Imagine you are sitting in your bedroom at 8:42 pm on Saturday night, waiting in anticipation. The cast list was supposed to be out 12 minutes ago. Are you going to get the role of your dreams? Will you even be cast at all? These are the questions that flow through the mind of a person who just auditioned for a show. The bittersweet feelings that come over your body can be either rewarding or disappointing.
On February 18th and 19th, the Woodhaven Theatre Company will be hosting auditions for “Mamma Mia!” in the auditorium after school. Many people are interested in auditioning, but are too nervous, or they don’t understand the process of auditioning. This article aims to put your nerves and confusion at ease, giving you the confidence to go out and audition for this and/or future productions.
When discussing the audition process with Director, Mr. Michael Clemons, he said, “ The audition and casting process is often the most difficult and high-stakes part of directing a play. We continue to make casting choices that are guided solely by what is best for the production. Everyone who participates has an equal chance to get a part — In the end, everyone who wants to be part of each of our productions has an opportunity. What they do with that chance is up to them.”
Whether or not you make it in the cast, there are always ways for you to participate in the production. Set and Tech Crew are also always looking for ways to get new people who are passionate and ready to learn new skills. Set Crew consists of building the set, props, and costumes, whereas Tech Crew has subcategories such as lighting, sound, and projections. It is impossible to make a show without these very important people.
When talking to Vocal Director, Mrs. Chelsea Hymer, she gave an in-depth analysis of what the audition process is like. She stated, “ Auditions for the musical are so much fun! All of the information that you need comes in a packet that can be picked up in the Black Box, or you can scan the QR code on the school slide show. First, you have to sign up. – Here’s a link to fill out a registration form and a separate link to sign up for an audition group. The group you sign up with are the only people who will see your audition besides the casting committee.”
Rather than auditioning in front of everybody, it is a small group of 4-6 people of your choosing and the directors. In response to the question “How will I know what to audition with?” Hymer states, “At the actual audition, we will split all of the auditioners into two groups. Half will go over the songs in the packet with me – and the other half will go with our choreographers, Jamie and Kayla, to learn the audition dance. After about 30 minutes, the groups switch.”
Then the hard part happens, waiting until your group is called to audition. “Everyone will sing by themselves, read the scene they’ve chosen by themselves, and then dance together as a group. You can read and sing for different characters- whatever brings you joy!” Concludes Mrs. Hymer.
Auditioning is a very intimidating task; getting nervous when hearing other people practice is completely normal. All you have to do as an auditioner is try your best.
When asked, “What is the audition process like for you? What are you feeling as you go into the room? What do you do to prepare for an audition?” Sophomore Addison Walter, who has participated in High School and Community Theater for 10-15 shows, said, “For me to prepare, I practice the materials a ton in advance and then right before I just try to chill. Going into the room is kind of nerve-racking, but as soon as you’re in there with other people in the same boat as you, it gets easier. It gets much easier after you’ve done it a couple of times.”
The best way to prepare for an audition is to look at the materials provided for you, find a group of friends who can help you practice, and be confident in your abilities. In the end, if you did not get a callback, that does not mean you didn’t get cast, and if you did get a callback, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be cast. Your character matters more than your abilities. If you have any questions about auditioning or what crew is like, feel free to email Mr. Clemons or Mrs. Hymer.
