I just auditioned for Las Vegas Little Theatre’s production of Take Me Out.

I’m always trying to size up the competition when I’m at an audition and I usually have little to go on but people’s appearance. Of course, there are some conclusions that can be drawn. If the role I want specifically mentions that the person is tall or blonde or of a certain age or physique I can generally see who else might be eligible. Although if there is more than one day of auditions (and no call back) than you really only see half the people.

In the case that I see everyone’s audition (like everyone is seated in a theatre watching everyone else) I’m almost always wrong about people’s ability. I’ve seen hip, young dudes throwing around other roles or classes in overheard conversations and then they get on stage and become mumbling statues. Or the community theatre queen that lisps his way through a reading. You just don’t know.

The bottom line is I find myself wanting everyone to suck in the audition and then when (if) I’m cast, I want everyone to be AWESOME. The same people I wanted to suck (except the women, since I don’t have to compete) I now want to be brilliant. It’s childish, I know, but it’s true, alas.