SES......Role playing for the State Emergency Service

I had a successful audition on Thursday night with the SES. At the time we were told we would be doing 3 elements........an interview, networking and finally we would be videoed role playing as SES recruits having an argument. The idea is that a group of SES recruits were finishing a course and needed to be assessed. We had to act in the 3 elements to create real life situations for them.
We arrived at Rooty Hill RSL around 2pm on Saturday the 26.07.08 for an introduction to the SES. We meet fellow actors and were briefed on the expectations of the following day. Around 6pm we moved to the function room for a 3 course meal. We then moved onto the first round of interviews before finishing for the day.
We arrived at the Rooty Hill RSL before 8:00am on Sunday the 27.07.08. We were immediately fitted into our costume (the SES orange overalls) and briefed on what would follow. We were already given several scenarios as suggestions for our conflict. The role played by my partner Nikki and I was of 2 SES officers.......both with over 10 years service.....we were friends......during a training session we have a falling out and have an argument. During the argument an SES officer enters and tries to moderate and come to a resolution. This is videoed.
After 2 sessions we moved onto more interviews, lunch, and finished the day with networking.
All in all it was an great weekend. We were told we would not receive a cash payment for our time as the State Emergency Service is a non profit organisation. However, the experience alone was worth the weekend. As we finished the day we were presented with thank you gifts. As I drove home in my car I totaled exactly the cost of my time and what I received.

I was gone for a total of 16 hours.
I received:
footage for my show reel (DVD to be posted)
1 pair of Dunlop Volleys
1 SES collectable spoon
1 SES brass drink coaster
1 SES key ring torch
1 SES pen
1 SES fridge magnet
3 fully catered for meals
as well as experience and some industry friends.

I would suggest that I actually did receive payment and it was definitely worth my while.

Insight SBS experience - Beijing Olympics & Human Rights in China

Well, what an interesting night it was. Firstly we missed the turn off and were 20 minutes late. After a quick dash in the rain, a visit to the bathroom and a touch up we were ready to enter the Green Room. A mixture of faces. Some casually dressed, some in suits, a Tibetan Monk, and a handful of people dressed similar to my friend Michele and I. We all seemed to have the same white stickers on our lapels that said 'Focus Group'. I was about to find out what this meant. A couple of big screen TVs were turned on, showing clips regarding the topic on human rights. We had just found a seat when we were asked to file into the studio. We were asked to remove our stickers and pointed out to specific seats (all Focus Group members were seated in the back row). Lisa Forest, Nova Peris, Michelle Engelsman, Marayke Jonkers and a few other VIP guests had already taken their seats. Jenny was chatting with crew. We were told if we had something to add to say during the show to raise our hand and Jenny would reach us........
I will not detail blow by blow the entire show. There was alot of interesting points made and at times the mood was low and Jenny lifted everyone whilst not losing momentum. All in all it was quite fascinating listening to the different views. The gentleman beside me was also part of the Focus Group but seemed to not be able to contain himself. He had his hand up frantically several times until Jenny finally asked him to speak. He seemed very pro China and in my opinion was taken aback by views by others regarding living in China. I listened attentively and believe I did learn a great deal.
However my goal was to be seen and thanks to my chatty neighbour I seemed to be on camera in profile for quite some time. I also received a full head view. Jenny did ask the Focus Group to voice their opinions to the camera after the show, however I could not in all honesty profess to know a great deal on the subject and preferred to have my photo taken with Jenny and I even shook Nova's hand. I would have liked to have had a photo with Marayke.....
So all in all we had a great night, got some exposure for the show reel, visited SBS studios and even learnt a little. Baby steps...that what it was a baby step.........