First Day on the Set
Originally posted on December 3, 2008
Andrea has arrived on the set for the first day of rehearsals prior to filming, having been the last one cast for her supporting role in Man of the Cloth. There is a lot going on, but her presence does not seem to be required, so she sits and waits in the commissary. She is nervous, because her first task is an unpleasant one: to explain about the discontinuation of her drama coaching. But the sight of a familiar and unwelcome face soon turns worry to fury…
Andrea: What are you doing here?
Gideon: Good morning, Ms. Sebastian.
Andrea: Good morning, Mr. Bennett.
Gideon: You will be working in costume later today. Have you had your final fitting?
Andrea: I haven’t had any fittings…. yet. *under her breath* I might not get that far, anyway.
Gideon: Wardrobe will need to fit you in before we begin, then. Do you have any questions?
Andrea: Only one, although I believe I already know the answer.
Gideon: Feel free to ask anyway.
Andrea: Okay, let me repeat myself: What are you doing here?
Gideon: Working.
Andrea: You’re the lead, I suppose?
Gideon: Yes, as a matter of fact, I am.
Andrea: And how long ago did you join the cast?
Gideon: That’s three questions, Ms. Sebastian.
Andrea: So it is. Well, perhaps more informative answers would curtail the number of questions.
Gideon: I was cast at the beginning of the project. Before auditions were held. I’m told they were impressed by my performance with the theater company and sought me out for the film version.
Andrea: I’m sure you must be very pleased with yourself.
Gideon: I do feel a certain satisfaction, but I will not have earned the right to be pleased until I deliver a quality performance.
Andrea: You could have mentioned something to me. Or are you going to pretend you didn’t know that I had been cast opposite you?
Gideon: I knew. I was under the impression you didn’t want to hear from me.
Andrea: It hardly matters now anyway.
Gideon: And why do you say that?
Andrea: I was hired with the stipulation that I work every day with a coach.
Gideon: A plan which had my approval. Go on…
Andrea: It was your decision?
Gideon: Not mine, although I was consulted. You may have an arresting face on film, Andrea, but you really need to work on your pathetic delivery. Your movements are stiff and your vocal expression severely lacking. I’ve known rank amateurs that act more convincingly.
Andrea: Well, someone thought I could do it, even though that someone obviously was not you.
Gideon: Yes, and the vote of confidence included an agreement which you have now broken. Or so I’ve heard.
Andrea: Then you heard wrong. I have not broken the agreement– I am trying to find another drama coach. One who will understand my need for a flexible schedule. There just don’t seem to be any qualified professionals available right now.
Gideon: I would offer my services, but I know exactly where that would go.
Andrea: Your services? As my coach? How wonderful that you have such confidence in your abilities, and none whatsoever in mine.
Gideon: Show me what you’re capable of. Convince me I’m wrong.
Andrea: I’m sure that would be impossible.
Gideon: Quite so – because I’m never wrong.
Andrea: What you are, is intolerably arrogant.
Gideon: Nevertheless, the offer stands. I just happen to have the same schedule you do, and a little free time before we begin to shoot in three weeks. You need a coach – it’s a match made in heaven, Andrea.
Andrea: Hardly. I believe I will just explain my situation to the director. My part is not that big – I’m sure I will be able to pull it off without more coaching.
Gideon: If you say so. Well, Ms. Sebastian, as delightful as it may be to continue these morning pleasantries, wardrobe awaits. If you can bring yourself to take direction from me just this once, I’ll show you where they’re set up.
to be continued…