Acting Auditions and Scenes in Musicals Acting the Scene Acting Auditions and Scenes in Musicals

Facts Auditions usually last an average of 1 minute Everyone listening to your audition WANTS to like you Everyone is there for 1 reason: to cast a musical with a creative and talented cast successfully Whether you get a part or not, only you know if you did your best Always remember - getting a part (or not getting a part) is not a comment on whether you are talented or not. Many times an actor that is ‘right’ for one show is not ‘right’ for another.

Problem How do you slow down 55 seconds to appear talented, easy-going, articulate, and perfect for the role? Auditors may ask anything of you, but you are not allowed the same privilege Solution It is hard to appear talented if you have not worked on your audition If you appear confident you will appear more talented If you seem like you can “go with the flow” a director will be a lot more apt to cast you

Confidence Well groomed Appropriately dressed for your audition (dance, singing, acting might not be the same outfit) Speak or sing to someone as if they are intelligent and perceptive Know what you are doing Music should be prepared correctly for the accompanist Song (or monologue) deeply committed to memory

Monologues are Essential Once a director has meet you on paper they want to see your personality Keep in mind that using a monologue for the purposes of auditions is artificial They should never be longer than 2 minutes - and sometimes they are as short as 1 minute (or 2 one minute contrasting) A monologue on a page is always longer when performed

Monologues continued Have a variety ready to perform Once you’ve found a play/song/book or film of a writer you enjoy find out what else they have written. What if they don’t write in monologue format? Figure out the style of the playwright (fast paced and clipped, graceful and expressive, ect)

Type and your monologue What type of role can you play? If the casting call doesn’t limit who is auditioning don’t limit yourself TV is usually much less likely to cast against ‘type’ than theatre or film If you can read the script in advance let that lead what monologue you prepare.

Monologue Books A good starting point but for many (lazy) actors this is also their ending point Look in these books for ideas but don’t think you are ‘done’ once you’ve found it. This should be a lengthy process - as long as it takes to find your song.

Types of Acting Auditions Cold Readings - Given a scene or monologue from the actual show to briefly prepare and then perform. It may be an open or closed audition room. Monologues - Generally in MT you are not asked to have a prepared monologue, but it never hurts to be ready to do one… especially when it comes down to you and one other person. Callbacks - A combination of the above - you will be put into scenes or songs with others being considered.

Audition Procedure Ushered into studio, theater, sound stage, etc. at the exact time of the audition. Give auditors resume and picture Stand/announce Your name Title of selection Name of character from selection Do not “set up” scene - most directors will be familiar with your material When finished allow 5 second pause and give a courteous “thank you” Don’t apologize for anything

Remember Wear appropriate clothing (singing, dance, and acting are different) Be kind, courteous, and positive to EVERYONE you encounter AT ALL TIMES-- you never know what the director will be told after the fact Fight your nerves - auditors WANT you to be good and if you’ve prepared you should deliver Take water (only) with you Don’t be surprised if the auditors stop you in the middle or before you finish your song, dance, or acting piece… it simply means they have heard what they needed to hear Treat every audition as the opportunity to share your talent and learn more about yourself as a performer and your skills - not as a statement of your ultimate talent. A variety of factors go into whether an actor is cast in a role (or not).

Monologue Advice Like the song – make sure it takes the character on a journey and has something at stake. \ Read, REad, REAd, READ Like songs watch things that are so popular everyone is doing it. You can find monologues from other sources, but be careful here.

Monologue Guidelines Keep it in the present – stay out of the past. Leave Dreams for sleeping Avoid Rambling Monologues If it’s not working drop it Don’t write your own monologue Keep it active Match the monologue to the job

When performing Establish the environment – limited movement is good Who are you speaking to? Don’t look down – but also don’t look at the auditors (same as singing) If you happen to forget your lines – keep going (ad-lib)

Acting Audition Essentials Know the title of the play and who wrote it. Know who your ‘imaginary other’ is and ‘see’ them when performing. Find your staging area when entering the room. As you finish let your last ‘note’ play out. Say “Thank you” Be prepared with at least 2 other monologues.

Scenes in Musicals Need to lead up to songs Are usually compact and short in length Will often only be 2 person scenes (with exception obviously) Gives information that is necessary for the plot to progress Was not ‘cut’ for a reason

Acting in a Musical Scene Requires the actor to make bold choices Requires excellent scene partner connections Requires an actor to have strong subtext Requires an actor to learn lines word for word.