Poop Shute

Why acting?

I asked someone that recently, and after answering, they turned it around on me.

My first performing inspiration is kinda silly, but it's true. You know how a lot of spots in your memories of childhood are these single snapshot moments? They were part of a larger scene at the time, but now its just a crystal clear image or two, you know?

Well, I was always a joker, my big passion has always been making people laugh. My parents probably expected me to go into stand-up instead of acting, but I don't have the discipline to structure my humor into a routine. Whenever I try its never quite as funny as when it's off the cuff.

Damn it, tangent.

Anyway, the first snapshots I remember that inspired me were riding in the back seat of the car as a kid. I remember telling corny little kid jokes that I heard at school or on tv and trying to make my parents laugh or even smile. Usually my tiny kid brain wouldn't reach their adult humor centers, but once in a while from my perch in the back seat I would see the side of their cheek rise up in a smile, and I knew I had done it! I relished those moments, those little snapshots of bringing my parents mirth in profile. At the time I didn't know that it was the budding actor in me already fixating on accolades, however small. But I did know I liked it, and wanted more of it.

Also, I remember seeing the 1980's version of Little Shop of Horrors as a kid and deciding that I had to play Steve Martin's role. Orin, The Dentist, is probably one of the most fun things I can think of doing on stage. Especially if they adapt it for me like they did for Mr. Martin, because the original broadway version is written for a Tenor, and I am a Baritone.

"Your temperment's wrong for priesthood and teaching would suit you still less..."

Son, be an actor, you'll be a success.

COMMENTS:

You know, people stop me on the street and say "Why strategic market research?"
And I say to them "Because I'm good at statistics and I can't make money making zombies in photoshop."
Or the best answer is "It beats world wide inkjet supplies."
I think it all stems from a time when I was 8 years old living in Fresno, CA. I looked in the mirror and said "David, you're going to grow up to be the biggest corporate shill mankind has ever known."
Each day I work towards being that person.
therealdavid 11.19.06 - 12:18 am

David, I love you man, but you're full of it. I know it, you know it, we all know it.
There IS money to be made for someone with your level of photoshop skill. Good money at fun jobs. Those jobs don't just fall into your lap, you have to work towards them. You have to seek them out. Hell, I myself have thrown you warm leads to get you started in that field numerous times, and you never did anything with them by your own admission.
My point is this market thing is a cop-out. You once told me that you realized that your first college degree was this cliched jewish quest for money (a paraphrase of your words) and you also realized that money isn't what would make you happy. So, why seek a second degree in a similar field? Why write off what you like to do so easily in favor of the easy money?
Please, tell me I'm wrong. I hope I am. I hope that you've found fulfillment in your chosen field and I am just ranting about nothing. I hope I am a lone nut on this one. But I don't think that's true.
Joey 11.19.06 - 1:05 am

Thanks for answering your own question! You should have known I would have turned that one around on you.
Bess 11.19.06 - 3:13 am

Joey, clearly my post was meant as a joke. But allow me to elaborate...
My first degree was information systems, my second degree is focused around marketing. Trust me, the two fields are incredibly different. The only problem I have is trying to convince folks like P&G to hire my ass.
I am not an artist, nor will I ever be an artist. As much as people think that I am, I'm really not.
My previous post was a sarcastic joke, but I actually like what I've been learning. And as for searching for jobs, I fully realize that these things don't fall in your lap. I've been going to career fairs across the country, been interviewing all over the place, and going to industry conferences while going to school. Oh, I've also been doing all this while working part-time for Lexmark.
The reason why I decided against the art direction is simple. It didn't make me happy. Whether it was making zombies because I was angry, logos for Initial Impressions because I needed the money, or websites for various folks because I was bored. None of it ever made me happy.
Finding like minded people passionate about doing good work, that makes me happy and that's what I found at Thunderbird. Now I just need to find a job and sustain that.
therealdavid 11.20.06 - 2:05 pm

Ok. I withdraw my comments David.
I apologize for sticking my nose in. It just seemed to me like you were happier when you were more artisticly inclined, that's all.
I know you're post was a joke, but a lot of your humor these past years has been self-depricating, and mostly about your career, AND mostly not that funny because it seems too close to the truth.
I'm glad your happy. That is what I like to hear. :-)
Joey 11.20.06 - 4:54 pm