Lather, Rinse, Repeat: Scorecard #8

Between getting up at 6am for auditions and getting home from work after midnight, I haven't felt much like writing, lately.  But, I do have four new auditions to tell you about and add to the scorecard.  Let's go:

Audition 1)  This was the chorus call for the California theater that I auditioned for in last week's scorecard update.  I figured it couldn't hurt to go back and sing again since I hadn't been happy the last time.  Plus, I wanted to redeem myself for the, less than focused, R&H performance.  This time I decided to do my Secret Garden number and I nailed it!  I was focused on this one and figured I had nothing to lose so, felt like I knocked this one out.  SUCCESS

Audition 2)  An EPA for a theater in Pennsylvania doing several "big" shows that I, personally, love and would love to be in.  I decided for this one, I wanted to sing my number from Shrek.  It's a belty ballad but, also fun at the same time.  It went great and the people in the room were great!  But like all the others, now we wait and see.  SUCCESS

Audition 3)  A chorus call for another PA theater.  This time, one in Pittsburg.  Their upcoming season runs the genre gamut so, they didn't ask for anything specific just what you do best.  I decided to go with Shrek again because I love the song and it sits really well in my voice.  Again they seemed as though they really liked me but,  I wasn't asked to stay and "move" (theatre dancing that's not really dancing).  I'm choosing to assume that's because they saw that a couple of the shows they're doing are already on my resume.  SUCCESS

Audition 4)  A last minute decision led me to go to this EPA for a national tour of Guys and Dolls.  Outside the door, we were told that the CD (casting director) wanted to hear something comedic.  So, I decided to go with my Triumph of Love number.  The song, itself, went really well but the interesting part came after.  At first she said "thank you" but, as I was getting my book from the piano she stopped me.

"Do you have anything up-tempo that's less angsty?"  And then, she said she basically wanted me to do an up-tempo gangster song.  What I did was "great" but, she wanted to hear something with less angst that was more suitable to the characters I was right for.

"Hmmm, well..."  I think that's literally what I said.  I grabbed my book and started flipping through the pages having no idea what to do.  I didn't help that I didn't exactly know what "angsty" even meant.  I kept flipping through the book and we finally settled on the R&H song but, as a gangster.

It was actually pretty fun doing it differently but, nerve wracking because I wanted to just snap my fingers and immediately have the type of song she wanted.  But when you're put on the spot like that, it's sometimes hard to think quickly.  But still, the first song went great, the second one was fun and that fact that I was EVEN asked for a second one, makes this one a SUCCESS!

So, we update the season's scorecard:

                Audition Scorecard 2010-2011

                    15 Success

                      6 Fail (4 type out)

Four consecutive successes!  It also makes it easier when you're going to so many because it lowers the "big deal" feeling.  Going to several a week is a lot easier than one every few weeks.  There are still plenty more on the calendar so, still gotta cross the fingers.

Until next time...

The Musical Grind: Scorecard #7

With the show done, I've had more time to get back out and hit up the audition circuit.  Today, I've got four to tell you about.  One is from a while back that I just never got to writing about and, the other three, from the last couple of days.

Audition 1:  This was for an Off Broadway showcase that's being done in March.  I went in and did my Rodgers & Hammerstein, Flower Drum Song (from now on I'm calling it R&H).  It was the best I've done it yet!  I was so happy with the way it went.  The people behind the table really seemed to like it too except, it turned out, they were looking for guys who were strong tappers.  Crap!  Well, it's still a SUCCESS because the song was great, if I say so myself!

Audition 2:  For the upcoming Broadway revival of Evita.  I was typed out!  UGH!  No song.  Done.  This is my 4th time in a row at this casting office.  FAIL

Audition 3:  An EPA for a well known theater out in California.  I went in and did my R&H song for them.  I've done the song a good 20 times in auditions and coachings.  But the entire time I was singing, my mind kept saying, "Don't forget the lyrics."  Why would I forget the lyrics?  I've done the song too many times to do that.  Vocally, the song went well but I was in my head too much.  Not being focused on the performance means a FAIL.

Audition 4:  This EPA was for a theater, in North Carolina, that I'd worked at a long time ago.  It always holds a special place for me because it's the place that I decided performing was what I wanted to do.  Anyway so, I decided to do my song from the musical, Triumph of Love.  I went in and I really think this was the best performance of THIS song that I had done at an audition!  I felt great during and after the song.

After he had looked at my resume, he asked if I'd worked at the place before.  My response was, "Yes, I worked there several years back."  And then like word vomit I said, "I LOVE THAT PLACE!"  Did I really just say that?  How cheesy could that be?  I was so shocked at myself for saying it, that I just stood silently.  Don't get me wrong, it was truly sincere but, not the answer I would've given had I had time to think.  Oh well, maybe the casting guy wasn't paying attention and didn't hear it.  Besides, the song was still great so, SUCCESS!

So, we update the season's scorecard:

                Audition Scorecard 2010-2011
                    11 Success
                      6 Fail (4 type out)

So, 2 for 2 this time.  Not so bad.  I've got several more coming up so, I'm hoping to add more to the success side.

Until next time...

Back to the Pavement

There's always a certain sadness when a show you're doing ends.  No longer can you say, "I'm in a show!", when someone asks you what you're up to and, usually, it means heading back to the survival job full time.   Also, it means heading back out to the audition circuit.  Trying to get the next show that puts you back into the spotlight.

Luckily, Eeek! is ending just as a long stretch of auditions is coming up.  In the next few weeks, several mornings I'll be up before the sun so that I can head to the next EPA that may turn into my next project (fingers crossed).  One positive that DOES come with a project ending, for me, is that it leaves me motivated to get the next show so that I don't lose that "performer's rush."  You know, that feeling of being in front of a crowd that drives all performers.

So the scorecard will, finally, be getting some updates over the next few weeks.  I'm singing for a theater in Sacramento today, one in North Carolina on Wednesday, one in upstate New York and one more in Pennsylvania all in the next week.  I'll be crossing my fingers that they all go well and that, at least, one of them gets past the first step.

Off I go to get ready and start warming up the singing voice for today.  My neighbors will love that at 6am but, I let it slide that it always sounds like they're training a herd of elephants above me so, I think, they can grant me this on occasion.

When I get home tonight, I'll write a final report on Eeek! for tomorrow in case anyone was wondering.  And if anyone wants, sending good luck vibes is always appreciated!

Until next time...

Back To Business

As I've settled in to the year not being so "new" anymore, things have pretty much gotten back to their normal stride.  It's amazing how quickly I adapted to the slowed down pace of Florida but, if I'm gonna "make it" here in NYC, this is where I need to be pounding the pavement.  But for some reason, it's been a little harder to get back into the groove than I thought it would.

I had a great audition last week that, apparently, went for nothing because they wanted guys who can tap.  Well, that's not me just yet.  A friend of mine who was sitting in the audition room but has no say in casting told me that I looked "fearless" doing my song (it was the R&H Flower Drum Song).  That was nice!  And I could tell that the casting people liked me as well but, if they want to cast something a certain way they'll keep looking until they find it.

It was a solid week for the dance classes too.  I have to say, I'm really liking them.  So far, I've done mostly jazz classes because they fit into my schedule easier than tap or ballet.  I did try a tap class and was a total mess but, it'll come once I can get to the class more.  Then maybe, I won't get crossed off a casting list because I don't have tap on my resume.

We start rehearsals for Eeek! A Mousical today with a new cast member.  Megan Thomas is replacing Donna Vivino whom, I heard rumor, got a film.  So, we lose a great lady only to be replaced by a great lady.  I can't wait to get started with everything because the show goes up in 2 weeks and we've done nothing so far.  

So as you can see, today's post is just me blathering on about what's been going on lately.  Hope no one's bored.  I'll try to be more interesting next time.  Tonight, I'm going to see a new Off-Broadway show, Richard Skipper as "Carol Channing" In Concert.  That should be fun.  I've got a couple of other things brewing but, don't want to mention anything until they're official.  Have a good one all.

Until next time...

When Do Compliments Turn Into Jobs?-Scorecard #6

So things have been pretty slow on the audition front, lately.  This time of year, things slow down for the holidays before they pick back up again in January.  So there hasn't been much for me to go to and talk about but, I did manage an audition yesterday that I almost talked myself out of.

It wasn't until the last minute that I decided to go.  What convinced me was that the theatre is in Jacksonville,  and not all that far from Orlando.  I wouldn't too far from my O-Town gang.

Because I waited until the last minute, I didn't show up at the studio until 11:00 but, figured I would take my chances with the alternate list anyway.  To my surprise, the woman in front of me had just cancelled her 2:50 time slot to take her chance on the alternate list in the hopes of getting seen sooner*. So, I gladly stepped up, took it and filled the extra time with dance class.

When it was time to go in, I sang my song and felt it went really well.  Afterwards, I was told, "VERY good.  BIG tenor voice.  And you know how to control it.  I LIKE that!"  Obviously, I was thrilled to hear that but I've also learned to take compliments, even sincere ones, with a grain of salt.  Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE being told that I did something great!  At least, up to that point where it starts to feel uncomfortable.  You know what I mean?  But a compliment is no guarantee of a job or even a callback.

I guess I'm just ready for someone to follow that compliment with a, "Why don't you come back tomorrow to read for us" or "We just so happen to have a contract for you, right here!"  That second on would be great!  However unlikely it would be.  I guess I'm just getting a little impatient and ready to get away from the survival job for a bit.

But for today, I'll just be happy with compliments and get ready for dance class.  I've almost made it through a full week of that so, I'll have to write up a report for you soon.  But for now, we'll add another success to the scorecard.

Audition Scorecard 2010-2011

                   9 Success

                   4 Fails  (3 Type Out)

A winning record going into the winter break.  Nice!  

Until next time...

*A little side note.  At an EPA, there are about 5 or 6 names per time slot with each actor being allowed 3 minutes to audition.  If not everyone uses the full 3 minutes and there's time before the next group goes, they start calling from the alternate list to fill up the time.  The woman whose time slot I took wasn't so lucky.  She was still waiting when I was leaving.  Oops.  Maybe she shouldn't have been rude to me when she was leaving the line earlier. 

Dance Magic Dance

This past Friday, I went in to audition to be a part of a scholarship dance program here in the city.  If you were to look at my resume and see that I have zero dance training or performance listed on there, you might laugh and say, "What were you thinking?"  But since I was asked to come in, I decided it would be a good thing for me to try.  And try, I did.

You see, my experience with the dance is limited at best.  Where I grew up, we didn't have any dance schools in my hometown and besides, the guys were supposed to play football and baseball.  So my first experience with any dance class setting came during my apprenticeship at the Flat Rock Playhouse.  A few days a week, Bob "Cookie" Cooke would teach us the basics of Jazz (I think) and eventually taught us the entire opening combination to A Chorus Line.  It was one of the highlights of what is one of the best summers of my life.

I came back from that summer to finish my senior year of college and started a Beginner's Tap class that wasn't too far from campus.  Unfortunately in my haste to get started, I bought tap shoes that were about 2 sizes too small.  Little did I realize how much that would grow to hurt.  Also, I guess, I started in the middle of the term because, everyone else was working on this routine that the teacher had taught them.  Nothing was really explained and she just said, "Follow the others".  I followed as best I could but after about 3 or 4 months, I had chalked it up that dancing might not be for me.

Luckily, I've always had a bit of natural rhythm. Doing most musicals, I didn't have too much trouble picking up the choreography.  Enough ability that, if you'll recall, I did the drag queen back-up dancing.  But anytime an audition call required any serious dance training, I've always shied away.  Needless to say, I wasn't planning on auditioning for any dance programs anytime soon... or ever.

But when I heard that the people in charge of this particular program had wanted me to audition for them, I couldn't help but be intrigued.  I always knew that dancing was my weakest element when compared to acting and singing but, I was always afraid of taking classes for fear of being so far behind the rest of the class and just being told to "Follow the others".  I wasn't looking forward to being behind and not having a clue as to how to catch up.

The interview process was interesting.  I was asked why there was no dance on my resume and I mentioned an intimidation factor about going to classes at the larger places around the city.  That was met with, "That won't necessarily change because you get into this program."  True but, I've grown to realize how much I need to suck it up and get some formal training under my belt.  The interview was pretty simple.  Just a chat about why I hadn't had training before.

There were seven of us on the night of the audition.  I went first and sang my song.  It felt really good and I got smiles back from the people watching so, that was a positive thing.  I tried to hear the others but the sax lesson and karate class nearby were too loud to get a good listen.  The tough part was still to come.

While we had a little time before the dance part started we were sent to another room to warmup and stretch.  Immediately, I noticed I was the only one without dance shoes.  I had on my Skecher sneakers while everyone else had their little Capezios.  It was also fun to watch everyone else throwing their legs over their heads and dance stretching while I was stretching more for a football game.

When the dance part started, they said, "Let's do the scary ballet combo first."  Oh great, I thought, No chance of even faking my way through this.  The next thing she says is, "Ballet is not something you can fake."  Ugh!  Then she looks directly at me and says, "If you have no training, you can't fake it so just do something."  Which is what I did.  I did almost everything the others did but, without any sort of ballet grace.

Next, we moved on to a jazz combo.  I think I fared a bit better at this one but, it was still not easy.  It was a cool combo from West Side Story though and I know I could have gotten it if we had more time.  But I made it through and no one laughed at me but me so, I took it as a good sign. (SUCCESS)

Overall, it was a pretty interesting experience.  Everyone else was far ahead of me as far as dance training but, that's not what the program is about.  It's more for people they feel are already marketable and just need the added help of dance to push them over.  So dancing ability, is not the deciding factor.  Pretty much the interview and singing were.  So, I'm hoping that those went well enough for me to get me in.  I'd love to be a part of the program.  I'll keep you posted as to what happens.

Until next time...

Singing Through Sickness

So, I have a new audition update to share.  This one had me trying not to pass out.

This one was for the theatre, in Florida, that I had auditioned for about a month ago.  No, they didn't call me back.  They were having a chorus call for one of the shows in their season and I figured it wouldn't hurt to go back in.  Plus, I have a friend work is part of the production team so I was hoping that would give me a small advantage.

The problem was that I had gotten a stomach bug the day before that had kept me on the couch for the entire day.  It probably didn't help that I didn't eat anything that day either so, I was feeling pretty weak the morning of the call.  But, I made myself get up and go.  Plus I thought if I did well and got a good word from my friend, I might get to spend a couple of months in Florida.

Other than not going for the really high notes at the end, the song went really well.  As far as my friend putting in a word, I have no idea.  Unless they're THE person making final decisions, I'm not really sure how much pull that kind of thing can have.  Good words are always helpful no matter how high up the production chain someone is but, they can only do so much.  Plus, the show was Guys and Dolls so the people behind the table may have seen the absence of dance on my resume and probably said, "Next please."

You know what though, I still got up and went with a sickness still bugging me and did well.  Auditions are the easiest thing to blow off when you don't feel well since 99% of the time no one has asked you to be there.  So, I'm calling this one a SUCCESS!

I'm going to save another audition for another post since i've got to get going to work.  The next one involves dance.  And believe me, it ain't something I do everyday or that's ver pretty when I do.

Until next time...

Finding the Funny: Scorecard Update #5

Well, this week brought about a new challenge in the audition world.  I had to do 16 bars of something funny.  You see, they were holding auditions for The Book of Mormon, the new musical from Trey Parker and Matt Stone (the guys from South Park) and Robert Lopez (one of the writers of Avenue Q).  So when they ask in the breakdown for something comedic, this is the time to pull out the hilarious big guns.  Well, I don't have any comedic hilarity in my musical arsenal, at the moment, so this was gonna require a little work.

My original, thought was to do my song from Triumph of Love.  But at my coaching, Michael and I decided that that song wasn't quite the funny that I needed to have.  I didn't have anything that fit the bill so we had two options: learn a new song in one day or change the lyrics on something we already had.  We decided it would be better to change up something already in my book.  The song that we decided on the one that's become my "old reliable", Who I'd Be.  I  already have a 16 bar cut so, we just changed up the lyrics to make them funny and appropriate to the show and got to work on it.

So yesterday, I was off to Ripley-Grier to sing my newly changed lyrics for the music director and casting person.  From my side of the table, everything went great!  I remembered the lyrics, the notes were all there and I made it as sincere as possible.  I figured sincerity would make the humor come out better than forcing it. On their side, I'm not so sure they got that.  I didn't notice their reaction during the song because I was in the moment but after, they weren't exactly wiping away tears of laughter.  They were very nice, don't get me wrong.

I'm not quite sure what I was expecting.  I guess in my head I thought that it would be so hilarious that they'd stand up and applaud after I finished.  But in reality, I was the 50th guy they saw.  Which means 49 guys had gone in before me trying to do their version of funny.  So, it could've been that they were  already tapped out on laughter when they got to me.  Maybe they were just quiet people, laughing on the inside.  Maybe they hated it.  Who knows?  I was happy with how it went and, for now, that's what has to matter.  I went in and did something different so I'm putting this one on the side of success.

So, we update the scorecard:

  Audition Scorecard 2010

                   6 Success

                   4 Fails  (3 Type Out)

Until next time...

Another Type Out, Frustration Ensues: Update #4

I know that I've said before that being typed out at an audition isn't all bad.  It saves you the time of going in and singing when they weren't looking for someone like you in the first place.  But, there are those times when you know that you're right for a particular show and you still get cut anyway.  Those times can be so FRIGGING FRUSTRATING!  As was the case yesterday.

This one was for Catch Me if You Can, the musical based on the Steven Spielberg movie that had Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks.  Now I've seen the movie.  I really liked it too but, more importantly, I know that there are people of my type throughout the whole thing.  So, I went to the casting office pretty much expecting to get to sing for it.  Not meant to be.

Of my group of 20, they kept 5 guys and I was, obviously, not one of them.(FAIL)  This is the third time in a row for this particular casting company and it's starting to get frustrating.  What's it gonna take to even get to sing for them anymore?  I just wish that, if casting people are going to type, they would just post, at the sign-in table, a notice saying what they want on that day.  It could say, "40-something African Americans, 6'2" or taller," if that's who they want to see.

I know that they have to say that they'll see anyone with a paid up Equity card but, let's face it, isn't casting the highest form of discrimination (yes, it's a harsh way to describe it but I'm irked, at the moment)?  When a writer and director collaborate on a play, don't they have a pretty specific image of what the characters should look like?  Those mental pictures are what the casting people are using to find actors for a project.  Yes, that's the business and, of course, I understand it but, it doesn't make it any less frustrating sometimes.

So, we update the scorecard:

  Audition Scorecard 2010

                   5 Success

                   4 Fails  (3 Type Out)

Until next time...

Squeezin' In - Scorecard Update #3

I usually try to avoid going to auditions on a Tuesday because that's the long day at the survival job.  I get to work at 10:30 a.m. and might not get out until after midnight.  So starting my day a few hours earlier by waiting to be seen by casting people isn't at the top of my list.  But last Tuesday, I decided to make the exception.  A well known theater in Florida was having their season EPAs and I wanted to go so, I sucked it up and went to be seen.

Unfortunately it turned out that this was the only day that they were having musical EPAs so, when I got to the sign-up table, all of the time slots had been taken. At an EPA once all of the time slots have been filled, they put you on the alternate list and call names from that, if time allows.  Depending on the audition monitor, the alternate list can run pretty quickly and I was number 23 so, I took my chance at waiting to see if I could get in before heading to work.

At the same time, another theater out of Pennsylvania was also holding auditions for their upcoming production of Annie.  Now it's been a million years since I've seen Annie and I'm not sure if there's even anything in it for me but, I took the opportunity to use it as a warm-up and try out a new song.  It wasn't  really in the style of the show but I've been told that, if they like you enough, it doesn't matter what style song you have.  I went in, sang the song and it went great! (success)  It was kind of obvious they had no intention of calling me back.  I wasn't what they were looking for and I knew this but, they liked the song so my purpose was still served.

While I was waiting in line to go in for Annie, my name was called off the alternate list for the Florida theater.  So, I got out of the Annie room and got in the Florida line.  In the Florida room, there was a smidge of a rough start.  The accompanist didn't play what I was expecting to hear so, we had to start over.  It's interesting how two pianists can play the same song two different ways.  But once we got into the song, I felt that it had gone better than before! (success)

I left the Equity building feeling great and ready for the long day of work ahead.  I DID show up about 15 minutes late but, that didn't matter.  Even if I had gotten in trouble, it wouldn't have mattered.  I had taken the chance of not being seen by anyone and, instead, was seen by TWO companies.  It was a good day!

So, as it stands:

            Audition Scorecard 2010
                   5 Success
                   3 Fails

I think I have a good shot at getting a callback from the Florida people so, I'll cross my fingers and let you know if it happens.

Until next time...

Wrong Location and a Wet Mess - Scorecard Update #2

So, I realized that I hadn't done an audition update since the "crack" story and decided it was time.  This time around we have one audition and a "should've been"...

It seems like, lately, no audition day can seem to go as planned.  You know, get up, get ready, go sing and be done.  That would be lovely if I could have a day like that again and soon.  Anyway, these two were part of a double day in which I was doing a chorus call (ECC) for a New York theater company and an EPA for one in Maryland.  The NY company specializes in doing revivals of classics so, it would be my chance to do my R&H/Flower Drum Song again and make up for the crack that happened the time before.  With the other one, I was gonna get the chance to pull something new out of the book that we'd only worked on in coachings.

Since they were both happening in the same place, I could sign up for the EPA and wait for the ECC list to be read at the same time.  The list of names at an ECC are called a half hour prior to its start (if it starts at 10:00, the list is called at 9:30) so, I would be there in plenty of time.

Unfortunately, it chose to be a disgusting and rainy day here in NYC this particular Friday (and if you've read my Umbrella Rant, you know how I feel about rain here) so, the traffic was a little slower getting through the Lincoln Tunnel than expected.  But as long as I was there by 9:30, all was well.  And I was.  I was signed up for the EPA and waiting for ECC list to be read at 9:20.

One small problem though, by 9:35 no one had begun the list and nothing was said about why they were behind in calling names.  It was then that I finally realized I had gone to the wrong location for the ECC.... AAAARRRGGGGHHHH!  This meant a trek down about ten blocks and across an avenue in the nasty rain to try and get to the other studio before my name was passed on the list.

Needless to say, I arrived wet and sweaty to find out my name had been passed so I got at the end of the line which wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  Seems like the rain kept a lot of people away.  But still, being number 86 meant that I would have to wait until the 5th group before I could sing (we line up in groups of 20).  Luckily, I had some people to chat with which helped to improve my rotten mood and got me into more of a singing mood.  By the time I went in, all I cared about was making up for the crack... and I did! (success!)

The EPA was a different story. Having to go to the other place had thrown off my internal schedule for the day.  I had an appointment at 2:00 and work at 4:00.  My audition time for the EPA was 2:50 which meant everything had to be going smoothly, for the rest of the day, for me to get back in time.  Unfortunately, rain has a way of putting everything behind and this day was no exception.  I never made it back for the other call. (fail)  But, what can you do?  Things happen so, I just choose to believe it wasn't meant to be.  Besides the way my mood had deteriorated, it was probably better off that I missed it.

So that brings the seasonal scorecard total up to 6:

                         3  Success
                         3  Fails

Now as I may have said before, these numbers can change if there are any callbacks involved.  But, I think completely missing the call won't get me called back by these people.  The good thing is, they didn't even know I missed it.  Or is that good?  Shouldn't they have planned for me and been waiting with bated breath for my arrival?  Not really but, I liked the thought of people panting for me.

I've got 2 other auditions to update on the scorecard but, I'll save them for another post.


Until next time...

The Dreaded Crack

So, my first audition in a couple of weeks was one that I wasn't expecting to go.  It was for a company which is mounting a production of two "old school" musicals, "Panama Hattie" and "Three Wishes For Jamie".  Now to be honest, I'd never heard of "Jamie" and only knew "Hattie" by name and that Ethel Merman was the original star.  But, I was talked into going and knew it would be a good opportunity to try out one of my new songs.

On the breakdown, it was said that they want "traditional Broadway" music for the audition.  Perfect!  It would give me a chance to do my R&H/Flower Drum Song (last time, I only did 16 bars).  Plus, there wouldn't be much pressure since I hadn't expected to go in the first place.

My time in the room came and the thing I was most worried about was getting the lyrics right.  The song moves fast so, any stumble could screw you.  But,  it was a chance worth taking.  So, I go into the room and put my book on the piano.  The accompanist  says, "Good song.  No one ever does it."  That's the second time someone's said that about this song so, I took that as a good sign.  I started the song, had the lyrics coming, movements were solid and clear and then we get to the last note.  It comes out great and then..... CRACK!

Are you kidding me?!?!?  Aside from forgetting the words, I think the most embarrassing thing I could do in an audition is crack.  Ugh!!!!  Now I realize, cracking is hardly the end of your career. But when it DOES happen, the most important thing is how you react.  Which is to say, "DON'T react!"  Drawing attention to something that they may not have even noticed is never helpful.

I finished, smiled and they asked, "Can you do an Irish accent?"  Apparently, the lead in "Jamie" is Irish.  My fail for lack of research.  But, I told them I could definitely work on one.  We parted ways and I felt good but, a little embarrassed.  They actually seemed like lovely people.  It took some of the sting out of the crack.

Oh well, another one down.  I'd love to get a callback because if I do, I'll be running to the Drama Book Shop to get one of those dialect CD's I always see and wonder if they actually help.

Until next time...

Typed Out, Called In and Starting Over

So, this past week held three auditions for me to attend with three different outcomes.  Only one of which I would consider successful:

First up, a trip back to the same casting office I was at last week for Wicked.  If you'll remember, I had my first experience being typed out at that one. (If you missed my experience, you can read it here.)  Well this time, I was going in for South Pacific and surely wouldn't get typed out here... WRONG!  Not sure what look they were going for but, I didn't have it.  Of the ten in my group, only three were kept.  The most disappointing wasn't the getting typed out; it was actually not getting to do the new song I had prepared to sing.  Oh well, another day.

My next planned audition was for a reading of the new musical Wonderland by Frank Wildhorn (He wrote Jekyll and Hyde and is married to Linda Eder).  Turned out I didn't even get to go to that one because I got called in to work the survival job, that morning.  Can't really complain there because I was "on call" and could use the extra money.  Strike two so far, for the week.

So my last planned audition, was a for production of The Sound of Music that would be performed in Pennsylvania and then move to South Florida.  In Florida, it'd only be a couple of hours south of my hometown of Wauchula. My mom would like that!  Anyway, I went in hoping to do that number from Flower Drum Song that I had planned to do earlier in the week.

When it came to my turn to sing, I went in and started my song... and was stopped a few bars in.  Something didn't sound right between the piano and me.  It happened so fast, I couldn't even tell if it was me or the piano that was off.  Ok then, we started again, I did my song and I have to say, it went great!  I ended on a high-A that came out just fine with no problems.  I was happy and one of the auditioners said it was "Awesome!" so, I was happy.  Sincere sounding compliments don't come that often in auditions so, it feels nice to get them.

So overall, it was a 1 out of 3 audition week.  I got typed out of the first, called in to work and couldn't go to the second and kicked butt at the third.  I'd have to say of the four auditions I've been to this season, two would be considered successes.  I know getting typed out isn't really a failure but, if I don't sing I don't consider it a success either.  So that leaves me 2 out of 4 for the season.  Auditioning is a bit like a sport in a way so, I'm going to look at it that way.

Nothing on the calendar to audition for this week so, it looks like my next trip will be for an EPA for Wicked on the 31st.  I don't think they type at EPAs like they do Chorus Calls but, I'll find out soon enough.

Until next time...

A Little Audition Inspiration

So usually when I'm getting ready to go to and audition, I'll listen to or watch other performances to get inspired to do my own thing.  I found this awesome video of Sutton Foster performing Someone Else's Story from Chess.  



How can that not, at least, put you in a good mood?  She's just amazing!  Maybe I'll post some others in the future.

So now, I'm off to memorize my 16 bars from Flower Drum Song.  Today is a call for the South Pacific national tour.  It's back at Telsey so, I'm hoping to make it through typing this week.  If I don't have to work tomorrow, I'm going to a call for a reading of the new Frank Wildhorn musical Wonderland.  I'll let you know how they both go.

Until next time...

And Then, They Decide To Type

Auditions are always a funny sort of thing.  You give people your headshot and resume, sing a bit of song and read or do a monologue for a table of people who may or may not even be paying attention to you.  All of it's just to get noticed enough to make it to the next round of casting.  Of course, all of this can only happen if they don't decided to type people out.

For anyone who doesn't know, "typing out" is when the casting people take everyone's headshot and decide whether or nor they have the right look for what they want based solely on that picture.  It's only after you make it through this phase that you'll get to do any of the stuff I mentioned above.  It doesn't happen often but, it does happen.

Take today's Wicked call, for instance.  Before the monitor started reading the list of names, he had informed us that they would be typing people out.  It's really not that surprising.  The show's been running for about seven years in New York and has a ton of productions going, all over the world.  So when we got our audition numbers, we were put in groups of 15 and taken into the audition room.

When we got into the room, the casting people flipped through our headshots and put them into piles.  They then named four people out of the 15 in our group.  Those were the people who would be staying to sing.  I was not one of those people.

It was actually the first time I'd ever been typed out during an audition.  But, I can't feel bad because there were people there much prettier than me who weren't asked to stay either.  That's just the was it is.  You know, the stuff we put ourselves through because we love this business of show.

So now, it's on to the next thing.  I think I have one or two coming up next week that I can go to.  I'll let you know when the time comes.

Until next time...

Called In 2... The Tingle Fades

So, the time came to head to my coaching before the audition.  I went in with my Garth Brooks song that I thought was what I was going to be doing.  After learning of the song that I had, Michael (my coach) pretty much immediately says, "Let me see your book."

We then decided to do my Shrek song and just add some twang to it.  That wouldn't be too hard on my part.  I grew up around a lot of twang so it's never been too far out of reach.  We worked for our hour and then, he sent me off to Chelsea Studios.

When I got to Chelsea, it was a bit interesting.  After finding the monitor who had been distracted by the movie playing in the lobby, I got my side and started looking them over.  The audition was for Click Clack Moo which is being produced as a tour by Theatreworks USA.  The role they were looking at me for was Farmer Brown, the only human male in the show.

When I told the monitor I was ready, I went in and think I nailed my 16 bars.  It was the same cut of song that I'd been using but tweaked so that it felt, and played, so much better.  My twang, movements and everything went well for something that had just been decided about an hour before.

Then we read the Farmer Brown side.  I did my version first. The casting director gave me direction.  We did a second read through.

And then she says to me, "Great.  Now, let's do the chicken side."  


"WHAT?!?!?!"  


I had no idea there was going to be a chicken side.  When I had spoken to her about the audition, she had only mentioned reading for Farmer Brown.  But, these things don't always go as you expect them to and I want a job.  So, I acted like that was what I thought she was going to say and did my best cold reading of a chicken.


Overall though, I was proud of how I did.  My song was great and I had a clear difference between my two Farmer Brown readings.  The chicken was a curveball but, I did my best.  If nothing else, I feel as though I made up for my bad showing at the Wee The People call backs from February.


So now, it's out of my hands.  I did my part and now it's their turn to decide if I fit what they're looking for.  I'll keep my fingers crossed.


Today, I'm heading to Telsey Casting to do that Wicked chorus call I mentioned last week.  The strangest thing they would have me read for there would be a munchkin.  But they're just small humans and the flying monkeys don't speak so, I know what to expect form this one.  Maybe I'll see you around.


Until next time... 

Called In... A Tingly Feeling

It doesn't happen that often but, on occasion, I get called in to audition for things that I didn't actually submit myself for.  It's a pretty cool feeling to know that someone was looking through their files, came across my headshot/resume and decided that they wanted to see me for their audition.

It also seems to add a bit of extra pressure because 1) it doesn't happen that often since I don't have an agent (yet) and 2) I want to make sure that I do well enough so the casting director doesn't think, "Oh my God! What was I thinking?"  Plus, there's a bit of redemption in it for me since my last time auditioning for them, I felt like I blew it.  Obviously that must just be in my head if they called me back in but, I want to knock this one out.

Another good thing, this is a musical.  I haven't gotten to do a musical since Gutter Star at the Fringe Festival, last year.  Musicals are what I love best so it'd be great to do one again!  It's also the first audition that I'll be going to since I've started working with my coach, Michael.  So, that'll be a little added confidence cushion.

For today, they've asked me for 16 bars of contemporary musical theatre with a country feel.  I have one Garth Brooks song in my book.  That about does it for the country. Hopefully, that will work.  Or maybe, I can learn 16 bars of something new and quickly. We shall see.  I'll write a follow-up later tonight and let you know.

For now, I'm off to channel my inner country boy and give it my best.  Cross your fingers that, if nothing else, I feel redeemed for the last time.

Until next time...

Summer Audition Doldrums

So, I've been seeing my vocal coach for about 3 months now and the songs we've worked on, I think, are coming along great!  The problem is that I don't have much of anywhere to use them, at the moment.  Summer tends to be the slow season for auditions what with most theaters taking a break from auditioning. Unfortunately, this break is not coinciding with my most recent burst of inspiration.

I will have to say that the slower time has allowed me to work more closely on the new songs I've been singing.  The flip side of that, though, is that the procrastinator in me thinks that I have all the time in the world.  But the audition circuit is starting to pick back up so, I'll soon be feeling the pressure to get the music learned.

So far, I've learned songs from Titanic, Ragtime and Triumph of Love.  I know the first two shows well but, all I knew about Triumph, prior to this, was that it was a short lived musical that starred Betty Buckley.  I've got to give it to my coach, Michael, that he does a great job of suggesting the right songs for me.  I've got about 6 others on the backburner to learn before we're through this first round of music.

Unfortunately, none of the audition notices I've seen, over the past month, has had anything for me or not been possible due to my work schedule.  But, there's a lot of theater coming to NYC in the coming year so, there'll be plenty of opportunities.  It looks as though my "coming out" with any of the new music won't be until a Wicked ECC happening next week.

For now, I'm off to work on some notes and memorize some lyrics.  Who knows?  Maybe I'll see you at the Wicked call on Friday the 13th.  That sounds appropriate.

Until next time...  

Broadway Blogspot... Check it Out!

There's a new website that debuted yesterday that's a really interesting tool for anyone who'd like to know  what it's like to be part of the theater world.  It has interviews, videos and other cool backstage stories.  Check it out and, maybe, drop the creators (Kimberly Faye Greenberg and Brian Childers) a line to let them know how they're doing.

The site is www.BroadwayBlogspot.com.

No Call Back...Hrrummph!

As an actor, one of the things we most look forward to during the audition process is the call back.  No, you haven't booked the job yet but, it's that positive response that shows you that the producer/director/casting assistant...WHOEVER thought that what you did during your initial audition was good enough to warrant a further look.  A kind of pat on the back.  It's when you don't get that small bit of recognition, when you think you should that, sometimes more than not booking the job, makes you wonder, "What the hell am I doing?"