10 Things to Remember When You're Going to an Audition

Good afternoon all!

Recently, I have been thinking a lot about what my last year of college will be like. It will be filled with performances, exams, essays, classes, and auditions. I will be able to handle it, but I am pretty worried about the countless auditions I will do in order to find a job. The real world is around the corner and I'm feeling the pressure. 

This post is inspired by my fear of auditions. There is nothing more terrifying then being unprepared for an important audition. In lieu of this, I have put together a list of 10 things dancers should think about before going to any audition.  

1. Do your research ahead of time. Go online and read about the show, company, and choreographer you will be working with. This will give you an idea of what the people at the front of the room are looking for.
2. Update your resume. Every once in a while (even if you don't have an audition tomorrow) update your resume. There is nothing worse than having to add a years worth of performances to a resume the night before your audition. 
3. Bring an extra head shot. Once you have a great head shot, make many print outs and bring them with you. You never know who you will meet at an audition.
4. Get lots of sleep. Put your social life on hold during audition season. Go to bed! You want to look fresh and well rested when you step into the audition.
5. Water and snacks. Sometimes you will have to wait hours before you get to dance at large cattle call auditions. Bring food and drinks to keep you energized and entertained.
6. Multiple clothing options. Bring a few outfit options to the audition. What if you get there and everyone is wearing skirts and crop tops and your wearing a leo and tights? You will stick out in a bad way.
7. Headphones. Bring your smartphone and headphones so you can get in the zone and listen to your favorite music before the audition.
8. Big clothes to warm up in. If you don't keep your body warm while your sitting around waiting for the audition, you could get injured. The more layers the better.
9. Plan travel time. Most auditions are held in big cities and in big cities you have to plan for extended travel time. There could be a long walk from the subway or thirty minutes of traffic in the taxi. You do not want to be late!
10. Cash for surprise audition fees. Bring atleast twenty dollars in cash. Sometimes there will be surprise fees that they don't put on the audition flyer. 

Wow, I already feel better about my next audition. Although this list is designed for dance auditions, I believe that some of the points can be used for any type of audition or interview. 

Everyone, be prepared and try making your own list of things you need to do before your next job interview or audition.

Until next time!