Post-Audition Skepticism?

Question

On Saturday morning, I attended an open auditon at the Mall of America for the roles of the children in the Sound of Music at the Ordway Theatre. (Here is a link to the audition information page off their website: http://www.ordway.org/auditions/ ) Ii was hesitant at first as I am seventeen, and the part I would be auditioning for, Frederich, is 14, and they said they were casting children, not young adults, so I'm not sure if that excluded me. The audition was not only a long line which you had to wait through to be the one on stage, but was also 'mic'ed and in the middle of a rotunda so crowds collected to watch from the above balconies, etc., which made for a more interesting experience. Most of the auditioners, gave their name, sang, and essentially walked off. A few were more chatty, and 2 little girls, after singing, were asked to march as well. About 75ish people audition, only about 6 of which were boys, 3 specifically for the role of Kurt, one who did not care, and two

(myself included) for Frederich. The audition process took a very long time, but I got up there and chatted with them for a very, very long time, at least 2-3 times as long as anyone else and they were glad to chat back, so just to make them remember me. I finally sang ( we all just had to sing the chorus of Do-Re-Mi), at which point we chatted a bit more and then I was asked to sing the "Goodbye" from "So Long, Farewell" that Kurt sings in the movie, the high one in my head voice. They had me do that a few times and were impressed as the little boy in the movie supposedly could not hit that note. Anyways, I said goodbye and then watched the rest of the auditions, including my competition, who turned out to be a foreign exchange student from Sweden, but sang well and had blonde hair and blue eyes.

I was very pleased at the outcome of the audition and as I was one of about only 3 who was asked to do something above sing, which I think was good (I hope)

I had high hopes for a callback. But I have begun to stress out about it bigtime. Per some research today, I learned that Frederich is meant to be a boy soprano, which makes sense as he has to sing the chorus with all of the other kids and Maria. I cannot, however, think of any 14-year-old boys with unchanged voices (by the way, I forgot to say, the Auditor mentioned, in jest, something about my voice changing and that it happens to the best of us, I don't know if that reflects that they want someone who's hasn't). I am now beginning to be extremely dubious of my chances and a bit disappointed. The only listed audition was then, although I expect them to look internally for some other options as well, nevertheless, I was expecting a callback for sure. Should I just forget about this audition and move on, or when should I expect a callback?

Thanks for your help.

Matt

Answer 1

It sounds like you gave a good audition and showed yourself to be confident and personable. Trust me, anyone casting or directing a production with as many children as "Sound of Music" will be on the lookout for kids who aren't wretched little divas with wretched stage mothers.

By the way, 17 is still considered a juvenile, so they're not viewing you as an adult.

Anyway, my advice is to stop second-guessing yourself and worrying about this audition. It's in the past, so all the worrying in the world won't change what happened, nor will it act as some sort of "payment" that will result in a telephone call and job offer. What you need to do is go forward to the next audition; if the producers eventually call, you can celebrate then, but if they ultimately do not you don't want to have wasted time waiting by the phone.

Trust me, there will be times when you give a brilliant audition and don't get cast, and other times where you feel you gave a wretched audition but then get hired. It's utterly perplexing, but definitely make theatre an interesting field to work in.

Answer 2

Welcome to Theatre.

Don't sweat it, amigo, from what you have told us all you did fine.

An open audition in the Mall of America reeks of Stunt. You kept your cool in very trying circumstances. That reeks of Professionalism. Job or no job, callback or no callback, you performed with style and dignity. I am not sure I would have been as good ( I KNOW I am too old for Kurt), and I have been doing this for Millennia.

It's only a gig. Land it, and have fun, or don't land it, and move on.

Answer 3

Hey, Matt, Well, you should never count your chickens when it comes to auditions. Never wait for a call back or casting noification. Just go on to the next audition and take the first job offerred you.