- Guide to auditions/ Professionalism leaflets
- A detailed investigation into possible audition pieces with analysis of those chosen, which includes appropriate and well- considered choices being made, the context and reasons provided.
- Learners should relate their choices to their own vocal and physical ability and reflect on their audition afterwards evaluating their own strengths/ weaknesses.
- Close reference to the style and content of the pieces will be used to justify decisions made.
- Regular posts on the development of audition pieces.
10/09/15- Audition Techniques Guide
We spent the first lesson looking at audition techniques and etiquette, some of which that would be applicable to our auditions on the 17th.
Before the Audition:
- The audition starts as soon as you enter the building not just the waiting room or audition room. Be presentable, courteous and confident (not arrogant). Focus on your own audition and 'get into the zone' avoid too much contact with the other people auditioning (it may put you off).
- Always be an hour early to an audition, this allows time for any problems that may a cure (Traffic, delayed train etc.) and gives you time to get prepared and ready for the audition.
- If there is a script table then pick up and read some of the script, scan it for your character and get a feel for the script.
- Be prepared to possibly have to do improve or workshop exercises (Normally drama school auditions.)
- Never say 'I'm nervous' as it can make your feel more nervous and 'put you off'
- Confident (not arrogant) and calm.
- Have good posture and look presentable.
- Wear appropriate clothing (Normally plain clothing that is easy and comfortable to move in. No Statement clothing, the casting director need to be able to see you as the character not as yourself.)
- Have an appropriate hair style (Nothing to crazy, again nothing that's trying to make a statement.)
- Positive and show an attitude that is hardworking and/or keen to learn.
- Read and research the script (if possible) and familiarize yourself with the character you are auditioning for as you may be asked questions on the play or the character.
- If possible research the casting director to see what other plays/shows etc. they have cast for, this may help you to know what kind of actors they like/favor and may make you seem interested and keen.
- Research the production company, looking at other shows/plays they have done, again making you seem interested and keen.
- Be sure you are available to perform and act if you get the job. Make sure it fits with your prier engagements or jobs or else you may seem unprofessional and may waist a good acting job.
Casting: Is a different form of casting where their is no need to audition, the actor is given the job on the spot. This is normally used in the case of models who as cast based on looks or for well- known actors who casting directors have already seen act in their past works.
11/9/15- Guide to Audition and Professionalism
Before the Audition:
When entering the room/ audition space be:
Preparation and research:
Casting: Is a different form of casting where their is no need to audition, the actor is given the job on the spot. This is normally used in the case of models who as cast based on looks or for well- known actors who casting directors have already seen act in their past works.
Preparation for Rent Audition:
We were asked to choose and perform two songs, one from Rent and one from West Side Story. For Rent we could chose from One Song Glory, Santa Fe and Today 4 U. I tried out each of these songs at home. Today 4 U was far too high of a octave to sing for my voice. Both Santa Fe and One Song Glory fitted my voice far better. I eventually settled on One Song Glory because I felt that Santa Fe was an easier option with less chance to show off my vocal range. I want to stand out and so I picked the slightly harder song One Song Glory. I also settled on One Song Glory as I am hoping to play the character of Roger who sings it, I am hoping it will allow the director to see how I would play the character as its a solo that Roger sings and would hopefully allow them to see me fitting the role of Roger. One Song Glory is not only challenging but it fits my voice and I can also put a lot of emotion into, showing my ability to act through song.
For my West Side Story song I picked Something's Coming as it's a well known song and I already know it so it wont require too much effort to perfect and will give me more time and effort to make One Song Glory great to allow me a better chance of getting the role of Roger.
To further prepare for my audition I will be researching Rent as well as watching the video of Broadway version. I will particularly pay attention to the character of Roger who I will be auditioning for which will allow me to answer any questions about the character or the play that may be asked.
This lesson prepared me for not only my Rent audition at college but will also aid me in future auditions for drama schools and what ever else I do in the future.
I have been working on my vocal preparation too for the audition, I am practising and trying to perfect the high notes. I also decided to lower the key of the song slightly. The rock style of the song already fitted my voice and now that I have lowered it be an octave lower it better fits my voices vocal range so is allowing me to hit the higher notes. In my practising I have found it sounds quite effective and I will continue to work on it until audition day to make sure I keep my voice limber and the song fresh in my head.
11/9/15- Guide to Audition and Professionalism
Before the Audition:
- The audition starts as soon as you enter the building not just the waiting room or audition room. Be presentable, courteous and confident (not arrogant). Focus on your own audition and 'get into the zone' avoid too much contact with the other people auditioning (it may put you off).
- Always be an hour early to an audition, this allows time for any problems that may a cure (Traffic, delayed train etc.) and gives you time to get prepared and ready for the audition.
- If there is a script table then pick up and read some of the script, scan it for your character and get a feel for the script.
- Be prepared to possibly have to do improve or workshop exercises (Normally drama school auditions.)
- Never say 'I'm nervous' as it can make your feel more nervous and 'put you off'
When entering the room/ audition space be:
- Confident (not arrogant) and calm.
- Have good posture and look presentable.
- Wear appropriate clothing (Normally plain clothing that is easy and comfortable to move in. No Statement clothing, the casting director need to be able to see you as the character not as yourself.)
- Have an appropriate hair style (Nothing to crazy, again nothing that's trying to make a statement.)
- Positive and show an attitude that is hardworking and/or keen to learn.
Preparation and research:
- Read and research the script (if possible) and familiarize yourself with the character you are auditioning for as you may be asked questions on the play or the character.
- If possible research the casting director to see what other plays/shows etc. they have cast for, this may help you to know what kind of actors they like/favour and may make you seem interested and keen.
- Research the production company, looking at other shows/plays they have done, again making you seem interested and keen.
- Be sure you are available to perform and act if you get the job. Make sure it fits with your prier engagements or jobs or else you may seem unprofessional and may waist a good acting job.
Casting: Is a different form of casting where their is no need to audition, the actor is given the job on the spot. This is normally used in the case of models who as cast based on looks or for well- known actors who casting directors have already seen act in their past works.
Preparation for Rent Audition:
We were asked to choose and perform two songs, one from Rent and one from West Side Story. For Rent we could chose from One Song Glory, Santa Fe and Today 4 U. I tried out each of these songs at home. Today 4 U was far too high of a octave to sing for my voice. Both Santa Fe and One Song Glory fitted my voice far better. I eventually settled on One Song Glory because I felt that Santa Fe was an easier option with less chance to show off my vocal range. I want to stand out and so I picked the slightly harder song One Song Glory. I also settled on One Song Glory as I am hoping to play the character of Roger who sings it, I am hoping it will allow the director to see how I would play the character as its a solo that Roger sings and would hopefully allow them to see me fitting the role of Roger. One Song Glory is not only challenging but it fits my voice and I can also put a lot of emotion into, showing my ability to act through song.
For my West Side Story song I picked Something's Coming as it's a well known song and I already know it so it wont require too much effort to perfect and will give me more time and effort to make One Song Glory great to allow me a better chance of getting the role of Roger.
To further prepare for my audition I will be researching Rent as well as watching the video of Broadway version. I will particularly pay attention to the character of Roger who I will be auditioning for which will allow me to answer any questions about the character or the play that may be asked.
This lesson prepared me for not only my Rent audition at college but will also aid me in future auditions for drama schools and what ever else I do in the future.
I have been working on my vocal preparation too for the audition, I am practising and trying to perfect the high notes. I also decided to lower the key of the song slightly. The rock style of the song already fitted my voice and now that I have lowered it be an octave lower it better fits my voices vocal range so is allowing me to hit the higher notes. In my practising I have found it sounds quite effective and I will continue to work on it until audition day to make sure I keep my voice limber and the song fresh in my head.
Evaluation of Rent Audition- 18/9/15
I feel my audition for Rent was successful as I got casted as the character I hoped to play. I feel my singing was successful because I had prepared and practiced before the audition and worked hard to work on the song to make sure I could sing it at the best of my ability. I worked on my range and lowered the key of the song so I could best perform it. I also tried to express the emotion of the character (Roger) though my singing audition as the song (One Song Glory). The song he is singing about how he wants to write one amazing song before he dies of AID's and reminisces about his dead love. I tried to show this sadness and express the feeling of loss. My knowledge of the character I felt was also a success as I answered questions that were asked easily as I have watched the play and thought extensively about the character.
I feel the part of my audition that was less successful was my nerves. It being my first audition I defiantly felt some pressure which may have detracted slightly from my audition. I did keep my nerves under control but it may have meant I didn't give it 'my all'. I also didn't think much about movement during the song in hindsight, this could have held me back but luckily did not. I just stood stationary which in future auditions I will try not to do, unless there is a specific reason for doing so.
My preparation and research defiantly aided me. My singing and song learning preparation defiantly helped my performance in the audition and my preparation of watching Rent and researching the play helped with answering of questions which I think helped me get the role I wanted.
Classical Theatre Audition Preparations:
For our classical auditions we were asked to prepare one monologue, either from a Shakespearian play or one from ancient Greek play. I decided not to pick a Greek monologue as I was more well versed in Shakespearian plays and had never done a Greek performance. I went for a monologue from Richard the 2nd called 'For God Sake, Let is sit upon the ground...' I chose it because I know it well and have already learned it as I have been doing it for drama school auditions. I have even received feedback from some drama school audition panels on it, it positives and its negatives and how to improve so I feel that I will be able to use all this to my advantage in my Classical Theatre audition. My interpretation of Richard the 2nd is a very still and emotional one. He is a philosophical and some say quite an effeminate king so I chose to make my interpretation ponderous and still yet I decided that I would not make him effeminate as both Faustus and Creon are quite masculine, powerful characters. This will hopefully allow the director to see me playing one of these role as I want to play Faustus in Dr Faustus or Creon in Antigone as they are both large and important male roles in both plays. I have been researching both plays and characters to allow myself to answer any questions that I may be asked in my audition. I also worked on trying to improve my monologue through different techniques to experiment and improve my performance of the text. I separated the text up into units and objectives using the Sanislavskian technique, this helped me more effectively present my characters motives to an audience. I also did what I do with all large sections of text I have to learn and perform which is to decide where I will add pauses and the length of them. This allows me to set the structure of the monologue and add in dramatic moments of pause.
Classical Theatre Audition Evaluation:
I feel my audition went very well for classical theatre as I was cast as Creon, one of the main characters in the Greek tragedy Antigone. I feel my monologue went extremely well and I was very proud of it. My preparation and research into the two plays really helped me to answer questions and show my knowledge and understanding of the different rolls as well as getting me ready to perform. The amount of work I put into the preparation and effort of this audition was very high and I feel it really paid off as I got the role I wanted. I also felt it went far better when compared with my Rent audition as I had little to no nerves at all allowing me to focus completely on my acting ability to allow the directors to see me at my best, which I felt helped get me the role of Creon.
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