TV Sitcom Audition UPDATE – April 17, 2010
Just got back home from my audition in Grand Rapids for the TV sitcom. It was a very interesting and fun experience! I’ve done quite a bit of auditioning in my life, but this was the first time I auditioned at a movie theater. Celebration Theater in Grand Rapids, Michigan has office space surrounding the lobby area, so they utilized a bunch of open rooms for the auditions – it was very professional (and somewhat intimidating)!
When I walked in everyone had “GoFers” t-shirts on. That’s the name of the sitcom… “GoFers”. It’ll be filmed on-location in Grand Rapids, Michigan once casting is done and the shooting schedule begins. The show is about a delivery company called “GoFers”. Get it… “GoFers” because they go fer stuff to be delivered? Clever name, eh?
I’ve never auditioned for a production that already had t-shirts made. You could tell this was serious business, not some college or high school kids thinking it’d be fun to just give this TV show thing a try.
I got there an hour early because I just couldn’t kill any more time. There are only so many times you can play Texas Hold’em on your phone, and I’d gone through my lines so many times that I was beginning to wonder if I wasn’t actually Bill Butler, the character I was auditioning for.
I arrived early enough that they shuffled me in first – I was the first audition of the day! I took the script they gave me and put my own twist on it; hopefully it’ll get me noticed. I’m sure having it memorized didn’t hurt. I met a couple of guys there that had only heard about the audition opportunity yesterday and had no script to look at beforehand. They would have to go in to do a cold read while I’ve had several days to look over the script, try a few different angles to get my own personality into it, and then memorize it before auditioning for the producers.
I think I did pretty well. I auditioned for one group, then they sent me to another room on the other side of the building… and I auditioned again. (Another first for me – auditioning twice for the same role!) My guess is that the first room was simply a test to see if you had any talent whatsoever before sending you in for the actual audition. It felt like I was singing in front of some nameless faces in order to make my way in front of Simon, Randy, Cara, and Ellen. The producers told me it was a “good thing” I made it to the second room, so I’ll take them at their word. 
They were casting for the lead roles as well as for supporting roles… including the roles of the various drivers who deliver for GoFers . Of course, I’d absolutely love to get the lead role, but it’d still be awesome if I get a supporting role in each episode as one of the drivers. I can totally see myself playing comic relief as a GoFers delivery guy!
I appreciate all of the prayers from everyone that took time to send them up for me today. Thank you! Once I hear either way about the show I will most certainly let everyone know!
This is exciting, Darren!
Comment by Cindy Swanson — April 17, 2010 @ 8:27 pm
An on-site callback is pretty great
It’s so nice to see folks in entertainment who aren’t bitter, jaded and super negative. I enjoy reading your blogs.
Comment by Amelia — April 19, 2010 @ 11:25 am
Darren… YOU HAVE TALENT !!! and lots of it…. you’re funny man! But that’s just the tip of the Marlar juggernaut. You have all the elements needed to become a lot more than what you already are. It is my opinion that you belong under the directorate of professionals.
I hope these folks for whom you auditioned see it as plainly as thousands
of others. This isn’t a “pat on the back” …far from it… you’re aspiring
to enter a world that is topsy turvy different from the one you know. But that’s the beauty of it all… you’ve made it to a level of recognition most never achieve… now you’re about to go farther than you thought you might all those months ago when you decided
to make all the right moves. You’re there! All you gotta do now is get on the right bus
Comment by roycee — April 19, 2010 @ 11:53 pm
Darren,
You always have me rolling on the floor in tears, but then again I guess I shouldn’t watch you while I’m eating – that Hymlic thing only works so many times. Actually, you seem so very nice. Something you don’t see too often in extremely talented people. You’re the best and thanks for all the laughs and pick me ups! Greatly appreciated.
See ya,
Gary
http://www.garyconnolly.com
http://www.navag.org
Comment by Gary Connolly — April 20, 2010 @ 12:56 am
Darren, you cracked me up at the various charity shows I saw you at and I am glad that now you might have a chance to do this on a much larger platform. You are great at entertaining people and you have a very postive aura about you. This TV show would be blessed to have you. An y show can hire top notch writers, but you can’t buy the sincere good nature that you bring to the table. Can’t wait to see you on the tube.
Comment by Marcos Asale Lara — April 20, 2010 @ 1:38 am
DUUUUUDE! This is so cool! If anyone deserves to be on a show it’s you! I’m psyched for it! I mean you are a great comic and I have loved your stuff from the beginning!
Go get em brother!
-Jay
Comment by Jay Johnson — April 20, 2010 @ 4:09 am
Darren,
You are very talented!!! The people you auditioned for would be very
fortunate to get you especially in the leading role. We love to listen to
you whenever we have the opportunity. Unfortunately, living in Texas,
opportunities don’t come around very often. The people here just haven’t
had the chance to see how witty, funny and talented you are. My granddaughters
love to listen to you and do so frequently on their way to school.Best of luck!!! Who knows! Maybe the professionals that you auditioned for will recognize all of the raw talent ready to be molded and it will even air the program on a channel that we will be able to watch
here in the Dallas area!!!!
Comment by Renee — April 20, 2010 @ 4:26 am
Cheers! You have the talent and an “unforgettable” personalitiy! They’d be crazy not to cast you!
Comment by Jinny Laderer — April 20, 2010 @ 5:23 am
Darren
I have seen you on stage just once and have your CD. I don’t think I’ll
ever get tired of your natural humor. You are indeed a very funny guy.
I would love to see you get into something so that everyone could enjoy
you on a regular basis. TV would be a natural for you. My wife and I
think you are the greatest. Go for the brass ring. You will make it.
Comment by Rich — April 20, 2010 @ 5:32 am
Nice Darren, good luck sir. You deserve the very best. I have produce a lot of
Peace!
concert spots for comedians over the years. Acts that are nationally touring
acts in huge venues. Producing your spot sir was refreshing. Nothing to
sensor! It’s good to know that good clean fun is still alive and well in our country.
Keep up the good fight Darren. Keep believing in yourself, bring others like us along
for the ride, and you sir will go far. Just remember us little people when your up
there.
Jimbo
–
jim kipping – voice creative
http://www.jimkipping.com
212-748-9476 (nyc)
310-691-9476 (la)
312-224-2743 (chicago)
jim@jimkipping.com
isdn.a/v-post.hd
Comment by Jim Kipping — April 20, 2010 @ 5:32 am
Big Dog!!!
I knew this was coming years ago!! You are the MAN! You are so funny
I cant wait to see you in the role – I love it!!
again cant wait to see the show – good luck!!
Bryon in Illinois
Comment by bryon poirier — April 20, 2010 @ 6:51 am
WOOT!!! GO!GO!GO!
Comment by RayScott — April 20, 2010 @ 7:18 am
Darren, this is really the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your acting talent and comic timing. I would love to see this happen for you. Break a leg!
Comment by Cindy Swanson — April 20, 2010 @ 7:35 am
Look at all of those years of memorizing traffic sponsorships paying off!! Congrats man and good luck. If your TV/acting work ethic is anything like what you did in radio you’ll have no problem going far. Woo-hoo!
Comment by Lobster Boy — April 20, 2010 @ 7:45 am
Darren…best wishes, man, and thanks for all the help you’;ve given our show over the years!
Comment by Tommie Lee — April 20, 2010 @ 7:47 am
I have no idea what the sitcom will actually be about but I can totally
see you in a role like that. I hope you get it and can’t wait to see it!
Comment by Herb — April 20, 2010 @ 7:50 am
Darren I can’t wait to hear more about what happens! You’d be awesome
on a sitcom! The fact that you’re such a devoted hard worker with a good
attitude and still teachable from directors would make you a dream to
have on the set!
Comment by Beth Warden — April 20, 2010 @ 8:16 am
Awesome man!! Sounds like a great opportunity, both for you and for the producers of this show. To have someone of your talent, professionalism and positive attitude on the set would be a dream! Not to mention the ability you’d have to nock ratings out of the park!
Godd Luck!
Comment by Terry Michaels — April 20, 2010 @ 8:45 am
of course i mean KNOCK ratings out of the park. not NOCK… sorry broen eyboard…
Comment by Terry Michaels — April 20, 2010 @ 8:47 am
Wow, this is great Darren, hope to see you on the 3d TV soon! Lets Do Lunch, LOL
Comment by Olga & Dan — April 20, 2010 @ 9:01 am
Wow… I wish I got replies like this to ALL of my blog posts! THANK YOU EVERYBODY!
Comment by Darren Marlar — April 20, 2010 @ 9:08 am
Keep swingin’ for the rafters Darren. If anyone deserves a role like this it’s you! Peace from Canada!
Comment by Jeff Bolt — April 20, 2010 @ 9:39 am
I find it refreshing that you’re not having to take the “F-Bomb” path in your career. So many of the big name performers had to resort to vulgarity early in their career to make a name, then they’ve backed off to go more mainstream as actors and performers. It would be nice to see your success – based on taking the high road – continue. Kudos.
Comment by Andrew — April 20, 2010 @ 10:13 am
Awesome! If your comedy is in it, I’m guaranteed to watch; if you’re a lead, I’d buy the DVDs too!
Comment by Matt — April 20, 2010 @ 10:34 am
Darren! What a great opportunity! I’m thrilled that you auditioned for this part–and I hope you get it. I’m one of those people who is tough to get a chuckle out of, but every one of your essays I’ve read (like those on http://www.thechristianpulse.com/) has made me actually laugh. You’d be a great asset to a comedy show. I hope you get the part (or a part).
It’s fun to hear about this world of auditions that I know nothing about. Very interesting for this aspiring screenwriter!
Best wishes to you Darren. Keep us posted on what happens!
Comment by Dianne E. Butts — April 20, 2010 @ 10:53 am
Hey Darren, I’m not surprised you showed up an hour early and knew all your lines. You’re a complete pro and your radio experience has certainly taught you the value of “show prep.” If they pass you up for this sitcom deal, they should “GoFer” a head exam!
Good luck, buddy!
Comment by Neal — April 20, 2010 @ 11:28 am
Darren, I’m so hyped – I’d actually get cable just to see you on tv. Don’t forget us little people, buddy! Your professionalism, quick wit and easygoing personality are sure to win over the big guys at Go-Fers. Funny – I had actually thought of starting that type of business with that name. Ha! Obviously, it’s a good thing I didn’t.
Comment by Charmel — April 20, 2010 @ 11:56 am
Darren;
Sounds exciting and what an opportunity! Keep pressing on!
Comment by Paul Cameron — April 20, 2010 @ 12:16 pm
Fabulous, Darren! I hope this works out for you. What a great opportunity!
Comment by Jodi Whisenhunt — April 20, 2010 @ 12:46 pm
Way to go, Darren! You’re a natural for the “Go-fer” show! (Is that a compliment? You may never know!!!)
Comment by Kathi Macias — April 20, 2010 @ 2:56 pm
If anybody embodies the spirit of Bill Butler — It’s Darren Marlar! I hope you get it, I’ll have my whole family watching!
Comment by Rik — April 20, 2010 @ 3:42 pm
Darren…these people will not regret having you on this show. Best of luck…I think you’re a no-brainer for them! Take care!
Comment by Johnathon — April 21, 2010 @ 6:08 am
Darren, Break a leg. As they say in show business. You’re already a SuperStar. But I know one of these days you will get your *STAR* on the Hollywood walk of fame. You’re so talent. Keep the Faith!
Comment by Jean Steinmetz — April 21, 2010 @ 1:33 pm
You’re the man, Darren. Working with you as often as I do, I KNOW how talented you are!
Comment by Ron Swanson — April 22, 2010 @ 3:26 pm