The Building Across The Way...

This morning my daughter and I drove about thirty miles south, to a small rehearsal hall. I wasn't auditioning, but my daughter was.

I decided to wait in the car while she went inside. I didn't want to be one of "those parents." I'm sure if I had gone in and waited with her, she wouldn't have minded. Still, I thought it would be better to give my daughter space to prepare. It was a show my daughter would really like to do. She knows the odds--her never having performed at this particular theater--are not the best, but she did it anyway.

You see, she is brave.

She might not think so, or at least, might not this she's as brave as I think she is. That doesn't change my opinion, however.

In the theater world, just like any other I suppose, there are levels of professionalism and quality. Not all theaters can produce the same product--nor should they try. Some theaters are more for the actors than the audience. A small town putting on a summer show to give children something fun to do comes to mind. In our area, there are a handful of theaters where actors want to be cast. Hale Center Theatre is one. They just built an incredible complex dedicated to the art of performance. If you are in the area, you really should check it out.

Trying to get in a show where everyone else wants to get into as well can be intimidating. I've never auditioned for a show there. My wife did shows with the Hale family when she was in high school, about thirty years ago. A lot's changed since then.

My daughter came out after her audition. We discussed how it went on the thirty minute drive home. Like any audition, she didn't know how well she did. She'll know in a few days if she'll be called back, or not. Now the waiting begins.

As I waited for her in the car for her audition to conclude, I looked up and noticed the rehearsal building is directly across the interstate from the Hale Center Theatre. It was so close, but separated by thousands of racing cars, trucks, motorcycles, and vans. And in order to reach it, you've got to commit to trying. It can be dangerous, but well worth it, when you've reached your goal.

Auditions Announced For "Wait Until Dark" At The Heritage Community Theatre...

The play, Wait Until Dark, is coming to the Heritage Community Theatre in Perry, Utah.

And before the show can begin, auditions must be held.

My friend, and fellow thespian Diane Robbins, will be directing. The run is from October 6th to October 28th. 

Auditions take place:

Wednesday, July 12th at 7pm

Thursday, July 13th at 7pm

Callbacks by invitation July 15th.

Diane asked me to help spread the word. 

I've never seen the play, though (like I imagine most of us...) I've seen the film. Love the film. It's got that down-home creepiness that makes for a good time, if you like those kinds of films. It's a movie that doesn't rely on amazing computer graphics (it was before that even existed...). It's a classic with great dialogue and brilliant acting.

I'll bet, with the right group of people, the play will be amazing too.

If you're interested, here are the roles:

Characters:  (Ages listed are suggestions.)  All roles are open.

                                   

Susy Hendrix – (Female, 25-40) Recently blinded in an accident, she’s doing her best to adjust. Endearing, but never helpless; good sense of humor but isn’t silly; an independent spirit whose cleverness is her best weapon. Highly intuitive, sensitive person. This can be a physically demanding role.

Mike Talman – (Male, 30 – 50ish)  Con Artist and gambler recently out of jail. He’s a good liar. Likeable and charismatic, but also has a darker side. Unlike his associates, he may empathize at times with his targets. (Need to be able to fall down a small flight of stairs.)

Sgt. Carlino – (Male, 30 – 50’s)  Con Artist and small time grafter, recently out of jail. Coarse and uneducated. Not as likeable as Mike. He is a follower, not a leader.

Harry Roat – (Male, 30 – 50’s)  The mastermind of the plan. Very creepy, sociopathic con man capable of murder. Takes on other characters/ages during the play as part of the con. Doesn’t care who he hurts or kills to succeed. Physically demanding role.

Sam Hendrix – (Male, late 20’s – 40)  Ex-marine and is now a photographer. At times almost fatherly to Susy and helps her be independent. He interacts well with Gloria. Unwilling to entertain thoughts of self-pity, either for himself or Susy.

Gloria – (Female, 11-14)  Lives upstairs from Susy and Sam, and helps with shopping and chores. Struggles between being a child and a teen. Has had a tough home life. Acts out when upset. Headstrong and puts on a tough exterior but proves she cares a lot more than she lets on.

2 Police Officers – (Male or Female, any adult age)  These officers are self-assured & trustworthy. Come in at the end of the play. (Actors cast for this role may also help as part of our stage crew.)

Diane included some additional instructions:

Auditions will include cold readings from the script.

** Those auditioning for the role of Susy should come prepared with a 60-90 second dramatic monologue, memorized preferred. Be prepared to “act” blind.

Auditioners are encouraged to submit a resume and headshot. Bring a list of all conflicts for August 1 – October 28.

Rehearsals will begin approximately August 1^st. Rehearsals will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:00pm, with Saturday mornings as needed and definitely on Sept. 23 & 30^.

Contact Diane at dianemrobbins@aol.com with any questions. If you are unable to attend one of the scheduled audition dates, contact Diane.

Roles are non-paid. No participation fee.

So, if you're interested, contact Diane with any questions. I know that if make the show, working with Diane is a joy.

Auditions And ACT Tests...

This morning my son took the ACT college entrance exam. This afternoon my daughter and I auditioned for a community theater production for this Christmas. As I waited for my son's test to begin, it occurred to me that we were both being tested...me for a specific show, my son for a potentially life-changing experience.

I drove my son to the local high school for him to take his test. I asked him if he was nervous and he said he was, a little. I believe him. I don't think he quite understands how much is riding on this test. I do know that my wife was much, much, much more nervous about the test than was my son. He'll get his results back in 3 to 8 weeks.

He was so calm. I told him as we waited that I can barely remember when I took the test (fitting, considering the result I got...). I asked him after he came home if there were many questions he didn't know. He said there were a few. He amazes me, I write with obvious bias.

My daughter and I have participated in several community productions over the years, but never at this theater. It's a beautiful new building in Centerville, Utah. I saw so many friends there while we waited for our turn to audition. As a parent, you're not only nervous for your own audition, but for your child's as well.

There were four of us invited into the audition, me, my daughter, and two brothers probably 5 or 6 years old. "Come in, we don't bite," the man who I believe is the director said to all of us. He could tell the two young boys were apprehensive, especially without their mother being by their side. The director said this as he and the other people on the panel were busy chowing down on their lunch. I found it funny.

I went first and I screwed up a couple of words. No matter how many times I practice a song, I always miss a couple of words--not on stage in a show do I screw up, but auditions are another story. My daughter did a wonderful job, once again, my bias is showing. We'll see what happens, with the show and with my son's (and our...) future.