Ava Grey raised a placating hand before anyone could react. "I agree with your points Sophia and we would be happy to offer her a contract but we obviously can't skip some crucial steps along the way. You do remember that the second trial was supposed to be time for us to do some further background checks. Which, of course, we can expedite as we have done with the other actors and actresses that will not need to go to the second audition."
She looked over everyone, "Unless there's anyone here who would object to her directly being offered a contract?"
Ava smiled when no objections were forthcoming, "Alright, that's one person out of the way. We have around 93 more to settle. We can discuss further details once we have settled our final list of passers."
With that everyone focused once again to the pictures on their tablets and the pictures on laid out on the table.
It was going to be another long day.
---
Kiera had helped herself with the sandwiches, pastries and snacks in the makeshift pantry and she was glad she did.
It had been more than 4 hours since she had ended her own audition and there was still no news as to the next steps. She had tried to be productive and had noted down certain key projects or events that she remembered to have made it big. Projects she hope to be a part in.
She was just bitter she never took notice as to which companies' share prices increased and when they would go down. That would have solved her money problems.
Throughout the wait several women were called and once they returned not one of them shared what happened and why they were called. This just caused undue speculation from everyone.
The longer the wait the lesser the chatter and the higher anxiety in the room.
Kiera started debating with herself if it was worth it to walk past the antsy group of women outside to get more coffee when a chime sounded from the PA system that was in the room.
"Good evening, ladies, we are pleased to inform you that we have finalized the list of those who will be proceeding to the second stage of our audition. We have posted the list in the function hall. We request that you leave the cosmetics and props in the dressing rooms in good order."
Almost everyone rushed out the room and headed to the function hall. Kiera lagged behind not wanting to be pushed or shoved in the mad rush. When she arrived at the hall, she found that there was a screen in front showing names of the passers which looked to be in alphabetical order.
The way to the front was practically chaos. There were girls sobbing and girls cheering when they found their names.
It took minutes before Kiera found herself able to check the list.
57. Moireach, Kiera*
The feeling of relief washed over her. She knew it was just the first part of the audition but at least she's partly there.
She looked through the list to try and see if there was anyone she recognized, someone that she will benefit knowing. As she looked that's when she noticed that there were only several names with a red "*" after their name.
She hurried to look if there was a note below the list. She practically had to elbow her way nearly to the very front before she found the note below.
*Kindly approach the Onyx employee in front of the stage.
That's when Kiera noticed that there were several women talking to various employees by the stage. She had thought they were not able to pass and were pleading their case.
She hurried over to someone in front. "Excuse me. My name is Kiera Moireach and there was a note beside my name that I need to speak to an employee?"
"Oh! You're one of them! Give me just a moment and I'll call someone for you." She hurried off before Kiera could say anything else. She returned together with a man with a tablet in hand.
"Hello, I'm Matt, one of the associates of the Talent Division. May I get your name?"
"Kiera Moireach." He looked up at her then back down to his tablet and nodded
"Alright, that's out of the way. If you could follow me." He then turned and hurried to another direction.
Kiera didn't know what else to do but to follow him.