Blog Post #109 - What to Take to an Audition and General Expectations

         If you are a singer or an actor, from time to time you will HAVE to audition to be cast into shows, productions, or for a touring position. This is actually true of instrumentalists as well, though their audition process is usually confined to a smaller number of candidates, and ordinarily does not require callback auditions or extended wait times before results are confirmed. NO ONE really ENJOYS auditioning, but, if you’re conscientious, you should learn something new with EVERY audition, and over time, you should grow quite good at producing a HIGH QUALITY and CONSISTENT audition.

         In previous Blog Posts, I’ve talked about building self-esteem, breathing techniques, how to present yourself like a “Professional”, but we haven’t talked specifically about what to TAKE to an audition, how auditions are set up, and exactly WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO DO for any given audition. That’s what I’m gonna to try to explain, as best as I can, here. Contact me if you need links to any of the earlier Blog Posts or you have questions about any of their content. Until then, here is a synopsis of what you’ll need when you go to an audition, and some concrete ideas about what will happen while you’re there.

         The first two things you need at an audition are a “Headshot” and a “Resume”. A Professional Headshot is something you will eventually need to invest in, which can range in cost from $200 to maybe $5,000, depending on your budget and location. When you’re first starting out, you can simply use a photo of yourself taken from, approximately, the bust line to the top of your head, up close. These days, Color photos are best, even in Snapshot format, though usually, a Headshot should be an 8 X 10 photograph in either Color and/or Black and White. Check the upcoming posts for one on building your Theatrical/Acting, Vocal and/or Dance, or “Tech” Resume. Templates are pretty easy to find on the Internet, but I will suggest a couple of “Standard” forms, and some of the most important information to include. Local auditions do not always REQUIRE a headshot and resume, though it looks much more professional if you come prepared with them.

         Check out my early post on the True Characteristics of a Professional. Being “Professional” is not only about having membership in Equity Actors’ Union, American Federation of Radio and Television Artists, or the Screen Actors’ Guild. As with many other areas of life, attention to detail is ALWAYS appreciated such as being on time, being quiet and respectful, LISTENING and following instructions, and being properly dressed. Talent is, of course, important but showing optimal respect for your craft and the event, theater, or production you are auditioning for is also vital! It may surprise you to realize that casting directors DO pay attention to things other than your talent or abilities because performances are not JUST singing or dancing or acting. It is for this reason that professional instruction can be incredibly important, too, since that education should not be LIMITED to ONLY singing or dancing or acting; working with a professional teacher should also impart to you important essentials for successful auditioning and performing, which allow you to showcase your talent in effective, professional, and tangible ways.

         It is also demonstrative of your level of professionalism to come to any audition “prepared” for whatever you might need to do for any aspect of your character’s role. By this, I mean that if your primary audition is to sing, also bring dance clothes and shoes with you, in case you need to work with a choreographer to provide evidence of your dance abilities. Preparing a monologue to present for the acting part of the show or event is likewise advisable. If you come adequately ready to fulfill any audition requirements needed, you won’t be unpleasantly surprised or caught off guard. If you don’t need dance attire or your monologue, you’ve lost nothing. Another few items I recommend you always keep in your performance “bag” include: a fresh water bottle; a pencil with an eraser and a small pad of paper to note directions, the director’s instructions, or other items you need should you get a call-back; a high-energy snack such as nuts and dried fruit (I personally also recommend honey sticks. You can bite off the end and, unlike honey in a bottle, the sticks are not messy or problematic to keep from spilling). Additionally, I think a light sweater or sweatshirt is a good idea. Many times, particularly if dancing is involved, you can get pretty hot and sweaty through the course of your audition time. A light cover-up can keep you from getting too chilled afterwards, and help you “enter the atmosphere” more gradually.

         So, let’s say you made it through the audition. Now what? If you’re anything like my daughters, you IMMEDIATELY assume you did HORRIBLY! Yep, BOTH of them are wonderfully talented but, totally insecure, too, and that’s not AT ALL unusual. I wrote SEVERAL Posts back in 2016 on Building and Strengthening Self-Esteem. If, for some reason, you have problems finding those posts, leave me a message and I will email you the entire paper. There is a strange paradox in many performers; they have a beautifully vulnerable and creative imagination but are seriously insecure and diffident personally. This is NOT NECESSARY in order to be a great performer! In fact, I believe the stronger and more confident you are, the better performer you are. Your strength as a person allows you to be stable OR volatile OR funny OR intensely dramatic! My point is that YOU have better control over ALL your characterizations, whether you’re an actor, a pianist, or a singer; you’re still an ARTIST!

         Check out the next several texts for different aspects of the audition process, and auditioning in various performing arenas. The NEXT text, Blog Post #110, is a wonderful Post by Guest Blogger, Teacher Extraordinaire, and Actor/Voiceover/Singer Julie Maddelena Kliewer all about auditioning for Voiceover Roles in Animation. Check it out! If you have any questions about me or my lessons, check out my website at www.SingitForward.net. I WANT to hear your comments; I WANT to answer your questions. Leave any questions, thoughts, or suggestions below. Until next time, Sing it Forward!