I have known that I wanted to move to Chicago for several years. Even when I was just a wee, young one growing up in a tiny town in South Dakota I knew Chicago was going to be the place for me. The culture, museums, every sport one could want, and most of all...THEATRE are just a few things that attracted me to this city. Not to mention the parallel personalities between myself and this city; we both like a fast paced lifestyle, lots of everyday options, and both of us have an edge with a subtle sweetness and laid back approach to life that can only be found in the midwest (amiright?). However, I didn't expect to end up here until much later in life. Ya know the drill; travel the world, live out of my car, experience all life has to offer, and THEN move to Chicago when I'm ready to, like, settle down or something. But after receiving my MFA in acting and having absolutely no life plan except that I MUST CREATE ART (which is more of a life motto than a plan) my bestie said "How about we move to Chicago" to which I responded, "Sure, why not?" And here I am.
I moved here in September of 2012 and had my first audition on October 9th that year. I remember it vividly but only because it was a complete disaster (see this post for details). I then submitted for every audition posted on every Chicago website and sent out my headshot and resume to Lord only knows how many companies and agencies. And I got back a big whopping... zip, zilch, nadda. But that is to be expected. I knew this business would be tough but I also know that I am tougher. So a slow start didn't discourage me. It may have frustrated and enraged me at times, possibly caused a few tears. But discourage me? Nope.
I kept working. And by working I mean auditioning. I finally landed a pretty good role with a new start up company. After that show closed, it was back to pounding the pavement. But a few new challenges came my way in the spring of 2013. I was cast in a show and also got a gig with a popular band in the city.
Both were an exciting opportunity, both paid, and I wanted to do both real, real bad! But I couldn't. I had to choose. So I went with my gut which said "join the band", because when else would I get that chance. Alas, that gig was short lived and as fun as singing amazing music with some really great guys was, that experience was over shortly after it started. So there I was, a year in the city and I was back to square one. Audition!
But this time around was different. This time I knew a good number of companies in the city and they knew me. I got a lot of responses and tons of callbacks. Instead of no response from a company, I would get emails that said, "Great to see you again Whitney" or rejections that were filled with compliments and encouraging words about finding me a place in their next show even though I wasn't quite right for their current project. These simple things may seem small, but in my world it's huge and is just the type of push I need to keep going. To make a long story short, in the past year and a half I have been in two plays, directed a play, took part in work-shopping three original works, and had fun being a rock star for a summer. When I look at my time here through accomplishments instead of failures, I realize that I am right where I'm supposed to be. Hey, look at me...I'm creating art!
So I guess I'll stay awhile.
