Carlos Asse on Auditioning for "Lend Me a Tenor"

Carlos Asse directs "Lend Me a Tenor" at the Gainesville Community Playhouse. The show will run from September 13 - 29, 2013. Auditions will be held July 14 and 15 and 7:00 at the Vam York Theatre. I sat down with Carlos to get the scoop.

GCP Girl: Why do you want to direct LMAT?
Carlos: It is always a challenge to direct a farce. It is twice the challenge to do it well. I have directed LMAT twice before and whenever one has the opportunity to direct this play, especially in a different venue with a new cast, one should never hesitate to jump at the chance to do so.

GCP Girl:What do you like about it, both as a director and as a theatre patron?

Carlos: LMAT is one of the funniest bedroom farces to come along to the modern stage. Ken Ludwig, the playwright, has given us all the elements of the classic farce: mistaken identities, improbable situations, great misunderstandings and huge meltdowns, taken to the extreme when they combine with quirky characters that introduce love, admiration, romance, anger, jealousy, liquor, pills and sex. Herein, lies the challenge I spoke about in the prior question, because a director, like a juggler, must keep all these elements floating like pins in the air. It is also an audience pleaser, because it keeps them laughing throughout and at its conclusion we see Max’s transformation and how young love has triumphed.

GCP Girl:What is your vision for this show?

Carlos: The environment which surrounds these exuberant characters I envisioned as a realistic one. One in which the scenery, the costumes, the sound and the lights are based in reality; thus, they help to keep all its absurd chaos and comedic action grounded. Since all of this action occurs in the mid-1930s at a high-class hotel in Cleveland, Ohio, there is a certain element in the milieu of period style and architectural elegance.

GCP Girl:What are you looking for in those who audition? If someone wants to impress you what should he/she do?

Carlos: As a director, one is always looking for someone that can handle the material, talent that has good comedic timing and stage presence. These actors must also be directable, easy with which to work and get along with others. Anyone who auditions should come prepared and be acquainted with the play, know what roles they would like to play, but be flexible enough that if offered another role, they shouldn't turn it down. Sometimes what the director sees in the talent matches his vision, not theirs.

GCP Girl:Why should people audition for LMAT?

Carlos: Because they get to work with me. No, I’m kidding! LMAT will give them a great opportunity to hone their comedic timing skills. This type of ensemble play where all parts are so important to the whole, will develop a sharp sense in their acting ability.

Thanks, Carlos!


Please visit the Event Page on Facebook for more information on auditioning for "Lend Me a Tenor".

xoxo GCP Girl