F-F-F-Flyering

As I am about to leave the flat to embark on yet another day of flyer-ing for Shot in the Dark, I have begun to realise what an apt analogy it is for the dramatic world. You'll get some lovely, supportive faces. Those who stop to listen to what you have to say, those who take an interest in you - whether feigned or not - and those who take your flyers with real gusto. But, you will also get those who politely decline. "Oh no, I am already busy" they cry, despite the fact you haven't told them when the show is on. Or "Oh, I've already seen that one" before your opening performance. My personal favourite "My hands are full", "I can't take any more flyers" - what difference does one more make? You will become tired with the excuses, but must put on a brave face nevertheless. These poor people are hounded by flyer-ers like us all up and down the Mile. I cannot say I really blame them. Those I do blame though are those who deny your very existence. It is one thing to reject, just as it is one thing for an agent to politely decline your CV. It is one thing to be 'too busy' or have the books 'already full'. These are excuses, even if they are made up, that can at least provide some consolation. It is not hard to tell a little white lie to protect someone's feelings. But those who ignore. Those who might even look you directly in the eye as you ask them 'would you like a flyer'. Those who don't even blink, don't even flinch, as they literally pretend that you don't exist. Those are the people, the agents, who don't reply, not even with a blanket e-mail, a 'no thank you' or a shake of the head. Those are the people who make you wonder if you can really flyer anymore, if you have it in you to set yourself up for that rejection again. Perhaps I am being a touch melodramatic (who - me?!) but for those of you who may be flyered in the future, any acknowledgement of our existence is better than nothing, so please do shake your head, laugh, politely decline, or by all means leap with enthusiasm, grab yourself a whole handful and go singing down the street. Whatever floats your boat. See you on the Royal Mile - or if not see you at La Belle Angele, 3:30pm today, tomorrow or Sunday for our final three performances!!