Moths and Cockroaches

I can proudly state that I have never done that, ever. I have kept my thoughts to my self, if I have had any. Only because I was in the reverse of such a position myself very early in my theatrical life.

I was rather lucky in the early years. I rarely auditioned for a part without getting it or being called in after the fact. Such was the availability of men at the time that even poor muggins, with some talent (not a lot back then), managed to appear in four to five shows a year. I never had time to think about another's role. I was in more plays then I could have gone to see.

In one production, I heard of a particular person (who shall remain nameless) that had a rather poor reputation. As I heard more and more of this person, I eventually learned that they had auditioned for the part that I had got. Such is life in theatre I thought. I was in the right place at the right time.

I think it was the second or third performance when I was informed at the end of the show that this particular someone was out front and wanted to see me. Why was my immediate thought to which I was told that they wanted to congratulate me on my performance and then give a few pointers. What a contradiction! Suffice it to say, I didn't give them a chance. After all, I had the director's approval for what I was doing and I personally felt good in the role. I didn't a potential jaded individual telling me what they would have done. I vowed that day to never do the same thing, and I am glad to say it is a promise that I have upheld.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

Get your Actor's Hands Dirty - UPstageWA
http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/what_is_this_things_called_acting