BWW Blog: Patti Meadors - The Other Side Of Auditions

I currently have the pleasure of attending a school that provides many opportunities for kids, especially those interested in the performing arts. I was selected to be one of four student directors, in which we select a show of our choice and get to direct it and put it up in the black box theatre at our school. My freshman year, I got to stage manage and help direct two of the one acts for the school's evening of one acts. Last year, I assistant directed the fourth quarter show. Will all of these opportunities, I got to see the other side of an audition process, which was very eye opening.

My directors always say how hard it is when they have to cast shows, and how they sometimes cry over it. I finally understood, because it is very stressful. I understand now that it is a difficult process. It is not something taken lightly. Casting is done with the best interest for the show, not about favoritism or popularity of people.

I also realized that asking for feedback on auditions is beneficial to always make sure you can learn from every opportunity you are given, no matter if you are cast or not. After being cast in a play earlier this year, I still asked what I could do better on, and how I could improve, and I received helpful constructive criticism.

Working well with others and having a positive reputation in a theatre community is almost as important being right for the part. Being fortunate enough to attend summer programs, they all make sure we understand that being kind and positive and fun to work with is important, because word spreads in the theatre world.

Overall, with these experiences I know how important it is to take constructive criticism and be able to know what is going to be helpful with your theatre journey, and what is opinion. I also learned that being kind to others is very important in a world where people are competing so often. Have a good attitude and continue to audition for anything you can!

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