“I’ve read all the plays the committee recommended carefully and my final choice is ‘The Chinese Image.’”
There was a ripple of applause, for a number of seniors, including Janet and Helen, had read portions of “The Chinese Image.”
Helen leaned toward her companion.
“That’s the play I’ve been hoping would be selected. There’s a part I think I can win.”
“The leading rôle?” asked Janet.
“Well, hardly, but it isn’t a bad part.”
Miss Williams held up her hand and the buzz of conversation which had started after her announcement ceased.
“I have had parts for every character mimeographed and each sheet gives sufficient reading material for tryouts. There are 23 rôles in ‘The Chinese Image.’ I’m familiar with the ability of almost all of you and if you’ll come up as I call your names, I’ll give you tryout sheets. The first sheet contains a brief synopsis of the play with the complete cast of characters and the second sheet has the part I want you to try for. You will also find the hours on the second sheet when I want you to go down to the gym for the tryouts.”
Janet had to confess that she was more than a little nervous as she waited for Miss Williams to call her name. Senior after senior was called up to the desk and handed his sheets. To some of them Miss Williams added another word or two, but she talked too low to be heard by the main body of pupils.
As the tryout sheets were handed out, the seniors left the room for it was nearly assembly time.