Whether your teen or tween is new to the world of auditions or a seasoned pro, it’s always important to remember that audition etiquette matters for teen performers. Poor audition etiquette can counteract a great performance.
Auditions are often a time filled with excitement, anticipation, and nerves. Sometimes, in this moment filled with so many emotions, young performers may forget the importance of presentation both on and off the stage. Here are a few things to remind your teen or tween to put their best foot forward before, during, and after an audition.
Be Responsive
If you have signed up for an audition and received notification of your time, let whoever issued the invitation know you have received and accept the notification. Scheduling auditions can be tricky, and if a time or opportunity has been extended, be prompt in showing your professionalism by acknowledging the effort that was made for you.
In the event you are unable to accept the time or the audition itself, communicate this as quickly as you can. Understand that if you are unable to make the time they have offered, they may not have the ability to reschedule you, and you may forfeit your chance.
If, for some reason, you are unable to attend or no longer want to be considered, be sure to graciously decline the offer and thank them for their consideration. You never know when you may be auditioning for the same company, casting director, or program again. Do not leave them feeling you are not grateful for the opportunity.
Be Prepared
Before setting foot in the audition room, thorough preparation is essential. Know your material inside out. For example, if this is an audition for musical theater, from the script to the lyrics and choreography, be as prepared as possible.
For example, if this is an audition for musical theater and the call said, “Ability to tap is preferred but not required,” come as prepared as you can be to tap. If you have no tap experience, take the time to learn some basic terms and any foundational elements in the time you have.
Rehearse diligently to ensure you can deliver a polished performance that highlights your strengths as a performer. Practice under different circumstances so that you are less likely to be thrown if something unexpected and uncontrollable happens. If there is a jackhammer running outside the window of the audition space, it will speak volumes if you can press forward in spite of this distraction.
Punctuality Matters
Time is of the essence in the performing arts auditioning world. Being punctual is a fundamental aspect of audition etiquette. Arriving late not only disrupts the schedule but also reflects poorly on your professionalism. When you arrive late, it can also be distracting to the other participants.
Aim to arrive at least 15-30 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork and allow yourself time to center and focus before the audition. If arriving late is unavoidable, communicate that you will be late as soon as you are aware of the issue.
Communication Skills
Auditions are not just about showcasing your artistic abilities; they also involve effective communication. When entering the audition space, greet the panel with a confident and friendly demeanor. Maintain eye contact and introduce yourself clearly. If there’s an opportunity for casual conversation, seize it and utilize the opportunity to give clues as to who you are as an individual. Yet, always be mindful of the atmosphere and the panel’s cues as to any time constraints.
If you are aware that some type of interview questions will occur, use those moments to paint a larger picture of your interests and personality. Avoid one-word or one-sentence answers. For example, if you were asked, “Who is your favorite composer?” respond with not only who that is but why. If time allows, expand more – “My favorite composer at this point in my life is X because of A, B, and C. But when I was younger, it was Y. I liked Y when I was younger because I would always listen to Z and stand on our coffee table pretending I was conducting a symphony. I’ve always known music was what I wanted to do.”
Confidence vs. Arrogance
Confidence is an essential trait for any performer, but it’s crucial to strike a balance between confidence and humility. Approach the audition with a positive attitude, acknowledge any nerves you may have, and let your genuine passion for the craft shine through.
Arrogance can be off-putting and may alienate you from the casting team. Be gracious regarding the opportunity – even if you feel it is not a good match or not at the level you are seeking. If you are offered a redirect, thank them for the opportunity and do it to the best of your ability. Do not offer your own opinions about how a character should be played or a piece of music interpreted unless asked to do so.
Receiving feedback is an integral part of the audition process. Be open to constructive criticism and view it as an opportunity for growth. Responding graciously to feedback demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to continual improvement.
Adaptability and Flexibility
In the unpredictable world of the performing arts, adaptability is a prized quality. Being able to manage unexpected changes or requests is considered a great asset. During the audition process, if challenges arise, be prepared to demonstrate your ability to be communicative and adaptable.
This means you are able to smile and nod whether the request is going earlier than you anticipated, being asked to demonstrate a skill on your resume, or being asked to stay late for a callback. Showing the panel that you are able to adjust and pivot will be seen as a desirable quality in a field that can be rife with unplanned moments.
Respect for Others
Audition spaces are often shared by a diverse group of individuals, all with a common goal of showcasing their talents. Demonstrate respect for your fellow performers by maintaining a quiet and supportive environment. Avoid unnecessary distractions, and keep all interactions with other artists as positive and encouraging as possible.
Refrain from engaging in negative discussions about other participants, panel members, accompanists, or any other person involved with the audition process. Even when you may feel it is “safe” to do so, always stop to think, “Would I be okay if this got back to this person?” Having negative feelings in a stressful situation can happen, but keeping this to yourself until you are fully away from the audition environment is important.
It’s important to remember; you never know who is listening or who you are speaking with. Even if you think you are being helpful, you never know who people have ties with. That nicely dressed similar-age auditioner in the elevator that you felt compelled to help by warning her that the accompanist makes “a ton of mistakes, so be prepared”? That may be the accompanist’s daughter, niece, or assistant.
Accept Your Performance
Everyone has a bad performance here and there. Of course, we would all prefer it not to happen during an audition we spent time preparing for. But occasionally it happens – even the most seasoned performers have an off day. Navigating regret or disappointment with a positive attitude will be remembered by the panel.
If your performance was not as good as you had hoped, respond with as much grace as you can manage. Thank the panel for the opportunity. If they offer you a chance to go again, only accept if you feel you can improve upon your performance. Navigating regret or disappointment with a positive attitude will be remembered by the panel
In the event you feel your less than ideal performance was influenced by someone else, keep it to yourself. For example, if you feel the accompanist was part of your failure, do not try to place blame on the accompanist to the panel. What you may feel is an explanation – “I’m not used to performing it at this tempo” – will look like sour grapes and a lack of preparedness.
Expressing Gratitude
Regardless of the outcome, express gratitude to the audition panel for the opportunity to showcase your talents. A simple, but genuine, thank you can leave a positive and lasting impression. If you’re selected for a callback or are offered an opportunity, promptly send a thank-you note or email to express your appreciation.
If the outcome was not what you had hoped, a short “thank you for the opportunity, I hope to audition with you again” shows you are mature and someone people would enjoy working with.
Post-Audition Follow-Up
After the audition has concluded, resist the urge to reach out and constantly check for updates. Patience is key, and bombarding decision-makers with inquiries is counterproductive. If a reasonable amount of time has passed without communication, or you have another offer, a polite follow-up email expressing your continued interest in the production is appropriate.
Keep in mind that with today’s technology, if you are logging into a portal to check results, it is possible for the number of times you checked in to be tracked. If you find yourself constantly checking, find ways to distract yourself and minimize the number of times you check in.
Conclusion
Mastering audition etiquette is a vital step toward a successful career in the performing arts. As your teen or tween navigates the audition process, remind them that their professionalism, preparation, and positive attitude are just as important as their artistic skills. Embracing each audition as an opportunity for growth and approaching the journey with passion, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement will give your teen or tween an edge toward success.
