On Your Mark, Get Set... GO!

Going on an audition sometimes feels like you are being shot out of a cannon! So many times, even though you are very prepared and confident, there are all soughts of outside distractions waiting to trip you up. The MTA (Subway, Long Island Railroad, Bus, etc.) could be having one of their off days; it could be pouring rain, snowing, hot as hell, cold as ice. All of these things are out of your control. If you get rattled and bring your stress into the audition room, you will definitely not sharing your authentic self. Before you sabotage your audition, stop and think of these suggestions and techniques before walking into that audition.

If you are not ready to walk into the audition room as soon as you get to the studio, DO NOT SIGN IN WITH THE MONITOR. Take a moment; dry off, warm up, cool down, be ready to be in GO mode BEFORE you sign in. The race starts when the starter pistol goes off. And it goes off the moment you walk up to the sign in desk and greet the monitor. Your audition starts at that monitor’s desk. The staff inside that room will definitely ask the monitor how you were outside the room. Why? Because they want to know what kind of person you are; and how you deal with people is a great indicator! So take a breath, calm yourself down, be pleasant, smile, and sign in.

While we are on the subject of distractions, there ARE some you CAN control. For instance, make sure after you have signed in, you don’t get caught up in the social part of the audition waiting room. You cannot possible focus on what needs to be done if you are socializing and catching up with friends you haven’t seen in a while. Let’s face it you have a lot in common with these people but you also have a job to do. Find a quiet place away from the crowd and listen to music, go over your music in your head, go through your monologues (if you need them). Use your time to center yourself and focus on the audition.

There are also people who want to try to get an advantage over anyone else walking into the room. They will say things like: “I had dinner with the director last night and he told me to come in today and my audition was just a formality.” Things like this can play havoc with your brain. It is best to not put yourself in a position where you can be party to this kind of nonsense.

Listening to other auditions also can play with your head. You cannot possibly be your best when you listen to 20 other people sing while you give them thumbs up or down. How they do in the room is irrelevant to whether you will be cast in the show. Remember there is only one you. If you are what they are looking for, you will get the part. It is assumed that everyone auditioning sings well. Sitting and judging them "American Idol" style will not do anything but distract you from doing your job. What you bring to the picture is what will be the determining factor.

Remember, there are many types of distractions in the audition area. You might not be able to control them all but there are things you can do to minimize their influence and effect on your psyche. Don’t lose control. Show your authentic self from the moment you sign in, until the moment you leave the building. Your audition does NOT start when you start singing. It starts as soon as that starter pistol fires.

BANG!