Basic Audition Information
The silence is deafening. All eyes are on you, waiting for you to begin. The piano plays the first few chords of the audition song and...you freeze. What went wrong? Auditions can rack the nerves of the most qualified candidate. Doretta Lau, author of the book, "Music and Singing," explains that auditions are like a job interview. Regardless of the skill level, all candidates better their odds of getting chosen by careful preparation and consideration.
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Attire and Appearance
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Though a conservative button-up shirt and black dress skirt might be a great choice for most job interviews, do not expect to get the part of an orphan wearing this attire. Ginger Howard Friedman explains in her book, "Casting Directors' Secrets" that actors must research the personality and socioeconomic background of the character. Directors want candidates to paint a very clear image regarding the "fit": dressing the part is one of the easiest ways to assist with this task. Your head shots serve as the memory of your appearance, so leave a lasting impression by your choice of clothes.
For non-acting auditions, like a violin or choir audition, dress formally. Consider subtly injecting colors of the uniform into your audition apparel, like wearing a red tie for choir uniforms in primarily red and black. Even for blind auditions, dress up: the director or other important figures could be walking the halls.
Demeanor
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In addition to how well a person fits the character, casting directors try to determine how well a person will fit with the rest of the cast. Divas, emotionally unstable or unhappy people are a drain on the group's energy. Thus, maintain a smile before and after the audition to appear relaxed and easy-going. Appear confident and self-assured while minimizing arrogance. Firmly shake the hands of all parties and make direct eye contact. Emanate professionalism by thanking the staff after the audition is complete. Furthermore, treat all staff members (including receptionists, janitors and security) as if they had the ability to hire or fire you---employees might share feedback with higher-ups.
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Preparedness
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Few things irritate casting directors more than a late, unprepared candidate. Drive to the site the day prior to the audition. Additionally, show up at the same time of your audition to get a feel for the traffic situation or other potential obstacles. Make a checklist of everything needed, like a musical instrument, sheet music, hairspray, props, etc., and pack it in the car the night before.
Pre-Audition Care
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How the body is treated the night (or even week) before the audition influences how well it performs on the big day. Quint Randle and Bill Evans, authors of "Making Money Making Music" suggest several pre-audition tips: eat light, get a good night's sleep, focus on breathing and practice, but avoid burnout. Furthermore, they recommend going through the entire audition process in your head while projecting positive energy and confidence.
Other Considerations
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Do not focus on other candidates during the audition process. Use the time to gather inner strength, calm any nerves and perform any warm-ups. Because casting directors wade through hundreds of applicants, wait to hear from them regarding the results of the audition.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit theater image by Luisafer from Fotolia.com
