The madness of the holiday season has slowed down, I am back on L.A. Beat, writing my singing and performance advice column for all you artists out there. Happy New Year to everyone and I hope that 2014 is a year full of new discovery and pushing your creative talents even further than before.
I thought I'd get back into the New Year with addressing one of my most commonly asked questions by my students; “what is the best way to prepare for an audition?” That's such an awesome question. I know a lot of you out there aren't just in a band or recording solo, but there is a community theater demographic here in LA. With production companies such as New West Theater running new shows for 2014 and constantly searching for new talent for musicals, etc, I thought I'd address this topic.
That being said, perhaps some of you aren't even looking to explore that avenue. Maybe you've set your goals even higher. Maybe finally, this is the year that you/your band will try out for that next big singing competition.
Or perhaps 2014 is the year that you want to make your “big break” into the music scene by audition for a talent agency to help get your name out there. Whatever the case, I am going to break it down for you into a simple point form suggestion format, so you just simply can not go wrong.
1. If you want to do it, go for it. Forget about your inhibitions, stresses of daily life and routine, confidence issues, etc. Look yourself in the eyes in the mirror and tell yourself “you can do it and you will do it.” 2014 is your year to shine. Don't let anybody tell you different. Positive thinking and vision of your end result is the biggest and best thing that you can do for yourself to prepare for such a daunting event. Auditions are freaking scary. But you can do it.
2. Prepare, prepare, prepare. And when you feel like you've had enough, do it one more time. I can't tell you how important it is to know everything about where you need to stand, what you need to look like, sound like, act like, whatever. Know your stuff. Would you go in completely blind to a job interview? Not if you don't want the job you wouldn't. So think of an audition as an interview for a job and prep yourself 100 per cent. Some auditions lead to paid gigs, so the end result could potentially be a job for you.
3. Plan ahead. Know where the auditions are held and how to get there. Know exactly what is expected of you. Is there a dance number involved, do you have to dress a certain way, is there script to memorize, etc. If you don't know, find out. Call, e-mail, text people who are involved with putting the audition(s) together. It shows interest and if you are late and unprepared for an audition, you don't look professional at all and nobody (producers, directors, fellow artists, etc) likes a slacker in the arts and entertainment industry.
4. If you have a number that needs work, hire a professional vocal coach. Here's a plug here, call me! This is what I do for a living. My number and contact info is always listed at the end of my column. Seriously — hire a professional to help you. Yes it costs money, but you will learn and grow from the experience and hopefully get the part that you were hoping for. Or, if it's a talent competition, an experienced and qualified vocal, performance, drama or speech coach can help you achieve your goals.
5. Memorize all of your lyrics and all of your movement. So much that you can do it in your sleep. You may be asked to perform something on the fly or improvise, so be as equally prepared for that. You have to know every line and if you don't remember because of nerves (we all have them, I will address that next), make it up as you go like the mistake was supposed to happen. Don't stop and say “I'm sorry.” That's the worst thing you can do. Just keep performing. All artists mess up at one point or another, but the real professionals know how to make it seem like that's what was supposed to happen. You will be commended for it, trust me.
6. Nerves suck. Remember to breathe. My first column was about proper breathing techniques using your diaphragm. Use these techniques. Breathe deeply and stay calm and focused. Take any negative or anxious energy and let it roll off of you. Stretch your body, roll any kinks off your shoulders or meditate for a minute or two before it's your time to showcase. Most of all, please know that you are supposed to be nervous, but in a positive way. The nerves and energy should drive you and your performance, not hinder it. The people auditioning you will know the difference.
7. You as an artist are a walking resume. I tell this to my students all of the time. Say your name. Articulate your speech. Make eye contact. Shake hands and say hello when necessary. Most of all, brag about yourself, because this is where it is acceptable. But my goodness, back up the goods. I have auditioned talent many times and there is nothing more annoying than someone who brags in a very pompous and arrogant manner but opens their mouth to sing and it sucks. Yes, I'm being blunt, but know that you will be judged before you enter the room, while you're presenting yourself and after. Be memorable. Leave an impression. Give them a reason to hire you or allow you to enter into the talent competition.
