part. Imagine what it must be like to stand

part.

Imagine what it must be like to stand in a room full of strangers, each looking for a different talent and way to measure your skills. And you, a young actor, perhaps waiting tables to pay the rent, wondering what you can do to impress the panel, target them to really watch you and give you the job. From Broadway to here in Rappahannock County, auditions can cause anxiety for actors passionately wanting a part. So let me try to give a few helpful hints for those who will be auditioning for the June, Shakespearean play.

A typical example of auditions are the League of Washington Theatre yearly try outs, sometimes called the horrible “the cattle call.” Each actor is given a 90 second time slot. Yes. 90 seconds! During the five-day sessions, the casting directors from theatres, agencies that look for actors for training films, commercials and newspaper advertisements will see as many as 800 actors. Already you might be wondering what your chances would be to “get the job” with so little time and so much competition.

Even though this experience may seem overpowering, it can be less painful, in fact, enlightening, if you begin with several thoughts in mind. First: let the auditors know who YOU are; second, demonstrate your basic skills: third, show variety even in so short a time, and; finally, believe that the casting director w ants you to do a good job because that makes their job easier.

Many popular books on social psychology and human relations say that the first 15 seconds of any encounter will set the stage for the entire relationship. This is also true m an audition. The way you walk onto a stage, the eye contact with the casting personnel and the way you say your name will be the first step m getting the role. And your name, oh it should be so enjoyable to tell them who you are and what