One of my members asked me a really good question. She wanted to know in what situations as an actor do you not have a “survival job.†She was specifically referring to how you make yourself available, schedule-wise, for certain opportunities.
I’m sure I don’t have to mention that as a general rule lying for the sake of your career is pretty stupid. It’s a small industry and it’s too easy to get caught, and when you do get caught you will have spoiled for all time your chance with whoever caught you. Few things will make an industry person categorically refuse to see you for the rest of eternity. Lying is one of those things.
That said, on certain rare occasions a lie is necessary. Here’s a scenario: you go into an audition and do great work. At the conclusion the auditor asks if you are available to attend the callback, which is later that day. You are in fact not available because you have to work. Your options are:
1.) Tell the auditor that you unfortunately are scheduled to work. Is there another day or time you could attend the callbacks?
2.) Say, “yes, absolutely!†and then figure out some coverage for yourself at your other job once you’ve left the audition location.
I once was in this exact situation and I foolishly went with #1. The auditor said, “no, I’m sorry, tonight is the only time we’re having callbacks.†That was not the answer I was expecting! Like a complete buffoon, I just said, “oh,†and left.
I should have went with #2. The first option suggests to the auditors that you have higher priorities than your career and their show. Now, you don’t want to come across as desperate, but you also don’t want to come across as apathetic.
And if you have a survival job with flexible hours, ultimately you’re not really telling a lie, are you?