The real business of the day came after lunch, when we had a combined Audition class with Joanne all afternoon, which was a giant question/answer/lecture session about the ins and outs of getting jobs. So, without further ado, here are Joanne's tips and tricks of the trade, as frantically scribbled down by a non-Equity, non-represented actress.
1. Know what play you're auditioning for and who you are auditioning for- know about every person who will be in the room and what they've done (i.e. don't let the playwright be sitting in the room unacknowledged because you don't know what they look like).
2. Know the theatre and its history.
3. Don't pass up roles/auditions for better roles/auditions that "might" happen.
4. If you have an agent, tell them specifically that you want theatre work. Sometimes they don't pass on theatre audition notices if it's pilot season, etc, unless you've asked.
5. NEVER say you didn't read the whole play (I thought that was a pretty obvious one, but apparently it's a common mistake).
6. EPA stands for Equity Principal Auditions, and you can attend them (if they are not closed) if you are non-Equity.
7. If you are in contact with casting agents, keep them informed about what you are working on.
8. DO NOT be off-book for sides. Always keep them in your hands.
9. It is okay to say, "Can I start again?" if your beginning was miserable and you need to start over.
10. It is okay to send the casting director a thank-you note after the production in which they cast you, but is not necessary after the audition.
11. DO wear the exact same thing you wore to the audition if you are called back.
12. Dress the flavor of the role (Shakespeare: peasant top; Contemporary: T-shirt, jeans or movement clothes).
13. DO NOT wear or do anything to call attention to anything other than your performance.
And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen! Now let's all go get hired...
No comments:
Post a Comment