Conversation with Tiffany Maher, Part 3
Master Talent Teacher Joe Tremaine has a conversation with the recent LA transplant, Tiffany Maher, about her already blossoming dance career and the move to LA. Part 3 / 3
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Audition and Move On!
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!”
Conversation with Tiffany Maher, Part 2
Master Talent Teacher Joe Tremaine has a conversation with the recent LA transplant, Tiffany Maher, about her already blossoming dance career and the move to LA.
Are You Equipped to Follow Your Dream?
by: Joe Tremaine
We all chase our Dreams!
Reach for our Dreams!
Dream our Dreams!
Hopefully REACH our Dreams!
At any point in one’s career I think it is wise to take a long, hard, honest look at your career to determine your strengths and weaknesses. What do you need to work on to become better equipped to follow your dream?
In dance, are you weak in a particular genre or area?
In acting, are you weak in improv, scene study, etc.?
Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Once you feel you have your list complete, then spend the most time working on your weaknesses – obviously!
You must be totally honest with yourself in recognizing what your particular weaknesses are. Your various teachers would/could certainly offer the best advice. However, be cautious of getting too many people’s opinions.
Then, as you begin to turn each of your weaknesses into strengths, you will experience a satisfaction, a pride in your efforts, all of which will compel you to work more diligently than ever before!
As your list shifts from the weakness side to the strength side:
- You will become a more sale-able “product”!
- You will become more SUCCE$$FUL!
Interview with GLEE Choreographer Zach Woodlee
The choreographer of the FOX hit series Glee, Zach Woodlee, sat down with Master Talent Teacher Joe Tremaine to discuss how his path led him from Texas to Los Angeles and on to become the choreographer of the insanely popular television series. Zach talks about what he looks for and expects from dancers when auditioning and hiring for Glee, and offers his advice to dancers in the entertainment industry.
Growing up with a mother who owned a dance studio, Zach’s childhood was immersed in dance. Later, after studying geriatrics in college, he worked with many area nursing homes to keep movement as the main focus of their recreational programs. However, fate would soon move him to Los Angeles in the pursuit of a dance career. Zach’s mornings began at 4:15 a.m., when he got up, put on all of his ballet gear and topped that with his barista uniform. His shift at Starbucks stretched from 5:15 a.m. until 10:15 a.m., which gave him just enough time to make it to his 10:30 ballet class, tearing off his apron and barista gear as he entered.
Zach got his first break dancing for LeAnn Rimes, then on to movies, joined SAG and began working union jobs. While dancing on tour with Madonna, the realization that an ongoing back condition would prevent him from dancing for much longer. He later made the transition into choreography. Zack=s Glee experience began with meeting show creator Ryan Murphy and realizing he had an innate understanding of the script. The pilot became a passion project for all those involved. Once they were satisfied it was packaged perfectly, they gave it to the world and the rest is history.
Regarding the dance industry, Zach reveals what he looks for and relies upon when casting dancers for Glee. Discussing the importance of keeping your photos and resumes updated, he emphasizes how your work ethic will inevitably make or break you. He also feels that younger dancers need to understand the importance of performing in a group, instead of just as a soloist with specialty tricks. Proper training and a technical background play an important role for him as a choreographer in creating the proper lines. He closes by saying that there is no reason to ever stop training or supporting your dance community. In his words,” If you don’t keep pushing yourself, you will become stale, and you will lose a little bit of your luster”.
Conversation With Tiffany Maher, Part 1
Master Talent Teacher Joe Tremaine has a conversation with the recent LA transplant, Tiffany Maher, about her already blossoming dance career and the move to LA.
How to Work Your Way Up From the Bottom
by: Joe Tremaine
Being there!
Being in the mix!
Persistence!
People often ask me where I get my Choreographers, Teachers and Staff Members who have worked for me over the years. My stock answer, “I raise them!”
In thinking back, I realize that most of these people came to me repeatedly from city to city and thereby grew up attending Tremaine Dance Conventions, Intensives, Classes, etc.
There are many, many young, talented individuals who come through “our doors,” but the question is – Who makes it? Who are the ones that stand our and why?
I see and notice the ones who are there – “in my face” consistently, all the while striving to be better than they were a moment ago. Inhaling all the knowledge I’m giving them and immediately using it to push themselves further. Certainly these performers must have Talent and Potential and a “Burning Desire” that bursts forth, but their persistence is what leads to their recognition.
One of my first assistants, Marcea Lane, was a young lady who was always there when I walked on stage to teach. She was front and center – eager, excited and ‘turned out’! After many cities I finally said to her, “What the heck!? You’re always here! The next city why don’t you assist me?” She did assist me for years, then taught for me and danced professionally for me. She went on to have a great performing career including Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” She is now the Owner/CEO/Designer of her own hugely successful costume and activewear company – Marcea Activewear. I’m so proud of her.
