Even though actors only have to sit during script readings, the stress of using the right tone can be surprisingly exhausting, especially because the director, Brian Smith, was nearly impossible to impress.
"Mia, your voice is a bit too sharp. You need to soften it."
Since I was the lead actress, he kept commenting on my tone again and again. Honestly, it felt like he corrected almost every single line I read, until I started thinking, Am I really this bad?
No, no, no.
I couldn't let myself think that way. It had been a long time since I last acted properly after my scandal, so of course I needed to fine-tune my skills again.
Besides, there was nothing wrong with receiving criticism from someone more professional. The problem was… sometimes, I could hear a few people giggling behind my back, like they were waiting for the moment the director scolded me.
"Helcia, you did great earlier, but why is your voice quieter now?" Brian asked.
