There was so much excitement, Shreya almost didn't know where to start. Of course, she wanted to watch the auditions. But she also wanted to observe the stage crew. She had only ever acted in Muggle productions before, and she was looking forward to what magic could bring to the set. So she joined June's group for now, taking a spot by Norman. She kept one ear open for the monologues though—just in case she heard anything interesting from the thespians.

Shreya was content to observe and let June take the lead. It gave her more time to think of set and costume design ideas, which she occasionally jotted down on her clipboard as they came to her. "I'm glad you're here. Transfiguration could be a huge help in this department," Shreya mentioned to Norman. In Muggle theater, they relied on several huge, heavy set pieces. Transfiguration would surely make the process a lot easier...and more intricate.

Avalon smiled back at Lisa as she flipped through a few monologues. How these actors and actresses managed to read these scripts cold—without much preparation at all—was beyond her. "I think a comedic script would be perfect you for. Something light, airy, and happy! I'm excited to watch." She gave her housemate an encouraging nod. A play with a bunch of Ravenclaws as the leads? Now that would be a real house pride moment.

Once they were split up, Avalon headed over to Professor Peralta's group, trunk in tow. She found a spot near Eden and Ingrid, particularly interested in the latter's sketchbook. "I'd love to see your designs someday! Maybe we can work together on an outfit sometime," she whispered to the third year, pointing to her own sketchbook in return. Fashion design was always more fun when you could combine creative ideas.

She got to work once the Charms professor gave the directions, rummaging through her own trunk and the one provided to them to find some inspiring materials. Settling on a glittery piece of pastel tulle, Avalon figured that she would design a costume for a fairy. She whipped out her sketchbook and used the pencil tucked behind her ear to map out a general design—her fairy needed a pretty dress, iridescent wings, and lots of sparkles.

What a pleasure it was to see so many people that wanted to be involved in the theatre, that also involved everyone who would be working behind the scenes so that meant that EVERYONE WAS IMPORTANT.

Faye was very excited to see so many familiar faces today, she knew everyone was going to do a great job. Though she would say, the one she was not expecting to see there was Teddy, which caused her to pause and smile at him when their eyes had met, giving him a wave. She lingered there briefly for a moment before she had been brought back into reality when she noticed the Headmaster had begun the auditions. Stealing another quick glance back at Teddy before finally turning her full attention back towards the stage, trying to get back into the proper mindset.

.......

Merlin's Beard. There was no denying the TALENT in this school, it was so obvious. Faye was thoroughly impressed by every performance she had seen up on that stage, and she was definitely proud of every person who performed, especially little Kinsay James. Showing her full support with uproarious applause once each performance had completed. For example...Ummm.....Hello Kale? Is this a West End Stage performance? WONDERFUL! And no doubt, Cece looking ever so adorable on that stage. How could anyone take their eyes off these talented performers?

Faye was feeling her heart quicken at the anticipation until it was finally her turn to take the stage. The sixth year made her way up the stairs until she had taken center stage to introduce herself. She cleared her throat to make sure she spoke clearly, "Hello, my name is Faye Asztalos. And I should like to perform a monologue from William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.." Smiling brightly towards the Headmaster before giving a firm nod to center herself mentally before completely letting the scenery in her head take over.

In an instant her facial expression went from calm to a clear realization of betrayal as she stared at three very distinct people on the stage with her (in her mind of course, because acting) "LO...She is one of this confederacy!" Nodding her head in realization before she continues, knowing what's going on here. "Now I perceive they have conjoin'd all THREE to fashion this false sport, in spite of me. Injurious Hermia! Most ungrateful maid! Have you conspired, have you with these contrived to bait me with this foul derision?" Her voice a bit calmer as if she were trying to recall on simpler times sounding like a hurt friend. "Is all the counsel that we two have shared, the sisters' vows, the hours that we have spent, when we have chid the hasty-footed time for parting us, --O, is it all forgot?" Trying to fight back tears as she continued, "All school-days' friendship, childhood innocence?" The redhead paused briefly as if trying to find the words.

Faye took a step towards the invisible Hermia before continuing in an earnest demeanor, "We, Hermia, like two artificial gods, have with our needles created both one flower, both on one sampler, sitting on one cushion, both warbling of one song, both in one key, as if our hands, our sides, voices and minds, had been incorporate. So we grow together," The redhead could be seen bringing her hands together meaning to represent the two friends as one speaking with a bit of eagerness in her voice, "Like to a double cherry, seeming parted, but yet an union in partition; Two lovely berries moulded on one stem; So, with two seeming bodies, but one heart; Two of the first, like coats in heraldry, due but to one and crowned with one crest.." Faye slowly bringing one hand over her heart before her eyes traveled out beyond the people watching her in the seats seeming as if the scene had ended.

However, it was not quite finished and this content state would not last long for she was immediately reverted back into that mentality of a betrayed friend as her voice carried out to finish her final words, "And will you rent our ancient love asunder, to join with MEN in scorning your poor friend?!" She shook her head before her voice changed to a firmer tone, "It is not friendly, 'tis not maidenly; Our gender, as well as I, may chide you for it, though I alone do feel the injury.."

And with that she was finished, but she remained in character for a few more more beats before eventually smiling at the Headmaster, letting him know she had finished. "Thank you sir.." Politely bowing her head before moving to make her way off the stage so that the next person might be able to audition. She settled in to her seat with a small smile feeling happy that she had successfully remembered every line, hoping she'd performed well enough.

If you have nothing, shame on you, it’s a bad start. Teddy's face contorted with disapproval. He'd not seen a single place on the audition sheet that indicated he was supposed to prepare anything, and he slightly resented Trent - surely the younger kids who didn't know him were now going to be even more nervous that they were off to a bad start. Maybe Trent was trying to see if they could handle that kind of pressure, but hey, this was supposed to be fun, and loads of them were still deeply fragile from trauma. But... maybe Trent was, too, and was just doing his best. Teddy softened at the thought, sympathizing with the man. He'd been through hell, too.

As his peers began to take their turns, Teddy sat back in his chair, comfy and content. He'd figure out what to do whenever his name was called. For now, he was a prolific cheerleader. Gracelyn's monologue was moving and the little Ravenclaw who followed was engaging, both earning solid cheers of support and approval once they finished.

Then there was Kiz. He gave his not-so-little-anymore sister an encouraging squeeze on the shoulder as she headed up to the stage, and his face remained bright, attentive, and proud throughout the whole thing, especially when she stumbled over her words, and hooted and hollered at the end like a proud parent. If she had made eye contact throughout, she would see his unconditional belief in her, and whether she liked it or not, when she returned to her seat and sunk down as if to hide forever, Teddy clobbered her in a bear hug that was more like a head-hug, but was full of the utmost adoration for her. "The worst part's over," he whispered to her, fondly ruffling her hair as he pulled away.

A Slytherin girl in his year went next, and even though he at best considered her an acquaintance, his applause was just as equal and jubilant to that of his friends. It was just how he was. But when Kale Alexander Trent's name was called, Teddy sat up in his seat straighter, an amused, almost mischievous glint in his eyes in anticipation of what was to come. The sixth year Ravenclaw expected a show, and boy, did he deliver. Teddy's expression the whole time was one of awakening, awe, and unbridled elation. Was this akin to what being in love felt like? Merlin. He was beautiful, mesmerizing, and-- in the audience, on Teddy's lap, honking his nose, and the eldest James laughed heartily as his cheeks flushed with color. Absolutely spellbound. Enamored. Was it hot in there or was it just Kale Trent? He deserved a standing ovation, and even if Teddy was the only one, he gave it to him.

Fitting, it seemed, that Cece went next, and although Teddy was still reeling from the full-blown performance the Headmaster's son had just given, he tried to settle down and refocus. Lots of his residual enthusiasm probably went into his experience spectating Cece, whose sweet, whimsical scene had a very different energy from that of Kale, but Teddy's face would've given the impression that it was just as enchanting. He was eager to applaud at the end, eager to cheer, and gave her visual approval in two thumbs up when she rejoined the group in the audience.

The mere participation of Nem was just as surprising to Teddy as it had been when they had walked in. And then as Nem began, the bewilderment was only exacerbated. It was... oddly entrancing, and he couldn't look away. It was a bit haunting, because it was Nem, but the performance itself was... surprising. Full of surprises, they were. As unsettling as it was to be cheering for them, Teddy gave them due credit at the end and still applauded. No verbal cheers, but proper applause, thoroughly fascinated by his classmate.

At Faye's name being called, Teddy smiled and tried to catch her eye to offer her an encouraging nod on her way up to the stage. He wasn't sure why, but her scene caught him off guard - was it the content? Was it the range of emotions she covered? Was it the strength of the performance itself? He didn't know, but it made him happy, and his response when she finished expressed his jubilation. He was proud of her.

Teddy James.

Rising from his seat, Teddy had his hands out to give low high-fives to anyone who reciprocated the gesture as if he was a celebrity emerging from the audience. He was smiling, his gait was level and cool, and he carried an air of confidence as he took the stage, bypassing the table of scripts entirely as he headed for center stage. There'd been one thing that fed his pained soul this summer, and maybe others would find some semblance of solace in it, too.

"Hey, I'm Teddy." A pause, a thought, a look out over everyone, and then, "I measure every grief I meet with narrow, probing eyes," he half-recited, half-explained, "I wonder if theirs weighs like mine, or has an easier size." He'd begun a slow stroll across the stage, his brows furrowing. "I wonder if they've bore it long, or if it just began?" His gaze fell upon Kiz briefly before looking out toward the back wall. "For me, it feels so old a pain. And... I can't help but wonder if it hurts them to live, too, and if they have to try this hard--"

He had to clear his throat, as both the weight of his words and the accompanying emotions with them made him falter, and he took a moment to sort his thoughts, skipping some darker sentiments. "I notice that some, at length, renew their smile - but merely as an imitation of a light that has so little oil." His attention shifted to Trent. "The grieved are many, there is various cause - death is but one, and comes but once for us all. There's grief of want," he counted on his fingers, "and grief of cold, of despair - and although I may not guess the kind correctly... I still presume that some are like my own."

... "Finis. That's my adaption of work by Emily Dickinson." He gave an overexaggerated bow, then he headed off stage, but not before recapping, "'cause we're all in this together," for anyone who had tuned out, but still needed to hear the overarching message. Their grief was different, but universal.

Cool. He'd have a seat.

Pax wasn't technically here to audition. She was here to watch auditions and generally just..... see what was going on. For her she'd much rather be involved behind the scenes. Make up, etcetera. Honestly there were plenty of people who were much better suited to on stage antics than what she was. She hadn't actually heard any word of what they were auditioning for but apparently that didn't matter.

When people interested in costume and make up were directed towards professor Peralta, Pax silently got up and went over there, gaze still casting around and making note of who was doing what (and also who was most likely to be extremely disappointed if they didn't get what they wanted out of this - because that was potentially free entertainment).

Yes, Pax was one whose actual face had impeccable make up, though nothing extreme and not stage make up, it was just the norm for her to wear it day to day. She hadn't packed it on especially for whatever all this was. She stood listening to Peralta and glanced over at the mannequins, the mannequin heads, the make up provided and then (with the sound of Kale Trent being Kale Trent somewhere behind her) simply went over to the table and chose a mannequin head.

She had no questions or complaints about the task at hand, though thought it would be better if they had specific looks to design for a specific production rather than just a creative free for all, but it wasn't worth kicking up a fuss about. The first thing she did was get her wand out and duplicate the mannequin head however, since she wanted to work on two at once, and then she took stock of the provided tools and make up, letting all the loud auditions wash over her while she thought silently about what to paint.

Seeing all the talented kids performing their scenes and monologues made Phoebe SO happy, and so glad that she decided to stick around for the audition. Part of her had been tempted to go off with the scene designers or make-up artists, if only because she wanted to do ALL THE THINGS, in true Phoebe fashion.

But she got to see Kale do his dance and song number, to ardent applause from the crowd, and she got to see Kizzy do the BRAVEST brave thing of her life (the lamb), and she saw Cece be an absolute angel, as usual, and she saw Teddy just wander around and spout poetry, which was so him she wanted to kick him in the knee. Plus Nem? What the heck, Nem? Playing BOTH parts?

She cuddled Kizzy when she came back to sit down, and once Teddy was seated, Phoebe bounced to her feet. Always the last James, but never the worst. "My name is Phoebe Skylar James, and today I will be presenting the iconic Cher Horowitz monologue from the Muggle movie Clueless. Ahem."

Phoebe took her spot on the center of the stage, wishing she had a lectern. It really sold the whole scene. Phoebe popped bright pink gum out of her mouth and rested it on her finger (this also sold the whole scene). "So, OK, like right now, for example, the Haitians need to come to America. But some people are all, “What about the strain on our resources?” She glared at Teddy, because he could take it. How dare Teddy hate Haitians? Also, why did Cher pronounce it like that? "But it’s like, when I had this garden party for my father’s birthday right? I said R.S.V.P. because it was a sit-down dinner. But people came that like, did not R.S.V.P. so I was like, totally bugging. I had to haul butt to the kitchen, redistribute the food, squish in extra place settings, but by the end of the day it was like, the more the merrier!" She somehow managed to toss her messy bun, in spite of the fact that her hair WAS in fact contained and not tossable.

"[i]And so, if the government could just get to the kitchen, rearrange some things, we could certainly party with the Haitians. And in conclusion, may I please remind you that it does not say R.S.V.P. on the Statue of Liberty? Thank you." She popped her gum back into her mouth and winked at Kizzy.

And scene.

Ollie was nervous. She just wanted to be a part of the play, and didn't really care which part she got. She didn't really want a lead role, that would be too much for her on top of school. But she'd be happy with a secondary role or even a stage manager or part of the tech crew! So she made her way over the the auditions. Maybe something was wrong with her because she wasn't she supposed to be nervous now?

Okay, now was her time. She had memorized a few lines from one of her favorite movies, The Devil wears Prada. She wasn't sure if she should come prepared with a movie or a play or a musical, but she was sure that they would except what she had planned. She took a few deep breaths and started her lines.

"This stuff’? Oh, ok. I see, you think this has nothing to do with you. You go to your closet and you select out, oh I don’t know, that lumpy blue sweater, for instance, because you’re trying to tell the world that you take yourself too seriously to care about what you put on your back. But what you don’t know is that that sweater is not just blue, it’s not turquoise, it’s not lapis, it’s actually cerulean. You’re also blindly unaware of the fact that in 2002, Oscar de la Renta did a collection of cerulean gowns. And then I think it was Yves St Laurent, wasn’t it, who showed cerulean military jackets? And then cerulean quickly showed up in the collections of eight different designers. Then it filtered down through the department stores and then trickled on down into some tragic “casual corner” where you, no doubt, fished it out of some clearance bin. However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs and so it’s sort of comical how you think that you’ve made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you’re wearing the sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room. From a pile of stuff"

Could she breath now? Maybe the nerves had hit her now...

Dare looked over the script provided, sure he could've come up with one on his own to prepare. He didn't feel ashamed though.. or perhaps he should have. Given the monologue, he was reading over whilst the others went on stage before him. It was short enough to memorize easily and relatable... but to come up with those feelings... could he do it?

Darius Potter

Not looking anymore, he placed the paper down walking up to the stage. Suddenly the goosebumps were overtaking him as he looked at everyone else sitting watching him. Deep breaths...

Darius blinked, his hands joining each other behind his back before he rose his left foot in a way for his toe to dig into the stage where his blue eyes gazed into. "...Sometimes.. I feel like I'm not normal... what is normal, anyway?" The left foot planted back to the ground, "I guess like everyone else I feel stupid sometimes. I don't want anyone thinking I'm some kind of weirdo." His head rose, blinking as he remembered the amount of people staring, "I wonder if everyone gets strange thoughts but just don’t want to admit it." Pause, "I think we all get strange thoughts. You want to know what kind of thoughts I get?" One foot took a solid step, "Well, I can’t tell you cause, it’s too embarrassing." Another pause, his brows turned inward in what could be seen as confusion or pain, with his hands no longer behind his back, "It is. I just can’t!" His hands rose up to his waist, showcasing his palms, "I mean.. you ever have a thought where your mind just wanders off into some unknown world and it captivates you for a minute or two and suddenly you snap out of it because you realize that it’s a messed up thought?"

Darius sighed exasperately, turning away taking steps back towards off the stage, "That’s as far as I want to go with it, with what I’m telling you cause it makes me feel funny discussing this but do you, honestly; do you ever—" Then he stopped to look back at the audience, "does your mind ever play tricks on you?"

End scene.

Now his heart could stop beating like a jackhammer.

Ivy nodded in understanding. Feeling ill was definitely understandable in response to nerves, especially when doing something in front of a lot of people, so Ingrid definitely wasn't alone. "I get that. Just don't be afraid to close your eyes and take deep breaths, yeah?" That often helped her when she felt overwhelmed.

But now they were being split into their different groups, and...it seemed the third year had decided to go with Professor Peralta's group instead of being on stage, which was fine! "Break a leg! You too Evan!" She sent them both a thumbs up before joining the Headmaster's group at the front.

She was excited to watch what everyone else had prepared, or what they did on the spot with one of the provided scripts. And no matter what, she was going to clap after each one. Everyone deserved applause and support, especially if they'd never done this before.

And she was immediately delighted when Gracelyn began with Shakespeare. And Lisa was portraying Puck from A Midsummer Night's Dream! And then Fiona was also taking inspiration from Shakespeare! Ivy was very much a fan of all of it.

And Kinsay! Even though she looked so nervous, it was so neat to see her find her voice as the scene went on.

And then...Kale. It was easy to believe his performance would be incredible, and, well, it absolutely was. Though her face was a bright pink the entire time after that wink he'd thrown her. Her heart was racing too, but that was probably just because of all the energy and excitement and laughter, right? Um, yeah, definitely.

Thank Merlin her name still hadn't been called because Ivy's mind was all over the place.

Cece performing so well as Alice was a great change of pace. And then Nemesis Upstead of all people was up there performing a scene from Beauty and the Beast. That was...interesting. And unexpected.

But it at least got her head back into the game, so she was prepared to be immensely delighted again when Faye brought them back to Shakespeare again. And A Midsummer Night's Dream's Helena at that! Fantastic!

And then Teddy gave a stirring recital of a poem. And Phoebe and Ollie had such fun monologues from Muggle films. And she wasn't sure if Darius' was from something, but he gave a great performance regardless!

Ivy Grimm.

Oh wait - it was her turn already? She'd gotten so caught up in everyone else performances by this point, applauding after each one, she'd almost forgotten she was going to have to go up soon too.

But she felt ready. She was calmer now, but she took a deep breath anyway as she made her way to the stage.

"Hi!" She smiled, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "I'm Ivy, and I'll also be performing one of Helena's monologues from A Midsummer Night's Dream." No self-consciousness about doing something from the same play as others had done. They all had their own style, after all! And it was a different monologue than the previous two.

Her smile faded, her face taking on a more somber expression. "How happy some o'er other some can be! Through Athens I am thought as fair as she." A brief pause, a small defeated shrug. "But what of that? Demetrius thinks not so. He will not know what all but he do know. And as he errs, doting on Hermia’s eyes," a bit wistful now, "So I, admiring of his qualities."

And now her expression was more thoughtful, and she paced back and forth, fiddling with her hands and speaking as if thinking aloud. "Things base and vile, holding no quantity, Love can transpose to form and dignity: Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind; And therefore is wing'd Cupid painted blind: Nor hath Love's mind of any judgement taste; Wings and no eyes figure unheedy haste," her words picked up a little in speed, and a little bit frustrated, "And therefore is Love said to be a child, Because in choice he is so oft beguiled. As waggish boys in game themselves forswear, So the boy Love is perjured every where."

She paused again, and her pace slowed, sadness and hurt on her face. "For ere Demetrius look'd on Hermia's eyne, He hail'd down oaths that he was only mine; And when this hail some heat from Hermia felt... So he dissolved, and showers of oaths did melt."

A few seconds of silence. And then her expression changed, more alert, as if a lightbulb appeared over her head. "I will go tell him of fair Hermia's flight: Then to the wood will he to-morrow night Pursue her; and for this intelligence If I have thanks, it is a dear expense," a brief pause, as if reconsidering, but then continuing, "But herein mean I to enrich my pain, To have his sight thither and back again." A hand on her heart, and looking as if she were grasping for the slightest bit of hope that Demetrius would love her...

Aaaand scene.

"Thanks!" Ivy smiled again then hurried back to her seat.

That was fun!

Why did she think that there’d only be a handful of people here? This was scary!!! However her nerves eased a little as she watched some other students perform first, and some of them were really good! She wondered if she should have prepared a more traditional monologue, like Shakespeare, as many had already chosen. But hers wasn’t… exactly… traditional. But she wanted to perform something that hopefully no one else would perform. She wanted to portray a mean girl, since it wasn’t her actual personality. Or is it?

BAH, HER TURN.

The Gryffindors eyes darted to each and every face that was looking at her. She then turned her attention to Headmaster Trent, the head judge. Remy cleared her throat dramatically. “My name is Remy Izith Gaeltheos.” Remember the name. Uhhh, uhhh… here goes nothing.

Her facial expression changed to get into character, slight raised eyebrows and a dumb look on her face. “We only wear jeans or track pants on Friday. You can’t wear a tank top two days in a row. You can only wear your hair in a ponytail once a week.” She put her hand on her hip, the other hand shakily holding her script, and looked the imaginary person in front of her up and down. “So, I guess, you picked today.” Cue the fake, short smile. “And if you break any of these rules, you can’t sit with us at lunch. I mean, not just you, like, any of us. Like, if I was wearing jeans today, I would be sitting over there with the…” She paused, forgetting the end of the line. Remy cleared her throat again, “over there…”

AHHHH, SHE COULD FEEL HERSELF LOSING IT.

“Umm…” she shuffled the papers, “We always vote before we ask someone to eat lunch with us, because you have to be considerate of the rest of the group. I mean, you wouldn’t buy a skirt without asking your friends first if it looks good on you.

“It’s the same with guys. You may think you like someone, but…” Her expression changed again, getting SO into character. She portrayed a serious, doe eyed look. “…you could be wrong.”

Remy held character for a few seconds after finishing the last sentence, before smiling at the Headmaster. “Thank you very much.” And she bowed a little. She was a MOVIE STAR in the making.

So that was a no to anyone joining him, then? Heath nodded in reply, watching Quinn as he went. Then he saw Lisa waving at him, and her question made him smile. “It might be,” he said with a knowing wink. That was all the hint she was getting! She’d have to wait and see like everyone else. He saw Claudine’s mouthed greeting to him but hadn’t enough time to reply to it before things got underway. He was glad to see her approaching him and even more so for the kiss and the words of encouragement. “Thanks!” he said, beaming as he watched her go. “You too!”

He sat quietly as the performances started, paying respectful attention to each one. Gracelyn and Lisa did great! Kinsay’s nerves early on reminded Heath a lot of himself in his earliest auditions, so he made sure to applaud louder for her. Wow, he didn’t know Fiona could act! Kale Trent’s performance left him unsure whether to be intrigued or unnerved. How was he going to hold his own to that, let alone top it? The scene he’d chosen was bound to seem boring by comparison! He was so nervous that he just sort of tuned out everything that happened after Kale… until a voice calling his name jerked him out of his thoughts.

Heath approached the stage with the same seriousness and professionalism as he did any other audition. “Hello, my name is Heathcliff Jones,” he said, giving Headmaster Trent a respectful nod of acknowledgement, “and this is a scene from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, adapted into a Shakespearean-style monologue.” He stood still, taking a moment to draw on his own emotions and life experiences to bring his character to life. When he looked up, he was no longer Heath.

He was Ben Solo… broken and battered but very much alive, ready for another round of battle against Palpatine. Clutching at his side, he took a few limping steps toward center stage. Determined fire burned in his eyes as he began his monologue, “Once fallen, broken, yea - but not yet dead. I grope and fumble, finding purchase on the rock, that I may to the scene once more…” He leaned on the curtain, as if for support. His eyes darted from one end of the stage to the other, searching for an imaginary Palpatine, and a confused expression appeared on his face. “Although I sense my enemy is gone.”

He staggered farther across the stage, stopping abruptly about halfway as he imagined a fallen Rey lying at his feet. With a sound somewhere between a gasp and a sob, he sank to his knees. Raw shock and anguish were written all over his face, and actual tears fell from his eyes. “So soon turned ally, Rey, and too soon g-gone -” His voice broke, and he paused to regain composure. “Why art thou yet so fair? Shall I believe that unsubstantial death is amorous, and that the lean abhorred monster keeps thee here in the dark to be his paramour? For fear of that, I still will stay with thee; and never form this place of dim night depart again. Here…” He looked around defeatedly, continuing in a tired voice. “Here will I remain with worms that are thy chambermaids. O, here will I set up my everlasting rest, and shake the yoke of inauspisious stars from this world-wearied flesh.”

He cradled the imaginary Rey in his arms, looking on with sad, longing eyes. “Eyes, look your last! Arms, take your first and last embrace of her!” His grief-stricken expression changed, gradually becoming pensive. He took a deep, calming breath. “Still now thy thoughts, Ben - join her in the Force.” Remorse and resolve crept onto his face and into his voice as he continued, “Whatever life I have within me yet, thus proffer I to her that she may live, and in full recompense for who I’ve been, and what I’ve done, and wherefore I did so.” His hand hovered over the imaginary Rey’s abdomen, and a smile gradually spread across his face. He reached up, as if to touch the imaginary Rey’s face, but his hand faltered, falling limply at his side as he collapsed to the stage floor. He lay motionless, his eyes staring blankly, a smile frozen on his face. And… end scene!

A few moments later, Heath got back to his feet and, still slightly in character, gave the Solo shrug in lieu of a traditional bow before exiting the stage.


OOC: I couldn’t find a PDF or book preview to screenshot & link, but Heath’s monologue comes from this book.

Showtime... Aibhi exhaled out softly as people went before her before it was finally her turn to go up and audition. Nothing prepared, nothing at all...but she was going to do the best she can do. Approaching...Aibhi's hands began to feel clammy and her heart began to race. She couldn't believe she was about to do this. And she exhaled softly before saying, "H-" She felt like there was a frog stuck in her throat, but she cleared it and chuckled to herself. "Sorry. Hi. My name is Aibhilinn and I'll be honest, I didn't come prepared with anything, but...I will perform this song acapella. It's called "I'd Give My Life For You" from a show called "Miss Saigon." I think the song has a special meaning in my heart so..." She nods and exhales softly again ready to start her audition.

”You who I cradled in my arms...you...asking as little as you can...” It was soft...her mouth was open, but barely a sound came out as she sang...her breath trembled. No music to back up her vocals, just her. Acapella. And of all songs...but she wasn't going to give up. SHe shook off her fear and continued, picking up her volume. "You didn't ask me to be born...you...why should you learn of war or pain? To make sure you're not hurt again...I swear I'd give my life for you..." Looking at the stage she thought of moving around, but she simply knelt down and kept her focus on Headmaster Trent singing to best of her abilities and conveying the emotions of the song. She didn't know when to stop but, she got to one of her favorite parts of the song and raised her hand up towards a light she used to convey as the moon, "But there's just moonlight on my beeeeeeeeeeeeeed Was he a ghost? Was he a lie? That made my body laugh and cry?" Her eyes began to swell up with emotion feeling the song more and more but she fought back her tears. and finished she song with a powerful belt that she had not done in person ever, but there was a first for everything. "I SWEEEEEEAR I'D GIVE MY LIIIIIFE FOOOOR YOOOOOOUUUUUU!" She held her hand close to her chest gripping tightly before finishing the final note and she took a few deep breaths before standing back up composing herself and she lowers her hand and nods.

"Thank you..." And with that...she was off. It was over and done with...for now...

Misa was about to answer Lisa when the headmaster called for what they got. She watched as each of the people performed. There was quite a lot of Shakespeare. That was a shame. That was going to be her go to but... it seemed overdone now. She racked her brain. Ummm... TS Eliot? Fitzgerald? No. That wouldn't work would it? How dramatic was this play going to be again?

She glanced over her shoulder wondering if it was too late to join one of the other groups. Meep.

Okay. No. She had this. ... Probably.

She licked her lips and took center stage. "I'm Misa Couture. I'll be given a spoken word performance of the muggle musical Into the Woods."


She looked over her shoulder and sported her very best teenage girl caught in the middle of a HUGE dilemma involving a boy. So basically her normal look. "He's a very smart Prince. He's a Prince who prepares. Knowing this time I'd run from him, he spread pitch on the stairs."[/b]

She chewed her lip and looked around as if there were an answer somewhere out there. She then shrugged. "And I'm caught unawares." Draaaamatic pause "...well... it means that... he cares..." Righhhht?


She then started pacing and gesturing to herself in an imitation of an argument.

"All right, what do you want? Have to make a decision." More pacing.

"Why not stay and be caught?" She stopped pacing and looked out as if mulling it over. "Should I give that a thought? What would be his response?"

She then started pacing again as the thought process continued. "But then what if he knew? Who I am? When I know that I'm not what he thinks that he wants?"

She stopped again as another contradictory thought happened "...Or, then, what if I am?"

She looked around again. The answer was out there... somewhere.

She held up a finger in an IDEA fashion. "I know what my decision is --Which is not to decide." As girls sometimes did. Yes. This was believable. "I'll just leave him a clue." She looked around then up and down before taking off her own shoe and holding it up. "For example, a shoe."


She then smiled and bowed. See. She was capable of not always being quiet and shy. Especially if a handsome prince was involved as stereotypical as that was.

She then put her shoe back on and went to sit down again.

Finneas greeted his students with a bob of the head, only errrr turning a shade of briiiiiight red when Phoebe James made way into the arena with her very LOUD announcement. Another coin? Finneas was soft… and riddled with guilt, thinking of his class of sixth years and their generosity. They taught him so much in these past six years, perhaps he ought to—Er. No, this wasn’t the time to entertain such thoughts.

The only thing he was meant to think about at the moment was … er. The auditions.

He did mean to be auditioning as well, but as they all began to move around the room, Finneas Schmoe came to the realization that he should……. probably be sitting on the judges panel instead. Er. Yes. That would be, er. That would likely be more advised. So he err……. Schmoezied over thata way and took a seat beside Malachi.

Settling in his seat, he pulled out a handy dandy notebook to jot down some notes. Finneas didn’t really know what he was looking for, but he did give everyone ample applause as they went up and recited their lines. It, er, it seemed that many students (Gracelyn, Lisa, Fiona, Faye, Ivy, Heathcliffe) had taken inspiration from William Shakespeare. The man, the muggle, the legend. Schmoe made a note in his little book. Perhaps they’d cover the epic poet during one of their upcoming lessons?

Er. AnYwAy.

The array of performances was incredible! The Schmoester was impressed beyond words with how eloquently Gracelyn and Lisa recited old english. The youngest Ms. James was not quite as confident as her sister, but both stayed true to themselves in the most admirable way. Kale’s energetic performance had Schmoe grinning from ear tO EAR, of course. Cecelia’s monologue was just as whimsical as the Wonderland itself. Nemesis’ choice in ….. scene was. Er. It was. Er. It was a choice.

Finneas was not at all surprised by Faye’s reverence in the delivery of her lines and though he wasn’t surprised by Teddy’s choice either, Finneas did pause to … Er. Wipe his eyes. Because of. Erm. Allergies. Olive’s own monologue helped him recover, but once again Schmoe was Schmoooooe emotional after bearing witness to Darius’s moving scene and Ivy’s thoughtful delivery of Helena’s monologue. Remy proved to be a confident, young talent and Mr. Jones showcased his creativity in adapting a scene from Starwars. The talent was strong in these ones. And, er, though Finneas wasn’t sure that auditions were meant to be done in the form of song or spoken word poetry, he still wrote down wonderful notes of Aibhilinn and Misa’s performance as well.

A critic Schmoe was not.

Bravo everyone. Schmoe was schmoe proud.

Stage make up was something else. Pax knew this wasn't about how well she could apply regular make up (obviously very well thanks), it was about making the face look right even with stage lights washing it out. She had one mannequin that was a more standard stage make up look, where she had worked on the planes of the face, defining shadowed areas, the mouth and eyes appropriately. Pax had actually used her twin's face for inspiration since she didn't even need a reference to picture the specific contours of Nemesis Upstead, and her twin's cheekbones were well suited for showing off stage contouring. Using make up, especially the relatively thick stage stuff, to make the mannequin look like it had actual cheekbones and definition in the brow and nose and lip and jaw was actually quite fun.

Finishing that first one fairly fast, Pax moved onto the second one, on which she wanted to do something more involved. Prosthetics. Colour. Pax adjusted her ponytail tighter and began laying down the make up base.

Neva watched the seventh year as she selected a piece of clothing to center her design around. The glittery tulle was eye catching and the pastel shade was very pretty. The Charms Professor was curious to see how her design came together on the mannequin. From the look of the sketch she'd snuck a peek at, it was going to be quite impressive.

After making a few notes on her clipboard, she moved on to check out what the next student was up to.



Neva liked to keep her makeup simple, but she was always impressed by those who were able to create art out of their faces. Dramatic looks that worked and didn't work the wearer took skill and creating a look that was dramatic, eye catching, and beautiful (all while working for the harsh lighting of the stage) would be no easy feat.

Pax seemed to have a handle on it, though. The contouring was impressive on the first mannequin head and she was eager to see what she'd do with the second. After jotting down a few things next to the sixth year's name, she headed for the next student.

Hold everything!!! Hooooold everything! I’m here, dears. Sorry for being late.” The healer nudged the door fully open with her leg then continued down to stage with a box of goodies in hand and a container of bread floating behind her. “Goodness is that really the time?? I must’ve missed everything!!”

Healer Poppy dropped the prop box by the foot of the stage. “And just wHy do you have the little darlings practising in such dull light?? It’s terrifying! They’ll have the flashbacks.” The last word she whispered loudly, not wanting to upset the little darlings.

“This won’t do at all!” She moved over to the windows and threw them open, moved along the walls lighting the candles then along the chairs making them extra super duper comfortable—for the nerves. Soft been bag chairs were obviously better. Being relaxed was important.

Speaking of relaxing. “I have breeEeAaAddDdD. Come, come, have some. Isn’t it lovely? You can’t audition on an empty stomach!! Come along, audition breeeeaaakkkk!”

Mmmm, could they smell the fresh dough?

Violet had showed up the auditions as planned, even though she didn't see herself as much of an actor. Although she didn't have as much trouble speaking in public as she used to, she was finding. She guessed that after you're been through the kinds of things they'd all been through last year, speaking in front of an audience didn't seem that frightening any more.

But she was interested in writing and thought it would do her good to participate in a play, maybe get an idea of how to write one someday--see how a play was put together, what worked and didn't work, that sort of thing. She was thinking she could help backstage somewhere (not costumes and makeup probably, as she'd never paid much attention to either in real life)--but something to do with the set or lighting or props or things like that.

Maybe do a part--a small one--if they needed someone. Violet did like to listen to good writing. She was enjoying the auditions so far--everyone was surprisingly good. They probably wouldn't need her to act after all, though she'd prepared a piece to audition with--Portia, from The Merchant of Venice (she felt that speech about mercy was something the wizarding world could use right now).

Suddenly, into what was becoming an unexpectedly enjoyable extra-curricular activity for Violet (and she did not get the chance to participate in many of those)--into this nice event bursts that odious woman, so-called Healer Poppy (because Violet found it hard to believe that someone so obtrusive and loud and pushy and unobservant could possibly a real healer). She was here, intruding and bothering everyone and trying to take charge of everything and pushing her ever-present BREAD on everyone (what was up with that stuff, anyway? Violet had yet to actually eat any, but the smell of it had nearly made her faint in the corridor the other day. In fact, Violet couldn't really remember much about what had happened; maybe she really had eaten some? She couldn't be sure).

There was a lot going on and Apollo was just trying to rehearse the song he's been practicing hopefully Atlas and Aries hadn't been too bothered by his rehearsing the last couple weeks, but the second year hadn't really paid any attention to Emmerson's outburst or all the talent that before him. Some of his peers were REALLY good too and had they not been Apollo's competition he probably would have appreciated and been paying more attention. But instead his focus was on the lyrics for the song that had prepared, which he hoped would be enough to give him his start.

It was the arrival of the Healer Poppy lady with her bread that distracted him and he turned to look at her. Really? Her bread was really good, but now seemed to be a REALLY inopportune time to graze on bread and Apollo was sure he would have projectile vomited if he had bread now. Maybe AFTER his scene, but no, right now, there was nothing he could stomach .... even plain sourdough, so forget the fruit bread.

Once his name was called ... he took a deep breath, wishing Isabella or someone was here to give him a comforting hand squeeze before heading up to the center stage after that older Ravenclaw girl's monologue. It had looked like the Slytherin was maybe going to, but not yet? So he guessed it was his turn then.

"Hi everyone... Um... I'm Apollo Adara-Stark and I'll be singing a song from a muggle musical, Rent.... One song glory." He took a deep breath, as he began, and when he concluded, he took a small bow and went to sit down again. Bread perhaps sounded good now.

It had taken a few moments for Nem to settle back into the same state as before, slumped way down in their seat so their chin was almost on a level with their knees, staring vacantly up at the stage as the auditions continued. Nem was not generally one for ambivalence - at least not that they could identify, acknowledge, or admit - but wondering about sticking around through the rest of these auditions and whatever exercises came next was one of those times.

The appearance of Healer Peppy was very helpful in that regard.

Moments after the woman had passed to get to the stage, chirping shrill admonishments towards the Headsman and the Noodle and whoever else, Nem was up and out of their seat - it's a no from me. Only so many times a person could fantasise about sending the woman on a short trip down a long flight of stairs before there was a happy accident that they couldn't yet afford. Not around all these people, at any rate.

So it was the door they headed for, now that the balance had tipped all the way in favour of finding some other endeavour to pursue for the rest of the day.

They were designing costumes...right now? They had to try out too?! Margaret froze. She knew how to hem things. She knew how to...put on clothes. She wasn't so sure about this...designing an outfit for a character. Especially since everybody else had prepared.

She approached a mannequin, patted its shoulder, and decided its name would be Frank. "Hello, Frank," she murmured to the mannequin. "Let's get you some clothes."

Glancing periodically over at Avalon and the others working on their own costumes, she picked out a nice blue bowler hat, and plopped it right onto Frank's head. Then...it clearly needed a bowtie, so she found a long piece of blue fabric, and tied it around the mannequin's neck in a little bow. Not...not how one normally tied a bowtie, but then none of her family members wore bow ties so...she didn't know how to do that.

Next came...finding actual clothes. She tried to block out all the noise from the auditions, and barely registered the arrival of Healer Poppy and bread. She looked for more blue, and settled on a floral button-up shirt. She draped it onto the mannequin. All the blue looked pretty good together, she thought. Unfortunately it didn't seem like her hemming skills would come in handy today...no point in hemming something just to fit a mannequin.

Wait. Bread? She gave up trying to find the rest of Frank's outfit, and instead gave the mannequin an awkward side hug. Was she done? Was the bread for the costume people, too, or just the actors? "Can I have some bread?"

The state of utter calm that descends over you is almost impossible to detect at first, slinking and soothing as it is. Your worries and stress fade more with every passing moment. You drift steadily towards total zen, all your anxieties melting away into the bread-scented air. Zeeeennnnnn.

For the time being, nothing seems to matter as much as it did before, not your fears, not the audition nerves, nothing in the now well-lit Duelling Arena, awash with the smell of so many different breads. The aroma fills the space, reaching every nook and cranny, from the audience all the way through to the backstage area.

No worries, no concerns, no care in the world. You are totally at peace, tooootally zennnn.

Fiona had been quietly watching the rest of the auditions from her seat in the audience. She had been feeling a bit tense from her own audition and was slightly fidgety when she suddenly felt the tension vanish from her body. Fiona felt at peace with herself and her fidgeting had ceased. A smile full of total zen appeared on her features.

VICTORIA GELLAR WAS LATE AND SHE WAS ALSO CRYING. when was she not, though

She sniffled her way into the auditions, hoping Daniel Yoon wasn't here to see her tearstained face...or her puffy eyes. She had worked on something to show Headmaster Trent SO hard, and the fact that she had ALMOST ENTIRELY SLEPT THROUGH IT?! She hated naps now. She would NEVER TAKE ONE EVER AGAIN.

EVIL WERE NAPS.

She took note of a lot of the familiar faces. LISA WAS HERE. And she got to see the tail end of her audition, too. SHE LOOKED SO GOOD. And she somehow...hadn't missed being called? MAYBE Trent circled around to the names who hadn't shown! V eyed the bread being passed around by the TOTALLY weird healer and shook her head quite a bit. No carbs before the dance number. After the dance number, maybe.

So V went when she was called, did her WELL PREPARED FOR A TWELVE YEAR OLD dance number and wiped the sweat from her forehead. Years of dancing school had her back on this one. SHE FELT GOOD ABOUT IT. NOW she could reward herself with some bread.

Prancing toward Healer Poppy, V took a smaller piece aaaaaand took a large chunk out of it. With her TEEEEEEEF. And....you know.

She relaxed. Her shoulders visibly slumped as she did so.

AHHHHH. How nice. The world was nice, wasn't it?

Let the record show, Emmerson did NOT appreciate being lumped with the others. If she sat with everyone else, how would the Headmaster know how much of a star she was? How was she going to secure the lead? With her name so far down the list, how could she be sure he would still be paying attention by the time it was HER turn to get on the stage.

Emm huffed, sinking into her seat with her arms folded while she waited or everyone else to be through. The only exception to her sullen expression was when Kizzy went on stage. As her biggest fan, the Gryffindor had to cheer and whistle and make it obvious that the second lead belonged to her bestie. Perfect wing-woman, even when it didn’t have to do with romance.

Finally, it was her turn.

The Third Year rose with a flourish and set to get onto the stage when…Healer Poppy? Was she trying out for the play, too? It didn’t take long for the scent of freshly baked bread to fill her nostrils. Thereafter, it was nothing but calm, smooooooth sailings for this one. Suddenly, not even the play mattered. All her worries over not being picked, all the anxiety of whether the lead was hers or not….she could scarcely remember them.

Emm sank to the floor of the stage, starfishing right there.

”Headmaster Trent? Can we just let me have the lead and then we take the break like Healer Poppy said?” She didn’t want to do anything, didn’t want to be bothered when she was feeling so…incredibly…zen.

“Will someone get me some of the strawberry break? We can share it. I could use a nap right about now—and bread.”

Malachi watched the auditions with avid interest, truly surprised by the talent he was seeing on the stage. It wasn’t that he thought his students were generally untalented, but rather he quite liked what he was seeing and was starting to think it was going to be difficult to hand out roles when this was all over.

After making a note of the previous audition, Malachi eased back in his chair to watch Cambridge. That’s when the bubbly redhead happened. Was it just him, or was it getting harder and harder to concentrate these days? He was always falling into these bouts of….calm out of nowhere and it was usually when she was around.

Like now.

The Headmaster leaned forward in his seat, trying to shake the feeling so he could really concentrate on the rest of the auditions but it seemed the harder he fought was the calmer he got. This…this definitely wasn’t right….but there was nothing he could do to stop the zen that overcame him.

Cambridge…no…no, get up. We have….we have to finish…..” Was that melon bread?

Maybe…..maybe….a small break wouldn’t hurt.

“Alright everyone, take five. Just…I dunno…have some bread, I guess.”

Ivy had already been feeling great after completing her audition and watching everyone else's audition after her. And she was a little curious to see what the others taking part backstage were up to. But then Healer Poppy swooped in with her bread, and that was an immediate distraction.

A very calming distraction too, smelling that bread. Despite feeling quite positive, those feelings faded away, quickly replaced by a peaceful zen-like state.

How wonderful that the Headmaster said they could take five. Perfect timing. Because all she wanted right now was a few slices of bread. She typically went for the strawberry bread, but the banana bread seemed to be calling her name today. She did, however, pull out her wand and levitate a slice of strawberry bread over to Emmerson. Helpful, she was. And comfortable. This seat was comfortable. And the bread was good. She could just sit here and eat it aaaall day.