My friend Iman from Florida attented the first official Wentworth Con to see Pamela Rabe and was kind enough to write a little review for my site. This is such a nice read for all the people (like me) who couldn’t go!

I also would like to take this opportunity to commemorate the recently deceased Bill Carnevale. He also attended the Con and passed away from a heart-attack last week. I chatted with him a few times and he was such a nice man! Whoever stole his signed poster (photo below) at the Con – I hope you’re proud of yourself.

Photo by Bill Carnavale

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Wentworth Con Review
By Iman

It’s been a little over a month since Wentworth Con in NJ. The event that I had been looking forward to for months. As soon as Pamela Rabe was announced as a guest, I made the decision to purchase a ticket to the event as well as a photo op.

I had been a fan of Wentworth for a few months so I couldn’t believe that this event was happening and being held only 30 minutes away! It seemed like fate and I couldn’t miss it. I requested off of work and re-arranged my schedule to make sure nothing could go wrong!

June 16th comes around and after a doctor’s appointment that morning (Only thing I couldn’t clear…ugh) I get to the event with my sister just in time for Kate Jenkinson’s Q&A. I squeal in excitement as I am handed my Photo Op ticket for Pamela Rabe. I am a huge fan of hers and I just couldn’t believe this was happening!

Fast forward to Pam’s Q&A Panel, I ended up joining the line for questions a little late so I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to ask a question. The buildup of her walking into the room was so strong. She had just come from her round table M&G and the lucky 10 were arriving into the ballroom. I remember one of them coming into the room and yelling “SHE SIGNED MY ARM!” and the entire room cheered! It was such a fun environment.

Eventually the time came for her to enter the room, and they played her into video (The best one, IMO) and she walked in and was smiling so big. She had a HUGE standing ovation, and everyone in the ballroom started chanting “FREAK, FREAK, FREAK, FREAK” Over and over (in a good way). The Q&A begins, and she is giving the best, most thought out and articulate answers to every single person. I just couldn’t believe she was really there and I was about to talk to her. I had my question(s) typed out in my phone because I was afraid of my mind going blank when it was my turn.

When I walked up to her, my mind went blank, so I just introduced myself and read the questions from my phone and tried to play it off cool. This is how it went (paraphrased)

“Hi Pamela, my name is Iman from Florida. Do you think having stage work experience makes you a stronger actor, and do you have any advice to young people entering the business- such as writing scripts and directing plays? I’ve just started writing one myself and was wondering if you had any advice for me?”

Her reply was: (Paraphrased)

“great, good on you. The only kind of advice I have for anyone following a creative path is that it is the hardest road and you need to need to do it. If at any point you wake up and say this isn’t making me happy, go find something that does, because you need to not be able to do anything else to be able to ride the highs and lows. In response to the first part of your question is that the theater work that I’ve done, and I’ve always said yes to things, the only reason that I’ve done very little screenwork is because theater work tends to be organized 1 or 2 years in advance. I’ve been employed relatively constantly, and you get better by doing. You can become a better writer by writing. And if nobody responds to that first one and you’ve got more stories in you, just keep on writing, somebody will see it. If you need to do it, it will happen, and you will get better. The affirmation you get gives you more confidence. I’ve been lucky, luck’s a big part of it. But luck has to meet the preparation and inspiration”

Wow. She gave me such an amazingly thought out answer and it was just what I needed to hear. I was so happy and thankful that I was able to ask her that and I couldn’t wait to thank her when I got my photo op!

Immediately after her Q&A I ran to line up for her photo op (the line was super long so quickly) I was supposed to wait for my color to be called but I was way too excited (Sorry not sorry LOL) when it was time for my photo I just couldn’t believe that she was real and was standing right there. She was so tall and so beautiful. This was our interaction.

We both go in for a hug, she says “What’s your name?” “Iman, I asked you a question during the Q&A” we both turn toward the camera, I wrap my arms around her and I asked if we could hug for the photo. She hugs me and says “sure” and as soon as the flash goes off I turn to her and say “thank you so much!” she says “Thank you for asking the question!” and I was rushed out.

It was very fast, but I was on top of the world happy. When I saw my photo with her I was even more happy because it came out perfect! When I showed all the Pam fans I met in line they were so happy for me and they all loved my photo!

I unfortunately could not stay for autographs, but I am really thankful for the experience!

Video by Iman

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Photos by: Wentworth Con (Bryan Humphrey and Brian Rashad Photography), Bill Carnavale, Rachelle, Lauren Neidigh, Brett Homer, Lynn Biagioni Costello

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