It’s audition season at Tuacahn, which means the casting crew is basically living on the road. Hitting five cities in two weeks, followed by a two-week stint in New York City makes for an exhausting but exhilarating time, with plenty of stories to share.

…we have driven about 1,200 miles!
~ Zoe Baird

We caught up with Zoe Baird, Tuacahn company manager, in the middle of the audition tour to answer just a few questions about what it’s like seeing the 2022 cast begin to take shape.

(All comments are current as of Jan. 31, 2022)

How many people have you seen during the auditions and for how many roles?
Baird: This audition season is unique because of COVID. In accordance with Actors’ Equity guidelines, we started with virtual audition submissions where our creative teams watched over a thousand video submissions. From these videos, we have chosen many for in person callbacks and we are looking to cast approximately 36 performers.

How many flights have you been on?
Baird: Only two flights so far, but we have driven about 1,200 miles!

How many times have your flights been delayed or cancelled?
Baird: Not once! Very lucky! But New York is still to come…

How many cups of coffee does it take to keep you all fueled?
Baird: I can’t even begin to count… But two a day for at least four people so about 135! Is there ever enough?

Favorite thing to see/do while on the road?
Baird: Having all these talented human beings auditioning in person in a room!  Some have not auditioned in over two years. It can be very emotional for them and seeing their joy after having a great audition is always rewarding.

Currently the Tuacahn audition team in collaboration with Wojcik Casting Team of  NYC is selecting for parts in Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, Wonderland and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. But soon they’ll be back on the road auditioning for roles in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.