Things to NOT Do at Auditions — Page 3

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#51

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/7/04 at 8:28pm

I've fallen into a conundrum. I just auditioned for Seussical and Annie (same audition), about twenty minutes ago. I had trouble with the lyrics a bit, but they really liked me. Problem is, I'm hoping to audition for a production of Into the Woods soon. The dates for ITW performances are the same day as the Seussical performances. My only hope is that I get cast in Annie, which does not conflict with ITW. If I get into Seussical (and actually get a good part), should I not audition for ITW? Or should I decline the part and hope that I get into ITW? The only part I could play is Jack, but it is my dream role (well, right now, anyway). Anyone have a suggestion/comment?

#52

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/7/04 at 8:51pm

----Be sure to tell the pianist exactly how you want your piece played. I have seen this so many times, people auditioning who merely hand their music to the accompanist, then take their place in front of the auditioners and the pianist plays the song naturally how he/she thinks is best. Unfortunately, it is rarely how the person auditioning was planning to sing it.

*Sigh* Be one with the pianist. Don't compete with him/her.----

AMEN TO THAT!!!
i used to be an accompanist before my singing/acting career got started. it was actually really good for me.. i learned so much about what not to do at suditions... you guys have listed most of what i was gonna say though-- ou beat me too it! But i definately have to second the 'be one with the pianist' thing... its really pisses me off when people get mad at me for playing it a certain way when they didnt explain it at all!

#53

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/7/04 at 8:53pm

BroadwayBaby, I would wear something that hints at the character, but isn't outrageously similar. Like Audrey from LSOH, no cleavage bearing top and mini skirt with stillettos. Maybe a cute skirt and a slightly low cute almost tight top. In a few weeks, Im playing an average adult. I plan on wearing a man taylored top with a tank and jeans and nice sandals. See what I mean?

Rosencrantz: "Be happy - if you're not even HAPPY what's so good about surviving? We'll be all right. I suppose we just go on." - from Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead

#54

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/7/04 at 8:55pm

The most important piece of advice I have ever been given is in reference to that old adage: Silence is Golden. If you are loud and disruptive, the auditors will see that. Too many kids at my school talk while learning the dance routine. I don't mean that they are asking questions about a particular step. These kids are making weekend plans. You have to be focused and quiet. Do not speak unless spoken to.

#55

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/7/04 at 9:09pm

I always feel so outta place at auditions. Because theatre folks always have such elaborate dress, and I'm pretty preppy dresser (like J Crew and Gap style) and I feel weird.

I've sung Meadowlark before...lol!

Wear anti-perspirant/deodorant and bring something for your breathe. Anxiety creates all types of smells.

#56

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/7/04 at 9:18pm

Curtainup, what would you recommend I wear for a GREASE audition? I'm probably going to audition for Sandy although I'd like to be considered for Rizzo as well. I was planning on wearing this cute knee length floral skirt that poofs out with maybe a cardigan or just a black tee. what do you think? (or anyone else)

#57

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/7/04 at 9:31pm

Cardigan and capris - you have the sweetness of Sandy and the hipness of Rizzo, plus it's fifties. Maybe wear the cardigan open with a cute tank. It's also vague so it won't look like you're trying too hard.

Rosencrantz: "Be happy - if you're not even HAPPY what's so good about surviving? We'll be all right. I suppose we just go on." - from Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead

Updated On: 9/7/04 at 09:31 PM

#58

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/7/04 at 10:44pm

"DO PIECES WITHIN YOUR AGE RANGE...no 21 year old Emilia's, no 45 year old Desdemonas, Carol Cutrere from "Orpheus Descending" is in her late thirties, why do all the nineteen year olds do this speech?"

I was helping a casting director cast a production of ANNIE, and this little girl sang THE LADIES WHO LUNCH. It completely shocked me. She was all right, but it was the wrong style and about 80 years away from the correct age. She had a good voice but didn't get a callback.

Material matters almost as much as your execution of performing the material.

"One no longer loves one's insight enough once one communicates it."

The opposite of creation isn't war, it's stagnation.

Updated On: 9/7/04 at 10:44 PM

#59

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/7/04 at 11:12pm

Wow. Got to give credit to that little girl for knowing The Ladies Who Lunch. If that was her first pick, was her back up Liasons?

#60

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/8/04 at 1:02am

I think an extremely big thing at an audition is simply saying "Thank you" at the end. It makes you look professional and courteous, without being too much of a kiss ass.

And if you don't have the karaoke or the sheet music - sing it a cappella. Don't sing along with the CD. Please, dear God, please.

Songs NOT to audition with: On My Own, Tommorrow, Maybe, Defying Gravity (unless you know you can hit those notes ANY day of the week), Don't Cry For Me Argentina, or All That Jazz. And, Popular - unless you're auditioning for Adelaide in Guys & Dolls and you want a character piece. *nod*

I definitely agree with whoever said to audition for the age of the part. If you're looking to play Miss Hannigan in Annie - singing 'Castle on a Cloud' might not be the BEST choice. :]

"The tick BOOM tick BOOM is so loud I can't hear the rain on the grass. I can't hear the wind. I'm about to scream. But I realize I'm not alone."

#61

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/8/04 at 1:38am

Do not bad-mouth shows on message boards because they know everything.

"I'm learning to dig deep down inside and find the truth within myself and put that out. I think what we identify with in popular music more than anything else is when someone just shares a truth that we can relate to. That's what I'm searching for in my music." - Ron Bohmer

"I broke the boundaries. It wasn't cool to be in plays- especially if you were in sports & I was in both." - Ashton Kutcher

#62

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/8/04 at 1:52am

I don't there are ANY rules when it comes to auditions. If you're following the "rules," then you're just like everyone else and won't stick out from the pack. Also, I would caution against getting your information from a book written 20 or more years ago. Times do change. Finally, I don't think there is anything wrong with dressing as a character. I think your job to at LEAST suggest the character. I don't think you want to wear jeans and a T-shirt when you're auditioning for A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and you probably don't want to wear a business suit to a GREASE audition. I've booked several high profile jobs (in TV, film, and stage) in which I've quite specifically dressed at the character at the audition. Not only am I helping them see me as the character, but I'm also helping myself feel like the character. Different outfits affect your posture and how you hold yourself.

Updated On: 9/8/04 at 01:52 AM

#63

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/8/04 at 2:18am

Can someone post the link to the thread with the songs that shouldn't be sung at auditions? I searched but I couldn't find this thread. I am really really bad at searching for threads for some reason...ughhh

#64

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/8/04 at 3:21am

Man, guys. I totally forgot about these threads.
Oh the pain! The horror!
The barefoot girl in the peasant dress with the kercheif at "Fiddler" auditions!

Here's the link to the songs to not sing thread:
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=184065

I starred in a short film called Magnetic Personality. Check it out!

#65

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/8/04 at 1:15pm

To balance out the "looking good" thoughts...

Sutton Foster told me after a show one day that she never dresses up for an audition, because it isn't "her"...she goes in jeans and a tee or sometimes in sweats. She feels like you should wear whatever is "you" to an audition. I kind of agree with that. Of course, if you have the voice of Sutton Foster, you can do just about anything and get cast. But, in her defense, casting people want to see individuals, not 40 copies of the same person, so make sure when you audition, you are being YOU. Sesame Street was right: there is no better you than YOU. And, when there is no better you than you, there is no competition!

Just thought I'd mention the other side of things.

"Fundamentalism means never having to say 'I'm wrong.'" -- unknown

#66

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/8/04 at 1:46pm

Exactly, dd.

I think the point we are both making is to be the best you you can be. If you are a big girl, don't try to shy away from being big...flaunt it, and knock em off their heels!

If you're a beautiful man, wear some good, hip clothes and show off your hot bod.

The trick is to be the best you that you can.

I think so many people think that if they aren't thin and beautiful, they have to try and look thin and perfect at an audition, but...don't try to be somethi8ng you're not. Instead, be yourself, and eliminate the competition! If that means jeans and a tee, wear it...if it means getting dolled up, go for it! Just know who you are and what you do best!

"Fundamentalism means never having to say 'I'm wrong.'" -- unknown

#67

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/8/04 at 1:49pm

Jon- Are you at the Marriott Lincolnshire by any chance?

You are young, life has been kind to you. You will learn.

#68

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/8/04 at 4:40pm

There is some great advice here - the only thing I would add (barring Sutton Foster apparently) from having been on the other side of the table is that jeans really aren't a good idea. Jeans look like you don't care. Doesn't matter how good the jeans, how expensive they are...jeans look like you couldn't be bothered.

Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson

#69

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/8/04 at 4:42pm

I wear jeans all the time...I can't think of the last audition I went to where I didn't wear jeans.

And, if it's good enough for Sutton, it's good enough for me.

If jeans sell you as a person, wear jeans. If they don't, don't.

"Fundamentalism means never having to say 'I'm wrong.'" -- unknown

#70

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/8/04 at 4:58pm

Some guys do - but going along with your original post, dd, it makes sense to stand out a bit and make sure you look your very best, and not do what everyone else does - like wearing jeans unless it's those "downtown" shows you mentioned.

Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson

#71

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/8/04 at 4:59pm

Agreed...nothing cuter than a cute boy in jeans. Well, except out of...

"Fundamentalism means never having to say 'I'm wrong.'" -- unknown

#72

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/8/04 at 5:13pm

One of the worst things I've ever seen at an audition...this girl comes in and does "Out Tonight" with the recording and with choregraphy (minus the bars, because there were no bars, if there had been, I'm sure she would have gone right on up there). It made her seem horribly out of place, because this was at an audition for The Wizard of Oz. There were children auditioning with "Over the Rainbow" and she sings "Out Tonight". And not well, either, mind you.

#73

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/8/04 at 5:15pm

Do not blow bubbles and do not try to adjust your underwear. Just stand there and suffer.

#74

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/8/04 at 7:17pm

In my opinion, sometimes I think it is good to dress the part of the character because it shows that you are really into it. I did that once when I audition for the Les Miz national tour for young cosette, I got a callback but they said my voice was too strong. No hard feelings though **cough couch**bastards**

"You alone can make my song take flight, it's over now, the Music of the Night!!!!!"

#75

Don't throw up on the stage

Posted: 9/8/04 at 7:26pm

ok I just got home from an audition and would like to rant about how stupid people are. Why do people have to go into a big show of stretching. Like ooh I'm so flexible! Like the stretching really makes me think you're going to be a good dancer.... especially when you're here stretching and wearing a leotard and dance pants and its a freaking SINGING call. There is NO DANCING! You're a loser!!!

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