Security Advantage

Personal safety?

This question is directed at Female actors, I want to ask what do you do regarding personal safety when you go to an audition etc? I would like to go into the profession myself but after my sexual assault I'm very careful about where I go and I don't go anywhere after dark. What hints or tips do you reccommend?

Public Comments

1. Ask a good friend--male--to accompany you.
2. Nothing, other than being aware of one's surrounding. Don't go to auditions at night, if you are uncomfortable, unless you take a friend with you, preferably male. If tear gas is legal to purchase in the city where you live, buy the type that comes on a key ring and always keep it your hand if you are out at night. If you can't find tear gas, try Walgreens, they usually sell it, ask the cashier, or you try a sporting goods store, they may sell it. I keep my tear gas in my hand if I am out after dark and my eyes and ears open, for anyone walking into my personal space, or close behind me.
3. Some states allow you to carry pepper spray; or get a court order to carry an electric shock device. I call someone every time to let them know where I am going to and then call them back when I get home. I always check all my windows and doors to ensure they are closed and lock. I carry a loud whistle in the pocket. Place my keys between my fingers in case I have to defend myself when I am alone. Sometimes I am lucky to park near the people who arrive and leave the same time as I do. You can also go to a self defense class given by the your local YMCA or other associations. You can also find a friend to go with you to your auditions, or find someone who auditions for the same part and go with them. Unfortunately, some auditions will be at night, be aware of your surroundings avoid dark alleys, non populated streets, always have your cell phone ready, you may have a kind heart - but it is not always the best thing to help others at night when you do not know your surroundings. You also can ask someone to escort you to you car; wait with you at a bus stop or make sure the bus is in view of a open and active business or where people are present; share a cab ride with someone; or have someone scheduled to pick you up. If you can feel someone is following you go inside a business or an establishment, etc where you can call for help. Most business, etc have security that we look to see who you think is following you. The more people who see that person will most likely cause the action of the follower to stop on keep that person walking away for the fear he/she was detected.
4. Study self-defence, I do kickboxing, but other than that, I always go to auditions that are held by reputable theatre companies if you can't find out anything about them before you go consider rescheduling, as for the parking lots at night, make friends with actors, you can carpool together for auditions/rehearsals, park in well lit ares and if it seems shady follow your instincts. Tell people where you are going to be that evening and that you will call them when you come out, that way someone knows to send for help if you don't show up/call.