This blog post is reprinted with the kind permission of actress, comedian and blogger@lollydoeslondon
Lolly Jones:
Lolly has been an actress for over ten years, playing a variety of roles on stage and in film and television.
Performing as Lorna Jones, she has sat in the ‘single mum’, ‘barmaid’ and ‘wench’ pigeon hole for many years. Hey! Whatever pays the bills. Recently, she has branched out to play a sex toy seller (Murdered by my Boyfriend – BBC 3) and a friendly abortionist (Saturday Night, Sunday Morning – BBC Radio 4).
She will not get out of bed for less than 10% below Equity Minimum.
Read more from Lolly at www.lollydoes.com
The Top 10 Worst Things about Being an Actor
Oh, the life of an actor, eh?! Red carpets, exclusive parties, famous bed fellows…
But no one tells you about the Front of House jobs, the spiral of rejection or the obligatory admin support for the Fringe show you are performing in. FOR FREE.
Ladies and Gentleman, please switch off your mobile telephones (and buy an overpriced Programme from me at the interval)…I present to you the 10 Worst Things about being an Actor:
Worst Things About Being An Actor
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Inappropriate Questions
“Anything I’ll have seen you in?” In no other profession, would you be forced to recite your CV, on cue.Other questions include: “Have you met David Jason/Maggie Smith/Shane Richie?” and “How do you remember all those lines?”
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Being Pencilled
Your agent calls and you’re on a ‘Heavy Pencil’. Was there ever a stronger sign that you’ll be receiving a 40 grand (after commission) cheque?You browse holiday homes in Mauritius and think about what outfit you’ll wear in the ‘Rising Star’ article.And your phone?Yeah, it doesn’t ring.
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Ignorant Audience Members
Three years at drama school and you’re enacting a very moving, well devised rape scene…you glance out in well-pitched agony to see an elderly gentleman asleep in the second row.
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You Can NEVER Escape Ex-Lovers
Actors like to bonk.Unfortunately, it’s impossible to shag another actor without your immediate and extended circle finding out. You may as well post “I did it with the back end of the donkey at Salisbury Playhouse” on your Twitter feed.Years after, you’ll undoubtedly be cast in a play with their current partner. And you’ll probably be forced to stare at billboards of your ex beau whilst en route to your call centre job.
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Being a Constant Disappointment to your Parents
“Hey mum! Thanks for supporting me whilst I studied for a First Class BA (Hons) Degree in Economics. Could I borrow a fiver so I can buy some milk and bread?”Whether it’s playing another prostitute in a late night, Channel 5 mockumentary or missing your brother’s wedding for a rehearsed reading at the Watford Palace Theatre, your parents consider you ‘the unsuccessful one’.
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Reading ‘Friend’s’ Facebook Statuses
Even worse than your actor friends mentioning hectic work schedules “I am thrilled to announce I will be joining the cast of …” are the no-hopers you went to school with, who are #winning at life.Not only have these buffoons been granted mortgages and a company car, they have held down monogamous relationships, afforded weddings and own a garden!Outside space? What is that?
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Inability to Book a Holiday
You click on the Ryanair ‘Book Flight’ option then your agent calls for the first time in a year. “Audition for the new James Bond Film”You miss the holiday and go to the audition.You don’t get the job.
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Your Time is Not Your Own
In the unusual event of a Casting, entire days will be lost.You cancel work/miss Jeremy Kyle-the DNA Special to sit in a waiting room with identical people, all cloaked in the same shade of desperation.Once inside the ‘casting suite’, you crawl on the floor, pretending that big lottery balls are raining on you whilst making the sound of a constipated chicken. The director doesn’t look up from their phone.In less than 60 seconds, you’re out the door, making the hour long journey home to your damp, moth ridden bedsit.
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Words of Advice from Charlatans
“Can you not just get a part on Corrie?”“Write a letter to Channel 4″“You have good teeth. Why don’t you do a Colgate ad?”“You have a great voice. Why don’t you get a voice over agent?”OH, GOOD ONE SHERLOCK! WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?!
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Working for free
So, what happens when things go right? You audition, get pencilled and win the part! CONGRATS!Three months after the play (that agents refused to attend), you receive the profit share cheque: for £15.19.It bounces.
