Saturday, May 17, 2008

Auditioning is an Adrenaline Rush

So I had an audition this morning, for the one white girl role in the musical with the big helicopter. Please don't mention the name in the comments as I'm trying to keep this blog from showing up when people do google searches for local shows. Thanks.

On stage I didn't sing the song as well as I did in my kitchen last night, but it went fairly well. I rarely get nervous when I perform in a show, but auditions are much harder. Particularly singing auditions, because I haven't done as many and I feel like it's not my strongest suit. My knees shook and my voice wasn't as smooth on the higher notes as I would have liked. When I came out of the theatre I could literally feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins. Auditioning is NOT my favorite thing. Still, I try to remember that every audition is a chance to do something I love: perform, create a character, tell a story. So that's what I aim to do when I go in. Despite shaking knees I sang my heart out, put emotion behind the words, and told the story of the song.

I was shocked by the low turnout at the audition, as I assumed it would be me against every other white girl in New Orleans for this role. It would be a great part for me, as it's pretty nicely in my range, requires no dancing, and my height would set me apart nicely from the slew of Asian girls in the show (no offense, please). However, I'm not holding my breath...

One of the things I TRY to do when I audition for a show is prepare like crazy, go in and audition, and then leave it be. It's hard to do, and even harder if it's a part I REALLY want, but that's the goal. Because once I've done my thing there's nothing left for me to do. I could be the most talented person who auditioned and be perfect for the role but if I remind the director of his sister whom he hasn't spoken to in years and I won't get the part. Or she may already have someone in mind and the audition is more of a formality. Or I may be 6 inches taller than the guy she wants to cast as my husband. Or just about any other variable I can think of. And sometimes, well, someone ELSE is the right actor for the role, and does it better than me. So I try not to worry about it too much, and if the "no" comes just let it roll off as a minor disappointment.

So after the audition the adrenaline runs its course and I get on with life. Today I joined my daughter at a birthday party in progress (at Chuck E Cheese's. On a Saturday. Drug me now.), had our Mother's Day pictures taken, and will soon be emptying the litter box. But I probably will jump if the phone rings.

19 comments:

Woman in a Window said...

I could NEVER do what you do, put myself up on a stage bared for all to see and judge...let my skills say that I am worthy. I admire this in you. Courageous...Good-luck!

Anonymous said...

I think your attitude toward auditioning is FANTASTIC. Auditioning is so much like first dates. That ethereal quality of luck and chemistry playing such a huge part in your being chosen for 'the part.'

I saw THAT show in London a decade ago -- and it was spellbinding. I'm gonna to get out my cd and get all nostalgic and weepy. And drive my husband bonkers with my melodrama.

I hope you get the part!

Chaotic Joy said...

Oooooh. That show. It made me ball when I saw it. You really do amaze me. Putting myself out there for all that rejection would be a nightmare for me. I can't wait to find out if you get it.

Jen said...

I hope that phone rings! It also seems totally unfair that you had to go to Chuck E. Cheese after that ordeal...

thirtysomething said...

It takes guts to do what you do, ya know. I admire you totally.
It is good that you had the adrenaline rush before having to go to THAT place...yikes.

Keeping fingers crossed for a ringing phone..

Run ANC said...

I know EXACTLY the part you are talking about, and - without the benefit of having seen you perform, but based simply on what I know about you and your acting style from reading you - I think you would be great in that part.

For me, the toughest thing about singing auditions is that everyone places so much emphasis on the "Broadway sound", and seem to make no room for people with honest, decent voices. I think that someone who tells the story well, but has a slightly weaker voice is far better than an emotionless lump who can belt like a pro. But I'm in the minority it seems.

Girlplustwo said...

you are so brave, girl. i love it.

the dragonfly said...

Have I told you lately how much I miss seeing you perform?

*sigh*

Rima said...

Oh, I hope you got it! That is such a cool musical. But I don't know how you do the auditions - I had to sing something solo the other day at choir practice and I totally choked, with no pressure on me whatsoever!

Mary Beth said...

My fingers are crossed for you:)

Laski said...

Oooohhhh--I have goosebumps filled with good thoughts!!!

Can't wait to hear the outcome!

Melissa said...

Good thoughts your way on the audition. :)


I hate auditioning. HATE.HATE.HATE. That was a huge reason I didn't play professionally because I just couldn't hack an audition. The last two orchestra gigs I got because of word of mouth from other cellists.

carrie said...

You are amazing, I do hope you get the part!

Family Adventure said...

Let us know as soon as you hear. Fingers crossed...

Heidi

Ambassador said...

Ooh, I am so absurdly competitive - I LOVE auditioning (except when it involves dance - you'll never see go up for a part in A Chorus Line).

Adrenaline? Almost better than coffee. Keeping my fingers crossed for you - what a fab part! I don't know what "Price" I'd pay to get cast in a role played by the man from "Brazil"...was that cryptic enough to avoid search-detection?

Hope all is well on the NS! K

Amy Y said...

I can not for the life of me figure out what it was you auditioned for...

But I hope you get it :) I couldn't audition if someone paid me. I can't speak publicly, let alone sing! Ooof.

Hope you survived the bday party. I would not be sad if someone took a giant straw and sucked up all the Chuck E Cheese's out of the world and spit them back out on Mars.

Amy Y said...

I can not for the life of me figure out what it was you auditioned for...

But I hope you get it :) I couldn't audition if someone paid me. I can't speak publicly, let alone sing! Ooof.

Hope you survived the bday party. I would not be sad if someone took a giant straw and sucked up all the Chuck E Cheese's out of the world and spit them back out on Mars.

niobe said...

I am so hoping you get the part. If only so we can hear more about the show.

Christine said...

ok--did ya get it? when do you know?

i can't imagine being an actress--i'd be SO scared. good for you, pm.