#spstactresses

I was called back for a part involving topless nudity, but declined saying I didn’t think the nudity was necessary.  They said they loved my read and would work around it.  I came in for the the 2nd read and accomplished the intent and comedy of the scene without nudity.  The assistant director claimed that I had read so well, the nudity wasn’t necessary.  The Director asked her and the reader to leave.  

The director asked:  If I couldn’t expose my breasts, could I at least be seen in my bra and “I need to video tape you, now so that I know you won’t freeze up on the set.”  CONT’D

DIRECTOR: “Why not? Everybody gets naked everyday!… Why are you so self-conscious?…This is going to be your breakout role! EVERYONE is going to call you, after seeing you as (character name). Your phone is going to ring off the hook! It is not the starring role but significant…Do you know how many young people come in here and don’t have a problem taking off their clothes?!…I didn’t know you had all those curves because you came in here in a dress the first time. In fact, you’re very curvy!  You’re a BBW (Big Beautiful Woman)”…

 I was so stunned, ashamed and embarrassed I was speechless.  I finally said, “I’m sorry. I can’t do this. Why don’t you get someone else?” 

He became enraged and told me, “Don’t you ever do that again! How dare you try to tell the director what to do!” I then explained, “But I can’t give you what you want, shouldn’t you want someone that will?” 

I walked up to him, shook his hand and said, “Thank you, anyway,” and left.