OVER THE TAVERN AUDITIONS

OVER THE TAVERN auditions are this week. We’ve been advertising, but because it is summer, I’m concerned that people aren’t getting the word; they may be just too busy or in “vacation” mode to pay attention to audition announcements. This is especially true due to kids being out of school…and we need four kids. We’ve advertised in the newspaper with a few articles, in the trade papers, sent out PSAs to radio stations, posted on FB and HG website, and put up posters. I’ve talked to just about everyone I think may have anything to do with kids between the ages of 12 and 18. And I’m still concerned; what if no one shows up for auditions?

We need a boy 12 years old, one 13, one 15, and a girl 16. Each of these roles is a unique and vital part of the play. It’s a solid ensemble piece, and with only seven characters, each one needs to be strong and hold up their part. Throw in the complication that they ought to look as if they’re from the same two parents, and my concerns grow!

We’ve tried making flyers for every student in the whole county and taking them to schools, and have been disappointed with the results. Not for this play, but for other projects. Some teachers just don’t hand them out. Some kids don’t even look at them and toss them in the basket. So I don’t think we’re missing anything by not having school in session so we could do that.

Oh, yeah…another complication: there’s bad language in this play. So that knocks out any families that have strong reservations about what comes out of their kid’s mouth. I’m trying to clearly advertise that there may be some language (and subject matter) that some families may find offensive or objectionable; parents must read the whole script before I’ll even consider casting a child.

It’s such a good play! I really am eager for just the right cast! Each of the roles are prime; an actor’s dream. I don’t have anyone even in mind for any of the roles. (Some people think I’ve cast plays even before the auditions; what would be the point of having auditions?) Sometimes I have in mind someone who might be able to play a particular role, but I always wait to see who shows up at the auditions. Many times there are new people whom I have never considered. Having new people show up for auditions is great fun and a great encouragement…at least someone is being reached by all of our efforts to get the word out about auditions!

For GRACE AND GLORIE…the play that we’re rehearsing right now…Gretchen Forbes showed up at the audition. I had met Gretchen briefly at a local farmers market meeting in February in Mansfield. I certainly had no thoughts about her as an actress...and at that time I don’t think she did either. She hasn’t been in a play since she was in school…a number of decades ago. But she found out about auditions for G&G and fell in love with the character of Grace. Wait till you see her in this play; a great delight.

So…I shouldn’t worry…right? Kids will show up. Three adults will show up. They’ll all look alike…well, all but the old nun…and they’ll be just perfect for these roles.  I’m not going to worry. If they don’t show up on Thursday, they’ll come on Saturday…or Sunday. Auditions: the first—and oftentime biggest—challenge of the whole process.

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