The Audition

“Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the second week of auditions!”

Everyone in the auditorium erupted into ecstatic cheers and applause, bright and wide grins on their faces.

The reason for the auditions was the Harrison University’s annual spring musical. The room was almost completely filled with people, their attention on the four people standing on the stage.

“If you do not know who I am, then why are you here?”

The older woman laughed breathlessly, waving her hand. “Just teasing. I’m Dr. Ambrose and I’m the head of the theater department as well as the director of this year’s musical.”

Appropriate, respectful clapping came from the audience. Dr. Ambrose continued.

“Here with me are the assistant directors, Casey and Monroe and on behalf of them and the other crew members, we would just like to thank you all for being in attendance today…”

The rest of the woman’s words faded from the attention of one young woman in the crowd.

Alex. Member of the university’s chorus.

She was currently zoning out as she had her attention on the woman standing next to Dr. Ambrose. The woman Alex admired (and if she was honest-had a crush on…maybe. Definitely).

“And I would like to introduce our female lead, Evelyn Barnes.”

Alex beamed as the dark-haired woman smiled politely and gave a small wave.

Evelyn Barnes. Dance major. Dance extraordinaire. The crown jewel of Dr. Ambrose’s department and one of the consistent main leads of the spring musical.

“Today we’ll be auditioning for her love interest as well as many other important roles,” the director stated. “We’ll be going in alphabetical order, so I hope you’re all ready and give us a really great performance.”

With a final clap, things kicked off. Monroe stayed on stage to give a bit of additional information while the rest headed to their seats.

The air was even more buzzed with excitement as the first person went up for their audition.

“So what’re you going out for?”

Alex looked at the blond sitting next to her.

“I’m going for the lead role,” she answered.

The other woman’s brows furrowed.

“The lead? That audition was last week. You missed it. Evelyn already got that part.”

Alex shook her head, burgundy colored ponytail swishing around. “The other lead role. The love interest role.”

Now the blond was shocked.

“You know that’s a male part right? They aren’t going to change it to a woman.”

Shrugging her shoulders, Alex not in the least bit deterred. She was completely aware that it was a role for a man. That wasn’t going to stop her. She could at least try. What’s the worst that could happen?

“Alex Chambers?”

Showtime.

She hopped up excitedly.

“That’s me!” she exclaimed.

As she was heading to the stage, people in the audience stared at her with surprise.

The directors included.

“Alex Chambers?”

She nodded, the grin on her face unwavering. Dr. Ambrose looked at her clipboard.

“Is there any other Alex Chambers here?”

The auditorium was dead silent.

“If you’re wondering if I’m auditioning for the role opposite the female lead, I am,” she told them.

Dr. Ambrose sighed as she removed her glasses.

“Sweetheart, you do realize this role is meant for a male correct?”

Alex was trying to remain positive, but that question was a bit annoying the second time around. She knew all of this, she just wanted to audition!

“I know, but I still wanna give it a shot!”

The director sighed deeply as she leaned towards Casey and Monroe. They talked quietly amongst themselves, Alex rocking on her feet. She started feeling self-conscious as people stared at her, whispering with each other. The longer she looked around, the more anxious she became.

She was about to tell them she would leave when her gaze landed on Evelyn. Kind brown eyes locked with nervous ones. Evelyn smiled, nodding slightly and giving her a thumbs up. The action reinvigorated Alex. She felt her confidence come back as the directors finished their huddle. They turned back to her, pleased looks on their faces.

“Alright Darling,” Dr. Ambrose stated, folding her arms. “Take your place. We’ll do the lines first and then the song.”

A stagehand gave her a copy of the lines, but she didn’t need it. She had those lines memorized.

So she acted out the part, feeling herself getting into the role. She had a few minor mistakes but overall she thought she did a great job.

Dr. Ambrose agreed.

“That was excellent Miss Chambers,” she complimented. “A few oops but an overall good job.”

Alex beamed proudly, thanking her politely.

“Take a second and then we’ll start the song when you’re ready.”

The young woman gave a thumbs up as she took in deep breaths. A little bit of time later and she was ready.

Her script was exchanged for a microphone and she stood center stage. She nodded and the music started.

The intro plays and Alex raises her mic.

When she started to sing it was…not great. Her nerves got to her again. She sighed and the music cut off.

“Alex are you alright?”

She could barely hear over the sound of her heart pounding in her ears. She could not believe this was happening. She had such a good audition so far and now she was going to be automatically out because she couldn’t get through the song.

Maybe she should’ve-

“Alex?”

Kind brown eyes again.

Evelyn placed a gentle hand on Alex’s shoulder.

“It’s okay,” she said softly, making sure the mic didn't pick her up. “Catch your breath.”

Alex did what she told her, taking in nice, even breaths. Eventually everything calmed down and her heart rate went back to normal.

“I’ve heard you sing before,” Evelyn told her, the words catching Alex off guard.

Her eyes widened. She was surprised to hear that. Rumor had it that Evelyn didn't go to any of the music performances, so how could she have heard? 

Evelyn must've noticed her confusion.

“I heard one of your choral practices. You’re really good,” the elder continued, giving her a reassuring pat. “You nailed your acting part and you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t do well on the dance portion so just stand tall and kill this so you can win this part.”

Evelyn grasped her hand and gave it a squeeze and then stepped back. Alex turned to the directors.

“Can I try again?”

Dr. Ambrose nodded, but it was obvious she was annoyed. Alex thanked her and stood up straight on her mark. Evelyn headed towards the wings, watching her performance from the side.

The music started up and Alex let the intro ease her mind. She could do it with Evelyn’s blessing.

And she did. She thought about what she wanted. Why she wanted to do this.

Rehearsals and practices. Dark burgundy hair in a messy ponytail, dancing around. Bangs plastered to her forehead. Tired but pleased with her progress. It was her first big production and she wanted to impress. Evelyn and the rest of the cast were giving their best as well as they went through step after step, singing along to their parts. After practice was over, Evelyn told Alex she did great today and squeezed her hand before she walked off.

She could imagine it like it was actually happening right in front of her. She eased her way into the next part of the song. And right into her next vision.

It’s the first dress rehearsal. She’s in her costume, a pink dress and black heels. The costume designer cooed when she came out of her fitting, pleased with her handiwork. Her hair’s not quite show ready but they’re still trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t. That’s the whole vibe of the dress rehearsal. And it was nice. It’s stressful but in a good productive way. Tensions are running a bit high though, but it doesn’t bother Alex on bit. It happens. But undercutting that was the excitement as they prepared for the big show. Evelyn looked radiant in a similar dress to Alex’s but in white. She had a such a magnetic presence about her. Like she was born to be on stage. Alex admired that about her, wanting to match that same energy. But where Alex had to work hard and push herself to that standard, Evelyn had a natural gift that she wanted to improve on, consistently raising the bar.

Dr. Ambrose had a pleased expression as Alex sang, making the singer extremely happy. She wanted to impress and it looked like it was working.

She wished she could see Evelyn’s face. Was she impressed? Did she think she was doing well? Everyone in the crowd was enthralled with her performance, but was she too? All of this made her think of what it be like during the big night.

Bright lights. Nervous butterflies. A sense of thrill running among the cast. Alex shows up and the audience is pleasantly surprised by her appearance. She dances around and performs her heart out.

Laughter when appropriate. Gasping at the drama.

But when Evelyn comes out for her solo, the whole crowd was dead silent. They were enraptured and captivated by her voice and the way she moved. It was truly a sight to behold for everyone, including Alex. She was truly amazed at how Evelyn could make so many people enamored with her with such ease.

Alex didn’t even know how she could possibly keep up when it was time for their duet.

But she did. She was good sure enough. However it was opening night and sometimes not everything goes according to plan. But when Alex stumbled during her part with Evelyn, the other woman covered it with ease. Alex felt bad but with a squeeze of her hand that wasn’t a part of the choreography, she knew Evelyn wasn’t upset and had her back.  

Luckily for her, it was enough. The rest of the performance was a breeze and went on without a hitch.

When the grand finale occurred, Alex was ready. Hair in a perfectly curled ponytail and her red silky dress fitting her just right. She looked very cute.

But where Alex was cute, Evelyn was radiant. Elegant. Long brown hair in cascading waves. Her dress was light blue with white accents, fitting to her body like a glove.

“You ready?”

Kind brown eyes were sparkling. Alex nodded, running her hands down her dress. Evelyn grinned.

“Let’s do this.”

And that’s what happened. The big finale was big. The last stretch of the show. Everyone pushing to be larger than life. Energizing the crowd. Making this the best performance they’ve ever seen in their entire life.

Making this the best performance they’ve ever done in their entire life.

Alex was having the most wonderful feeling warming her chest, thankful for the experience to be a part of the magic.

And when it was over, she could feel her heart pounding out of her chest. If she didn’t have her in-ears, Alex knew for a fact she’d probably go deaf from how loud the applause was. She beamed widely, holding her pose as the curtains closed. She released and let out a large breath, pulling out her in-ear.

They were done and it was an amazing performance.

“Two minutes til curtain call!”

Alex could barely hear the words over the still cheering crowd. They really were loud.

Everyone quickly got into place, laughing and giddy over a job well done. Alex took her place and sought out Evelyn. The woman came over, her hair over her shoulder in a low ponytail and a carefree smile on her face. Alex hadn’t seen her look so relaxed in a while.

Dr. Ambrose went to her mark, clapping to everyone. She was highly pleased judging from the wide grin splitting her face.

The music started and the curtain opened again. It was time to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Everyone danced, releasing off the tension of the show. Alex was just doing a basic shoulder shake, keeping track for her cue to move. A few moments later and the cast announcements began. Group by group went until it was time for Evelyn to go. She bowed deeply, waving gracefully as she portrayed her character. The persona melted away as the real Evelyn shot the crowd a dorky pair of finger guns. They went wild, praising her for a job well done.

Next was Alex. She came to the center and gave her bow. She waved with both hands and ended with making a heart with her arms. Evelyn came back for the partner bow, grasping Alex’s outstretched hand. As they went to the front, Evelyn gave it a squeeze.

But for the first time, Alex squeezed back as their joined hands rose in the air. They bowed together, smiling happily and big. Evelyn dropped the grip to wrap her arms around Alex. Even with her heels on Alex was still quite shorter than her partner so she leaned her head on the woman’s shoulder, arm looped around her waist. A nice place to be.

The rest of the night was a blur for Alex…

When she opened her eyes, the song was over. The auditorium was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. Then one person started clapping. Alex looked at the left wings and saw an excited Evelyn.

Soon others followed suit. Alex smiled politely, casually curtsying. 

“Well then. That was quite the performance,” Dr. Ambrose commented, standing up. “Now we’ve got a competition.”

The mic was given back as Alex went back to her seat.

“That was incredible.”

The blonde that she was sitting next to stared at her wide-eyed. Alex chuckled lightly, saying thanks as she sat down. She was happy with how she did overall, but she hoped it was enough to earn the spot she wanted.

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Exactly two weeks later and the full cast list was out. A few days after the first audition she had a gotten a callback, the process being to act and sing with Evelyn. She was a bit scared watching the others go through their audition and do great. The fright turned to disappointment when Dr. Ambrose pulled her aside and told her she would definitely have a role in the musical. That feeling is why she waited until the end of the day to check out the sheet attached to the wall in the theater hall. It was going to be emailed out tomorrow afternoon, but she wanted to rip the bandage off.

So there she was heading to the sheet on the opposite side of the hallway. When she scanned the sheet, bottom first, she sighed. She figured she got one of the chorus parts. But then she kept reading. When she got to the top of the page, her eyes widened. Right underneath Evelyn’s where she’d be playing the role of Katherine, was her name. She cheered excitedly, jumping up and down as she pumped her fist.

“Congratulations Michaela.”

Alex stopped her celebration and turned around. Evelyn was leaning against a wall, her dance bag slung over her shoulder.

“Ah thank you,” Alex replied softly. “I’m excited to be working with you.”

Kind brown eyes.

Evelyn smiled, warmth radiating from her.

“I feel the same, can’t wait for some pointers on how to improve my singing.”

Alex chuckled, tucking some hair behind her ear. “Sounds like a plan. But you gotta help me dance like a graceful swan like you.”

Evelyn beamed as she kicked herself off the wall.

“You got a deal. See you Saturday then.”

Alex couldn’t wait, cheering again when the other woman was out of sight.

Fin.