On Oct. 5th I went to the Hale Theatre in Orem to audition for Charles Dickens', A Christmas Carol.
It all came about because I started taking voice from a teacher who works for the Hale Theatre. At the end of my first lesson, she asked me if I would be interested in auditioning for A Christmas Carol. I said "Heck ya!" She was very encouraging and felt I would be perfect for several different parts in the show. By the way, she is not a director.
I was very excited and started to prepare.
I can not express how wonderful it feels to be back and doing something that I really, really, love. It is sooooooo easy to lose yourself trying to take care of a household. I found myself really starting to get depressed and just knew I had to make a change!
So... I started Weight Watchers (lost 15.8 so far), got back into voice lessons and decided to audition for this show.
My wonderful mother came up just for the occasion. I picked her up on Sat. and we went shopping for an outfit (see picture above). We wanted something sparkly that I felt good and slim in. We had a lot of fun and before you knew it, Monday came and off we went at 8 p.m. to go to my audition. My mom came with me for moral support. It felt good to have her there, just like old times:) I like to call her my lucky charm.
I have to say, the morning of the auditions, I woke up with a HORRIBLE cold. However, I think it was to my advantage because I seemed to be more relaxed about everything. When you have a cold, or any sickness, there is nothing you can do about it so you just have to make do. I found myself with an "Oh well, I guess I will just do the best with what I've got and have a good time" attitude. I also took the advice my mother gave me which was, "You are the new kid in town. Don't worry about competing. Just go in, have a great time and do it because you love it."
Well, it worked! It was very refreshing to audition for a new group of people who have no expectations of me whatsoever. The song I chose was "Show Me" from My Fair Lady. I chose it because I could show them that I can do a British accent and it showed some belt and lyrical soprano. My song went well, and after that they took time to really talk to me and look at my resume. As all that was taking place, I could see the "wheels" turning in the director's head and he proceeded to ask me more questions about what roles I would be interested in.
The worst part of the audition was when the stage manager realized he forgot to give me a reading while I was waiting in the hall so, he gave it to me on the spot and I had no time to look at it, however, I guess I didn't do too badly because two days later...
I GOT A CALL BACK!!!
I was called back for the roles of Mrs. Fred who also doubles as the Charwoman and the Caroler's which is considered to be the the chorus. I was sooooo excited.
At the call back, I went in with one goal and that was to be as sparkly as I could and have a blast. That is exactly what I did. I fought to the death, I memorized everything they gave me on the spot and tried to give them as much movement and character as I could. I really wanted them to notice me, that way if I didn't make the show, they would at least remember me if I came back. I didn't have my hopes up because I know how hard it can be to try to get into a new theatre company. You usually have to try several times and I was OK with that.
I was there from 6:30 to 10:30 at night and I was busy the whole time! I felt really great when I left and I couldn't have asked for more. I haven't done a show in 6 years so just to be called back after that long made me feel great!
After a couple days of waiting, I got a call. They asked me if I would except the roles of Mrs. Fred and the Charwoman (which were the parts I wanted and my teacher said I would be great for). Of course I said "YES" and had my first rehearsal on Tues. There are two casts because the performances are everyday (sometimes two to three a day) and during the busy season, it is unrealistic to have only one cast. I will be performing on the Monday, Wednesday and Friday cast however I will have a few Saturday's as well because I will be covering for my double. If you are interested in seeing the show, please call me and I will give you details.
All my neighbors are excited for me and I think they are going to make it a neighborhood event to come and see me perform. I love my neighbors:)
Anyway, I will put up pics and posts to keep you updated on all my fun. All I have to say is...
I get to wear a hoop skirt:()) How cool is that!?!?!?
