PURCHASE-College Auditions

Another day in NYC a chance to do what Jessie loves- perform. One of the head's at a school Jessie audition at said "love your audition like you love to perform". That is just what she is doing. It is 9 am we walk into Ripley Grier Studio and find the check in table for Purchase. The corridor is full of hopefuls waiting there turn to audition for the #1 program in the country(reported by Princeton Review) two years running. For Jessie this is where her heart is even though she hasn't dared to whisper it aloud. It has been her dream since sophomore year to attend this school and it was reawakened when we visited for the 2nd time this past fall. The passion, hard work, dedication and commitment that the students and staff have to one another seemed unrivaled. I could feel Jessie's nerves like I haven't seen from the moment we walked up to that table. The 2 people at the desk (one student and one staff member) were both very nice and tried to make Jessie feel comfortable. They gave her 2 sheets to fill out identically to give the staff when she went into do her audition along with her head shot, resume and personal essay. So we get all her paperwork in order and we wait for our turn. Jessie was as nervous as a cat, stuffing tissues in her armpits to try and stop the sweating that was suddenly over taking her body. She was also talking a lot, making friends, she does this when she's nervous. Oh also dancing around and being her goofy self. The wait begins, we notice that the auditions are not very long maybe 5-7 minutes a piece and the women behind the desk says "we are running late so don't worry if they don't ask you to sing". I think to myself Oh boy there just pushing kids through trying to make up time. Finally it's Jessie turn. In she goes and immediately I go to my own place of agony, my body seemed to turn on me adrenaline, sweat, tears, trembling and prayer took over. 10 minutes go by and Jessie does not come out, 15 min, 20 min I look at the college student shes smiling at me and says "wow she's in their along time that's really good" Finally after 30 minutes after she entered the room she emerges with the most awesome smile on her face. The college student hugs her says goodbye and off we go. I can not wait to hear what went on for all that time behind those closed doors. So here is Jessie in her own words:
I went into the audition with the thought of it being impersonal and fast, because everyone else was out as quick as they were in. But I didn't care I was about to beg to let the school of my dreams give me a chance. Purchase is a small conservatory BFA acting program. They chose their in coming class based on talent and your personal "look." They will only accept one green eyed, short, blonde. Surprisingly I found myself very comfortable with the man and women auditioning me. They talked to me before I even did my pieces which was new for me! The first question was "why Purchase." My answer was personal to me and very true, I have been OBSESSED with the program at Purchase since 10th grade, which at the time all I could cure my hunger with was to stalk there website (which I did tell them-they laughed.) I then went on to say that I visited Purchase and after talking with there current BFA student I knew it was a place I wanted and needed to be. She was passionate, hard working, and thirsty to learn. I am so tired of being the weirdo who wants to work, learn, breath acting. At that point the acting teacher said "Don't you hate that when the hard working people are the freaks!" We went on talking and I basically begged them to let me show how passionate I was! Then the acting teacher looked at what I would be performing for them and he says "you know you can't play Steph" and I laughed and said "Yesss I cannn!" "You're way too pretty!" (this is when knowing your character and the play comes in handy!) I replied swiftly with "well does she really think shes ugly? or did her dumb ass boyfriend of 4 years make her feel that way!" he laughed and said "okay Miss Glies would you like to prove it?" I stood and with much confidence said "Yes I would!" I went on to do my two pieces and as I was doing them I saw him turn on the camera to record it. When I finished he confirmed my thought and said "I recorded it I hope that's okay." Then they had me sit down again and asked me if they could record me talking about my theater experiences so they could show it to the rest of the faculty!!!!! I just about pee'd my pants! I talked about my summer at NYU and how I played the watch boy. They were very impressed with what I did with the part and how passionate I was. I found myself throughout this "interview" laughing and joking and so were they! It sadly came to an end after what I couldn't believe was 30 minutes. As I left they stood and shook my hand saying thank you for auditioning for us. I with as much honesty and passion I could muster after my sleepless night said "Thank you verrryyyy much and have a good day!" (with the biggest, most goofy, cheesiest smile in the history of smiles.) Then walked out. I talked with the current student and she said they almost never record and that it was really good that they saw you that long! I definitely pee'd my pants for sure this time!
So how can I write about Jessie's second audition after that-I can't! Except to say it was Marymount Manhattan and very long and very different than any other audition she's been in. 150 students broken into groups, they would do their one contemporary piece in front of each other then they could discuss it. Okay enough said.
Exodus 14:15 "The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still."