The TV class in room L011 is on fire. They’ve been frantically fleshing out characters, writing and revising dozens of scenes, and making posters advertising their work for the better part of a month. Everyone is scrambling in anticipation of one thing: opening auditions for their new show, Sell Out (working title), at the end of the week.
“I’m excited to see how many people are interested in our ideas, and see the people we can attract,” said Sell Out producer Annora Sokorac.
The show, whose pilot episode will be produced throughout the course of this school year, follows Jennie Lott. Jennie is a senior who stumbles her way through high school until she decides to create a small sports gambling business with some friends. Soon, though, it grows larger and more ambitious, beyond her control, and she has to wonder: should she keep this going? Can she even stop it?
Sell Out has been in pre-production since the start of school in August, with students pitching stories, assigning roles, and debating about countless specifics in the show. Auditions, though, are on one of the biggest steps in making the pilot a reality. Last year’s show had roughly eighty people audition. Film department head Doug Crabb is expecting just as big of a turnout for Sell Out, and he’s looking to forward to seeing this year’s talent.
“Deciding on a final cast is always the hardest part,” Crabb said. “Every year there’s always two or three roles where we end up, like, screaming at each other as a class. . . to decide who’s gonna get the part.”
With just one week until auditions start, many of LT’s actors are abuzz. Take Shameray Jamerson, one prospect for Sell Out. “Last year [auditioning] was really fun,” said Jamerson. “I like to audition. . . because I think it will help [me] be less reserved.”
Members of the TV class are looking forward to the auditions starting, but many are feeling anxious they won’t be ready by Thursday. “I feel we’re being rushed into having everything we need by [next week],” said Director of Photography Chloe Dziedzic. “But this will help our show get started, so I’m glad we’re doing it now. I am really excited to see a sneak peek into what we have for [Sell Out].”
Open for anyone interested, Sell Out auditions will be held in room L011 and the Blackbox Theatre on November 9-10 during all lunches.
