Making Auditions more user friendly

Wed, 7 June 2006, 06:36 pm

alanm16 posts in thread

I've often found that attending auditions with a new theatre group can be quite daunting. I discussed this with my fellow cast members in Darlington's upcoming "Table Manners" (a must to see incidently), very few people turned up for the auditions and of those who did (I'm talking about me here)the welcome was not what you would call 'friendly'. That is not to say that people were rude or unfriendly, just that they weren't warm and welcoming. Having said that, they are a great and committed bunch to work with and are very friendly now we have all got to know each other (just like normal life I suppose). Perhaps if more effort were made to make people feel at home during auditions (this probably doesn't apply to those who a) know a large proportion of people on Perth's theatre scene or b) those who are supremely confident in their ability and within themselves)more people would be encouraged to come again or bring their friends with them, thereby increasing the pool of available actors. While we are on the subject, I've often thought that a day's training, group workshop or some sort of dummy run might be a winner, at least it would give the first timers (and a lot of others, me included) some hints on what to do to ensure that we get the part that we would like, or a part anyway. It could be made into a fun day for all and help raise the standard, after all isn't that what it's all about. I'll be most interested to see what other people think of this.

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alanmWed, 7 June 2006, 06:36 pm

LabrugThu, 8 June 2006, 08:22 am

Interesting Thoughts

I have to say that I have not bee to many auditions where there was a warm and welcoming environment. Especially with 'professional' theatre. In fact it is usually much like the Idol auditions without the mass numbers and mad presenters. Basically a crowd (or group) shoved through one by one (or in groups depending on the process) to be labled and catagorised.

I'd say that the general air comes from a need to get the cast filled and depending on the number of applicants, this could me a desperate search to fill missing numbers or having to tell a number of hopefuls 'thank you and goodbye' or both. Having just recently just on the other side of the fence myself, and having also been on interview panels for government employment processes, I can tell you the "dread" of the event is just as real for the interviewer and can put a real "downer" over the whole process.

Obviously attempting to create a welcoming process would be of benefit to the audtionees and I agree with you on that. The question becomes how to achieve that easily without detracting from the needs of the production itself.

You also make comment about "Day's Training" or "Dummy run". Some theaters do engage a process that I think you are implying. Some will hold advanced Readings where hopefuls can prepare themselves with a read through of the script before deciding on auditioning. This is not done by all and really depends on what the Director is looking for. Some directors do not like their prospective cast to know much about the script prior to rehearsals. Others are not so secretive.

In the end, there is no definitive way to hold auditions and is up to the tastes of the Director or Producer. The challenge for the Auditionee is to be able to tackle what ever is thrown at them and show their star qualities whatever the environment.

Dixi

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
Fight/Sword Choreographer

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

SerebearThu, 8 June 2006, 11:31 am

Auditions

The Mandurah Performing Arts centre holds workshops prior to auditions, which teach you the songs (for musicals) and if dancing is involved, work through the dancing. You get to meet the production team and learn what the show will involve and what they are looking for. They have already advertised the workshops in August/September for their next production (see www.manpac.com.au) As someone who used to do lots of shows at mandurah several years ago, I really enjoyed the workshops when I returned to audition for a Funny thing happened on the way to the forum, as I got to meet the people who were there now who I didn't know, so when it came time to audition I had all these friendly faces around me. It also gave me a few weeks to work on my audition knowing what they were looking for, which I found really helpful. Plus I got the part, so that puts an even better spin on it for me.

KirileeWed, 14 June 2006, 03:20 pm

I've done I think two

I've done I think two workshops about Auditions, one with WAAPA and one with the FTI. Both were good but I think the best lesson I learnt was from a friend of mine who simply said: Chill. LOL That's what I do now when auditioning. I just let all the stress float over my head, and just enjoy being there. If they want me to be part of their production, they'll offer me a part. If I'm not right for the part, so be it. You really just need to know not to let it get to you. Just be friendly, give it your all and have FUN! That's what theatre is about right? Fun.

Alex MilneThu, 15 June 2006, 03:05 pm

Audition Stresses

Id agree with the advice of 'Chill.' yet, it is incredibly hard to put into practice, expecially if you are a nervous sort of person. Group Auditions, in my opinion, are fabulous. I have only been in one real group ensemble audition and rehearsal process before we were cast into roles, and i found it the most rewarding. We all started on very equal ground and it made the whole process without a hierarchy, which can often happen in rehearsals etc... with the hierarchy between leads and extras. Which is an incredibly unnecessary ego stroking excersise in my opinion. Auditions are daunting, no matter how many of them you have been to, how many times you have been turned down, or how many times you have been given that desired role. It doesnt make it any easier... Familiar faces at auditions CAN help, and thats a huge part of the industry... The good ole "Its not WHAT you know, but WHO you know" and its true - in perth its necessary. Perth is A SMALL city with a very tight little theatre/acting network. Everyone is connected by one degree of seperation at the very most. If you dont know someone personally, you have probably seen, or at least heard of them or their last project. That is the best advice i was ever given when i started auditioning, was to be as friendly and personable as possible with not the auditioners but the auditionees. Because it is these people that you will constantly work with for your career in that city and often nationally also. The directors come and go, but that core group of actors, although it changes, it changes slowly and over time. Its good to know the ppl you are working with and auditioning with, it can ease some of the anxiety, and if you dont get the part there is someone to have a coffee with and a chat afterwards. which is always good. a good debrief is often underrated. :)

trevnoshWed, 21 June 2006, 11:20 am

audition stresses

Auditions are daunting?! Been for a job interview lately?Alan, sorry mate but life is not 'warm and welcoming'. Lots of circumstances are not 'warm and welcoming'- on the bus, at work, in the supermarket... Nobody's obliged to make you feel 'warm and welcome'. The whole point of an audition is to test you. If you can't withstand the scrutiny of the audition panel how would you face a critical or even hostile audience? I agree that there is a nauseating level of nepotism in amateur theatre, and the sight of familiar faces may help, but you also hit the nail on the head with your suggestion that supremely confident people do well at auditions. That's the whole point- those are the kind of people the panel are usually looking for, because- guess what? Although theatre is meant to be, and is, fun, the audience pays to see THE SHOW. They're not interested in whether or not you're 'having fun', and without the audience you're nothing. If you're a nervous type you may need to consider other pastimes, or ways to build your confidence. Meanwhile, nobody owes you anything, so don't expect someone else to create warm and fuzzy experiences for you, especially people who particularly want to see how you handle discomfort. Sorry to be such a downer but it's the testing process that will allow you to push through the pain barrier and become one of the confident auditioners.

trevnoshWed, 21 June 2006, 11:23 am

audition stresses

Alex- sorry, I referred to you in previous post as Alan. Careless of me, no offence intended, my apologies.

Neville TalbotWed, 21 June 2006, 04:26 pm

Harsh

But oh so true... It is nice to know people, and yes it does help. But if you can't do it otherwise then consider a different hobby , or get involved with a choir or something else where you can perform with less pressure. I think an audience spending $20+ deserves the best show possible... Neville It's the simple things stupid...

LogosWed, 21 June 2006, 09:39 pm

Agreed

We should push our own comfort zone always. If we feel comfortable we are not challenged.

LabrugThu, 22 June 2006, 08:51 am

On the nail

Oh so true Logos. Through pushing ourselves, we can emerge into bigger better things. I have never been one to be competative with others. I find the best competition in myself. I know what I am capable today, but as the saying goes "You don't know what you don't know." How far can I go? Where's the next challenge? Is this really as good as it gets? Can I handle the Truth?

Sorry, lapsing into movie quotes there....

When I am about to go on-stage for a performance, I expect to feel a little nervous, anticipatory, excited. Butterflies. If that feeling is missing, then I get concerned. To me, lacking that feeling means I am becoming too comfortable.

Let's make a little comparison here. You get into a nice comfortable chair, what's the likely outcome? If you were me or my wife, then you would most probably be asleep within the hour. Sorry, but I can't afford to 'fall asleep' on stage. The life of a performance comes from that nervous energy because that's how were are in real life. We don't know what to expect in our daily lives. When we are on stage, the challenge is to create that same dynamic even though you have learnt the script for past two or three months from cover to cover. For me, that nervous energy makes the difference.

My inspired (but not necessarily inspiring) diatribe.

Dixi

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
Fight/Sword Choreographer

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

melodyThu, 22 June 2006, 10:39 am

I think your absolutely

I think your absolutely right. On the most part its like they are trying to intimidate you, maybe its because thats the way they were treated when they were starting out and you know how it is with people, everybody likes to have the power or to be one step above someone else. On the other hand i guess they are trying to be professional and they are trying to push your boundaries. If they are cold or unwelcoming they want to see how you can overcome the situation. they dont want to make it easy for you because obviously they want the bestperson they can get. this way they will be seeing who can handle themselves in the worst or toughest of situations.

LogosThu, 22 June 2006, 12:39 pm

Auditions

I doubt seriously that any auditioner is deliberately cold and unwelcoming. It's often that you are simply to busy and too focused to be anything other than businesslike. I could be wrong I suppose there are some sadists out there who might enjoy watching people squirm but I probably wouldn't go twice to their auditions.

alanmThu, 22 June 2006, 08:59 pm

Encouragement

Surely you get more from people by encouragement. Yes it's good to move out of one's comfort zone. But I was merely suggesting that auditions could be made more 'user friendly', not that we should lower standards. I think that you can get much more from someone in a supportive environment, the type of environment that you get after 3 weeks of rehearsals with your fellow cast members, look how most of us develop our roles so much better under those circumstances. AND I am not suggesting that any auditionees should spend three weeks together practising their pieces, merely that being supportive gets better results. You only have to look at a lot of corporates and their methods of recruiting by getting all the applicants to work together in a 'fun and safe' environment, this way you get to see the real people who can provide what you really need rather than those who appear outwardly brash and confident, but don't really come up to standard when time goes on. I think that the auditionees are just as important as the director, they both need each other and you get much more from someone who isn't bloody terrified or who is better prepared. And as to the question "Have I been for a job interview", well I must be honest and say no, not for many years but I have interviewed and have found that I get the best results by putting the interviewee at ease as quickly as possible.

Alex MilneWed, 28 June 2006, 12:26 pm

no worries with the name

no worries with the name mix up. But i do stand by auditions are daunting. And yes my guess is A LOT of actors have been to a job interview lately. Because when there is no paid acting work we do ALL sorts of things to pay the damn bills that just keep coming in... And no i dont expect life to be warm and welcoming. i have been in this industry a while and have a fair idea of how it works. Daunting is not necessaraly a bad thing. It is a test, a test of how you handle pressure. Its ok to be nervous its ok to be daunted its only not ok when it gets in the way of your performance.

alanmThu, 6 July 2006, 04:27 pm

I was only trying to say

So yes, there may be a difference between professional theatre and amateur theatre, but you continually hear that there's not enough choice when auditioning (from directors). There's a lack of men or in some cases just one or two people turn up. I was trying to make the point that some amateur people are put off or intimidated and so take the easy option and not go and put themselves up for rejection or an experience which is daunting. I was trying to point out that by making the experience more user friendly that many more people may give it a go, and then we just have to organise some form of basic training in stagecraft and I'm sure the ranks would swell, after all how many people say "I could never do that, but I bet its fun, all the same" or something similar. A bit of training and encouragement and lots more people "could do that".

LabrugFri, 7 July 2006, 08:09 am

On the watch

I can say this - Keep your eyes and ears open. There's a new wind blowing and it might just be what you are looking for. Can't say much at this point in time but your comments and this thread are stragnely well timed with hatching plans and the like.

WATCH THIS SPACE!

Dixi

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
Fight/Sword Choreographer

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

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