Auditions - make me sick (quite literally)

The nerves are jangling today as tonight we have our auditions for Jesus Christ Superstar! You can feel the tension amongst the whole company as everyone has been practising like mad.  Every year I ask myself why I put myself through it and I am sure so does everyone else - there is nothing worse than going in to a room and performing in front of a panel.  Nerves always get the better of me and I usually forget something - I actually find it worse than doing an actual performance. 

Last year I was on the committee and so I sat in on the panel for our Carousel auditions - I learnt a lot from this so thought I would pass on a few of my observations in the hope that they may help others (or not!)

1. Try to learn the piece if possible
It was noticeable from last year that people who had tried to learn the part performed better - probably because they were not hampered by holding a piece of paper and could act. We all have busy lives and its hard to fit it all in, but it definitely helps to have some idea of what you are doing without getting flustered and looking at your lines. My own personal view is that if you learn the part you really get into the character you are portraying because you're thinking about the words and the emotions more.

2. To wear a costume - or not?
I think the jury is out on this one - this year I am going to wear something suitable but the main reason is to help me feel the character more.  I have seen others take this approach and I think it really does lend something to their performance - maybe it gives more confidence? However, I saw really good auditions last year where people had not worn any type of costume but they just' 'had' the character and interpreted it well.  You could almost see them transform by using their body language etc.  Some of these people were chosen for their roles too - so having a costume would not have made any difference.  I think you should do whatever you need to do to make yourself feel more confident, not because you think it may impress the director.  He/she will have a vision of what the character will wear in the final show and it probably won't be anything like you wear for your audition anyway.

You can tell me the truth - is the donkey a bit much?

3. Do your own interpretation
Forget what anyone else says to you - go into the room and present the character how you feel it should be done.  The director is looking for something different - sometimes he/she may not even know what he is looking for until he/she sees it!  If everyone went in and did the same thing it would be really boring, wouldn't it?   So if you want to slow down your singing part in places, let the MD know that you want to do that before you start.   You have control!

Yes Pilate could be this guy - why not?

3. Don't be afraid to come further forward and make (some) eye contact
The director will probably tell you where he/she wants you to stand if you ask them first - here's a little tip to our BSMTC members - our Director  (mentioning no names) likes people to come forward and not stand too far back,  he likes a bit of eye contact - he likes people to move around a bit and not stand too rigidly and forced - i.e. don't just adopt one position and stand like that for the whole audition.  He shows absolutely no reaction to your performance but he is taking it all in, and will thank you politely the end...but you will have no idea how you have done!  Also his decision is final - he does take advice from others but its totally up to him in the end.
I thought this article was good on eye contact - no-one likes to be stared down but people don't like it when you don't make eye contact altogether...the 90/10% contact rule is quite good.
http://www.ace-your-audition.com/making-eye-contact.html

Possibly just a teeny weeny bit too much eye contact

4.  Be confident when you walk in - first impressions count
Yes, you are shaking with nerves but remember you are acting a part to some extent from the moment you walk in the room- walk in confidently and say hello. Stand tall and put your shoulders back - even if you don't feel it you will give the impression of confidence. And that's what they are looking for - are you confident enough to go on stage and perform?

OK this is not confident - this is just overacting - bless Nicholas Cage he never lets me down!

I certainly do not profess to be any kind of expert at auditions and will probably make a mistake tonight but I feel it's always good experience to do them - it helps you learn and it helps the director see what you can do, so he /she may consider you for other parts in future.  Last year I auditioned for a 'Heavenly Friend' and came out as a dancer - something I had not even considered auditioning for as I thought I was a) too old b) not good enough c) not slim enough.  So that proves my point doesn't it?  You never know until you try!

Break a leg!