Brianna Hernandez
CACTUS CHRONICLE
The initial auditions for the Tucson High fall musical began August 20 and 21.
“It was
really exciting because it’s a really competitive department,” senior Brooke
Owen said.
About fifty
student actors piled in the Little Theater at THMS to display their wide range
of talents during ‘Musical’ callbacks.
Callbacks
A callback is
a request for a performer to return for further auditioning. Receiving a
callback in most cases means that the director liked what he or she saw in the
initial audition, and places the actor in a role suited for him or her.
The job
of casting fell to THMS drama teacher Art Almquist and piano teacher and Fine Arts Department Chair Martha Reed.
Actors
who made the cut were later summoned for callbacks later in the week.
Those who lasted both days of callbacks were later considered for casting.
The first day
of callbacks consisted of actors working on vocals and singing.
Almquist
separated girls and boys and had the groups learn two new songs and perform
in front of other actors.
On the second
day, actors worked with Mickey Nugent a director and choreographer at Pima
College.
Nugent outlined
a new choreography that the actors were expected to learn quickly and perform
in front of Almquist and Reed.
Actors
were selected to perform scripted scenes with minimal
preparation time in front of fellow auditioning actors and the directors.
Individuals
that were not called up to perform a scene were told that they would still be
considered for casting in the chorus range, but most likely not a lead. Directors encouraged actors who didn't get cast to be stage hands and help
out with the production.
To prepare
for callbacks some actors mentioned that since they were auditioning for a
musical they were ready to dance. Directors
decided if actors would have a bigger speaking role or more of a dancing
chorus role.
“You feel
really nervous it’s really quiet back there and everything gets to you but
after you start relaxing it’s just like whatever happens happens,” senior Jose
Medina said.
Actors are expected to
be prepared for anything and everything.
“I’d feel
really good if I were to get cast like my first time auditioning and actually
making it and I’d just feel great contributing,” freshmen Ray Jay Adger said.
There’s no denying that casting was a hard task considering the talent presented from the actors at callbacks.
“Oh my
God, there was so many great people so much great talent, a ton of energy we had
so many people come out there and just jump into it all the way and dedicate
themselves to what was going on and just have a great time so many great people
it was just a great day,” Director Art Almquist said.
The Musical
This year’s
fall musical, “The Musical of Musicals; the Musical,” is what’s called an
ensemble. An ensemble is created with multiple leads, which is different from typical
plays. The musical is one story throughout the entire play, repeated
five different times from a different point of view.
The official
casting list was released Aug. 26, including 39 cast
members.
“After being
cast I was so excited I was like jumping up and down like all around my house
and it was really exciting cause it’s a great cast and it’s gonna be a great
show,” Owen said.
Many of the
actors who weren't put in a lead role will be in the chorus, for one or more sections of the musical.
There are also individual actors who will be
playing more than one lead and are also included in the chorus of
different sections of the ensemble.
Actors cast
in this year’s musical advise newer actors, who are considering to
audition in the future, to practice.
“Even
if you've got your audition completely down, still practice it because you
never know. Just relax, be yourself, pay attention and have fun,” Medina said.
The cast of
this year’s show includes all grade levels, some whom are not in drama classes.
“It’s gonna
be funny as hell. It’s a show that will be especially funny to people who know
and love musicals but even if you don’t know anything about musicals it’s just
funny,”Almquist said. “The acting’s gonna be great we’ll have great dancing and
music it’s gonna be a great show.”
Opening night of, “The Musical of Musicals; the Musical,” is Nov. 8.
The showcase includes six other shows after opening night between November
9-23.
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