Audition

After Julie Bowen finished her performance, "Modern Family" writers Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd exchanged glances. Despite Julie's pregnancy, they believed she perfectly embodied the character of 'Claire Dunphy.' Her tone and expressions truly captured 'Claire Dunphy' for them. Jason Winer observed the writers as Julie anxiously examined the producers' expressions, hoping they appreciated her performance.

Julie thought, "I hope they liked it..." as Steven Levitan nodded and complimented her, saying, "It's a good performance." Julie responded with gratitude, "Thank you."

However, Steven Levitan added, "Hmm... But we'll contact you if you get the role." This words disappointed Julie, but she still nodded and replied, "Thank you." She left the stage, feeling judgment from others who had come to audition due to her pregnancy.

Lucas observed Julie's exit and smiled, muttering, "She probably didn't expect to be chosen in the end..." Later, more people took the stage one by one, performing until it was finally Lucas's turn. He was identified by the number assigned to auditionees.

The audition coordinator called, "Number 69, Lucas Knight." Lucas raised his hand and noticed a few people chuckling. Feeling awkward, he scratched the back of his head and made his way to the stage. The "Modern Family" director, writers, and producers looked up at Lucas, and Jason Winer asked, holding a paper, "Are you auditioning for the supporting role of 'Dylan Marshall'?"

Lucas nodded and replied, "That's correct."

Jeff Greenberg, the casting director of "Modern Family," wore a perplexed expression as he stated, "As far as I can recall, we never cast someone named Lucas Knight for the supporting role of 'Dylan Marshall.'" Responsible for the casting process, he meticulously handpicked actors and actresses for specific roles within the show.

From his recollection, while 'Dylan Marshall' wasn't as prominent as the main characters, it still held significance, potentially appearing in several episodes. Jeff Greenberg remembered that aside from Paul Sterling and Reid Ewing, whom he and his team personally selected, a few actors had submitted their headshots and resumes for consideration, but Lucas Knight wasn't among them.

The directors, writers, and producers of "Modern Family" regarded Lucas with furrowed brows. Lucas Knight, trying to address the situation, offered an awkward smile and admitted, "Umm... That's correct..." How should he explain this?

Upon hearing Lucas's response, Jeff Greenberg directed his attention to Lucas Knight and elaborated, "Auditions for 'Modern Family' are conducted discreetly, and only those specially chosen by me and my team are given the opportunity. Could it be that one of the actors we selected for the supporting role allowed you to audition on their behalf? I am certain that no one named Lucas Knight submitted a headshot and resume to me, so I can't think of any other explanation..." His conclusion was hard to dispute, and the "Modern Family" directors and writers couldn't help but arrive at the same conclusion.

In truth, actors or actresses could still audition for roles, even if they hadn't been directly selected by the casting director, as long as they were endorsed by a guild that submitted their headshots and resumes to Jeff Greenberg.

The other people auditioning were intrigued by the situation as they observed Lucas Knight on the stage.

Lucas, caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events, explained, "My friend offered me his audition opportunity for the role of 'Dylan Marshall'..."

Jeff Greenberg stroked his chin, recalling that the only people he had selected for the role of 'Dylan Marshall' were Paul Sterling and Reid Ewing. Since Reid Ewing had already auditioned, and the only one who hadn't was Paul Sterling, he surmised that Paul Sterling had provided Lucas Knight with the script and audition chance for the role. With this realization, Jeff Greenberg exclaimed, "So your friend was Paul Sterling?"

Lucas, upon hearing this, nodded with a hint of surprise.

Steven Levitan casually used his pinky finger to clean his ear as he commented, "I'm not particularly concerned about whether you're supposed to be here or not." He paused, locking eyes with Lucas Knight, and added, "However, since you are here, I assume you possess the ability to portray the role of 'Dylan Marshall' effectively, right?"

Jeff Greenberg glanced at Steven Levitan and then at Lucas Knight, nodding in agreement with Steven Levitan's words. He added, "Did you hear that, young man? Do you have the acting ability, or are you just wasting our time?"

The fellow auditionees cast various glances and expressed a range of emotions while observing Lucas Knight.

With all eyes focused on him, Lucas sensed the weight of the moment and felt doubts creeping in. However, he reminded himself, 'I've already faced death once, so why should I be concerned about failing here?' Determination welled up within him as he reflected, 'I failed as an actor in my past life due to this useless trait of doubt!'

After a few seconds of contemplation, and with everyone awaiting his response, Lucas confidently affirmed, "Of course! I can portray the role of 'Dylan Marshall' effectively!"

The directors, writers, and producers of "Modern Family" were taken aback by Lucas's transformation, witnessing his shift from awkwardness to sudden confidence.

Christopher Lloyd, an middle aged individual, smiled and nodded to Lucas, remarking, "I appreciate your confidence, young man." He paused and elaborated, "But let me clarify the role of 'Dylan Marshall' for you. He will be the boyfriend of the main character, 'Haley Dunphy.' He's into music and likes to act cool. Can you embody that?"

All eyes turned to Lucas Knight as Christopher Lloyd posed the question, and Lucas promptly nodded, affirming, "Certainly."

Steven Levitan, wearing a smile, instructed, "Then you may begin."

Lucas nodded, recalling the script that Paul Sterling had given him earlier.

Lucas had memorized the lines, but he understood that it wasn't just about the words; his expression and overall acting would make all the difference.

He immersed himself in the character of 'Dylan Marshall.' Although he had only watched the first season of "Modern Family," he aimed to portray Dylan from his perspective. In Lucas's view, 'Dylan Marshall' wasn't a character who tried to act cool; he thought Christopher Lloyd's earlier statement was a test of his acting abilities.

"Ready? Action!" the audition coordinator called out, signaling the start of the performance. The reader assigned to assist Lucas with his lines was prepared.

Lucas composed his mind and became 'Dylan Marshall.' His expression transformed into that of a laid-back individual, and his hands fiddled with his clothes.

Director Jason Winer, Jeff Greenberg, Steven Levitan, and Christopher Lloyd were slightly taken aback by Lucas's transformation.

Lucas exuded the aura of a slacker, appearing both uncomfortable and unsure of himself.

Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd exchanged glances. Judging from Lucas's current expression and posture, it appeared that he was portraying 'Dylan Marshall' quite effectively, even though Christopher Lloyd had attempted to mislead Lucas earlier by characterizing 'Dylan Marshall' as a simple character. This characterization could be both right and wrong simultaneously. If Lucas had followed Christopher Lloyd's advice exclusively, he wouldn't have stood a chance.

However, whether Lucas could deliver his lines effectively remained to be seen, and this would ultimately determine his overall performance in their eyes.