Called Back :)

This is what transpired yesterday.

I arrived and waited. Though we had times for our audition, they saw people in their order of arrival. I went in and sang a snip bit from "The Girl in 14 G" <- I really liked the response it received at my last audition. I sang 16 measures and stopped in the middle of a phrase and told them that was 16 measures, but I would sing more if they wanted me to. They didn't. But, they did ask for my monologue. This is the first time I've auditioned with one of those ever. I started it with gibberish. Really, that's what came out. So I just kept going. It was supposed to be funny, but they didn't laugh. Instead they thanked me (i.e. asked me to stop) before the end. They told me to walk out and wait for Sara. So I did, and she came out with a call back for me! Woopie! The paper told me to return at 4:00 and 5:30 for the singing and dancing call back. As it was 1:00, I had 3 hours to spend.

The city of Stone Mountain is perfectly quint. The tiny library was one block and a half away from the theater housing auditions. The short walk took me past adorable gift shops and a Mom and Pop type Hogie restaurant. I walked in to find out what a Hogie was exactly. They handed me a menu and I was about to ask what they would recommend when I saw the hand made sign saying: "everything we make is good." So I ordered a Hogie. That's another word for a giant sub. I wasn't expecting something 18" long! And, oh it was tasty.

At 3:30 ish I headed back over. It turned out that the dance audition was first. Everyone was already there and ready. I saw the girl who was so nice at the White Christmas audition and one of my friends from Clayton State. The feeling in the room was different this time around. Everyone was more positive than the people there when I was there earlier. Incidentally, only one of them was there.

So, at 4:00 we headed up stairs to learn the dance. Whew! Did you know that I love dancing? They had a delightful dance instructor (the teacher in me is very picky about teachers I sit under) teach us a dance pattern that lasted 32 beats. And, at the rate that the music was going, it felt like one beat a second. That doesn't sound like much, but oh it was. By count 8, we had rotated in three different directions. I went to the front of the room because I really wanted to be able to see what I was doing in the mirror. This helped me in another way because the other people who choose the front were confident dancers and they were what I saw in my periphery. The instructor insisted that he was here to help us and he couldn't help if we didn't ask questions, so I, being a Clifton, was the first to take him up on that. After thanking me, he gave me even unrequested feedback. So, for me this was a 1 hour dance lesson. Bonus.

After he had gone through the entire dance, he asked who had it 90% and I was surprised as I looked around. The only people who raised their hands were the people I was dancing next to. He continued with 75%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%. Through this, not many of the 25 of us raised our hands. He had the 90% people go to the back so we could have a chance to see our selves. Then he broke down the steps again. The motions were challenging, and I just barely got them. There were two places where I went in the right direction, but my feet didn't do exactly what they had said.

After I don't know how long, some one came up to say that they were ready for us downstairs. The instruction time was over.............. on my way down, the instructor found me and said that he could tell that I really enjoyed dancing and worked really hard and that was good. Then he said that I had the rhythm for the steps, but I was doing crazy things. I wanted to laugh out loud. I was barely getting the foot work. He pointed out particularly one part where I was rigidly throwing up my arms and he wanted me to express the idea of the words in the song "presents under the tree." So I went over how I could do that in my head quite a few times on the way down.

We got back on that stage, and ran through it all together. I was still finding a window when the music started, so I started behind and didn't really get back on track until the middle. I thought that was my only chance, but it turns out that it wasn't. They called us up in groups of four. I think they went in order of auditioning earlier in the morning b/c I was in the first group. This has pros and cons. I got to go right after that run through on the stage, and before my nerves had a chance to make me freeze. On the flip side, I didn't have as much time to go over the dance in my head before it was time to wow the auditioners.

I was in the back in a window. Right before the music came on, I stood there enjoying the stage lights with so much excitement and expectation that they must have showed on my face. Then the dance started. I kept up and kept beaming. It was SO much fun! Then they had us switch lines and do it again. This time the dance instructor didn't count it off, and I missed the entrance. He called everyone to a halt and started us all again with a count off. I was very appreciative! With the second start, I was on beat for the whole thing. They had us pause at the end and hold our pose. The performer in me LOVED that! When I sat back down, the choreographer found me and said that I "took his note" and that was good. :)

Then I watched everyone else have their turn. Some people stood out as dancers. Oh, they were impressive! Others didn't radiate much. That was a surprise. But I was secretly glad.

After everyone had done the choreography, the auditioners gave them a chance to show off things in their "bag of tricks." A double turn counts as a trick. Really. I feel like I can get before my next audition of this type. I don't know why they are that impressive. Some people did jumps and other types of turns and my friend did a round off back handspring.

Then we all went out and picked up music and came back in to learn music. It wasn't near as much as I expected. They just wanted us to do a simple carrol, and one jazzy song, and the sopranos got to sing O Holy Night to show off their high A. I got to go first b/c I had to go early, so first for both things. I think it would have helped to have heard the music a few times. So they had me and three other people sing "Good King Wincelass" it was indeed a tongue twister. They asked us to sing it again, this time focused on blending. Then we were done. I waited around a little bit and watched other quartets. They asked those sopranos to sing "O Holy Night." I don't know why they didn't want me to, but I wanted to sing for them, so after they were done w/ all the quartets and before they went on to something else, I raised my hand and said I didn't get a chance to sing it and would like to. When I sang it, I saw them nodding with each other. I don't know what that means. That's the hardest part about this auditioning business--I'm not able to read these people. In everyday life I can tell what's going on.

So I left. There was more to sing, but I had to leave to go to the other audition. I felt very torn between the two locales. I made two wrong turns, so I got to the Michel O'Neal singers late anyway, so I could have stayed to finish the first audition. I made the last part of the warm up. Then, everyone introduced themselves. There is such a lovely feeling about that group. The way everyone enjoys music and the fact that they sight read well makes me feel like my musical soul is resting on a large feather pillow.

Michel O'Neal was concerned with how I was doing because I was late, and I had to audition after the choir. Apparently, the phone call I received was the audition because I was pretty much already in the smaller group. They stayed after a little bit and I sang with them to see if I blended with them, but blending is what I do. So, I'm in that group, but he wants me to be able to commit for a year, and the goal of my life for this year is 1) to perform and 2) to be where I'm at.

(imagine me singing these words with the tune "Still Hurting" from The Last 5 Years)

Now the auditions are over and done.

Oh but they were just so much fun.

We have all danced and we have all sung.

But, I'm still waiting.

~Vivian out

#8

I received a phone call from the director of the Michael O'Neal singers inviting me to audition for the chamber group (paid.) <- I heard it wasn't much, but that's OK right now.

So, tomorrow, I get to audition twice! Sweetness. And, I really believe at least one thing is going to work out.

#7 Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain has a big production for Christmas and they need performers for this sort of thing. They have auditions Sunday and Monday for singers/dancers/actresses. My slot is Monday at 12:00 noon.

On the website they say they need:

- a cappella quartets to stroll around and sing carols,

- singers for two shows

- actors/actresses

- and they need one person comfortable with flying to be the "Snow Queen." <- that's what I want to be!

You can see all of these roles in the video on this page:

http://festivals.stonemountainpark.com/mini-section/default.aspx?id=42

I have been asking expectantly for a paid job performing by Sep 1. I feel chances are good for this one b/c they want a large time commitment, as does everyone in this season, so I'm thinking there will be less competition. And, I've been sharpening my skills.

update

Hello all,

in the time since the last post, many things have happened.

I received an email saying I was too young for the 30 year old singer part, and another girl had "the look" they wanted for the younger one.

I got to go to NYC and that was absolutely amazing! Everyone there is cultured, this is either because or the reason there is a concert EVERYWHERE you turn, and there is a French cultural center in Manhattan. Really! A building just for people who speak French! (and are French too, but minor details ;)

And, I got to see the Lion King. Aaahhh, that was inspiring! I left desiring to sing out. Really sing out! You would think that this would be a result of the show (which was in fact as fabulous as you have heard), but actually, I had to wait in the stand by line for 30 minutes before the show (yes, it was sold out!) (Yes, I did get in!) As I was waiting, I got to see the "trailer" for the show 20 + times without sound. Without the auditory experience/distraction, I was able to see what it feels like to really sing freely.

And, I got to watch a producer work on a composition. This was inspiring in a different way. I had asked him questions about genres etc. when I met him in Savannah. His answer was that you have to let the music be what it is, and just do what you enjoy. He apologized for not having more concrete answers. But, really that was freeing. He wouldn't shape any part of my career, I have to choose what I want and what to call it. It was great to watch him compose with this mindset. He had a feeling of the song he wanted, then he tinkered for something like 15 seconds, and got a piano sound he wanted and then recorded a 5 minute track. Then, he tinkered for another 15 seconds, got a sound he liked and recorded what sounded like guitar over the piano bit. Then he added the strings he wanted. All of this just flowed from him and it sounded good. This method of composition is in stark contrast to what I have used. It is just so free. I think that's how all the arts are supposed to be.

And, I got to go to see the church written about in Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. Chances are high that you have heard me reference this book more than once. I LOVE it! Small piece of background: this church existed over 20 years ago as a struggling congregation. One sunday a pew broke beneath some members. Can you imagine that happening! There were non-physical problems as well. So on a vacay, the pastor kind of heard God say that if they would pray, God would show up, their church would never lack members, and they would make a difference in NYC. The name of the church? Brooklyn Tabernacle. Not only have they been a beacon of love and light for homeless etc. but they have a choir that has won grammy awards. I got to feel the music while I was there. That's what it was--a feeling. Everyone around me was singing their heart out, and some people were not on pitch, but the combined sound was beautiful. Inspiration flavor three, perhaps the strongest.

So it was a wonderful trip Lindi and I scheduled back in May. At that time, I assumed there would be auditions, b/c things are ALWAYS popping up. But, I got there, and found out that it is cultural for everyone to leave NYC the second week of August for vacation. So I came back without auditioning, but very inspired. I've been really blessed to be able to travel so much in my few years this far. All of the experiences of other cultures have set me up to know that I really, truly, love NYC. Though it's an amazing place, Atlanta calls me with a stronger voice.

wait, not that?

Hello everyone, I spent most of last night watching Vivian Leigh in Gone with the wind to get my southern accent in a good place for tomorrow.

This afternoon, I drove to Roswell to audition for the Michel O'Neal singers. It was a LOVELY experience! He had exercises I had never seen before to test my volume control, and he used the typical "my country 'tis of thee" to tell what voice type I am, but he tested that in different keys. He thinks I'm a second soprano. He's the first to think that. I got to sight read some beautiful stuff, then we talked over what type of music they would be singing next year and he said that the official letters of acceptance wouldn't go out until the middle of next week, but he was certain he wanted me in the group. Then he put a little plug saying that this would be a great place for me right now b/c I'm just out of college and need to continue training my voice and he focuses on that more than most conductors. He's right. I do want to sing for people who know how to nurture voices, and he seemed like such a person.

This is a community choir, but there is a small group of singers that get to travel and sing and they get a small amount of money. Just imagine, traveling and singing! Yeay!

I didn't commit to that though b/c I didn't know about this musical audition. He half heartedly wished me luck and I drove through Atl to get to the theatre. Surprisingly, the traffic flowed the whole time, I looked at the cars practically parked going north and contemplated if the lack of traffic going south due to the small number of people made it worth staying there w/ less culture. I decided I prefer culture and therefore traffic.

After meeting up with my friend, I headed over the the theatre. When I got there, everyone was reading over scripts rather furiously they had been given more lines than I had. Right after I made that observation, the director spotted me and came over to shake my hand and ask if I could go sing some more for him and the musical director. He wanted to know how high I can belt. I don't know how high I can belt b/c I blend it so I'm not sure where someone else would say "that's not belting" anyway, he had me sight read a sad waltz from the show (I LOVE waltzs!!!!) and then he asked if I knew the song "I'm a survivor" which I kind of did, so he played the chords and I sang what I knew of that. Throughout this second examanation, he let me know that he was a UGA grad in piano before he hit Broadway. After I learned that about him I REALLY wanted to work with him!

Then he decided he had heard enough and we walked back out to where every one else was, and he called them all back for reading. He didn't have me read the whiny wife, instead, I got to read the country singer wanna be. After the first time going through the lines, he said he didn't want anything like Scarlett O'Hara. Great! I spent the rest of the time trying to figure out how to sound "genuinely southern" this time with out a whine. After a few scenes he said he had heard enough from me and told me he would call me either way in a couple days. On my way out he said "go UGA."

So I left. I haven't wanted anything this much in 10 years. Really. I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to be in a production put on by this person, and I like where it is, and it is near my church that I love being on the worship team at and I have people I can stay with. Everything seems Perfect! Except, well, I don't know what he has to consider because I was the only one reading for the role!

I texted a friend who does a lot of this sort of thing to see if that was code for "you didn't make it" or "yes, it's yours" and he said it just means that they were impressed and are seriously considering me. I don't care how much they consider me as long as I get to end up here!

I've spent all of my thoughts and all of my extra time since the audition begging God in proportion to how much I want this role. I keep thinking of the parable of the woman knocking, and knocking, and knocking, and knocking, and knocking, etc. until her neighbor comes out and gives her bread b/c she's getting annoying.

We shall see what happens.

Also, I'm grateful for this audition because I want to believe that "all things work out for the good of those that love him" but I haven't really been living like I believe it. So, coming from the same school as this director is a good thing. I did get connections from UGA after all. I wonder what else good is working out right now.

Blue Plate Special

This is the name of a production about a young (married) woman who wants to become a country singing star. It is being put on by a community theatre in Fairburn, the one that my grandparents donated the building to interestingly enough.

I got there much earlier than normal b/c I was going to pick up a friend from church in the area to hang out with me, but I ended up lost and at the theatre 30 minutes before, so she joined me there.

The producers etc. were still deciding how the audition was going to go, i.e. were the singers going to wear numbers.

After a few minutes, they let us sign up. I was third. After a very very short time, they called my name. Yeay! I got to confer w/ the accompanist before I entered the theatre which was was very helpful. My song (The Girl in 14 G) is a beast to play on the piano.

After the mini-conference we went in and Mr. I forget his name asked my song. Turns out he is quite familiar with it and enjoys it very much.

So I started singing, he motioned for me to step back after I had started. So I kept on singing while I repositioned. The pianist did indeed have trouble playing the complex chords w/ jazz rhythms and I started one of the notes a whole step up then kind of went down to the pitch it was supposed to be and continued with the song. I'm quite happy with the last note. That song is just so much fun and the ending fits so comfortably in my voice.

When I was done, Mr. I forget his name asked if I grew up in the south. I told him I did. He said "good" and there was an interesting pause. I think he thinks that everyone who is from here has an accent. The pause ended as he reached for a sheet of paper and asked if I would read for Ramona. She is a spoiled rotten young married woman whose mother had just given the advice that she needed to stick by her man.

I read it w/ the most projected southern accent I could muster. He said it was good, and asked if I could not emphasize the syllables so harshly, so I got to say the words again. After the second time he asked if I could be there at 7:00 tomorrow, I told him I could, and then I was dismissed. Before I made it out the door, he called me back to ask me to keep the fact that I had been called back on the down low. So I calmly walked out and that was the end of that. We shall see how tomorrow goes!

Meanwhile, I am determing what angle this spoiled southerner will have. I don't really want to while the whole time. I could just be a bit of a mule. We shall see.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love 'ya tomorrow!