I met Gwen about 9 months ago but neither of us knew that we were in the "biz". I was volunteering at an event and she was attending and I had no idea what she looked like, what her last name was etc... so we just enjoyed a great conversation about this and that. I didn't feel intimidated or that I needed to prove anything to her and so was free to be myself. I told her that I live in Little Tokyo, downtown and she shared the best kept secret in LA and that is the $20 theater tickets at the Ahmanson Theater Group! Finally, at the end of the conversation, she asked what I did and I told her that I am trying my hardest to be a working actor. She informed me that she is the casting director for General Hospital, which I knew once she told me her last name! It just so happens that I had mailed her a postcard asking to meet with her just the week before! She said to keep in touch, send my stuff, and she'll see what she can do.
9 months, 4 postcards, and 3 emails later...my persistence paid off and she booked me for this coming Monday! She called and asked if I wanted to do a day of extra work and before she could finish, I said "absolutely"! Now, some actors think they are above extra work but not me, I'd be happy sweeping the floors if it would get me closer to the people who do the hiring/casting, plus, it's a great way to meet fellow actors and get my foot in the door. She even went on to say that this is a great way for her to see me again and that she'll look for an even bigger part for me if this goes well. I'll keep my fingers crossed that this comes along but I am so thankful that she remembered me and it's nice to know that persistence really does pay off.
I'll keep you posted on the exact episode. All I know is that I'm a honeymooner in "Mexico" and I'll be wearing "resort wear'. So funny yet so glad it worked out.