Auditions for Bakersfield College play and theater class were held on Nov. 18 and 19 in the BC Indoor Theater. Students had an opportunity to be a part of an actual audition, giving them experience for future shows.

The play is from a novel by Jane Austen called “Sense and Sensibility.” It tells a story, from the Regency Era, about having to live in poverty because of a scandal from a family member’s wife and then finding love only to get their hearts broken again.

Part of the requirements for students who auditioned were to enroll into Theater B27 for spring semester.

It also requires a British accent that is expected from the actors who were auditioning. In auditions, students were to fill out a form then read from a monologue and act out the script that is given to them.

These auditions gave students a chance to get familiar with the character and receive information from the professors so they know more about the play. This also gives theater professors a chance to see the actors live.

Theater professor Kimberly Chin said, “I have them read from the script then I see the transformation once I give them a little guidance about the character and I love to see these actors take a great note on that.”

When being involved in shows it’s great to be aware of the time commitment that will be put into organizing the play.

It is expected that students’ free time will revolve around the play and making sure they know their character.

Helping build the scenery and being in the theater running through lines all day is also another job that is expected when trying out for a play.

Chin said, “It’s exhausting, so you do have to be healthy and have the right mind set that you might be in a theater building from 9 a.m. to midnight or something if we had to do that, but I really try to respect the students time.”

The play has 14 roles available for students trying out. On the first day of auditions there were 18 people who tried out and 25 would be expected to try out altogether. Chin said that she was hopeful about getting more students, but wasn’t too surprised that there wasn’t a big turn out. Normally auditions are held in the evening rather than during class hours, and that may have had an effect.

Marina Martinez, a student auditioning for a part, said, “It’s like a competition and since it’s a limited part play it’s a bit nerve-racking”

Many students are new to trying out for plays and having to audition for a class. Then there are those who are beginning their theater majors such as Humberto Lopez who was another student auditioning for a part. He said, “It is nerve-wracking, but being nervous always helps build a character that I’m trying to portray, so I always feel that it makes auditions much easier.”

When being asked about the auditions so far Chin said, “I feel very confident all of the students that have auditioned so far have some natural talent; many have been taking our classes, they do have the enthusiasm that’s necessary.”

Auditions are held every year for the two shows they put on which include being a part of the class as well. This gives students audition experience because some have never auditioned for a role.

Chin said, “I do try to make the audition process comfortable, one on one where I get to know the person and gage their skill level. Even if they have never been in a stage play or taken our classes, I encourage them to come out.”