By Sydney Brown
Senior Jake Shovlin broke out into a smile after scanning the cast list. He had just found out that he was casted as Reverend Shaw Moore, his dream role for the upcoming musical, “Footloose.” After an audition process a few days before, the cast was posted.
Over 90 people signed up for dancing, singing, and acting auditions for the musical last week. Theatre Magnet director Cliff McClelland looked for specific qualities during the auditions.
“We were looking for personality,” McClelland said. “There are a lot of singers who sing beautifully but don’t have light shining from their face.There are a lot of dancers who are technically wonderful, but if they don’t show the joy of dancing then they are not going to be good on a big stage.”
Cheerleading Coach Jeff Bivins also looked for certain qualities, like memory, rhythm and stage presence while watching the students audition. Theatre Magnet junior Emily Shollack said she felt like she did her best.
“With a lot of effort and dedication, I really feel like I put my best into my audition,” Shollack said. “The singing went okay, but the dancing was a lot of fun. I totally nailed it.”
The students who auditioned tried to meet the expectations of Bivins, McClelland and musical director Lindy Perez. Theatre Magnet junior Hayley Batson said she felt confident about her audition.
“I felt I did well,” Batson said. “I always strive to do my best and give my all. Auditions made me very excited for the show.”
Other students, like Theatre Magnet junior Dominic Pomajzl, felt they could have done better in the auditions.
“I didn’t do my best, but it was ok,” Pomajzl said.
Theater Magnet junior Molly White said she felt like the auditions were strenuous, but worth it.
“I think they took a lot of hard work and energy, but all the auditions made me look forward to how great this show is going to be,” White said.