I was approached via my website - somebody wanted to consider me for a part in a corporate - fully paid. It was to play the part of a boss in a company - my script would be sent asap. I agreed and began to learn the script which was fairly short. It didn't seem too difficult so when the audition was set up I felt fairly confident. However, 24 hours before the audition another script was emailed over. It was a bigger part and I would be playing the Company Director. The trouble was that both the scripts were fairly similar with the same 'business speak' words so one script kept turning into another....Anyway 24 hours later I found myself in Central London dressed in business wear and waiting anxiously to be seen. At that point I still had the two scripts - one that I had learnt and the other which was very roughly learned. I was also in panto playing two different roles so just had to hope that that didn't enter in to things!! I walked into a white room with an oblong table. Along one side sat three men whilst I sat on the other side. After the initial introductions I was asked to audition for the part of the Company Director. This threw me slightly as I had expected to say the first learnt script. Fortunately, it was OK to read it and as I had roughly learnt it the night before I didn't have to have my head stuck to the script!
"OK now can you do it in an American accent?"
Now, I can do accents but first I like to study them. That way I find I can imitate them much better. However, I took a deep breath and launched into what can only be described as the worst possible American accent ever!!
"Can you do a German or European accent?" This time to save my blushes I replied,
"If I could hear the accent you are after then I would be happy to imitate it for you."
"Can you learn an American accent?" By now, the audition clearly wasn't going too well so I began to relax as obviously I hadn't got the part.
"Well, from which part of the USA? My sons girl-friend is from Arizona and could teach me their accent which is pretty soft sounding."
That seemed to go down well - phew!
All of a sudden we had finished so with the knowledge that there was no way they were going to give me the part I began to walk towards the lift when another man appeared. It turned out that he was the writer. I had to go back into the room and do it all over again and yes, even the american accent!
By the time it was over I knew I hadn't got the part but well, I tried and if you don't try then you'll never know.
A day or so later I received an email: You impressed myself and David so much we would like to offer you the part . Would it be possible for you to practice in the Arizonian accent as well. We will probably film two versions. English and American so we have the choice.
WHAT?! Surely this was a mistake? Maybe they had sent the wrong email to the wrong person? I responded with: To say I'm shocked is the understatement of the year!
But of course I accepted the part.
Six days later I found myself in Old Street in the most amazing apartment. The type you see in magazines - all white and glass and everything hidden - including the doors! This wasn't what I was expecting at all because when I had rehearsed it I assumed I would be sitting behind a desk or standing up. Yet here was a large settee and a man being 'interviewed' in front of the camera about the business using his own accent and an Indian accent. Thank goodness I hadn't got that one!
Make up checks were fine (I'm used to doing my own) and hair brushed then it was off upstairs. Aha! There was a desk and two chairs after all. Presenter sat opposite with the camera just off his left shoulder and I launched into the American accent with everybody round me and looking intently at me. I finished and breathed.....they all smiled - they liked it! Thank goodness for that! Lunch was postponed (forever as it turned out) but after a quick cuppa we were ready to roll. As it was all 'business speak' there was certain terminology that I wasn't sure about so a couple of explanations were made and the monologue altered accordingly. American done now for the BBC accent....The trouble was, I had spent so long on the American accent that I hadn't really practised it in English ...
there were certainly a few starts and stops along the way as English slipped into American!
Finally it was in the bag and time for me to run home to make myself in to an old lady/ Beauty Therapist for the pantos opening night. Luckily I made it with time to spare. What a great job!
By the time it was over I knew I hadn't got the part but well, I tried and if you don't try then you'll never know.
A day or so later I received an email: You impressed myself and David so much we would like to offer you the part . Would it be possible for you to practice in the Arizonian accent as well. We will probably film two versions. English and American so we have the choice.
WHAT?! Surely this was a mistake? Maybe they had sent the wrong email to the wrong person? I responded with: To say I'm shocked is the understatement of the year!
But of course I accepted the part.
Six days later I found myself in Old Street in the most amazing apartment. The type you see in magazines - all white and glass and everything hidden - including the doors! This wasn't what I was expecting at all because when I had rehearsed it I assumed I would be sitting behind a desk or standing up. Yet here was a large settee and a man being 'interviewed' in front of the camera about the business using his own accent and an Indian accent. Thank goodness I hadn't got that one!
Make up checks were fine (I'm used to doing my own) and hair brushed then it was off upstairs. Aha! There was a desk and two chairs after all. Presenter sat opposite with the camera just off his left shoulder and I launched into the American accent with everybody round me and looking intently at me. I finished and breathed.....they all smiled - they liked it! Thank goodness for that! Lunch was postponed (forever as it turned out) but after a quick cuppa we were ready to roll. As it was all 'business speak' there was certain terminology that I wasn't sure about so a couple of explanations were made and the monologue altered accordingly. American done now for the BBC accent....The trouble was, I had spent so long on the American accent that I hadn't really practised it in English ...
there were certainly a few starts and stops along the way as English slipped into American!
Finally it was in the bag and time for me to run home to make myself in to an old lady/ Beauty Therapist for the pantos opening night. Luckily I made it with time to spare. What a great job!
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