Emergency Audition Advice

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 12:12pm

I have a callback tonight, and limited time to look at the sides. Two brief monologues. Any advice on how to make the most of that time?

Updated On: 1/21/05 at 12:12 PM

[Rubytramp]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 12:20pm

Look for key words and break into beats.

[Mr. Tuttle]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 12:52pm

Make time to read them.

Is this a hobby or a career?

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 12:55pm

Hobby. So I have time to post quickly during the day, but not to concentrate on these monologues.

[Mr. Tuttle]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 12:59pm

I think you answered your own question.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 1:02pm

Umm...okay.

But thanks, Ruby. Very helpful.

[Corine2]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 1:08pm

Break a leg Rath!
We are rooting for you!

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 1:10pm

Thanks, kid. I'm still looking for any and all advice here...I'm new at this.

[grownupgroupie]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 1:37pm

Break a leg, Rath!

So, are the two monologues for the same character or different?

If they're for the same character, I'd examine what's happened in the time between the two monologues that might or might not have caused change/growth in the character....like, where are these different moments in her "arc" so to speak?

I know you don't have much time, so look for the clues in the language that leap out at you--operative words that move the action forward, what is she saying, what is she fighting for, why does she need to say it, etc. Are there any words that strike you viscerally--like a gut response to where the word lands kind of? Go with that if that's there...

And if it's two different characters, see if there's anything different in their physicality. Only if there's something organic that comes to you--don't impose something, but if you get a "feeling" about how this character carries/holds herself vs. the other one, definitely go with your instincts.

Break a leg!!!
And don't worry about not having much time--you don't want to be OVER-studied on sides either, so read through for meaning, the 5 W's, etc, then go back and look for those word clues, make some decisions, divide up beats, and then leave yourself alone!

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 1:42pm

dd - this is a hobby, as stated earlier. I can't make a habit of taking a day off from work for an audition in the evening.

The show is CABARET. Unfortunately, the sides they've given ALL the women are two monologues of Sally's. The lead roles are already cast - this is to understudy or be in the chorus. If I was to understudy anyone in this show, it would be Schneider. I'm not old enough, but I don't dance and don't have the body for either Sally nor Kost. So that's another part of the dilemma. And I work until 5:00, it will take me close to an hour to get home, and the callbacks are at 8:00. That's all the time I have.

Thanks, groupie!

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 1:58pm

I actually know the show pretty well. I worked on the Grey revival in the late 80's (admittedly a long time ago) and saw the Mendes version as well, and have seen the movie a few times.

The monologues are "Cliff, are you homosexual in any way?...We're living in delicious sin."

and

"Oh, Chris – er, Cliff! Did you come for your drink?...You can write about what swine people are and have a huge success and make pots of money!"

Updated On: 1/21/05 at 01:58 PM

[grownupgroupie]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 2:28pm

Whoa, dd, I'm not sure why this riled you up so, but ok. Rath was asking for general tips about a specific situation--dealing with sides given a limited amount of time. The thoughts I offered really had nothing to do with being too nice or using my imagination. They're general starting points that can apply to most audition situations regardless of genre, character, etc. I would offer similar thoughts (albeit more specific) if one of my students came to me with a similar question.

I would not have given such a detailed response to the 13-year-old of the month asking what monologue they should do for the 7th grade whatever, blahblahblah...I agree that gets annoying and that people should do their own homework. That's NOT what Rath was doing. From what I know of her on this board, she is an accountable and capable adult, and I had no problem offering GENERAL suggestions to her question. In my opinion, asking for tips dealing with sides in a limited timeframe is not a do-it-for-me-mommy question.

Who's to say if it's helpful or not? Who knows! And that's neither here nor there. If Rath finds it helpful, then great. If not, that's fine. I threw some thoughts out there, and that's that. That's what message boards are for, and if whatever I have to add to a quick discussion isn't helpful, then it's not a big deal.

I understand that you're annoyed, but I wonder if you intend the level of condescension in your post--it's mildly insulting to have one's sincere (if brief and off the cuff) thoughts characterized as "you were just trying to make up imaginary things to help." I would hope that my MFA signifies more than "an imagination is a wonderful thing." But thanks for the pat on the head.

____
____
Rath, that is always a quandry when they give you sides for one character when they're casting for another. Are there elements of Kost that you can find in Sally? I wouldn't worry about it too much--they just want to see you and get an idea of what you can do. And I certanily wouldn't worry about a dialect in an audition situaion--that's usually a terrible idea unless you have Standard British in your back pocket. Don't study them to death--you know the show, you only have a few hours between work and the audition, so don't stress yourself out and just let them see YOU. Wishing you well tonight!! Updated On: 1/21/05 at 02:28 PM

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 2:30pm

Thanks, groupie. And no, I wasn't going to play with a dialect they weren't asking for -I know that much at least.

[grownupgroupie]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 2:37pm

I figured you did

Will you sing tonight?

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 2:41pm

Yes, although at least this time I'll get to sing the whole thing...so another time sucker - I have to go over my song once or twice during that practice time as well.

[grownupgroupie]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 2:42pm

Yeeks! No wonder your prep-time is limited!!

What is your song?

[MusicMan]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 2:45pm

MAKE. BOLD. CHOICES.

(Safety last.)

[grownupgroupie]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 2:49pm

Amen, MM!!

(Short and sweet--brevity is not my strong suit!)

[stagemomfromhell]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 2:52pm

"sing out, and Smile!"

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 2:52pm

My song is Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man - which sounds odd for a Kander and Ebb show, but they loved it at the first audition - I mean they made a point of saying that they loved that choice.

[grownupgroupie]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 2:54pm

That's a great song--and a good sign that they loved the choice before!

[RockyRoad]

Posted: 1/21/05 at 5:56pm

I think ddtruit amd Tutle have given some good advice.

I like acting as a hobby but if I'm called back, I make the time to either look over my stuff or memorizie it.

Eventhough this may not be for money or a professional theater, you need to make the time to prepare. If not, then it's not that important. Theres always ways to find time.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 4:37pm

You're looking at this backwards. I was asking for help because I knew I was screwed time-wise - and as I said, I do this for fun. I couldn't make a living at it. I have a job that I have to be at every day in order to pay my bills. I can't take the day off every time I have an audition.

I went on this particular audition for the experience - the fact that I was called back was COMPLETELY unexpected. I wanted to do everything in my power to give a great callback. There are a lot of people on this board who have tons more experience than I do in this sort of thing. I'm old enough to know the difference between helpful and non-helpful advice.

Having a minute here and there to post does not mean I have 10 minutes at a time to look at a monologue.

[playbill_signer_05]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 4:59pm

Dear rathnait62,
Unfortunately, I don't have any advice for you. I just wanted to say "break a leg" tonight, and most importantly, have fun!

[grownupgroupie]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 5:07pm

Rath, I hope it went great.

dd, I am PMing you some wellbutrin.