Show 'em What You've Got

I still remember the smell of that audition room… musty and slightly sweet. It feels like it was yesterday when I went for my first professional audition. The producer had flown out here to the tip of Africa all the way from the United States to come and find the right performers to play the parts in what was going to be the biggest production of the year.

This was huge – not something that happened very often so you can be sure that every performer in South Africa was there and wanted to be part of this show.

I was still green, straight out of College. As a matter of fact, I was still busy with my finals. I can remember as clear as day how emotional and nervous I was – this was going to be my big break.

But how do I sell myself to these judges? There were almost 400 seasoned professionals auditioning and only a hand full of parts for the taking. How do I get them to notice me?

I wanted this more than anything in the world. I was definitely not the best technician there and most certainly had the least experience. I was by no means the prettiest – not even close, but what I had was the Passion and the Drive! I knew how to strut my stuff and I knew exactly what my strengths and weaknesses were.

I went into that audition room well prepared. I was determined that my lack of experience, my slightly crooked teeth, my stocky looking frame and legs that are too short for my body were not going to keep me from getting a part in this musical. I knew that singing wasn’t my best skill – but dance; I definitely can!

I was going to do all I could to draw their attention to what I am best at – my dancing! I walked into the first round of that audition standing proud and tall. I put a smile on my face so big that I was certain nobody could miss me and I tried to get a spot on the floor as far towards the front of the room as I could. They kept rotating the lines, but whenever I got near the front I would turn on that extra charm, that extra sparkle, that extra Pizzazz.

I was determined to dazzle and shine, I was going to make sure I was noticed. I was nervous as hell, but I knew it would be my end if I showed even a glimmer of fear. I had to seem as confident and experienced as everyone around me. So I held my head high and tried to focus on those things I knew I was good at, and of course I tried to make sure those were the exact things the production team…. or judges if you will, were focusing on.

To my absolute surprise, the room became emptier and emptier as they were eliminating people. I couldn’t believe what was happening. After 4 hours of solid auditioning…. dancing and singing there were only about 40 of us left. They gave us a break to have something to eat and we were going to go back into that room and read for the various parts. Now it was time for the acting audition and I was going to have to hold my own. Inside I was a wreck to say the least, but I knew how to remain composed, cool and in control.

I went into that room with even more determination and an acute awareness of what I wanted these people to see the moment I walked through that door on my own. Even though my knees were shaking and my palms were sweaty, all I wanted them to see was someone who was self-assured, passionate and the one who was perfect for the gig.

I took a couple of really deep breaths, put a wide smile on my face, lifted my chin and pulled my shoulders back. I felt ready to impress – and I did!

Three days later I got the phone call. I cannot even begin to describe the feeling, the elation, the pure excitement I felt when I put that phone back on the hook. I managed to secure a lead roll in this musical! I was going to be part of this huge production. My biggest dream had just come true… I would’ve been happy with a part in the chorus, but no – I got a lead. How extremely exciting!

It is so important to believe in yourself, to not under estimate yourself. It is important to realize that when other people look at you, they see only what you want them to see. You have the power to make them see how unique you are. You have your own attributes, your own charm your own personality. Share a little of yourself, your own energy and your unique personality with others and the rewards will be huge.

I walked into that very hostile and threatening environment (that is how it seemed to me) with the intention to impress, with the intention to share my own energy and my own passion. I played the part of someone who was a pro, an expert, even though I knew I didn’t have the most talent or the best looks in that room. I used my charm, my razzle dazzle, my Pizzazz Factor – and it worked!

You can also have that “special something”, that “it-factor” that gets you noticed and makes sure you are remembered. We often get too complacent in our comfort zone. Our lives become mundane and boring and so do we.

Once you become a little more self-aware, you become conscious of the power you have to enchant and impress others. Once you know how to do that, your self-image will improve immensely and with your newfound confidence and poise the world is your Oyster!