Characters.
The voice-over world is filled with them.
On-screen and off-screen.
Most of these characters are very likable, but every now and then you’ll encounter a rotten apple, an arrogant bully or a troll.
A week ago, I ran into one of them at a New York audition. I’d seen him before at some other place. He was an older guy, dressed in a classic three-piece suit. His tan was as fake as the color of his hair. When he spotted me filling out the sign-up sheet, he bellowed:
“Hey, Danish guy, I’m surprised to see you here. Did you finally decide to join the big leagues?”
I tried to ignore him, but he went on:
“Tell me, are you union yet?”
“No, I’m still happily non-union,” I answered. “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I’d like to…
Wonderful story.
Sadness and loneliness manifest themselves in many ways. We live in a world full of people who cry out loud “just be yourself” and yet most are terrified to try it for fear of being judged.
Today, blow away the smoke that hides the truth and smash the mirrors of illusion. The progress you will make in 24 hours both personally and professionally will astonish you.
Better to be thought of as being a “you” than being thought of as just another Dick.
I hung on every wonderfully crafted word of this story, Paul. (It almost felt like a 60’s Twilight Zone episode!) THANK YOU for retelling it. Life is rife with vignettes like this one, isn’t it? And Philip Banks’ comment finished me off. Too true. 🙂
Philip – What a compassionate response to Paul’s excellent story. People who are a pain to others are often even more of a pain to themselves. Our sense of unease is in reality theirs.
Great story! You ought to write some ‘fiction’ based on your experiences. Philip said it best, but there’s a lesson in here that not being fake in your real personality will help you be real/engaging/trustworthy in your work – no matter what it is you do. Yes, don’t be a Dick.
Paul what a lovely story. I was hanging on every word and was totally taken in by the ending. Thank you so much for sharing! I’m with Debby that it sounds like an old Twilight Zone.
As we all know, to avoid “bad luck” we call “Hamlet” the Danish Play.
I think Dick figured out that to avoid bad luck at auditins to not call you “Paul” and instead call you the “Danish Guy”. I think that calling you Peter was a similar vehicle.
By the way, I booked the gig. Jeez, a lousy 4 grand.
WowI. Loved this. I think I met a look sound alike at an audition last week.
Thank you, Paul, for the perspective adjustment. You, too, Philip, for your insightful comment.
A very emotive piece…And the comment by Phillip is like a well written afterward. So thought provoking. I really enjoyed it.
You had me at fake tan, 3 piece suit…
Thanks for sharing this experience. You really should write more than your blog Paul!
Many thanks for your kind comments and additions! Just so you know, I used the fictional character of Dick, to share some of the obnoxious things with you that have been said to me in my career. I would never expose a real person for this purpose.
Paul,
This is one cool story, hung on every word, couldn’t wait to read the next sentence…so well written, so much fun, so much compassion, so very interesting… you never cease to entertain Paul, thank you!
Nice story Paul. Glad to learn it wasn’t real – although I’m sure it has the ring of truth based on what people have told you.
One line stood out for me: “To me, money is a sign of respect.”
Nothing sums up obnoxious better than that.
Regards,
Mike
What a great story, Paul! There’s a novel in your future.
Maybe you’re already working on one. A Fable tucked inside a novel.
Followed up by some entertaining words from Phillip Banks!
Beautifully written Paul.
Phillip gets the tag line prize.
Love the story Paul! Very clever.
Dan
Nicely done Paul. A good read. And fun too.
What a fun story – could you imagine if all those things came out of one person’s mouth?! Ha ha! As always, Paul kept his cool 🙂 My fav part was the yawn in the face LOL
Thanks for sharing your short story Paul!