So this week-end was the General Auditions for our next season, and I thought I would offer some general feedback. As an actor I learn a lot from watching other people audition, so here are some take-it-or-leave-it thoughts. Please keep in mind that these are MY opinions and preferences, not necessarily everyone's. That if you think I'm referring to you, I probably am, along with 90% of the people who came out. And that everything I say has an opposite and true meaning.

1. Song Selection (Can be applied to monologues)

• If you are auditioning for a company in general, check out their mandate. If it’s to do Canadian work, audition with a Canadian piece. If it’s contemporary musicals, don’t sing something from 1930.
• If you sing something from the show you are saying: “this is how I will play the character”. If that’s different from the director’s view, you may be limiting yourself. Try finding something from the same composer. (By the same token, if it’s exactly what the director wants, you jump to the top of the list! No risk, no reward)

2. Accompaniment vs. Acapella

• If you are lucky enough to have an accompanist, do not bring in something from SONDHEIM or JASON ROBERT BROWN. It’s really hard. Like really, really brilliantly hard. As an option, find a really good piano player; have them practice for a week and record it, then ask the auditors (in advance) if you can just play your accompaniment CD in the audition.
• If you’re singing acapella, try to pitch yourself before you start. Find out what your starting note is and if there’s a piano, plunk it for yourself, get the iphone piano app, borrow a pitch pipe. Whatever! It will ensure that you do not start in the wrong key and flub that high note you’d normally ace.

3. Paperwork

• Everyone likes their resumes and headshots in their own way, so I think, unless specified, it’s better to just hand it in loose. If you want to staple/paper clip it, make it recto-verso, so they can just flip it over.
• Sheet Music should be in a binder or book with time signatures, keys and other important clues on how to play your piece highlighted. If you have cuts, make them as clear as possible. 

4. Auditioning

• It’s not a rehearsal, not quite a performance; it’s a chance to show your skill, technique and talent. So do that. Don’t sing something because the song is funny. Sing something that shows that YOU are funny. Don’t sing lyrics about belting, if you can’t belt. Show yourself.
• Your personality is just as important as your talent. (I have cast in the past because I thought someone would be more fun/nice/open to work with than another). Smile, dress appropriately, be on time, don’t apologize, if you’re gonna shake my hand then do it with conviction, be confident. If you are too nervous for any of the above, learn how to fake it.

5. Afterwards

• Say thanks, good luck, whatever and leave the room. (Some people like to email afterwards, keep it short). Go and get yourself a treat. Auditioning sucks.
• If you don’t get the part, 90% of the time it’s because they already have 2 blondes in the show, you’re too tall/short, they like your voice but not your eye color, you remind them of another actress they hate. 10% it’s because you can’t hit the notes they need, your acting skill/technique isn’t quite there, or you can’t kick as high as the other girls. 

MOST OF THE TIME IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOUR TALENT!

Auditioning sucks. It’s a skill, practice. Audition for your mom, friend, co-workers, whatever. Remember that the auditors are there because they want you to be good. They want you to be perfect for the part, they are cheering you on! (On the inside… Let’s keep it professional.) Go to every audition that you can, and you will start getting work. (A teacher once told me that for every 10 auditions you get 1 call back and for every 10 call backs, 1 job. That’s 1 in 100.)

I have auditioned as an actor for people who fell asleep on me, or walked over to a corner and started having a conversation with others. I’ve walked into rooms and before I even read they say “Thank-You”. These people are assholes, and you do not want to work them anyway. Do not let bad audition experiences put you off. Practice, practice, practice!

After being ridiculously impressed at last year's auditions, I am so excited for this weekend! On Saturday and Sunday, we are having our general auditions for next season.

There are over 60 people coming to sing for us and I cannot wait! I have finally gotten my brain kinda wrapped around getting back into the groove of things. I have to constantly remind myself to do one thing at a time and if something else pops into my head, I put it on a list for later. It's already challenging doing 2 shows, but I need to focus on EDGES for now and once I've got a good grip on that: SPELLING BEE! Now I am off to make some homemade mac and cheese!

This weekend we held auditions for our first show. What an exhausting process!

This was the first time where I was the veto power. I've been in the room before as a stage manager or choreographer, but never as the person who actually has to be responsible for the whole casting. I have to say that I really apprecited Shayne, the musical director, and Jake, the vocal coach, being there. And of course Danielle, my incredible Stage Manager. And Jade, who basically just sat in the lobby the whole day! 

I saw way more talent than I thought I would. I have a tendancy to be "overly realistic". Some would say negative. I am working on it, but it's hard when you're constantly dealing with and being let down by the realities of being an artist. So much talent, and so few roles to fill. I saw people that were incredible, but there's just no role for them. It actually makes me feel better as an actor knowing that when I don't get a part, it may just be that I don't suit anything, and it has nothing to do with my talent. But then what do you do? Cast someone who doesn't fit into the overall vision AT ALL, but is incredibly talented? It's rough.


Also, and I've always said it, it is tough to be a girl. The standard is much higher, and there's more of us out there. I must have seen almost 30 girls, for 1 part and only 5 boys for 2 parts. 

That's showbusiness, kids!

I was once told that an audition is a chance to perform. 

Today, World Theatre Day 2010, I will get to see 30 individual, unique, amazing performances. 

Theatre has saved my life, time and tme again. It's allowed me to become the persom I am. Theatre can be anything you want, you chose what you take or leave with it. On this World Theatre Day, I will hopefully round out the cast to our first show. I am as nervous as I am excited. http://www.iti-worldwide.org/theatredaymessage.html