Under starter’s orders

Denim looks like it’s underway again.

The Academy Players are looking to produce Denim at the end of April. This time (for the Academy Players) I get to stand back from the production side of life and live the life of an actor. Paul, the producer of this year’s pantomime, has been hauled in kicking and screaming to take the role of Director – and it had to be said that he is taking to the role with gusto.

It can be very daunting directing your first play, but once you read a script and see what journey it’s supposed to take the audience on, then you’re on to a winner. And that is exactly what Paul has managed to do.

Two audition nights were set, one for Tuesday night and the other for last night. On Tuesday we had a multitude turn up and the auditions were stunning. Many of the attendees had been involved with the Pantomime – but what they presented in the auditions was like nothing we saw in the panto.

In panto, you have to over play everything. In a ‘standard’ play you have to connect with the part and build the character, not only in your mind, but over the course of the play. We had the Baron, Stepmother, Prince and Cinderella there… And they all became different people on the stage.

We also had a couple of newcomers arrive who had never stood on a stage, let alone take part in an audition… They blew me away! (I can’t say what they did to the Director as he has the casting decision to make – which I have no part in.) They presented themselves confidently, clearly and with defined humour. I’ve rarely seen that from total newcomers to the stage.

For me, it was terrifying. It was the first audition I’ve gone for in over 2 years. Add to that, I was auditioning for a part in one of my own plays.

I told Paul I am willing to take any part he considers me good enough for, but it was strange when I was reading the parts. At first I thought that I wanted to be Customer #1 – but someone else not only read him better, but look more the part. Then I wanted to be Doug – then I saw that I maybe wasn’t the right build or age for the part. Then I wanted to be Giles (and I really thought I would never want that part, what with it being so close to home) – and realised if I took the part, I would make the casting process for the remainder of the cast very difficult.

So I have no idea what part I could be considered for. Worse, I have no idea what part I would like to play, given the talent who auditioned.

Due to a low turn out last night, there has to be another audition call – it looks like there are enough women interested, but as with so many AmDram productions, it’s men who are lacking. So I guess I will hear something by the beginning of next week.

Let’s see what, if anything, I get. If I do get a part, I know I’ll be delighted with it (unless they want me in drag).

I forgot how scary it was to audition; I even forgot how difficult it is waiting for a decision… But here’s to waiting.