Whee, What Fun!

I just got home from one of the most fun auditions ever. This was for a 10 Minute Play Festival held annually in White Bear Lake. There are 10 plays which means 10 scripts and 10 directors and over 30 roles that need to be cast. I've really been looking forward to this audition, if only to see how exactly they would manage such a crazy casting scenario.

The auditions were held from 1-4 on a "first come first served" basis. When I got there at about 2:30, I had to park a block away from the theater due to the throngs of cars that beat me to the punch. When I went inside, I was expecting to see zillions of folks milling about, waiting for there turn to read. But, there were no actors to be seen; just a table and volunteers handing out clip-boards and numbered stickers. As it turns out, all of the auditioners were in the theater...together...with all the directors. As I was filling out the paperwork before being escorted into the theater, a woman I recognized said to me, "All your children are upstairs." Apparently a majority of the kids from the holiday play I was in, as well as my holiday Husband, were there to audition. I love those stinking kids so much, and wonder daily if/when I will get to enjoy them again...I had no idea going into this day that today would be that happy occasion. When I got into the theater, the majority of them were sitting on stage taking turns reading for a couple of the "kid" parts. I made my way to the back of the theater and proceeded to make faces at as many of them as I could make eye contact with.

One of my cast mates from my most recent play was also there to audition, and another was there in a directing capacity. The latter approached me an handed me a script and said, "Start reading Fork." So I did. And then I got to go on stage and read as a Fork. Ha! Fun, fun. Even more fun, however, was the rare opportunity to see other actors audition. I love it! My greatest auditioning weakness (as far as I know) is my physicality; I never know how/where/what to move, so I tend to grow roots and try to READ really WELL. This being the case, it is a great treat to have the chance to see more physically competent actors audition, and hopefully pick up a couple of sweet moves from their genius.

During a little directors pow-wow, I got to chat with my "young people" friends (affectionately known by many as the Greenies). I taught them that "Dag Yo" was a really cool thing to say and told them to teach it to their friends. They were totally down. One of them said that she wants to be like me when she grows up...and not "get old". That is the greatest compliment of my life....today.

After the break, I had the chance to read as "God". So..."God" and "Fork". Not bad for a day's work. I believe however, that I have been cast in one of the 10 Minutes as "Amy"...a lovely girl with a charming albeit overly flirtatious fiance. I find Amy to be the perfect balance of God and Fork and am happy to have the opportunity to bring her to life.

Let's see...what else...

Oh, YES! In a thrilling turn of events...my dear Perfect Friend was cast in the short film, so joy of joys, we will get to act together. Assuming of course that no one else flakes out. Okay, in all fairness, having to drop out of a project doesn't automatically make one a flake. Sometimes, I am sure there are very legitimate and valid reasons for having to quit...but I hope with all my heart that this is the end of it, because I really want to do this thing!!!