This week, Studio Reader Stan pays another frustrating visit to his Psychiatrist.
Studio Reader Stan sits across from his Psychiatrist, Dr. Melrose.
Studio Reader Stan: Doc, I just feel emotionally drained by all the negativity and stupidity I deal with on a daily basis.
Dr. Melrose: Could you say that again, but this time, it’d be great if you tried it with a little more of an edge.
Studio Reader Stan: Excuse me?
Dr. Melrose: I’m taking this new class: Directing Actors 101, and the instructor wants us to work on gently telling our actors how to deliver a line differently.
Studio Reader Stan: But I’m not an actor. I’m a patient who needs support.
Dr. Melrose: That was good, I liked your anger. It was subtextual. You didn’t yell, but a keen observer could tell it was bubbling beneath the surface. Give it to me again with some more body language.
Studio Reader Stan: Doc, I’d really just like to deal with my problem.
Dr. Melrose: Look, I’m in charge of this production. I can’t have one difficult actor holding things up for everyone else.
Studio Reader Stan: Is there any way you can stop pretending to be a director and start pretending to be a therapist?
Dr. Melrose: I’ll give that a shot during my next mime class. It sounds challenging.
Studio Reader Stan: Is there any way you can mime some solution to my problem?
Dr. Melrose: I’m afraid you’re becoming delusional, which is perfect. I’ve been wanting to find out if electro-shock therapy is something I can use as a director. Let’s strap you up and give it a test ride.
Studio Reader Stan: I’m going to have to say “No thank you” to that.
Dr. Melrose: That’s it – you’re fired.
Studio Reader Stan: Are you actually expecting me to pay for this session?
Dr. Melrose: Yes, and next time, I’d like to work on blocking an action scene. You may want to bring a helmet.
Tune in next week for more of Studio Reader Stan's adventures...
