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Answering the casting call at PCPA auditions

By Sam Womack/Staff Writer

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Kerry DiMaggio of Cambria sings during her audition. //Ian Gonzaga/Staff

Waves of nervous excitement seemed to shimmer in the hallway in front of the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts audition room Saturday as hopeful performers paced and practiced before their personal showtime.

“Acting is my life’s blood. If I didn’t do it, I’d probably wither and die,” said Bohannon Orr, 29, of Lompoc, who was auditioning for a place in the PCPA’s two-year training program through Hancock College.

“I live for musical theater. I think it’s the greatest thing ever,” said Hancock College student Amanda Eldridge, 20, who brought her mother and cousin along for support.

Drama and passion for the stage illuminated the actors’ faces as they waited for their chance to shine before the PCPA directors — sitting as judge and jury on robust hopes and dreams.

Nipomo High School senior Scott Fuss dressed to impress Saturday, clad in all black with a colorful silk tie.

He woke up at 3 a.m. — still the middle of the night for many people — to prepare for something he’d been working toward for most of his life.

“I’ve always known I wanted to act. It’s the only thing I’m really good at,” he said jokingly.

With a confidence that belied his age, Fuss, 17, stood before the table of casting directors in Santa Maria and transformed himself into a character from the comedic play, “Table Settings” by James Lapine.

During his monologue — one of the three requirements for those who auditioned — Fuss spoke clearly with apparent effortlessness, and combined his memorized words with natural movements and entertaining facial expressions.

Afterward, his brown eyes blazed from the rush of adrenaline and beads of sweat glistened on his forehead.

“I had a chance to do what I came here to do,” Fuss said. “I feel great. It was a job well done as far as I know; that’s a happy feeling.”

Cal Poly student Jessica Armstrong, 21, came out of the audition with her light a little dimmer and a forced bounce to her step.

“My song was a little sketchy. It’s hard to shake a cough,” she said.

But her optimism seemed to reassert itself.

“I love action. I love the theater. If I don’t make it, that’s OK, because I love the auditioning process. I learn something new about myself every time,” she added.

On Saturday, the PCPA Theaterfest, the Central Coast’s resident professional theater company, auditioned 24 people gunning for either a spot in the two-year student program, an internship or a place in the company for the summer performances.

Hopefuls auditioned before the panel of three: casting director Erik Stein, conservatory director of actor training, Roger DeLaurier, and directing intern Katie Mack-Montenegro.

The casting and audition tour began in December and traveled to dozens of locations throughout the western United States.