The management has decided to make a clean sweep of the past. The former producer, who had been there for six years, has left and the old show, which lasted for two years, will soon be gone. The new direction aims to be modern and focuses on the youth, which does not reassure everyone. Élodie, a “young” singer, laughs about it: “I’m thirty years old, but if they’re looking for young people, I’ll say I’m 22.” Most candidates are between 25 and 35 years old.
All are professionals, yet the stress is still palpable. Performances follow one another on stage. The pressure mounts each time a candidate prepares to face the jury. In front of the red glitter curtain, artists parade. From piano solos, English songs, French standards, vocal demonstrations to jazzy sounds, the choice is eclectic. The spots are competitive and time is precious: about 150 contestants are present for a maximum of only 18 spots in the review. Each candidate, whether solo, in a duo, or even a trio, has about five minutes. Due to the large number of applicants, the casting will continue on Tuesday and likely Wednesday.
This audition is no ordinary event. The candidates present are not typical casting runners. As Carol, a singer in a trio (double bass/guitar/voice), testifies: “The Ruhl stage is something special. We are used to performing concerts with our own repertoire or standards redone in our own style. Here, the exercise is different; we must express ourselves outside our own music. Plus, it’s important to perform on a recognized stage in the Alpes-Maritimes, it can open other doors in the region.” Like her, many hope to use this show as a stepping stone.
“I am a bit in the unknown,” warned just two days before, Nicolas did not know exactly what kind of show he was auditioning for. “I am more used to performing in piano bars. But if it works out, I would like to perform in a venue like this with a troupe.” That’s not the only positive aspect: “It’s nice to do auditions; you get to see people you’ve met before.” The atmosphere is relatively relaxed among the artists, and applause concludes each performance. Such harmony would be a major asset for the show if the future troupe can maintain it.
