Break a Leg!
Here are some tips for auditioning for your school's spring
production
Staten Island Advance - Sunday, December 30, 2007
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Well, it is for all you
young, aspiring thespians. Auditions for the spring musical in your
high school have already begun or will soon start up. But before you
get into a situation in which all eyes are on you as you sing and
act your heart out, there are basic things that everyone should know
before entering the "auditioning room."
If you are totally new to theater, and just happened to have caught
the acting bug -- we've got you covered as well. No worries.
Like any task, preparation is key for auditioning for a school
production.
"Research the show you are auditioning for -- that's an important
thing as an actor," said Jennifer Straniere, production coordinator
of the Performing and Creative Arts Department at the College of
Staten Island.
Video tapes and original audio Broadway cast recordings are very
insightful.
Look for an audition notice circulating around your school, or
listen for crucial information announced on the loudspeaker, giving
you what the director wants out of the auditioner.
"Usually a director asks them [the auditoners] to prepare an up
tempo, rock or ballad, depending on what sort of show it is," said
Mrs. Straniere.
Most of the time the director will ask you to read from the script
to get familiar with your acting abilities.
Once you have done your homework, it's time to pick your song (if
you are auditioning for a singing role).
"Get something easy to sing, something you are comfortable with,"
advised Mrs. Straniere. "Know yourself -- what you can and cannot
sing."
She added that singing at home with a tape or in front of a mirror
will help you visualize what other people see and hear when you
sing. Be realistic and honest.
Now you're more than halfway through your prep period. You know
what's expected of you, you're familiar with the show, and you have
your song!
What's next? Hopefully, as you were busy researching the show, you
came across a character you are interested in playing. Don't panic
if you are more of an actor than a singer, or more of a dancer than
an actor -- no matter which way you spin it, there is bound to be a
role that best suits your abilities.
"Most musicals have non-singing roles," said Mrs. Straniere.
Finally, there is only one last thing to do, go in and audition!
"An audition should be a positive experience ....," said Mrs.
Straniere. "Grow and learn from the experience of an audition."
By Alexandra Mazzucchelli
Reprinted here with permission
from the
