Winning Auditions Part One

By Jeannie Deva

Going to auditions is a fact of life for most vocalists, musicians and musical theatre actors. Yet, the experience can often be nerve-racking and confidence shaking, with a whimsical defeat by Lady Luck. What can be done to eliminate the stress from this necessary ordeal?

Got the Right Attitude?
The key lies in your approach to the overall audition experience. You must empower yourself by recognizing that you have the ability to create your own career. Remember that you are looking to find the right people and opportunities that fit with your goals and visions. Getting into a musical group or production has just as much to do with what you want as with what those holding the audition want. The first step is to decide what you want to achieve.

Developing Your Focus
Take some time to assess your level of expertise and determine your objectives. By doing so, it will become easier to decide on the appropriate steps that will help you arrive at the "larger picture."

Prior to answering casting calls and audition ads, decide on the following: What do you hope to gain by auditioning? Do you just want to gain experience with the auditioning process, or are you ready for a high-level group of total professionals? Are there particular styles of music or shows in which you are unwilling to be involved?

If you're a seasoned veteran, you're ready to audition appropriately; but if you need to hone your skills, you may want to audition for less demanding groups that allow you to work toward a professional level.

A Matter of Choice
Remember: Just as much as you want to be out there performing, being with a group of people you don�t like and playing music you can�t stand will not make you happy even if they ask you to join them. YOU HAVE A CHOICE IN THE AUDITION PROCESS.

It�s a two-way street. You may dislike the musicians or director or cast members as well as the script or music played. You may find disagreeable the places a band plays or plans on playing. You may want to be with people who are drug-free, and discover some of the members use drugs frequently. You may find it difficult to rehearse in a room full of cigarette smoke, and find that everyone insists on smoking during rehearsals.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Be courteous, but get the information you need to make the right choices for you.

It can be helpful to write down a list of questions you want to ask before you you�re your inquiry phone call. Get as much information as you can before you end the conversation so that you can make a decision whether it�s right for you and if so, properly prepare. What kind of songs you prepare can make a big difference in the success.

A Quantity Game
Often, it's just a numbers game. The number of phone calls you make and people you contact; the quantity of posters you put up and ads you answer; the amount of exposure you give yourself and the number of auditions you do determines how much you will get paid work.

Doing things related to your objectives is the key. Every audition will not result in getting the part, but what's important is continuing to do things towards creating your goals. So beware of decisions which keep you from reaching out, being creative and taking forward steps.

Next month in Part 2 of this article, we'll look at ways to make your best presentation as well as networking ideas to find and succeed in the audition process!

Jeannie Deva