Jenna Ushkowitz from Glee Behind the Fame - with Lewis Howes

Audition Journey

Jenna Ushkowitz recounts her unique audition journey for the role of Tina Cohen-Chang on Glee. Initially, she was performing in "Spring Awakening" on Broadway when the opportunity arose, and the entire cast was invited to audition, bypassing the singing requirement due to their professional training 1. Despite a rocky start, including a missed stutter in her audition, Jenna was eventually called back to meet the producers in New York, where she had to prepare a song 1. She describes the intense pressure of the final testing phase in Los Angeles, where she improvised her character's traits, leading to her landing the role 2.

I call myself a professional auditioner.

--- Jenna Ushkowitz

This experience marked a significant transition from theater to television, setting the stage for her career in Hollywood 3.

   

Behind the Scenes

Working on Glee was a whirlwind of activity and creativity, as Jenna Ushkowitz reveals. The demanding schedule included early morning starts, costume fittings, rehearsals, and recording sessions, all packed into what they called "superglue days" 4. Filming took place primarily at Paramount Pictures, with some scenes shot at a high school in Long Beach, which was later recreated on set 5. Jenna fondly recalls the emotional last scene of the series, highlighting the deep bonds formed among the cast and crew during their time together 6.

We call it the Glee Bubble. Because we were working so much, we don't see the effect that it's having on people.

--- Jenna Ushkowitz

These experiences underscored the show's impact and the personal growth she experienced during its run.

   

Cast Dynamics

The cast of Glee formed a tight-knit family, navigating the ups and downs of fame together. Jenna Ushkowitz describes the camaraderie and occasional conflicts that arose from spending so much time together, likening it to a family dynamic 7. Social media played a significant role in their public lives, with Jenna noting the challenges of maintaining privacy amidst growing fame 8. Despite the pressures, the cast remained supportive of each other, with Jenna highlighting Chris Colfer's remarkable journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a prominent figure in the entertainment industry 9.

It's just family exhausting. And there were fights, there were tiffs. There were moments.

--- Jenna Ushkowitz

These relationships were crucial in managing the intense spotlight and maintaining a sense of normalcy.