Opening night may be months away, but it’s already musical season. Get ready for character shoes, mic tape, sparkles, long nights, full days, and even Chick-fil-a.
Auditions for this year’s spring musical were held October 9 and 10 where 26 student pairs showed their skills to Mrs. Beth Damesimo, Mrs. Erin Bechdel, and Mr. Dane Schlenke. Participants were instructed to to perform a dialogue from the musical Matilda; every pair had the same dialogue and also had to prepare a one-minute solo performance piece that highlighting their voice.
“We’re very excited for the musical season to kick off again! The acting and singing auditions have finished and we’re in the process of finishing up the dance auditions, which are new this year. We can’t wait to unveil our show and cast list and get started soon,” shared assistant director Mr. Schlenke.
The following Monday, October 14, was the dance audition. This is the first time a dance audition for the musical has been held.
Fifty high school students were taught about four eight-counts of choreography in roughly 10 minutes and were split in groups of three to perform the choreography they just learned. Seniors Charlotte Shultz and Alyssa Caldwell, and junior Mary Berenbrok were the student dancers that rotated out with each group that was dancing.
Surprisingly, the dance audition only took about 30 minutes.
After going through the audition process the anticipation is almost overwhelming as students wait to see what the 2025 musical will be. What many people don’t know is that the musical title isn’t decided until after auditions. The directors like to see the talent that’s available before choosing a musical that best fits their cast.
Rumors have been swirling about this year’s musical choice—even Hamilton was thrown into the mix (which is impossible for schools to perform because the rights haven’t been released yet).
Senior Cassidy Ziegler wants the musical to be Footloose, junior Annaka Najewicz hopes for Grease, and senior Keira Watkins “yearns” for it to be Mamma Mia.
Junior Manny Garcia stated, “I’m excited for musical season because I get to see my friends and perform.” Garcia wants to see the musical to be either Footloose or Bye Bye Birdie.
Everyone finds out what the musical will be October 25, so get your guesses and get ready for the insanity that will happen when the cast list is posted.
Director Mrs. Damesimo shared, “I think auditions went really well; I’m really excited about all the talent that our school has.”
She is most excited for “The transformation from beginning to end. Moving from the book and just speaking [the lines] to the costumes, the lights, and all the props.”
Break a leg!