The Dream of a Million-Dollar Line
There are actors who make millions from one famous line:
“Show me the money!”
“You had me at hello.”
“I’ll have what she’s having.”
When I started as a professional actor in NYC, my most money-making line?
“Hi, I’ll be your server today.”
Breaking Into Commercials
Then, I began to get TV and radio commercials. This is a gift because one gig can pay your rent. The bigger the company, the higher the audition stakes.
My agent set me up on an audition for Deloitte and Touche.
I didn’t know the company, but I saw their logo in Times Square, so I knew they were a big deal and would lead to a big gig. She asked me if I could do a British accent, to which I precociously answered, “Northern or Southern?”
The Audition Mistake
Once at the audition, however, I realized what they were actually looking for was a real BRITISH PERSON.
Not to be deterred, I signed in and started rehearsing the sides.
As soon as I entered the room, I knew it was a HUGE mistake to have gone through with this audition. Facing me were three very born-and-bred British women looking me up and down.
“From whot paht of th’ UK do you hail?”
The Fake Accent and a Pronunciation Fail
Having never ever been able to fib, my throat closed, my eyes bugged, and trickles of sweat started to snake down my temples. Feeling too far in to back out, I croaked “Th’ South” and began reading the script.
The lines ended with the company tagline:
“Here with you every step of the way. We’re Deloitte & Touche.”
I didn’t know how to pronounce the company’s name. But the words looked French, and I wanted to finish this flop with flair, so I spent extra time drawing out my confidently incorrect pronunciation:
“Here with you every step of the way. We’re Del-wah Tou-chay.”
After all, it rhymed, so it must be correct!
The Aftermath: A Lesson in Preparation
Stunned at the sheer magnitude of how many things one actor could get wrong in a single audition, the women sat staring. I thanked them and left.
As soon as the door closed, I heard a burst of laughter. Surely, mine is one of the stories told at company parties.
Confidence is good. Assurance is healthy. But both need to be backed with preparation and professionalism.
What I Should Have Done
Had I asked, I could have easily learned how to pronounce the company’s name. My laughing roommate informed me with tears streaming down her face as I shared the story.
And I should never have auditioned once I discovered they wanted a British person. I hadn’t even been to the UK at that point.
Instead, confidently admitting I was sent incorrectly but would be happy to give it my best shot – and confirming the pronunciation of the client name – would have helped me appear professional and competent.
The Fumble That Became a Legend
Instead, my “fake it” was a fumble. There’s a chance I’m still used as an example of the worst audition in NYC.
The Importance of Asking for Help
When you’re faced with something you don’t know: ASK.
- Ask a colleague.
- Phone a friend.
- Get on the ChatGPT bus.
The dichotomy is that by admitting you don’t know something, you appear smarter than if you pretend you do.
Touché, Deloitte
Touché.
Love and light,
Tami
