I never willingly auditioned for the major part of any production, and was usually relegated to townspeople roles. An Indian in Peter Pan. I loved that costume – brown with fringe at the hem. A choir member in Willy Wonka. I recall singing the Candy Man for that one, but can’t envision my costume if I even had one.
I remember being in awe of the girls and boys that auditioned for the lead roles. They did not seem at all nervous about singing solo in front of the group. I can still hear one particular girl who belted out
“Honey Bun” from South Pacific. Off tune. Another girl who auditioned for the role had what I thought at the time to be a professional sounding voice. She got the role. In hindsight, I think South Pacific was a bit mature for an elementary school production. I played a sailor.
My daughter can vividly recall all of her elementary productions at the same school where I now work. I remember making some of the costumes for those – a monkey and a butterfly. I’m so lucky to be able to watch them put this year’s production together from the very first day to opening night!