Silent Confidence

Suzie with Li Cunxin (the real-life person “Mao’s Last Dancer” is based on).

When I was working as a Talent Agent (still am), I auditioned for a Feature Film that needed another Supporting American Actress. Sitting in the waiting room of the Casting Director, of course I hear all these American accents and actors dressed classier than I was. Well, after talking to and reading for the Director, I got the part. What fun!

So, I memorized my lines again and arrived on set to (MY OWN) trailer. I was taken to the wardrobe and hair trailer to get made up like the character. Not my finest look, but hey, I was acting again in a Feature Film!

I was taken to the set and we ran a few rehearsals. Big name American actors I was working with too. I just “did my job”, enjoyed my character and the other actors immensely.

Once again I was taken back down to the makeup/wardrobe trailer and I overhear the ladies talking about “the boys” (hardly boys) said how good she was and they were relieved. I thought they were talking about the girl in the back who played the receptionist. I asked who they were talking about and they looked at me and laughed and said YOU. Duh, of course I was good. I knew that, but these high flying actors didn’t know me.

Ha! I wasn’t ego driven or scared, I was doing my job and doing it well. Why would anyone think anything else? I realized I was the one being judged. Glad I didn’t know that as I had not an inkling that I couldn’t stand up with any actor and rally.

Ta da! Well now, didn’t I pleasantly show them. Ha! To think they had even questioned my ability was a real surprise to me. 

So be prepared, have confidence in yourself and do your job! That’s all.