I've only recently begun writing a blog about my experiences in NYC. It’s probably not interesting yet, but I have time to work on that. Recently, I mentioned auditioning. This is a necessary, albeit tiring, element of my profession, about which many of my non-actor friends are curious.

Now, if you’re someone who is very well established in this industry, or have a great agent, the process is a little easier. An appointment is set, you go in, you audition, and you leave. If you are Equity (without having an agent set your audition), you arrive at however-early o’clock, wait in line, and then put your name for a certain time slot. Then you can go home (or wherever) and come back for your allotted time.

And…then there’s the rest of us.

By “us” I mean non-equity actors. This was never an issue when I acted in other places. However, if one wants to perform in a more competitive environment (Chicago, NYC, LA), this can…no, it WILL affect your opportunities.

Let me explain. Most of the high-paying and prestigious acting jobs are affiliated with a union. Actually, in NYC, most paying (even in small amounts) acting jobs are union. There are two primary acting unions: SAG (Screen Actor’s Guild) and (Actor’s) Equity. To join a union, an actor must have performed union jobs which gave them union status (in film, one can gain waivers; on stage, one can acquire points). HOWEVER, most union gigs do not want to hire non-union for those union positions (sometimes they even have to pay penalties for doing so). It’s kind of a lose-lose situation for us.

But, you hope that you will find that one casting director who thinks you are worth the risk (or the money), and you still show up for those union auditions. They can’t say “yes” to you if you’re not there.

My day on a typical EPA (Equity Principal Audition) day:

• 4:30 a.m. — Wake up.
• 6:00 a.m. — Catch the train to the audition location.
• 6:45 a.m. — Hopefully I am already at the location and waiting in line.
• 7:30 — 9/10:00 a.m. — At some point during this time, an official non-equity list is started and one can sign up for the audition.
• 9/10:00 — ?? — Since I try to be there so early, I am usually one of the first 5 on the non-equity list.

Then the waiting begins.

When the auditions actually begin, each time slot usually has about ten auditionees. If there are any open slots, or if someone isn’t there for their time, the monitor (person running the audition) then goes to the alternative list. This is for those Equity members who didn’t get the time slot they wanted and would like to go early, if possible. Once they get through all of the alternates, they will start calling EMC’s. These are actors who have some points towards becoming union, but haven’t joined quite yet. Then…after going through all of these other hopefuls, the monitor starts on the non-equity list.

Auditions vary. Sometimes I am called in right away. Most times, I will sit there for hours, just hoping they call my name (which they might never do). Oh…and if they call your name and you are out of the room…your name is scratched off the list and you have to add it to the end.

So, typically, an audition process (from getting ready to leaving) can be 12-15 hours. All to audition for a job which I most likely won’t even be considered, just because of my union status.

But one must go. Because if you don’t, you never have the opportunity for someone to decide you’re worth hiring. Or at least giving a callback.

However, when you love something so much you’re willing to dedicate your entire life to that craft…it’s worth it.

And there you have it: auditions (at least in NYC).