Robin Bjerke as Sylvia
Character Description
Battling several health issues and the wear and tear of a life on her feet in the service industry, Sylvia is used to hardship and feeling unseen until a moment of kindness from a teenager catches her off guard.
Scene Description
Lily (15) steps out of the hotel ballroom into the empty corridor to get a breath of fresh air during her father's political fundraiser. Lily notices a waitress, Sylvia, working alone to clear the tables from the cocktail hour. Sylvia is clearly weary to her bones and Lily is moved to offer help, with the recent passing of Lily's brother weighing heavily on her heart.
Written by Amanda Pfeiffer
Anita Cordell
ActressRobin - there are not enough spaces in this feedback box to capture all my words. But, in a nutshell, I loved everything about your tape. You, my friend, are a prime example of why we need to watch other people. I learned a wealth of tips from your short 3 minutes. From your facial expressions, to your subtle use of props, and your 'fake walking' even was a great addition. You took me right into the scene and I believe you'll be a top runner with this contest. Thank you for showing us your work. I'm a fan and a student. Thank you.
Jose C. Quinones
ActorOh my God, I just have to write because while I didn't give you the win, it was only because you and the other person were so great. So so great. I've seen this scene before a couple of times before and you were incredible. I love seeing all the thoughts going through your head and the time you took with everything. Very subtle and very real. Thank you for your work!
Doug Harrison
ActorGreat use of silence...made me lean in and wonder what you were thinkiing.
Joanie Geiger
ActressReally nice work. A beautiful, grounded performance. You may want to check your audio. The dishes were very loud while both voices were extremely quiet. I could not understand a lot of what the reader was saying. Also, keep in mind, how important the first 10 seconds are. Generally, the "moment before" is a moment, a few seconds. Many CDs will move on to the next tape if something doesn't catch their eye in those first 10 seconds. I loved what you did, but I would have edited out everything before :10 mark and opened the scene from there. It was really lovely work! Good luck!
Susan Willis
ActressThis scene seemed a bit draggy. Having been a CD for a few years, the time of 3 min for a 2 page script! yikes. Some of the opening could have been shorter. Lots of "noise" in your moment before and wasn't til 15 sec in before the dialogue started. When you mentioned "her smile" I noticed you had barely looked at her and were more focused on your "busy-work" and adjusting the bar towel. I kinda wanted to see your face thinking that through as you notice "her" smile and think of your daughter" At 1:25 you started rocking side to side - got a little dizzy. I'd love to see a quicker version !
Tim Randle
ActorGood stuff, lots of good moments and movement, could tell you were listening and reacting. Only suggestion I might have to consider would be to lessen some of the dramatic pauses - they were great at the beginning, but started to become common and drag a bit later in the scene. Great work!
Clint Hankinson
ActorGreat job Robin! Loved the pacing and your emotional depth. I could see in your eyes how you felt about your daughter and longed to be with her again. This was a sweet scene!
Just a few technical thoughts - Your reader was difficult to hear - the balance between the two of you was off. Your eyeline was hard to track. You were often looking to one side when your scene partner was far on the other (might bring her in closer to the camera). The dishes clanging and your reader's shadow moving were a little distracting.
Just my 2 cents! Nice work!
Hannah Bate Nelson
ActressI loved your acting! It was so heartfelt. There was a few distracting noises though - the dishes, the reader walking across the room, your swaying made some creaking. I would just suggest trying to eliminate any background noises in the future :)
