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Isadora Parra

Secretary of the Starlight Theatre Company, Gracie Grahman, reads out a comical monologue during auditions.

Laughter filled the Betsy lobby as students prepared for their auditions. TYA shows are exciting for students because they get to put on a series of extremely animated and upbeat shows with unique and playful characters. 

“TYA stands for Theater for Young Audiences,” junior and Starlight Theater Company board member Dylan Shahid-Russell said. “This means that we pick shows that are meant to appeal more to children.”

I had a chance to talk with some students here at Bowie about why they decided to audition for TYA shows and they had nothing but positive things to say. 

“I auditioned for TYA because I wanted to do a play that is funny and high-energy,” freshman Willa Hibbs said.

“I auditioned because I love this show block so much,” Shahid-Russell said. “I enjoy working with the seniors and this gives me inspiration for the show I want to direct next year.”

For TYA shows, students prepare a little differently than they would for other shows. I had a chance to talk with some experienced STC members and they said that making big choices in your audition would be the biggest piece of advice they could give to anyone planning to audition for TYA shows. 

“My tips for future students who audition is to make choices and go big,” STC Co-Vice President Gibson Gelfer said. “The directors just want to laugh and see that you aren’t afraid to be silly onstage!”

“My biggest piece of advice to anyone thinking about auditioning is to have fun with it. The whole point is to do things that children would find funny,” Shahid-Russell said. “If you have an idea for something to do in your audition that you think may be kinda dumb, chances are it’ll be perfect in the eyes of the directors.”

TYA shows at Bowie are especially fun for students because they get a chance to be directed by a senior. Getting directed by one of your peers can be such a good learning experience for the senior and the actor. 

“TYA shows are directed by seniors who have spent the last four years in theater classes,” Gelfer said. “The process of transitioning to a director from being an actor for so long was challenging but so exciting. I’ve absolutely loved being behind the scenes and coaching my actors.” 

According to Hibbs and Shahid-Russel, getting directed by a senior is not only fun in the rehearsal process but it adds a level of fun and relaxation to the audition process. 

“I was more comfortable when I auditioned for a senior-directed show,” Hibbs said. “I felt less like that was a make-or-break moment.”

“I typically do less for my own personal preparation seeing as it is a more relaxing process,” Shahid-Russell said. “It’s definitely less high stakes and being surrounded by your friends definitely makes the process more calm and less nerve racking.”

TYA auditions have concluded and the cast lists for the 10 shows have been released. Students and their directors are busy at nightly rehearsals preparing to put on this series of shows that are sure to bring lots of fun and laughter to Bowie.