New Commercials (H&R Block)

Last updated: February 13, 2025

⬆️ (This is me during the callback.) ⬆️
⬇️ (The actual commercials are below.) ⬇️

“Hi, Liz!” I said. The Zoom callback started and I put on my Book Me smile, one part hope, and two parts desperation.

She squinted behind oversized glasses. “What are we looking at here?” As a casting director she’s probably seen some strange auditions. The way she said it told me she hadn’t quite seen this.

I was in the middle of another job, dressed as Ebenezer Scrooge. I was also in heavy prosthetic makeup, not the ideal situation for a callback for a “Secret Tax Prep Company,” as the breakdown had called it.

“Oh, uh…I didn’t have a chance to moisturize this morning…hahaha…haha....”

The director spoke up. “I…I dunno if I can send this to the client.”

“Oh sorry. Seth said he told you guys that I’d be on set today dressed as Scrooge.” Seth is my agent’s assistant, and was the one who coordinated the meeting.

Liz paused a moment. “He did not mention that.”

[I found out later that Seth did, in fact, mention it and it was just a misunderstanding.]

“But, you know what,” the director said, “why don’t we run it a few times and let’s see if it’ll work.”

Maybe he wanted to see me for the role, or maybe he wanted to help me save prosthetically aged face, but I appreciated him throwing me a bone. We ran the scene a few times, adjusting the direction with each take. “This time say it like you’re telling someone a secret.” “This time, like you can’t wait to tell your friend about it.” “This time, better.”

That evening, my agent emailed. “Can you send in another tape? They just want to see you out of the prosthetics.”

So I sent in another audition. The next day, another email from my agent. “Hi! Hope you’re having a great weekend! I’ve got a booking for you!”

I finished patting myself on the back this morning, just in time to see the three beauties drop.