Today, I took a huge step (IMHO) in my quest for professional theatrical experience. I had my first full-fledged, prepare a monologue audition for a paying gig. Moonlight Productions is a production company in my neck of the woods owned and operated by a friend of mine whom I met a few years ago through the WCCT. The film he is casting for is a cinematic version of a one act play that was written by a remarkably talented pal of mine in which yours truly had a rather significant part. This fact in no way guarantees me a role in the movie as I have no idea the experience and calibre of the other auditioners. BUT I AM REALLLLY EXCITED!
Quite a process. This is the first time in 8 years that I have needed to prepare a monologue. In my years in community theatre, most of the auditions have been cold readings from the script or singing a song from the musical (if that is the case). I chose to perform a monologue given by Mr. Harry Macafee from Bye Bye Birdie. Hey, it worked 8 years ago when I was cast as Motel in Fiddler on the Roof! Note to self: time to search out monologue books!
Over the last few weeks while memorizing lines for the staged production of The Hound of the Baskervilles in which I am playing Barrymore, I have been polishing the dust off the old monologue I first encountered while assisting the director of a high school production of Birdie. Happily enough, it came back rather smoothly.
The last few days, I have been trying to figure out what to wear. I could have gone with the costume I wore in the stage version of The Clinic. It might have worked since the monologue takes place at the breakfast table after Harry has had a rather sleepless night after (among other things) outside his window three harpies shrieked “We Love You Conrad” 4,732 times. However, I decided on a nice dress shirt, slacks, and my Looney Tunes necktie.
I arrived at the audition site my normal 15-20 minutes early and signed in at 9:11 AM. At about 9:25, the producer came into the lounge and told me (I was the first to arrive) that they would soon be ready. The space was really small. After having my mug shot taken, I announced to the video camera my name and monologue I had chosen. For my first time auditioning for a camera, I thought it went exceptionally well. I did notice one teeny-weeney mistake but I plowed right along as if nothing had gone amiss.
When I got home before I had to report to my day job, I had a message on my Facebook page:
First audition was very good, waiting on other actors to arrive! Good luck today everyone!
Thanks Jay! I hope this film makes your company grow and move forward!
And not to worry, Mare… my involvement (when it is made known) will in no way impede upon my performance in October 😉
Glad to hear it went well. And yeah, plowing on as if nothing is amiss is the best thing to do. In this case, there wasn’t an audience, but when there is one, they can pick up on actors’ “I just made a mistake” face quite well, especially those audience members with theater experience.
UPDATE: The recorded auditions are on the way to the Executive Producer (whoever that may be 😀 ) for judging. So hopefully by next week, we should know something. Good thoughts are welcome.
Optimism reigns supreme. But even if I don’t get a role, this is only one step with more to follow 😀
Sounds good- you did what you could. The next step is up to them, but I hope you get a part!
Got a callback today for an interview sometime later this week.