There are no warm-ups

I once aspired to being the next Julie Andrews. Certain that summer stock was the next step--and that the community theater in Round Lake came close enough--I auditioned for YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN one summer. I think I was 15, or maybe 16.

I still remember what I wore: cut-off jean shorts along with a sleeveless button-down shirt that I made myself, and the Payless version of white leather Keds. I thought I looked a little like Jennifer Grey in DIRTY DANCING, only, you know, with Mary Martin hair. I was the youngest person there, along my buddy Jason from my high-school theater group (not to be confused with Loyal Long-Suffering Arts Patron Jason).

When they called my name, I walked up to the pianist. I gave him my music and asked him to play a few bars. I sang softly, just warming up, like we always did at my high school. I wasn't trying to sound good. I was just trying to warm up. (I use the same excuse now when I fall on my butt during pilates. Just warming up over here, people!).

Well, after about a minute, the auditioners told me to STOP.No more needed.

"Wait," I said. "I was just warming up. I'm way better, really..."

"We got what we needed," the guy said. "NEXT!"

That was my big shot. Not surprisingly, I didn't get a part with a solo. Surprisingly, I did get a part that gave me stage time. Not a lot of people showed up for auditions. Or maybe they really liked that Mary-meets-Jennifer look, eh?

I learned to always take my best shot everytime. No public warm-ups.

I think of this lesson a lot lately, as I work on my next project. It's so tempting to forward the first few rough chapters to my agent and editor, hoping they'll pass out with joy and shock at my artistry. But I don't--because I want to take my best shot. I'm not saying I'll sit on my pages forever, or wait until the book is done (Pam's editor and agent now pass out from relief, not joy). But I will make sure they're ready for prime time. Because you never get a second shot.

Hey Round Lake---you casting for this summer yet? I almost fit in those cut-offs...