Fight through the fear to find the positives of being in the spotlight

I’ve never enjoyed the audition process for plays. I have this incredible fear of people watching and scrutinizing me. It’s absurd when I think about it, but even when I’m determined to challenge myself, the physical manifestations of stage fright erupt.

My hands shake, my heart races and it’s as if I’ve dived right into a quirky dream where I cannot speak. I have no recollection of what and how I just read something — except when I know I’ve botched a line.

With the exception of the “mock” audition during my coverage of “Witness for the Prosecution” in December 2006, I have not been involved with theater in eight years.

Four weeks ago, I decided to brave it and try out for Albany Civic Theater’s production of “Taming of the Shrew,” which opens Sept. 7.

Two phrases echoed through my mind: “I can do this” and “It’s not that hard.” They were then followed by several deep breaths to keep my heart from pounding out of my chest.

My little mantras apparently allowed me to make it through with enough grace to be cast as Bianca Minola — the “shrew’s” sister — a fact that still shocks me.

As much as I would like to take credit for at least having the courage to show up, what really helped me was watching familiar faces destroy lines and stumble over words the way I did.

Clearly no one, not even an acting veteran, is perfect from beginning to end. There are times when everything runs smoothly and then there are times when the misread line will send the entire cast and crew into fits of laughter.

Laughter, I discovered, was the best way to kill those pesky nerves and, more importantly, get past my silly mistakes.

Auditioning is a lot of fun. It allows you to break out of the predetermined molds you create for yourself, and even discover a bit more about what you like. I never enjoyed it before now, but I can definitely say I will audition again if the mood strikes me.

For those interested in becoming involved in theater, there are quite a few options in the mid-valley. They include:

• Auditions for Albany Civic Theater’s “Wonder of the World,” directed by John Elliott, are at 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, July 30 and 31, with callbacks on Wednesday, Aug. 1, at 111 W. First St., Albany. The play opens Oct. 19.

Albany Civic Theater typically holds auditions every month of the year. Details can be found at www.albanycivic.org.

• Corvallis Community Theatre’s next auditions will be held Aug. 27-29 for “No Exit.”

The company typically holds auditions every other month. Details can be found at www.corvalliscommunity

theatre.org.

• Majestic Education’s next auditions are at 7 p.m. Aug. 13 and 14 for “Night of the Living Dead.” For more information, go to www.majestic.org.

• Other groups that provide theatrical entertainment include the Linn-Benton Community College and the Oregon State University theatre arts departments. Currently there is nothing posted for either venue, but opportunities are available throughout the year.

• “Shine on Scio Moon,” by Flinn’s Community Players, opens Sept. 6, with auditions at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 26, at Ray’s in North Albany.

Formerly Flinn’s Living History Theater, the new group was formed earlier this year to continue bringing mid-valley residents the plays based on actual events in the mid-valley.

For more information on upcoming events from Flinn’s Community Players, e-mail FlinnCP@gmail.com.

Heather Crabtree can be reached at 812-6090 or heather.crabtree@lee.net.