THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNERT

PERF 208

COMEDY (Semester 2, 2003)

This semester you have all been invited to audition for a part in WildeÕs ÔThe Importance of Being EarnestÕ. There are a number of suggestions that will help you prepare for the audition and should help ensure your experience is a comfortable and pleasant one. As we all know each other, the experience will not be as daunting as it might be with complete strangers and an unknown director. Nevertheless, there are some guidelines you should still follow so the audition is fair and equitable for all. You may also be able to use these suggestions for other auditions outside the university. They are taken and adapted from ÔActing in Person and in StyleÕ by Jerry Crawford, 1984, Wm. C. Brown Publishers.

• If you are auditioning for a specific part, practice key speeches or a key speech for the role in advance. It is usually not necessary to memorise speeches unless the director calls for it. What is usually desired is a familiarisation in order to permit glancing out at the audience occasionally. For this audition of ÔEarnestÕ you need to memorise a part and also be ready to sing a song appropriate to the part.
• Be disciplined and courteous at all auditions. Be punctual and attentive to all directions and requests. Be silent except when you are ask to speak. Most directors become irritated if you stand around chatting to other people at open auditions. It is also wise not to enter into conversation with the director who will be focused on the job at hand. Be co-operative and not aggressive.
• If the audition is open, listen to others carefully but donÕt be tempted to change your own interpretation. Use the other audition to stimulate your own efforts. Do not imitate othersÕ work.
• Avoid self-criticism and allow yourself margin for error. If you donÕt you can let the whole audition fall apart. Reflection and self-evaluation is useful after the audition is over. No matter what happens during the audition, stay good-natured and flexible.
• Remember that an audition is usually a heightened emotional experience and unless the role calls for unusual emotional intensity, the audition may provide enough energy that you need not worry or think about creating emotion.
• Be cheerful when the casting is announced. It is disempowering to become too deflated if you donÕt get the part you wanted. Instead look to the next audition

Practical Suggestions

• Dress for the audition in a comfortable and clean manner and if possible, dress similarly to the attire of the character if the play is a modern one. If it is historical, then dress neutrally.
• Determine the size of the room as quickly as possible and adjust your vocal projection accordingly.
• If you must sing a song, select one within your vocal range and try to select one that is not a ÔsignatureÕ song for well-known people. e.g. ÔPeopleÕ by Barbra Streisand.

Finally, have fun and good luck.