Tension was high Monday night outside the doors to of the Wells-Metz Theatre as students sat waiting to audition for “Seussical the Musical.” Some had their noses glued to sheet music while others sat silently, observing the competition. More than 120 students – some theater majors and some not – performed one-and-a-half minute monologues with the hope that they might be cast in the fall musical.\nRoles in IU Department of Theatre and Drama productions are available to any student. Check out the director’s notes below to learn the ins and outs of auditioning for IU productions.
Audition Information
Auditions for “Seussical the Musical” were held Aug. 27 and 28, but any registered IU student still has the opportunity to be cast in three other fall shows. The following shows will hold auditions Monday. Students who did not sign up for an audition time should arrive at the designated location at 8 p.m.\n“The Real Thing”: Directed by Bruce Burgen\nPerformance dates: Oct. 19-20 and Oct. 23-27\nAuditions will be held in the Wells-Metz Theatre. Prepare a 90-second monologue of your choice. All roles will be cast with the exception of Henry. Callbacks are Tuesday. \n“Measure for Measure”: Directed by Fontaine Syer\nPerformance dates: Nov. 9-10 and Nov. 13-17\nAuditions will be held in the Department of Theatre and Drama Acting Studio, room A200. Prepare 60 to 90 seconds of material from a Shakespeare play. All roles will be cast with the exceptions of Angelo, Isabella, Claudio and the Duke. Callbacks are Wednesday.\n“Jimmy Cory” (a new play by IU Playwright Kevin Daly): Directed by Murray McGibbon\nPerformance dates: Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and Dec. 4-8\nAuditions will be held in the Department of Theatre and Drama Directing Studio, room A207. Prepare a contemporary American monologue. Callbacks are Tuesday.
\nTeacher Tips
Tips from Director of Musical Theatre, George Pinney: \nReceive training in acting, singing and dancing. More experience in the various forms of the performing arts can only strengthen personal talent. Singing auditions should be treated as if they were a monologue or a Shakespearean soliloquy. Give the accompanist some love. Do not snap in his or her face! It is OK to burst into dance. Natural comedic timing never hurts. SHOW UP! \nTips from M.F.A. graduate student Harper Jones:\nChoose a comfortable and familiar piece, even if it is unrelated to the play. Practice and prepare. \nFor more audition tips, sign up for T120: Acting for Non-Majors.
\nThe good/the bad/the absurd
The good, the bad and the absurd rituals, according to George Pinney:\nGood:\nEating a nutritious meal beforehand.\nAllowing sufficient amounts of time for preparation.\nGoing to the gym or for a nice walk. \nPlaying piano to practice or simply relaxing.\nBad:\nPre-performance fasting.\nAvoiding the clock to force unnecessary rushing. \nPlacing metaphorical road blocks in between the casting directors and the audition space. \nAbsurd:\nOverly complaining to “rev up” negative energy.
\nHow acting students prepare for auditions:\nRegan Starr, freshman: I wear my sports coat and feel confident.\nHarper Jones, MFA graduate student: I have lucky maroon penny loafers. They were 25 cents at a thrift store in Michigan City, Ind.\nLawrence Evans, freshman: I primp, maybe get a mani. I practice faces in the mirror. Drink a diet coke to clear the phlegm.\nErica Dominguez, senior: Warm up my voice and body for singing and dancing.\nKatie Golonka, freshman: Keep cough drops available. Gargle salt water and baking soda to clear the soft palate. Drink tea. I take an extra long time to do my makeup.
