An audition is a chance to make a great first impression at a dance company, studio, or theater. Below are some tips to make yours a success.
When entering a dance audition, you must not let yourself be overwhelmed. There are certain things to keep in mind so that your audition experience can be fulfilling, whether or not you get the part you are seeking.
At the Audition - What NOT to Do
- Don't make excuses. If you try to give excuses to the auditioners, it shows that you are not prepared to audition. By saying something like, "I really don't know that much about this show or company," you are really saying, "I don't care enough about you, the show, or myself to learn about this." You should always try your best, no matter what level that may be.
- Don't apologize. You should not say you're sorry every time you make a mistake. This is an audition, and it is a place to learn. You are not expected to be perfect. This is where your confidence can make up for a lack of technique. Present yourself as a very confident, personable individual that the auditioners would want to hire.
- Don't be insulted. Sometimes the person giving the audition has a particular body type, or "look," in mind. There isn't much you can do about this if you do not fit that look. Don't take it as a personal insult. Remember that you may cross paths with this auditioner at a later date, when a dancer of exactly your own type is being sought.
- Don't make the auditioners uncomfortable. Getting very close to the auditioners can be seen as a confrontational move, and may make them uneasy. They need to see what you look like on stage or on the floor. If you are in their faces, they only know what you look like from the neck up. Also, you should try not to stare. Eye contact at certain points in your audition is great, but don't stare at them for the entire audition.
- Don't ask if you are getting a callback. It shows a lack of experience and professionalism. If they are interested in you, the casting director will let you know. Usually they will communicate the rules beforehand, letting everyone know whether they should stay to find out if they will be called back, or if they will get a phone call at a later time.
At the Audition - What to DO
- Be personable. The community, or social aspect, of the show or program you are auditioning for is just as important as the role. When a Director casts you, he or she is making you a significant part of their lives for a few months, a season, a year, etc. Your fellow cast and crew members become your family. And, unlike in real life, the Director CAN choose his family.Your audition doesn't begin when you start dancing; it starts when you enter the room. You should always be pleasant, friendly, confident and eager to be there. Many times, a slightly less talented dancer can be cast simply because they are a joy to be around. If you are in a dead heat with someone else for a part, the "nice guy" usually wins. Always be polite to your fellow dancers.
- Do your very best. You bring to every audition the sum total of all the work you have been doing in class and in performance. Your technique will not suddenly change during the audition, so all you can do is your very best. Pay attention to what is being shown and what is being requested.This is not the moment to be a choreographer; do the combination as it is given, but dance it as fully as you possibly can. Auditioners are looking for someone who can take the phrase and make it his or her own, without changing the steps or the intent. Keep your facial expressions alive, and work through your mistakes. The facial expression usually takes care of itself if you concentrate on performing fully.
For more information on how to prepare before you go to an audition, please see this previous article, "Preparing for a Dance Audition." Break a leg!
The copyright of the article Attending a Dance Audition in Ballet/Jazz/Tap Dance is owned by Terry Finch. Permission to republish Attending a Dance Audition in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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