Behind the Curtain at a Local Theater Audition

Next month the James Street Players will perform a production of "Pippin" at Babylon United Methodist Church and one of the first steps in any theatrical effort is finding the perfect cast members to play needed parts.

So Patch went behind the scenes and the curtain to get an inside view about auditions for a local theatre troupe and insight for wanna-be actors who are interested in getting on a local stage.

The upcoming James Street musical production is being directed by Chris Rosselli, who has worked with the troupe since the fall of 2008.

Here is some valuable insight from Rosselli about what the audition process involves:

What did the audition for Pippin include?

“We started with musical numbers which consisted of each person singing two verses and a chorus for the initial audition.  Then we did a dance routine.  Then we had callbacks that included more dancing and reading from the script.  I picked my favorite scenes that I feel best represents the characters.”

What do you look for in an actor?

“I look for raw talent and I look to see if they are having fun.  I’m not so much concerned if they hit the right note or if they mess up a dance step… I want to make sure they are enjoying themselves and feel comfortable in the role.”

Of these 40 actors who auditioned, how many will you be casting?

“I’m being nice and taking everyone who came.  If they didn’t get a lead, they will be offered a part in the ensemble.  It’s their decision to decline it, if they only want a lead.  In this show, the ensemble is very important. We need people who can dance, people who can sing and people who can act.  I want real triple threats.  This is a dance heavy show.  Everybody will be featured in some way.”

Tell us a little bit about the rehearsal process.

“We rehearse three to four nights a week for the next seven weeks.  We will do everything from building and painting the sets, hanging the lights, staging the show, learning the vocal numbers with harmonies, working with the orchestra, choreographing, costuming as well as advertising.  We have 20 rehearsals.”

For those unfamiliar with Pippin, what can you share about the story?

“It’s the story of Pippin, the oldest son of King Charlemagne during the Holy Roman Empire, the crusade wars.  It’s his life told through a comedy del arte storyline that involves circus skills, acrobatics and every theatrical convention you could think of.

It’s the best show ever written.  It’s a confusing show, and audiences tend to get lost.  So it’s my job as the director to make them best understand what’s happening and to make it as funny as possible, but also as poignant as possible.  I want them to walk out humming to tunes, but also with the knowledge of what they just sat through.” 

What advice would you give to actors about walking into an audition?

“Sing a song that you are comfortable with.  Do not walk into an audition and sing a song you just pulled out that day because you want to try it.  If you haven’t sung it yet, my audition is not the time to experiment.  If you are auditioning for a show that has a lot of dance, be prepared to dance.  Don’t wear flip-flops and tight fitting jeans; wear dance clothes, be comfortable.  Bring water.  Relax.  Make friends while you are sitting there for three hours, because you’ll probably be with them for the next seven weeks.”