Students share experience gained through audition process

His name up next on the list, senior Travis Hampton mentally prepares for his turn. When the previous student exists, he walks into the black box, stands before the improv team captains, and introduces himself. They give him four words to choose from, and he selects Barbie. After taking a few seconds to collect his thoughts, he launches into three stories he creates on the spot, made of real experiences with a bit of exaggeration and manipulation of the facts to keep it interesting. Afterward, he thanks them and exits. The easy part is over; now the wait for the list of those who are accepted begins.

With three mainstage productions a year, improv club and repertory theatre, students become very familiar with the audition process. Each monologue, song or improvised scene gives students a chance to practice being in front of an audience.

“There are going to be times in college and life where you’re going to have to be in front of a group of people,” Hampton said. “It’s nice to help me get some of the jitters out, knowing how to audition.”

The skills necessary for an audition don’t just apply to those looking to be professional actors, however.

“Everywhere you go is an audition if you think about it; I’ve been told that a lot,” freshman Maddie Huwe said. “It always helps you be more confident in yourself if you’re going to do a regular job or performing.”

While it may take a lot of confidence to audition, many times afterward students feel anything but sure if they will make the cut. Hampton said waiting for a cast list is one of the most stressful times for those who auditioned.

“You’re stomach’s sick and you’re thinking about ‘Did I get it? Did I not?’ and all of a sudden you start going over all the things you could’ve done better,” Hampton said.

When the cast list does come out, those suspicions sometimes are confirmed. Huwe said rejection can be difficult but it helps to focus on the positive. Sometimes, it just means there is someone better for the part.

“A lot of times I know there are people who are more experienced than me,” Huwe said. “I can accept it, it just takes time.”

Choosing the right cast can be challenging, and as a result there is just as much pressure on the director as there is on the students.

“In high school, it’s different [than professional productions] , because I try to cast the appropriate people for the show, but I also try to get as many people involved as I possibly can,” theatre director Dan Schmidt said. “But I want to be true to the author’s intent. So if I keep that in mind — if I’m true to the author’s intent — then I’ll be fine.”

Since Schmidt is adamant about spreading involvement, it isn’t uncommon to see a large number of freshmen at the auditions, though their experiences differ slightly than what they were used to from middle school.

“I didn’t know I would have to go in there by myself,” Huwe said. “It wasn’t as scary as I thought. I felt like I was prepared [from middle school].”

Huwe and fellow freshman Jackson Salin said auditions in high school also give the performers more freedom in their choices. Although there are a few differences, such as student selection for the improv troupe, Salin said the overall feel of the audition process is the same.

“There is usually a nervous feeling in the room no matter what or how good the people auditioning are,” Salin said.

However,  Huwe said there is also an overwhelming feeling of positivity and pride in the room, as those who do not receive a part will congratulate the ones who did.

“[What makes auditions worth it is] the time you get to spend having fun with friends and even making new ones,” Salin said.

Freshman Jackson Salin lifts senior Travis Hampton, who is acting as the banana about to be made into a smoothie during improv troupe auditions.
Freshman Jackson Salin lifts senior Travis Hampton, who is acting as the banana about to be made into a smoothie during improv troupe auditions.

BVSW News • Copyright 2024 • FLEX WordPress Theme by SNOLog in

Comments (0)

All BVSW News Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *