They sat at a table by the window and Michael ordered them both a coffee and some pastries. Sarah felt nervous at first but Michael put her at ease with his easygoing manner and quick wit.
As they chatted, she found herself relaxing and enjoying their conversation.
"You know, Sarah, You have real potential as an actress. You have a natural talent for bringing characters to life, Michael continued. You make the audience feel like they're right there with the character, experiencing everything they're going through. That's a rare skill I must be honest, and I think you could go far with it".
Sarah blushed a little flustered by the praise but also thrilled that someone like Michael saw potential in her. "Thank you that means a lot to me".
They talked for hours and by the end of the day they both felt like they had made new friend
As Sarah walked home that evening she couldn't help but smile. She felt energized by the conversation she had had with Michael.
It wasn't the first time someone told her how good she was but hearing such praises from Michael made her feel like maybe she could make it in this business after all.
She thought about what Michael had said about how she had a knack for bringing characters to life. Maybe she could use that to her advantage and make something of herself.
With a renewed sense of determination, Sarah resolved to work even harder on her craft as an actress.
As weeks went by Sarah found herself working harder than ever before.
She practiced her lines and blocking until she could do them in her sleep. She studied up history and context of the plays she was working on.
And she started watching other actors perform, trying to learn from their techniques and approaches. In the process, she discovered a new love for acting, beyond just the thrill of being on stage. She realized that there was real craft involved and that it took a lot of work to be truly great.
But then there's a co-star, her name is Alice, a very mean actress who will do anything to climb up to fame. She hated Sarah because she was a better actress than her.
Alice was the exact opposite of Sarah. She was cold and mean, willing to do anything to get ahead. And she saw Sarah as a threat.
Where Sarah had natural talent, Alice only had ambition. She was determined to put Sarah in her place.
As the weeks went by, Sarah found herself becoming the target of Alice's petty games and jealous schemes. But Sarah refused to stoop to Alice's level and instead focused on improving her acting skills.
There was an upcoming performance that was to take place, Sarah was in a space rehearsing her part when Alice walked in and started spitting gibberish.
"I just wanted to give you some feedback on your performance. It could use some work you know", she said with a sneer
Sarah's blood boiled at the sight of Alice but she took in a deep breath and tried to remain calm.
"Thank you for the feedback," she said, her voice tight. I'm always looking for ways to improve".
But Alice wasn't done yet. "You know, it might help if you had a better coach. Someone who can teach you the techniques as an upcoming actress", she said with an air of arrogance.
Sarah bit her tongue, trying to keep her composure.
"I'm happy with my current coach", she said. But Alice pressed on.
"Maybe, but he's not doing a very good job if you may ask me. I could coach you if you'd, I have a lot of experience in this business that I think I could help".
Sarah couldn't take it anymore.
"Thank you, she said, her voice firm. I'm happy with my current situation".
Alice's expression turned sour and she stormed out of the room
Alice seethed with anger as she walked away from Sarah.
How dare she refuse my offer? I'm doing her a favor and she acts like that? I'll show her, I will make sure she never works in this business again. She'll be begging for my help before long. I'm the best and I deserve to be recognized as much, but she… she always takes my spotlight. I will make sure no one stands in my way, especially not Sarah! She said her eyes filled with hate
Then her Assistant Clara comes running to her worried
"Miss Foster, are you okay?" Clara asked, her voice full of concern. Alice turned to face her, her expression dark.
"I'm fine, she snapped. Just leave me alone".
But Clara wasn't going to let go that easily. She had worked for Alice for years and she knew when something was bothering her.
"Please tell me, what's wrong?" Clara asked.
"It's that Sarah girl, she said, her voice full of bitterness.
She's so stubborn and ungrateful, Alice continued. I offered to help her and she just turned me down. It's like she doesn't even appreciate my talent and experience, it's infuriating!"
Clara listened nodding sympathetically
As Clara watched, she saw the wheels turning in Alice's head. She could tell that she was plotting something.
"What are you going to do? "She asked, her voice shaky. Alice turned to face her, a sly smile on her face.
"Don't worry, Clara said. I've got it all under control". Clara smiled knowing Alice's methods.
As Alice walked into the director's office, she felt a surge of confidence.
She had always had a bit of a crush on him and she knew that he found her attractive as well. She hoped that she could use this to her advantage and get him to help her take down Sarah.
"Hello there, Director Liam", she said, a wide smile on her plump pink lips. How are you doing?"
Liam looks up from his desk, a smile spreading across his face.
"I'm doing great, thanks, he said. What brings you here if I may ask ?"