By: Maddie Rubin

The Mt. Hebron Theatre department has begun preparations for their spring musical, Mamma Mia. Auditioning before winter break, students have practiced their auditions for all the characters, preparing to deliver their best performances to the judges.

“I am singing my audition excerpt lots of times and breaking down the lyrics. I am also researching the show and the character I am auditioning for,” said Mt. Hebron sophomore Zoe Thompson.

However, practice is more complex than it seems, and students thoroughly take their time to immerse themselves into their roles. Where people see a script and lines, they see opportunities.

“There are a lot of things to prepare for an audition. It is not just about singing a song or reading some lines but about showcasing yourself as an actor,” said Mt. Hebron sophomore Ailyn Zinn. “This means that you need to choose exactly what is best to do for you,” continued Zinn.

The audition process took place on Dec. 18 and 19, but before that, it took days of practice and memorization. Once auditions finish, the aspiring acts must wait until further news.

“You are given options of songs and certain cuts of those songs to sing. Then you prepare your piece and finally perform it in front of auditors, who will then decide if you are called back,” stated Thompson.

Despite thorough preparations, jitters can get to those about to audition, causing them to feel less confident and lose their balance.

“The actual audition process is very nerve-racking. It is really hard to be confident in what you are doing because your brain is so jumbled and thinks through everything,”
said Zinn.

While the auditionees have their fits of nervousness, they remember the support they receive from the Mt. Hebron Theatre community and do not forget to praise it.

“The director, producer, and everyone there is there to support you, and they take the time to watch you, so it is important to recognize that even if you are distracted or upset with how you did, you have to show gratitude,” said Zinn.

Even if the auditionees are unaware of the roles they will receive and the future that will play out, they leave the stage content in the hands of fate.

“No matter how bad people may feel like they have done, it’s nice to leave your audition where you’ve put it,” said Zinn.

Agreeing with Zinn, Thompson relates that the show and auditions must go on and continue.

“Last year, I forgot the name of the song I was auditioning with and was super frazzled, but I took a deep breath and continued,” said Thompson.

Once done, auditionees find the reactions and support of their fellow theatre members and auditionees to be the most notable part.

“The best part about the theatre community is the support of everyone; even if you could not manage to hit that note, your colleagues will make sure you leave feeling like a queen,” said Zinn.

Returning from winter break and having received their roles, the Mt. Hebron theatre department is ready to kick off Mamma Mia production preparations, excited to bring the magic of musicals to Mt. Hebron.