• Auditioning for a Straight Play

     

    1.    For the audition you need to bring a filled out Audition Form (get from Mrs. Lynch’s classroom) and a 30 sec. comedic monologue.

    2.    Need a monologue? Here are some tips on finding a great monologue.

    a.    Don’t do a monologue from the show. (Know where your monologue comes from.)

    b.   Find another monologue from a comedic play. Or google comedic playwrights. Then google monologues by those playwrights. It takes times to find good monologues. You may have to search for longer than ten minutes.

    c.    DO NOT just google comedic monologues. Lynch has heard these monologues numerous times. You want something more unique.

    d.   Know the character you are playing. Or at least make firm choices on character. Remember that is one of the main things I am looking for … I need to know you can act. Pick a character that fits you.

    3.    Tips on how to prepare:

    a.    Memorize your monologue, the author of the monologue, the play/ movie your monologue is from and the name of the character you are portraying.

    b.   Practice cold readings by reading children books aloud. Add character, voices and personality to your readings.

    c.    Practice in front of the mirror, in front of your family, and your friends. Practice, practice, practice. The more you practice the less likely you are to forget your lines.

    d.   Practice being loud. Project. I need to be able to hear you. One of the best ways of doing this is singing loudly in your car or while you get ready for the day. Don’t hurt your voice though.

    e.    Stretch and relax. Don’t panic. The worst that can happen is you don’t make it into this show. We are putting on several shows this year so try out again! And try out stage crew!

     

    Auditioning for a Musical

    1. Be yourself. (Don’t try to be anyone else. Be the vegetable you are.)
    2. Be Kind and Friendly. (Do not be a diva. Build up other auditionees, be polite to the accompanist and directing staff- this includes student directors and stage managers.) Smile and have a good time. Pretend audition is fun and not terrifying.
    3. Dress Appropriately. (No costumes, no pajamas, no prom dress. Same color and hair for call backs.)
    4. Be focused, on time, quiet while others are auditioning and respectful.
    5. Directors know that you are nervous. Be kind to yourself.
    6. Singing:
      1. If you mess up … Just keep going.
      2. Pick a song that is right for your voice, matches the show and allows you to have character.
      3. Be LOUD. Loud is better than pretty.
      4. Be kind to the accompanist.
      5. Don’t sing A Capella or with tracks that have vocals.
      6. Never announce you are sick.
      7. Be careful about using overdone audition pieces. Never sing “Adelaide’s Lament” from Guys and Dolls for a Lynch production.
      8. Do not add choreography. Think TRIANGLE.
    7. Dancing:
      1. Pay attention.
      2. Notice right and left.
      3. If there are words in the song pay attention to them. Again have character.
      4. Smile … look like you are having fun.
      5. Mess up … Keep going. Don’t just stand there.
      6. Practice as much as you can.
      7. Don’t talk while the instructor teaches you.
      8. Be sharp in your movements. Don’t half do it.
    8. Cold Readings:
      1. Practice at home. (Reading Childrens’ book help.)
      2. Research a good monologue. Don’t just pick the first one you find and stop looking. Give yourself a choice. I don’t recommend writing a monologue. I have only seen it succeed twice.
      3. Make a character choice and go with it.
      4. It’s okay if your hands are shaking. It happens.
    9. Take the opportunity to act/sing/dance as much as you can. Let the director see you. You may get a part you never thought of.
    10. Don’t make it in? Participate in back stage help and/or Audition again. Even if you don’t get the part you want/ or a part in the show. You won’t always make it in. It’s the difficult truth in theatre. But learn from each experience. Remember rejection makes you stronger if you let it.
    11. Note that decisions are never personal. Most of the time several people can play the part of the Director has a certain look/personality in mind. You may be the best carrot in the world but the director is looking for Asparagus.
    12. Audition Form. Fill out completely. Read thoroughly. The audition form and your resume are places you can and should brag about what you have done.