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Oxford rained.

Audition Experiences

Lauren

I'd found out about the audition on the "bridgetothestars" website. I was really enthusiastic to give it a go even though the chance was very slim. It didn't take much to persuade my parents, they knew how much I loved acting and "his dark materials" trilogy not to mention the character of Lyra. I felt I could empathise with Lyra, I carried some of her qualities although some of those qualities are hidden so I'd love the chance to bring them out in acting. I'd got permission of my head teacher and the plan was set. Me and Dad would travel down from the midlands, where I live, and stay in a travel lodge the night before heading into Cambridge the next day.

When the night finally arrived I packed my stuff and me and Dad drove off after saying goodbye to my sister and Mum. We listened to Bob Marley on the way down and the journey seemed to go by really quickly. We finally arrived at 9:30 but I was still full of energy after a quick shower I hopped into bed.

The next morning dad woke me. I got changed and had a huge cooked breakfast to keep me going throughout the day. We made sure we hadn't left anything behind and set off into Cambridge.

We finally found a car park and took a shortcut across a field. The closer we came to the Corn Exchange the more young girls with their parents we saw and we figured they were heading for the same place. As we turned into the spot we saw hoards and hoards of other hopefuls, and I'm not a crowd person. We eventually found the end of the queue which expanded bit by bit behind us every minute. I got talking to the girl in front of me which seemed to pass the time. We chatted about the book. But the wait was still a long one. Everyone around us had their Philip Pullman books to hand and I was no exception. We gradually got closer and closer to the last stretch and I was becoming increasingly cold as I cuddled up to my dad.

Finally we got to the front and I was to go in next. I saw various cameras and news reporters and I started to count down the minutes. At last we were called in. We crossed the road into a building. Parents sat in the hall and we were taken in. I clutched my form which I'd filled out earlier and wished my new friend from the queue good luck. We stood in a semi circle and told each other our name and where we came from although that was already on the form. Some were told to wait behind and the others were dismissed. I was really disappointed because we didn't get to do anything and I'd queued for 2hours and 3o minutes .

It would have been easier to just send off a form with a photo as all they did was look at us. I didn't really get a chance to shine and I think that just because I don't look like an immediate Lyra doesn't mean that that can't come out in acting. They picked all the younger ones which I think means they could've restricted the age to 11 if they didn't want elders. I'm critical of the way the system the worked as it was unfair and they will have missed out on some talent. However I can only say I tried and the person they pick can't suit everyone's image of Lyra. I'll know not to get my hopes up next time and I'm glad I had the experience.

Quite a lot.

Jess

Today was the day I had been waiting for! I was so excited. I left my house at 8 o'clock and arrived at Cambridge at 9. The queue's opened early at 9:30am and I was seen by 12 o'clock. We went into a room with the casting directors, Lucy Bevan and Fiona Weir. We made a semi circle and they went around asking us our names and where we came from. Then we were asked questions and some people put their hands up and answered. These were the ones who went through in the end. It was a good day and I am sad I didn't get through but I am trying to pursuade my dad to take me to the Oxford ones!

Jess, Essex

Lorna

But Cambridge, another old university town, enjoyed sunshine.

Hey to all you Pullman fans, my name's Lorna and I'm here to tell you about my recent 'Mini Adventure' to Cambridge for my very first audition. I'm 15 years of age, meaning I was at an instant disadvantage. I figured due to my height and slight baby-face, they'd give me a chance. Turns out I was wrong. Sorry to put a downer on you all, girls, but...My day was, to say the least, a let down. A rather large one at that.

I live in Portsmouth, which as some of you may know is in the southern-most part of England. After explaining about the auditions to my Mum and Dad, they let me go. They're very enthusiastic about me and my performing, so gladly let me go. A few strings had to be pulled, but my Dad and I were soon on our way to Cambridge. We arrived in a nearby hotel late Monday night, about 11:30pm. We lived so far away, this was our only chance of getting there at least somewhat early on the Tuesday morning.

We found the Corn exchange, got a parking place, and set off on our merry way. I had a mixture of nervousness and excitement rumbling around with my tummy. Or, perhaps that was just because I was hungry? Either way, my stomach was growling at me, annoyingly.

The sight that met my eyes shocked me. HUNDREDS of girls and their guardians met my eyes. I lost count of how many times I said 'Oh My God' as I passed them by. I reached the end of the line with regret, but soon cheered up as I made friends with those around me. I also got a mocha in a nearby shop, which of course was an added bonus. After an amazingly chilly wait, 3 and a half hours to be precise, I went in with about 100 or so other girls into the Corn Exchange. I bid my Dad goodbye, he wished me good luck. I was going to need it.

We were all thanked for coming, and the doors were opened for us. Every girl was smaller than me, I was the eldest there! I realised that my chances were VERY slim at this point. I did have a laugh though, trying to organise the younger girls so they'd all fit through the door without killing eachother with their pent up anticipation. And so we stood in a semi-circle around the casting directors, Fiona and Lucy. They were lovely, kind, very welcoming and polite. We all jumped around to warm up, and in turn said our names.

'Lorna, from Portsmouth!' I had said, loudly and cheerfully. That was all I ever got asked, sadly. Others were asked questions, such as, 'What is a D�mon?' and 'What would YOUR D�mon look like?'. Some were chosen to have their photo's done. I wasn't one of them. Nor were about 95 of the other girls, maybe more. We all sadly trapsed out, and were thanked for coming along again.

I met with my Dad, and I refused to let this put me down. And girls, don't let it put you down either, should you be 'rejected', to put it in a nasty way. In most cases, you probably just didn't look like what they wanted to find in their 'Lyra'. Or maybe, like me, you were just too old. They never saw me act once, so, rejection doesn't mean you have no acting skills. All I can do is wish the rest of you hopefuls the best of luck in your auditions. I hope you do better than me, ey?

Lorna Salmon, Portsmouth, 15

The end of the queue was rather distant..

Emily

I've had a great day out in Cambridge at the auditions. We started the day early, and joined the massive queue at about 9 o clock. After waiting for literally HOURS and almost freezing outside in the cold, it was finally our turn. We were put in groups of about 40 � 50 girls and we all excitedly entered the Corn Exchange. Each of us was asked our name and where we came from, and then the casting directors asked a few of us some questions about daemons and animals. When the questions had been answered, three lucky girls were asked to stay behind and have their picture taken and read some of the script. Unfortunately, I was not one of these people. I feel that if there was time and I could have had a bit more to say, then I might have had a better chance. Despite this I had a fantastic time and I hope that I will be going to plenty more auditions in the future.

Saffron

This morning I woke up at 7.30, got dressed, had breakfast and arrived at the auditions at Kendal around about 9.30pm. I expected it be be a bit busy but there was at least 700 people already lining up ...it was chaos! We waited in the pouring rain and chilly wind for over 2 hours by that time all the queuing space had been filled up and there were people along the road and out of the gates. I had NEVER seen so many people in my life!

Anyway, I finally got to the front of the queue and was put into a grup of 40-50 people. Then we went to meet a very cheerful man called Charlie who greeted us. After that we were led into a hall and were told to say our names, ages and where we came from. After some people were asked questions like what are daemons? and what would YOUR daemon look like etc. Then these two women took 3 people out of the group (I was one of them) and took our photographs. She then took us off to answer some questions and to say some things in front of a camera...

After that they said they would contact us if they needed us. Well, I'm just happy to have got this far :) Good luck to everyone else!

Here adults would surrender their children.

KittyKat

Hiya, I'm KittyKat (my message name on BttS) and I'm gonna tell you exactly what to expect from the auditions. We got up early, 6 am so we could park the car there, and it is sooo much easier to do that than come late, let me tell you. anyway, because it was raining, they started letting people in early, at about 8:30 and i was in by nine. So to start with we made a semi-circle around Lucy Bevan and were told to jog on the spot to warm up. Then we had to say our first name, age and where we were from. Next, people they were interested in (I know because they conferred at this point) were asked questions. those questions were:

What is a daemon?
What would your daemon look like?
What's your favourite character?
Where would you go on an adventure?

Nobody got to put their hand up, and they only asked the blondes. It was very unfair as those who were picked were also blonde. My blonde - haired friend got asked a question, just to prove the point. So altogether, the morning was unfair and disappointing but since we got there early we were on the way home by 10, the scheduled starting time. I hope that has helped all you Lyra wannabes out there!

KittyKat x

Catherine

Hi, my name is Catherine and I'm 13. I was very pleased to say I was one of the lucky girls to get through to the 'second round.'

What happens is that a group of 20-50 girls are invited into the hall and are told to stand in a semi-circle around the casting directors. They asked everyone going round the semi-circle their name, age and where they were from! Next they asked about 5 of the girls a question: like what would you daemon be if you had one, or who your favourate character is. Then an average of 4 girls from each group are asked to stay behind and the rest are told to go. Then the few that are left have their photo taken and they are filmed acting a bit of the script - though some only have their photo taken and are told to go home after that. The ones who are going to be filmed are given a script to read over and then have to wait for their turn to go into the room where the ladies who are doing the filming are. When you go in you are told to sit on a chair infront of the camera. They ask you a few questions again; I got asked the same ones as they asked me in the hall, and then asked to read the script. I remeber them only turning the camera on when we started reading the script, not before! I read the script through with one of the ladies. Once i had finished she thanked me for coming and said they would ring if anything happened; I'm geussing this means if i get further. I hope this helps any more hopefulls!

As I had done this sort of thing before i wasn't to nervous but i wqas having a good old chat with two other lucky girls who got through with me, Amy and Seren, i wish them good luck!! and to anyone else who is auditioning on the later dates just remember not to feel nervous or get your hopes up because its horrible to get your hopes up and not get through as at first they had turned me away, and i felt awfull because i had gotten my hopes up, but just before i walked ooout the door they called me back, also for thoughs who get through the fist 'step' read through the lines so you dont feel as nervous! and make sure you know a little about the books!!

The hallowed gates.

Sophie

I went to the oxford auditions today; I woke up at 5:00 and my mum drove us to the park and ride in Oxford.

After we caught the bus and headed towards the town centre. I was so excited!!! We got there at 7:10, there was quite a few people there already, fortunatly we were in the middle of the queue and lots more people were clambereing through the gates. Luckily because there were so many people already there they opened the doors at 8:30.

After a bit of a wait it was my turn to go in along with lots more people. We were seperated from are parents and took up some stairs in to a big room. We then met Lucy and Fiona (the casting directors) We all were in a big circle and were asked to say our name,age and where we came from. Then Lucy and Fiona asked some people some questions.

I was very disapointed that they only asked people questions with brown or ginger hair. Sadly they didn't ask me any questions. I thought i had a good chance, also i think they should of asked everyone a question.

I'd like to say that if you're going to the Exector audition don't get your hopes up to high, i did and i was so miserable all day that i didn't get through to the second round. Good luck to all!!!

Laura

I heard about the auditions on Newsround and my parents instantly agreed. I got up at 5:44 to go to Oxford we drove down to Pear Tree park and ride. Me and my dad caught the bus at 6:45. We finally got in the queue 7:00, the queue wasn't that big, but it grew quite rapidly. At eight thirty someone announced that the queue would open early due to the size of the queue. I was talking to the person behind me as we were waiting to go in. I was in the 4th group of about 50 to go in.

When we got in we were told to warm up, next we went upstairs while our parents stayed downstairs. When we got upstairs we were told to do things like jog on the spot by Lucy and Fiona the casting directors. Then we were told to say our name, age and where we were from. After Fiona and Lucy picked random people questions I was one of them, the questions were:

What is a Daemon?
What would your daemon be?
Who is your favourite character?
Where would you go on an adventure?

Six people were picked to have there Photo taken, I was one of them. 4 of those people were picked to read a bit of the script, I was one of them. Then one person was picked out of those four to read a second part of the script, I was that person. The person who was helping me with the script said they would ring me if they wanted me to go further! Good luck to everyone who is going to Exeter and everyone who read a second part of the script!

Laura Maxwell
Aged 10

The umbrella contest heated up.

Annie

Hello all you Dark Materials fans my name is Annie/Annabelle, I'm 11 years old and I'm going to tell you exactly what happened at the oxford auditions! Well I arrived at oxford around 10:50am and joined the que(it was sooooooooooo long) at 11:05am- the que lasted for 5 hours and for 3 hours it was raining non stop! When we eventually got through the gates of the oxford examination schools there was another hour queing but that was quite exciting as Lizo from newsround was filming and taking photos from a window we all spotted him and started to wave and cheer, my friend and I didn't wave that much and more photos were taken in our direction!

When we got through the doors , there were about 50 of us, we all stood in a hall warming up with our parents as we had been standing in the cold for 5 hours! Then the parents were asked stay behind while they took us through to a room. We all stood in a circle around the casters and they asked us to go round in a circle and say our name and where we came from. After we had all said our part they asked 3 or 4 people to tell them thier fave character in Northen Lights. They asked me and I said " Pantalaimon because I like it when he argues with Lyra as it's quite funny!" Then they picked two girls ( I was one of them) and told the others to leave and that they were very sorry but they couldn't choose everyone.

The other girl and I were then taken to have our photos taken, after that we were given a script to read over while they set up something. Then we were asked to read the script to a them while a camera filmed us. I was very nervouse but I didn't mess up...i hope! We then went home but I saw them take the other girl back into the film room when I was leaving, I suppose she was better than me as she went to drama school whereas I have had no acting experience what so ever! Well thats it from and thats what you should expect if you are attending the other auditions! Remember not everyone can be chosen but don't let that get you down I'm sure your a brilliant actress and has long as you belive in yourself you always will be!

From,
Annie!

Laura

Hi,

My name's Laura and I went to the auditions at Oxford.

It all started when my friend told me that there was some film auditions for Lyra in northern lights, I was interested as I liked the books and loved the play I saw at the national theatre in London. At first it was a joke but then I managed to persuade my mum who very kindly took me and my freind to the auditions.We both loved Oxford and thought it had nicer, old fashioned buildings than London.

We waited outside me, my friend and a girl we met in the que, huddled up trying to get warm.Finally they let us in at 8.30, We arrived at 6.40 or something and so didn't have to que much just wait till they let us in, I would advise you to try and get there early. We entered the hall in the second batch of about 50 or so and said our name age and where we came from.Then rwo very nice ladies asked about 15 people questions these were:

What is a daemon?
What would your daemon look like?
Where would you go an adventure?

I was one of the ones who was asked the last question. She then picked 5 girls (I was one) and we had to have our picture taken and gave them our pinkforms with information about us on it.We then were free to go home.We got let out at 9.15 , 45 minutes before the que was meant to open. At 10 there were huge ques and I felt sorry for the people as I passed, you really should go early.

Many trod the cobbled streets..

Caitlin

Hi!

My name's Caitlin and on 13th April I went to the auditions for Lyra at the Exeter University's Great Hall. My journey started the day before because I live in South Wales and my mum wouldn't be able to drive down and back in 1 day! We were meant to leave our house at 11am but my mum had to do some things before leaving. We eventually left home at 3pm and arrived in Exeter at about 5pm. We stayed at the Thistle Hotel in Queen Street (which took AGES to find!!). I was hungry so we had dinner at McDonalds!

After we got back to our room I read a bit of the Subtle Knife (the 2nd book of His Dark Materials) and went to bed. It took me a long time to get to sleep! I was really excited! In the morning, I had a shower and my mum packed our bags. We then went for breakfast in a coffee shop in the High Street. We went back to our car and set off for the University!

A lot of cars were heading towards the University so we followed them. We parked our car and went to the Great Hall. It was an adventure finding the Great Hall because there were no temporary signs saying were the auditions were. Eventually all of us found it. There were a lot of people with us searching for it.

At the time the queue was quite big. There were about 300 people in front of us. We stood outside for a long time. We had to fill in these yellow forms asking for our names,ages,date of births, addresses, our schools and parent infomation. Finally we got into the Great Hall. A man asked us to stand to one side (all the girls) and the parents to another side. He told us about what we would be doing. He made us jump up and down and hop and all sorts of wacky stuff!! It was so funny!! He then told us to go upstairs where Fiona and Lucy (the casting directors for the film) stood waiting for us. They told us to stand in a semi-circle around them. They asked our names and where we came from. They then asked us questions:

Have you read the books? If so, what is a demon? and What sort of demon would you have? (they asked this question to a few people)

They called 2 people back. I wasn't one of them though. They told us all thanks for coming and gave us bookmarks with the Northern Lights logo on.

I didn't think it was a fair day because they asked the blondes questions and the girls asked to stay behind were blonde. They should have been more specific with the information about the auditions. Why couldn't they say, "We're looking for blonde haired girls to play the part of Lyra"? It was an enjoyable experience but unfair as well.

Tash

i went to the exeter auditions today!

i left my house at 6 and got there for 7, not many people were there. we got in at about 9:30. then they let a group of about 30 of us in and we went in to a room where we met the casting directors lucy and fiona. we then all stood in a semi-circle and we got asked our names and where we came from, then what we thought a daemon was, and then what our daemon would settle in to when we reached adoulesens. then they asked 4 girls to stay behind but unluckily i wasn't ask!! and they took their photo and then we got lead out to our parents. but on the way out they gave us a book mark as a reminder!

Laura

Hi everyone, i'm Laura. Today i went to the exeter auditions. I didnt have to queue for as long as most people for some reason so i didnt get too cold! I got kind of a big build up as i was waiting to go in but when i finally got through the enormous doors past the scary security men...

It was over so fast! :(

I did try to talk CONFIDENTLY, not STUTTER and REMEMBER MY NAME. I thought i did okay but i kind of stood out (in a bad way), i was the oldest one there by far! :( In the end i didnt get called back and was a bit disappointed...

Ah well, i just wasnt their 'Lyra' Good luck to everyone who got through to the next stages and, future Lyra, DO HDM JUSTICE!!!! PLEASE byeeee

L xxx

Tasmin

..but all made it there in the end.

hey my name is tasmin and i went to the exeter auditions

i was staying at my grandparents at the time and they dont live far from the university so we left at 11:30 and got there at 12 the que wasnt as long as i thought it would be! we had to fill in yellow forms with all our details etc. it was quite nerve-racking coz tons of ppl were reading the book and i havent read it! inside we had to stand in a semi circle and say our name, age and were we were from. then they asked who had read the book. then out of them they asked 1 girl to explain what a deamon was. then they asked 6 girls (i were 1 of them) wat animal thier deamon would be. then they asked 3 to stay behind. i were annoyed from then on coz they picked the youngest and smallest out of the 6 ppl. i think that the way they auditioned us was really stupid as no one but those 3 girls could show off our acting skills.

Ruth

Hi! I auditioned for the lyra auditions in Kendall.

I'm from round stoke-on-trent; my mum and I had to catch the 6.00 train!!! When we got to kendall, we went for breakfast in a cafe, then got a taxi to the castle green hotel. When we arrived the weather was fine, everything was great...then we realised how long the queues were !! We had heard a man talking on his phone in the cafe, saying the queues were 250 people long...and that was 2 hours before the auditions were suppost to start! I made friends with the girl in front of me, called Olivia, she was really nice and we are from a similar area so it was cool!

But then it stared raining, everyone but their umbreallas up. We then realised, there was a whole load more waiting to do at the top of the hill....."oh well," I said, "it could be worse!!!!!" We waited for 3 hours; some clever people had brought a picnic table, but our feet were aching and i was sooooo hungry!!!!! But then , the moment we'd all been waiting for im the rain.......

We got taken up some steps, and along a balcony (where we saw how funny it looked, a sea of multicoloures umbrellas!! I laughed out loud, and got some pretty strange looks). Our parents were left outside with our coats- except mine cos i forgot- and a scarily cheerful man called charlie (I think) led us into a kind of empty room. We were told to stand in a circle, then we had to go round saying what our name is, how old we are, and where we are from.....I was one of the last, totally freaked, and told them my name was Alsager! (the town I live in) !!!! Then I went, no, no my names ruth! between giggling hysterically and dying of embarrasment..........any way, the people asked random people questions- not me- such as, what would you daemon look like, what is a daemon, which school do you go to, and things like that. 3 girls were chosen (you, girl with a pink jacket, go and stand over there please) etc. , and the rest of us were told very nicely to go away. Just a me and Olivia sighed ( and I squealed as I tripped over my scarf which had somehow ended up round my ankles) one of them came up to me and said, and you please!!!!!!

And i was, like, Oh maaaaan!!!! Then, they took a photo of us on one of those cameras where you press it and the piccy comes straight out- I had to stick it to my yellow sheet thingy- and they said, you guys can go now. I was like, OK!