Interpreting an Audition

[Roxie_Hart]

Posted: 5/23/05 at 6:58pm

I did theatre all through high school (I just finished my freshman year of college), but did my first community theatre audition yesterday for The Wizard of Oz. If nothing else, it was a good experience and I'm really glad I did it, but I would like to get some feedback on something.

I think my song went very well - both the stage manager and director of the theatre [not the director of the show] compmlimented me on my song and reading. The director had me to read for Dorothy, and I thought my reading was pretty darned good (better, in my opinion, than my song because while I can carry a tune, my real strength lies in acting). However, the director only asked me to read once. He had all of the other potential Dorothy's to read two to four times.

I'm not sure what to make of this. One of my friends said she had always felt that it was a good sign (not sure why, but... okay...), but I can't help but feel like he thought, "Okay, not good, why waste my time?"

For any of you who have acted in/directed community theatre - what can it mean if you're asked to only read once? How would you guys interpret the situation?

Thanks soooo much. =)

-Ashley
Redhead: A Tribute to Gwen Verdon

[SallyBrown]

Posted: 5/23/05 at 7:01pm

My guess is that the director was satisfied with what you gave and he didn't need to hear or see anymore. Meaning, you didn't have to impress him more than once. Good thing, I think.

Good luck!!

Updated On: 5/23/05 at 07:01 PM

[ashley0139]

Posted: 5/23/05 at 7:02pm

It's always hard to tell. You can never know what's in the director's head. Sometime it might mean he just knew he liked you right off the bat. Other times it might mean he just knew you weren't right for the part right off the bat. I've had it go both ways. Good luck, though!

Ashley

[nobizlikeshobiz]

Posted: 5/23/05 at 8:15pm

Don't try to interpret it, just don't. It's impossible. You'll just freak yourself out and there's just no way you'll ever know. Either you'll get the part or you won't, and you'll find out if you do eventually so who cares. If you don't get the part don't go trying to figure out what went wrong, just move on because there will be other auditions. Since you're just starting out auditioning here's a few books that might be useful:
Audition By Michael Shurtleff
Auditioning for the Musical Theater by Fred Silver
Smart Actors, Foolish Choices (can't remember who wrote it)

Good Luck!