Auditions

I flew to San Jose this week for a screen test with TechWise TV (www.techwisetv.com), an online technology show hosted by Cisco. It was an interesting process, and although I hate auditions, I managed to have a bit of fun at this one. I was invited over to the studio to watch a live filming of the show prior to my screen test on Thursday morning. Upon arriving, I met the producer, the hosts, and some of the crew members and interns. I also received a quick tour through the studios, and shortly thereafter, it was time for filming to begin.

I enjoyed getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how the magic happens. I also had the opportunity to sit down and chat with one of the current hosts to get a better idea of what’s involved in hosting the show. It’s not just showing up on the day of taping and being the face in front of the camera, there’s also a lot of prep work that goes into each show.

The next morning, I returned to the studio ready to get in front of the camera. After a few instructions from the producer and a brief overview of the style and the tone for the show, I learned that they’d decided to change the plan for the screen test. I had prepared material in advance, but since the hosts of TechWise TV must think on their feet and be ready for anything, they decided to give me a new topic and only five minutes to prepare — nothing like throwing you for a loop right before an audition! I went to a quiet room, jotted down a few quick notes and was ready to go when they called for me.

I walked back into the studio, got settled in front of the camera, received a few additional instructions from the producer, and then it was time to go! The producer called for “quiet” on the set, the camera rolled, and the countdown began. I gave it my all — and tried to remember to have fun in the process. Whatever I did must have worked because I made it to the next step in the process, the teleprompter test.

They loaded a script from a previous show into the teleprompter, gave me a few additional pointers, and then I had time for one run through before the filming began I found the teleprompter material to be fairly easy to deliver — after all, the words are right there in front of you — and so I decided to have fun with it. They want hosts with lots of energy and a natural, fun-loving style, so that’s what I tried to give to them.

Everything seemed to go well. I was getting positive feedback from the producers, and to my delight, I found out afterwards that I’d passed the test. The job was mine if I wanted it! It’s a big commitment, so I have to make sure I can do it in addition to my current job, but I think it’s such a great opportunity. I don’t see how I can say no. So, in the near future, I may be the new host of the Collaboration-related TechWise TV episodes. Pretty cool, huh?

After returning home from San Jose on Thursday night, I immediately began preparing for my next audition at McKinney Repertory Theatre. They are casting now for The Crucible, and my audition was on Saturday. I won’t know whether I’m cast until the end of the month, but there was a tremendous amount of competition for the female roles, so I’m thinking the odds are about 50/50.

So, that’s one audition success and another one pending.

Oh, the busy life of a part-time, “wanna be” actress.