At Rockbridge High School, the same moment that juniors Jake Blonstein and Matthew Greenbaum learned that the school’s show choir qualified for finals in their competition, both young men began receiving text messages from fellow students who were attending the Missouri State Thespian Conference.
These texts detailed that Blonstein, Greenbaum, and junior Aidan McCarter were all accepted into the cast for the All-State show, Violet. McCarter is part of the gospel choir, while Blonstein will play Earl and Billy, and Greenbaum will play the creepy man and the mechanic.
“Needless to say, this rush of good news made us very excited, so we basically just cheered for each other and ourselves,” Greenbaum said.
To audition for character roles, the boys had to prepare songs to perform to a panel of judges. They then returned for callbacks, a process that was several hours long, in which they read lines and sang as different characters from the show.
“The process of becoming part of the cast was very exclusive. There are many people who came to audition from all schools over the state, but they let you know within a few minutes if you got a call back or not,” Blonstein said.
With so many competitors, earning a part was difficult, according to Greenbaum.
“Only four people from each school are even allowed to audition, and out of those very few were selected from anyone across the state,” Greenbaum said. “The fact that Parkway Central has six people representing us at a statewide level is phenomenal.”
The audition process for the choir was slightly different. McCarter submitted an application including forms, a headshot, recommendation letters, and a resume. Only one student from each school can apply.
“Of course, I am extremely excited about working alongside the other Central students who made it in,” McCarter said. “I’ve worked with all of them before, and I love doing it. They’re all wonderful people and great performers and leaders.”
Blonstein had similar viewpoints towards the merit of those cast in the show and selected as part of the crew.
“I think that every Central student on the cast and crew deserves every role they are given. It makes me so happy to have a lot of friends by my side going into a big show like this,” Blonstein said. “I never really doubted they’d get to be a part of this show, that’s just how talented Central is!”
Greenbaum shared both boys’ sentiments about his peers.
“I don’t think that I could be more happy for my fellow Centralites who made the show,” Greenbaum said. “I’m incredibly happy that Jake and I will be side by side in the cast. He’s my best friend, and working with him on such an important show is nothing short of a dream come true.”
