2008 CAMP REGISTRATION

PARENTS NOTES ON AUDITIONING
Everyone in camp will be cast in the show – nobody will be excluded!
 So the camp audition is a really great no pressure way of introducing  the world of auditions. It is also the only way we have of dividing the many roles available before the start of camp. Below are some helpful guidelines.

Goals:
The first goal of the audition is to let the director see your
personality and skills. Since so many people will be auditioning on the same day, the time you get to do this is very short. You have a minute to show the director a short solo acting scene and a song.  Choose pieces that really show your personality. The second goal of the audition is to HAVE FUN doing it. There is no reason to be scared  or nervous, because the director is truly rooting for everyone. And we  understand that this may be the first time you have ever done anything  like this. So focus on having fun and showing the director who you  are, what you can do, and why you are a great performer.

Prepared Material: Choose a 30-second acting piece and a 30-second song that really shows  your personality.

Acting Pieces - A short (30 second) monologue from an age appropriate play is the best  audition piece. Some examples will be placed on the website, but you  may also choose your own. It’s best to memorize it as much as you can,  but if you need the script that’s ok too. Just try not to let the  script keep you from showing what you would do with the piece as an  actor. Though a monologue from a play works best, some other options  might include: a segment of dialogue from your favorite book, acting  out a story from your life, or even telling a long form joke. Whatever  you choose, ACT IT! Your audition will be much richer if you pretend  you really are the character and are really feeling what the character  is feeling.

Song Choices – The best choice is a song that you already know that really shows what  your voice sounds like. Also, find a way to perform the song. Add some  movement or choices that help act the song out. Some really famous stars don’t even sing all that well, but they know how to take a song and make us watch them perform it.

The Audition Process
No parents can be allowed to view the auditions, except in the most  severe cases of sudden stage fright. There are several different  reasons for this policy, but make sure the child understands from  early on that they will enter the theatre alone to audition. When the  child enters the audition room they should walk to the center of the  stage, greet the director, state their name and age, and tell the  director what they are going to do for an audition. Then they can go for it!

Example: Hello, my name is Susie and I am 8 years old. I will be playing Lady Macbeth from Shakespeare’s Macbeth  Ok, so the audition piece may be a little advanced for an eight year  old, but you get the idea.