How did Radiohead put it?

“What the hell am I doing here? I don’t belong here. I don’t belong here.”

The other day, I saw a post from @CastroCasting saying that there was an industry networking event happening in Hollywood that night at @station1640. It had been a long time since I’d gone to an event like that. Years, in fact. Even before the pandemic.

I didn’t want to go. The concept of people only talking to you to find out if you can do anything to help further their careers is gross.

I bought a ticket anyway. Because I need to get to know people to get ahead, too.

Walking up to the venue, I saw a long line of people waiting to get in, and immediately, I felt the urge to leave. Imposter syndrome kicked in. Hard.

“What the hell am I doing here? I don’t belong here.”

But I stuck with it, and I got in line, and immediately, the person next to me turned to me and said, “Man, I hate these things. I always feel so awkward trying to talk to new people.”

I agreed. We laughed, and that broke the ice.

And suddenly, everything clicked. I was back in a groove I didn’t know I’d fallen out of.

For the first time in years, I spent my evening meeting and talking to new faces; fellow industry professionals, aspiring artists, dreamers. Folks who were brand new to town. People who’d been established in the game for years.

It felt just like Office Hours at @HollywoodFringe. And I know how to work that room like the back of my hand.

I do belong here.

And we heard from some fantastic industry pros, as well: Zora DeHorter, Jamie Castro, Joy Gordo, Juliana Castro, and Krystal Hartsfield.

Overall, it was a fantastic night. To top it off, I bumped into some old friends at @scumandvillainycantina on my way back to my car. Great seeing you both, @quickbeam and @oneeyedjedi. Next time I’ll remember to get pictures!

Thank you to @ermantourage for putting together such a great event celebrating Women in Casting and Representation. Looking forward to the next one.

Side note – Wow, I know I’m late on this, but Instagram really is the new business card for networking with people. Crazy. No one wanted my phone number or e-mail. They just asked what my Insta was. So yeah, gotta keep that up to date.

Do me a solid and follow me on Instagram!