| SEASON AUDITION |

| Overview of Auditioning What the directors are looking for? The directors are looking for the best fit between actors and roles. They don't simply put the best actor in the biggest role. Instead, they're hoping to find people who "have it in them" to play the role the way the director wants it played. How does the actor take direction? The actor can make a positive impression in this area, by being respectful, listening carefully, and making an effort to follow the direction given by the director. Feel free to ask questions if you don't understand. The last thing you want to do is get attached to a way to read something, and fail to change when the director gives you direction. Directors are looking for what you do right, rather than what you do wrong. Mistakes are expected, so don't focus on them. Instead, focus on showing off what you're capable of. The directors want you to do well, so they're on your side. Although you may crave the largest role, getting a role that's the right fit is probably more conducive to happiness during the production period. It's in your best interest to be yourself, show off what you do well, and trust that the directors will put you where you will shine. Warmup/Range Check: Picking the right song Show up warmed up if at all possible. The warmer you are, the better you'll sound. Try for something which suits your range and personality. Avoid songs with lots of non-singing bits, or figure out a way to skip over them. If in doubt, pick something which is less challenging but that you can sing well. Interpretation is good - it shows you know what the words mean, but don't go overboard. If you need to read the lyrics off of the sheet music, that's OK, though you'll be more free to move if your hands aren't occupied. You may not get to sing the full song. If there's a particular passage you want the directors to hear, arrange to get to that part soon. The vocal director is looking at your vocal quality, musicianship, whether you can act while you sing (do you pay attention to what the words mean), and various technical details (tuning, etc). The director is looking more at the whole package. Does your voice and body language suit the song you're singing. Are you entertaining to watch/listen to. Try not to be nervous (yeah, easier said than done). No one expects perfection from you. Just do your best. If things go poorly, keep going, and do your best. Don't keep restarting. Don't apologize for messing up. Don't tell us how badly you think you did. Mistakes happen. We're all human, and we want you to do your best!! Readings: How to prepare Read through the reading so you are familiar with the words. You don't need to memorize the passage, but you want to avoid tripping over the words. Make a choice as to how you're going to read it - what that choice is less important than that you make a choice. Don't make assumptions about what role you're being considered for based on the director's choice of reading. Listen carefully to the direction the director gives you. Try to implement it. If you're not sure about something, ask what the director is looking for. The director looks for two things: First, can you play the role the way the director has asked you to read it. Can he or she "hear" you as the character. Second, how well do you "take direction". Do you respond and change, or do you just do the same thing you did the first time. Listen to the other actor while they're reading. React. That's acting. This information was taken from MIT's Theatre Department audition page online and arranged to meet GRP guidelines and philosophies. |
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