California. A place where dreams are made of and everyone seems to have the perfect life with many opportunities. But that’s not quite the case, at least in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong there are a billion opportunities in California, especially places like Hollywood or Los Angeles. It’s just rare that you’ll ever get one. I’ve been seeking one ever since I moved here; It’s not really working out though.

   “Lucy come here!” my boyfriend, Jake, screams.

I quickly reply,” Ugh . . . be right there!”

My boyfriend and I have been together for 2 years and moved to California a year ago. Jake lives about 30 minutes away, in Long Beach. We don’t really live that close to each other because of Jake’s job and school.

     I walk down the stairs and see Jake sitting on the couch grinning from ear to ear. He never really smiles like that so I’m a little concerned.All of a sudden Jake runs up, hugs me and says, “I was checking my email, and a notification came up that said you have been invited back for a second audition for that acting role you just tried out for!”I suddenly start laughing hysterically not believing anything Jake just told me.

“Hahahaha funny Jake,” I said. “I’m not dumb.”

“What? I’m serious!” Jake yells.

“Well, what does this mean?” I ask with excitement.

“It means you better start rehearsing!” Jake replies.

I have been waiting for this moment for a long time and it has finally come. Nothing is gonna get in my way of getting this role!

      Days pass and everyday I am hit with a moment of disbelief. If I get this role, it will be the big break I’ve been waiting for! Jake calls me crazy, but I have been practicing every day and night for this second audition. 
The day finally comes and waiting in the lobby is making me anxious.  The director of the audition calls my name and my heart suddenly stops. My legs feel like jello. My palms are sweaty. My nerves are getting the best of me.   

  I walk into the room confidently, even though I’m more nervous now than I’ve ever been in my life. As I start to open my mouth to state my name and what role I’m auditioning for, the executive producer stops me.  
“There has been a mix up,” the producer states in a serious tone.

“We have already chosen our actor’s for the main character’s; somehow we mistakenly emailed everyone who auditioned.”

“ Wait, what?” I said in disbelief.

“My team and I feel awful about this and we all apologize for the mix up,” the producer  states.

“Why would you wait to tell me this now and not just email or call me two weeks ago?” I yell.

I don’t even give the producer a chance to explain himself. I bolt for the door trying to hold back tears. As I fumble for my car keys, I burst into tears. The sadness turns to anger and then I start laughing uncontrollably. I’m literally in hysterics; I’ve lost my mind. I don’t know what to do with myself, so I just sit in my car and cry.

     I pull myself together and drive directly to my apartment. I get home and see Jake sitting on my couch looking worried.

“Why are you back so quick?” Jake asked with a concerned tone.

“There was a mistake with the email,” I quietly mumbled.”

“Huh?” Jake questioned.

“Basically . . . what happened was . . . that . . .” I stuttered. I couldn’t even finish my sentence. Jake saw the pain in my eyes and gave me a hug. He knew I didn’t want to talk about what happened, so we didn’t talk about the audition for the rest of the day.

    The next day I wake up to a ring of my doorbell. I open the door and see Jake standing there with flowers.
“Hey,” Jake chattered.

“Hi,” I reply back sounding miserable.

“I know that you love acting, and you want to act for a living . . . but I really think that you should . . . maybe . . .take a break for a while,” Jake hinted.

“What do you mean?” I scream.

“Maybe just for now,” he blurted.

“You know what,” I stuttered, “I’m not gonna give up just because you say I should.”

“Ok, look, I’m sorry,” Jake whimpered, “I just don’t want you to get hurt again.”

Even though Jake apologized, I’m still a bit upset with him. But his negativity honestly is making me more determined than ever before! 

    I start researching different professional talent agencies, seeing if anyone could book me an audition anywhere. I finally find an agency called “The United Talent Agency.” It is supposedly one of the best in California.

     One of the agents from UTA agreed to meet up with me and help me make audition videos to submit for various acting roles around California. The videos are very time consuming to make, especially if you have more than one to make.

    I  finish the videos around 11pm and decide to go home. I was told that the videos might not be seen by movie directors until after week or so.

Ring . . . ring ring!

“It’s 3:00 AM, who is calling!” I scream at myself.

I answer the phone and it’s my agent.

“I have exciting news!” he exclaims, “One of the producers I emailed wants to meet with you!  “You have the exact personality/look they need for one of his main roles in the new movie, Malibu.”

“What?” I reply, not knowing what else to say. My excitement got the best of me and I start screaming.
“Oh wait, it’s 3am,” I whisper.

“Ok, I gotta go now,” my agent explains, knowing that I forgot he was still on the line.

    The next few weeks I start rehearsing and meeting with the producers of the movie, Malibu. They believe I am the perfect person for the role, but I don’t actually know if I have the part.

    A couple weeks went by before I met with all the writers and producers and director of the movie again.  They told me in person that I am the main character, Paisley, in the movie Malibu. This role is definitely a life changer. My work ethic and determination got me to where I am right now.