Acting Confessions: Freshman Follies

So I started to try and act again after 20 years. I acted in H.S. and College. I loved it then but didn't pursue it after that. I had a-lot of other things to do like find a wife, get a career, and start a new Nielson clan.

Matthew and I joined a fabulous play last Spring called "Power in His Touch". It was a musical based on the Savior. It was an awesome experience and I couldn't help but want to pursue it a little more.

I contacted my daughter Sarah's agent and told her I wanted to try this acting thing out. I was a natural ham back in the day. I don't have a-lot of fear or stage fright. My Dad says I've got guts, so I figured, what do I have to lose? It could be a nice side line.

I was cast in my first gig as a Spanish narrator for a multilevel energy company. My job was to teach associates about how to prospect, close a sale, and also about the compensation plan.

When I finally got in front of the camera, I'll admit I was a little nervous. It was just me standing in front of a camera and 4 production people and the guy from the Energy company. I had practiced plenty. Since the narration was in Spanish I wanted to do my best. I'm not a native speaker but my accent is pretty good for a gringo.

I don't know what it was but as soon as I started reading the teleprompter I felt my heart start beating faster and the muscles in my chest and arms start to tighten up. I started reading at breakneck speed sounding more like a sped up tape recorder than a warm and delightful host.

"Whoa! Dude! Slow down! You're giving yourself a heart attack!" the director said. "Start again and just relax. It wouldn't hurt to smile a little, like you just heard someone tell a funny joke."

"Oh. Ok. I get it." I replied. "Let's try again."

Slowly and with a smile I started again. After a few takes, I managed to find a rhythm. I started to relax. I knew I found the right touch when I heard the director tell the guy from the energy company, "That was it!"

"You look like a Spanish soap opera star!" the guy from the company told me.

Yes! Pay dirt! A little success doesn't hurt! I wish I could say that about every time I try this stuff.

Last week I auditioned for a church movie playing the part of Joseph Millet, an early pioneer. I practiced reading that part at least a hundred times. I even filmed myself doing it so I could see what I looked like.

I don't know what it was, but as soon as I started the audition, I sort of froze. I couldn't remember my next line even though I'd practiced it repeatedly and even though it was only a three line dialogue! I felt that nervous surge of adrenalin. My heart started to speed up and I felt that nervous twitch in my arms and chest. Dang it! I know I must have had that "deer in the headlights" look, the kiss of death. That' s just not what I was going for.

So I guess the moral of the story is that the next time you see someone acting on a TV show or movie. Remember, it's harder than it looks.

I think I'm going to keep trying this even though I muffed that audition. I just don't want to accept that I can't do it. I still think I can. Next time I think I'll go to my secret happy place before I walk in, that way I won't tighten up so much.