Baker University thespians hoping to play in “Story Theatre” have completed the first step on their road to the stage.
Assistant Professor of Theater Tom Heiman said auditions were held Monday and Tuesday, and the cast was finalized Tuesday night. He said the decision was especially difficult this year with around 24 students auditioning.
“This is the deepest talent pool I’ve seen in a long time,” he said.
Heiman said auditions consisted of warm-up exercises, followed by improvisation work with props. Students also read scenes from the script. Theater majors, though, had to come with a one-minute prepared monologue.
Sophomore Nate Swihart made the cast of “Story Theatre,” and said preparation was most important for him.
“We memorize it, practice it and make sure we portray a definite character,” he said. “The first 15 seconds is a big deal.”
Senior Brian Berrens said creativity played a large role in the selection of the cast for this particular play because it is based on improvisation.
“We all brought three or four wacky characters with us,” he said. “(Heiman) likes to do a lot of improv. to see what kind of characters we bring.”
The work is far from over. Rehearsals will take place Sunday through Friday for approximately two hours each night until the show opens.
Auditions for the next play, “Comedy of Errors,” will be held Sept. 9 and 10.