Manhattan Chowder, Back in the Big Apple

An Audition Haiku

Yesterday morning
My first grad school audition
nerves, sour stomach

It's freezing outside
I board the Number 1 train
running monologues

The school in question?
Let's call it "Prestigious U."
But I'm not impressed

Been to see their shows;
Their church basement theatrics
Last choice school for sure

Sign in at the desk
Moody actor types in black
I wore a sport coat

I feel old but sure
I am a professional
Resume says so

A matronly type
leads us all in a warm-up
Voice and some movement

I audition third
Macbeth, Act One, Scene Seven
Can't find my technique

no response, next up
is my contemporary
It's not there today

They request a song
Finally something I nail
That's easy for me

More waiting around
Then comes the movement portion
Simple-no big whoop

We are free to go
Take a card, call this number
for the callback list

I leave and call Scott
"I'm coming over right now."
Feeling so unsure

He's waiting for me
I hug him and don't let go
Tell him how it went

After six I call
Listening to hear my name
I'm not on the list

I've been rejected
Shocked and not surprised at once
Still, it really hurts

I have plans later
I email Joe and cancel
Don't wanna go out

With Scott I feel safe
But how do I face next week
And more auditions?

So I suck it up
I didn't want to go there
Tell myself "go on

You are good enough,
Smart enough and gosh darn it,
Some people like you."

Make jokes, ease the pain
I know I am talented
I will find my way.

Labels: Grad School, Personal

posted by Michael @ 12:52 PM