An audition story

I had an audition today. It was supposed to be just like any other audition.  Go in, do my thing, two minutes later leave.

But I arrived 15 minutes early and they were 15 minutes behind, so I sat waiting for 30 minutes. If I know anything, I know this: auditioning is a complete mind game.  And the longer I wait for my turn, the more my mind screams RUN, GET OUT, WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING HERE! If I have the time to get nervous, I will.  So usually I arrive close to my time slot, go to the bathroom, fix my hair, take a breath, and go do my thing.   

But I waited for 30 minutes today.  

And my audition went something like this.

Moniter: "Whitney Rap...rap...Rapahna"

Me: "Rappana"

Her: "Yes, you are next"

I walked into the room feeling sort of light, ya know, like when your keys or phone are missing.  I realized I forgot my music book in the hallway (some douche..I mean, uh, some nice guy who didn't have a clue what he was doing,  pushed it under the bench so he could sit down). 

Me: "OH JEEZE, haha, wait one minute"

My heels: "click click click click click"

Me: "All right! Whew Mr. Piano Man, I'm glad you are sitting right there to remind me what I came here to do"

Everyone: "chuckle chuckle"

Me: "Introduction..blah blah blah. Monologue...blah blah blah."

I go to start my song, and CAN NOT remember the first line.  Like really CAN. NOT.  Mr. Nice Piano Man tells me, and then I sing it, then I forget my second line.  

Mr. Nice Piano Man : "Don't worry, just start from the beginning."

Me:"................."

I try, and still...NOTHING. 

Now I have messed up songs before.  I have forgotten words, missed a note, mumbled a phrase from lack of concentration, but have always gotten back on track.  I have been able to sort of pull myself out of the ditch that I dig.  Sometimes without anyone even noticing.  But not today.  

I laughed, and the 12 people (yes, that's right, 12 people watching this audition) were incredibly kind and understanding and they laughed too.  In my charming and adorable way, I crack a few jokes and end up just looking over Mr. Nice Piano Man's shoulder to sing my song. (which sounded beautiful, I mean let's be real.  I don't forget stuff AND not have talent)

He hits the last chord and I say, "Wow, wasn't that fun!  Whew, thanks for hanging in there with me"

Everyone laughs and I thank them and leave.  

So yeah. That was a new experience.  And that's all I have to say about that.