Dusty Davidson
Auditions Coordinator
We had another successful year of auditions at TETA 2012 in Houston. Of course, none of it could have happened without the incredible work, dedication and leadership of Jackie deMontmollin. I have huge shoes to fill in taking over the auditions, but Jackie has a proven process in place for a smooth running and successful event. I aim to continue to make TETA auditions a great event for all involved. I have been an active TETA member for almost 20 years now and I believe in TETA and I believe in these auditions, that’s why I have been a longtime volunteer with the auditions. I believe wholeheartedly in the opportunities that they provide our students. Jackie’s absence will be felt in this process, but she will not be too far away in her new role as president-elect of TETA. We wish her all the best and give her full support in her daunting new role.
Our numbers were down a little this year, but thanks to the great secondary educators we have in Texas, the quality of the students auditioning and their auditions remained strong. The hard work and preparation paid off and was duly noted by our college and university representatives. That being said, it is never too early to start preparing for next year’s auditions. Updated forms will be available online in the fall with the normal December 1st deadline. Please make sure to complete the correct form for the category and area for which the student is auditioning. Categories are either Senior, Junior or Transfer Student in areas of Acting, Singing & Acting or Technician. Founder’s Candidates MUST include official transcripts and a letter from their director. Please make sure your Institutional Membership is up to date to avoid any problems.
Here are some immediate thoughts for you and your students who are planning on auditioning next year:
1) It is never too early to start preparing. Students should spend their time this summer reading plays and searching out material that is appropriate for them and for the audition. Auditioning is what actor’s spend the majority of their career doing. Having a wealth of material from which to draw and understanding the full context of the play is an added bonus in an audition.
2) Technicians should be taking pictures of work as they are in production. Take lots of pictures to be able to choose the best quality ones for your portfolio and start that portfolio now. Including class projects in a portfolio is okay, but actual designs that have been implemented are even better. Are there any remaining opportunities this school year that can be taken advantage of?
3) Prepare your students in regard to test scores. The ACT and SAT should be taken as early as possible to have the scores available on the audition forms. Without scores, many schools will not consider a student at the audition. Also, depending on the score, some schools will not be able to consider a student because they might be below their university’s admissions’ standards, no matter how talented they are and how much the department might want them. Test scores, good test scores, are extremely important and will open up many more doors. Helping your students understand that will relieve possible future stress.
4) Time your students. Whether they are doing a tech audition or an acting audition, time them and time them again. Even with preparation, auditions are stressful. Getting the audition time down to the allotted time relieves another stress factor. Students can focus on showcasing their awesome talent rather than be distracted by worrying about time.
5) Students should practice, and practice often in front of others, including their introduction. The introduction for the acting audition is not included in the two minute allotted time, but should be rehearsed so that it runs smoothly. A shakily delivered introduction can lead to a shaky performance. Whether it is a technician giving their five minute explanation of their portfolio or a two minute acting audition, the first time a student performs publicly should not be at the audition. A well-polished performance or presentation can sometimes be what sets someone apart from another given equal talents. Preparation shows your work ethic and dedication, which is extremely important, too.
6) Dress for success. Business or business casual is preferred. You want to dress comfortably and professionally at the same time. This applies to the audition and the callback. If possible, wear the same clothing to both. It helps the auditors in recognizing you. Your shoes should help you in your audition, not hinder you, so avoid heels that are too high. Practice in your shoes.
7) Callbacks are as important as the auditions, so prepare for the callbacks. Callbacks are interview style and afford the colleges and universities the opportunity to explain to students what they have to offer them. Be prepared to ask some questions about things that are important to you as you look at colleges and universities and take notes on all of it. Summer opportunities, departmental scholarships, curriculum strands, and juries are possible topics. Spend some time thinking about what you want from a program before the auditions occur.
8) Be calm, be flexible, be likeable. How you react in this stressful situation can tell the auditors a lot about you as a person. Don’t panic if something goes wrong, handle it calmly and with grace. Things change, so don’t let that throw you. Your prepared audition shouldn’t be affected by possible changes. Faculty and staff want students in their programs that they know are going to be a good fit. If they like your personality or how you deal with unfortunate circumstances, they will most likely forgive you for any small imperfections in your performance.
The most important thing to remember is that everyone involved with the auditions wants you to be outstanding. We want you to audition well. We are all one your side rooting for great performances. It only benefits everyone to have good auditions and the better prepared you are, the more likely it will be that that will happen.
Continue checking the website beginning in August for updated information. There will be many more tips and instructions to come here in the future as well. In the meantime, I am here to help you and your students in any way I can, so please do not hesitate to contact me at davidsondusty@hotmail.com.
