Tips From the Other Side (of the table)

Auditioning.

The one single word that you can say to an actor that causes sweats and fear immediately.

Everyone feels differently about auditioning. But we all share one thing in common. Fear. Yes, it's scary to audition. No matter how many times you do it, you'll always get those butterflies in your stomach and nerves that make you want to poop.

But here's the good news. Us folk on the other side of the table want you to succeed.

I'm not going to write today and just tell you to get over your fear. That fear is a real and a normal thing. But I've been on the casting side of the table for many auditions, and I think there are some things you should know that will help you land the contract.

We're also nervous

Yeah, it's true. Most times I'm also feeling some nerves on the casting side. There's a lot at stake at each audition. Especially when I'm both producing and directing, there's a lot of pressure on me to cast the right people, create a dynamite show, and make a lot of money. Making money in the theatre industry isn't necessarily easy as you know, so most times I'm feeling nervous about the success of the show. Also, who wants to sit in a room for hours on hours meeting strangers and making small talk? Yeah, it's our job, but that doesn't mean it's a walk in the park! So just know, we aren't all hungry for power and looking to reject you (well, not all of us sadly).

Smile and Eye Contact

This sort of contradicts my last point, but smiling and eye contact will go a long way. There's a general respect that is created when someone who you've never met walks into the room and gives you a smile and makes eye contact with you during conversation. In general, you should always give respect to those around you. But when we're looking to hire someone and give them money that we've most likely worked our butts off to fund raise for, someone who is a genuine good human is going to get hired over talent sometimes (at least in my auditions).

Come Prepared

If you can't do anything else for your audition, come prepared. Come ready with a solid book of songs that we can choose from if we don't like your first picks. Make your sheet music nice and neat for your accompanist. I can't say this enough, DON'T PISS OFF YOUR ACCOMPANIST. Another level or preparedness that I feel people overlook is knowing who and what you're auditioning for. I'm always impressed when someone walks in the room and talks to me about previous productions I've worked on, and I've never met the person. That person is prepared and an unashamed suck up. Speaking of...

Be An Unashamed Suck Up

Yup, you read that right. You need to be an unashamed suck up in the audition room. Someone who is willing to try new things, someone who is polite, someone who is genuine and respectful, those are the "someone's" who are going to get hired. Also, feel free to send a thank you email a few days after auditions. Don't expect a reply, but just a simple "thanks for your time" goes a long way.

Be You

At the end of the day, we just want to get the know the real you. I truly think this is the hardest part about auditioning. It's a vulnerable place to be. You're putting your work out there for strangers whose literal job is to judge you. It's not easy. But if you can show us the real you, that goes so much further than coming in like a statue and belting your face off. Be you true self, unashamedly and fiercely, and you'll nail that audition. I believe in you!

Even the greats have stories of still being nervous to audition. I think those butterflies and feelings of needing to poop are a good thing. It shows you still have the passion and determination to be doing what you love. Keep putting yourself out there, and audition everywhere you can. Be you and be awesome.

As always. Do better. Suck less. Go team.