WICA hosted our 14th annual Audition Workshop last night taught by Andrew Grenier.
We've compiled the 'take away" notes and hope you'll enjoy reading them as we consider an ongoing "What are You Working On" workshop for actors.
WICA Season Auditions are next week, please call or write to sign up. We'd love to see you!
Big thank YOU to Andy for a great class!
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts
Audition Workshop with Andrew Grenier, August 6, 2014 at 7pm
Take Aways:
Andy was very clear that these are his ideas, what works for him and by no means the absolute truth for everyone. He encouraged all actors to read more plays, read a few Auditioning books and audition audition audition. Strong encouragement to always “keep a few pieces in your pocket” so we don’t freak out when auditions come up…reminding us that “we are what we do not what we say.”
He is looking for:
• Show me a skill set that makes me want to work with you.
• Don’t put barriers in your way, on Whidbey Island if you need to hold your monologue because the memorization isn’t all there, hold the monologue. Help yourself.
• Be present, honest – don’t try to convince the director, just show
• Don’t defuse your energy, no pacing, unnecessary placement of furniture. Own the space
• Choose material in your range, choose strong plays from great playwrights. (Help yourself ☺)
• Choose pieces that give you something to DO
• Choose a piece that tells a story, has a beginning, a middle and an end. Read the play, know what has happened before and after what you’ve just done
• Do not choose a piece from the play you are auditioning for.
• Do not use pieces these directors have seen you do before, get new work!
• Stay on time, you will be stopped and it’s horrible
• Pay close attention to that audition sheet, don’t be cute on it, don’t skip anything, give them as much information as you can. Be honest about conflicts.
• Always “slate” – give your name and the name of the material including playwright (know the playwright!)
• Understand the space, DC is strongest but you can introduce and then move into that space as a way to show body awareness.
• Remember you are auditioning from the moment you walk in the theatre
After an audition answer for yourself:
• What did you like about what just happened
• What would you do differently
• Do you want feedback-okay to reach out and ask for that but not in a negative way like, “I was great, why didn’t you cast me?”
Question and answers:
“What mistakes have you seen” - Andy talked a bit about the occasional presumptuousness of actors; that we know the directors and each other, and rely on that rather than our skills. He’d like to see all of us us come in more professionally. No bullshit. Pay attention to the items mentioned above. Breathe, ground yourself, own the space. Say thank you.
Dressing for Auditions: Think about the character but don’t come in full costume, can always dress towards the character to help the director and yourself.
Accents: Best left for callbacks and individual conversations with director. Just showcase YOU
How to prep: Consider beginning a local “What are you Working On Workshop” keep everybody fresh. Pick a piece that shows off YOU, practice, rehearse, be confident