laugh all you want but if you call too soon you might scare off a nice baby who's ready to party

Mike: So how long do I wait to call?
Trent: A day.
Mike: Tomorrow.
Sue: Tomorrow, then a day.
Trent: Yeah.
Mike: So two days?
Trent: Yeah, I guess you could call it that, two days.
Sue: Definitely, two days is like industry standard.
Trent: You know I used to wait two days to call anybody, but now it's like everyone in town waits two days. So I think three days is kind of money. What do you think?
Sue: Yeah, but two's enough not to look anxious.

-Swingers

The audtion yesterday was fantastic. I thought I'd be there for thirty minutes or so, but I ended up working with them for almost three hours (and making it home too late for my Tuesday night poker game.) I read with six different women who are all in the running to co-host the show, and I was shocked at how much fun I had. If I book the job, I'd be the geek, she'd be the babe, and everyone in the audience would have something to enjoy.

In fact, when I got home, I told Ryan, "Dude. I had the best afternoon: I got to sit with beautiful women and talk about Sci-Fi! Three of them were former Miss USA contestants, and one of them was Playmate of the Year for 2005."

"Dude." He said. "You are my hero."

I have this post-audition ritual: after I leave, I find the first trashcan and dump my sides in it. It's how I let go of the whole thing, because I've already done everything I can do, you know? I've pushed my chips into the pot with the best of it, and now I have to wait for five cards to come out and hope that I win when it's all over.

This time, I did dump the sides and my note cards (I have the notes on my Powerbook for easy re-printing, should I get called back) and I've tried to get on with my life . . . but holy shit is it hard. I had so much fun while I was there, and the prospect of getting a weekly gig where I get to geek out about Sci-Fi stuff -- and get paid to do it! -- is just too much. I've already called my manager twice today to see if we'd gotten any feedback.

"I haven't heard anything, yet," he said, the second time I called. "Normally, I'll call the next day, but if they don't call . . ."

"It's like you just met a girl in a bar, and you don't want to screw it up by calling too soon, isn't it?" I said.

He laughed. "Yeah, it's exactly like that."

"So . . . are we calling today?"

"I think it's best to wait until tomorrow, because they have to take your tapes to executives, get approvals, and all sorts of things."

"So, what, two days?" I said.

"Yeah, there's a lot of things that have to happen before they give us any feedback, so we'll just have to wait until we hear from them." He said. "Then there's the whole negotiation thing, too."

"You'll call me, right?"

"I'll call you right away." He said.

I hung up the phone and looked at the calendar. I thought about drawing a circle around the 17th. I may have done it.

I'm sure I'm going to feel like a real jerk if this doesn't happen, but I love this feeling of excitement and optimism that I have right now. It's much nicer than the usual alternative.

Comments

[fitzwillie]

I hope you get it Wil. I'd *totally* TIVO you! Hopefully they'd put you on as a follow-up to Sci-Fi Friday. Then it'd be the fourplay: SGA, SG1, BSG, and WWDN!

[Stephen]

Sounds great Wil, I really hope you get the gig. Sounds like my sort of show, though I don't suppose it will ever get shown in Britain.

[Sparkin]

Way to go Wil! That sounds like a totally Hawesome concept and you'd be a great fit. I know I'd tune my DVR in, heck, I might even watch it *gasp* live!

[Rob Matsushita]

For several seconds, I thought "dump my sides" was a euphamism for throwing up.

Good luck, homie.

[Laura]

Good luck, Wil. I hope you get it! And, from your description of it, I'd probably even watch it! I'll admit it I'm not much for Sci-fi, but I've been reading you long enough that it's starting to grow on me!

[starshine_diva]

That sounds amazing!!! Almost like my dream job... except I'd be the babe... :P

Any clue who you're competing against?

And what channel will it air on?

[Chris Kessel]

I feverently hope you get it since as a fan it'd give me a chance to see you put on your funny about geek stuff.

I can tell you're way built up on it, kinda like my step-kids get when they think they're dad is going to make some baseball game or other related activity. The crash if it doesn't happen is horrible though...prepare yourself and then hope it goes well.

[jennifer]

Dude, I hate the whole "wait two days to call" thing. especially when it is translated to email. :) Fabulous that you enjoyed the audition! I can't think of anyone else I'd rather see doing this show than you!!! Fingers are crossed....

[fitzwillie]

Ooh, did you still have the mirror-universe evil Wil goatee? That'd make it a lock, for sure!

[Denise]

I'm so glad you had an incredible audition. Good luck Wil and keep sane the next couple of days! :)

Honestly a Sci-Fi show should only be hosted by someone so intimately familiar with the genre and you are more then qualified.

[HCGAdam]

Good luck, Wil. They'd be crazy not to hire you.

[Wil]

I removed the evil goatee for this audition. I'm not entirely comfortable with it, and I'm not sure if it makes me look better or worse. Opinions seem to be split about 50/50 on that one, so I went for the look that makes me comfortable: plain.

Before I left, I told them that, even if they don't hire me, they should hire someone who is über passionate about Sci-Fi, because if they don't, it's going to piss off the Sci-Fans who will make or break this show. They totally grokked that, and I think they're even considering making sure that both hosts are into the genre.

[Arch]

I've been checking all day for an update. Glad it went well.

[AlCantHang]

Fingers crossed and hopeful. Sounds like a great fit.

[Matthew]

Wil, dude, as someone who pondered making auditions a career, I have found myself vicariously elated for you. I can taste the excitement I felt every time I nailed an audition (admittedly, not that often).

And judging by the unconscious adrenaline coursing through me, I haven't forgotten what it's like to be waiting either. I hate to say it, but you're right - tomorrow won't come soon enough! Good luck and god bless!

Good jorb on pointing out that bit about being passionate about the craft. I once stumbled upon one of the "gamer" shows on G4 (techTV?), and the hideous "passion" and excitement made me wish Golden Girls was on instead.

~Matt

PS - If they call you back you should point out to them that you already have viewers lined up. We would totally back you.

[fitzwillie]

"They totally grokked that, and I think they're even considering making sure that both hosts are into the genre."

It should be sort of like X-Play for Sci-Fi. Then your improv comedy skills would be a tremendous asset.

~f

"Pro-evil-Wil-goatee since 2006."

[ErkDude]

I think it's time to call Lewis and Gilbert. If Wil gets it, Lamar will bring the snacks and Poindexter will provide the music! This will be fun! ;-)

Good luck Wil, it sounds fantastic. Hope you get it, man!

[redheadwriter]

No matter what happens, remember this feeling of excitement and joy. That alone is priceless. I'm pulling for you!

[Digital Goddess]

Rock on with your bad self Wil, my fingers are crossed for you.

[Phil]

Hope you get this opportunity, here's wishing the 2 days to fly by.

[Rhettro]

Good luck to you Wil. Sounds like a gig you'd be totally suited for. Got to grok a little myself this week on this week's Wingin' It. :) Even though my credentials are basically "random dumbass." LOL

[DJ-Panic]

dude, I totally hope you get it, you massively deserve it, and I might even get cable for this ;)

keeping my fingers crossed for ya

[Tony Miller]

Sounds like you had a real good time. I hope you get the job. Just don't be upset if people start associating your voice with hot women. :P

[pipa]

Me and the wifey are sending you some good mojo, Wil! Good luck!

Brian
http://candyaddict.com

[alicein1derland]

I sooooooo hope you get the job - you would be great in that spot!!! I am sending good and positive thoughts your way.

BTW - I like the goatee. You looked terrific at the convention!!!