Next...

Rejection is a bitch.

And as an actor it's routine. I've never had the proverbial "Next" shouted out to me in the middle of an audition, however, I certainly have seen befuddled casting directors with that "don't call us, we'll call you" look on their faces. And to be honest, I have blown chunks on the rare occasion. Rejection in those instances is not surprising. However, when you know you've kicked ass, when the air in the room crackles with your brilliance, when the casting folks are slack jawed, bathing in the glow of your talent, and still they don't cast you, that really sucks a sow's teet. Usually there is no reason offered for the rejection. The other actor may have been a bit taller or blonder. Or maybe casting really liked his knit shirt.

Since September, I've auditioned twice for the theatre where my husband is artistic director. You would automatically think, "Wife of...he must get some nifty perks." But aside from the occasional free glass of box wine, being wife of is not the glamor position you might expect. But back to the auditions. Both plays were directed by Director Guy, who is a friend of mine. Always dicey.

The first time I went in with tremendous high hopes. It was between me and another actor. I was told by my husband that Director Guy was stumped. Did he want the seasoned reporter or the green, newbie reporter. Keeping with the times, he went green. Not only was I rejected, I was called seasoned. I have to say, I was somewhat crestfallen. It was a perfect part for me. Add insult to injury, it got back to me more than once that the newbie was the weakest link, and I should have gotten the role. Oh, lookee there, an open wound. Anyone have some salt? And you know what really ticks me off? If I'm forced to accept the mantle of seasoned, kicking and screaming all the way, then shouldn't the seasoned actor get the mother fucking role?

This last month, the above scenario happened again with eerie familiarity. Same director. Down to two actors. The big difference, I didn't have the high hopes. Experience taught me to guard myself. This time my husband told me I wasn't heavy enough. I'm not sure that's a valid excuse in Los Angeles. It might be hooey. But forgive me if I don't choose to examine that one too closely.

But this really isn't about an actor's rejection.

Fairly new to the blogging world, I've been putting myself out there best I understand. And when there is a group of bloggers with like interests: a mom blog, for interest, or gay blog, I put myself on the list. So, when I came across a blog called Hot Dads, I thought perfect fit. These were a bunch of dad bloggers talking shit and proud of it. From the entries I read, Hot Dads included humorous, irreverent, poignant stories, some of which had nothing to do with being a parent. Good writers all, and I wanted to be a part of them. Here is the email I sent:

I would love to write for Hot Dads. You might need a gay blogger in your mix. Check out Mommy With a Penis. And give a holler.

Not too eager. Not too stiff. Just the right amount of familiarity. I state what I do and don't belabor the point. Here's the response I received:

I don't think so....not quite up my alley. If you knew anything about me...you would not have even sent me an email.

Why was a hat pin thrust through my rib cage? Not up his ally, fine. But why not leave it at that? If I knew anything about him?? And just what would that anything be? It wouldn't be that he's HOMOPHOBIC, would it?

But this really isn't about a blogger's rejection.

Tomorrow, the California Supreme Court will rule on Prop 8. Talk about a crazy ride. We can get married. We can't get married. If you got married, there's a chance it may be invalidated. It's a fucking roller coaster. But being seasoned, I'm more skeptical. It's like auditioning for Director Guy for the second time. I've girded my loins with titanium. Otherwise the hurt can be profound. Here's hoping the Grand Poobahs handing down the decree are not like Hot Dad... "If you knew anything about us, you wouldn't have bothered with this equality thing." But even if that is their ruling, here are a few facts that will not change:

-I love my husband no matter what happens.

-We love the kids we jointly adopted no matter what happens.

-We are as much a family as any other family in these United States.

-Eventually, we will all look back at all this and say, "Gay marriage, what was the big deal?"

Strength, my brothers and sisters. Rejection is a bitch, but our heart and soul and tenacity will bear fruit. And try this the next time you're watching TV and one of those stuff shirts starts pontificating about family values. Don't let him or her ruffle your feathers, just yell from your gut, "NEXT!"

Comments

Anonymous said…
I won't go into what it's like to be the wife of an actor, because I was for the last five years of my first marriage - five years I'd just as soon not think about, much less relive.

However, as far as Prop 8 is concerned - hang in there. Beloved, my husband, says that gay rights will be the battle fought - and won - by the generation that is growing up now. Hopefully, you will see the attitude of "Gay marriage? What was all the fuss about?" in your lifetime.

Yeah - methinks the guy over at Hot Dads may be a wee bit homophobic...or suppressing something.

Jan from the Sushi Bar
Anonymous said…
Great blog. I really enjoyed reading this. I collected rejection letters before my first book was published. I think my record was 5 in one day. But, I did it! Hopefully we'll say the same one day about gay marriage. And, something tells me, Hot Dads probably aren't all that hot!
I can't believe that shit! What the fuck? I hate when people don't give others the time of day to see what is at the heart of what makes them tick. You are priceless, and you are as much a mom as also a dad...they need to take that stick out of their asses. What makes a "Hot Dad" is the confidence in who he is as a man...pure and simple! The same goes for a hot mom...you my dear are actually both...that makes you doubly hot! LOL
You know what this all means right? You need to start a new "Hot Dads" that IS all inclusive of both gay and straight men.
(F)redddy said…
Is "seasoned" Californian for wrinkled? Just wondering.

I think I may know who you're talking about over at the HD site. His pictures should have been clue enough that he wouldn't be receptive to a gay blogger! Sorry he was a dick about it, but that's how the "nervous" are...I mean, look at Ted Haggled. I'm just sayin'.
I can't believe about the Prop 8...why regress on something that we all know it will be accepted soon or later....hopefully sooner, if that is the case? It really pisses me off that they feel they can take away something so important to gay couples and their families like it was candy... I'll be crossing my fingers that they won't.
BellaDaddy said…
Conveyed SO WELL...mirors my life, well rather, my former...mind if I live vicariously through yo for awhile...and, "I DO - Not H8"
;-)
Anonymous said…
I am sitting here staring at my computer trying to convince myself not to post a seething response to that asshat over at hot dads (HOT? really? that's HOT? NEVER...)
but then they win right? they stir up anger and H8. le sigh. Don't even GET me started on Prop 8. do not.

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