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QUARTER NOTE

Authentic Storytelling

David Freedman, PM2

What happens when you know you’re right for a I was told that I was in the running for the part
part, but the role goes to somebody else? As an actor, along with at least two other actors. As I’m an actor
this is very often the case with most roles. When with a facial paralysis thanks to growing up with

an actor receives a call to go to an audition, he or Moebius syndrome, it was incredible to think that
she will receive “sides,” or a small breakdown of I might have a shot at a major role on a television
the script which may or may not even be the final series. Only it didn’t pan out that way. Another actor
copy of the screenplay to memorize before they named DJ Qualls beat me to it. As far as I know, the

go for their audition. actor doesn’t have any noticeable disability in real
The role will specify the age range (i.e., 30-45 life, but he was convincing enough in his audition
years old), gender, race, and other factors that the that he got the part. Congratulations were certainly
director or producers are looking for from the actor. in order for him; the show lasted for three seasons,

Although there may be some flexibility in how the which I’m sure gave him a leg up when it came to
role is cast, more often than not, the director has finding more work later in his career.
the last word in who makes the final cut. And of While I hold no ill will towards DJ, I was
course, this can be very frustrating if you actually reminded yet again that simply having the right

meet all of the requirements, have a great audition, stuff doesn’t necessarily ensure that you’re the best
and still don’t succeed in nabbing the role. fit for the part. And while Hollywood has made
One of my favorite examples of this happened strides in auditioning more actors with disabilities
to me in the past decade when I auditioned for a to play characters with disabilities, this doesn’t

television series called Legit, in which they were mean that the actor meeting those requirements
looking for an actor who could play a character with will get the role. In fact, it’s still very common for
a disability. The character in question was named able-bodied actors to play parts that are written
Billy Nugent, and he had muscular dystrophy. for people with disabilities. The reasons vary, but

36 ONE COMMUNITY