Potential cast members gather with breath at the entrance to the Auditorium Lobby. The directors have posted the cast list at 3:05 p.m. on the dot. Crowding students form a bubble around each door. Other students have to work their way around them, but the whispering auditioners are too distracted to notice.
The day the casting is decided for a production can be equally nerve-wracking and exciting. After the effort put into auditions and the speculation over who will get what role, theater students can’t help but be filled with emotion when they get a look at the cast list. Casting, however, is only the beginning. There are still the months of practicing, rehearsing and memorizing leading up to the performances.
“The schedule is busy, but well-structured,” said Technical Director and Producer Emily Astroski. “We’ve built in enough time for music, choreography and blocking before moving into run-throughs and tech week.” With the schedule officialized, the next step was working out when the cast could be present for rehearsals. Astroski’s main concern had to do with attendance. “When students miss rehearsals, it can create gaps we have to make up later,” she explained. “As long as everyone stays committed and communicates conflicts early, we’ll stay on track.”
Astroski, along with Director Todd Dillon, had to make numerous difficult decisions to ensure that this year’s musical is as successful as it can be. The principal cast members, for example, are chosen with seniority and their capability to play the role in mind. “I think the cast list is really strong because it includes people with different strengths and personalities,” said senior Maria Soto. “I think our seniors will be incredible role models, especially due to our wonderful past seniors who have taught them so much since their freshman year.”
Astroski agreed with this perspective, stating that the cast list’s seniority will bring maturity to the performance. “Many of our leads have been in past productions, so they understand the commitment and will model professionalism, teamwork and positivity for the rest of the cast,” she said.
Another difficult decision the directors had to make was the selection of the musical itself. This year, that choice came down to The Little Mermaid. “I’m not sure the exact reason that it was chosen, but I think one of the reasons it was picked is that it is a fun, upbeat show with lots of cast members,” said junior Amelia Parks. “I also think it was picked because it’s something that the audience will love, and it will attract audience members of all ages.”
Soto had a concrete idea of why the show might have been chosen; she focused on its ability to connect with any audience. “The Little Mermaid was chosen because it’s a beloved, family-friendly story with strong name recognition, colorful characters, and exciting opportunities for costume, set, and technical design,” she explained. “It allows for a large ensemble, which means more students can be involved. Plus, the music is iconic and fun to perform.”
The directors had to be certain that those they selected for leadership roles are up to the task. Soto and Parks, for example, were both chosen for essential roles in the production. They are responsible for keeping the cast on task in different contexts. “My role is to help keep the cast and crew organized, assist our director and ensure the show runs smoothly when the time comes,” said Soto. “I am also the main communicator between the director and the cast. I keep track of important details like cues, attendance, and any needed changes. I'm sure that I will stay organized and listen carefully and be well prepared, and try to stay ahead of schedule for myself so my fellow cast and crew can be set up for success on show day.”
A stage manager’s role is extended to the entire cast while a dance captain’s role lies in choreography; much like Soto’s need to know the show inside and out, Parks (and her fellow dance captain, senior Chinonso Eneh) must know each step to every dance number intimately. “I am going to show up to every rehearsal I can, and I hope to help people who are confused with something,” said Parks. “I love that I get to help other people and teach them one of the things I love most in the world. I also love that I get to learn all of the amazing things that our choreographer is teaching us, even if I’m not in a number.”
When it comes to a show that is so hands-on, everyone involved has to be prepared to manage and/or split their time properly. Time management can be a learning process, but once someone gets a handle on it, it becomes habitual. “I’ve used a digital calendar with alerts to track all rehearsals, school deadlines and personal tasks,” said Astroski. “It helps me visualize busy weeks and avoid conflicts. Setting reminders the day before keeps me from forgetting costume fittings or extra rehearsals.”
With every production comes challenges that new and old cast members alike have to face. Because of this, it is important for the cast to lean on one another. “I think one of the biggest challenges is getting all of the ensemble to connect and work really well together,” said Parks. “The ensemble plays a super important role in all shows and it’s really important that everyone in the ensemble works just as hard as the leads.”
Astroski cited confidence as a notable challenge early-on. “It can feel overwhelming,” she explained. “We overcome this by breaking things into smaller sections, running them repeatedly, and creating a supportive environment where it’s okay to make mistakes. Peer encouragement also makes a huge difference.”
Overall, the cast and crew of The Little Mermaid are ecstatic to be key components in the production. Some find that the musical may bring new experiences and opportunities to grow. “What I like about being a stage manager is helping make sure this can be the best show possible and being supportive of everyone,” said Soto. “I'm also excited to be a part of such a wonderful production. I also like that my role pushes me out of my comfort zone and is making me more sociable and confident, and grow as a person.”
Story by Aria Glover