Auditions - a test of will!

Hello, faithful readers! Recently, I've been hit by the community theater bug, and, as those of you who are REALLY faithful readers know, I'm currently finishing up final rehearsals for The Pajama Game.

Another local theater recently had auditions for Steel Magnolias, and, hoping I was one of the few Bostonians that could pull off a Southern accent and pronounce the letter "r", I decided to give it a go.

Jon and I showed up at a quarter to 7 on the first night of auditions, and I immediately got nervous as the few other women there were my age. Now, there are only 2 characters age-wise that I could probably play, and the less people my age there, the better. Worse yet when more 20-somethings walked in, most with headshots (seriously?!) They took digital photos of us (something that is pretty standard) and we all filled out a little paperwork. After a brief intro, and the entrance of even more girls my age, they passed around some scripts and we got started.

I was up first, reading Annelle's part against someone else's Truvy. The director was very impressive, letting us read through the words with him first, giving us a little direction, and then letting us do it for real. I felt I did ok on the Annelle, but was anxious to read for Shelby, as I felt a little more confident with that role.

And then I sat. And waited. And waited some more. I listened to someone read all the Southern women like they were complete prostitutes. I listened to someone who was really really beautiful not be able to read/act to save her life. I was there for the next 2 hours and 15 minutes. I read ONE more time, just as Truvy (part I did not want) as a member of a group, and then the director said we could go unless we wanted a specific part. Well crap! If I'm there that long, I'd like to be able to read the part I wanted! So, I did Shelby's little speech, although I don't know what good it did. He seemed to think I did really well, but he acted like that to everyone.

So, I'll hear today, but I'm pretty sure it amounted to nothing. In an effort to keep positive, I would just like to say that the audition actually taught me a lot, and I don't think I'll be as nervous next time. I had Jon there to give me his always perceptive advice from a director's standpoint, and I know what to work on next time!