From Jan. 12–17, I traveled to New York City to attend my first professional musical theater auditions for none other than The Wizard of Oz aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. As a senior at Utica University who is majoring in Communication and Media with a concentration in theater, and also graduating this May, it felt like the best time to take the leap and experience the professional audition world firsthand.
Although Utica University offers theater as a concentration rather than a standalone major, my theatrical journey began long before arriving here. I previously studied musical theater and dance at two other universities, Youngstown State University and West Liberty University, and while my academic path has since shifted, my passion for performing never did. This trip to me wasn’t about landing a role, but it was about learning, growing and proving to myself that I belonged in those rooms and learning what to expect.
I took a train ride into the city and stayed with my sister, who lives in New York and is pursuing her own Broadway dreams after earning her BFA in Musical Theater from West Virginia University. Before heading to the city, I had professional headshots taken by fellow Utica University student, Jonas America, and spent time perfecting my theater résumé, which are both essential items to have in the professional audition world.
The first audition on Jan. 13 was an open call for the primary roles, meaning performers are seen on a first-come, first-served basis, with no guarantee of being auditioned at all. Determined to be seen and not have wasted a trip, I arrived at Pearl Studios; one of New York City’s most well-known audition spaces, at 6 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. start time. That meant waking up at 4 a.m., navigating the subway in the dark and alone, and standing in line with dozens of other hopeful performers. I was ninth in line that morning, auditioning for lead roles such as the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow.
There were more than 100 people at the audition. Each performer was given a number pinned to their chest, with headshot, résumé and music book ready to go. When my number was called, which wasn’t until around 12:30 p.m., I approached the accompanist, explained my song choice and cut; 16 to 32 bars is standard, and I set my tempo. I then stepped onto the taped “X,” introduced myself and what I would be singing, called “slating,” and I sang “Tonight at Eight” from She Loves Me. Then, just like that, it was over. You sing, you thank them, and you leave.
The following day was the ensemble dance call. Once again, I arrived at 6 a.m., this time third in line. While I have dance experience, including studying a dance minor track from West Liberty University, this audition was intense. The combination was heavily ballet and jazz-based, with no breakdowns and no instruction. I knew going in that tap, my strongest style, would not be showcased.
Out of about 50 dancers called in first, I was among the first 40 cut. Instead of feeling discouraged, I felt motivated. Most of those cut, myself included, were competing against dancers with over a decade of ballet training. The experience showed me exactly where I need to grow and confirmed that returning to dance classes is essential for my future.
Outside of auditions, New York offered unforgettable moments. On my final night, I unexpectedly met actresses Catherine Curtin and Lin Tucci, both known for Orange Is the New Black, with Curtin also appearing in Stranger Things. I gathered the courage to approach them, and they kindly took a video with me which was an incredible way to end the trip.
I also spent time at piano bars, singing with live accompanists I’d never met. That experience alone was invaluable preparation for future auditions.
While I didn’t receive a callback, I left with something just as important: confidence, clarity and confirmation that this is the path I want to pursue. Not many theatre members from Utica, New York make it to New York City to attend professional auditions, but I did. I plan to keep going auditioning and growing as a performer.
This was only the beginning.
