As sophomore Jenna Cook exited her audition for the fall musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” she felt proud of her effort, but kept a realistic viewpoint.  

Cook said she wants to continue being active in the theater program and would feel content with any role in the musical.

“As of right now, I am feeling pretty good about my audition, but I’m trying to keep my expectations low, just in case,” Cook said. “I was feeling as if I rocked the audition as I exited, and even if I don’t get in, I still put up a killer audition. I do hope to get a large role, but I would be satisfied with anything.”

According to theater director Jodi Hatzenbeller, 48 students auditioned for 25 roles.

Hatzenbeller said auditions, which took place Sept. 6-8, focus on vocals, choreography and character work.

“Phase one they come in and they sing one minute of song and through that we evaluate their vocal quality, we see what they can do physically with a character, we see how they emotionally can connect with a character,” Hatzenbeller said. “For phase two they learn choreography from our dance instructor and then we put them to the test on stage.”

Cook said she looks forward to the exciting musical and the many bonding opportunities.  

“I have listened to the soundtrack a couple of times and it sounds like a really fun show, so if I get in hopefully it will be a really fun experience,” Cook said. “I think that it is just really fun being around all of the theater people because they have such a contagious aura.  It feels like a really tight-knit community.”

Hatzenbeller said the show is special because of its upbeat, energetic nature.

“I think the actors are looking forward to the high-energy big group numbers, because last year’s show was a little more stripped down — there were a lot of individual numbers — but this has some really big dance numbers (and) a lot of fun choreography”

Hatzenbeller said many hours of preparation will go producing a successful musical.

“We rehearse daily. Some days it’s focused on vocals, other days it’s focused on choreography, other days I’m working with the students in staging and characterization,” Hatzenbeller said. “So people who have lead roles will be here almost every single day.”

Performances of “The Drowsy Chaperone” will take place Nov. 11-13 and 18-20. Tickets cost $5 for students and $7 for adults.