BWW Blog: Tara Folio - Jumping Jazz Hands First

Until this point, my blog has been all about what happens when an actor has a job, but now it's time to cover all the wonderful things that happen when an actor enters a magical time called "Unemployment." This phase of my life means it's time for me to jump into the metaphorical casting pool and hope that a nice theater will fish me out. For all the creatives living in the theatre world, NETC is like sorority Rush Week. We trade Lilly Pulitzer dresses for audition attire, small talk for sixteen bar cuts, and philanthropy resumes for theatre credits; but at the end of the day it's still about a bunch of people watching your every move and deciding whether they want to commit to you. After being sized-up by about one hundred possible employers, a handful will decide they want to meet you (to make sure you're the good kind of crazy) and to hear you sing your same song again...and again...and again. In the midst of this whirlwind of theatrical mayhem, performers are riding on an emotional roller-coaster (you will laugh, cry, and be hungry enough to eat five Thanksgiving meals). During the callback process it's easy to become too confident (if you're booking all the callbacks) or too discouraged (if you're not booking any); it's too easy to turn to the others around you and begin comparing, which is an actor's kryptonite. You are uniquely you (insert any emotional quote you've ever heard about how unique everyone is, it will most likely apply to this situation). It's cheesy and sugary sweet, but it's true; you have a different look and different strengths that will attract different types of employers. The most important thing I've learned while at NETC (other than that everyone attends with their mom, who would be more than willing to give you a mint or a mom hug) is that everyone has their own path. You shouldn't compare yourself to the others in the audition room because you share the same goal, their path is not yours. Smile, have fun, meet some lovely new people who share your passion, and eventually you will find where you're supposed to be.