by Matt Keeley. Instagram: @reallymattkeeley. Bluesky: @reallymattkeeley.bsky.social.

VERNON HILLS, IN - Hopeful hearts in the Rolling Meadows Theater lobby swelled with reassurance after callback director PJ Knowles took a moment to let everyone know that he really appreciates their time.
“I felt concerned after driving 45 minutes to the theater, only to find 28 other actors called back for just three roles,” confided actor Marie Thiel, who had prepared seven callback sides to only read five sentences before being sent back to the waiting room. “But then the sweetest thing happened. The casting director came out and personally told the room that they really appreciate our time. Isn’t that just so thoughtful? It makes waiting for an update that much more considerate.”
Many of the enamored hopefuls found solace in the unexpectedly heartfelt reassurance.
“I wound up having to call off my day job and finding a dogsitter last-minute in order to make it today,” admitted attendee Mary Teal, whose callback email had been sent out one whole day beforehand. "But boy was I lucky I could prep the sides in time! I only had to reschedule a family dinner and stay up until 3am learning lines. I know it’s a lot, but they taught me in acting school that if you don’t put in the effort, there’ll be a hundred more people who do. And hey, they’ve got free coffee here at least!”
Knowles himself expressed sympathy and appreciation for everyone’s involvement in what can be a time-consuming process. Even you. Yeah, you :)
“I take callbacks seriously. Casting the show correctly is 95% percent of what determines its success, so it’s worth taking the time to do it right. Their time, specifically. Precious, uncompensated time which doesn’t guarantee work now or in the future. I want to make sure everyone feels seen, appreciated, and considered — even if for a moment. And we so appreciate you driving all this way, but we don’t validate parking.”
As of press time, sources report that Knowles expressed feeling truly grateful to have seen everyone, and looked forward to seeing them all at a second round of callbacks to be held the following morning.
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