by Rachel Epstein ’14, Arts Section Editor

Even as a theatre veteran since age 5, I’d be lying if I said I never felt nervous walking in to an audition.  For me, I always worry that I will forget to read and speak at the same time, or perhaps won’t be able to fit into any of the characters.  Then there’s the dreaded possibility that I might trip and fall flat on my face right in front of the director.  In short, auditioning for a play is usually incredibly nerve-wracking.  Not at CCDS.

I remember walking into my first CCDS audition—for the fall play— when I was a freshman. What first surprised me about the audition was how comfortable everyone was. It isn’t a normal sight to see in the theatre world.  A non-competitive and relaxed atmosphere is practically unheard of, and for good reason. The reality of auditions at most schools (and obviously in the professional world) is something reminiscent of the Hunger Games, where kids compete to the death for power and recognition.

Take the Overture Awards, Cincinnati’s scholarship program for the arts, for example. Every time I’ve walked into the waiting room for Overtures, I’ve either been stared down by my fellow competitors or, worse, given fake niceties when I knew they were secretly hoping I would have some sort of wardrobe malfunction during my audition.  This competitive environment alienated me from the theatre.  However, the stress-free atmosphere of that first CCD audition made me fall in love with theatre all over again.

Though auditioning for plays at CCDS is a pleasant experience compared to other programs, people still worry about looking untalented and silly if they jumble a few lines, or if their voice shakes, or if they are cast as what they think is the worst part possible.  These people have a point; more than likely, you will mess up something in your audition. I can say with confidence that in every audition I’ve ever walked into, I’ve left the room having made at least five mistakes.  However, at CCDS, nobody will judge you for missing a line, hitting the wrong note, or not getting the part you wanted, which is what makes the theatre program that much more enjoyable.

All in all, if you go to CCD and have never auditioned for the play or musical, I suggest you give it a try.   Whether you’re trying to become the next Tom Hanks or firmly believe a sports credit just doesn’t seem worth it in the winter (swimmers, I don’t know how you do it), participating in the CCDS theatre program is a fantastic experience.