Dear Apprehensive About Auditioning

Although the auditions announced in this press release are past, the message continues to be relevant. It's about the importance of showing up.

Dear Apprehensive About Auditioning, You’re not alone in your apprehension. I have had the opportunity to work at the sign in table at auditions for CSJ (Center Stage Jackson) many times, and I hear some variation of this at or before every audition...  I don’t know this director or what they want... I did theatre in high school but that was so long ago... I’ve never done this before and I think everyone will know it... I want a particular part but I think someone else will be better... Are any of these familiar to you? Do I sound too much like an infomercial? Sorry, I’m just trying to show that there are more people in your boat than out of it. Basically, my advice to you is this: Just show up. Just show up. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never done theatre before. It doesn’t matter if it’s been years. It doesn’t matter if there is or isn’t a part ‘made for you’ in this show. It doesn’t matter if you think you don’t fit into this show at all. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a giant embarrassing coffee stain on your sweatshirt (but feel free to ask me about that story). Regardless of if you are cast or not, whether you audition or not, showing up is not a waste of our time or yours. There is a lot you can gain from showing up: Getting comfortable with the process, meeting people that you'll probably see next time, getting feedback that can help you at your next audition, or even quieting that voice in the back of your head that’s saying is this something that I would like to do? Actually, I’d like to invite you to just watch auditions to get a feel for what they are like. There are two audition days for this production, so you can even watch the first day to see if you would like to come back the second day. This isn’t a high intensity job interview, and you’re allowed to say “eh, this isn’t for me” at any time. Well...maybe not a month into rehearsals. That kind of stinks for everyone else. Just know that we aren’t expecting perfectly polished actors to arrive fresh out of the actor factory box (you know every mail service is so backed up this time of year). Acting, like anything else in life, takes practice, and we’ve already planned for that. Showing up can also require practice, and that’s okay. It’s okay to feel nervous, and it’s okay to say that out loud. You can even say it as soon as you get in the door. A lot of people do! We can chat if it helps you relax. If I'm working, I’ll be happy to answer any and every question you have (fair warning: I’m not very good at science). The “worst” thing that can happen is that you won’t be cast in a role…this time. But if you want to come to another audition you will be carrying all of that knowledge you gained. You will be more comfortable, and we’ll be so happy to see you again. Lastly…bring a bottle of water, it’ll give you something to do with your hands. I mean--hydration is important! Auditions for Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None are this Friday the 16th from 6:30pm-9:00pm and Saturday the 17th from 2:00pm until 5:00pm. Drop by anytime during those hours. We’ll be at Jackson’s First Presbyterian Church, 743 W. Michigan Ave, Jackson. Just follow the orange signs once you get to the building. We'll be waiting for you just inside the door. I hope to see you soon.

Katie Meyers
Administrative Director
Center Stage Jackson