Student Blog: Behind the Table-Auditions

Long time no see! I can't actually see you because this is a blog (how oztastic was the Wicked movie?!?). I've taken it upon myself to go into the trenches and gather intel for actors like you and me. I plan on splitting this into three segments, over the course of the next two months: Auditions, rehearsals, and tech week from an Assistant Director's point of view. This article will focus on auditions and callbacks, as well as some very important lessons I've learned so far. What are directors and casting teams looking for? What is the key to a successful audition? 

I joined Cedar Street Theatre, in my creative team debut, as the Assistant Director of William Shakespeare's 'Romeo & Juliet'. The choice to step back from the performing side was fairly easy, for this production. *Pause for dramatic effect* I know what you're thinking, "Wow, how rude of her to say that. Does she think she's too good for the show?" I've heard it all, but my choice had nothing to do with the production and everything to do with me. I cannot, for the life of me, knock Shakespearean language straight, in my mind. I, simply, cannot make the words come out in the right connotation and as a self-proclaimed master of memorization, Shakespeare bruises my ego. Thus, I knew I would not be auditioning. The opportunity to be behind the table presented itself, I threw my hat in the ring, and I gained a 5 month commitment to try something new.

Now, getting to the juicy stuff. We'll call this: Brynna's Observations & Tips From Behind the Table (the title is a work in progress, so send me some suggestions!)

1. Be a good human. More often than not, we were focusing on how actors interacted with others and how they presented themselves. No one wants to work with an unkind, rude, or downright negative person. I was in the holding space with the actors a few times, prior to auditions and prior to them associating me with the creative team and that was the perfect time to scope out any bad seeds. As many have said before me, you never know who is watching, listening, and observing so be the best version of yourself. Your audition begins the moment you enter the building.
2. Be prepared. We want everyone single actor, who walks through the door, to succeed. We are rooting for you, so give us someone to root for. Come in familiar with your materials, if not memorized, (Brynna tip: It is my personal preference to always be memorized. Even if given the option to read from your material, go the extra mile and show us you want this.) and confident in the character you're portraying. One thing that I do not enjoy is watching someone come up with their portrayal on the spot. When you are coming in and auditioning with a piece of your choosing, I may have never seen or heard of it before, but I better believe and trust that you have. This is the team's first impression of you, your artistic style, and your work ethic. Show us you care about our production. Callbacks are different, raw is, typically, what the team wants, but still familiarize yourself with the character and their material (don't try to make Cinderella emo, in a split second decision, unless that's what's asked).
3. Be bold. Make choices. I, personally, don't care if it wasn't the best choice, I just appreciate that the actor is willing to play and become malleable in the piece.  It is better to give too much, than not enough. "Too much" is memorable, "cookie-cutter" fades into the sea of headshots and resumes. Remember, you are only doing your 5 minute audition, but the panel is watching hundreds of 5 minute auditions. Entertain us, make us sit up taller and remember what you have to offer. The second you give us a bold take, we have an "ah-hah" moment and are trying to picture and place you in the production. Don't be afraid to have fun. Treat every audition like an opportunity to perform.

Most importantly, be yourself. Not every show will be a right fit and that's okay. The team is rooting for you, so believe in yourself. At the end of the day, we are making choices that can make or break the final product. There are so many different factors that go into casting decisions and we do have to cast and not cast people. It is never our goal to hurt or upset anyone, it is just, unfortunately, the name of the game. I hope you enjoyed this first segment of what I've taken away, so far, and I hope that you continue to join me for the rest of this journey!

Until next time,

Brynna

ig: @brynnaweir

tt: @brynnaweir

"Parting is such sweet sorrow."

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