It was 1991 and I was cast in Ain’t Misbehavin’ at the Gateway Playhouse in Bellport, NY. Subsequently, I did that show at the Arizona Theatre Company and then at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. It seems that, at that time, my focus was all about Ain’t Misbehavin’ and my Equity card.
I remember getting my card and then just working really hard. Ain’t Misbehavin’ has a cast of five. In my production, more than half of the cast members already had their Equity cards and had already done the show before. I felt like I was in this “hurry up and catch up” situation. Rehearsal started with a visit to the musical director’s house to learn the first act, and the next day I learned the second act. By the third day I was in the room with the full cast and we were up on our feet, and I was completely in this fog of ‘Oh my, how am I going to do this?’ It was crazy. I worked so hard. So when I think about it, I was working really hard for my Equity card.
After I got my card, I felt like I was part of a legitimate club. I felt really accomplished.
Even today I feel that way. I always say that as actors, we are such a rare breed; we are like a tribe. Because if you are an actor and you’ve been a part of this business for any length of time, you have been paying your dues. You can almost look across the room at another actor or stage manager and without saying a word know exactly what or how that person feels, or you really root for that person when they get the job (even if it means you didn’t). Somebody had to get it and we are all in this thing together. Equity is a wonderful union to be a part of and I’m just really proud – really proud and honored.
Originally published in Equity News, Autumn 2016.
