Yup, that was my weekend. Saturday was a day of super stress as I had only 1 day of practice with a voice coach to prepare myself for my audition. I finally got dressed, and got in the car and headed down to Seattle for my audition. I auditioned for Disney's Beauty and The Beast. Yes, the broadway musical one. Now most of you know I don't sing unless I'm drunk, and playing Rock Band. So this was a HUGE step for me.

I went in and let them know I was interested in the role of LeFou www.youtube.com/watch
Right away there was an "Oooh" from like the 8 auditors. Then it happened "So will you sing something then?"

"Gulp... sure!"

They started playing the song "Gaston" and I jumped into character and started singing as best as I could. Again a HUGE obstacle for me. Having 8 people look at you as you're trying to sing is totally unnerving. I felt like my singing wasn't great. After I got done singing they had me read. NOW IT'S MIKE'S TIME TO SHINE!

I was paired with a young girl who read one scene as Belle, and one scene as Gaston. They had me read a few times, and once they even told me to pull it back. I guess I was playing LeFou a bit "too dorky". To me that's a compliment. So I read again and got some laughs and I was out of there.

Overall I fell I did well. My singing wasn't great but LeFou doesn't have to sing well. I felt I did REALLY well on my characterization, and even the auditioners let it slip that they hadn't seen many people going for LeFou during this round of auditions. They way I see it, if they can find a guy that can sing, then they'll pass on me. If they can't, then I've got a pretty good shot based off my read. Everything is going to posted on the company's website in about a week or so. If I get of course I'll be thrilled, if I don't I honestly won't be bummed. I mean this was my 1st ever musical theatre audition.

Sunday was great. I had my 1st class for the improv group I'm trying to get into. It was a "Grab Bag Feedback" class which means each week I'll get a new teacher who will watch open scenes, games, etc. and give feedback to make those taking the class better improvisers. It was a great class and I learned a lot. What really paid off was after the class. The group has a 7pm show, and the class goes from 3 - 6 at the theatre. So I figured, hey I'm here.... why not stick around? I asked if it was cool if I stuck around and the teacher for that day said it was cool with him. He and I went and grabbed a bite to eat and we talked about my coming from California and acting and random stuff. After we went back into the theatre and there were a few people who recognized me from previous outings to the theatre. I stayed and BS'd some more and found that a girl that just cast in the ensemble had gone about it the same way I am currently. She told me to keep doing what I was doing as it's a GREAT way to get seen a lot more. ;)

I was the only one that stayed from class to watch the show, and I was the only audience member that stayed to have drinks afterwards with the cast. Again I got to talk and listen to a lot of them and was engaged in plenty of conversation. I left before it got late, and I felt that I left at a good enough time. The tips I got from the cast while we are all drinking should help me out a TON in the coming weeks.