Auditioning is tough for everyone. After watching years of auditions, I have seven secrets to making a great impression and booking the job:
1. Arrive Early: Arriving early says that you plan ahead and can handle a hectic company schedule. You will likely need to fill out paperwork for the audition and warm-up ahead of time. While warming up, listen to the conversations of the current dancers or staff of the company to get a feel for the environment.
2. Come prepared: Research what the audition entails before the audition. If a solo is required, come prepared with something to show. Wear the appropriate clothing for each section of the audition. Have ballet shoes for ballet class. Be sure to wear something that flatters you and also allows your technique to show.
3. Be willing to try anything: Be open to surprises or changes in the process. Often, I ask dancers to improvise before our repertory combination so I can see how they move. If you are asked to partner, then try it. Show that you are easy to work with.
4. Listen to corrections and feedback: If someone is giving you feedback, it means that they noticed you: the first step in getting the job! Listen carefully and try to apply the correction immediately. This is more important than doing the combination correctly. When I give feedback, I am looking for a change to happen in the dancing right away. No change, no job.
5. Know why you like the company: Do some research to determine what the company does. If you don’t like what they do, don’t audition. I always ask why a dancer wants to join SIDEWAYS. If there isn’t an answer, then I’m unsure about them. I want dancers who know what we do and want to join us.
6: Perform: You are a dancer so entertain your audience. It’s much more exciting to watch a person come alive through dance then to struggle through getting each step right. Show us who you are and why you love dancing through your movement even if you don’t know all the steps of the combination.
7. Say Thank you: Say Thank you to everyone at the audition. It’s also very memorable to leave a thank you card for the director. I’ve only received a card one time but it definitely made a lasting impression.
Overall, stay positive and remember that you love to dance. The staff at the audition wants you to be good and to be able to hire you. No one is hoping you fail. Put on your best self and show the world what you have to offer.