The dreaded audition. Whether you are trying out for a ballet company or hoping to get a spot in a broadway show, the process can be overwhelming. It gets a little bit better with time, but the butterflies never really go away for most people. Here are some great tips that will help…
- Establish a routine. Routines can be calming. If you go through the same motions every time you have an audition, it will help you to relax. For example, stretch, then practice deep breathing and visualization. Doing things in a particular order helps clear the mind.
- Concentrate on yourself. If you pay too much attention to the competition, it can make you nervous.
- Rest up. Make sure you are well-rested before you audition.
- Fuel up. Eat something that will hold you through the audition. If you make it to the final round of cuts and suddenly have no fuel it can cost you the job.
- Run the steps. Every chance you get. You need to get them in your mind and your muscles so that you can concentrate on bringing something extra to your performance in front of the judges.
- Follow instructions to the letter. It is easy to get cut for the smallest mistake.
- Be polite. Basic, but important. The words please, thank you and excuse me are your friends. You never know who may be listening to you.
Something else to keep in mind when it comes to auditions…if you don’t make it, it doesn’t mean you weren’t good enough. Sometimes you may just be too tall. Other times the choreographer may have a certain look in mind. There are a million reasons why you may not be picked–besides your ability. If you need a pick-me-up, read this article about auditions. It should make you feel better if you got bounced and can’t figure out why.
