I have a friend in NYC who carries a giant backpack everywhere she goes because she rarely goes home between the gym, work, going out, etc.
You are much more likely to go home and get ready for an audition in LA, however I have had a LOT of auditions over the past few years that were a few hours notice and I had to leave straight from work. This is especially prominent with commercial auditions for some reason.
So I emptied out my trunk (and back seat and glove box) for you to see my picks of what I consider "Car Essentials":
1. Floss And/Or A Travel Toothbrush
This is probably a good item for any human in general, but the amount of times I have come careening out of my house at top speed only to realize I haven't brushed my teeth yet is honestly astounding. AND who doesn't need a mid-day coffee sometimes? Keep these puppies around and you won't be embarrassed if you have to get super close to your fellow audition-er.
2. A Spare Makeup Kit
Clearly this is a ladies concern, unless you're an actor dude who's into powder/concealer. In which case, party on Wayne.
Here is how to do this cheap and easy: gather up all those samples you have collected in the bottom of your makeup drawer, like the free-gift-with-purchase kind of ones. You really only need one of everything essential: powder, concealer, mascara, eye liner (brown will double as a eye brow filler), and a neutral/simple lip color. I would also throw in a small pack of make up wipes for the times you go from a heavily made up audition to one that asks for little or no makeup. I also keep a little Clear Eyes to brighten me up before going in the room.
Side note: I keep a small nail file and dark red nail color in here too. I can't count the number of times I have had to panic-paint my nails in my car because I just found out they wanted to "see our hands" in our slate. Why a dark color? It takes as little as one coat AND can cover over chipped polish in a snap.
3. A Workout Outfit + Shoes
Although this could potentially be helpful at an audition one day (please see the time this really fucked me) I just always like to have the option to workout when it's convenient. When I drive all the way to Santa Monica for a print audition and they take my picture and ask me to leave? Sounds like a great time for a beach run! Just having the flexibility in a busy day helps. I will often plan on a workout but forget to bring a change of clothes. Ta-da, my past-self has me covered!
4. Food
There are very few things worse that hitting 3pm traffic when you haven't eaten since 9am and are trying your hardest to save your money. You just need sustanance to get you home! Hello car snacks! Yes you can buy these at gas stations, but it's easier said than done to pull off the 101 and find one of those when you're han-gry plus it's cheaper to buy in bulk at the grocery store.
I prefer: small bags of raw nuts (or else I will eat the whole thing) and clean non-chocolate covered protein bars (they melt like a mother fucker and you will regret it).
5. Money
Everyone should keep cash in their glove compartment. This is two fold. Firstly, you pay for parking literally everywhere in LA. Keep your silver coins in a cut little container in your console and you won't be left with 12 different $1 charges on your credit card every week. Secondly, there are a lot of valet stands in LA. Yes, some are moving to apps to help make paying easier, but cash is king. Super late for a meeting with an agent? Save yourself the anxiety and use the valet. You just never know when you'll need it.
6. A Box of Cheap Granola Bars
Now this is 100% personal preference. And I only say cheap granola because they last for a long time and I don't have a ton of extra cash...yet. I give these out to homeless people who come to my window or are in/around my car. I strongly believe in karma and in helping people with what little I can. It's a very safe bet they are hungry and they will be more appreciative than you can imagine. Yes, I have had people turn me down before (which is fascinating). But at the end of the day you have to feed your soul beyond what you are as an actor and giving someone a Nature Valley bar will make you feel better than you'd imagine. Try it.
Thanks for checking this out! I'd love to hear what you keep stocked in your car (or bike or bag) at all times! Please share in the comments below!
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