Local performers try out at 'Glee Project' auditions
Itasca resident Megan Kleemann said she's one of those rare performers who actually like going on auditions.
“It's terrifying, but in a completely good way,” the 22-year-old Lake Park High School grad said. “There's a huge adrenaline rush, and the whole thing is addicting.”
Kleemann was one of the more than 1,300 young people who tried out Saturday in Chicago for “The Glee Project,” a reality competition that will grant some lucky young star-in-the-making a multi-episode role in the wildly popular musical sitcom “Glee.”
The two-day open casting call, which continues Sunday at the Chicago Academy for the Arts, 1010 W. Chicago Ave., is one of two such events the producers of “The Glee Project” are holding. The other occurs in Dallas next month.
The atmosphere inside the academy building on Saturday was upbeat and energetic. Most of the people trying out were in their early 20s, and they made it a point to support each other as they waited for their chance to shine.
Kleemann, whose first musical role came in a production of “Annie” when she was 8 years old, wore the yellow wristband that meant she made it past the first round of screenings on Saturday.
“I'm very nervous but also very excited,” she said. “I love singing, and I totally love ‘Glee.'”
To pass the first round, contestants had to sing 16 bars from a song in front of two judges. Eventually, a select group of hopefuls auditioned in front of “Glee” casting director Robert Ulrich, who then decided which of them would receive a final interview.
“Obviously, for this open call, singing is a big part of it,” Ulrich said. “But we're also looking for those who fit into the ‘Glee' world, who have that special quality that reflects the show.”
“Glee” is a comedy about the social misfits who make up the glee club at an Ohio high school. (Mount Prospect native Ian Brennan cocreated the show, basing the concept on the years he spent in the show choir at Prospect High School.) The Emmy-winning program has become a pop sensation both for its musical performances and its offbeat, often salty humor.
St. Charles native Charles Lowery, a graduate of St. Charles North High School, was also among those who made it past the first round on Saturday.
“I'm nervous, yes, but mostly just astonished to be here,” the 21-year-old said. “I'm studying musical theater now, so this is right up my alley. And I'm a huge fan of ‘Glee.' I love how it touches on just about every aspect of high school, all the problems people face there.”
Naperville resident Anthony Sullivan, 19, said he tried out because he's been interested in singing and musical theater for as long as he can remember.
“I'm so happy to be here,” said Sullivan, who made it past the first round of screenings. “I watch the show religiously. I think I could offer something to it.”
The producers of “The Glee Project” are searching far and wide for those who will compete on the show. In addition to the people they're meeting at the casting calls, the producers will go through usual show-business channels agents, casting companies, etc. to find candidates. An earlier casting competition on MySpace that brought out 34,000 people also resulted in a list of candidates.
To give Saturday's crowd a burst of enthusiasm, “Glee” star Chord Overstreet, who plays glee-club newcomer Sam Evans, dropped by to say hello. After the screams died down, he told the crowd to stay strong. “You can't be nervous,” he told them.
Arlington Heights resident Samantha Galvin, one of Saturday's hopeful candidates, said she loved being part of the process.
“It's almost like something on the show!” she said.
“The Glee Project” will air on the Oxygen network in June 2011. For information, go to thegleeproject.com.