I know every actor has a character/role bucket list (like mine includes being a superhero, Katerina from Taming of the Shrew, Queen Margaret in Richard III and I want to ride a horse in a Western!) but there is another bucket list:
1. Be doubled
2. Do a shoddy accent (and still get the part)
3. Do a brilliant accent and don’t get the part!
4. Play the “young” version of a character
5. Play the “present”/old version of the character
6. Get into a choreographed fight on stage and screen
7. Say no to the stunts (leave that fire gag to the professionals!)
8. Say yes to the stunts! (C’mon it’s a glass made of sugar!)
9. Awkward make-outs with the scene partner you JUST met
10. Getting down to your birthday suit
11. Eat something you’re allergic to just so you get the part (yes I have done this…)
12. Get paid to sit and read a book all day and in the 7th hour they use you for 3 mins
13. Wear next to nothing for that sweet shot outside (bonus if you have to go swimming in October through April)
14. Drive a vehicle with a GoPro staring at you
15. Dye/cut your hair for a role
16. Learn a new skill for that role (dancing, combat, singing… something that you have absolutely NO idea how to do but you said yes in the audition so you’re screwed now!)
17. Loose/gain weight for a part
18. Voice Over yourself (probably because an airplane ruined your shot the first time)
19. Be the director/producer/writer/actor/marketer/make-up artist/choreographer/fight director/FOH/everything for a show you believe in with zero dollars just because you love the show so much (and eat PB & J for at least a month to make it work)
I’m sure there’s more – what have you experienced? Add to the list!