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Monday, 30 September 2002 18:00

A taste of New York made its way into St. Louis last month. The soap opera “As The World Turns” held an open casting call to search out new acting talent for its nationally syndicated show. Over 300 people welcomed the team and stood in line on one of the hottest days of the year for the chance to become a future star.


The casting bus, filled with casting directors Mary Clay Boland and Kathleen Backel and publicist Alan Locher, began its Midwest tour at Webster University. Other casting sites in the tour included Ohio State, Vanderbilt, and Tulane, to name a few. Mr. Locher told me that the show does well in St. Louis and was attracted to the acclaimed theater department at Webster. Ms. Boland stopped by the university one week prior to the call to introduce herself and the event to the department’s students.


Actors and non-actors alike from all over Missouri and Illinois stood in line for an average of three hours for their two-minute chance to get on the show. Students from Webster and neighboring schools showed up, as well as those out of college. It was truly an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Alan Locher even called character “Simon” on his cell phone to let an actress/fan speak with him.


Carrie Houk, local C.S.A. casting director and adjunct professor at Webster, was onsite with some of her SAG students. “This is only the second time a national series has come to St. Louis to be cast and shot,” she told me. The first one was a few years ago with Lea Thompson entitled, “A Will of Their Own”.


Mr. Locher and the casting directors graciously allowed me to sit in and witness a few of the tryouts. A typical call for an actor lasted only a couple of minutes. There was an introduction, brief acting history, and possibly another question. A few people were allowed to read lines with one of the directors.


Congratulations to all who showed up for this unique opportunity! Look for the shows to air October 25 and 28. You may see someone you know on TV!