Woke up at 6:30am in order to feel fully prepared for my audition this morning. Jumped on the train in Astoria around 7:45 to get myself to Chelsea in time for the 9am call. Today's audition was an ECC - Equity Chorus Call, which means ensemble casting. The show: Singin' in the Rain.
Here is how an ECC works. A week before the audition, a list goes up in the Equity office for you to sign. And then on the day of the audition, 30 minutes before the start, the monitor calls the names on the list. If you aren't there when your name is called, you lose your audition spot. I was able to sign up Tuesday when I was at the office, so I made sure I was there on time. Amazingly, this was an empty room and by the time my name was called, I became #4! At 9:30, when the audition began, the numbers were only up to 11. Where is everyone?!?!?! I was SHOCKED at the low turnout. Perhaps because it was a Sunday? Or perhaps everyone was going to the dance call instead?
My song went quite nicely, though a little phlegmy (darn you allergies!) There were 6 people in the room: the director/choreographer, casting director, casting assistant, the 2 producers, and accompanist. Though I try not to look at them while singing, I did catch a glimpse of them passing my resume around and pointing some things out - even writing some things down. After my song, the director asked me how tall I am - which though it is on my resume, a lot of people have been asking me that is my auditions lately. I suppose it is time to put my height in a better place on the resume. He also asked me what voice part I usually sing. My response "1st and 2nd Soprano". Then he asked me which part I prefer. I guess I shouldn't have been so indecisive, but I said "I like both. 1st because I can sing up in the rafters, and 2nd because I can harmonize and like singing tight harmonies" He jotted a few things down and thanked me for coming. I felt really good about this audition. I would LOVE to get cast in this show, but there is no telling what they are looking for and how many people they plan to cast. As always, only time will tell.
Post-audition, I treated myself to a Lemon Meringue Cupcake from Magnolia Bakery. Then my friend Anthony drove in from New Jersey and we had lunch at a small restaurant off the beaten path called "Linc". After we ordered we looked up the ratings and everyone raved about the "red velvet Waffles and Chicken" How in the world did both of us miss this?!?!?! Looks like we will be returned to try these out another time. My California Chicken Sandwich was delicious by the way.
Anthony dropped me off close to the theatre district since I was planning to see a show. As I got out, I saw a billboard with Topher Grace on it. It was advertising a new off-Broadway show at the 2nd Stage Theatre called Lonely, I'm Not. I decided to head to that box office and check out what it was all about. The night before I had seen a musical, so I thought a play would be nice. The summary of the show intrigued me, so I decided to buy a student rush ticket - only $20! I REALLY enjoyed the play. Topher Grace was absolutely adorable, but more notable was Olivia Thirlby, who played a VERY convincing blind woman. After the show, I waited by the stage door to speak to the actors. I did get to speak with Topher Grace, but only briefly because so many people wanted to talk to him too. I heard him tell one of his good friends that this was not their best performance because the audience was so "young". He looked at me and said "sorry". You can call me young any day Topher. We are the same age! Had a longer conversation with Olivia. Wanted to find out about her theatrical training and how she prepared for the role. She is self taught! And, she spoke of a method she began with to "feel blind" but said it didn't work, so she created her own method. And yet, she was SO good. Take that method acting! I love this girl!
Stopped by Shack Shack. Last time I went there, the Times Square location didn't exist and I didn't get all the hype. This time, I skipped out on the food and went straight to the shake. An absolutely delicious Peanut Butter shake, though I am still not sure it was worth $5.
Got back on the 7pm bus and arrived home around 10:30pm. Bedtime! I am going to be tired tomorrow morning for sure.
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