Curveball

I finish the first read, take a deep, concluding breath and break character to let them know I was done.  Instead of the customary, “thank you,” which would be my cue to exit the room, the director looks at me and gives me some new suggestions; asking me to sit instead of stand, and to play the words in a slightly different manner than before.  I am instantly infused with a new energy as I feel my body and voice relax for the task at hand.  I look at the words, see how I can play them to meet his needs, and I start again.

“I want you to do try something for me.”

I love hearing a director say this during an audition.  After cold-reading a complicated monologue, I always welcome the chance to play with it a bit and give it a second go.  The more a director can throw at me the more relaxed, yet energized, I become. 

I notice that I have this type of reaction to change during a show run as well.  As the show naturally evolves, changes on the stage are a normal occurrence.  Co-leads do different things; walk to different places on the stage, deliver lines with a new dynamic that I hadn’t thought of before, and I’m immediately energized by the change.  Their shift in dynamic allows me to react in a different way, bringing new life to a scene.  Even more, if someone forgets a cue line and I need to steer us back on track, I notice the new burst of energy that comes with the task at hand.  The excitement of live theatre and why I love it is never lost on me. 

The curveball can either be the cause of frustration as one grapples with their resistance to change or can be the source of great excitement, steering one in a new direction that hadn’t been considered before.

I finish the second read, happy with the outcome.  I thank everyone, get my music from the pianist and leave the room.  I step outside and notice that I’m breathing deeply and grinning from ear to ear; looking as one might look after exiting a thrilling roller coaster ride.  I walk to the elevator, push the button and say to myself, “Well, that was fun!” 

I never tire of it.

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