“Into the Woods” auditions are ready to begin

Lisa Herdman

“Into the Woods” auditions give Washburn students the chance to be part of a play that explores fairy tales based on stories from the Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault. Showtimes are on Nov 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and on Nov 15 at 2:00 p.m.

The show’s auditions will be held in the Neese-Gray Theatre on campus.

“If you’d like to audition, you need to make an appointment by visiting or calling the theatre department and reserving an audition spot,” said Alex Laughlin, junior theater major. “You need to have a ballad and an upbeat song to sing for the audition. Being nervous is normal, right before you go in just take a couple deep breathes in and out and you’ll be just fine.”

Laughlin said he loves the fast tempo in this musical. He mentions that the show is challenging, but that the payoff will be great. The play is a little dark, giving you a new perspective of the fairy tales you thought you knew as children.

Preparation is said to be key, as well as coming prepared with the music for auditions.

“Have 16-24 bars of your two songs prepared, and bring a CD with a karaoke or instrumental version of each. If you have sheet music, you can bring an accompanist or give it to the accompanist provided at the audition,” said Abbey Geiss, senior theater major. ”These songs can be, but do not have to be, from ‘Into the Woods.’

Geiss said that this is her first time auditioning at Washburn, although she has been in other plays she would like to get a part before she graduates in December. She is auditioning for the part of Little Red Riding Hood. She says to not be afraid to audition, and to remember that the worst that could happen is not getting the part.

‘Into the Woods’ is the tale of perseverance through internal faults and external hardships,” Geiss said. “I may not know where exactly my path will lead me, but I’m ready to take the first step.”

For more information contact the Theatre office at (785) 670-1639.