Director's Help
I'm always asked questions about what role certain auditionees should go for, what song to sing and whether some hopefuls are too old or young for certain characters.
So, I thought I’d give everyone a bit of an idea of how the audition panelists will make their decision. If you want a principal role, no matter how minor - you’ll need to audition for one. If you rather just be considered for ensemble. No need to audition for a principal.
Principals
1) Sing the song that best suits your voice, if you want one particular role, then you’ll need to go for the title song that's role specific. There’s always a chance we might call you back to try for another role if we’re unsure about the best character for you. We will decide from whatever song you do sing, your flare and ability will shine through. So, the more you show us - the easier it will be for us to place you as a principal role.
2) Age - it all depends on who is auditioning, their age and height. We could end up with an older or younger character based on the talent of the auditionee. We aren't always looking for the obvious typecast character and always open for shaking it up. This could mean changing the gender or age of the character. So, don’t worry about whether you’re too old or too young. Just pick a song you feel comfortable with and go for it. Leave the rest to us.
Tips
Have a look over a couple of songs as a back up. We may call you back as mentioned above in case we think you might suit another role. If we don’t call you back, this means we already have you in mind for something. So don’t feel like you missed out.
Put some flare into your performance. Show us your character work and this helps us not only place you in the show but gives us an idea on your confidence on stage. Personally, I always look for character and emotional pull, more than notes. Vocals can be taught.
Is having the song from memory necessary? Not really, but always looks great. Shows confidence and the most important point - that you REALLY want the role! Whenever I turn up to auditions or rehearsals I try my very hardest to be off book. Set a good standard and helps you come to life on stage.
We do our very best to make you feel comfortable, have fun and leave feeling you did your very best. So, take some of the pressure of and have a ball. We love hearing and seeing you guys go for it.
Happy preparing and see you at your next audition!
By Joe Russell
I'm always asked questions about what role certain auditionees should go for, what song to sing and whether some hopefuls are too old or young for certain characters.
So, I thought I’d give everyone a bit of an idea of how the audition panelists will make their decision. If you want a principal role, no matter how minor - you’ll need to audition for one. If you rather just be considered for ensemble. No need to audition for a principal.
Principals
1) Sing the song that best suits your voice, if you want one particular role, then you’ll need to go for the title song that's role specific. There’s always a chance we might call you back to try for another role if we’re unsure about the best character for you. We will decide from whatever song you do sing, your flare and ability will shine through. So, the more you show us - the easier it will be for us to place you as a principal role.
2) Age - it all depends on who is auditioning, their age and height. We could end up with an older or younger character based on the talent of the auditionee. We aren't always looking for the obvious typecast character and always open for shaking it up. This could mean changing the gender or age of the character. So, don’t worry about whether you’re too old or too young. Just pick a song you feel comfortable with and go for it. Leave the rest to us.
Tips
Have a look over a couple of songs as a back up. We may call you back as mentioned above in case we think you might suit another role. If we don’t call you back, this means we already have you in mind for something. So don’t feel like you missed out.
Put some flare into your performance. Show us your character work and this helps us not only place you in the show but gives us an idea on your confidence on stage. Personally, I always look for character and emotional pull, more than notes. Vocals can be taught.
Is having the song from memory necessary? Not really, but always looks great. Shows confidence and the most important point - that you REALLY want the role! Whenever I turn up to auditions or rehearsals I try my very hardest to be off book. Set a good standard and helps you come to life on stage.
We do our very best to make you feel comfortable, have fun and leave feeling you did your very best. So, take some of the pressure of and have a ball. We love hearing and seeing you guys go for it.
Happy preparing and see you at your next audition!
By Joe Russell
Triangle of PerformanceThe simplest stage use comes down to the Triangle of Performance.
If you can master the three points of the triangle, you'll shine in any audition. Start in the centre, move left, right and then back to middle. (any combination) Keep away from the back of the stage, shows nerves and lack of confidence on stage! |
Stage HeightShowing different heights in your performance will add to your presentation on stage or in audition. Standing, sitting, bending, crouching, leaning or kneeling. Any of these stances will add to your performance and make it enjoyable to watch from the perspective of the audience or audition panelists.
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Emotional ConnectionWe at Now Productions want to feel your emotional connection to the character. Your voice is important, ability to singing the part. However, our job is to assist you in your vocals. Focus on your character, bring the emotions to the stage and move the audience.
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How do we decide on casting a show?
1) All casting decisions are made by the group of panellists, Directors, Musical Director and/or a Vocal Coach, with some input from our Choreographer from the dance audition. This is a fair process and ensures that the majority rules for specific roles.
2) Big picture. We have the ability to see everyone audition and can see how the show could look with certain people playing specific roles. This can surprise us just as much as it does the cast member, by suggesting different roles.
3) We love seeing new faces just as much as familiar ones. Even if we can be quite familiar with old cast members, we are just as welcoming to all newcomers. Our casting bares no reflection on old or new. If you nailed your audition, you would have been successful in being awarded a role. It just depends on which character you best suit with reference to other casting/age and ability.
4) We love to see how creative you are. Using your facial expressions, movement and importantly relying on your strengths to showcase your talent. Eg. If you aren't a strong singer - relying on your acting skills to sell yourself. (Or vice versa)
5) We can ask certain individuals to return a little later. The reason for this is simply to try different characters, bouncing casting ideas around and seeing who best fits the roles we need to cast. In some cases we may have already decided on some roles after a principal audition. However, some times we just need that extra time to make sure we are choosing correctly. So being asked to come back doesn’t mean it’s good or bad.
6) Our production company supports everyone wishing to audition for principal roles. Everyone that asks for a principal audition is welcome to showcase their talent. Some companies do not do this, holding only ensemble auditions and panellists will select those from the group to return for a principal audition. Either way, the process works - we just feel it’s important to encourage everyone to have a go.