This is my first time participating in a showcase, and let
me tell you – the showcase hasn’t even started, but I can already tell that you
definitely have to put the work in to see the results. Nothing is ever just
handed out for free. "Hey, do this industry showcase and get handed an agent!" Umm, I think not.
First off, we were instructed to pay a materials fee. I
suppose this will be used for the folders they put our headshots in and the
programs? Not entirely sure. Then, we were asked to put together 80 headshots
and resumes. Not stapled to the back, but glued. I went on a mad hunt trying to
get these together. It was quite tedious, and expensive.
I opted to tape my resume with double sided
tape. Others decided to get the heavy duty paper and have their resume printed
on the back. The only problem with that is that you can only use an inkjet
printer to do that, not an industrial printer at Kinkos. I’ve spent a total of
7 hours copying, cutting, and taping these things together. It’s been a labor
of love!
Our particular showcase has 16 people in it – 8 boys and 8
girls. We are all verrrry different and the production will make not ignore our
differences. I am most definitely being portrayed as “the sassy black girl.”
Sassy in a good way. Not stereotypical or anything, but sassy and black (there is a difference.) The other African American girl is playing “the serious black
girl.” Her material is deep and emotional. I’m doing comedy.
Not to mention that all of the minorities are doing scenes
with one another. Weird? I thought so. First I thought, “What, we can’t do
material originally written for a white person?” and now I’m thinking, “What,
we can’t do scenes with white people?!” I’m trying not to take personal offense
to anything, but it makes you wonder. What’s really behind these decisions?
As we delve deeper into the rehearsal process, I will most
definitely continue to share my experiences. None the less, I am terribly
excited about getting to participate in this great opportunity!
--
Dominique
Hey Dominique!
I'm EXTA-happy for you! Go 'head "Sassy Blk"
*may the universe present all your desires*
Posted by: Courtney McNeal | November 13, 2009 at 09:17 PM