Read Online Curtain Up by Lisa Fiedler - Free Book Online Page A

kinds of talents.”
    I paused when the door swung open.
    Every head turned to see the silhouette of a girl standing in the sunlight-flooded doorway. She held her pose for a moment as though she were expecting a round of applause. Then she stepped out of the glare, and I saw who it was.
    I should have known. Who else but Sophia Ciancio would consider the sun her own personal spotlight?

“You’re late,” said Susan.
    â€œAm I?” Sophia looked utterly unapologetic as she glided across the old wooden planks of the floor.
    I forced myself not to make eye contact, and continued, “My goal for this summer is not only to put on a totally entertaining show, but also to have some major fun. Today, as you know, we’re going to hold auditions.”
    At this, a few kids squirmed in their seats. Some looked worried.
    I knew that look; it was exactly how I’d looked on the day of soccer tryouts.
    Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Susan turn away. I guess she didn’t want to see the disappointment on the actors’ faces when I told them some of them weren’t going to get to stick around long enough to join in on that major fun.
    And suddenly I knew I didn’t want to see it either.
    These kids had come here with big dreams. They wanted to be in a show . . . my show . . . and it occurred to me that there was no reason why every single one of them shouldn’t get that chance.
    I was the director, after all. I made the rules. And rule number one (which I made up on the spot) was that everyone in this room would be part of the cast. I would keep all of them.
    I felt the smile spread across my face.
    â€œIn this case,” I explained, “you’re not auditioning to be in the show because you already are in the show.”
    I snuck a glance and saw that both Austin and Susan were smiling.
    Sophia let out a snort. “That’s so parks and rec.”
    I ignored her.
    â€œI don’t get it,” said Sam. “If we’re all automatically in the show, why do we have to audition?”
    â€œBecause we have to decide which roles are right for which actors. Once we see what everyone can do, Austin and I will cast you in the most appropriate parts.”
    â€œWhat if we don’t like the parts you give us?” asked Madeline.
    â€œThat’s show biz, kid.” Teddy laughed. “You take what youget, and you like it.”
    I was glad he’d said it so I didn’t have to. The last thing I needed was a bunch of cranky kids complaining about their parts.
    â€œWe’ll do our best to make everyone happy,” Austin promised. “But remember, there are no small parts, only small actors.”
    I smiled at his use of that old theater adage, which just happened to be absolutely true.
    â€œWhat Austin means is that every part is important,” I clarified. “Even the smaller roles matter, and it’s up to the actors to be big enough to make the most of them.”
    Maxie raised her hand. “I signed up for costumes and makeup,” she reminded me. “What am I supposed to do during auditions?”
    Austin held up a copy of the script and smiled. “You can look this over and start getting ideas for wardrobe possibilities. You can also sit in on some of the auditions. That’ll definitely inspire you.” He pointed to Deon. “As our tech specialist, D, you should take a look at the script as well. Maybe start jotting down notes for lighting cues.”
    â€œOkay,” said Deon. “But . . . what’s a lighting cue?”
    Austin and I exchanged glances. Deon was an electrical genius and a tinkerer of the first order, but apparently, hewould need to be taught how to apply these skills to a theater setting.
    â€œI’ll explain it all later,” said Austin with a sigh.
    â€œSusan,” I said, “will you please hand out the sides?”
    Susan nodded and hopped to it. And before anyone could ask,