BWW Blog: Dalton Allison - An Intriguing Role Reversal

The moment I found out that I would have the privilege of Assistant Directing the all-youth production of The Fantastic Mr. Fox, I felt a certain excitement boil within me. I would be able to see the production of a show from a different point of view, the directorial view. The part that I was excited about most was the part that the actors dread the most- The Big Bad Audition.

As a performer, my stomach would turn many different ways before an audition. As I waited for my name to be called, I'd often think to myself, how the director is feeling. Were they nervous? Excited? I finally had that question answered for me on January 28th, the audition night for The Fantastic Mr. Fox. As I settled in next to the director, Becky and stage manager, Justin, I looked over to the many eager young faces that awaited to prove their worth on stage. Some were visibly anxious, while others kept it internalized.

Inside of my mind, I was thinking of the role reversal that had just taken place. I was now behind the desk, rather than in front of it. As I called name after name, my nerves started to raise higher and higher. I felt a new type of audition responsibility. I was now partly responsible for helping cast a show, something totally foreign to me. The more lines that were spoken, the harder the decisions became.

After the show had been cast, I felt a feeling of accomplishment wash over me. I knew that we had just built a cast that will hopefully work together to create a show that will be successful. Switching sides at the audition table was an amazing experience, and I am so grateful to have had that opportunity presented to me. Now, we are off to our rehearsal period! The Fantastic Mr. Fox runs from January 26th through January 29th at the Growing Stage Theater in Netcong, New Jersey.