Donna Gafford 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
Clint Hankinson
ActorI really loved this Donna! It was so genuine. I could see what you were thinking and feeling throughout. Could easily cut and paste this into a show or film. You had a sweet relationship with your scene partner and we could tell you had a great relationship with your daughter.
One small thought - At the very end, you could add your own gentle, "Thank you." With the emotion you had, you might tear up - and make us tear up!
Beautiful job!
Tim Randle
ActorGood stuff, lots of really good moments. You crushed the last half - really had me. Only suggestion I might have for consideration is to slightly raise the eye line for the dish tub and "pondering" moments. Great work!
Katy Fulkerson
ActressDonna, this was excellent! Nice beginning, great job setting up your job without making the props distracting. A lot of great silent reactions, I could see you listening & thinking, responding with believable reactions. Great ending! I can see how that question sparked a lot of different emotions in your mind- hope, joy, disbelief… Wonderful work!!
Anita Cordell
ActressSuch a natural read. I loved ever minute of it and thought you did a fantastic job. Thanks for showing us your work.
Tommy G. Kendrick
ActorGreat work. I was engaged the whole time. This is a good example of how good acting can overcome other 'imperfections'. At first the background bothered me a bit but you brought the scene alive and I forgot about it, even rationalized that it could be part of the location. In any case, great scene work!
Becky Bartlett
ActressDonna, you have such a natural and grounded delivery! I loved that you kept working while carrying on your conversation - this really created a believable world. Great job on your emotions from exasperated and longing, to unexpectedly grateful!
