How a Director Destroyed My Fear of Auditions

Have you ever noticed that being nervous and feeling excited feel almost exactly the same?

I remember when my heart would flutter, my stomach would flip, I would grin and breathe hard at the same time. I wasn’t even sure if I was mostly excited or scared to death. I started my acting journey in an established theater with a large pool of talent. The atmosphere was generally kind and encouraging but a cast of 10-30 people could have over 100 people show up, hoping for a role. I was 15 with no formal training beyond church plays where we tried to “read with expression.” Shows I was allowed and able to audition for were few and far between, so every show felt like my last foreseeable opportunity if I didn’t make the cast. I had friends who auditioned who were never cast.

I took nothing for granted.

But somewhere along the way, one of the directors told us something that changed my entire auditioning experience. The truth is, directors cannot cast everyone. The theater is, by nature, an elimination sport; you can be a great actor but you also have to look somewhat like the part. My height worked against me when I auditioned for Cinderella with a friend who created a very tall prince —but the next year, I landed the adolescent role of Dorothy and spend the summer being towered over by the scarecrow, lion, and tin man. Sometimes, it’s scary to get up and read for a roll.

Then came the audition that changed everything.

“When you get up here, we are not judging you or looking for reasons to reject you,” said the director. “Remember, we WANT you to get the role. Every person who steps up, we are hoping as much as you are, that you are the perfect choice for a part.”

That thought became a game-changer for me. I started seeing my directors as friends, as co-creators all after the same goal I was. When I became a director, I never forgot this. You and I are bringing a character to life; we’re telling a story that will have elements you will have to explore for yourself because they won’t be like you, elements that you will infuse into the character because they are like you, and elements that will probably develop and surprise us both.

The Secret

Directors want you to get the role. They hope, as much as you do, that you are the perfect choice for a part.

When most people decide to put on a production, they form a committee. They find sponsors. They debate scripts, vote on a play, and move into production. They audition actors and fit them as best they can into the existing roles. They rehearse, add sounds and lights, sell tickets, and open the show.

Then there is me.

I do everything backward. It’s start with a casual conversation, “Wouldn’t it be fun to…” I find a building. I start planning. I build my team as I go. I don’t even know how many characters there will be or what the exact story line will consist of until after I audition. I see who I have to work with, what their talents and strengths are, and then write or revise the script for the best show we can offer with our unique combination of people and talents. My favorite part of the production is ferreting out people’s skills and giving them a chance to shine.

Is it crazy?

Yes.

Do I question my sanity?

Sometimes.

Does it work?

Every time.

This weekend, I will be holding auditions for the Home Front Dinner and Dance. I am so excited to see who I will be working with for this particular production and who I can keep on call for future events. We are limited only by size and space in the Home Front Dinner, which means we can use all ages and levels of experience.

Auditions are Friday and Saturday, September 20 and 21st from 6-8 PM. We will be at the Palacios Library using cold readings from a former 1940s production. Come on out! You never know who you may end up portraying. ;)

So, if you’re thinking about auditioning for acting, dancing, singing, or even serving tables in costume, please come out. I can’t promise that I can use everyone in this particular production but I can promise that I will work with your strengths, help you strengthen your weaknesses, and together we’re going to make the 1940s shine.