Episode 7
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This week’s show features an interview with Michael Detroit of the Unified Professional Theatre Auditions!
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4 Replies to “Episode 7”
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Hello everyone
A while ago and acting tutor of mine said this:
‘ people come to the theatre to look at you. You want to be looked at which is the reason why you are here (acting school) , because you want people to look at you’
Now, I don’t know how much I agree with this. Yes, I understand that as actors, we are constantly under the mcisroscope and at the scrutiny of others, but this is so entirely different from being ‘looked’ at. I believe that looks are so arbitrary; certainly I have not entered the profession in order to say ‘look at ME’ . I believe if people go into acting for this reason then it is for the wrong reasons. I don’t think it’s about ego. It shouldn’y be. It’s about reflection. What we see in others we reflect ; which is why I find the title of your website so suitable. So right, if I may say so. We are all ‘mirrors’ and the natures of all that is around us. As Lecoq says, there is a difference between an act of expression and an act of creation. Approaching the discipline with a ‘look at me’ attitude is self absorbed and undermines the act of creativity, of giving. With creativity, we serve the art, and not our ego. As many of you are also acting tutors, how do you feel about this? I’d love to hear from you. I am all into serving the art form. After all, it is so much a higher vibration than our poor earthly bodies can attain, but if we can at least touch it, then we are getting somewhere. Sorry to sound so cheesy. All the best, Rebecca.
PS having listen to a few of your podcasts now, I’m hooked! It’s a pity you are so far away across the pond. : )
Hello again
Sorry folks; I think I responded in the wrong area – still getting used to navigating around your sote, I think. But episode seven was very insightful – regarding the audition: but i suppose the above relates in some ways of how to prepare one self or one’s ‘ego – less’ self, so to speak, for the audition. Doing the research is very important. At my last audition I introduced myself , announced the play and the writer, and gave a bit of background to the scene I played in, to set the mood. This at least illustrates that one has researched the part, read the play, understood it. Disruptive people, as you had mentioned, like that girl shooting at people, is just immature as well as unprofessional. Woah. What school was she dragged up in? Fortunately, I don’t think these incidences are very common – at least not in my experience with theatre (10 years full time) . Perhaps I’ve been lucky? There is a lot to be said for support, not sabotage.
Many thanks for an enjoyable , insightful discussion. : )
Rebecca,
First of…Thanks for listening! Second of…Thanks for the comments! Your comments are very insightful! To serve the art is far better than serving yourself! I have found in my experience that those who are in it for the ego boost usually don’t last that long in the business because ,as you might know from your experience, the ego will take a beating every once in a while. That is just a foregone conclusion in my opinion anyway. As acting teacher, I strive to inspire my students to embrace the craft of acting not the glitz. You can always improve your craft but after a certain age you aren’t going to be able grow a foot in height just to please a director. You are what you are and look the way you look. Accept who you are in that moment in time and serve the craft as best you can! The rest sorts itself out!
Great comments!
I agree with John: serving the craft should always be paramount. If you are in it for the fame (or even the money), you’re going to be disappointed. The average salary stats prove that over and over again.
Anyway, I encourage my students to not spend too much time on their introduction at auditions. The most important thing you can say in your introduction is your name! Other than that, the titles of the pieces and the playwrights are about it. Character names are optional, but I encourage students to shy away from giving a synopsis of the play or the scene no matter how brief. As a director, I would rather see how strong a grasp you have on the scene and play through your performance not through a narrative before you perform.
Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of taste. What works best for you at auditions — that doesn’t interfere with other actors’ time and space — is what you should do.