What's Your Age Range???

Often times, when filling out random forms we find ourselves checking off boxes that correspond to our age. We may be filling out an application for a running race, completing a marketing questionnaire or a sex survey in Glamour Magazine, perhaps. As an actor, you are asked by a casting agent or during an audition, what is your age range? This rarely coincides with the age you actually are, and can be very hard for an individual to determine for themselves. Look at some Hollywood faces next time your scanning People magazine and with botox injections, microdermabrasion and little nips and tucks here and there…they become ageless, and some even stop looking like themselves.

I recently turned 40, without any anxiety over a new decade. But have been asked by many people, how do I feel and boy, it must have been difficult... It's usually the ninth year of a decade that causes anxiety for many people. I truly believe age is just a number and it is how you feel and project yourself to the world that matters.

A few years ago I was interested in auditioning for a role that was listed as a woman in her early twenties... I called one of my acting teachers asking his opinion on the matter. “Well darling, it all depends on how far the stage is from the audience, and of course your makeup and lighting,” was his response. I was cast in another play when my chronological age was 38 and my character was 23. My leading man had a chronological age of 21, and we had a kissing scene. Yes, I had my cougar moment on stage.

The next production at The Strand, which opens in April is a play called Smolder, written by the fabulous Julie Lewis. The story is about a woman named Sylvia who becomes disfigured in a horrible accident. The play takes place in two points of time, before and after the tragedy. So there is Sylvia 1 (before), and Sylvia 2 (after). Two women cast as the same person. This can be a challenge for a director, giving them many possibilities in casting. Do you find two actors that have the same look, or does that even matter? I have the privilege of playing Sylvia 2, and the wonderful Megan Rippey is
cast as Sylvia 1. Do we look alike? Maybe we could be cousins. Are we close in age? Not at all. Megan is in her early 20's and I am, well, I already mentioned that. But it shouldn't matter. That is the beauty of theater and creating this magical reality on stage.

Being an actor gives you the opportunity to lie about your age. Embrace it!!!!