Integrity

I have many thoughts in my head, but need to write them and haven't done well with the timing.  So here is a very real situation that may tie my readers over.  Same Theatre.  One actor possessed integrity, the other didn't.

Stephan had auditioned for a local theatre and signed a contract that paid 16 dollars a performance - which really isn't much.  The show was a parody of Star Wars. Though he absolutely LOVES Star Wars and seems to see the humor in many parodies, he really did not care for the show.

At some point during before the show had started but still practicing, Stephan was contacted by a colleague who needed a fourth for putting on the show "Forever Plaid" something that Stephan was familiar with as he had performed at college.   Forever Plaid's payment would have been $40 a show, plus expenses (as the group would be traveling) which sounded so sweet to Stephan's ears, but he explained that he had signed a contract and had to honor that.

Stephan stayed with the company for several years and was among the highest paid actors by the time he left the theatre to move to another state.

 Ian was also hired on a 16 dollar per show contract.  I believe he was hired more for his looks than his acting ability.  Ian had enough resemblance to be cast as Leo Decaprio in a Titanic spoof.  After a few performances, Ian was contacted by a film studio that would pay him over 100 dollars a day - or so Ian believed.  Ian decided to leave the theatre and pursue a career in film.

The director was upset with the challenge of having to replace Ian after the performances had already started and tickets had been sold.  Ian's film career was a bust.  The project was canceled.  And because of his decision to quit during the performance, Ian had been blackballed from every theatre in Utah.  

What may or may not seems like a big deal at the time may have a great impact on one's future.  Integrity is so important.  Be the person who honors his word so that others may also.