With extra proficient dancers competing for fewer jobs, audition season has turn into a gauntlet of overcrowded open calls and time-consuming self-tapes. Might auditions be extra productive and fewer painful, for performers and hiring groups alike? A bunch of high-level performers and choreographers weigh in on their greatest audition points—and supply options.
The Utility Part
Many corporations and casting administrators now ask for an software package deal, together with video clips, earlier than inviting dancers to audition in particular person. There are advantages to a self-tape first spherical. “You may decide mixtures that spotlight your abilities,” says Pacific Northwest Ballet principal Cecilia Iliesiu, who additionally mentors pre-professional dancers and advises ballet faculties via her consulting enterprise, Ballet Life Coach. “You may select your finest take. You wouldn’t have that chance in a reside class.”
Regardless of these perks, the emphasis on self-tapes “hasn’t actually made life simpler,” as a result of corporations could all must see various things, says Alex Meeth, a 2022 Boston Conservatory at Berklee graduate who not too long ago joined Mark Morris Dance Group. “For those who’re doing all your homework, you wish to ship clips that talk to an organization’s model and rep,” Meeth explains. “It creates a number of work, arising with new materials for every audition.” Dancers can also need to hire studio house to movie, and work round current rehearsal and efficiency schedules.
Iliesiu’s dream to streamline the method within the ballet world? “I’d like to see one thing just like the widespread software for faculty,” she says. “Firms agree on parts they wish to see, and dancers submit one set of supplies.” If administrators must see one thing distinctive, akin to modern rep in a sure model, she proposes making that an add-on. Whereas this precise tactic won’t work in all genres, hiring groups throughout the board will pay extra heed to the burdens audition functions place on performers.
Within the Room
Open-call turnout is as strong as ever, and even “invite-only” auditions could be unpleasantly crowded. Ballet RI apprentice Maya Sprague remembers making use of to audition for a European firm and believing she was considered one of a small cohort transferring on to the in-person spherical. “After I obtained there, there have been 300 individuals within the room!” she says.
Overcrowded auditions make it onerous for dancers to be seen—and onerous for administrators and choreographers to make sure that they’re making the perfect decisions. One doable resolution? “I’d like to see organizations prepared to spend extra money to host extra audition days,” says musical theater choreographer Al Blackstone. “It could end in a greater tradition in addition to higher work, as a result of we’d be extra completely investigating the performers that are available in.”
Larger transparency about what’s being appeared for may additionally scale back crowding. “Somebody is perhaps unimaginable, however merely not proper for a selected job,” says business choreographer Mandy Moore. “My aim is to have the best individuals within the audition room.”
And in live performance dance, “Firms normally know what sort of dancer they’re searching for,” Meeth says. He remembers being the shortest dancer at one audition, and later studying that the corporate needed a tall man. “I used to be nonetheless comfortable I confirmed up,” he says, “however when you really want a job, that scenario shouldn’t be superb.”
Sprague provides that corporations could not share what number of spots can be found—or whether or not they’re paid positions or pre-professional, tuition-based alternatives. If this data is disclosed up entrance, dancers could make knowledgeable audition choices.
However, younger dancers are sometimes suggested to go to as many auditions as doable. Exhibiting your face, even when you understand you’re not good for a gig, can typically repay down the road. (Blackstone says he makes notice of dancers he isn’t in a position to rent for this present, in case he can use them sooner or later.) In the meantime, if casting calls get too particular, corporations threat excluding or discriminating towards certified performers. Nonetheless, by making their wants extra clear, hiring groups may take away a possible ache level from the audition course of.
The Prices
In an ideal world, “auditions could be free,” Meeth says. But audition charges stay pretty widespread. Auditioning dancers additionally typically incur journey bills, and so they could need to take time without work work. Whereas self-tape functions have negated some prices, “Cash is a barrier,” Iliesiu says. “Choices need to be made based mostly on what you possibly can afford.”
Some organizations additionally maintain workshops instantly earlier than open auditions. “Are the individuals who do the intensive getting a leg up, simply because they will pay?” asks Meeth. As an alternative of pre-audition, pay-to-attend intensives, he suggests providing extra open firm lessons and quick intensives all year long: “Present alternatives for dancers to introduce themselves to you. Construct a group.”
Moore teaches grasp lessons each time her schedule permits. Blackstone can be a frequent grasp instructor—although he notes that the classroom and the audition room are two very totally different environments. Nonetheless, if dancers may put extra money towards coaching and networking and fewer towards auditions alone, it will be a welcome change.
The Community Impact
Even when these issues had been resolved, would auditioning nonetheless be as a lot about who you understand as the way you carry out? Presumably. The dance world is small, and relationships do matter. If a director is aware of and trusts you (or is aware of and trusts somebody you’ve labored with), that can provide you an edge over a dancer who’s an unknown amount. And that’s all of the extra motive to commit effort and time to rising your community.
“It’s a fantasy that all of us must be in competitors with one another,” Meeth says. “We’re a group. A win for one is a win for all.” That mindset positively applies to enhancing the audition course of: Eradicating pointless limitations advantages performers and hiring groups alike.
To Self-Tape, or To not Self-Tape?
What if an audition is an in-person open name—with the choice to self-tape as an alternative? “It’s so worthwhile to be within the room, to be taught immediately from the choreographer and to be seen,” says musical theater choreographer Al Blackstone. “Additionally, auditioning is a talent; it requires time and observe to have the ability to do it effectively.”
“I’m a giant fan of attending to know individuals and understanding them within the room,” says business choreographer Mandy Moore. “It’s a lot tougher to try this with a video.” She provides that self-tapes could also be saved for after the in-person audition—that means your submission is probably not watched with recent, receptive eyes (if it will get watched in any respect). For those who genuinely can’t attend an audition for a dream gig, ship that self-tape. In any other case, you’re in all probability higher served by going to the open name.
Social Standing Quo
The social media panorama could also be continuously evolving, however as a instrument for self-promotion, it isn’t going anyplace. Through the audition course of—particularly if you happen to’re fascinated with business work—“Instagram is your resumé,” says Courtney Saffold, who’s at present dancing for Disney Cruise Line. Your profile ought to signify you as a dancer in addition to an individual. For those who’re going after a sure sort of function, present your self in that gentle.
Live performance dancers can use social media strategically too. Spotlight kinds and roles that replicate your profession objectives. Current your self as somebody individuals will wish to work with. And, after all, no matter style you’re in, use social media to community together with your friends. Supporting one another throughout this powerful time could make all of the distinction.
