How Playing "Mafia" Led To An Audition

You never know who you're in a room with, or who you're sitting next to, or whose dog your petting, or who you're playing "Mafia" with.

So, my friend from NYU was visiting Los Angeles. It was his last night in town, and I really wanted to see him. I regard him as one of the funniest people I know  (and I was in need of a lifting) , so I dragged my 2 girlfriends to his going away party.

3 hours, 2 businesscards, and one phone number later, we leave. I met alot of fun people. One in particular. An agent who I had a connection with from the start. We exchanged numbers, and attempted to hang out over the course of a few weeks.

Finally, I invite him to see a play with me. After the play, he invites me to play "Mafia" with some of his friends. Yes, MAFIA. 

All actors love "Mafia", and this group was no different. There are about 14 of us, and several dogs and puppies running around the living room. 

It's intense.

It's emotional.

Townspeople are killing off Townspeople. The Mafia are winning each round!!

At the end of the night, I get approached by one of the guys. He's a director. He thinks I'd be great for an upcoming commercial he's shooting. We exchange email addresses.

And the rest is history. Only in this town, huh?

-- Dominique Toney | @domtoney

Photo by Jesse Dittmar

Comments

[Alexandria Johnson]

That is awesome. I love great networking stories. while working in radio I got 3 of the best contacts yet, one from NBCU, one from ClearChannel and another from Dial global. Not all of them were as valuable as I had hoped but the encounters remind me to stay open and not be afraid to talk about my acting career. You never know who is listening!

[Stephan]

Great blog. Inspired me to follow up on a specific contact, something that I've been putting off for a while. Thanks!