Auditions: How to be the best that you can be.

So, if you're new to my blog, then you wouldn't have read my "New Year, New Auditions" blog. If you haven't then do because that is all the motivation you shall need to feel like you can smash you're audition (you can find it through related posts). But once you've gathered up the courage to apply for an audition and get the call to attend, how do you go about being the best you can be? Well, there is no real code to crack. As I've said before the casting is solely down to the director and if you don't fit what they picture in their mind, then there's nothing you can do. However, here are my top tips for being prepared and smashing any audition that come your way.

Top Tip 1: Pick a song/monologue that suits you.

You'd think this was quite simple right? Wrong. You'd be surprised by how many times I've gone to an audition with a song that I enjoyed but was nowhere near a character I would ever be able to perform. Don't try to be anything other than yourself. If you have a belt, then pick a song that showcases that. If you don't, no stress pick a lyrical piece. There's no point in straining yourself to try and show off. Showcase your talent, not anybody else's. The same goes for the monologue. If you have the playing range of 16-25, don't pick a 50 year-old woman's monologue to try and stand out. The odds are you'll be concentrating that much on trying to sound like a 50 year-old, you'll lose all subtlety and nuances of the piece. Pick something that you're comfortable with but also push yourself ever so slightly to do the piece in a way that you might not have thought of. There's already so much pressure on auditions, don't add more pressure to yourself by picking a song or monologue that you're not comfortable.

Top Tip 2: Be Prepared (for anything and everything)

This is an obvious point but one that cannot be overlooked. You can never be too prepared for an audition. Learn your monologue inside out/upside down so that whatever the casting agent/director throws at you, you can take on and adapt to the direction. There is nothing worse than getting given a piece of direction and then not being able to take that direction because you're too worried about what line you have to start on. But also, be prepared for the director/dance instructor/pianist to throw absolutely anything at you. In this circumstance: take a breath, digest what you have been asked and apply the direction/instruction to the best of your ability. Even if you think you can't do it, TRY! Because most of the time, they aren't looking for the polished performer, they're looking for some one who is willing to try, who they can work with and who they think can fit into the company/university.

Top Tip 3: Look the Part

Again, a simple point. If you're going to a dance call, go in attire that allows you to move i.e. leggings, leotard, gym gear, that sort of clothing. It doesn't matter how unattractive you think you look, you can change into you fancy clothes after the dance call. There is no point in turning up to a dance call all dolled up because you are going to sweat. So stick on your sweats, get your hair off you face and just enjoy being there.

Tip 4: In any audition, don't compare yourself to anyone else. BE YOU.

You are you, so what if you can't get you're leg over your head like the girl next to you or someone else is singing the same song. You may have something that they don't. And anyway, who cares? The more you compare yourself to the person next to you, the more you'll hinder your own audition. The director wants to see you, not a version of yourself you think they want to see. You are unique and they want to see that uniqueness. Don't make life more difficult for yourself when there's no need. Who knows, you might be exactly what they are looking for.

Top Tip 5: Just Have Fun

Auditions are scary, yes, but they can also be the funniest things you ever attend. At what job interview would you ever stand in front of the interview panel and belt out 12 bars from Les Miserables. You wouldn't and that's what makes auditions so unique. You have to be present in the moment and take in everything that everyone says to you. you can make friends for life at auditions as there is every chance you will see each other again on the audition circuit.

Top Tip 6: KEEP TRYING

You just have to keep going! No matter how many times you get a no. Just pick yourself up and go again. Because at some point, someone will take you on and it will have all been worth it.

Now, not every step will work for everyone. However, even if you take just one of these tips on board, I can guarantee that it will make the audition experience an all round more enjoyable experience. Auditions are a necessary evil but, if you learn a few tricks, you can use them to your advantage. And just remember to have fun because what's the worst that can happen?

#Advice #Auditions