Having been through the Drama School system (way back in the "Fame" era) and watched many hundreds of audition pieces (some sadder than a bag of nails), I have compiled my own list of Do's and Definitely Don't Do's to hopefully give you a better chance of being picked out from the 300 that will be seen that day.
These are based on my experiences of the people who work in Drama Schools,
take the advice or not
Mr D.
Audition pieces
Avoid ..Lady M speech & Hamlet like the plague...It'll be seen at least 30 times that day and they will be betting in the greenroom exactly how many times it will be seen that day!
Avoid ..Extreme confrontational monologues with harsh eye-contact directed at the panel...we don't want them feeling uncomfortable in your presence just yet: now do we?
Avoid ..Stereotypic Accents unless utterly brilliant...one of the panel (and a lot of the students) will really be Irish, Northern etc. If you have to use an accent, learn it from someone who speaks it, you must be able to pinpoint the street of the person that you learnt it from .
Avoid ..Strong political monologues...a major turn-off. Save the Axe-Grinding for the Students Union
Never Ever say "Sorry, can I do that again?". If you make a mistake, be positive and replace it with "that wasn't right" ,breathe, then do it again .
As daft as it may sound: The main reason for you to perform your monologue to the panel is not to show them how good you are: They'll find that out for themselves. The reason should always be to show them how fantastically well written the piece is and how enjoyable it is to get stuck into such a good role. (it's called "theatrical passion" and is the "It" that most of your competitors will never have)
What to wear?
You need to look yourself. Only wear your clothes, the ones you feel good in and are used to moving in; nothing new, extra trendy nor noisy. You need to rehearse your pieces in the clothes that you are going to wear; imagine the embarrassment of your trousers or bracelets making more noise than you do (I've seen it happen!) One last point, never carefully fold jackets.
Don't hide your hair girls, if its long and gorgeous, let it be tied off of your face but still show it off. ( and don't go for extreme hair cuts...bald doesn't get you Juliet, and extremely short hair may get you a season in Blackpool as Peter Pan)
Plain T-shirts or sleeveless tops are ideal (not Black, that's for Techies ), they need to see your shape & size without them being subjected to too much (over sexiness won't work).
Wear facial or tongue piercings and you may as well just save the train fare: or you'll traveling home with the 75 others that said "I've always wanted to be famous ever since I can remember"
Make-up
Strive to look yourself at your own personal level. Go for your own natural look...even it takes hours. Please don't over-tan or, worse, fake tan yourself ; it can show over self indulgence and lethargy.
In conversation
They want someone who will benefit from the school and, more importantly, be of benefit to the school.
Therefore, do your research,
Mention how exciting their course is and why it's right for you, especially the ------ lessons, (as that's one thing you've been trying to find out about for ages).
Ask them something that will allow them show off their School:
e.g.. " Are there many opportunities to see the other students perform?"
"yes? wonderful. I saw your production of ------- last night,...outstanding" etc etc
Having said that, don't over-milk it...after all, it is a school for acting.....but (as you know), to a luvvie a sincere compliment goes a long way .
The members of the panel are human so when you've finished , thank them.
When you've left the room, one of them will say ,"I liked X" and that will smooth the other one's misgivings....
Well would you pick a frightening Goth who has obviously more baggage than Samsonite?
Oh, and start reading "the Stage" and "Contacts". They do.
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Ace those singing auditions...
Ace Those Singing Auditions!
Singing Auditions can be scary...
Yes, having to sing to a panel of judges or a select group of audience can cause us to panic or experience performance anxiety.
Especially if we were auditioning for a place in a singing contest or competition, or for a plush role in a musical or concert!
You may even have experienced blacking out during an audition, forgetting lyrics or even forgetting the song that you had to sing.
I've coached many students who have experienced all these symptoms and more...
That is also why I have gathered many useful tips to help you ACE your singing auditions and come out TOPS!!
Here they are, for your personal benefit:
Audition Tip # 1: Be Extremely Well-Prepared!
Yes, I know I've said this before, but it certainly is worth saying it over and over again.
Be EXTREMELY well-prepared.
This means that you have to practice your audition song over and over again, until you are really familiar with it, and know exactly how you are going to sing at every part of your song!
You should also mark out exactly what to do at each part of the song, especially for certain vocal expressions that you may wish to showcase.
Mark out the accents in the song, noting which words need to be sung stronger for effect.
Mark out the breathing points in your song phrases, making sure you know exactly where to breathe.
In other words, leave NOTHING to chance!
Because if you miss out on any preparation at all, the stagefright and performance anxiety will seep in from that loophole and affect your entire performance during your singing auditions!
So be thorough when you practice, and do your homework well for every song you sing!
Audition Tip # 2: Choose a Suitable Song for Auditions, and for Yourself
Choosing an audition song involves two aspects:
Knowing how to choose a song for singing auditions, and knowing how to choose a song to showcase the best side of your voice!
Choosing a song for auditions means that you should choose something that is preferably of a certain level of difficulty, but still within your ability to perform it.
Songs should not be overly easy or simple, but they should also not be so difficult that you make a total mess of it!
You should also reserve your BEST song for later rounds of the competition, if you are confident of doing well in the audition rounds.
This allows you to pace yourself, and not run out of songs towards the more crucial rounds in the competition!
Choose songs that help to showcase your sweetest voice, or the unique quality of your voice.
For example, if you sound really good in the low notes, you should pick songs that highlight that aspect of your voice.
Don't pick songs that require you to sing really high, if you know that your high notes sound terrible.
Please. For the sake of the judges, and for your own sake too. ;-p
In other words, play up your strengths, and hide your weaknesses.
Very important.
Audition Tip # 3: Greet the Judges and Look at Them
The judges are the ones who decide your fate during singing auditions.
So, it makes sense for you to greet them when you enter the audition hall or room.
Also, you should always make sure you make sufficient eye contact with them during your performance.
Singing without looking at the judges often causes them to feel disconnected from your performance, and they will certainly not give you high marks for that!
However, be careful not to stare too often at the judges too, or they may feel threatened or uncomfortable!
Be natural, and be sincere.
Audition Tip # 4: Always Warm Up Your Voice!
This is another one of those tips that are all-important and worth saying again.
ALWAYS do your vocal warmups before you enter the audition premises.
This helps to 'awaken' the full power or beauty of your voice, and showcase your best voice to the judges!
This also helps you to avoid 'cracking' or losing control over your voice during difficult sections of your song.
An extremely useful and simple warmup exercise is the lip trill exercise, which helps to warm up your lips as well as your voice and breath.
Many singers use this warmup exercise, and I am sure you will benefit greatly from it too!
You may also wish to check out some useful vocal training resources to train your voice more, so that you will be ready for your singing auditions both mentally and vocally too!
For those who wish to read up more on some general tips for tackling singing contests or competitions, check out this link now!
Lastly, always have a healthy mindset when going for singing auditions or competitions.
Even if you fail to get through to the next round, it does not necessarily mean that you do not sing well.
It means that you are not what the judges are looking for THIS TIME ROUND.
So, do not give up. Try again and again, and one day, you will succeed!
Singing Auditions can be scary...
Yes, having to sing to a panel of judges or a select group of audience can cause us to panic or experience performance anxiety.
Especially if we were auditioning for a place in a singing contest or competition, or for a plush role in a musical or concert!
You may even have experienced blacking out during an audition, forgetting lyrics or even forgetting the song that you had to sing.
I've coached many students who have experienced all these symptoms and more...
That is also why I have gathered many useful tips to help you ACE your singing auditions and come out TOPS!!
Here they are, for your personal benefit:
Audition Tip # 1: Be Extremely Well-Prepared!
Yes, I know I've said this before, but it certainly is worth saying it over and over again.
Be EXTREMELY well-prepared.
This means that you have to practice your audition song over and over again, until you are really familiar with it, and know exactly how you are going to sing at every part of your song!
You should also mark out exactly what to do at each part of the song, especially for certain vocal expressions that you may wish to showcase.
Mark out the accents in the song, noting which words need to be sung stronger for effect.
Mark out the breathing points in your song phrases, making sure you know exactly where to breathe.
In other words, leave NOTHING to chance!
Because if you miss out on any preparation at all, the stagefright and performance anxiety will seep in from that loophole and affect your entire performance during your singing auditions!
So be thorough when you practice, and do your homework well for every song you sing!
Audition Tip # 2: Choose a Suitable Song for Auditions, and for Yourself
Choosing an audition song involves two aspects:
Knowing how to choose a song for singing auditions, and knowing how to choose a song to showcase the best side of your voice!
Choosing a song for auditions means that you should choose something that is preferably of a certain level of difficulty, but still within your ability to perform it.
Songs should not be overly easy or simple, but they should also not be so difficult that you make a total mess of it!
You should also reserve your BEST song for later rounds of the competition, if you are confident of doing well in the audition rounds.
This allows you to pace yourself, and not run out of songs towards the more crucial rounds in the competition!
Choose songs that help to showcase your sweetest voice, or the unique quality of your voice.
For example, if you sound really good in the low notes, you should pick songs that highlight that aspect of your voice.
Don't pick songs that require you to sing really high, if you know that your high notes sound terrible.
Please. For the sake of the judges, and for your own sake too. ;-p
In other words, play up your strengths, and hide your weaknesses.
Very important.
Audition Tip # 3: Greet the Judges and Look at Them
The judges are the ones who decide your fate during singing auditions.
So, it makes sense for you to greet them when you enter the audition hall or room.
Also, you should always make sure you make sufficient eye contact with them during your performance.
Singing without looking at the judges often causes them to feel disconnected from your performance, and they will certainly not give you high marks for that!
However, be careful not to stare too often at the judges too, or they may feel threatened or uncomfortable!
Be natural, and be sincere.
Audition Tip # 4: Always Warm Up Your Voice!
This is another one of those tips that are all-important and worth saying again.
ALWAYS do your vocal warmups before you enter the audition premises.
This helps to 'awaken' the full power or beauty of your voice, and showcase your best voice to the judges!
This also helps you to avoid 'cracking' or losing control over your voice during difficult sections of your song.
An extremely useful and simple warmup exercise is the lip trill exercise, which helps to warm up your lips as well as your voice and breath.
Many singers use this warmup exercise, and I am sure you will benefit greatly from it too!
You may also wish to check out some useful vocal training resources to train your voice more, so that you will be ready for your singing auditions both mentally and vocally too!
For those who wish to read up more on some general tips for tackling singing contests or competitions, check out this link now!
Lastly, always have a healthy mindset when going for singing auditions or competitions.
Even if you fail to get through to the next round, it does not necessarily mean that you do not sing well.
It means that you are not what the judges are looking for THIS TIME ROUND.
So, do not give up. Try again and again, and one day, you will succeed!
Monday, 25 January 2010
10 top tips to become a music video dancer
If you want to become a music video dancer there are many things you can do that will make people take you seriously and enhance your prospects. Follow these tips and you won't go wrong.
1. Start going to a dance studio. The bigger dance studios will often have the best dance teachers so you should try and go there, if not many times a local dance studio will have some very good teachers.
2. Attend a dance college. Doing a 3 year course at a professional dance college can give you a strong all round training as you'll be dancing all the time. Many jobs will also only accept applicants who have been to an accredited dance school.
3. Seek out the best dance teachers. Whatever styles of dance you choose to specialise in seek out and learn from the best teachers. They can teach you things that a non-expert wouldn't be able to.
4. When you get good start attending dance auditions and castings. This'll give you an idea of the process and the standard you'll have to get to.
5. Speak to other successful dancers who are doing well and ask them for advice. Many times they'll be happy to give you some pointers. Even if you don't ask them for advice, just by talking to them you'll get ideas about how you too can improve your prospects.
6. Get good photos done from a good photographer. Photos that reflect you and your image, and how clients could adapt your image to meet jobs specifications are an essential thing you'll have to send out again and again and can help you get good jobs.
7. Get a dance agent or join a dance agency. You'll have to audition to get in but they can get you many good castings and auditions that you wouldn't normally hear about. A good agent can turn around a dancer's career.
8. Practise. The more you practise the better you'll become. The better you are, the more choreographers that will want to work with you on their next music video project.
9. Go to the dance classes and masterclasses of prominent choreographers in the industry. This can make you a familiar face to them and you can learn the type of current choreography being used in music videos at the moment.
10. Remain optimistic. Whilst not every dancer can be a music video dancer, many people don't make it simply because they just give up. There are many rejections at auditions and whilst one choreographer may not feel you're right for their style of dance, another will think you're something special.
Ryan Heddik has enjoyed a successful dance career dancing on TV numerous times and wrote the groundbreaking e-book Dance In A Pop Video The book teaches aspiring dancers the exact process they can follow to find work in music videos with tried and tested principles that actually work. Find out more about it at the Box Dancer Website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Heddik
1. Start going to a dance studio. The bigger dance studios will often have the best dance teachers so you should try and go there, if not many times a local dance studio will have some very good teachers.
2. Attend a dance college. Doing a 3 year course at a professional dance college can give you a strong all round training as you'll be dancing all the time. Many jobs will also only accept applicants who have been to an accredited dance school.
3. Seek out the best dance teachers. Whatever styles of dance you choose to specialise in seek out and learn from the best teachers. They can teach you things that a non-expert wouldn't be able to.
4. When you get good start attending dance auditions and castings. This'll give you an idea of the process and the standard you'll have to get to.
5. Speak to other successful dancers who are doing well and ask them for advice. Many times they'll be happy to give you some pointers. Even if you don't ask them for advice, just by talking to them you'll get ideas about how you too can improve your prospects.
6. Get good photos done from a good photographer. Photos that reflect you and your image, and how clients could adapt your image to meet jobs specifications are an essential thing you'll have to send out again and again and can help you get good jobs.
7. Get a dance agent or join a dance agency. You'll have to audition to get in but they can get you many good castings and auditions that you wouldn't normally hear about. A good agent can turn around a dancer's career.
8. Practise. The more you practise the better you'll become. The better you are, the more choreographers that will want to work with you on their next music video project.
9. Go to the dance classes and masterclasses of prominent choreographers in the industry. This can make you a familiar face to them and you can learn the type of current choreography being used in music videos at the moment.
10. Remain optimistic. Whilst not every dancer can be a music video dancer, many people don't make it simply because they just give up. There are many rejections at auditions and whilst one choreographer may not feel you're right for their style of dance, another will think you're something special.
Ryan Heddik has enjoyed a successful dance career dancing on TV numerous times and wrote the groundbreaking e-book Dance In A Pop Video The book teaches aspiring dancers the exact process they can follow to find work in music videos with tried and tested principles that actually work. Find out more about it at the Box Dancer Website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Heddik
Friday, 22 January 2010
How to increase your chances of getting a call back by Tracy Hogan
Actors first starting out in the industry often times end up sabotaging there chances of getting a job and don't even realize it. While acting is not quite new to me it is something that I find myself getting more seduced by.
If you are only interested in print modeling there is still a form of auditioning that happens in order for you to get the job and to sell the product or service. You can't just stand in front of a product and smile and look pretty. Showing facial expressions is key and you have to have a range of emotions.
I've gone on my share of auditions and I even auditioned for a reality show. Here are some tips on how to secure a call back.
Make sure you standout
I was recently at a audition and there were so many gorgeous women there from all nationalities. I can honestly only recall a handful of them. The ones I can remember all had distinctive features. There was an older lady with gray hair, another one who was completely bald, and the last woman had an island accent.
Less is best
Weaves and extensions are not new to Hollywood but are too mainstream because they are so acceptable and affordable now. African-American women be careful of the lace front weaves and eyelashes trap. You will not be the only woman in the room sporting that look. You may want to think of another hairstyle. Show your natural beauty. Also blonds may have more fun, but you don't stand out if every Caucasian women there is blond.
Interview Auditions
Give the casting director something different, unique and not cookie-cutter. Always hear the silent "why" that may be missing. If you say you love mexican food be prepared to share why you love it. Remember depending upon what time of day you go to your audition the casting director probably is probably bored out of their mind because they have already seen the same read from another actor. So get creative and show off your range of talents.
Listen
The casting director will tell you what they are looking for or give you a pretty good idea. You are not paying attention if you deliver something totally different and that sends the message that you don't follow direction.
Wardrobe
Make sure you get yourself into character and look the part. If it calls for after five attire don't show up wearing business casual. If you are unsure wear layers and bring some accessories so you can take away or add to your look. It's better to have too much stuff than not enough.
Punctuality
If you show or late for your audition, chances are you will show up late if you get the job. So guess what? You will not even be considered.
For more information about this and how to successfully get into modeling and get the honest answers to all of your questions, visit http://modelmagic.wordpress.com/ today. Make sure you sign up to receive instant notification of new posts. Now available, set up your own modeling profile at http://modelmagic.ning.com Thank you.
Tracy Hogan is a professional model and educator with over 15 years experience in the modeling industry. She has taught modeling classes at a national modeling school. She specializes in print, commercial, hair, promotional, runway, and free-lance modeling. Think of her as your agent without the agency fees.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracy_Hogan
If you are only interested in print modeling there is still a form of auditioning that happens in order for you to get the job and to sell the product or service. You can't just stand in front of a product and smile and look pretty. Showing facial expressions is key and you have to have a range of emotions.
I've gone on my share of auditions and I even auditioned for a reality show. Here are some tips on how to secure a call back.
Make sure you standout
I was recently at a audition and there were so many gorgeous women there from all nationalities. I can honestly only recall a handful of them. The ones I can remember all had distinctive features. There was an older lady with gray hair, another one who was completely bald, and the last woman had an island accent.
Less is best
Weaves and extensions are not new to Hollywood but are too mainstream because they are so acceptable and affordable now. African-American women be careful of the lace front weaves and eyelashes trap. You will not be the only woman in the room sporting that look. You may want to think of another hairstyle. Show your natural beauty. Also blonds may have more fun, but you don't stand out if every Caucasian women there is blond.
Interview Auditions
Give the casting director something different, unique and not cookie-cutter. Always hear the silent "why" that may be missing. If you say you love mexican food be prepared to share why you love it. Remember depending upon what time of day you go to your audition the casting director probably is probably bored out of their mind because they have already seen the same read from another actor. So get creative and show off your range of talents.
Listen
The casting director will tell you what they are looking for or give you a pretty good idea. You are not paying attention if you deliver something totally different and that sends the message that you don't follow direction.
Wardrobe
Make sure you get yourself into character and look the part. If it calls for after five attire don't show up wearing business casual. If you are unsure wear layers and bring some accessories so you can take away or add to your look. It's better to have too much stuff than not enough.
Punctuality
If you show or late for your audition, chances are you will show up late if you get the job. So guess what? You will not even be considered.
For more information about this and how to successfully get into modeling and get the honest answers to all of your questions, visit http://modelmagic.wordpress.com/ today. Make sure you sign up to receive instant notification of new posts. Now available, set up your own modeling profile at http://modelmagic.ning.com Thank you.
Tracy Hogan is a professional model and educator with over 15 years experience in the modeling industry. She has taught modeling classes at a national modeling school. She specializes in print, commercial, hair, promotional, runway, and free-lance modeling. Think of her as your agent without the agency fees.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracy_Hogan
Monday, 18 January 2010
Audition tips by Wade Bradford
A queasy feeling settles into your stomach. You are surrounded by a group of gossiping men and women who sip cafe mochas while complimenting each other's headshots. Suddenly, the casting director calls your number. "What monologue will you be reading for us today?" she asks.
"Oh, sorry," you reply. "I didn't know I was supposed to bring one." Her annoyed expression tells you everything. You won't be getting a callback.
This scenario can easily avoided by following these simple audition tips:
Read the Audition Notice Carefully
Actors should arrive at auditions fully prepared, not just ready to perform, but also to present any requested material. Examine the audition notice. Should you prepare one monologue? Two? Make certain you match the material to the play. For example, if you are auditioning for Oedipus Rex, prepare a scene from Greek drama, not The Odd Couple.
Finally, based upon the audition notice, make certain you are trying out for an appropriate part. If the casting director is looking for a tall, bald man in his 60s, don’t show up hoping that they will change the script for your short, frizzy-haired, thirty-year-old self. Follow whatever guidelines are offered to ensure that you arrive at the audition as organized as possible.
.
"Oh, sorry," you reply. "I didn't know I was supposed to bring one." Her annoyed expression tells you everything. You won't be getting a callback.
This scenario can easily avoided by following these simple audition tips:
Read the Audition Notice Carefully
Actors should arrive at auditions fully prepared, not just ready to perform, but also to present any requested material. Examine the audition notice. Should you prepare one monologue? Two? Make certain you match the material to the play. For example, if you are auditioning for Oedipus Rex, prepare a scene from Greek drama, not The Odd Couple.
Finally, based upon the audition notice, make certain you are trying out for an appropriate part. If the casting director is looking for a tall, bald man in his 60s, don’t show up hoping that they will change the script for your short, frizzy-haired, thirty-year-old self. Follow whatever guidelines are offered to ensure that you arrive at the audition as organized as possible.
.
Friday, 15 January 2010
Top 10 tips for getting a monologue by Mark Westbrook
Top Ten Tips for Getting The Monologue
This is the question I am asked by friends, strangers, students, former students and the cleaning lady on a regular basis. Can I recommend a good monologue? Yes, To Be or Not To Be from Hamlet. It's a really good monologue What the question really is, is a slightly desperate request for direction on choosing THE monologue, THE one that will gain you admittance to whatever club (drama school or the cast of a show) that you're trying to join. I don't say this to be rude or controversial, there's no doubt that I appreciate your distress at trying to find the right monologue but rather than letting me choose that one for you, and therefore shouldering some of the blame if you don't get into your club of choice, let me help you find a good monologue.
ONE: There is not one monologue written that will help you any more than any other. The panel want to see your skills, not your literary capacity. Any monologue, any piece of writing can be delivered beautifully, powerfully, movingly and indicate to the panel that you're good.
TWO: There are a lot of dreadful monologues on the Internet, don't use them. They're on the Internet for a reason. On the other hand, there are some good monologues online too, but you've got to know which ones are good.
THREE: Go to a Library or a Bookshop. Sit and read some monologues from the plays there. If you can't be bothered to do this, you're not going to be much of an actor anyway.
FOUR: Stick to what they ask for. Whether it's Drama School or A Job, and they ask you to prepare a monologue, that's what they want! Don't choose a bit from a novel or a poem, they are written non-dramatically and thinking you can substitute either for a monologue, well, you're wrong and they will be dire. If they ask for a contemporary monologue choose a contemporary monologue.
FIVE: Contemporary doesn't mean 1950s anymore; it's means the 1970's to today. But my advice is choose something written in the last 10 years.
SIX: Choose something that suits your age, gender and appearance. Make it easier for them to see you as the role. Acting is no longer about the incredible capacity for actors to transform themselves into someone 50 years older; you're wasting your time.
SEVEN: Want to know my best advice? ANY monologue is good. I really mean that. BUT make sure that you understand it and make sure you've read the play. Don't try to cheat, you'll only end up getting found out.
EIGHT: Look to the Monologue Books for Ideas, but if you choose one from there, beware, cos they've probably sold hundreds of thousands of copies of those books, so.... You'll be choosing the same as at least 50,000 other actors. If you choose one from those books, make sure you READ it!
NINE: Do not write your own. Yes, you will be tempted, but don't do it. The panel will not appreciate it. They don't want to see your capacity for creativity; they want to know if you can deliver a monologue effectively
TEN: There is no perfect monologue. You will learn to love a monologue based on your understanding of it, based on discovering all the subtleties of it. By understanding it's heartbeat, the desire of the character and what they are doing to get what they want, you'll learn to develop a Good Monologue. So my final piece of advice is simple, there aren't any good monologues; you make them into good monologues by fully understanding them and doing them well.
Mark Westbrook won't tell you what monologue to do, but you can read his daily advice on acting at http://www.acting-blog.com
This is the question I am asked by friends, strangers, students, former students and the cleaning lady on a regular basis. Can I recommend a good monologue? Yes, To Be or Not To Be from Hamlet. It's a really good monologue What the question really is, is a slightly desperate request for direction on choosing THE monologue, THE one that will gain you admittance to whatever club (drama school or the cast of a show) that you're trying to join. I don't say this to be rude or controversial, there's no doubt that I appreciate your distress at trying to find the right monologue but rather than letting me choose that one for you, and therefore shouldering some of the blame if you don't get into your club of choice, let me help you find a good monologue.
ONE: There is not one monologue written that will help you any more than any other. The panel want to see your skills, not your literary capacity. Any monologue, any piece of writing can be delivered beautifully, powerfully, movingly and indicate to the panel that you're good.
TWO: There are a lot of dreadful monologues on the Internet, don't use them. They're on the Internet for a reason. On the other hand, there are some good monologues online too, but you've got to know which ones are good.
THREE: Go to a Library or a Bookshop. Sit and read some monologues from the plays there. If you can't be bothered to do this, you're not going to be much of an actor anyway.
FOUR: Stick to what they ask for. Whether it's Drama School or A Job, and they ask you to prepare a monologue, that's what they want! Don't choose a bit from a novel or a poem, they are written non-dramatically and thinking you can substitute either for a monologue, well, you're wrong and they will be dire. If they ask for a contemporary monologue choose a contemporary monologue.
FIVE: Contemporary doesn't mean 1950s anymore; it's means the 1970's to today. But my advice is choose something written in the last 10 years.
SIX: Choose something that suits your age, gender and appearance. Make it easier for them to see you as the role. Acting is no longer about the incredible capacity for actors to transform themselves into someone 50 years older; you're wasting your time.
SEVEN: Want to know my best advice? ANY monologue is good. I really mean that. BUT make sure that you understand it and make sure you've read the play. Don't try to cheat, you'll only end up getting found out.
EIGHT: Look to the Monologue Books for Ideas, but if you choose one from there, beware, cos they've probably sold hundreds of thousands of copies of those books, so.... You'll be choosing the same as at least 50,000 other actors. If you choose one from those books, make sure you READ it!
NINE: Do not write your own. Yes, you will be tempted, but don't do it. The panel will not appreciate it. They don't want to see your capacity for creativity; they want to know if you can deliver a monologue effectively
TEN: There is no perfect monologue. You will learn to love a monologue based on your understanding of it, based on discovering all the subtleties of it. By understanding it's heartbeat, the desire of the character and what they are doing to get what they want, you'll learn to develop a Good Monologue. So my final piece of advice is simple, there aren't any good monologues; you make them into good monologues by fully understanding them and doing them well.
Mark Westbrook won't tell you what monologue to do, but you can read his daily advice on acting at http://www.acting-blog.com
Thursday, 14 January 2010
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Tips on easy singing auditions by Emma Careyus
Are you preparing yourself for singing auditions? Do you want to make your career bright? Are you not finding any clues for it? Do not worry now because I assure you that it is now very easy task to do it now.
Aside from continuous practice, before going for the big event, you must give chill to your entire body by just imagining the faces of your jurors. Never give up your dreams by thinking that you can not do well in singing auditions because you have skills and you can do well.
Just choose right song for your audition. Just imagine that you have to select a right song. Just start searching for best musician, band and acting for reference. Do not sit back and do not let your singing dream fade away and prepare yourself for it. Talent agents are looking for new bright stars and you may be the next undiscovered star so consider yourself as a bright star of future singers before going to the singing audition.
We are giving you some details for singing audition and you can yourself visit these sites for updated information;
Singing audition (charity event) held annually and audition fee goes to cancer research. This is a private event and the contestants have to pay their donations via the website. It is a voluntary service dedicated to find talent you just give your first singing audition and if you are best then a fully produced original sound track and song will be arranged for you.
Another one is, Live and unsigned music competition auditions 2009, which offers free entry for a limited time. It will organize the national music competition for unsigned bands, solo artists and vocal groups to perform live. So be yourself and make a song of your own version before going for a singing audition. If you are preparing for a singing audition then you can also participate in online competitions and lists are given below;
Shure creative award has announced a competition which will be judged by sensational singers/song writers. Give your first singing audition in this completion because first prize is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend. You can participate in "pop video star". Winners will get their own website and also some popularity of website.
Upstaged is a brand new BBC event open to all. You can upload you original song and photo for singing audition held by MP3 Music Awards. They recommend age from 16 to 26.
Other online competitions are Online Idol, Musician War, ISuperstar and Tune97 online singing competition. You can join anyone for your first audition.
So, it is now up to you to join online competitions, international singing competitions or university/college competitions. Do not stay away, move your step ahead because every one is waiting for your singing here. Give your singing audition and prove yourself as a a best singer.
Critically acclaimed, celebrity voice method used by stars like Hayley Williams, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and More! Sing Any Song You Want, in Any Key You Like by Adding a Full Octave to Your Range--GUARANTEED! Learn Singing Like Superstar Now!
Increase Your Vocal Range, Lose ALL Strain on the High Notes and Celebrities' Secrets Revealed and MORE! Visit : http://brettmanningsingingsuccess.com/
Aside from continuous practice, before going for the big event, you must give chill to your entire body by just imagining the faces of your jurors. Never give up your dreams by thinking that you can not do well in singing auditions because you have skills and you can do well.
Just choose right song for your audition. Just imagine that you have to select a right song. Just start searching for best musician, band and acting for reference. Do not sit back and do not let your singing dream fade away and prepare yourself for it. Talent agents are looking for new bright stars and you may be the next undiscovered star so consider yourself as a bright star of future singers before going to the singing audition.
We are giving you some details for singing audition and you can yourself visit these sites for updated information;
Singing audition (charity event) held annually and audition fee goes to cancer research. This is a private event and the contestants have to pay their donations via the website. It is a voluntary service dedicated to find talent you just give your first singing audition and if you are best then a fully produced original sound track and song will be arranged for you.
Another one is, Live and unsigned music competition auditions 2009, which offers free entry for a limited time. It will organize the national music competition for unsigned bands, solo artists and vocal groups to perform live. So be yourself and make a song of your own version before going for a singing audition. If you are preparing for a singing audition then you can also participate in online competitions and lists are given below;
Shure creative award has announced a competition which will be judged by sensational singers/song writers. Give your first singing audition in this completion because first prize is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend. You can participate in "pop video star". Winners will get their own website and also some popularity of website.
Upstaged is a brand new BBC event open to all. You can upload you original song and photo for singing audition held by MP3 Music Awards. They recommend age from 16 to 26.
Other online competitions are Online Idol, Musician War, ISuperstar and Tune97 online singing competition. You can join anyone for your first audition.
So, it is now up to you to join online competitions, international singing competitions or university/college competitions. Do not stay away, move your step ahead because every one is waiting for your singing here. Give your singing audition and prove yourself as a a best singer.
Critically acclaimed, celebrity voice method used by stars like Hayley Williams, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and More! Sing Any Song You Want, in Any Key You Like by Adding a Full Octave to Your Range--GUARANTEED! Learn Singing Like Superstar Now!
Increase Your Vocal Range, Lose ALL Strain on the High Notes and Celebrities' Secrets Revealed and MORE! Visit : http://brettmanningsingingsuccess.com/
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Acting auditions - what you need to know? William G Craig
If your looking for acting audition tips this is a good place to start, It will give you a few ideas though because of space its not totally exhaustive, so just consider this a starting point.
Acting audition tips can broken down into roughly three sections, The Preparation, The Performance and The Result. We will look at all three and hopefully by the end of the article you will be a little more relaxed about the whole process.
The Preparation
Preparation, as all good job interview books will tell you, is essential.
Firstly, any research that you can do into project will help, be it the character you going to play, director, the company or even the writer. It will show a degree of thoroughness and dedication that could be the deciding factor in your favor.
Secondly, make sure you know your monologues, you should have practiced them out loud in front of a variety of people to get a diversity of opinions, if this is not possible you may find it useful to record yourself, this gives you the chance to evaluate your own performance from a slightly different perspective.
Thirdly, know exactly where the interview is, how long it takes to get there and arrive early. This allows you to relax and find some where to warm up
Take water, a snack and a book with you, you could be there some time.
When in the audition environment it is good practice to be nice to everyone, it sounds cheesy, but todays' rival actor could be tomorrows hot new director. This leads us nicely onto the topic of the other actors auditioning with you, they will be just as nervous as you, if not more so, and if some appear to be over confident try not to let that intimidate you. A cocky actor does not make a good actor.
The Performance
When you enter the acting audition room be confident, positive and friendly. First impressions count, it may be helpful to remind yourself that these people in front of you are on your side, they actually want you to be great! Its good to be as open and personable as possible because you want the director/casting director to want to work with you personally as well as professionally and any advantage is an advantage.
Try to keep any questions you may have to a minimum, time is precious and too many questions can seem overly ingratiating.
Your initial monologue should not really be more than two minutes long, have others of a similar length prepared, these should show the range and diversity of your talent, and also have a longer monologue prepared, just in case the Director requests it.
The director might ask you to reread after direction, so showing good listening skills is important, its better to ask questions than to assume that you know what the director wants accepting direction also requires flexibility, so avoid sticking too tightly to the same old way you've done the reading in the past, be prepared for a degree of unpredictability.
The Result
No article on acting audition tips would be complete without a word or two about rejection.
As you have just read there are many ways that you can improve your chances of getting a role, but most actors will get turned down for most jobs most of the time. You could do all of the above and more and still be overlooked, but you should not take this as a comment on your ability. It just indicates that the casting panel thought that someone else was more suitable to that particular role at that particular time.
If you do get called back for a second audition then well done. The same basic rules apply with a few subtle tweaks that will have to wait for another article.
Thanks for taking the time to read my acting audition tips and I hope it gave you a few things to think about.
Good luck.
Click HERE to improve your acting today-boost your audition chances right now.
Ever wondered why you never get the call? CLICK HERE for insider secrets to get callbacks for every role.
Will Craig is the webmaster at improveyouracting.com/
Acting audition tips can broken down into roughly three sections, The Preparation, The Performance and The Result. We will look at all three and hopefully by the end of the article you will be a little more relaxed about the whole process.
The Preparation
Preparation, as all good job interview books will tell you, is essential.
Firstly, any research that you can do into project will help, be it the character you going to play, director, the company or even the writer. It will show a degree of thoroughness and dedication that could be the deciding factor in your favor.
Secondly, make sure you know your monologues, you should have practiced them out loud in front of a variety of people to get a diversity of opinions, if this is not possible you may find it useful to record yourself, this gives you the chance to evaluate your own performance from a slightly different perspective.
Thirdly, know exactly where the interview is, how long it takes to get there and arrive early. This allows you to relax and find some where to warm up
Take water, a snack and a book with you, you could be there some time.
When in the audition environment it is good practice to be nice to everyone, it sounds cheesy, but todays' rival actor could be tomorrows hot new director. This leads us nicely onto the topic of the other actors auditioning with you, they will be just as nervous as you, if not more so, and if some appear to be over confident try not to let that intimidate you. A cocky actor does not make a good actor.
The Performance
When you enter the acting audition room be confident, positive and friendly. First impressions count, it may be helpful to remind yourself that these people in front of you are on your side, they actually want you to be great! Its good to be as open and personable as possible because you want the director/casting director to want to work with you personally as well as professionally and any advantage is an advantage.
Try to keep any questions you may have to a minimum, time is precious and too many questions can seem overly ingratiating.
Your initial monologue should not really be more than two minutes long, have others of a similar length prepared, these should show the range and diversity of your talent, and also have a longer monologue prepared, just in case the Director requests it.
The director might ask you to reread after direction, so showing good listening skills is important, its better to ask questions than to assume that you know what the director wants accepting direction also requires flexibility, so avoid sticking too tightly to the same old way you've done the reading in the past, be prepared for a degree of unpredictability.
The Result
No article on acting audition tips would be complete without a word or two about rejection.
As you have just read there are many ways that you can improve your chances of getting a role, but most actors will get turned down for most jobs most of the time. You could do all of the above and more and still be overlooked, but you should not take this as a comment on your ability. It just indicates that the casting panel thought that someone else was more suitable to that particular role at that particular time.
If you do get called back for a second audition then well done. The same basic rules apply with a few subtle tweaks that will have to wait for another article.
Thanks for taking the time to read my acting audition tips and I hope it gave you a few things to think about.
Good luck.
Click HERE to improve your acting today-boost your audition chances right now.
Ever wondered why you never get the call? CLICK HERE for insider secrets to get callbacks for every role.
Will Craig is the webmaster at improveyouracting.com/
College auditions by Triplethreat
Tips For College Auditions
College auditions are unlike most other auditions you will attend in your performing career - there is no specific production to focus your audition pieces around, so it can seem overwhelming when trying to pick material. While every college is different, there are some basic guidelines that will help you narrow your focus.
1.Pick age-appropriate and type-appropriate material. Colleges want future professional performers in their programs. By choosing material that suits your age and type, you are showing the audition panel that you understand what your limitations are, and that you know how to market yourself to your strengths. You should never use material belonging to a character that you could not realistically play at the professional level.
2.Remember that high-school casting is not a good indication of your type. Highschools must cast teenagers as middle-aged characters and may even cast females as males. If you have mostly performed in highschool productions, you may not have a realistic view of your type. To get a realistic view of your type, try feedback from an agent or a site like areuastar.com
3.You can't start too early. You just can't rush finding the "perfect" audition material - it takes time and effort. Listen to tons of cast recordings and read tons of scripts, and keep track of the ones you like. Spend time at the library. Trust me - the audition panel can tell who has spent a significant amount of time doing this and who picked the first song & monologue they found in an anthology.
4.Remember that obscure does not mean better. Realistically, the audition panel has been holding college auditions for years. They have heard just about every possible audition song - good or bad. So if your only goal is to find a song they wont have heard before - good luck! And if you DO find a song they haven't heard before... do you think there might be a good reason for that? Yes, there are songs that are just too overdone to even bother with, but your goal should be to choose the best song for you.
5.Don't use cold material if you can help it. Once you have chosen your material, do everything you can to get experience presenting this material before you start your college auditions. Cabarets, coffeehouses, workshops and other auditions are all great opportunities to "work the kinks out" beforehand. Not only will you identify potentially embarrassing problems ahead of time, but you will also gain a great deal of confidence with the material.
6.Keep things in perspective. However much it may feel like it, college auditions are not the be-all and end-all of your career. Many professional performers have taken many different paths to get where they are - so don't panic. You can audition again, you can take a year off to gain work experience, you can get a degree in a related field, you can start a "day career" while continuing to perform in the evenings... there are so many different ways to get where you want to go, and college is just one of them. Take these auditions seriously, of course! But don't feel that your career is over before it has even started if it doesn't work out for you the first time.
College auditions are unlike most other auditions you will attend in your performing career - there is no specific production to focus your audition pieces around, so it can seem overwhelming when trying to pick material. While every college is different, there are some basic guidelines that will help you narrow your focus.
1.Pick age-appropriate and type-appropriate material. Colleges want future professional performers in their programs. By choosing material that suits your age and type, you are showing the audition panel that you understand what your limitations are, and that you know how to market yourself to your strengths. You should never use material belonging to a character that you could not realistically play at the professional level.
2.Remember that high-school casting is not a good indication of your type. Highschools must cast teenagers as middle-aged characters and may even cast females as males. If you have mostly performed in highschool productions, you may not have a realistic view of your type. To get a realistic view of your type, try feedback from an agent or a site like areuastar.com
3.You can't start too early. You just can't rush finding the "perfect" audition material - it takes time and effort. Listen to tons of cast recordings and read tons of scripts, and keep track of the ones you like. Spend time at the library. Trust me - the audition panel can tell who has spent a significant amount of time doing this and who picked the first song & monologue they found in an anthology.
4.Remember that obscure does not mean better. Realistically, the audition panel has been holding college auditions for years. They have heard just about every possible audition song - good or bad. So if your only goal is to find a song they wont have heard before - good luck! And if you DO find a song they haven't heard before... do you think there might be a good reason for that? Yes, there are songs that are just too overdone to even bother with, but your goal should be to choose the best song for you.
5.Don't use cold material if you can help it. Once you have chosen your material, do everything you can to get experience presenting this material before you start your college auditions. Cabarets, coffeehouses, workshops and other auditions are all great opportunities to "work the kinks out" beforehand. Not only will you identify potentially embarrassing problems ahead of time, but you will also gain a great deal of confidence with the material.
6.Keep things in perspective. However much it may feel like it, college auditions are not the be-all and end-all of your career. Many professional performers have taken many different paths to get where they are - so don't panic. You can audition again, you can take a year off to gain work experience, you can get a degree in a related field, you can start a "day career" while continuing to perform in the evenings... there are so many different ways to get where you want to go, and college is just one of them. Take these auditions seriously, of course! But don't feel that your career is over before it has even started if it doesn't work out for you the first time.
Monday, 11 January 2010
Over done auditon songs
Hi everyone, I've been having a good look online and have found that one of the biggest mistakes when choosing an audition song is to go for something that has been done too many times. Here's a good article on what not to choose so have a read and hopefully it will guide you in the right direction (warning...the writer is a little blunt sometimes so try to take it as constructive!)...
Overdone Audition Songs
The following is a list of overdone audition songs, compiled from a variety of sources. If you are struggling to find a song that isn't overdone, learn how to build a singer's musical theatre repertoire or search our audition song database.
If everyone who went to a musical theatre audition spent the time and effort choosing an audition song that best fit the audition, their vocal range and personality, the world would be a happier place. Unfortunately, there are many that still believe that a "good song" automatically makes a good audition piece, regardless of age or vocal range or the type of show you are auditioning for. But a "good song" isn't neccessarily a good song for you. As a result, there are some very excellent musical theatre songs that must be used with caution because too many people have used them, and many have used them badly.
However: Some people get so obsessed about overdone songs that they will pick an audition song simply because it is obscure. It's important to remember that the whole point of the audition is to show the audition panel that you are right for the show. This means choosing a song that shows off your voice to the best of your ability as well as embodies the style/theme of the show you are auditioning for.
If you are trying to decide between two pieces that both have the characteristics above, then by all means choose the one that is less overdone, but if you're only criteria is that the song "isn't overdone" then you are not doing yourself justice. Remember - it's you that is auditioning, not the song.
Should you use an overdone song? Do it only if:
- you are the right age and gender for the role the song is written for
- it fits the style of the show you are auditioning for
- it suits the character you are auditioning for
- you honestly feel you can sing it better than anyone else (because you WILL be compared to the other people singing it!)
Have I missed an overdone audition song or show? Email me This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .
Individual Overdone Audition Songs from Musicals
* Good Morning Baltimore from Hairspray
* On My Own from Les Miserables
* Adelaide's Lament from Guys and Dolls (why are teenagers always singing this? the character has been engaged for 14 years!)
* Memory from Cats
* I Hate Men from Kiss Me Kate
* All That Jazz from Chicago
* Wash That Man... from South Pacific
* Can't Help Lovin'... from Show Boat
* Big Spender from Sweet Charity
* You Can Always... from City of Angels
* Shy from Once Upon a Mattress
* Tomorrow from Annie
* I Enjoy Being A Girl from Flower Drum Song
* Broadway Baby, Hard Hearted Hannah, Hit Me With a Hot Note from Follies
* Surrey With The Fringe On Top & I Can't Say No from Oklahoma
* They Call the Wind Mariah from Paint Your Wagon
* Corner of the Sky from Pippin
* Summertime from Porgy & Bess
* The Music of the Night from The Phantom of the Opera
* Hero & Let's Hear It For The Boy from Footloose
* Seasons of Love from Rent
* Big Spender from Sweet Charity
* Part Of Your World from The Little Mermaid
* In My Own Little Corner from Cinderella
* Popular from Wicked
* Anthem from Chess
* This Is The Moment from Jekyll & Hyde
* I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables
* Think Of Me from Phantom Of The Opera
* Don't Cry For Me Argentina from Evita
* Astonishing from Little Women
Overdone Audition Songs Not Associated With A Specific Show (Or More Than One)
* I Get a Kick Out of You
* Miss Bird
* Embracable You
* New York, New York
Entire Overdone Shows That Directors Are Sick Of
* Any show that the company you are auditioning for has done in the last five years.
* Whatever the "Hot New Musical" is (Wicked, Spring Awakening, Legally Blonde...)
* The Sound of Music
* A Chorus Line
* Rent
* My Fair Lady
* Titanic
* Footloose
* Grease
* Jekyll & Hyde
* Little Shop of Horrors
* The Fantastiks
* Les Miserables
* Phantom of the Opera
* Evita
* Wicked
* Almost everything by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Watch Out For... Songs that are Problematic
(These songs may not necessarily be overdone, but have something that may make them inappropriate for auditions)
* Over The Rainbow fom The Wizard of Oz (this song belongs to Judy Garland)
* Any other "Signature Song"
* Pretty much anything Kristin Chenoweth has recorded (Newsflash... you're not her. Sorry.)
Overdone Audition Songs
The following is a list of overdone audition songs, compiled from a variety of sources. If you are struggling to find a song that isn't overdone, learn how to build a singer's musical theatre repertoire or search our audition song database.
If everyone who went to a musical theatre audition spent the time and effort choosing an audition song that best fit the audition, their vocal range and personality, the world would be a happier place. Unfortunately, there are many that still believe that a "good song" automatically makes a good audition piece, regardless of age or vocal range or the type of show you are auditioning for. But a "good song" isn't neccessarily a good song for you. As a result, there are some very excellent musical theatre songs that must be used with caution because too many people have used them, and many have used them badly.
However: Some people get so obsessed about overdone songs that they will pick an audition song simply because it is obscure. It's important to remember that the whole point of the audition is to show the audition panel that you are right for the show. This means choosing a song that shows off your voice to the best of your ability as well as embodies the style/theme of the show you are auditioning for.
If you are trying to decide between two pieces that both have the characteristics above, then by all means choose the one that is less overdone, but if you're only criteria is that the song "isn't overdone" then you are not doing yourself justice. Remember - it's you that is auditioning, not the song.
Should you use an overdone song? Do it only if:
- you are the right age and gender for the role the song is written for
- it fits the style of the show you are auditioning for
- it suits the character you are auditioning for
- you honestly feel you can sing it better than anyone else (because you WILL be compared to the other people singing it!)
Have I missed an overdone audition song or show? Email me This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .
Individual Overdone Audition Songs from Musicals
* Good Morning Baltimore from Hairspray
* On My Own from Les Miserables
* Adelaide's Lament from Guys and Dolls (why are teenagers always singing this? the character has been engaged for 14 years!)
* Memory from Cats
* I Hate Men from Kiss Me Kate
* All That Jazz from Chicago
* Wash That Man... from South Pacific
* Can't Help Lovin'... from Show Boat
* Big Spender from Sweet Charity
* You Can Always... from City of Angels
* Shy from Once Upon a Mattress
* Tomorrow from Annie
* I Enjoy Being A Girl from Flower Drum Song
* Broadway Baby, Hard Hearted Hannah, Hit Me With a Hot Note from Follies
* Surrey With The Fringe On Top & I Can't Say No from Oklahoma
* They Call the Wind Mariah from Paint Your Wagon
* Corner of the Sky from Pippin
* Summertime from Porgy & Bess
* The Music of the Night from The Phantom of the Opera
* Hero & Let's Hear It For The Boy from Footloose
* Seasons of Love from Rent
* Big Spender from Sweet Charity
* Part Of Your World from The Little Mermaid
* In My Own Little Corner from Cinderella
* Popular from Wicked
* Anthem from Chess
* This Is The Moment from Jekyll & Hyde
* I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables
* Think Of Me from Phantom Of The Opera
* Don't Cry For Me Argentina from Evita
* Astonishing from Little Women
Overdone Audition Songs Not Associated With A Specific Show (Or More Than One)
* I Get a Kick Out of You
* Miss Bird
* Embracable You
* New York, New York
Entire Overdone Shows That Directors Are Sick Of
* Any show that the company you are auditioning for has done in the last five years.
* Whatever the "Hot New Musical" is (Wicked, Spring Awakening, Legally Blonde...)
* The Sound of Music
* A Chorus Line
* Rent
* My Fair Lady
* Titanic
* Footloose
* Grease
* Jekyll & Hyde
* Little Shop of Horrors
* The Fantastiks
* Les Miserables
* Phantom of the Opera
* Evita
* Wicked
* Almost everything by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Watch Out For... Songs that are Problematic
(These songs may not necessarily be overdone, but have something that may make them inappropriate for auditions)
* Over The Rainbow fom The Wizard of Oz (this song belongs to Judy Garland)
* Any other "Signature Song"
* Pretty much anything Kristin Chenoweth has recorded (Newsflash... you're not her. Sorry.)
Sunday, 10 January 2010
4 Dance audition tips by Will McKay
Greetings everyone. I know I've been concentrating a lot on acting auditions the past few weeks, and I've received some requests to write about a few different areas of talent. I did some research (mainly asking my industry friends), and came up with some brief points that every dancer should consider when preparing for a dance audition. Let's dive straight into it.
1. Dance Attire
This is kind of a no-brainer, and not just for dance auditions but any job...dress nicely. Yes, you are auditioning to be a dancer, but it's still a job. This doesn't only apply to your dancewear. Comb your hair, be clean, you have to look appropriate and self-respecting. Don't wear your training dancewear to an audition. You can wear your warm-ups on the way to the audition if you know you'll be warming up, which you should. However, be sure to wear dance attire during your dance audition that accents your features, flatters you and shows the casting director exactly why they should hire you without being too ostentatious. No gaudy jewelry or massive amounts of makeup.
Now, each dance audition is different when it comes to the appropriate dance attire, including footwear. Ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap and others all call for different dancewear. Traditional dancewear relevant to the type of dance you're auditioning for is designed for that specific dance, and should be worn unless otherwise requested by the auditioners. It is easy to find out the standard dancewear for your audition by searching them on the Internet or asking a local store that sells them (ex: ballet; tights and leotard for women, tights and T-shirt for men).
2. What You Need To Bring
This goes back to some other articles that I've written for acting, "4 Tips for Great Actor Headshots" and "10 Acting Audition Tips" on Talent Trove, but definitely translates into dance auditions. Bring a resume and portfolio. This includes a one-page summary of your experience, accomplishments, acknowledgments and contact information, as well as some headshots and full body shots in various dancewears. Be sure to write you contact information on the back of your photographs. That might be the only thing a casting director or agent has when they decide they want you.
3. Stay Calm
Confidence is everything. Even if you know all of the dance moves, if you're not confident when performing them, your audition will come off as awkward. Everyone is nervous, even the auditioners, but you have to get past that and do what you came to do. First, try to realize why you are nervous. Sure, it could be that you really want the part or this is a huge opportunity. However, those feelings generate more excitement than anxiety. Those jitters you can handle. It's the audition itself that is the problem. You probably aren't used to the process and it's placing you outside of your comfort zone. A good way to get past this feeling or at least cope with it (you should always be a little on edge, keeps you sharp and on your toes), is to go on auditions that you're not interested in so you can become familiar with the process and comfortable being there. It's like job interviews that I've been on. The first few interviews you sweat, draw blanks, and mumble a lot. But after those initial embarrassments, you understand what kind of questions they will ask, how to behave and project yourself, and basically what to expect.
Also, try recording yourself and posting it on media sites like Talent Trove. There, you can ask for feedback from peers and see yourself as others would. Self-criticism is just as important as receiving it from others. If you can learn what is right and wrong, you will have a better understanding of performances.
4. What They Want
They want you to bring it. By "it" I mean your passion, professionalism and ability. Obvious and a little corny, I know, but it had to be said in case you lost sight of this in light of everything written here. With that being said let's discuss what else they want from you. They want you to follow directions. If you're supposed to perform some choreographed dance combo than you better do it. Don't make up your own routine or daydream through the demonstration. There will be a time and place to show off your range, ability and creativity when it comes to your own dance ideas, but doing what they ask is a sign of discipline, open-mindedness and ability to work with others.
They also don't want you to give up if you make a mistake. Like anything you do, it shows a lot of character when you fall and pick yourself up to try again. The less hesitation you show between falling and rising, the better. They want you to be courteous not only to them, but to the other dancers. This goes back to being professional. If no one wants to work with you, no one will. They usually have a certain type of dancer in mind when auditioning. You could be the best dancer in the room, but don't take it too hard if they choose someone that better fits the look. The more graceful you are if you don't get the part, the more they will want to pick you in the future.
They might want you to choose a routine. If so, pick something recent. Going back to my previous article, "10 Acting Audition Tips", auditioners will see many dancers throughout the dance audition process. Many will choose classic or very well known dance routines. Try to pick something that they haven't seen before, or at least not as often. Like you might hear in talent shows on television like American Idol (oh, did I say that?), it's all about song choice, or in this case dance choice. Pick something that hits close to home with you. Something you can relate to, something that you can convey with sincere emotion and movement. If you can do that, the dance will be unique to you without ever having to change a step. That originality, genuineness and fervor is what they really want.
http://www.TalentTrove.com/TheFerg
1. Dance Attire
This is kind of a no-brainer, and not just for dance auditions but any job...dress nicely. Yes, you are auditioning to be a dancer, but it's still a job. This doesn't only apply to your dancewear. Comb your hair, be clean, you have to look appropriate and self-respecting. Don't wear your training dancewear to an audition. You can wear your warm-ups on the way to the audition if you know you'll be warming up, which you should. However, be sure to wear dance attire during your dance audition that accents your features, flatters you and shows the casting director exactly why they should hire you without being too ostentatious. No gaudy jewelry or massive amounts of makeup.
Now, each dance audition is different when it comes to the appropriate dance attire, including footwear. Ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap and others all call for different dancewear. Traditional dancewear relevant to the type of dance you're auditioning for is designed for that specific dance, and should be worn unless otherwise requested by the auditioners. It is easy to find out the standard dancewear for your audition by searching them on the Internet or asking a local store that sells them (ex: ballet; tights and leotard for women, tights and T-shirt for men).
2. What You Need To Bring
This goes back to some other articles that I've written for acting, "4 Tips for Great Actor Headshots" and "10 Acting Audition Tips" on Talent Trove, but definitely translates into dance auditions. Bring a resume and portfolio. This includes a one-page summary of your experience, accomplishments, acknowledgments and contact information, as well as some headshots and full body shots in various dancewears. Be sure to write you contact information on the back of your photographs. That might be the only thing a casting director or agent has when they decide they want you.
3. Stay Calm
Confidence is everything. Even if you know all of the dance moves, if you're not confident when performing them, your audition will come off as awkward. Everyone is nervous, even the auditioners, but you have to get past that and do what you came to do. First, try to realize why you are nervous. Sure, it could be that you really want the part or this is a huge opportunity. However, those feelings generate more excitement than anxiety. Those jitters you can handle. It's the audition itself that is the problem. You probably aren't used to the process and it's placing you outside of your comfort zone. A good way to get past this feeling or at least cope with it (you should always be a little on edge, keeps you sharp and on your toes), is to go on auditions that you're not interested in so you can become familiar with the process and comfortable being there. It's like job interviews that I've been on. The first few interviews you sweat, draw blanks, and mumble a lot. But after those initial embarrassments, you understand what kind of questions they will ask, how to behave and project yourself, and basically what to expect.
Also, try recording yourself and posting it on media sites like Talent Trove. There, you can ask for feedback from peers and see yourself as others would. Self-criticism is just as important as receiving it from others. If you can learn what is right and wrong, you will have a better understanding of performances.
4. What They Want
They want you to bring it. By "it" I mean your passion, professionalism and ability. Obvious and a little corny, I know, but it had to be said in case you lost sight of this in light of everything written here. With that being said let's discuss what else they want from you. They want you to follow directions. If you're supposed to perform some choreographed dance combo than you better do it. Don't make up your own routine or daydream through the demonstration. There will be a time and place to show off your range, ability and creativity when it comes to your own dance ideas, but doing what they ask is a sign of discipline, open-mindedness and ability to work with others.
They also don't want you to give up if you make a mistake. Like anything you do, it shows a lot of character when you fall and pick yourself up to try again. The less hesitation you show between falling and rising, the better. They want you to be courteous not only to them, but to the other dancers. This goes back to being professional. If no one wants to work with you, no one will. They usually have a certain type of dancer in mind when auditioning. You could be the best dancer in the room, but don't take it too hard if they choose someone that better fits the look. The more graceful you are if you don't get the part, the more they will want to pick you in the future.
They might want you to choose a routine. If so, pick something recent. Going back to my previous article, "10 Acting Audition Tips", auditioners will see many dancers throughout the dance audition process. Many will choose classic or very well known dance routines. Try to pick something that they haven't seen before, or at least not as often. Like you might hear in talent shows on television like American Idol (oh, did I say that?), it's all about song choice, or in this case dance choice. Pick something that hits close to home with you. Something you can relate to, something that you can convey with sincere emotion and movement. If you can do that, the dance will be unique to you without ever having to change a step. That originality, genuineness and fervor is what they really want.
http://www.TalentTrove.com/TheFerg
Welcome to audition tips!
Hi everyone,
Welcome to the performing arts audition blog.
Whether you are an ameteur performer or professional, or trying to become professional, you will find lots of useful articles and videos to help you on your way. So join my blog and read the latest updates on dance, singing and acting auditions as well as hints and tips to help you on your way.
Thanks for joining us and feel free to post a comment or share your bad/good experiences on here for all to see.
Welcome to the performing arts audition blog.
Whether you are an ameteur performer or professional, or trying to become professional, you will find lots of useful articles and videos to help you on your way. So join my blog and read the latest updates on dance, singing and acting auditions as well as hints and tips to help you on your way.
Thanks for joining us and feel free to post a comment or share your bad/good experiences on here for all to see.
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