Since I entered the professional theater world, I've worked at some fancy places. I've also been tossed to the curb a few times for a few reasons. Today I got a call from a former colleague, and it got me thinking about the first time I lost a job.

It felt like everyone disappeared. Once I lost institutional affiliation it was like I was invisible. Agents and writers and directors who had previously sought me out stopped returning calls. I was really shocked - call me naive. That's fine.

It's been a very long time since I thought that just because we did a show together that we would friends forever. (I have a good story about that for another time.) This was different. So many people I contacted to let them know I was available full time or freelance...crickets.

The second time (I have so many stories) - I was less shocked. But I remembered the agents and writers and directors who disappeared me the first time when they all of a sudden had someone on the inside again. Same thing happened this third time (so. many. stories. I. have.).

Certainly I know who my friends and champions are. And certainly I know who is an opportunistic piece of shit. There's not much I can do with this information except yammer on Twitter.

A lot of my colleagues are finding themselves out of work for the first time after they finally made it to the inside. Many of you are probably experiencing that shock of disappearance. And I am so sad right alongside you. It's scary to feel left behind or forgotten.

It's the worst to realize people that you thought were really real friend friends just wanted access.

But then some days, you hear from someone who simply remembers you are good at what you do and wants to work with you because you are good and not because of who you sit in meetings with. And that's, well, good.

Thank you to people saying nice things. Remember to offer comps to your laid off pals. And be patient with your friends with kids. oxox