Everything's an Audition

Recently I was discussing the proposed rehearsal schedule for the musical I will be directing this summer.

"You don't have an audition day," said one of the music directors.

I noted that I intended for the music and dance directors to arrange their auditions to meet their needs. I said, "But I don't need one for acting. We will be working with the team for two weeks before casting, and that is all I will need."

I said that, especially for young actors, auditions aren't necessarily useful. I pointed out that some don't read well cold, and then do well on stage; that some read beautifully at auditions, but then do not connect with the other actors in rehearsal or performance. In playing together, in those first weeks, we get a better feel for the team as a whole, for how we work together.

That's my preferred method of working through casting, as I have noted.

Besides (though I didn't say this at our brief production meeting), everything is an audition.

When you walk in, you make an impression. When you introduce yourself, you make another impression.

Visiting with other actors as you fill out paperwork, you make an impression.

How your treat the stage manager makes a huge impression. How you greet the auditors, how you thank the auditors and leave, these actions make additional impressions.

There's more. How you work with the team for this show is an audition for the next show. How you react when you don't get the part you want- or how you react when you do- this is an audition.

It's true beyond the world of theater, too. Any time you interact with others, you are making impressions- auditioning, if you will.

I don't mean that you are, or should be, always "on." Quite the contrary- what a director is looking for, what a potential new boss is looking for, is the real you.

Relax, and be yourself.

Because that's who I'd like to get to know.

audition / orientation

I am overwhelmed! Close to forty kids showed up for our audition/orientation. About 10 were coming in via Class Act 4-H, the younger ones. Then the other 30 or so were MYT age. There were perhaps 10 who were brand new.

Casting will be a bear; I'm not even going to look at it until tomorrow, AFTER teaching. Too much!

audition/orientation

The announcements have gone out.

They look like this:

It's time!
Time to kick off the MYT 2009 season with our spring production of
Shakespeare's
Twelfth Night!
Rehearsals: March & April Performances: April 30, May 1 & 2
Audition/Orientation:Monday March 2
4:30 - 5:30 OR 6:00-7:00Holly Academy School820 Academy Road Holly, MI. Pick one session or the other to try out for the show.
Mandatory meeting:
Wednesday, Mar 46:00 pm- 8:00 pmMandatory all company meeting. If you want to be in the show, show up! Bring a parent and all your paperwork and fees. There will be design presentation and sign up for production tasks-- and snacks, of course!
Cast list will be posted Thursday, March 4. ALL PAPERWORK AND FEES DUE BY WEDNESDAY. You will not be cast if the necessary paperwork is not turned in.
First read through:
Saturday, Mar 711:00 am- 2:00 pmRead through script; measurements taken; and snacks, of course!
MYT membership dues: $25. Show fee: $40. Discounts available for multiple family members. Financial aid forms available. Please email me at lisajhk@comcast.net if you have any questions

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Here is where I trust the universe to send me what I need, or at least what I can work with.