Audition at the Fox

In the downpour of all downpours today I sat in my car for 10 minutes across the street from the Fox Theater in Oakland waiting for my 3 PM audition and hoping the aguacero would subside. This was really fun - I got a private mini-tour of the restored art deco theater by the lovely young female casting director, and it was looking lush. Those high pressed tin ceilings looked blue today - lighting or paint? I was taken backstage to the main stage and did my audition seated on a stool, in front of a high bar-style table covered with a black tablecloth. I was wired for mike, which is so good for the voice. For once, the casting director let me take a peek at my image....Oy, I had forgotten to wear earrings! First time ever. Then, I thought, as with my plain black zippered top with collar, and black slacks and shoes, the neutrality of no earrings might be a good thing in this case.

I read as the Soccer Mom and as a Nurse - a few scripts, not necessarily easy concepts. Mom and Nurse are adamant neighborhood proponents of the legalization of a certain popular substance.

As I was leaving we heard that drip, drip, drip - a leak had sprung from the backstage ceiling.

On my way out I said good-bye to the boys in the office - they were having a nice afternoon libation. Everyone needs a wee bit of medicine on a rainy day.

CLICK THE LINK IN THE TITLE ABOVE TO SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE FOX! BE SURE TO GO TO THE LOUNGE TO SEE THE WONDERFUL PHOTOS OF A RECENT PARTY.

A quick history of the Fox

• Opened its doors in October 1928 for 20,000 patrons.
  

• Music played on the Mighty Wurlitzer.

• There was a live stage show.
  

• Then came the "talkies."
  

• The domed theater is an exquisite mix of terra cotta tiles, paintings and deities - has the feeling of a Brahmin Temple.
  

• Architectural influences are Indian, Moorish, Medieval, and Baghdadian.
  

• Television dealt a blow to the movie business, then suburban malls and multiplexes stole the show.

• In 1966 the Fox closed. It was actually closed longer than it was open.

The Fox has endured fires, leaky roofs, decay, and graffiti. The Fox was once called "the largest outdoor urinal in the world." Amazingly, the theater escaped becoming a parking lot in 1975. In 1978 it was named an Oakland landmark.