Melissa Feldman, vocal performance junior, has the same dream as countless other OCU students: Broadway. Students spend their entire undergraduate experience training and preparing for Broadway auditions, but what if, instead of auditions, Broadway held interviews to fill positions, like a normal job? This week’s Feature Friday shows what a regular Broadway job interview would look like.
Q: Hi, welcome to our company, Broadway. It’s nice to meet you, Melissa! What is your character type?
A: I would say either the bitch, the old lady, or some combination thereof.
Q: What’s some of your past experience?
A: Rizzo in Grease, Lucy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods, Norma Henshaw in The Diviners
Q: Tell me about a time when you encountered a problem in this field. How did you handle it?
A: I was in Annie Warbucks. This is the sequel to Annie, where Daddy Warbucks has to get married to keep Annie. I was 12, and the guy playing Daddy Warbucks was a year older than me. We had never practiced the stage kiss until tech week. My mom and brother walked into that dress rehearsal, right before the kiss, and it was the worst thing ever. The kiss ended up being cut, though, so it was fine.
Q: Why did you leave your last job?
A: It was a summer gig, and the show closed…
Q: What is your greatest strength?
A: My ability to take direction easily.
Q: What is your greatest weakness?
A: I’m too hard on myself, vocally and acting-wise.
Q: Why are you the best person for Broadway?
A: I won’t let it get to my head, and I know what I need to do to stay grounded.
Q: Why do you want to work here?
A: It’s been a dream of mine since I was nine or ten. It would be so cool to be able to fulfill that dream. My first Broadway show was Beauty and the Beast. I was in the front row, and I could see the sweat beating down their faces. Nine-year old me was dying.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: Hopefully New York, but any big theatre district would be great.
Q: What do you know about our company?
A: I know it’s the center of performing in the U.S. (center, even though it’s on the east coast). What don’t I know, honestly?
Q: When can you start?
A: As soon as I graduate. Gotta get that B.A.
Q: Can you show me your portfolio?
A: I can send you my resume.
Q: What other companies are you interviewing with?
A: Dallas Theatre Center, Casa Mañana, and Dallas Opera
Q: What position are you looking for?
A: Anything. The ultimate role would be Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof.
Q: Do you have any questions for us?
A: Can you pay women the same amount as men for an equal amount of work?
If you would like to recommend the next person or interview format for a Feature Friday, comment below!
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