One of the most exhilarating parts of each new semester here at Connecticut College are auditions for the arts departments fall shows. Whether it is theater, dance, orchestra, or a-capella, there is bound to be a creative space you can dip your toe into. In the first few weeks of the fall semester, the arts department hosts numerous auditions for different shows, and anyone can audition regardless of major or experience.
I personally was ecstatic about the auditions for the fall plays “Macbeth” (directed by Ken Prestininzi), and “Portraits” (directed by David Jaffe). Auditions for the plays were held on Tuesday, September 2nd, the first day of the fall semester, with callbacks occurring the following day. The two days were a whirlwind of monologues and scenes, with over 25 students auditioning for the shows. You can catch “Portraits” October 9th through 11th, and “Macbeth” November 13th through 15th, both at Tansill Theater in Hillyer Hall. I spoke to David Jaffe— theater professor and director of “Portraits”—about the audition process, and the culture around auditions in the theater department. “The most important thing for us in the theater department is we are trying to create an environment that is without competition… the initial audition process, everyone watches each other, because we want you to understand that you are not competing with each other, you realize it’s not just me alone, we’re all working together. It plants a seed of culture we want to make in the department, no one’s being tested, you’re not in competition with anyone else, your journey is not related with anyone else’s,” said Jaffe.
If acting is not your forte, there are many other ways to get involved in the arts. The dance department held their fall auditions at the same time as the theater department, and there are many opportunities to get involved as a dancer. This semester, there will be two shows, the dance department’s showcase, and the dance club’s show. There will be many different performances in the dance club’s show, of all different styles. No prerequisite skill required, anyone was invited to audition. The dance department’s show will be performing December 11, and 12 at 7:30 pm. The dance club’s showcase will be held the weekend of Halloween.
Finally, we can’t forget about a-capella auditions, which took place the first few weeks of the semester. A-capella is an integral part of Connecticut College: our oldest a-capella group dates back to 1944. There are seven a-capella groups on campus, all scouting for new members. The three a-capella groups of all voice types are Vox Cameli, Williams Street Mix, and ConnArtists. There are also three higher voice a-capella groups (Miss Connduct, Conn Chords, and The Shwiffs), and one all lowered voice a-capella group (Co Co Beaux). Auditions for these groups happened the week of the 7th, with callbacks the following week. Students auditioned for each a-capella group individually, and those who received a callback found a mysterious note taped to their dorm door calling them to come sing again. There will be many a-capella performances throughout the year, and it is a great way to get involved with the camel community.
It is safe to say that no matter what preference is when it comes to the arts community, there are many ways to get involved here at Conn. With all of these auditions happening these past few weeks, we have a season of exciting shows coming up. So make sure to come out and support the arts community at Conn!
