Auditions are complete and the auditionees will be contacted today with the results. It was exciting to have the milestone of our first auditions, but for me it was a strange experience.
Along with the others who came, I auditioned for the show. It put me in a strange spot of being on the board for the company but desiring equal footing with the others auditioning. I would have been disappointed not to get a part, but I certainly didn’t want a part just because I’m an integral part of the company. I wanted a part because I deserved one as an actor.
And what a difficult place for the directors who are both my friends and fellow board members! Would I be mad at them if they didn’t cast me? No. But would they feel as though I was? Perhaps. And I will likely be in their shoes for another show where I am directing and a board member is auditioning.
We didn’t create this company so that the board members could take whatever parts or direct whatever shows they personally wanted to have. In fact, we have a board rule to the contrary. No board member can act in more than 2 of our 4 shows every season- or direct, or write, et cetera. In theory, this allows for many people to participate in a variety of ways without the theatre company becoming incestuous. It is in our mission to be inclusive to the Columbus arts community, and this rule helps us stay true to that.
So all that said, I’m excited to be performing in our premiere show and excited to know that it wasn’t just given to me for being Jill (right guys?)… Okay, right.
Looking forward to performing for you,
Jill
