One of the things I hate about doing a show is checking for friends after the performance.
When the applause ends, the actors leave the stage. And we get out of our costumes and make up.
If you know that you had family or friends in the audience, you get changed quickly. Otherwise, you can take your time.
It's the post show peek that drives me crazy.
That's when you don't know if you have any friends waiting to greet you.
You poke your head out and take a look. Unfortunately, you can't just poke your head out.
You usually must poke your entire body out into the lobby and look around.
Too often, I'll look around eagerly. Looking at blank faces that I don't recognize. And come to realization that no one is there for me.
Or possibly whoever was there already left. Because it took to long to get out of costume.
And then there are two choices:
- Pretend that I came out for another reason. I wasn't looking to see if I had any fans. I was looking for the front door… I was looking for someone who's outside… I was looking for the meaning of life…
- Turn around and do the walk of shame back into the dressing room. Try to escape before too many people notice my dashed hopes. No one loves me. It's alright.
I usually opt for the second option. Slinking back to the dressing room.
It's too awkward pretending to be out there for another reason. It's obvious I was looking for friendlies! For family or friends. I'm not that good an actor to pretend otherwise!
On the plus side, occasionally people who are there for someone else will sometimes talk to you. Especially if they enjoyed the play.
Usually, I just take my time in the dressing room until I'm told someone is waiting for me.
But for this show. Burn. I'm usually the first one out of costume and out of the dressing room.
And so, if I don't know someone is out there. Waiting for me. I ask myself if I feel lucky.
When it comes to people waiting for me. I'm usually not lucky!
Bring on the slink of shame!
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