Picking up from last time –
They’d brought up the point that I didn’t live in New York. I said, “Yes, I live in Los Angeles.”
This next part may have only been in my head, but I thought I heard someone on the panel make a surprised sound like “What? She lives in Los Angeles?”
Aaaanyway, when they asked what I’d do since I don’t live here, I start mentioning friends I have in New York – pulling out random names (even though in real life, I’m sadly not that super close with anyone here anymore, so friends may not have really been an option… but I don’t have to bring attention to that!). After all, there’s couchsurfing, Air BnB, hotels, short enough trips not to even worry about it… who knows! There are always possibilities!
I told the BMI panel I’d do whatever it took. It didn’t matter if I had to sleep on the street, I would be there. I was intense, but a little silly too (to try to keep it light). So, they were laughing, but I think they were getting it.
One guy still had a look on his face that seemed skeptical to me. So I said something like, “I don’t care about LA! I’ll just stay here. I won’t even go home!” And he said, “You’ll just stay here?”
And I laughed a little and said, “Okay, legitimately, I will go home to pack. But I would just stay here if I needed to!”
I also told them somewhere in my little plea that I’m obviously serious about the program, because (as I’d said in my song), I’d applied for 6 years. I think (and hope) I got my passion, seriousness – and complete disregard for all possible legitimate monetary and logistical problems of moving – across.
Then I was asked if I sing. I simply said yes. I thought about saying, “I’m an Equity actress!” But considering how little work I’ve actually booked/performed, I thought that perhaps that wasn’t a can of worms I wanted to open, as maybe it seemed more sad than impressive.
So, I simply said yes. Maybe I should’ve dramatically sang the words, “Yes, I siiing!” I was a little afraid of coming off as too much of a performer. (Could that even be possible?) I think I was just thrown, since in the email they seemed to really really (really) not want you to sing your lyrics. So I didn’t know if “Do you sing” was some kind of trap. (Overthinking it much, Aurora?)
Anyway, I was asked if I sang. I said yes. They asked, “Do you read sheet music?” I said, “Yes, I went to Berklee College of Music.” A woman on the panel said (almost triumphantly) “Well, that covers that!”
Since she seemed impressed, I felt pretty good about that answer… I think. Who knows what I feel anymore?
After that, one of the panelists asked, “Most importantly, what did you guess the price of, to win the car?” We laughed and I said, “The car itself,” saying I played The Money Game and picked the first and last pair of numbers.
Then Rick asked if anyone else had any questions. No one did, and I got my packets returned to me.
This is where I’ll pick up next time.