On Self-Tape Auditions

On Self-Tape Auditions

Dear Actor-Vocalists,

I would like to offer some thoughts, tips, and advice to help make your next theatre self-tape audition/callback a little smoother and effective.

[*Warning - This post is mainly geared toward toward performers and those interested in the online audition process!]

We may be working with this medium for much longer than any of us would like or hope, and I suspect some theaters will see some value in self-tapes even post-quarantine.

As an actor, vocal coach, and accompanist, I know the struggles and worries very well. Being in front of that camera is nothing like being in front of an audience.

And as a Musical Director who recently went through an online audition and callback process, I have some thoughts that - I hope - will alleviate some of your stresses and get you focused on what matters most to those watching the tapes roll!

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No, You Don't Have To

No, You Don't Have To

You’re stuck at home.

Well really, we’re all stuck at home. And if you’re not, you need to be (this you do have to do)!

Life already looks a lot different than it did one week ago, and it’s only going to change more the further along into this crisis we go. And - not to be alarmist - we do have quite a ways to go.

(Side Note: “Quite a ways” is such a delightfully odd phrase!)

And since we’re stuck home trying to cope, deal, and learn a new way of life, as the whole world is trying to adjust - all whilst the capitalist system tries to figure out how to retain its workforce and productivity - we’re being bombarded with ideas and advice.

Some of it is meant to be helpful.

Some is not.

Intentions aside, let’s dive into a few of these messages.

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