#Chapter 7 - Difficulty

The competition had not even started yet and I felt that something was wrong. The first issue turned into an argument with one of the staff advisors.

“'There must be some mistake.” I said.”

“No ma'am there is no mistake.” he said unwilling to budge.

“Then why am I not eligible to book an audition or get stage tie for that matter?” I was in disbelief.

“Well miss, unfortunately the stage opportunity before the show is already full.” The young man said rigidly.

This was ridiculous for the pass few hours I saw that no one was on that stage. Something was a miss. “That's impossible1 I clearly saw that the stage was empty!”

Despite my protest he held his ground against me. “Sorry but an appointment has to be made. We play and follow the rules here.” He said uncaring.

I caught what he stated with a certain tone. 'We play by the rules here.' Was that a knock at how I got into the competition. “So let me get an appointment for an audition.”

He exhaled in a huff, “Like I said an appointment is an appointment and we are completely booked.”

“So how am I suppose to practice. I do need to know how to move across that stage. I need to knw how to move and cooperate with the machines!” I started to get anxious. “Can you tell me what this is about? Is it about my scores?”

Before the competition was underway every contestant had to complete a test of different aspects of the entertainment world. I nailed the memorizing part, but the movement and ability to cooperate with the machinery was something that needed to be desired. I needed this to practice and I was getting nowhere at this point.

“Sorry but that has nothing to do with my duties.” He walked away with his clipboard in his hand. He made no notion to assist me in any way.

Based on the the performance and movement test I figured this competition was not truly centered around the acting ability of the actress. It was not entirely acting performance, but camera performance. This meant being able to move and cooperate with both the stage and the machinery on the stage.

It felt like this group was going to try and shut me out during this competition. How was I suppose to compete with no chance to rehearse. I was at a disadvantage. It was truly unfair!
It as not just not being able to rehearse. I was not having any luck with costumes neither.

After the confrontation with the staff member, I made my way to the costume department. I was hoping that I would have better luck there. I had no such luck.

The costume department was a larger room that had rows of clothing on hangers and racks. Different colors and designs filled the area. Surely I would be able to find something here.

What do you mean there aren't any other costumes.” I said to my displeasure. “This is a competition for acting; I mean shouldn't there be anymore.”

She sat there in here chair away from the designs and garments. Jus like the other staff member she did not seem excited or even pleased to talk to me.

“No dearie there are no other designs in the room. Everything is going to a specific contestant.”
She was a frumpy looking woman. She wore her dark hair in a low braid that stopped at her shoulders. She looked like she could be someone's aunt. She looked like she could be my aunt.
“So no spare or extra costumes?” I questioned.

“I am sorry dearie, but all the costumes we have here were sized and ordered for a specific girl in the contest. Everything was ordered months in advance based on their height and weight. There is no way we would have a backup.”

When I was first auditioning and acting as a child; there was always backups, just in case something went wrong. Here in the present that was not the case.

“So what am I suppose to wear upon the stage? What am I gonna wear during the competition. “ I was starting to get annoyed.

“You could parade around in your birthday suit. You will catch the eyes of the judges, that can be certain.” Auntie said with a teasing nature.

This was beyond ridiculous. I felt like the people in charge where not taking me serious at all. I felt humiliated by the seamstress and belittled by the stage hand.

I believed that everyone that was here before me had their demands meet because they had been here since day 1. While I showed up two days before the competition.

I made my way back to Lydia's office. This is where I had been practicing since I arrived to the studio. I knocked on the door; even when I am upset I refused to just barge into someone's personal space.

“Come in,” a small voice spoke on the opposite side of the door. I let myself in seeing Lydia sitting at her desk typing away at her laptop. I did not want to disturb her, but she and Elijah did tell me she was the person that I go to if I had any troubles.

And my troubles were steadily growing. “Hello Lydia. I have a couple questions.”

“Oh, good evening Ava, how goes everything,” she said with a generous smile. If she only knew the day I was having.

“Well the stage hand told me that without an appointment I could not practice on the stage. And he preceded to tell me that there are no appointments; even though the stage was currently empty.”

Lydia's face sported a frown with everyone I said. “Okay, what about your costumes for the contest?”

“Yeah that was also a bust. The seamstress told me that all the costumes were for the contestants already. So no such luck in that department either. Do you have any ideas why? I know this is a competition but I feel like I am getting blocked out for everything necessary for me to even compete.”

Lydia patted my hands trying to comfort me. “I am sorry Ava. The industry is very traitorous especially for up and coming actors. But it can also be great opportunities--my advice get in touch with people early and you will get use to the backlash.”

I knew she was trying to comfort me and assure me but with everything I been through today the advice was not what I needed.

“Lydia is there anyway you can help me. I honestly did not expect this to go this way. I thought it would be smooth sailing.” I said feeling less confident.
She gave me a sympathetic look. “I wish I could but I am only for acting teacher. I am not your agent or assistant. Without those type of people in your corner it will be a lot harder. Right now everything what you bring forth. You have to depend on yourself.”

I felt like I was being left in the dark. “Why is that? This is a competition shouldn't every competitor have the same privileges as the others.” I was not understanding what was happening.

“In theory yes, but again you have people around you that give you a leg up as well. You have to think though....di you piss anyone off when you got here. Everything from the way you talk to someone or address them matters.”

This was a new way of making it . As a child I did have people holding my hand yes. But I did not realize what went into making me the star that I was. But I had to ignore the past and focus on the present. Did I offend anyone....

That's when I realized....

Dammit.

Lydia told me that everyday around 3:30 p.m. Elijah made his rounds to make sure everything was functioning. Just like the day we met he was in a tailored silver suit. He was handsome and kind but if I had pissed him off in anyway I knew that I had to play nice.

I slowly walked behind the Adonis looking man. I cleared my throat to get his attention. He was signing documents for the competition. He turned around at glared at me.

I had to have done something to merit that look. “Hello...” I did not know how to approach this situation. I could try to look like a pitiful person that needed help , but I still needed to be charming. I was a good thing I was an actress or I would not be able to pull off that type of devotion.

“Can I have a word with you?” I said doily.

I looked up at him using just my eyes. This was a technique I was taught when I had to look innocent and sad.. Never use you neck to look up at others. I cranes and makes you look intimidating.

Elijah adjusted his wrist to the point he could make out the time on his watch.

“You have five minutes, so I suggest that you hurry it along.”

I was definitely not on this man's good side anymore.