Stay Relaxed

Instead of memorizing lines and motions, each actor is expected to do a cold read. Cold read means each actor is given an excerpt they have not practiced for, allowed a few minutes to read through the script and then audition off of what they think the character should represent. Being able to perform a character through an actor’s own view could help the director’s choice because an actor could easily bring something new to the table.

“These auditions are a little more relaxed than, say, you’re auditioning for a main show. For a main show, you’re stressed and you work to how you want to perform your character,” said Mackenzie Watson, senior in performing arts.

A Good Start

For the auditions that took place Wednesday, upperclassmen from Brad Dell’s Directing 2 class were to pick a play, choose actors from the auditions and direct their plays, which is their final for their class. For a new actor, auditions by students themselves would not be as stressful since the directors have been in their shoes before. A new actor could learn from the upperclassmen by their past experiences of what to do and not to do.

“If you’re new to acting, this is a great way to get your feet wet and get to know a little bit about how things are run in the theatrical world. Expanding your liberal arts side is always fun,” Watson said.

The Performances

The 10 plays will be spread out through Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of finals week in the Maintenance Shop at the Memorial Union. It is free for students and is a great way to relax from studying for finals. Students can see their peers perform and may be interested in acting once they see their friends express themselves.

“From the audience standpoint, it’s a fun couple days to go see and hear a story, whether they be funny, sad, or weird. You get to see how talented students are and people who are really passionate about what they do. They put their work out there and say, ‘Look what I’ve done,'” Watson said.