Jeff isn't the only one!

Jeff at Marloo isn't the only one.He and I face a similar predicament, except he is a castmember of a show already auditioned. I am a director of a show yet to be auditioned, but at the moment, I lack enough people to cast the show as yet.Strangely, I've found many recent productions have faced this unnerving situation. There have been cancellations (Oh dang! I mentioned the unmentionable C-word!) and re-auditions, and it's getting to the stage where it is impossible to cast a show of more than ten people from the one audition date. This is more the case, it would seem, with musicals than dramas or comedies and I think I can pinpoint a reason: lack of singers/dancers/actors who will do chorus!!Yes, chorus- that other unmentionable c-word! There is no fear to be had in taking a chorus part, no loss of prestige, and contrary to popular belief, no lack of glory either. For what the chorus lacks in limelight it usually makes up for in challenge and fun. It may not have the glitz, but it's got the balls.So when your theatre group post auditions for a musical, turn up your noses NOT at the "lowly" chorus. Make an informed choice, and give chorus a go.I've had my rant, so now I'll take my pills.Eliot.

EMAILNOTICES>no> Yes, chorus- that other unmentionable c-word! There is no fear> to be had in taking a chorus part, no loss of prestige, and contrary> to popular belief, no lack of glory either. For what the chorus lacks> in limelight it usually makes up for in challenge and fun. It may> not have the glitz, but it's got the balls.> So when your theatre group post auditions for a musical, turn> up your noses NOT at the "lowly" chorus. Make an informed> choice, and give chorus a go.To follow up with this, I have done many shows as chorus and that hasbeen the way I slowly made it to principle parts. Still not playing lead rollsbut maybe that's 'round the corner. Occasionally doing a chorus positionis a great experience. There is not as much pressure as principle rolesand just as much fun. Sure it's harder to be noted in the chorus but thatdoesn't take the fun away.However I find that many don't do Musicals Period because they don'tthink they can sing and dance! Let me tell you something, the only trainingI've had is seven months singing, LAST YEAR, and I have done 10 to 15musicals in the past 5 years. I played the part of Uncle Henry in Omnibus'sWizard of Oz thinking I wouldn't have to sing and found out that I was alsothe City Guard who has a small solo number. I was freaking!Since then I've done nothing but musicals (not completely out of choiceeither) where I've had to dance and sing with no or little previous training.Let me put it another way......NO EXPERIENCE REQUIREDChorus singing - as long as you're not tone deaf your useful.Chorus dancing - can you put on foot in-front of the other, then you'rewhat we want.Chorus is great training and great fun and does lead elsewhere. Ifyou're willing to do chorus, then you're more likely to get invited to moreshows. WE NEED CHORUS!Jeff "Three Cheers for Chorus" Watkins'Help me find my legs. I know they're here somewhere.'

Re: Jeff isn't the only one!

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