The Exhibition of the Summer is here!

In Partnership with the Arts Council of Surrey  & The Surrey Art Gallery

PLUS

FEATURE ARTICLE

by Rachelle Beaulieu

TO AUDITION or NOT TO AUDITION...that is the Question?

You open your Facebook page and see a notice about a show that is opening this spring.  Or you run into an old friend, and they tell you about a play that they heard is getting produced.  These announcements intrigue you.

Should you audition?

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you make that decision.

AVAILABILITY – First off, check your dates.  Are you available for the audition dates?  The callback dates?  What about rehearsal days and times, as well as performance dates?  Most directors and producers will understand if you have a few commitments that might conflict with rehearsals, but you need to be up front about this from the beginning.

ROLES – Read a bit about the show that is being produced.  What are the directors looking for in the cast they are seeking.  You will often find an age-range/gender for each character.

WHAT TO WEAR -  Sometimes you will be asked to wear basic black, but often there is no hard and fast rule.  Wear something comfortable that you imagine the character you want to play would wear.  And remember, you may be asked to do some movement or dance, depending on the role.  It’s a good idea to wear or pack shoes for this possibility.

WHAT TO BRING – Once you have indicated your desire to audition, you will likely receive further instructions with a confirmation of the date and time.  Some directors will want you to read a short excerpt from the show in which your potential character features.  For a musical, you may be asked to sing a certain song or to prepare one of your choice.  And panto people love a good joke, so be prepared to tell one.  The punnier, the better.

THE BIG DAY – As nerve-racking as it may be, embrace the audition!  You have 15 minutes to walk in and work the room.  Be on time, smile, have fun and don’t forget to thank the production team for their time and for the opportunity.

As actress and producer, Emma Stone would say, “The worst audition is no audition!”

So, should you audition?  Absolutely!!