How To Conquer Your Casting
Innovative Arts’ casting process has been organized to ensure that students are supported through the audition process as they learn their material and perform it for our creative team. The audition material we work on with our students is not traditionally used to cast a production, however, it allows us to hear what we need from our students without taking up too much time or overwhelming students with too much material. But besides mastering the material, we asked Innovative Arts Casting Directors what the other secrets are to conquering their casting, and here is what they said.
1. Dress to Impress
Our casting directors don’t expect students to look like they’re on their way to the semi-formal, but they do expect students to look presentable. Coming to an audition in something like a baggy sweatshirt, or sweatpants is considered poor audition etiquette, so be comfortable in your clothes, but also be professional. In the same vein, ensure you can move about confidently - if you can’t move in your shoes or outfit, it’s probably not the right choice! Students are encouraged to wear something smart and stylish that they can wear throughout rehearsal so that they don’t need to change before their audition slot. This is also your chance to show off your personality - if you like to wear make up or style your hair for special occasions, you’re welcome to show us your ‘lewks’! If you don’t typically dress up, we don’t expect you to try something brand new or something that might make you uncomfortable, so you’re welcome to try adding something simple yet intentional to your everyday look!
2. Be Yourself
We absolutely love spending a little time catching up with students during their auditions, so don’t hesitate to break the ice by telling us what you’ve been up to - It builds a connection, demonstrates friendliness and approachability, and allows us to get to know you a bit better. However, make sure to find a good balance between a personable check-in, and starting a full-blown conversation - auditions take a lot of time and unfortunately, we can’t take too much time to chit-chat!
3. Move Your Body
The audition songs aren’t just constructed to show off your vocal range, but also to allow performers to demonstrate different acting styles and abilities. Students don’t need choreographed moves for their audition, but if you can confidently move around the room, strike a few poses and bring the songs to life, that will make all the difference! And don’t forget to have a strong ending position!
4. Advocate for yourself
Don’t hesitate to ask us questions about the audition, the characters or the style of the show! If feel like you messed up or we played something wrong, don’t hesitate to let us know that you need to start over. That being said, don’t make excuses! If you mess up, politely ask to try again--there’s no need to get upset or tell us a crazy story like “I didn’t practice with this track because it was my brother’s birthday on the weekend and my parents needed the speaker to play party music on it!” If you aren’t comfortable with a song feel free to say, “I’m not comfortable performing this section of the piece” instead of asking“Do I have to perform the first song?” Practice being professional and showcasing yourself in the best light without extra comments or self-deprecation.
5. Perform your Piece
Pick a spot on the wall above the casting directors’ heads (DO NOT STARE US IN THE EYES) and have fun! Unless you were singing for a voiceover where no one could see you, you should always act! Don’t let getting it right or hitting the notes get in the way of having fun and connecting with the material! We want to imagine you on the stage in every role you sing for us, so help us on that journey by relaxing and embracing the role.
Remember, our casting directors love watching you perform so have fun with it and keep these tips in mind as you prepare to conquer your next callback!
