Wednesday 10th September

In today's lesson, we discussed what to expect at auditions and how to fully prepare yourself for them.

Preparing & Research

It's useful to do some thorough research into the production company and even the casting director/choreographer, as this will show your genuine interest into the whole background/roots of what you are auditioning for. You should also try scanning through the script of the production beforehand if you get the opportunity, especially if you are unfamiliar with it as you can grasp the structure and style. Ensure you know your full availability for when they ask, preferably being as flexible as possible which will show your commitment to the whole production.

Ensure you arrive early, and remember the audition begins the moment you enter the building. This means all your actions/behaviour should remain appropriate at all times, even when waiting to go into your audition. The director and others involved in the company will want to know what you're casually like when you don't know you're being observed, so they know if your real character is tolerable. Prepare your physical appearance for the audition, such as a neat hairstyle that doesn't fall over your face, subtle clothing (preferably black/white) that doesn't overshadow yourself. This is so the interviewers can focus entirely on your performance rather than being distracted by your attire. Make-up, if any, should be subtle too. You should consider yourself  a blank canvas, where the directors can see what they can work with for the role.

When in the audition, you need to remain calm, relaxed yet attentive, to show how you feel comfortable in this situation as well as giving your full attention. Be confident, but not cocky. You need to portray your optimism and positivity, but you can't come across arrogant. Have an attitude which shows you're hard-working and keen to learn.

Own audition

The songs I've chosen to sing for my audition is Rent's 'Light My Candle' and West Side Story's 'A Boy Like That'. I chose this Rent song as it's more within my vocal range that I am more comfortable performing for the audition, as I get quite nervous. I chose this WSS song because I prefer the singing style of Anita in this song than Maria in 'Somewhere'. She uses mostly chest voice including when she hits higher notes, unlike Maria who sings mostly in head voice.

I will prepare for this audition by watching the films and specific clips of the songs to rehearse, in addition to researching the plots and knowledge of the main individual characters of the production.