I was flipping through an audition book the other day and it reminded me of one of my worst experiences. Since this blog is about "the journey," my wife reminded me that I might as well share “the bad” and “the ugly” along with “the good.”

Several years ago, I found myself waiting in a rather long line, waiting to audition for a film project. I don't remember the exact circumstances but I know it wasn't a "cattle call." I hate the idea of them and can count on the fingers of one hand when I’ve attended them. They're the antithesis to seeing actors as artists and generally a huge waste of time.

In any case, I was waiting over 90 minutes to go in to a room to do my monologue and audition. It was hot and it was really hard to keep my energy up but I did it. Other people were complaining and cranky, but not me. I was positive and almost chipper. I finally got into the room, met the casting director and director and a few others and launched into my monologue.

I was in my "David Mamet-phase" and the monologue was from Sexual Perversity in Chicago. I was playing the part of “Bernard” who was recounting a wild sexual encounter, complete with heavy breathing, cursing and yelling. It was Mamet -- what would you expect? It was a fun monologue and I did it well -- which gave me lots of confidence to really have fun and pull out the stops. Strangely enough, on this occasion, I wasn’t getting the usual laughs from the auditioners. Nothing. Hmmm.

So, I was about halfway through the monologue when the casting director stopped me and said, "Um, you do know that this is a Christian project, don't you?"

I replied, "Uhhh, nooo" (it had not been in the audition notice).

"Do you have something else?" someone else asked.

I told them I did and I started another monologue. I got through it but I was sensing utter disdain in the room.

As I started to leave, I asked "I don't really have a chance do I?"

The Director replied “No, not really.”

I politely said goodbye and literally burst into laughter, laughing myself silly the whole way down the hall, down the stairs and out past the end of the line on the street.

I didn't get the role but it's always made for an interesting Hollywood story.

Ha ha! Yes!!! That's wonderful fun.