The word “why” can be used many ways. It can be a noun, an interjection, even a conjunction, but for the purposes of this column, I’d like to use it as an adverb.
You see, I’m very familiar with the word “why” because I say it—sometimes scream it—on a regular basis. And when that word leaves my mouth, it’s usually paired with a roll of the eyes or a shaking of my fist.
In any case, it’s rarely a good thing.
Finding success as an actor isn’t easy. Sadly, it gets even harder when actors insist on getting in their own way. And it’s always the little things that trip them up, the same things that make me use the word “why” over and over and over.
So here’s a candid look at all the different ways I’ve used the word during a typical workweek:
Going through submissions
WHY would an actor send me an email that’s longer than my favorite short story?
WHY would an actor tell me someone I’ve never heard of referred him?
WHY would an actor send me a dead link to his website?
WHY would an actor send me a link to a website that’s still under construction?
During meetings
WHY would an actor show up late without calling?
WHY would an actor forget to bring a headshot and résumé?
WHY would an actor badmouth his former agent?
WHY would an actor in his 40s claim he can still pass for 30?
Interacting with clients
WHY would an actor show up late for an audition?
WHY would an actor not read the script before a pilot audition?
WHY would an actor forget to book out when he’s leaving town?
WHY would an actor sign with a manager without getting my opinion first?
Attending workshops
WHY would an actor sign up for an agent workshop when she’s only been in town three weeks and is in no way ready for representation?
WHY would an actor even bother to show up without a picture and résumé?
WHY would an actor hand me a picture and résumé with no contact information? (I’m talking no phone number, no email address, nothing.)
WHY would an actor list a game show appearance on her résumé?
WHY would an actor scream at the top of his lungs during a scene when the workshop is being held in a room that’s about the size of a New York City studio apartment?
WHY would an actor choose to perform a scene from “General Hospital”? (No offense to soap operas, but those shows aren’t known for their writing if you know what I mean….)
Attending waiver productions
WHY would an actor forget to leave my name at the door when he invites me to see his show?
WHY would an actor work in a theater that doesn’t have air conditioning?
WHY would an actor attempt an accent that’s beyond his grasp?
WHY would an actor wink at me from the stage during a show?
You know what? After typing the word “why” so many times, I just realized why it has so much power for me. The year I graduated from business school, my father asked what my plans were for the future (and that expensive degree). I told him I wanted to be a Hollywood agent. And that was the very first time I heard the word “why” said with so much raw emotion behind it. And I heard it over and over and over….
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