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THE AUDITION 2021

(Note:  I have been adding posts chronologically but I must insert this current and unexpected learning opportunity to my broadcasting journey.)

My last “audition” for a performance job was in the 70’s for Sesame street, a news job and host of a new program called people are talking for KYW-TV and these experiences dim in my memory files of a nervous afternoon - I got not “call-back” except for a WHYY news producer/host and I got the job which I have recounted on this Blog.  Later in late 80’s during my corporate TV career #2 I presided over many cast-calls in NYC with some of the top casting agencies in the business but until this last audition for me I suppose I never realized how hard this task was for the performer.  I have listened to many new performers whose faces were familiar on commercials hawking everything from snow-blowers to supermarkets.  And had a couple of surprises too when a couple of stars from the golden age of TV and the stage showed up for a minor role that paid “scale” which 

I had read in one of the social media providers about an opening for an “on-air talent” for a new endeavor to be produced by a company that produced a daily blog that had sponsored ads and now  had developed into a growing “business”with a large following from the online presence.  Now this company was going to venture into online “radio” (I think?).

 I said to myself, “Self, this could be fun” and applied through their website.  Several days later I received an email inviting me to “interview” for the job - with one day’s notice.  I immediately accepted the invitation and then did a bit of research about the company but found nothing about their plans for the new program.  I was a tad nervous but assured myself this was fun, plus the pay would just about cover the expense of going to their new studio.

The day of the interview I received another email - “Sorry for the late notice...please prepare a short monologue, skit, character of joke so the CEO and show host can see your talent.”  That request certainly covered the performance type casting  “waterfront” and now I was really nervous because I realized that I had no idea what this job entailed but I didn’t want them to know I didn’t know!  Sort of like auditioning for Hamlet thinking it was a musical about a small town.  One thing was certain - the interview had turned into an audition overnight.

Assuming that this organization had built it’s reputation being “pro Disney” I prepared a short monologue about growing up with the characters, the Mousekateers, the Wonderful World of Color - but not really sure this was what the producer/caster was looking for.  I arrived at the company’s new studio and the CEO and lead blogger and now performer started my audition.  “Calvin, tell me about yourself”.  I had done my elevator speech many times so I began.  About half-way through not getting any reaction I asked, “Am I giving you too much?  The interviewer replied, “No, I studied broadcasting in college and find your background interesting.”  We chatted about mutual experiences.  Finally after a pregnant pause I asked, “Do you want me to deliver a monologue ? Yes”, he replied.   I did it without reaction.  No good job...nicely done, etc.

And that was it.  I had either nailed it.  Blew it.  Or the CEO had never done an audition before.  I exited stage right and driving home I pondered just what had taken place and I was pleased but was the boss - that was the question that lingered for a couple of days.  There was no call-balk or further emails.  I assumed I didn’t get the job.

But I had fun and for once in a long time I experienced what it must have been like for the performers that came to my casting sessions.  After a couple of sentences of what there part was they were expected to read a script with no information about what I, the producer really expected.  They had none of the cues that they learn from drama school - what was their motivation, what was the situation, who were they playing to?   They had exactly the time it took to read a paragraph out loud to themselves and get the job.  

And I marvel today how tough this must have been for them going from casting session to casting session and wondering if they were too fat...too thin….over the top...not emotional enough?  After decades being in the business I learned that night that if holding a audition again I will give the actor more information before the session; and after, some feedback and encouragement because after a long career, I finally realize why acting is considered a calling and a craft - rather than a job.


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