To Be or Not To Be...a Stage Mom?
Logan had an audition last week and received a “call-back.” That meant the director of the play had narrowed the field of potential actors (predominantly adolescents, 10 – 15) and wanted those select few to audition again. My husband had accompanied our son to the initial try-out, and I took him for the second round.
One mom in particular stood out – mainly because she didn’t sit down for the entire two-hour audition! She paced back and forth in the 8’ x 8’ waiting area, peeking every other minute through the makeshift divider at her 10-year-old performer. She’d loudly whisper things to him through an opening in a temporary wall (designed for PRIVACY) while others were auditioning, and when little De Niro came out a few times to get water, she’d fan him and fix his hair like a handmaid – or handma -- to royalty.
I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. I wondered if he were her only child, if she’d been a disappointed wannabe actress, if medication made her this way (or may, in fact, help) or if the proverbial “stage mom” thrived far from the Hollywood Hills, too. I’m guessing the latter. After all, I love my child fiercely, but he can fix his own hair, dispense his own water and certainly risk his own disappointment or success. I wouldn’t be doing him any favors by tossing rose petals in his path and treating him like an Olympic God.
Comments
His mother!
This is not at all related to this topic, except that I am wowed by your skill with words, Lori. I'm currently the managing editor for seven magazines (mostly trade mags for the green industry -- grass, landscaping, etc.), so I know good writing when I see it. I found one of your stories on this website this morning, and I was so "bedazzled" (and thoroughly entertained) that I have now read all of your features in Her (at least the ones that are posted on this site).
My 17-year-old daughter discovered today that her favorite author, Stephenie Meyer, has decided not to finish the last novel in her vampire series because someone apparently "stole" the first chapter (which, I think, was posted on a website) and tried to sell it. I don't really understand the whole thing, but my daughter is just devastated, since she herself is an aspiring writer and truly loves Meyer's writing style. I told her to go to Meyer's website and write her a note, encouraging her to finish her book. I told her, "Every author loves to hear from admiring fans."
And then it struck me — I should walk the walk. So, here I am, posting a comment (this is the very first blog I've ever even started reading, much less participated in!). I just wanted you to know how very much I enjoy your writing (and it's not just because I, too, am a perimenopausal woman who is experiencing the same things you are!). You have a real gift for language, and you now have a new fan.
Liz
Liz,
I am SO sorry for not responding sooner! (Please fill in all standard excuses for a woman who has too much on her plate!!!)
You "bedazzled" me right back with your very kind words. You're so right, every author craves feedback -- especially the positive kind. And, when the praise comes from someone in the same industry, it's especially flattering.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write (and being such a great role model for your daughter!)!
I hope your hot flashes are mild ones! Stay cool!
...Lori