Unexpectedly, I already have an update on my theatre activities.
Last week I auditioned for, and was cast in the Jeffrey Hatcher adaptation of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde at the Black Box Arts Center. I'll be playing Jekyll.
It is interesting, and a bit of a whirlwind how this all came about.
In truth, the story has never been one of my favorites. But once Glengarry Glen Ross was over, I looked into this script, as much out of curiosity as anything else. It is in many ways a unique adaptation. The nature of the staging, as much as if not more than the story itself drew my interest.
It is a cast of only six people, four of whom each play Hyde at some point, along with several other characters. It was, ironically, this aspect of multiple Hydes the encouraged me to give it a shot. How interesting, then, that I should end up as one of the only two characters that doesn't play Hyde at all, or indeed any of the other roles.
I mentioned my preference to play one of the Hydes on my audition sheet. But I was asked if I would be willing to play Jekyll, and I agreed. It is very rare for me to refuse a role that is offered, if I have auditioned. I think it happened just once, in fact. So of course, I accepted Jekyll.
It's written to be a minimalist, fast moving production, and those things also appeal to me, as did the story being told mostly in vignettes. (Last year's A Christmas Carol that I appeared in had a similar structure.
It also doesn't hurt that the director is a friend of mine, with whom i have worked many times before.
So Jekyll it is. I think the first reading will probably be this coming Sunday evening, (today is Friday.) I look forward to it, as I do most readings at the start of a show. But because I have little attachment to or preconceived notions of this tale, this show offers me the rare clean slate. I can in many ways build my experience totally from the ground up this time, in ways that aren't quite possible when one is more familiar with the story or script. I have a lot of work to do in this show, of course, but the approach to the work will in many ways be more organic or collaborative than most of my other shows have been for a while.
Other than one person, I know all of the other people involved in this show, which is almost always a plus as well.
We'll be performing the show in Halloween season, which works out quite well with the material.
So check back often, as we will have to hit the ground running on this one, given the time frame.
Showing posts with label audition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label audition. Show all posts
Friday, September 08, 2017
Saturday, June 09, 2012
Richard III Audition
Last night I attended my first audition in quite a while. A local production of Shakespeare's Richard III.
It is the same director that three years ago helmed Romeo and Juliet. (Click to read the start of the adventures for that show.)
There were not many people there when I arrived, but all of them were people with whom I have worked with before in various plays over the years.
There were about seven sides prepared, and I looked over each one, though when I was called back I read mostly for Buckingham. I read for Richard a bit, and Ratcliff for the briefest of moments.
I read the scene where Buckingham asked Richard for the promised Earldom of Hereford, as well as the scene just prior to Buckingham's execution. As the hunchback himself I read the courtship scene with Lady Anne, as well as the scene with Elizabeth wherein Richard attempts to get her advice about how to woo her daughter. (And fails.)
I am satisfied with my readings, by and large. I have read the play a few times before, and I suspected that those parts I read would be among the sides for the audition. (No prepared monologue was required for the actors.)
On my audition sheet I didn't request a particular role, stating that I'd be willing to fill whatever role the director felt would best serve the play as a whole. I meant it, though I confess than even among the smaller roles, (which all the male roles save Richard are), I have my personal preferences. I don't usually like to point that out to directors though. My thought being that if they are curious to see how I can do in a role, they will ask me to read for same. True, by requesting to read a role I could surprise a director with a reading, and once in a while, I request a role. Yet my experience has been I rarely am asked to read for the roles I request anyway, so I just leave it open ended. (Though I will sometimes mentioned a role I specifically do not want.)
There is a second round of auditions tonight which I offered to attend as well, if the director believed that would be of any help. She said that it would, as she could use the extra reader, so I agreed to drop in for a bit tonight as well. I know that many children will be auditioning tonight, for the roles of the Young Princes. Yet I imagine adults will also be showing up as well, as there are many parts to fill. After that, casting decisions are supposed to be revealed in a few days time. So here's hoping I get in, and get something good of course.
I'll write a supplemental post tonight to talk about the second round of auditions.
It is the same director that three years ago helmed Romeo and Juliet. (Click to read the start of the adventures for that show.)
There were not many people there when I arrived, but all of them were people with whom I have worked with before in various plays over the years.
There were about seven sides prepared, and I looked over each one, though when I was called back I read mostly for Buckingham. I read for Richard a bit, and Ratcliff for the briefest of moments.
I read the scene where Buckingham asked Richard for the promised Earldom of Hereford, as well as the scene just prior to Buckingham's execution. As the hunchback himself I read the courtship scene with Lady Anne, as well as the scene with Elizabeth wherein Richard attempts to get her advice about how to woo her daughter. (And fails.)
I am satisfied with my readings, by and large. I have read the play a few times before, and I suspected that those parts I read would be among the sides for the audition. (No prepared monologue was required for the actors.)
On my audition sheet I didn't request a particular role, stating that I'd be willing to fill whatever role the director felt would best serve the play as a whole. I meant it, though I confess than even among the smaller roles, (which all the male roles save Richard are), I have my personal preferences. I don't usually like to point that out to directors though. My thought being that if they are curious to see how I can do in a role, they will ask me to read for same. True, by requesting to read a role I could surprise a director with a reading, and once in a while, I request a role. Yet my experience has been I rarely am asked to read for the roles I request anyway, so I just leave it open ended. (Though I will sometimes mentioned a role I specifically do not want.)
There is a second round of auditions tonight which I offered to attend as well, if the director believed that would be of any help. She said that it would, as she could use the extra reader, so I agreed to drop in for a bit tonight as well. I know that many children will be auditioning tonight, for the roles of the Young Princes. Yet I imagine adults will also be showing up as well, as there are many parts to fill. After that, casting decisions are supposed to be revealed in a few days time. So here's hoping I get in, and get something good of course.
I'll write a supplemental post tonight to talk about the second round of auditions.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Last Minute Audition
Loyal blog readers, I saved my normal Tuesday post for later in the evening, because, as luck would have it, a theatre oriented experience showed up today. And though I didn't find out about it until few days ago, I made a last minute decision to go back to the Full Circle Theater Company tonight and audition for Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.
As I said, I didn't have much time to think about it, as I only got the notice in my email on Sunday. I knew that this play was on the schedule, but had not really thought much about trying out for it. I have other things going on with my time since Claudie Hukill ended back in February, (mostly my writing) and I wasn't sure if I had taken enough of a break from the theatre to dedicate to my other endeavors. But I decided that given there were at least 20 roles in this play, some of which are very small, I would throw my hat into the ring, just to keep the acting muscles sharp, and my face familiar in town. So I went in this evening.
I had only a cursory knowledge of the play. I had read or seen portions here and there over the years, and it has been the subject of many a conversation amongst fellow actors, but I had never read the whole script. It seemed a bit weird, which of course is the point for an absurdist dark comedy. As a Shakespearean derivative work, however it always held a certain interest, even though I hadn't picked up the script.
The audition itself went well for me. It was the second day of auditions. I think there were about nine or so people there. (Including someone with whom I do not get along at all, sadly.) The director explained that it is a difficult piece to have people read for, because so much of it is non-verbal, other than the two leads. I can see the difficulty in that. Given my age, I suppose, I only read for either Rosencrantz or Guildenstern at any given time, but that of course doesn't mean I will get either of or any role. It is just common sense that a director of this piece would have candidates read mostly as the two title characters. But there are in fact any number of parts that could be fun. In fact, the tiny version of Hamlet's role that appears in this play may be quite fun to play. Maybe I will get that one. I could finally say I played Hamlet.
Whatever happens, the director, (whom I know from my very first community theatre production), said that we should know something in about a week or so, because that is when she wants to start rehearsals. So perhaps by the next time I blog here, I will know. Or then again, if I know before next week, I will blog about it right away.
So stay tuned.
As I said, I didn't have much time to think about it, as I only got the notice in my email on Sunday. I knew that this play was on the schedule, but had not really thought much about trying out for it. I have other things going on with my time since Claudie Hukill ended back in February, (mostly my writing) and I wasn't sure if I had taken enough of a break from the theatre to dedicate to my other endeavors. But I decided that given there were at least 20 roles in this play, some of which are very small, I would throw my hat into the ring, just to keep the acting muscles sharp, and my face familiar in town. So I went in this evening.
I had only a cursory knowledge of the play. I had read or seen portions here and there over the years, and it has been the subject of many a conversation amongst fellow actors, but I had never read the whole script. It seemed a bit weird, which of course is the point for an absurdist dark comedy. As a Shakespearean derivative work, however it always held a certain interest, even though I hadn't picked up the script.
The audition itself went well for me. It was the second day of auditions. I think there were about nine or so people there. (Including someone with whom I do not get along at all, sadly.) The director explained that it is a difficult piece to have people read for, because so much of it is non-verbal, other than the two leads. I can see the difficulty in that. Given my age, I suppose, I only read for either Rosencrantz or Guildenstern at any given time, but that of course doesn't mean I will get either of or any role. It is just common sense that a director of this piece would have candidates read mostly as the two title characters. But there are in fact any number of parts that could be fun. In fact, the tiny version of Hamlet's role that appears in this play may be quite fun to play. Maybe I will get that one. I could finally say I played Hamlet.
Whatever happens, the director, (whom I know from my very first community theatre production), said that we should know something in about a week or so, because that is when she wants to start rehearsals. So perhaps by the next time I blog here, I will know. Or then again, if I know before next week, I will blog about it right away.
So stay tuned.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Celebrating Five Years!
Five years! 508 entries. 12 or so productions of various lengths at six different venues. More than 20 individual roles. Who knows how many audience members. Not to mention scores of articles, stories, reviews, and random theatre related musings not pertaining directly to one of my shows. And the comments for the same.
And my loyal blog readers. I thank you all for being there through all of this. Even during the months sometimes when material was thin.
So what can be said on this anniversary of the launch of this blog? It hasn't been earth changing, I know. It doesn't get thousands of hits a month, or even a year. And while I admit I would really like to get some more comments on my posts, I like to think that the adventures I have shared here have contributed at least a bit to someone's enjoyment or understanding of community theatre. I can't be sure that it has done so without feedback. But I can hope.
Actually, I hope a lot of things about the last five years of Always Off Book. I do it because it means something to me personally, and I get satisfaction out of it, regardless of external outcome. Nevertheless, I do hope that it has accomplished certain things for others over the last five years. For example:
-I hope it has made clear that amateur productions do not always mean low quality anymore than professional theatre always equals great work. On that same page, I hope it has shown that an amateur actor, as my subtitle suggests, really doesn't have to have amateur thoughts about the world of acting. It comes from inside each individual performer.
-I hope that people read my sometimes technical but always truthful "sausage making" posts about how rehearsals for a production are going, and become more aware of all that goes into even a smaller stage production. And I hope that by knowing such, I have enriched the experience of going to see a live performance, even if it is not my own performance.
-I hope that by being frank about as many things as possible as I write here on the blog, I have gained the trust of my readers. That by now they can know whatever I post is sincere and frank.
-It is my hope that people have noticed I continue to come back to live theatre, despite being in some truly miserable shows with some truly lousy people sometimes.
-I hope that Always Off Book has succeeded, at least sometimes, in conveying to the reader a tiny portion of the exhilaration that can be felt by an actor when a play is going right
-I hope the advice I have given here, both in articles and through relaying my own rehearsal experiences has been of use to fellow actors out there in their own shows.
-I hope those that know nothing at all about being in a show have learned something useful about not just theatre, but about professionalism, passion, motivation, and quality in any aspect of life. Because though it is about my theatre adventures, a lot of what I talk about here is about putting my name onto something, and committing 100% to its excellence. You can do that whether in a show, or cooking a meal.
-I hope my minimalist, "content is king" approach appeals to those who actually want to take the time to read something in depth, instead of just skimming the surface of an issue, and playing with the bells and whistles of a website.
-Readers have laughed, been given pause, reconsidered a position, felt comforted, or just educated by my posts at some point I hope.
-But most of all, and I would think this is obvious, it is my sincerest hope that somewhere in these 508 entries, I have written something that has encouraged someone out there to either attend, or appear in community theatre for the very first time. Someone who otherwise might not have done so, because of fear, or misconceptions, or uncertainty as to what to expect. Someone who may have lacked the interest, or the confidence to try such a thing until they stumbled across Always Off Book and read about something that I have been through.
-And my "uber-hope", if you will, is related to the last one. It is my "uber-hope" that at least one person not only decided to try theatre for the first time based on something I have written here, but subsequently fell in love with it, and decided they want to dedicate passion, energy, and time to it for a long time to come. That the very act of reading one of these blog posts was the first step in an epiphany, like the one I had years ago. An epiphany that reveals to someone out there that despite what their career may be, there is a place, an important, rewarding, influential place for them in the world of live theatre. And that such a reader will, without shame, assume that place, and change their life, and the lives of others in the process.
And then one day that person will introduce the theatre to someone else who never thought theatre could be for them…
These are my hopes. This is my blog. I am Ty, an amateur actor sharing his not so amateur thoughts on the world of acting. I have been doing so for five years today. And I have no intention in the world of stopping anytime soon.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Joining "A Thurber Carnival"
Announcing my next stage appearance. On Tuesday, August 10th I went to the Full Circle Theater Company to audition for their season opener; A Thurber Carnival. I received word last night that I have been cast in the show.
The show consists of a collection of short sketches based on the cartoons and short stories of James Thurber, hence the title. Among the the 15 or so sketches are staged version of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty", "The Unicorn in the Garden" and "The Macbeth Murder Mystery". The show is book-ended by a joke driven dance number, reminiscent of Laugh-In.
The roles each of us is to play are, for the moment, subject to change as the director sorts out a few issues, but as of now I have been assigned 5 roles. One of them I read for at the audition. The other one I recognize from being read by others at the audition, and one I know from the title of the short story on which it is based. The others I am not certain about. I won't list them until the roles are solidified, but suffice to say it is without a doubt an ensemble piece, with no one person being a lead, and everyone popping in and out of the show throughout the evening.
I seem to gravitate towards such shows, consciously or subconsciously. I have been in about half a dozen plays or so wherein I played more than one character, (though sometimes more for convenience sake as opposed to by design.) Nonetheless I have been in several plays that are specifically written to have actors play multiple roles. This one promises to be more unique still, given how quickly the various sketches come and go. It is that "rapid fire" role rotation that encouraged me to give this show a try. It no doubt will present it's own unique challenges.
The first read-through is tomorrow. (The 15th.) I'll know then with whom I am working, but judging by the auditions, nobody I know will be in it. One gentleman I was in a play with five years ago was at auditions, so he may be in the show. If so he will be the only person with whom I have worked, or even spoken before. (Though the producer is an old friend of mine.)
So check back here often as I once again regale my loyal blog reader with tales of bringing a play to life.
The show consists of a collection of short sketches based on the cartoons and short stories of James Thurber, hence the title. Among the the 15 or so sketches are staged version of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty", "The Unicorn in the Garden" and "The Macbeth Murder Mystery". The show is book-ended by a joke driven dance number, reminiscent of Laugh-In.
The roles each of us is to play are, for the moment, subject to change as the director sorts out a few issues, but as of now I have been assigned 5 roles. One of them I read for at the audition. The other one I recognize from being read by others at the audition, and one I know from the title of the short story on which it is based. The others I am not certain about. I won't list them until the roles are solidified, but suffice to say it is without a doubt an ensemble piece, with no one person being a lead, and everyone popping in and out of the show throughout the evening.
I seem to gravitate towards such shows, consciously or subconsciously. I have been in about half a dozen plays or so wherein I played more than one character, (though sometimes more for convenience sake as opposed to by design.) Nonetheless I have been in several plays that are specifically written to have actors play multiple roles. This one promises to be more unique still, given how quickly the various sketches come and go. It is that "rapid fire" role rotation that encouraged me to give this show a try. It no doubt will present it's own unique challenges.
The first read-through is tomorrow. (The 15th.) I'll know then with whom I am working, but judging by the auditions, nobody I know will be in it. One gentleman I was in a play with five years ago was at auditions, so he may be in the show. If so he will be the only person with whom I have worked, or even spoken before. (Though the producer is an old friend of mine.)
So check back here often as I once again regale my loyal blog reader with tales of bringing a play to life.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Auditions Ahead
The Full Circle Theater Company, (about whom I have written many times, having been in several of their shows) will be holding auditions for it's first show of the season, this coming Sunday and Tuesday. They have also announced the rest of their current season. Do go to their website and check it out, especially if you are local to the Shepherdstown, West Virginia area. It is an intriguing and eclectic season they have in store, with more than one play I am interested in.
In fact, the very first production I mentioned interests me a bit. It's "A Thurber Carnival". A collection of shorter plays based on the short stories of James Thurber. One of those ensemble pieces where each cast member will play many different roles throughout the evening. I have been in several such shows and enjoyed the experience. Given that, and the fact that I haven't appeared in a Full Circle production in about 18 months, it may just be time for me to head on over to Shepherdstown to audition. (Though I have never met the director before.)
Loyal blog readers will know that my summer theatre plans with the Bard's Men fell through, so I haven't been in anything since May. That's not too long of a stretch, but when you are geared up to be in a show, and then it doesn't happen, you feel as though it has been longer. Well, at least I am at the moment.
So I am mulling that over right now. I'll let everyone know what the final decision is.
In fact, the very first production I mentioned interests me a bit. It's "A Thurber Carnival". A collection of shorter plays based on the short stories of James Thurber. One of those ensemble pieces where each cast member will play many different roles throughout the evening. I have been in several such shows and enjoyed the experience. Given that, and the fact that I haven't appeared in a Full Circle production in about 18 months, it may just be time for me to head on over to Shepherdstown to audition. (Though I have never met the director before.)
Loyal blog readers will know that my summer theatre plans with the Bard's Men fell through, so I haven't been in anything since May. That's not too long of a stretch, but when you are geared up to be in a show, and then it doesn't happen, you feel as though it has been longer. Well, at least I am at the moment.
So I am mulling that over right now. I'll let everyone know what the final decision is.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Audition Announcement: Bard's Men
If you read this blog anytime last summer, you would have come across my adventures playing Friar Laurence in Romeo and Juliet. The company was a new one, started by a friend of mine. It was called The Bard's Men.
This year, The Bard's Men are back, but with a bit of a format change. For one, we no longer have access to the venue we used last year. So we have become nomadic this summer. We will be traveling throughout the area to various venues. (I do not yet know which ones. Those plans are still being made.)
We will not be performing a play this year, but rather giving what I have been calling a Shakespearean Presentation. It consists of scenes and monologues from various different Shakespeare plays. Plus there will be some music, and some stagecraft demonstrations. The show is called;
Lovers, Fighters, and Undecided.
We want to have between 8 and ten cast members in all. A few are already in place. (Such as yours truly.) But more spaces need to be filled. And that is why we are having auditions. I hope to spread the word here, and hope than any loyal blog readers among you that may be local will also help to spread the word.
The auditions will be this Saturday, June 19th, from 4PM to 7PM. The location is "The Wall" in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. It will be a cold read. I myself will be there helping out, so if that is in anyway an incentive to drop by, (though how scary would it be if it were) please do so.
We are also on the look out for any venues that may welcome us. Summer schools. Festivals. Community centers. Even somebody with a really big house that may be interested. We'll come. No charge, it's pay what you can.
You can also email the company with any specific questions you may have. The email is thebardsmen@gmail.com.
This year, The Bard's Men are back, but with a bit of a format change. For one, we no longer have access to the venue we used last year. So we have become nomadic this summer. We will be traveling throughout the area to various venues. (I do not yet know which ones. Those plans are still being made.)
We will not be performing a play this year, but rather giving what I have been calling a Shakespearean Presentation. It consists of scenes and monologues from various different Shakespeare plays. Plus there will be some music, and some stagecraft demonstrations. The show is called;
Lovers, Fighters, and Undecided.
We want to have between 8 and ten cast members in all. A few are already in place. (Such as yours truly.) But more spaces need to be filled. And that is why we are having auditions. I hope to spread the word here, and hope than any loyal blog readers among you that may be local will also help to spread the word.
The auditions will be this Saturday, June 19th, from 4PM to 7PM. The location is "The Wall" in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. It will be a cold read. I myself will be there helping out, so if that is in anyway an incentive to drop by, (though how scary would it be if it were) please do so.
We are also on the look out for any venues that may welcome us. Summer schools. Festivals. Community centers. Even somebody with a really big house that may be interested. We'll come. No charge, it's pay what you can.
You can also email the company with any specific questions you may have. The email is thebardsmen@gmail.com.
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