Students participated in Student Directed Showcase callbacks today after school following the initial auditions earlier this week on Monday and Tuesday

Student Directed Showcase callbacks are the second round of auditions in which the directors allow students to audition for specific roles in the plays unlike the initial auditions, where students had to choose from one of four monologues to audition.

“The callback process is important because that gives you a chance to read scenes,” Rishabh Chandra (11) said. “If I had a scene with another actor, and [the directors] wanted to test the chemistry between [me] and the other actor, they would have me read that scene and say ‘How do they play off each other? Can I cast them? Will this be a good fit for my show?’”

The shows that students are auditioning for are “We Live Here” by Zoe Kazan, “Almost Maine” by John Cariani, “Exit” by Ron Dune and “Check, Please” by Jonathan Rand. These shows, which were chosen during the summer by the four student directors, will be directed by Madi Lang-Ree (12), Caroline Howells (12), Zoe Woehrmann (12) and Jai Ahuja (12) respectively.

“I’m really excited to get callbacks going,” Madi said. “It’s going to be crazy stressful; we’re going to be here till 11 o’clock at night, but it’s going to be really awesome.”

Students were given the opportunity to sample each play at stage readings on Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 during lunch periods. Those who wished to audition performed one of four monologues provided by the directors during auditions on Monday and Tuesday.

Following these initial auditions, the directors posted callback lists on Athena2; the students who were called back to audition for specific roles in any of the four plays were named on these lists. At callbacks, students acted out small snippets and scenes from the plays.

Some newcomers to the Conservatory, such as freshmen, were nervous about the audition process at first but more comfortable when callbacks occurred.

“It was a much more relaxed experience than the rest of the auditions, except it was still kind of nerve-wracking because it was an audition,” Anika Banga (9) said.

Other students who had previously auditioned or performed in the showcase were more confident about auditioning.

“I feel more prepared because this is my second time doing it so I know what to expect. I’ll be less nervous,” Priyanka Chilukuri (10) said.

The final results for the cast lists of each show will be posted tonight following callbacks. After the final cast lists are released, each director will rehearse with their casts until January. The shows will be presented on Jan. 9 and Jan. 10 at the Blackford Theater from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Gallery • 6 Photos

Kshithija Mulam

Rishabh Chandra (11) and Sana Aladin (10) prepare a scene from "Almost Maine" directed by Caroline Howells (12). Students prepared for Student Directed Showcase callbacks after school today.