Last One Standing

Last One Standing.  Nope, it's not the title of a new reality show.  It's a mantra I created with a friend.  Keeps me trudging forward when all odds seem against me.  Oh yes, another mantra-motto-positive reinforcement-say this in the mirror ten times a day-feel good blog coming atcha.  Ka-POW!

I was casually avoiding work this morning, so naturally I tuned into Unscripted and caught up on everyone's lives.  Other than Tom Kiesche,  I don't know any of the bloggers, and yet somehow I feel invested in their careers.  In fact, I followed their blogs long before I ever joined as a blogger.  Acting is tough for everyone, but  Susan's blog this morning brought up specific gender challenges for women trying to make it work in a particularly  saturated market for twenty-somethings.  So many gung-ho students fresh out of college and ready to conquer the acting world.  Untouched by constant rejection.  Willing to do anything.  Can't somebody pay off the colleges?  Maybe ask them to close their doors for a few years?  No?  Ohhhh kay.

Okay ladies, chime in.  What kind of ridiculousness have you encountered?  I've been told that I should never have a boyfriend if I want to get anywhere in this industry. (Don't worry honey, we're not breaking up!)  My friend was told by a reputable agent that he should want to have sex with her when she walked in the door.  (He didn't, so he wouldn't represent her.)  Hell, even my own theatre company asks its women-folk to wrestle in jello and run round scantily clad  in most of the late-night sketch shows while the men stand around fully clothed and watch.   (Aha!  That's why I'm not one of the go-to girls)  What happened to just being a good actor? 

So back to Last One Standing.  My friend and I created this mantra when I seemed to be the second in line for all the roles I wanted.  I was always a lucky break behind some girl who had famous parents, or was drop dead gorgeous,  or totally connected, or had been acting professionally since she was six.  (I grew up on a cow farm.  How could I compete?!)  Well, I've watched some of those same girls and many friends throw in the towel 3, 5, 7 years after college. But I'm driven.  I keep studying and giving it my all.  Because eventually the talent pool will narrow and something will "pop."  Maybe I won't be a 20 something anymore, but I'll be standing.