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The Civil War & 9-11, a breakdown:

What if.
The only 2 shows that you had to audition for and knew you'd seriously be considered for were shows about,
A.) The Civil War
B.) 9-11
Because all the other shows that were being posted by casting and brokedown by agents were shows about families, families with struggles, families who triumph. Or quirky young adults who find themselves in awkward life situations but through the course of navigating those awkward situations find love with an unexpected person. Or a coming of age story, based on beloved novels that all just happen to be about...
Asian People!!!
Now what?
But every six months another breakdown comes around again for,
Civil War: an American Musical.
Or,
9-11: an American Tragedy.
And you think,
'Oh my God, this is it. There are multiple white people in that show. I have a chance! Maybe a swing spot at least.'
And you sign up,
You get there on time.
You sing your heart out.
They ask you to dance.
'Oh my God they asked me to dance.'
You learn the gun dance,
You learn the seat belt securely fastened seated tap number.
You're not much of a tapper but you fake it.
And they ask you to come back for FINAL CALLBACKS!
You get the packets:
“How Can I Be Civil At A Time Like This?!”
“I Miss Britain”
“What Time Is My Departure?”
“The Seatbelt Song” (a rap)
You study… you even memorize.
They call your name,
You go into the big room.
Oh there's the director, Ang Lee.
And the choreographer, Kristi Yamaguchi.
20 Producers: All. Asian. Women.
You do your thang.
The room is very unresponsive so you're not sure what to think.
You rationalize,
'They were probably just really with me.
They were taking me in.'
A week goes by,
Nothing.
You check AUDITION UPDATE.
Nothing.
You go to some EPA’s to stay active and keep your mind off it…
You hit up the auditions for,
Seoul Mates: a musical about finding Love.
Tokyo Temptations: another jukebox musical.
The Greatest Wall of All… they opening a 3rd touring company?!
After weeks of waiting,
Catering.
Self hating…
You finally accept that this just wasn't your round.
Hey, you made it to final callbacks… that what counts!
Besides,
I hear they're turning Crazy Rich Asians into a musical.
'I can totally play the mean hotel owner in the first scene,
This is gonna be great!'


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