Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Top Ten Pieces of Audition Advice

The following is what I learned from watching the Theatre Bay Area General Auditions.  Take it with a grain of salt as I'm a fledgling casting director and may be full of shit.  Here's my two cents anyway:

Stephanie's Top Ten Pieces of Audition Advice:
1. If given the option, ALWAYS do two monologues.  There were quite a few people that I had dismissed seconds into their first piece who I absolutely loved by the end of their second piece.  
2. Time yourself.  I was AMAZED at how many people had time called.  It's much more appealing to have an actor complete their monologue with enough time to make a gracious exit than to see an actor push the time limit to 'really showcase their mad skills' before making a hurried and awkward retreat.
3. Strike your chair.  If you move it, then put it back where you found it.
4. The prologue to Henry V is brilliant, however, it is not an audition monologue.
5. Move.  This is a note I've had to take myself.  I was shocked at how much an actor's movement altered my opinion of the auditionee.  Take risks.  Use your body.  Make bold choices with your body in at least one of your monologues to showcase your control of your physical form.  It's amazing what a difference that makes.
6. Accents are cool.  But if you choose to do a monologue with an accent, make sure you're damn good at it and do not use an accent for your second monologue.  We need to hear how you really sound.
7. Dress your best.  That does not mean you have to wear a dress or a suit.  I found that it didn't matter really what the auditionee was wearing as long as they looked comfortable and confident in their clothes.
8. Soft feet!  Ladies, heels may make your legs look fabulous but Oi!  The sound of shoes on the wooden stage was ridiculous and by the end of the day my most frequent note was 'Shhhhh!'.  If you're gonna wear heels, rubber soles would be best.
9. Make sure your headshot and resume are up to date.
10. Final bit of advice...every rule can be broken.  Bottom line, if you've got the skills it's easy for a casting director to overlook the little mistakes.  Do not worry if you flub a line or forget the name of the piece you're performing.  It's all about the talent and if you've got that then you're sure to go far.

A side note...I'm so very proud of all my Tony N' Tina castmates who auditioned.  Honestly, you all represented so well and I'm proud to work with you.  Keep up the good work!

Valentine's Day

This past Saturday was Valentine's Day.  A day which makes single people miserable and gives couples the excuse to be even more gross and affectionate.  It is a stupid holiday.  I am in a committed monogamous relationship and so clearly fall into the gross and affectionate couple category.  The thing is I don't care very much about making a point to proclaim my love for someone one day a year only when I am required to do so by society and Hallmark.  I don't want to feel pressured into spending money on a lavish dinner or a silly gift.  Though, to be fair, it would Mike spending that money, not me.  At any rate, we decided to boycott.  I had to work all weekend and so Mike went up to Tahoe with some friends and the holiday passed by without a scene.
Instead, I spent the holiday with one of my longest loves, the theatre.  I have to say, performing in a wedding show on Valentine's Day was actually pretty amazing.  While I do not subscribe to the whole cupid and roses thing it was really wonderful to see all of the couples all decked out and lovey dovey.  We had a packed house on Saturday night, filled with groups of single ladies and couples.  It's actually a fun idea to see Tony N' Tina's on Velntine's Day.  It was about a year ago that this particular San Francisco cast began peforming at Fisherman's Warf AND Tina's birthday is on the 14th (allegedly) so it was a fun filled night indeed.  
On top of all the shenanigans of the evening, I got to witness one of the coolest things ever.  
There's a part of the show where this character 'Vinnie' does a little comedy act and then makes some announcements about any celebrations in the audience; birthdays, anniverseries, bachelorette parties, etc.  Well, last Saturday 'Vinnie' called up a couple from the audience and gave the guy the mic and told him to 'do his thing'.  The rest of the cast had no idea what was going on.  The audience member explained that he and his girlfriend were from Brazil and so their English wasn't very good.  He then told his girlfriend that he was so happy that they became friends and then grew closer and THEN he GETS DOWN ON ONE KNEE and he pulls out a ring!!  The whole audience is clapping and shouting and of course I'm CRYING like an idiot.  And after like a minute of applause, his girlfriend says 'Of course' and we all stand up and they kiss and I cry some MORE.  It was so cool.  The whole audience, like 200 people, were all into it.  
I mean, even if it's not your cup of tea, even if you would rather be boiled alive than be part of a public proposal, you can probably appreciate a moment like that.  A moment where both people are so happy and so in love.  I remember how elated and giddy I felt when Mike proposed.  Well, that feeling isn't just limited to the couple getting engaged.  Watching the Brazilians last Saturday I felt giddy and gooey and saptastic.  It's a vibe you get from witnessing acts of love.  The couple was earnest and sweet in their love for each other and they weren't showboating or being over indulgent by doing it publically.  It was like they were sharing and I for one felt totally special for being included.  
Thanks, random Brazilian couple.  Best Wishes!

So I've been making some great strides in planning the Maniak Wedding and then I saw this video and I realized no matter what pains I take to create the perfect day...things can always go wrong.