I thought it would be fun to post a link to the current #igotcast interview on backstage.com and in the current print issue of Backstage. I’m also posting the full interview because I think you might enjoy hearing from a 2014 CCU grad.
http://www.backstage.com/interview/igotcast-alexa-doggett/
Full interview:
Name of project(s) you were cast in through Backstage: In December I was cast as the Teen Greek Chorus in a production of Paula Vogel’s “How I Learned to Drive” with Nu-Ance Theatre Company/John DeSotelle Studio Theatre (located in the Times Square Arts Center). The show started rehearsals in January and ran the last three weeks of February.
Tell us about your character: The Teen Greek Chorus is a member of the 3 part Greek Chorus that helps narrate the story of the main character (Lil’ Bit) through narration and flash backs. I played Lil Bit’s Grandmother who doesn’t believe in orgasms, an awkward teen friend of Lil Bit’s when she travels back down “mammary lane” (think Spelling Bee’s Logainne meets Josie Grosie), and the voice of young Lil’ Bit.
What was the audition like? It was pretty straight-forward experience. After submitting on Backstage I received an initial appointment where I performed two contrasting monologues. Two rounds of callbacks, sides, and pairings later- I was cast!
What was working on the project like? It was my “NYC Debut”, so all in all the experience was both thrilling and challenging. I just graduated in May from Coastal Carolina University, and so this was also the first full production I’d booked since graduating, and was a wonderful step towards discovering life as a working actor in the city. The production also introduced me to an amazing director, cast, and creative team who have all been doing this much longer than I have, and who I learned from a lot. On top of that, Paula Vogel’s play is just so moving and funny and difficult and rewarding and painful… all at the same time. I won’t spoil the plot for anyone who hasn’t read this incredible work, but I discovered something new in her words every night and that’s such a lucky gift you don’t always get as an actor.
How often do you use Backstage? I try to make a habit out of doing a quick scan every morning when I first wake up. I sit in bed with coffee and double check to see if anything new I should submit for has been posted- because you know how quick everyone is at getting their materials in! If I’m really busy, it’s 2 or 3 days a week.
How long have you been using Backstage? Definitely had a steady account over the last 2 years, but I used it sporadically in college as well.
What makes you keep coming back to us for audition notices? I love that Backstage allows you the ability to sort through listings with your sex, age range, location, etc. It saves time and energy and hope. And we need to conserve those things in this 'biz.
What types of roles do you typically look for? On a basic level, I submit for young character females- underdogs, best friends, quirky leading ladies, and outcast teens. On the more complicated level, I submit for challenging roles. I’d like for every character I play to be at least one of three things: 1) artistically fulfilling- able to stretch me as an actor, 2) fulfilling from an industry stand point- able to help me grow as a professional/it’ll look good on my resume, or 3) spiritually fulfilling- the role just makes me happy. If a part hits all three of those marks (and pays well?!)- now, that’s the dream.