Student Blog: Be Picky

I was bit by the theatre-bug, a little later in life. While most Rachel Berry’s were tiny tots when they started belting ‘Defying Gravity’ and getting tap solos, I rejected dance (I do regret it). I hated going to dance class, but loved the recitals (foreshadowing, at its finest). Call me Sue Heck because I tried everything and was not great at any of it. Gymnastics was just pitiful, tennis was actually fairly good, and my knees couldn’t handle running track after 3 years. I found my passion for theatre in 2020, which was just perfect timing on my part. I started dancing at 16, I wasn’t in my first production until I was 17, and I started voice lessons at 18. I was, statistically, “behind”. I was going to be in the same casting pool as people who had been performing their whole life, so I told myself I needed to “catch-up”. I thought I needed to audition for anything and everything just to build my resume and prove my talent with experience, on a piece of paper. Don’t get me wrong, experience is very important and the more you’ve worked, the more you might be called in. However, talent speaks for itself. 

Casting is between two actors: one has a full resume and is more experienced, the other has minimal credits but connected to the character and is the voice they’re looking for. Experience may get you in the room, but talent and what you offer books the role. 

You don’t need to audition for everything. You should have a criteria when it comes to auditioning: 1) is it a dream show/role? 2) do you connect to the material or the character? 3) can you identify parts of yourself in the breakdown? If the audition doesn’t check one or more of these boxes, it’s okay to pass on it. Take the time you’d be auditioning and instead take a dance class, find an acting masterclass, find a vocal coach, or book a physical therapy appointment. Fuel your talent, and you have the chance to go the distance. 

Your career is comparable to a marathon. If you sprint the first few miles, your energy is drained and you still have a ways to go. Will you make it to the finish line? Slow and steady wins the race. Burnout is real and even though you think you’re immune, you’re not. Take your time, if you’re meant to do this, it will happen when it’s supposed to. Even if you pass on an audition, if it is meant for you, it will come back around. Trust in the timing of your life and take steady steps; it’s not about how many people get there first, it’s about you preserving your passion and getting there at your own pace. 

When I started focusing on projects that would fuel my love for theatre and play to my strengths, I started getting the emails and attention I wanted. I’ve noticed a pattern: directors, CDs, and MDs want to work with people who are just as passionate about the project as they are. Be picky, be true to yourself and you just might be amazed at the changes you see. I’m not saying it won’t take time, but your passion will speak for itself and what could possibly be more memorable than pure joy. I believe in you!

Until next time,

Brynna

ig: @brynnaweir

tt: @brynnaweir

"I don't care how far

I will go the distance"

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