As the World Turns to VCU

By Cynthia Schmidt

The lines began forming early that humid, drizzly Monday morning for a shot at soap opera stardom. Hundreds of aspiring actors and actresses braved the bad hair day weather to audition for a role on "As the World Turns," the second longest-running daytime hour of tears, turmoil and tumultuous love affairs.

For the first time in its history, the CBS soap opera is taking its show on the road to help build ratings while offering everyday actors a chance at appearing side-by-side with the likes of Aaron, Alison and Lucy, to name a few. Richmond was chosen as a stop thanks to the soap's high ratings here, and VCU was chosen thanks to its great Web site, where the location scouts were impressed with the university's diverse, urban lifestyle that is reflected on the site.

Here's the story line: (organ music underneath) Older teenagers, boy and girl, fall in love but parents don't approve. They decide to run away, and where better to blend in than on college campuses. So off they go with grown-ups in hot pursuit. Each episode is shot at a different campus, 10 in all, to continue building the suspense. And the young characters always get away just in time.

On Sept. 16, the "Catch Us If You Can" mobile casting bus pulled up to find a line of soap opera hopefuls already in place. As the World Turns casting director Mary Clay Boland held open auditions throughout the day in the bus parked right by the compass in Shafer Court. Boland said, "We're definitely looking for several roles for the VCU episode, but we're always searching for new talent for future roles, so this is a great way to get out and see what's out there." The VCU episode was shot Sept. 23 and will air about a month from that date.

Sue Ann Messmer, VP of University Outreach, said, "Not only is this a great opportunity for our students to get network acting experience, it's also a great marketing tool for the university, since VCU will be identified in the actual episode, providing terrific national exposure." The scriptwriters consulted with VCU to make sure the setting and the characters reflected the university's attributes, and a special question and answer session is planned with the soap's actors and students in VCU's theatre department.

David Leong, who has personal experience working with soap operas, often as the fight scene choreographer, said, "You can't underestimate what a valuable experience a soap opera can be for an aspiring actor or actress. It's not only a great place to get started, but obviously, it's a great place for a long career."

Soap operas have gained in popularity over the years, and their audience has evolved significantly. Once the escape hatch for at-home moms, they appeal to younger audiences and more men, with many die-hard fans taping the episodes for later viewing. The soaps are especially popular with teens, an important audience as VCU seeks to attract more out-of-state students.

By day's end, over 400 casting forms had been submitted. Phone calls were made, and three VCU students were chosen for speaking roles — T.J. Simmons, Sean Hemeon and Theo Ellis could be the next soap opera heart throbs — and many more were offered the opportunity to appear as extras. Simmons, a junior theatre major, got the first call that he has been cast as a forensic student. Hardly able to contain his excitement, he was the first to pick up his script. "This is just great to be given this kind of opportunity while I'm still in school," he said, "I just can't wait to tell my friends and family."

"As the World Turns," a Proctor & Gamble Production, airs locally on the CBS Richmond affiliate WTVR Channel 6, weekdays at 2 p.m. Stay tuned to VCU News for the exact time and date of the VCU episode to be announced. And now a word from our sponsors......