Two days ago, I was in for the first round, and they were 1/2 hour late getting started. Luckily, I was first on the schedule - I can't imagine how bad things got for people later in the day, because by the time I got out, there were 20 other actors in the waiting room.
I got a nice phone message asking me to come back in today, and apologizing for the delays and assuring that today, they'd be running on time.
I arrived at 8:50, responsibly early for my 9:10 callback. By 9:20 someone was apologizing, because someone was "just running a little late." At 9:30 they finally got started with their 9:00 actor. When he was still in at 9:45, I was done.
I told the person running the waiting room that I needed to get to work, and walked out. And felt guilty, and stupid, and like I'd just missed my "big break," and like I'd burned bridges. Of course, I also felt angry that they were wasting my time, frustrated that they couldn't get their act together on such a basic level, and glad to avoid films that would probably be just as much of a hassle to work on.
My thinking was: if an actor showed up 45 minutes late for an audition, they'd never get cast. The director would assume they were unreliable/unprofessional/didn't care. The director would assume they would be equally late for rehearsals and performances. Therefore, I've got the same right to make those same assumptions about the people on the other side of the camera. If you can't run an audition, why would I think you can run a shoot?
I still had mixed feelings, like I always do when I stick up for myself. Feeling really justified and righteous, while also feeling like I really had no right to think I had any standing or worth. Bluh.
And then....
I got home after my show tonight to see this email:
Steve wanted me to apologize about our late start today and not being able to get you in before you had to leave for work. He really wants to see you, he specifically wrote the part out for you, so would you let me know the next time you're free so we can bring you back in for your call back? Thanks for your patience, Meg
Of course, now I'm feeling both justified AND flattered. And like any attention-starved actor, I immediately threw my schedule for the next week out the window to make myself available at their convenience. Three cheers for mixed messages!
