We'll Call You.

You thought it was over after two days of auditions? WELL THINK AGAIN! There is only one event in the Theatre World that is more stressful than auditions, and that's what we know as "Call-Backs".  

Call-backs are the second (and usually the last) opportunity an actor has to present themselves to the director. After auditions, a team of people decide who'd they like to see once more and "call-back" those who are being given further consideration for a part in the show.

We stopped by the call-backs for Imaginary Invalid.  The group of actors began this taxing selection process with a set of warm-ups (movement, breathing and vocal exercises).

After warm-ups the actors were split into two groups. The first group learned a dance to present to the director and the other group performed cold reads.

If you are not comfortable with publicly spanking yourself, then maybe theatre isn't for you...As you can see, this is a very advanced art form.

"This is the most extraordinary thing I've ever seen..." thought Lee Stille as the actors thrust and pop-locked for him. 

Stille explained the logistics of call-backs to the actors.  He mentioned there were 29 performers at call-backs and only 14-18 spots available in the show. We wonder what was going through the actors' minds as he revealed this news...

Thanks for reading and check back with us to see who made the shows!

Auditions: Day Two

Yesterday, we followed 3 eager actors on their journey through auditions. They all gave it their best shot for a chance to be in Imaginary Invalid or Go, Dog. Go!

Today, more EMU students came through the doors for the second day of auditions with the hope of landing a role in our Fall Season! Let's see who showed up...

The Eager Freshman

Today is one of the proudest days of The Eager Freshman's life. He is here. He is ready. He will remember this day forever.

For The Eager Freshman, placing his foot onto the floors of Quirk Building felt like landing on a bed of clouds.

...We couldn't believe how excited he was to fill out his conflict sheet. "This is the best piece of yellow paper I have written on in my entire life!" said The Eager Freshman.

We're not sure how his audition went. Someone said they heard him singing Goodbye, Love from Rent when he was leaving the building.

The Loud One

The Loud One is a common type in the theatre department, but they always manage to arouse an eventful scenario. (Notice her shameless stance as she rehearses in the lobby.)

The Really Serious Actor never appreciates The Loud One's ability to derail the pre-audition process. "No one understands the delicate preparation for an audition," said The Really Serious Actor. "I cannot wait for Broadway."

The Loud One does not take it into consideration to keep her voice down when she is outside the doors where the auditions take place. (Notice the rage in the stage managers face.)

It was rumored that The Loud One caused damage to Lee Stille's ear drum during her audition. We're hoping he heals before rehearsals begin.

The Theatre Clique

The Theatre Clique does everything together...

They judge people together...

...they relieve themselves together...

...and they practice transcendental meditation before auditions together.

One of the members of The Theatre Clique broke his femur bone in a freak accident during their reenactment of a Three Stooges scene. The directors said the horrifying display should not affect the outcome of the casting.

Don't miss Spelling Bee this weekend!

What is it Like to Audition?

When you see a play - it's easy to forget that you're watching actual people. There are countless hours dedicated to making sure the show is 100% perfect before the curtains open.  For the actors - it all starts at auditions. If you've never auditioned for a show before...You know that feeling you get when you're about to walk into a job interview? Well, it's just like that. You're constantly checking the mirror, giving yourself pep-talks, your hands are sweaty, you think you might vom...That's good stuff!

EMU Theatre held auditions today for our Fall 2011 Season which includes Moliere's Imaginary Invalid directed by Dr. Lee Stille and the children's show Go, Dog. Go! directed by Patricia Zimmer. Keep reading to see what auditions were like for some of our actors!

The Serious Actor (Who Wears All Black...All the Time)

A really serious actor does not need to tell the stage manager when he has classes. They shall work with his schedule no matter what.

A really serious actor makes a really serious entrance into the audition space.

And a really serious actor does a really serious monologue for his audition. And seriously banks on getting the best part in the show.

The Nervous One

Filling out your resume can be very stressful...especially if you're The Nervous One. (Notice the perspiration on his forehead.)

Extremely nervous auditioners tend to have the desire to peek around the space.

...Every space...

The Nervous One's are usually the auditions with little-to-no facial expressions.

...We weren't able to get a follow up interview with The Nervous One. He was last seen sprinting out of Quirk Building with even more perspiration on his forehead than before.

The Suck-Up

The Suck-Up has no boundaries. All are subject to his or her shenanigans. If you happen to see one, pretend you are invisible.

A true Suck-Up would never pass up an opportunity to embrace the palm of Ken Stevens (Notice how The Suck Up uses two hands to cusp the palm.)

Suck-up or not...You should always try to make friends with the accompanist. But The Suck-Up will take it upon themselves to stand in awe of an accompanist. 

Check out the blog tomorrow to see who else shows up to auditions!

And don't forget to see The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee THIS WEEKEND at EMU!