Audition Ettiquette

Mon, 26 Nov 2007, 10:16 pm

Hey there! Just wondering on the etiquette on auditions. Should you audition for everything, even if you can't commit to both (i.e Best case scenario, you get offered both and they film around about the same time...) Do you only go for the one you're most interested in? and then kick yourself when you don't get it and wished you'd gone for the other one? And also, if you do go for both (and get offered both) Is there a polite way to turn down one of the roles? Much advice needed, all appreciated! Thanks

Thread (11 posts)

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Lauren ClearyMon, 26 Nov 2007, 10:16 pm

Micaela TogherMon, 26 Nov 2007, 10:30 pm

Go for absolutely

Go for absolutely everything you can, then pick and choose should you get the luxury of doing so. You cant rely on gettng the roles you want - most often you will audition for ten things and maybe get one.

LogosTue, 27 Nov 2007, 07:28 am

Micaela: Speaking as a

Micaela: Speaking as a director you would soon stop being offered roles by me if you followed that philosophy. I rarely offer a role a second time if I am turned down once by an actor. If you want to do a play make a commitment certainly do not under any circumstances audition after you have accepted a role for one that will cause you to drop out of the original play. It gives actors a bad name. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

DazzaBTue, 27 Nov 2007, 09:21 am

Hard Call

Hey Lauren, This is such an interesting question with no easy answer. I think the reality is that everyone is going to have a slightly different idea on what circumstances make this okay or not. Your question reminds me though of a big decision I had to make a few years ago. I had an audition for Oklahoma in February but I also knew that my home theatre company was doing Les Miserables and that the auditions for that would come up BEFORE Oklahoma was even halfway through - meaning I couldn't possibly do both. I decided to be honest with the Oklahoma people at the audition time and told them that if I didn't get a big enough role then I probably wouldn't do the show as Les Miserables was coming up. Saying that now seems really arrogant and big-headed, but I'm still proud of the honesty. The Oklahoma people ended up casting me as Curly which made the decision really easy - I love "Oh What A Beautiful Morning" *wink* So, I didn't audition for Les Miserables. Anyway, why I told that story is because I think that whatever happens, you need to be up-front with the director/producer from the outset. Also, once you have committed to a project I think that you need to be really careful about taking on another one. There is a BIG thread about multiple shows that you should have a read of. Sometimes working two projects can be done, I personally can't do it (I tried and almost killed myself) but I know people who do it quite successfully. The key to that is, once again, honesty. Make sure the director of each project is aware of your other commitments AND is okay with it. Darren

NaTue, 27 Nov 2007, 09:47 am

I think it's ok to audition

I think it's ok to audition for a couple of different roles (but not more than a couple); but only if you make it clear to the director of each show that you are doing so. I think everyone realises that it's tough out there, and that people aren't expecting to get every role they audition for. Having said that, I would only advise doing the above if there are a number of roles you desperately want. Otherwise, it's a waste of everyone's time. To be honest, the best indication of a good performer to a director is their willingness to commit entirely to the performance, and their preparedness at an audition. So the above should only be done if in desperation. Sticky Apple Legs www.thepromptcopy.com/sal Puppets in Melbourne www.puppetsinmelbourne.com.au My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

LabrugTue, 27 Nov 2007, 09:47 am

Pointed Dazza

I like Dazza's point about honesty. His experience also presents another point of view that both as an actor and director I would recommend.

Be Selective.

Certainly, audition for a number of different things. Certainly be honest about your intentions. More importantly, have a clear idea of what you can do, want to do and are prepared to commit to and audition only for those things. Then once you have been offered a part and agreed to it, commit to it.

In committing, you are agreeing to the rehearsal schedule so check this, the performance dates so check these too, and any other expectations of the director. In most cases you can negotiate some (not all) of these details. In the end, don't mess your director around, or the other ones either.

Nothing annoys a director more than an actor that says "Yes, I'll do it" then drops out half way with the excuse of, I got a better offer. It also can lower your reputation with the other cast members also. Trust me when I say that actors will become very critical of anyone who mucks them around in this way, especially when they have made the commitment themselves.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
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RandomBoiTue, 27 Nov 2007, 10:57 am

What's best for you

I have to agree with a lot of what has been said to date here. Honesty is a key point to keep in the fore-front of your mind, as is a strong sense of commitment/loyalty for the projects that you do take on.

I would also like to add that it's important to do what is right/best for you. If you feel you can take on more than one project at a time and that the experiences gained from both would be beneficial then I think that is okay - but remember to communicate your position honestly with all other parties concerned. And if one director is not happy with the situation, you will need to address that.

Also, Jeff makes a very good point when he says: "Nothing annoys a director more than an actor that says "Yes, I'll do it" then drops out half way with the excuse of, I got a better offer. It also can lower your reputation with the other cast members also. Trust me when I say that actors will become very critical of anyone who mucks them around in this way, especially when they have made the commitment themselves." I can't stress enough that if you do commit to a project you must give it the energy and focus it needs. See the thread entitled Theatre Etiquette - Multiple Shows for an example of the reactions you will probably get from other cast/crew members if you pull out. People invest a large amount of their time and energy into these projects and if they feel that someone has let them down it hurts a lot.

I do have one question for you: Are you talking about stage work, screen work or both? I actually don't know the film industry very well (while I do enjoy a good movie I am a bit of a theatre purist and never felt the desire to learn about working in the film industry) so I'm not sure whether my comments will be valid for you.

Kyle

Paul TreasureTue, 27 Nov 2007, 06:32 pm

Hate to say it... think of No 1!

You owe it to yourself to do what is best for you... without screwing anyone else around of course. A couple of years ago I directed Fiddler and one of the auditionees let me know that she was also auditioning for Oklahoma! that weekend. Having worked with this person before I told them outright (after they had auditioned) that I would like her for Hodel, but if the Oklahoma! people offered her Laurie she should take that instead, but if they offered her anything else, do Hodel. Luckily for me they didn't offer her Laurie and I got a very good Hodel :-) If you are honest with most (well some) directors, they will be honest and supportive... but if you act like a prima donna they will soon bite back as well...

Micaela TogherTue, 27 Nov 2007, 09:36 pm

Fair enough Logos, I defer

Fair enough Logos, I defer to your expertise. its just awfully frustrating - you audition for things that align into a neat time slot and you dont get any of them, and as soon as you audition for 2 things that are on at the same time you are offered both!

NaTue, 27 Nov 2007, 09:43 pm

I do this to myself all the

I do this to myself all the time, although not with acting roles. I find at certain times of the year the work or shows dry up for me, and so I invent projects or productions... and just as I'm getting myself involved in two or three of those projects, I find the external work again. I think it's a matter of finding a balance between everything, and knowing what your physical, emotional and time limits are. And then being aware of just how much you can take on at once. But again, I agree with everything that has been said. Sticky Apple Legs www.thepromptcopy.com/sal Puppets in Melbourne www.puppetsinmelbourne.com.au My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

Walter PlingeThu, 29 Nov 2007, 12:30 pm

Multiple Auditions.

Greetings again theatre friends, "If they are filming around the same time". I assume by this statement that the original question perhaps refers to professional TV/Film work. If that is the case, the I would absolutely be attending as many castings and auditions as you or your agent can lay their hands on. In my opinion, live theatre is a different kettle of fish. 'What is the audition etiquette regarding auditioning for or accepting roles in multiple shows?' If this question is really asking 'will it piss people off if I jump ship?' Then I think the short answer is YES. I cannot imagine there would be too many actors, directors or companies out there who would tolerate with good humour such a move from an actor. Casting is a difficult process and a director needs to cast the whole 'picture'. Other castings in the show may have hinged on the assumption that you were going to be performing a certain role. Having done a lot of fringe and independant productions I am also aware that often the writer/director has invested a great deal of their own time and resources in developing the show and preparing for it's staging. Leaving people high and dry to chase a better offer, in my opinion, really is poor form. I do believe that it is legitimate to attend many auditions for practice or experience or so that you can meet several production teams before you find a show that suits. If this be the case, then some up front honesty with the audition panel will save much angst and stress - on everyone. Local theatre companies are well aware of what other rival auditions are occurring at the same time and would naturally expect that people will be hedging their bets. However, once you've accepted a part then I think that unless a major emergency occurs in your life, that you are obliged to see it through. Reputation and reliability is everything and you never know who you are impressing or pissing off. Tulipa.

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