Audition help

[on1ystarinthesky]

Posted: 3/3/04 at 9:36pm

I'm planning on auditioning at a local playhouse for an original production called "Cinderella Wears Combat Boots." It's like a modern "Cinderella"...as if that wasn't obvious from the title.

Anyway, if anybody can give me ANY advice about auditioning, I'd really appreciate it. If anybody wants to give song suggestions, I'm a 14 year old Alto 1/Soprano 2. Any and all help/advice is greatly appreciated.

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 3/5/04 at 9:18am

Think of your audition as a chance to perform for an audience, not as a chance to be chosen (I never think of auditioning as a competition - that makes it nervewracking and takes the fun out of it). I've found, since studying with Andy Gale, that no matter what you do, pick a song that has Joy in it. Don't sing songs about suffering or co-dependency (ie= You're nobody til Somebody loves you, The Man that Got away, As long as he Needs Me - these are great songs, but the casting people don't want to see you pouring your heart out and suffering over loss or need)...Think of something that makes you laugh and smile right before you walk into the room - or have a lighthearted conversation with someone else in the waiting area (this is not for everyone. Some people like to stay quiet and concentrate - but I find that concentrating too hard on the job you are about to do can ruin it - if you don't know the lyrics already - 30 seconds before you go into the room is NOT the time to learn them!)...I also find that it helps me to stay positive by complimenting the person who went before me - find something nice to say either about their performance (if you can hear them while standing outside the door) or about their clothing or appearance...people (myself included) can be a wreck right after the audition - thinking they blew it or letting nerves get in the way of their enjoyment. - Say something to make them feel better about themselves and you will feel better about YOURSELF, which in turn will show on your face when you enter the room.
I hope you get something good out of what I've had to say here.
Most of all - Be yourself - don't play a character - show them who you are, let them fall in love with you and decide for themselves if you have a quality that is good for the show they are casting. Be Happy, Have fun, and Break a Leg!