Everyone Auditions All The Time!

Just completed teaching the July Audition Intensive in New York City. I kept it simple this year. I gave a few of my pertinent notes about what industry professionals are looking for (CD, Directors, Producers, Agent, Managers) then Part 2 - I did private coaching – and working for the style of different Directors. Then Part 3 was about Image and Personal Story – good auditions, good quick results. The whole intensive lasted approximately 6 hours.

I’ve taught Actors to audition for at least twenty of the thirty years that I’ve been teaching my acting technique, Transformational Acting.

Each of the contexts and much of the content and processes are different year to year. For example, the context last year was “It’s Your Creation.” This year it was that “Everyone Auditions” -- no matter who you are, what your profession, whether being interviewed for a job, getting your kid into a good school, or being on a date.

It’s about really bringing the best of you forward – not to be of misunderstood as “nice – sweet – happy” – that’s for the non-confrontave who wants you to play their mutual game. The bigger Player wants “You,” your Authentic You, that’s where trust and bonding occur. The Casting Director, Director and Producer want to see who you are – your vulnerabilities, your trigger points, how you really respond to the material and to what’s going on as well as to who you’re working with.

The other people want to connect with you – know that you’re listening to them and respond truthfully. Being who you are always wins!! And being the best you can be at every moment is a habit. Perhaps knowing the criteria of Authenticity with get you moving in that direction.

Checklist I gave to the Actors at the end of the day for Evaluating:

1) Start with breathing and silence.
2) Feel what you are feeling, not what you think the Character should be feeling.
3) Really listen, associate and respond – not with the response you think they want.
4) Are you revealing your vulnerability, strengths and emotions?
5) Are you in the moment, really here and now, presenced, not thinking about “later”?
6) Are you always ready?? For an audition or interview in another profession.
7) Don’t let the reader pace you.
8) If they give you nothing, listen to the words and let them trigger you.
9) It’s about what’s between the lines.

Know your technique as an Actor as for any professional.
That is, be good at what you do – and be you.

For more information about Sande Shurin, go to www.sandeshurintransformations.com.
For actors, see www.sandeshurin.com.