Monday, July 1, 2013

When the "you don't look your age" gene works against you

I thank my mother for both my "youthfulness" and "dance" genes. No one can ever believe I am 36 years old and that my mother is now a senior citizen at 55. Most of the time people think we are sisters. I live a pretty active lifestyle as an artist, especially with all the dancing I do. This has benefited me in most aspects of my life and at times even my career. I recently finished a run of "The Mission Play" as 18-20 year old "Anita"....on stage. One of the reasons I love the theatre is as an actor you are creating your character on a blank canvas.

When it comes to tv and film...it's a different story. In the last few years I've come into the "the middle." If I get called in to audition for "mother," I'm quite often told I look too young and honestly, I sometimes feel too young when I look around at other women I'm auditioning with.

Then if I get called in for a role between the ages of 18-25...I'm the old lady in the room. You see, it's not that I can't play the role of a younger or older woman it's that I don't look it- on camera. Let's get serious, I don't look like a 20 year old when I'm standing next to one (damn I miss that fast metabolism) -especially in front of a casting director. So why not just audition for the "in between?" I would, and I do but there are very limited roles.
As absurd as it sounds, think about it- how many middle aged latina roles are there on tv and film today?  More than the past, yes, but many casting directors will cast well known latina actresses to boost ratings. Secondly, our middle-aged, 1st, 2nd or 3rd generation, college educated, family oriented, leaders in the corporate world stories aren't being written. Even when they are (I've read some incredible scripts), networks aren't pouring millions of dollars into making them happen.

I would never trade my "you don't look your age" gene in but I will continue to write and produce stories of all walks of life and ages. Especially that "middle-aged latina" that I know there is an audience for even if networks don't think so. All while continuing the audition grind and kickin' that 20 year old's butt in the casting office every chance I get.
36 year old me and 55 year old mom and Tia Linda (yes, they're twins...and yes we look like triplets)

As 18-20yr old "Anita" in The Mission Play

Young in spirit, mature in life experiences... neither matter when it comes to the camera.
'