“Performers should know themselves, know what they feel more comfortable doing but they also shouldn’t feel frightened about getting out of their comfort zone and explore new things. You might miss something because you never tried.”

“No matter what your role in theatre is, any way you dice it, rejection sucks. But when people don’t handle rejecting their applicants with a sense of professionalism, being rejected is even worse.”

“Asking performers to complete a reasonable amount of preparation before auditioning only helps us see who can rise to the occasion. We all have bad days and bad auditions but that doesn’t mean that accompanists are the problem.”

“Theatre is already full of social justice hypocrisies. We make cast members sign forms committing to an absolute rejection of inequity-based bullying while simultaneously listing the colors of leather Capezio character shoes the actors will be expected to provide for themselves. Track-based auditions are a no-brainer step in the right direction: a simultaneous concession to modernity, move towards inclusion, and advantage in terms of finances and convenience to struggling community theatres.”

So your friend has auditioned for your show.

Before casting them in the role that they have written down on the audition form, go through this checklist to make sure you’re not practicing nepotism, which in the workplace, is illegal!

“Hamilton is an incredibly popular musical with a strong audience made up of all races and ethnicities, and while it’s acceptable (and encouraged!) for white people to consume and support art made by BIPOC, it’s not okay to take that art and use it for our own agendas.”

“You can rise from the valley of the "no" and travel the mountain back up as a better actor to the "yes" of the future.”

“Just because someone doesn't have thirty credits to their name, it doesn't mean they won't someday. Instead of mocking the length of their resume, take the time to help hem build on it.”

Staying active during this quarantine period can be vital for an actor. Not being in a show is no excuse for someone to stop playing. Growing stale in your craft is a legitimate possibility, so it is best to exercise your craft to continue to grow.

“It’s simple. If I go to an audition and the casting director or directors decide they are typing. I politely remove my name from the list, save a headshot, and walk out.”

“Whether this is your first one or your hundredth, everyone gets nervous at auditions. It is always scary to put yourself out there with the possibility of failure. After years of being on both sides of the table, there are a few tips I have learned to survive auditions.”

I have never been one of those people who love auditioning-- there are too many unknown factors, too many decisions that I am forced to make based on pure speculation. Hopefully, the following six tips will help calm your nerves and make your next audition process smooth and successful.