just a (geeky) audition

I had an audition this morning for a multi-episode arc on The Sarah Connor Chronicles. It's the first audition I've had in I don't even know how long, and it was early enough to directly conflict with the writer's hours I've been keeping for much of this year.

Of course, Pasadena had the biggest, loudest, coolest thunderstorm we've had in years at 3 this morning, so I spent about 90 minutes in the middle of the night watching lightning strikes, listening to deafening thunderclaps, and trying to convince my brain to stop counting the gap between them so I could just go to sleep and not feel like a zombie for my audition.

When the alarm went off at the ungodly hour of 8am, I woke quickly, and though I wasn't as rested as I wanted to be, the adrenaline was more than enough to propel me through the morning.

I got to Warner Brothers on time . . . along with everyone else in the world, so I was actually late after enduing the WB's version of security theater (which features significantly fewer beautiful twenty-somethings than everything else you see on the WB.) It wasn't a big deal though, and I had plenty of time to do my little audition warm-up thingy.

Longtime readers will probably remember this, but my analogy is like a pitcher coming into a baseball game: I don't want to blow my arm out in the bullpen, but I also can't be warming up when I'm on the mound, so I have to time my final read through of the sides before they call me in very carefully. Today's audition wasn't that critical, because I think I am totally this character: a geeky guy who is a little awkward, but very earnest, and pretty damn passionate about this cool geeky thing he does (sorry to be so vague, but I'm taking a big enough risk just saying that much.)

I was more concerned about properly pronouncing a few things in the script than I was about the performance, because I related to this guy the instant I read the sides when I got them after the beach yesterday -- that's right, I had less than 18 hours to prepare this, which is normal -- and I decided that, for this one, I was just going to have fun. I'm really excited to see The Sarah Connor Chronicles, because I fucking love the Terminator universe, and I could have easily pulled a Heroes on this one and totally fucked it up because I want to be on it so mu-huh-huh-huh-ch. (That only works if you imagine me saying it as Holly Hunter in Raising Arizona). Because I just decided to enjoy the opportunity to give them my take on the character, because I felt so connected to the character, and because when I walked into the waiting room I saw that: 1) Everyone was a different "type" so acting may actually play a part in who gets the role, for a change, and 2) I was the only actual geek there at the time, I completely relaxed, let the nerves go, and let myself feel excited.

This is an important step for me in my life, learning to just enjoy the opportunities I'm given and not stress out so goddamn much about them. When my PAX keynote was over (yeah, I know, you're all sick of hearing about it, sorry) there was a massive, massive standing ovation, complete with screaming and whistling and all that awesome stuff that only happens to rock stars. My instinct when I'm done with anything is to get the hell off the stage, but something in the back of my mind said, "Hey, dude, you earned this, and who knows if it will ever happen again. Go ahead and stand on the stage and enjoy it." So that's what I did. It felt weird, to be honest, like I was standing there thinking, "Shut up, baby, I know it!" but I'm glad I let myself enjoy that moment.

My audition went very well, and if what I did is what they're looking for, I think I have a very good chance at booking the job. If history is any indication, of course, I'm going to come in second to someone's cousin or I'll be just a little too old or too young or not edgy enough for the part . . . but all of that really doesn't matter.

I felt good when I was done. I felt so good, in fact, that I broke acting etiquette and told the producers, "I just wanted to say, as a huge geek in real life, thank you for making this show. I'm really excited to see it!"

They all seemed genuinely happy to hear that, and I'm glad, because I meant it.

My goal this morning was very different than it was in the past, when I was desperately trying to Prove To Everyone That Quitting Star Trek Was Not A Mistake. It was not to go in there and be perfect so I could get a job. It was not to go in there and get the job because I love the show so much I have to squeeze it and pet it and love it and call it "George" before I kill it in the barn. My goal was to go in there, have as much fun as I could, and enjoy the experience.

I totally did that, and I'm really proud of myself for staying out of my own way.

Comments

[jayntampa]

That's very, very awesome. While I hope you get the job, just enjoying the experience is amazing. I hope I hit that level at some point ^_^;

On a side note, I saw the trailer they had for the Sarah Connor Chronicles at SDCC (I actually d/l on my 360 ... another good reason to get one). I wasn't actually interested in the series until I saw that, now I think it looks very interesting - I can't wait to check out the first episode. Plus, Summer Glau seems pretty cool.

Anyway, sending good karma your way!

[Angela]

I'll cross my fingers for you, you deserve this treat. BTW I loved you on CSI. ;) Oh and while I'm at it I cannot believe how old the kids are! One in college freaks me out, just yesterday they were in grade school, I'm pretty sure of it!

[Cherikooka]

Snaps for Wil.

[optimistic lyricist]

Right on man! I hope you get this.

[raphael]

Last night’s thunderstorm had some of the most powerful thunder-and-lightning-at-the-same-time-so-duck barrages that I have experienced in my life (counting that one September driving through Ohio when the lightning hit the median right next to me repeatedly…).

It sort of charged me up and I couldn’t get back to sleep for hours afterward. Hopefully the post-lightning insomnia did not afflict you.

I wonder if earnest geek characters need to be edgy these days?

Have you made provisions for accommodating your writing life if you land a role like this?

[R Filyaw]

"When my PAX keynote was over (yeah, I know, you're all sick of hearing about it, sorry)"

Dude, no way. I'm sure we'd all love to hear more about what went on over at PAX. Word is it was pretty crazy. Regardless, you and the PA guys are pretty much the only celebrities I give a damn about.
Slightly off subject, I saw you on "I love the 80's" (not sure which spinoff) where you spoke of Mr. Wizard quite fondly. It was a nice change from the usual beratement of all things 80's, which turned the show's title into sarcasm.

All that aside, I really hope you get a role in the 'Chronicles'. I also love the Terminator universe, and my favorite geek would clench it for me. Best of luck, Wil!

[angie k]

Jimmy Kimmel wasn't there was he? :) Is it time for you to be edgy at your auditions again? *snert* I see what you did there.

Seriously, I hope you get the gig! It would be cool to see you act again. But it's no biggie, you know. You've got a sweet gig as a writer/general geek as it is. I'm definitely throwing major mojo your way and hoping you get the part.

It's awesome that you learned to calm down and not be nervous about it anymore. Good luck! :)

[iamturok]

Wil, I hadn't heard of this show until I read your blog today. Now I'm actually looking forward to it. I hope you get the part!!!

Regarding PAX, I just listened to the audio last night and it was GREAT! You really are a great and entertaining speaker. While I was "raised" on video games, I do not consider myself a gamer. But I was proud that I caught a lot of your references. Any chance there is a video of the speech?

All the best!

[lexigeek]

Wow, very cool. Chronicles is one of the upcoming shows I'm most looking forward to. (Summer Glau kicking ass on a weekly basis? How can you go wrong?) I know Hollywood's a strange place where logic doesn't always prevail, but hopefully the producers will see your confidence and your genuine interest in the show and make the right decision!

[R]

go you, Wil! Fingers crossed for you...it's excellent that you could leave there feeling so good about it, and let the chips fall where they may.

[nitsudima]

Good grief, man. The Wikipedia entry for the show mentions that you are expected to star in it. How is that fair to you?

On one hand it's cool that the article mentions before any of the actors who are already cast (w00t!), but on the other it seems to unfairly put pressure on you.

I hope you nailed it and can prove the Wikipedia entry right! If not, we should find the author and flog them for jinxing you.

[PA_ChanMan]

That would be so cool if you got a part on that show. I've been real excited about the show since the announcement last spring. Between that and Bionic Woman...I think we have our new cool geek shows for the fall season :) That and the fact that Jericho was renewed makes things very promising for this year. I hope you get the part!

[SandieK]

Ooh! Best of luck! Like everyone else, I really hope you get it. Itd be good to see you on TV again.

[RedLeader23]

I hope you get the part, whatever part it is, more than words can express. So I won't even try.

[shrednfred]

Whoa!...I saw that at Comic-con this year and it looks awesome!!....Ironically, I met you at the con too, not too long after I heard about this show!!....Coincidence?!?!...I think not!

Good Mojo at you Wil. I hope you get this one cause you would be great. Plus...$$ is always nice for the kids college

[Zonk]

Wil,

I was front and center for the keynote, and it's hilarious that you mention your pause to enjoy it. I completely saw that on your face when you were standing there, and from out in the crowd (dunno if you heard the distinction) but the cheering actually got louder when people saw that you were allowing yourself to enjoy it.

You totally deserved it, sir. Hope you snag the gig.

- Michael Zenke

[SalaciousScribe]

No one faults you for enjoying the well-earned praise and success from PAX. You did good. Don't be ashamed to bask a bit!

FYI - The pilot for The Sarah Conner Chronicles is out there on the tubes and is surprisingly good. So, I hope you get a chance to bring your magic to what looks to be the most faithful and kick ass post-Cameron Terminator incarnation.

[mrnixon]

Having the audition today was very apropos, as today is the day AFTER the 10th anniversary of Judgement Day. I'm actually kind of shocked that no one has caught that (and it wasn't even covered on the geeky sites I read)...

Congrats on the audition, and I hope you book the job.

[Kate]

Musta been a good audition if you didn't post the Squirrel With Huge Nuts. Gratz, Wil!

[BrainMc]

Good luck with the part and it's great you enjoyed the audition so much. Sounds like you've had a great week and the holiday part is yet to come. When can we expect to see Americanizing Shelley? I'm looking forward to that one.

[paxsarah]

Your post reminds me of one of the important lessons I learned from my parents. In high school, I was on the swim team. I wasn't great, but I was solid, and by my senior year I was my team's first string in my event and I ended up on a relay that went to the state finals. Our team sent two relays plus alternates, so about 10 girls on an overnight trip to the state university. During the gabfest that was our overnight stay, one of my teammates shared, "*My* mom said that if I beat my sister's time in my event, I can have [something that I'm sure was very important to teenage girls in the late 80's, but I have no idea now what it was]." Other teammates had similar stories. I said, "My mom told me to have fun." And I did. And that's what I remember most about competitive sports in high school, and I'm thankful. You go, Wil, and I look forward to watching the SC Chronicles whether or not you're in it. :-)

[Proto]

Glad you enjoyed the moment, and hope you get to be part of it.

[jdifran]

"My goal was to go in there, have as much fun as I could, and enjoy the experience.

I totally did that, and I'm really proud of myself for staying out of my own way."

You know, if this acting and writing thing doesn't work out, you'd make a great life coach. :) And you're in California, so you'd probably even be able to find paying clients.

[DJC]

goo luuuuu!

[/geek]

[Doc Nielsen]

Wil, trust me on this - non of us will EVER be tired of hearing about or listening to your PAX keynote!