Auditioning...the Process.

I have quite a few friends who are interested in my audition in SLC next week.  Most, however, are unfamiliar with the process.  So, I thought for this weeks' blog, I would backtrack and explain how I got where I am and where I'm headed next week. 

Step one in any audition process is hearing about it to begin with. 
Last year when we went to Nauvoo, IL, for the week with the youth from our church we got to watch the Pageant.  I sat with my mouth open for almost an hour and a half--in awe of the magnitude of the production.  I've never been a part of anything so monstrously grand!  The light poles rose about 3 and a half stories and the people on them had to wear safety harnesses to climb them.  The 'light booth', where the lighting cues are commanded and executed, was an open-air tent about 20x20.  The scene changes were executed by the actors themselves during the scene--which is perfect since it's a story about the building of a city...City Beautiful, that's what Nauvoo means in Hebrew.  When I got home, I KNEW I was going to be a part of this.  I started researching online and found the number to call. 

Step two is booking the audition.
I called SLC and asked about the dates.  There were several dates, as they expect many people to try out.  There are 20 core cast parts and only 8 for women.  The odds are certainly stacked against me.  But, I don't worry about odds.  I've never been good with numbers.  My audition is on January 20, at 7:PM at the Bountiful Events Center in North Salt Lake.  I am beyond exited for the experience.

Step three is preparation.
I had to find out what was required of me.  Usually in a musical, it's expected that one would have 16 bars, or measures, of 2 contrasting pieces of music prepared to sing.  This one, however, weirdly enough, doesn't require that.  Singing is secondary in this musical!  GO figure.  I guess it's about the acting chops.  I asked how long my monologue should be and was told I didn't need one! ALWAYS customary for an audition.  ACTING is secondary, too!  I WILL be asked to do a cold read from the script for the pageant.  Looks like what they're looking for is experience in theatre (check) and an absolute desire to serve this mission with enthusiasm and gusto (check.) 

Step four--THE Audition!
As I have been in theatre for more than 25 years, I've learned a thing or 2.  Prepare a monologue--even if they tell you not to.  You never know when a director will get excited about your cold read and ask you to do something else.  It would be pretty unimpressive if I didn't have anything to do.  So, I have prepared, just in case, a 2 minute monologue.  Better safe than sorry.  Might make the difference in getting it or not.  I also have 2 pieces of music prepared.  My first piece is 16 bars from "Lonely Goatherd" from 'The Sound of Music.'  One of my personal faves.  I like to yodel.  And my second piece is 'Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.'  A beautiful, spiritual and stirring song.  Again, I'm quite excited.

Step five is sometimes the worst part--waiting for the Call back.
That's just what it sounds like.  It's the waiting and waiting and waiting part before they tell you if you got it or not.  I timed my audition so that callbacks fell the next 2 days after.  I shouldn't have to wait more than 48 hours to hear something.  That may sound like a lot, but--I've waited weeks before so 2 days is fine by me!  I'll keep myself occupied by going to stores and museums and visiting friends.

After a callback,  the process varies slightly.  I'm not sure how it's going to work with this one.

I'm just thrilled for the chance to do this and love the process.  I'll leave it in God's hands and take whatever comes and love it.