck there and you HAVE to deal with it.Know what I mean? I can't make this chocice for you. I have turned down jobs, agents etc but I have not been in a situation like this so I cannot say what I would do. Good luck.
Posts: 2422 | Location: the universe | Registered: June 04, 2007
I agree with Miss Stone (especially about the "unexpected accident").
I’ll add that I think it really is something that only you decide though, it can be a tough situation when you dislike the person you are supposed to love in the show, and it can ruin an entire piece if you are unable to get past it. In my early days, I acted with a girl I hated, an while I think it wasn't horrible, the marriage seemed a bit colder then the story called for.
Posts: 512 | Location: Hollywood, CA | Registered: August 10, 2005
Originally posted by Snuffleupagus:I really regreted it because long story short he made me compromise some of my values and I feel very timid around him now.
Phrases like "made me compromise" and "I feel very timid" suggest that he has a power that, ultimately, you are surrendering to him.
I don't say this lightly - recently I was dismayed to find myself led someplace I really should have known better than to go, and felt like I'd woken from a dream when it was over. But still, we're all ultimately responsible for ourselves.
This might be an excellent opportunity to confront him straight on, as a professional, and take your power back.
I agree with Miss Stone. Then again, it depends on why you act. Is it a career that you're aspiring to rise to the top of? Is it just a passion that you participate in from time to time?
If it's the former, then you do what you've got to do to get ahead. Everyone has to deal with nonsense in their careers, and soon enough, it's over with. If it's something that you have to bear to succeed, then it's worth it.
However, if acting is just a hobby and the benefits to you don't outweigh dealing with this person, then don't do it. That would be ridiculous. You may like to go to parties, but if a party is at your worst enemy's house, you don't go. It's as simple as that. That will be many more opportunities for you to get your acting on, and this situation isn't worth suffering if it's not even that important.
update: we had auditions and I decided that i wasnt in support of that particular role enough to deal with the drama so i talked to the director and i ended up with a different part that I actually really like so it worked out. and we are doing othello next quarter and the director already has me in mind for desdemona which would rock so my time could come still so I'm happy with my descision.
"I think I've still got a bit of a sado-masochistic streak in me, because if I'm not going to be restricted by corsets and covered in lace, then I still wind up wearing an ape-mask over my face. I do wonder how I get myself in these situations! "-Helena Bonham Carter
Posts: 62 | Location: Washington | Registered: June 18, 2007
Just getting back in town after shooting a pilot and am catching up on posts. Snuffle, what a great topic. Thanks for sharing your story and for keeping us posted. More later, guys!!