Archive for the ‘Casting’ Category

If a Shoe Drops in a Forest and No one hears it…

Wednesday, August 15th, 2007

So we are about two weeks away from our Technical Rehearsals for “The Book of Liz” and so far the show process has been flawless. So far we have pre-sold 182 tickets for the run (being three weeks out that is a very big deal), We have sold lots of playbill ads, and we have gotten some awesome sponsors for the show. My production staff has been amazing, and the cast is outstanding. I have been waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Yesterday was our first hiccup in the process and I thought I would share it with our blog readers. The Amazing and Talented Suzanne Sole originally cast to play the role of Oxana in our production called me with news yesterday. She was cast in the National Tour of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and will have to drop the show. Now there is NO WAY she should turn this job down. It is big money and a wonderful opportunity that only most of us dream about getting. Of course I have many feelings about this. 1. How totally awesome is it that CIC is attracting this level of talent to audition and be in our shows. 2. Why or Why don’t we have money so we could keep such wonderful and talented people. 3. Why or Why can’t I come up with a stronger Kool Aid Recipe.

The upside is we have had an understudy in place for every role for just such a situation (partly because I know I can’t ask the world of people when they are doing this for free and shear love, part of it is cause so far we have not done a show where an understudy did not go in). And her understudy is awesome. (Wow if I say awesome or totally one more time I will have to shoot myself in the face). And a company member is going to step into the understudy position, (another amazing performer BTW). So as far as talent goes I am covered. And we are far enough out right now that we can recover nicely.

Of course Suzanne is on the poster, in the Press Pictures, and on our Youtube Teaser. But it is just the little part we get to keep of her from this production. She is already missed and I am blessed to ever have crossed her path.

Our Video can be seen here:

It was filmed by the Amazing and Talented Matt Hendricks. I can’t believe how lucky I am to be surrounded by such talent.



Posted in Book of Liz, Casting, Comedy, Company Members, Cornservatory, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Links, Mr. Marmalade, Sedaris, Stories, Summer Vacation, Video | No Comments »

Things Not to do at an Audition.

Wednesday, June 27th, 2007

This past week CIC held Auditions for our upcoming show “The Book of Liz” set to open on Aug 29 and run through Sept 30. Angie McMahon was holding the auditions and here is her account of somethings NOT to do at Auditions. These are real things people did this week, but names will be kept out of it.


1. Don’t show up in a “What Would Satan Do?” T-Shirt. I realize we are called “Chemically Imbalanced Comedy” but show us how funny you are with your actions and not your T-shirt. I am all for being casual but you cloths (especially with words on them) are some insite on your personality. My guess is I would feel similarly if someone came in with a “What would Jesus Do” T-Shirt. For me it just feels like that is info for the second or Third Date. After we like each other and know each other a bit more.

2. Don’t read pornographic poems as your monologues. I am all about doing stories from books, movies, poems. But at least memorize it. Also think of your audience. When you do a poem about mutilating the womens vagina and there is a women who is Directing and Casting think that it may not be the best choice. I think dirty jokes are funny for the most part, but this show is pretty far away from being dirty so It is also not something I am looking for. And I don’t like to hear about cutting a women’s Vagina. Period.

3. Ventriloquist Dummies are Funny but unless you have been asked to prepare a Variety act for your auditions I would suggest not bringing them out.

4. I think props are ok BUT ask yourself why must I have this prop. Will it help to clarify a joke that will be lost on a space object? For instance if I feel it is very important to have sunglasses but felt I should mime the cigarette. Personally I don’t think either are necessary.

5. If you are doing a monologue about how you want to FUCK the person you are talking to I would suggest not delivering that directly to the person you are auditioning for. I would further suggest not to deliver that 3 inches from there face. (on a side note I love being told I am pretty and attractive, ask anyone, but it made me uncomfortable beyond explanation)

In closing, I would say don’t sweat it baby. Maybe write something if you can’t find something you like. Or ask someone you trust to help you with it. But learn from this. We will have auditions again in the winter. I hope to see you there. Angie



Posted in Casting, Chicago, Comedy, Fun, Fun Stuff, Improv, Links, Stories | 1 Comment »

Call Back

Monday, May 7th, 2007

By Angie McMahon

When we last checked in I had never made it to the ever loving CALL BACK!

Well I am happy to report I have finally been called back. Here is kind of how it all went down. On a Tuesday I did an audition for Sizzler. I know right Sizzler. It was fine, it went like all the other ones. There was nothing more magical about this audition than any other one I did. Except I was having an AMAZING hair day. A hair day you just can’t fake. One of those hair days that you wake up looking like you were born, live, and die to be good looking.

To set the scene I am playing a Mom (because yet again this is the only thing anyone can see me as) with two 10 year old children (WTF) and my bumbling husband who eats ribs very sloppy. But as I was directed by still love each other. OK 10 seconds to get that all in and GO! Oh yeah, and yummy yummy ribs. Ok now go.

I actually know the guy I am auditioning with. We met at a workshop that we took on how to learn to find Corporate Sponsorship that I would recommend. Well he says to me “So Angie how do I know you?” and I say from CIC and he says (no shit he really said this) “Oh wow, you look so pretty, last time I saw you you looked so angry with your hair pulled back and all”

I said “um, thanks”

Flash forward to the following Monday. I get a call from my Agent at around 4pm. She is a little panicky. It is obvious she just got the call and is worried about getting a hold of me in time. She spouts out “I have an audition for you tomorrow for Sizzler”, I said I already did Sizzler last week. Her excitement starts to build “Oh shit I think its a callback. Let me call you back” not even 10 seconds later she calls me back “Its a callback, oh I am so happy” my agent says.

I felt like my mother finally told me she was proud of me. I just kept saying over and over kind of flustered. Oh a callback, I got a callback. Oh this is great a callback. How lovely I was called back.

Well needless to say my hair was in no way shape or form as amazing as it was the day of audition. I did my best but it wasn’t even close. You just can’t make that magic up when it happens. But my Corporate Workshop friend was late (he and I were called back together) cause of the Immigration Parade. So instead they pair me with the HOTTEST GUY in the entire world. All I could think was. WOW me and this guy had make belive sex at least twice cause we got two kids. Giggle Giggle. I was so flustered I was suppose to deliver my kind of angry line to hubby about being a slob. Instead I turn with my best commercial fury and HAND TO GOD I GIGGLE! I Giggle like a school girl at my crazy hot husband.

I had a teacher at Columbia College who once said she couldn’t lie because she was an actor. I didn’t understand that idea. Cause at the time I had no problem lying. But you just can’t fake emotions like this.

Sigh, they are to shoot the commercial on Wednesday and/or Thursday. I am to assume I would have heard by now.

I guess it is back to the make em ups for the summer.



Posted in Casting, Company Members, Fun, KFC, Stories | No Comments »

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