Words: Jordan Kudisch
A one-minute comedic monologue; sounds easy right? I thought so too, but that was before I spent over four hours looking on the Internet. The same questions raced through my head, “Is that too funny?” or “Is that not funny enough?” Searching endlessly over the Internet I finally found one that seemed to fit just right, “I Ate the Divorce Papers” by Gabriel Davis. I began reading the script, and regurgitated the lines over and over until I could repeat it in my sleep. After several more hours I finally felt safe enough with the monologue to start performing it. I rehearsed it in front of the mirror, in front of my friends, in front of my family, and even in front of my theatre class. All the rehearsal should have made me feel at comfort but of course it did the exact opposite.
It was the day of auditions, basically the day that decided whether I go home with a smile on my face or a tear down my cheek. I walked into auditions, already feeling my clammy hands getting shaking and my memorization beginning to fade. When I entered the theatre room I was welcomed by smiles, which led me to believe everyone had already finished their audition. I walked onto the stage, realizing I could not remember my lines, and stated my name and what I was performing. I looked out into the crowd, shocked by the presence of not just Ms. Carlsen but also Mrs. Miller, Mr. Obrien and Mrs. Pasciullo. I started shakily with; “Hi my name is Jordan Kudisch and I will be performing…” which quickly made me realize it was time to start my monologue. After all the times in the mirror, or in front of my friends, the real thing was finally here. The words came out of my mouth and the emotions connected, it was like muscle memory was taking over. Before I knew it I heard ms. Carlsen say, “Thank you” and I abruptly left the stage sweating heavier than before. I walked off to the left wing of the stage, being approached by other performers telling me how well I did. Of course I was judging myself way too hard and completely disagreed with their praise. After I was back in the theatre room, my heart rate slowed down and the nerves eased as well. It was finally done. Something I had been rehearsing for days was done in a matter of minutes. I was too in shock to think about my actual performance. I left Centennial that day smiling but unsure and told my parents that I thought I did okay. The next step was the worst; waiting to see if I got a callback.
The next day I refreshed the CHS theatre website more times than my phone could handle, in anticipation for the results. My phone finally loaded, which felt like an eternity, only to surprise me that I got a callback. Then and there I texted all my friends and told them the news and prepared to worry even more on how I would be the best at callbacks. I went into callbacks that day and was more stressed and tense than I have ever felt before. My face was red, my hands were sweaty and my thoughts were out of control. Callbacks consisted of fitting you to the right character or fitting you to the show in general. I got called back for three different characters, Chris, Cassie and Claire. I really wanted Cassie but I knew that I would be thankful for anything. After nervously debating which character I would get, or when I would be called back next the auditions ended. I wasn’t satisfied when I left CHS that day but the wait only continued. This time the refreshing of the website became more vigorous and obsessive. I went out to lunch with my brother, a theatre alumni from Centennial, trying to get my mind off of things. While I was sitting at the lunch table, I saw a familiar face and was happily greeted by Ms. Carlsen, the woman of the hour. I ran over to her and gave her a big hug. She had asked me if I had read the cast list yet and I replied with a curious yet suspicious no. I quickly went to my phone, reloaded the page and silently screamed in excitement. Claire. I was Claire! I can’t even begin to say my feelings during this time, but I was proud, thankful, and full of excitement.
Even if you don’t think theatre is your thing, or don’t think you’re going to get a part, audition anyway. Chances are you could end up running into your theatre teacher at lunch and find out you are in the show.
Cast List for Rumors:
Ken Gorman: Gabe Lewman
Chris Gorman: Sarah Fritz
Lenny Ganz: Bobby Henneberg
Claire Ganz: Jordan Kudisch
Glenn Cooper: Daniel Giangrandi
Cassie Cooper: Kaylah Crosby
Ernie Cusack: Ben Newman
Cookie Cusack: Tara Rudomanski
Officer Welch: Tyler Zabriski
