It's a Mad, Mad, Mad (Men) World!

It's been a few days since my episode of Mad Men aired --and nearly a year since my audition-- but I still can't believe it all happened... 

For years I had yearned to a part of this show. I had already auditioned for it a few times, been on hold once, and since I knew the show was ending I was trying to make my peace that the time might not come... Of course, that's when I got an audition.

Each time that I went in for a callback, the creator of the show (Matthew Weiner) was present for the session. He was always incredibly warm and collaborative, giving notes and really wanting to get to know each actor who walked through that door. Even though auditioning can be intimidating, this office has continually been one of the most welcoming. The lovely casting directors (Laura Schiff, Carrie Audino & Kendra Shay Clark) create an environment that feels safe. Each time, I felt grateful for the opportunity alone. On my final audition for the show, Matt immediately recognized me and said how we had to get me on the show. I joked that he only had two episodes left, so he better hurry. Well, I'm glad he took my advice!

Once I was cast, I was immediately welcomed to the family. I attended the table read, which was seriously electric. Everyone was grateful to be a part of the project and it was especially interesting to be there as the show was coming to a close. It was an emotional episode for many reasons.

A few days after the table read I had a fitting as well as a hair and makeup test. When doing a period television show, this is obviously an important part of the process. And, frankly, it's also a lot of fun! We got to try on a variety of nurses uniforms, and I believe I hold the distinct honor of being the only nurse on the show to wear pants (the times are a changin', after all!). Each option was then sent to Matt to approve from everything down to what shade of lipstick I'd be wearing. Of course, this level of detail and precision is one of the many things that makes Mad Men such a phenomenal show.

The day of the shoot is a bit of a blur... I arrived on a Friday afternoon and we shot a few hours after that. It was quick and efficient, the crew moving like a well-oiled machine. It was wonderful to run into a few friends who worked on the show, as well as meet some new ones. And before I knew it, the whirlwind of excitement was coming to end. The silver lining of having to keep my role secret (because of the nature of the show) was that it's made the journey last longer. And even though the episode has finally aired, I think I'll still be pinching myself for awhile...

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