Just last week, Woodbridge High School went through the exciting and nerve-producing process of Spring Musical auditions. Every year, the audition process is set up in a similar way. On media sites such as Instagram, Mr. Terrell posted the dates for each part of the cycle. Singing auditions took place Monday 12/2. Dancing auditions took place Wednesday 12/4. Acting auditions took place Thursday 12/5. As the final part of the process, callbacks and the cast list took place Friday 12/6.
Audition Week:
The week beforehand, the drama department hosted their Spring Musical Interest Meeting for “Sister Act”, at which they explained everything about auditioning as well as the musical in general. At this meeting students were able to grab audition packets. These include all “acting sides” and “singing sides” of which students could choose to audition with.
That being said, for singing and acting auditions, students were to learn a scene and song from the packet. They signed a time slot in the WHS auditorium for their audition time. Auditions took place after school.
Dance auditions are done in a different way. Instead of picking a time slot, students pick a number slot. After school, students receive a paper with their number on it, that they pin to their clothing. Following that, students are taught a dance combo which they have to perform in small groups.
Proceeding the three most important audition days, Mr. Terrell, Mr. Lynch, and the rest of the team have group discussions in order to pick out certain students for “callbacks”.
To summarize callbacks, the directors present the students with many scenes which they must act out on the spot. Many students read as many characters in order to choose where they fit best in the production. Some years, they even have to sing songs from the musical in order to hear their voices again.
That night, the cast list gets announced on sites such as Google Classroom. It can be assumed that picking out the right cast for the production takes a lot of discussing, note-taking, and mindful decision-making.
Student Perspective:
The Barron Perspective sat down and asked two talented WHS students, Sophia Holness (Senior, “Deloris” in our “Sister Act”) and Aaron Crowell (Junior, “Eddie Souther” in our “Sister Act” ), about their opinions on this year’s audition process.
BP: “This being your third/fourth year performing in WHS’s Spring Musical, how do you feel about your audition process so far?”
AC: “I feel like this year’s audition was smooth and very fast and I feel like it wasn’t as stressful and high-stakes as past auditions have felt.”
SH: “This year’s audition process was certainly exciting!” Holness stated. “I felt that with it being my fourth, and last time, experiencing these nerves, I wanted to soak up all the good… While I focused on making sure my audition was in the best shape it could be, I allowed myself to have some fun and release the typical pressure that builds during the hectic week… Overall, this process isn’t easy, but I’m grateful that I gave myself the time to stop and enjoy it while it lasts.”
In all regards, auditioning can be very stressful. Though the outcome of seeing your name on the cast list makes it all worth it. Even those who don’t make the cast should feel proud of all the hard work they put in that week. If you’re even slightly interested in auditioning for next year’s Spring Musical, put yourself out there and go for it! The drama department is always looking out for new talent. Come see WHS’s “Sister Act- A Divine Musical Comedy” this upcoming March!
