Chamblee High School held its yearly auditions for the spring musical’s cast and crew. Although many who don’t participate in theater classes or the musical may be unaware of this event, the auditions for this year’s production of Mamma Mia are a significant event for many who do. People spend weeks preparing for auditions for cast and interviews for crew. This kind of preparation shows how important these auditions are to many as well as how important a good audition is to those who participate. For some students, this practice paid off.
“I think I did pretty good,” said Maya Vogel (‘27). “I’ve got a call back so I think I did pretty good.”
Vogel, who auditioned for Donna, enjoyed the audition process. However, she believes that improvements could be made to the audition process in the future to ensure that people who may enjoy theater are able to participate.
“I feel like the audition process could have been easier to sign up,” said Vogel. “But, I feel like they make it a really fun experience, and the people in the audition process are very welcoming.”
Vogel is not alone in a positive experience of the audition process. Finley Malone (‘26), who is President of CHS’s thespian troupe, felt as though her audition preparation paid off to make this audition less stressful for her than in previous years.
“I felt really good about it, and that’s very rare that I actually do feel good about auditions,” said Malone. “ I just think I put everything out there, and I got a call back, so I guess if that means that I did good, we’ll see. I’m optimistic.”
Malone, who auditioned for Sophie, enjoyed the fast pace of the audition process but wishes she got another time to run through her dance audition.
“I didn’t love that we only got to do the dance once, even though I feel like I did cook when I did the dance,” said Malone. “But I’ve never had an audition where you don’t do it multiple times and switch lines so that caught me off guard.”
The people who auditioned for Mamma Mia include more than those who love the spotlight, interviews were also held for crew positions. Crew includes the individuals whose production jobs are unseen by the audience, such as creating the set, lighting, hair, makeup, and publicity for the show.
Madeline Green (‘28) was interviewed for lighting and feels positive about the process, as well as how she did.
“It was pretty fun. It did help that I knew the person who was interviewing me,” said Green. “I was like, oh, you’re a familiar face. You’re cool. But besides that, even if it was someone unfamiliar, I was like, ‘Oh, they’re super nice.’ So it was good.”
Nora Glass (‘25), who auditioned for Donna, agrees with Green, that knowing the people who are part of the interview process can be beneficial.
“Try to get to know the people who are going to be ‘your bosses’. The student leaders and the adult leaders,” said Glass. “They’re nice, they want to get to know you and it’ll make everything a lot easier for you.”
Glass thinks that her audition went well because she got a callback, but she thinks that those who didn’t get callbacks may have less of a chance to get cast, even if they would be good for a role.
“The way we have auditions structured at Chamblee High School, if you don’t get a callback, you don’t get a lot of good opportunities to act,” said Glass. “So, if acting is something that you’re really good at, but you’re not good at singing or dancing, you can definitely struggle.”
The auditions for Mamma Mia were conducted by student leaders Micah Benning, David Artigue, and Lilly Gamba. These individuals were in charge of organizing students to get the dance and vocal auditions done in an efficient manner. Once the musical starts they will act as producers.
“I think that the student leaders were awesome,” said Glass. “They have a lot on their plates, but the audition went smoothly, all things considered. The adult leadership was new to this whole thing, so I thought they did well all things considered.”
Noa Zilber (‘27), who auditioned for crew, agreed with Glass’s positive opinions of the student leaders.
“I feel that the student leadership did great,” said Zilber. “There were a few issues, but they handled the issues pretty quickly and easily.”
This year’s group of thespians, having now been through the Chamblee High School musical audition process, are able to look back at their performances and use their experience to give advice to future actors/crew members.
Noa Zilber recommends that those who audition for crew should audition for anything they may like, rather than limiting themselves.
“Interview for as many things as possible,” said Zilber. “If you have your number one position preference, and you interview for your number two as well, it doesn’t affect your chances of getting your first choice, it just also opens more doors.”
Student leader David Artigue (‘25) feels that everyone should try auditioning, even if they’re unsure about joining the musical, and not let fear stop them.
“Don’t be scared of the process. It takes a bit of courage to actually show up and do it,” said Artigue. “I don’t know a single person who regrets having auditioned, even people who have not decided to do musical post-auditions. It gives you good experience, and it helps you learn how to do something like a job interview, or auditioning if you actually do go into any kind of performing art as a career. It’s nice having that experience before you get out of high school. Just don’t be scared to give it a try.”
