Auditions are the mainstay of the way performers get jobs.
I know many people dislike auditions, but they are “the way business is done.” You have to show what you can do – “Show me what ya got kid!”
Preparation:
A performer should be ready to audition at a moments notice!
You should be in classes, in training, working out, etc., as often as you possibly can – preferably several times a week. One must “keep one’s instrument tuned” at all times.
As a dancer you should always have everything ready for an audition – jazz shoes, heels for the ladies, sneakers for hip hop, tap shoes, pointe shoes, etc. Also, a change of clothes/outfits should be kept in your car.
*Preparation is the key to success!
At the Audition:
FOCUS! BE “PRESENT”!
Focus on the person(s) conducting the audition. Make eye contact with those in charge.
Do not be distracted by others auditioning!
Is your body language showing that you are the Choreographers / Directors dream cast member? Are you showing that you are easy to work with and competent?
After the Audition:
Possibly the most important thing I can tell you about auditioning is… MOVE ON!
Move on after the audition knowing that you did the best you could do at that point in time.
I had a roommate in New York once who was the “champ” at beating himself up after an audition from which he was cut. He would go into a depression and keep asking over and over “What did I do wrong? I thought I did great!” ….What a negative waste of energy. My response to him was “Shut up! Move on! Focus your energies on THE NEXT AUDITION!”
Trying to analyze an audition can drive you crazy! You never know what the Choreographer, Producer or Director is thinking. Just know that they did not choose you at that time for whatever reason and then move forward.
Certainly if you realize at a certain point that you are lacking in any area of your training, then you must work on that area! Take classes and work on that weakness!
Be prepared so that when you walk into the audition you are confident and ready to “show ‘em what ya got!”
“Over prepare and then go with the flow!”
