What does go on Inside & Out at an audition...

What an interesting topic... I believe that Luke has brought up a really good point here that no-one has had much to say on so far, so I'm going to have a look at that. We've had quite a few people talk about how different theatre companies, or they themselves approach auditions from the perspective of the casting couch, but what doesn't seem to be getting discussed is what goes on between auditionees outside the doors... I have seen some pretty interesting stuff in my time, and I will admit I have employed some of these tactics myself in the past. I like to think that I have grown up a bit since then and learnt to be supportive. At least I haven't purposefully done any of the things I'm about to talk about for many years anyway. If I have done any of this by accident or omission - my sincere apologies to anyone who was on the other end. Lets be honest with ourselves here - the performing arts is not a nice industry. It is loaded with egomaniacal people who need to have a strong sense of drive and determination if they are going to succeed. That's not to say that everyone is like that, but we've all got to admit that there are a fair few people with those qualities out there. This leads to some very underhanded tactics being employed. (It should be noted here that ANY industry that involves competition - eg Sports - has its fair share of these kind of shenanigans too) I have seen many people invent rumours in the weeks leading up to an audition in the hope of scaring the competition away. I have seen people walk out of their own audition and basically tell anyone who cares to hear that they have already been cast. The lies and innuendos are endless. I have seen people get told at the audition registration table that there is no point in auditioning for a particular character because so-and-so has already been given it. All of these things - and many more - happen in an attempt to scare people away. I think it would be an interesting tally to find out how many people have decided to simply not audition because of what they may have heard on the grapevine. For example: the recent auditions held for Wizard of Oz at MPAC. I witnessed people being told not to audition for Dorothy, The Scarecrow, The Cowardly Lion and the Wicked Witch because those parts were already cast - and yes, these are the four roles that are being played by the same cast members as the 2002 season. I saw someone's face fall as they were told there was no point in auditioning because so-and-so had already been given a particular part. (Incidentally, I told this person that no parts had been pre-cast and that they stood as much chance as anyone of EARNING the role) What makes me the saddest is that most of these people chose either not to audition for the part or not to do the show at all because they thought it was unfair. As one of the people who did get cast in one of those roles (the Cowardly Lion) I have to wonder now whether I was the best for the part.... The only person who auditioned against me was successful in getting another part in the show that they were clearly more suited for. I don't feel that I earned the role. I spent the bulk of the day fending off comments from others stating that I was definitely going to get the role. How did that make other people around me feel? I wanted the part, don't get me wrong, but I certainly didn't want to feel like I got the role by default because no-one else auditioned for my part. To be honest, one of the greatest feelings for me is that sense of achievement at winning a role from a group of talented people. It lets me know that I worked hard. And of course, if people don't audition against me, where is the impetus to work on improving myself. Competition is good! It encourages us to strive to do our best at all times. It inspires us to work harder and develop our talents. I want to be the best I can be. Having to work to achieve something helps me to be the best I can. So I want to say to those people who employ the scare tactics - please stop - enjoy the competition and the opportunities it gives you to develop. And to those who believe pre-casting is a given - keep your mouth shut and think about the amazing talent that you might be scaring away! Darren