The One Where Mel Gets Hurt (Audition 14)

I really wish I had good news to report, like getting a callback or actually booking a role, but alas, the search continues. Such is the life of a new actress. On that note, if anyone knows of a book or a way I can learn more theatre history, I am looking for info to expand my knowledge base.

Friday was an audition for the Rising Stars Theatre Company's production of "The Music Man." I am still trying to decide if it is better to go on the first day or the last day of an audition. Any suggestions? This was the first day of the adult audition because I could not make it to Sunday's day 2.

Anyway, they did the dance portion first, which is odd, because normally the dance portion is last. But that is ok, it was fun. I really wonder how I look when I dance. Anyway, we learned the routine, then they had us learn a variation on a grapevine. Then they asked if any of the ladies was willing to do 2 chenay (I know I spelled it wrong) turns into a cartwheel. I can do a left cartwheel just fine, the right was rough, but so was everyones. It did not help my shirt flew up, exposing my bra. Oops. Then they wanted to see the ladies do a lift. Uhm, can I pass on that one? I mean, I am as tall as the tallest of the 2 guys that was there. But Val, the choreographer said if Cyd Charisse could do lifts and be tall, then so could I. Needless to say, Cyd Charisse was 5'7" tall, while I clock in somewhere in the vicinity of 6'0". But I gamely went up to do it. Well, I turn in, put my arm around my partners shoulders, kick and as we are going around we both hear this loud "POP" come from my left shoulder. It stings a bit, but it is moving so it is not dislocated, so I don't draw any extra attention to it then what has already been given. We then had to dance the Cakewalk, and she partnered me with the lighting designer who was there as a partner, who was waaay shorter than me, and in 2 people forgot she had me go! After that, we were done sooner than expected and silly me started making nice. Maybe that is my downfall, I talk to people (including the choreographers and auditors) not asking how I did, but their experience with the group and what they like.

Finally it was on to the next room. UGH, all I am going to say is UGH! How mean is it to give Alto's a song for Soprano's...and high Soprano's at that! They made us all sing "Til There Was You"...the part at the very end that was harmony between Marion and Harold. So the guys had it good. But, I'm an Alto with some Mezzo notes and the top notes for this song were waaaaay outta my range. But we practiced it about 4 times before we had to sing it. Two couples went and then it was my turn. I said there was no way I could hit most of those notes, because I am an Alto and asked if they had it transposed or a different song I could sing. They had it transposed and I got to hear it 2x before I got to sing it. The first time, I messed up on the last note and a note in between. Second time, I got it. I'm not going to say I nailed it because I did not get a callback, but I am happy with how I did with the time I was given.

Lastly we were asked to line up in 2 lines and one line had to take a line from the script (on a sheet of paper) and a way to read it and deliver the line and the other persons job was to react or not. This part was fun. I had "Super Sarcastic" and "Deep South" as my to line deliveries. Oh, it was a blast!!!

Granted, the next day my shoulder hurt like a son-of-a and I am pretty sure I popped a tendon cuz it STILL hurts (it is Monday), but I had a good time. Now, if I could maybe PLEASE see a positive result of all these auditions, I would be in 7th Heaven......