On August 31, we sat down with Theatre Arts teacher and Productions Director Katrina Tarson to learn more about the auditions process and what to expect for high school productions.
When asked what the most important characteristic she looks for when casting roles for a show, Tarson replies, “Confidence is probably number one.”
Whether a student is interested in trying out for a musical, or a play, they should always remember to have fun, and remain calm. Although nerves can be distracting and can get in the way of someone doing their best, others trying out may feel the same way.
“The best thing for nerves is to remember that at auditions everybody who is watching you in that auditorium is rooting for you.”
Tarson continued. “So, if you think about it that way, that everyone is rooting for you and not judging you, that can help with the nerves,” she said.
For those interested in trying out, keep in mind the responsibility and commitment a show requires.
Rehearsals for the shows can happen anywhere from 5-7 days a week, so as students are preparing for auditions, they should ask themselves if being apart of the production is really what they want to do.
Students should also ask themselves if they will be able to keep up with other commitments like school along with the
“We spend a lot of hours here at the school working on the show, and it’s a really big commitment. It’s a careful choice you have to make so if you make that commitment, to a crew, or to a show, that is going to take up a lot of your time you have to be willing to not fall behind with priorities,” Tarson said.
First time auditions aren’t always hit or miss. If you are not caste right away and still want to be involved in the productions, there are crews you can join. Being a part of a crew keeps you close to the directors, helps you meet new people in the theater department, and stay behind the scenes — which is “where the magic happens,” as Ms. Wrayno, the Technical Theater Arts teacher, likes to say.
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