skiffytown League of Heroes

Shockwave VS Insecurity

I’ve been Shockwave for almost two years now. I like being Shockwave. I do some decent drawings and write ok stories about my trials and tribulations as the Super Sonic Super Hero. I’ve gone to Gen-Con as Shockwave. I’ve gone to Metropolis as Shockwave. (I even have some fans there!) I’ve hit some various comic conventions as Shockwave as well. I’ve even talked to large crowds and felt fairly comfortable with it.

But today was different.

I went to a local audition for MyNDY. It’s a local cable station that’s holding open auditions. They need someone to read the Community Calendar, show up at events, and do various other things with the station like hosting blocks of shows.

There were about sixty people at the auditions. Almost everyone was in their early twenties, petite (even the guys) and were dressed very nicely. I showed up being thirty, slightly pudgy, and wearing my superhero costume.

Needless to say, I looked a bit out of place.

I was nervous as I stood off to the side, waiting for my turn. After about ten minutes I had calmed down. There was another half hour of waiting. I spent my time trying to remember to smile, keep my shoulders pulled back, and hold in my gut. Then it was time to stand in front of the camera.

I’d like to say I was calm and collected. But, I wasn’t. I was nervous. My voice fluctuated. I remembered to tell them who I was, and why I’d make a good TV personality. I forgot to mention my application number, which was one of the few things I was supposed to do.

It reminded me of my audition in St. Louis for the show. Except, I was the only superhero this time.

After the audition in St. Louis I thought I’d done horribly. Even after I had calmed down, I basically had a blank spot in my brain. I couldn’t remember anything I’d said on stage. Thankfully, there were people recording the auditions and I could see that I hadn’t done as badly as I thought.

Today, I could remember what I said. But I still felt like I hadn’t done a very good job. Plus, this was professionally filmed, so I don’t have a copy of what I did. So, no reassuring myself that I hadn’t been as bad as I thought.

I guess it still shows that I’m nervous in front of the camera. Or maybe it shows that I’m more nervous being a superhero in a room full of “pretty” people. That’s the feeling I always had when I was younger. I never felt comfortable around the “pretty” or “popular” people. I guess I haven’t outgrown that part of me, even though I thought I had.

I won’t know how I did for another month or so. I’ll let you guys know if I hear anything.

Remember, you still got up there and did it. I used to be a scrawny nerd in school and understand your feelings for being around the "beautiful people". Well, those beautiful people didn't have the guts to wear a superhero costume, did they? To me, that means you're braver than they are. You've got guts AND you've got STYLE!!! So, focus on the positives. Beauty is only skin-deep anyway, and it won't last forever. Give all those good-lookers another ten years. You've spent your time better, building your heart rather than your cosmetics. And courage never gets old or weak!

Aw don't let it get to ya Shocky. Did you know the average height for folks in showbiz (movie stars, tv personalities and the like) is only 5'7"? Kyber is right: you got up there despite the butterflies in your belly and gave it your all. What hero could say more?

And if it makes you feel any better: I get up in front of a crowd of 300 or so every month and make an arse of myself with a belly full of the same butterflies. I don't think they ever really go away, you just learn to deal with them more effectively.

Shock: It always takes guts to try but the point is that you did try!!! Most people wouldn't even do that. At least you won't look back in your life and wonder "What if". Good luck I hope you get it!! I'll say a prayer for you


Eris

Thanks alot guys. I haven't heard anything from them yet. But, now that some time has passed, I'm feeling better.

I don't care so much about the gig. If it happens, great. If not, that's cool too.

But thanks to everyone for your support.

Your audition in St Louis rocked!


I could actually hear yours if not see it...

Loud is definately one of the things I have going for me.

I got an email from MyNDY (the station I auditoned for.) Looks like 150 people auditioned. Got the standard "Thanks for applying, but...." message.

Oh well. I tried.

But, I have something else on a back burner. If I get a few things on my x-mas list, and some time for it, I may start a superhero podcast.

Hey shockwave: I am so sorry to hear you didn't get the part you were hoping for! But now that the station knows what you can do maybe they will keep you in mind if something else comes up.
Remember heroes alwaysland on their feet!
Wishing you good luck!

Eris

too bad you didn't get the gig but like everyone said at least you tried. There will always be other opportunities for you to be a hero, even without a camera involved.

The hero thing isn't about the fame, mate. It's about what doing good does to you inside...

The Aviator wrote:The hero thing isn't about the fame, mate. It's about what doing good does to you inside...

I know. It was less about on being on TV, and more about using the TV to bring awarness up about charity events.

Plus, I think I'd just be fun!

Heck, you are fun, SW! And don't worry, there'll be other opportunities.