Friday 11th September (PAB Audition Study and Preparation/Audition Notes)

To begin this lesson we looked at the important qualities an actor would need in a professional audition and in a show or rehearsal situation, we created a mind map of our ideas.

In preparation for our auditions next week for Rent and West Side Story, we talked about and came up with some possible audition questions that we might be asked:

• What character(s) are you interested in?
• What is your opinion of the play(s)?
• What do you think of the director(s)?
• What do you know about the shows history?
• What past experiences do you have in musical theatre performance?
• What are the themes of the play(s) and what do you think of them?
• What was the last professional performance you went to see?
• Who is your favourite actor and why?
• Who is your favourite theatrical director and why?
• What qualities will you bring to characters?
• What experience do you have in the industry other than performance?

We then, in small groups or partners, took these questions and created an audition interview situation to help practise for next week.

This is was helpful and beneficial to me because I feel I don't have much experience in audition interviews. Having this practise in a comfortable situation where it is okay to make mistakes and get constructive criticism back gave me a lot of confidence and after I felt much more prepared for my upcoming audition.

Thursday 10th September (Audition Notes)

In today's lesson we discussed vital elements of being prepared for auditions, and the difference between castings and auditions. A casting, also known as a 'go see' will not be creative or active, and mostly based on appearances, as apposed to an audition which tests your skills.

Audition Notes

• The audition starts from the moment you walk in the building

This is because the directors will be judging how you are around other people and outside of the audition, therefore you need to be careful of what you say and do.

• Always arrive at least an hour early for normal auditions

This is important as punctuality is something they will look for in people they are auditioning, if you arrive early you can mention your name to someone and you might be seen earlier, making you look better in comparison to others.

• Arrive 2-3 hours early for open auditions

Like before, it is important to be early because with an open audition it is open to anyone and if you get there too late they might not let you in to audition.

• Scan over or read scripts if they are available

Familiarise yourself with the lines and the context of the piece you are auditioning for.

• Be prepared to improvise in any audition with any people

Improvisation may be a part of your audition to test how well you socialise as well as your skills.

• Prepare and research the script, casting director, company and own availability

This allows you to be prepared as possible, and maybe look better than the other people auditioning too. Researching the script will help you understand the way you have to sing or act and also if you are asked to read a section of the script you will know the context and therefore any accent or characteristics.


Why did you choose your audition songs?

The songs I have chosen to sing in my audition are 'Somewhere' from West Side Story, and 'Out Tonight' from Rent. I choose to sing 'Somewhere' because I have not sang a slow sing like this with legato sounds throughout.
I have chosen to sing 'Out Tonight' because it has an upbeat tempo which contrasts to 'Somewhere' as it is a lot slower and calmer. This way I am showing more skills and versatility in a short amount of time. I also picked 'Out Tonight' because one of the parts I would like to play sings it in the show.