Taking direction

I'm shooting a video at work tomorrow. It's a small part, and it will only be seen by our staff, but it's being directed by a girl I work with who majored in theater and directs on the side. For money. I'm just saying, people pay her to do this. She's good.

Her husband is in the video and he gets paid to write and act. The other guy in the video is on staff as well, and he too gets paid to write and act. I, on the other hand, do not get paid to write. Or act.

We rehearsed yesterday and I was a train wreck. Acting is a funny thing, you know. You have to say someone else's words, fake someone else's personality, and look natural being entirely unnatural. It's amazing how people do it. Other people. Not so much me.

I have been super independent my whole life, and growing up, I wouldn't take direction from anyone. I didn't care who you were or how well you knew what you were talking about. I had my own ideas and didn't need anyone's help.

But yesterday she had to tell me to stop bouncing. Twice. Then I was too boring followed by too expressive, or looking away and then looking too intently like a robot (I added the robot part, she was really very nice about it).

But I took it. And was better because of it. It'll be awhile before anyone jumps at the chance to pay me for my acting, but I was better.

Best part about my thirties to date? Being able to take direction while obviously being the least talented person in the room.

And enjoying every minute of it. Cheers.