A Bit of Reality

When I first moved to Davis last August I arrived without employment. The acting class I planned to teach for the University was cancelled due to lack of enrollment, so I researched temp agencies and some talent agencies, as well. Both agencies contacted me a least a month after submission, so I had to find other work.

Enter Splasher -- the fantastic mascot job at the State Fair -- which gave me stories for days.

I did go in to the UC Davis temp agency to take all of the necessary test -- typing, computer competency, etc. However, they failed to mention that things really don't get going until classes resume. Unfortunately, my schedule did not allow any outside work nor am I allowed to do work above my TA-ship.

When I spoke with Cast Images -- the Sacramento-based talent agency, I had learned my lesson and just told them my schedule constraints. However, I got an email from them a few weeks ago and decided that I should go and see what they were all about. I arrived early -- well, late for what I thought was a 12:15 appointment, but early for my true appointment 12:45PM. The ageny owner, Chandra, told me to run to Starbuck's to get a coffee and come back in 20 minutes. I didn't want coffee so I took a walk around what I think is midtown. But I don't know Sac that well, so who the heck knows.

I returned at 12:45PM and sat for a few minutes. Chandra was finishing up her lunch at her desk and grabbed her purse and on the way out the door said that she would be about 5 more minutes. She then made a joke about nobody wanting to ever meet with her before she eats lunch. I laughed cordially, but I was getting bad vibes. The office was small and had a air of people working hard, but little comraderie. I'm sure it would be different, or I would have gotten a bigger welcome if I signed with them, but they seemed a little snooty.

I met with Chandra briefly, and to be honest I was not prepared. I brought my last 2 headshots, but my resume was not up to date and I assumed that she had all of the information I emailed a year ago. Like my VO demo and my updated resume. I quickly told her that I am still in school and really don't have the schedule that allows auditions and bookings. However, i wanted to get some information from her so I knew what to prepare when (and if) the time comes.

I knew that I would need new headshots and she recommended Kelsey Edwards who did my shot about 4 years ago and another woman in SF. She also recommended that I grow my hair back out. I did appreciate her bluntness, but it bordered on rudeness. She said that my hair was too exotic for me. And that she just didn't like it. She did say that there was work to be had, but I would need to find my niche. There was a girl Michelle who worked regularly who was petite and "had an Italian look." She has not been with the agency for about 2 years. The bad thing is that auditions are in both Sacramento and San Francisco. So, travel would be extensive.

I left feeling that I made a mistake in going since I knew that I could not sign with them right now. However it was good to hear it all -- well, everything except the comments about my hair.

Hmmmm, I wonder where I will be this time next year?