Like I said in my post about dealing with divas every school or theater group has at least one. They annoy us to death and honestly can create so much drama the soap operas look like kiddie shows. Sometimes you have to check yourself. After a few successes it's easy to get a big head.
Sometimes you need a little ego boost. There's nothing like having a little extra confidence to get you up on that stage to nail that audition or sing that solo. But where do you draw the line?
I realized that I was almost crossing the line between confidence and divaness once. I was sitting in the back of my choir class freshman year listening to a girl try out for a solo. I turned to my friend and whispered "Of course he'll pick her. She's his favorite. That's the only reason she's getting all these solos." My friend nodded in agreement but then I stopped myself from saying anymore. I couldn't believe that I had just said that! I was becoming what I hated in other people. I had approached the line and had started to cross it. It was a good thing that I caught myself before I went further. Criticizing others is one of the sure signs that you are becoming egotistical.
It's one thing to look at things with an objective eye. If you are interested in directing than you might want to try and look at things this way. Not to be mean but just to get a feel for how you want to see things when you are casting and directing a play or musical.
There is a difference between confidence and being egotistical. When you are confident in your abilities you go for what you want and do not let others talents intimidate you. When you are a diva you are just full of it. You think that you are the best and you don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You know what you want and expect to get any part or any solo that you go for. Sometimes you don't even try your hardest for a part because you know that you'll get it. You blatantly tell people or show through your actions that you are the best, or that you think you are the best.
You may be the best in the class but that doesn't give you the right to act like the world revolves around you. Nobody wants to be around someone who is full of it. I can say for a fact that if you start to act like a diva someone is going to see it. It may not be the director for a while but somebody will notice. And that will hurt you. Maybe not this instant but somewhere along the line you will take the fall for your narcissism.
The truth is the people who are full of it will never truly be happy. After one defeat they can be crushed or worse expose themselves for who they are and make matters worse.
The important thing for actors and actresses is that you remain humble. Being confident is a good thing. In the business of acting you don't want to take fall backs personally and if you have confidence it will make this easier.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Choosing a Monologue
For most auditions, especially college auditions, you will need to read a monologue. Choosing the right monologue can determine whether you get the part or get the boot.
It's important to choose a monologue that showcases you talent. You only have a short amount of time to show a director that you can become somebody and fully be that person on stage. If you can make yourself cry instantly maybe you want to choose a monologue that you could cry in.
You may choose a monologue that you have to be angry in but a lot of sound and fury might not be the best choice. It could be distracting or just not help you stick out from the other three people being angry and loud.
Race doesn't have a big impact on a monologue, unless your monologue is about race. Your talent is what you're trying to showcase not your race.
It is okay for your monologue to be simple. If you're just playing a character talking about grocery shopping that's fine. The important thing is that you play the character to the best of your ability.
It's okay to read a monologue of a character. That is younger or older than you. Acting is the most important part. If you are twenty and want to read a monologue of an old woman or a young child that you can do that as long as you can act the part well.
Choose a monologue that you're comfortable with. Do not use the same one over and over again. Especially if you're auditioning for the same director. They've seen you do that before. Absolutely do not go into an audition for a director and read the monologue from when they directed you in last time you worked with them. They've seen you do that. Directors want you see you take risks and not be afraid to do something a little different. Although you may be fabulous at comedy show them that you can do drama, too.
At the end of the day the monologue should be the one that you can act the best and shows what you can do. It doesn't have to be your favorite monologue it just has to work best for you.
It's important to choose a monologue that showcases you talent. You only have a short amount of time to show a director that you can become somebody and fully be that person on stage. If you can make yourself cry instantly maybe you want to choose a monologue that you could cry in.
You may choose a monologue that you have to be angry in but a lot of sound and fury might not be the best choice. It could be distracting or just not help you stick out from the other three people being angry and loud.
Race doesn't have a big impact on a monologue, unless your monologue is about race. Your talent is what you're trying to showcase not your race.
It is okay for your monologue to be simple. If you're just playing a character talking about grocery shopping that's fine. The important thing is that you play the character to the best of your ability.
It's okay to read a monologue of a character. That is younger or older than you. Acting is the most important part. If you are twenty and want to read a monologue of an old woman or a young child that you can do that as long as you can act the part well.
Choose a monologue that you're comfortable with. Do not use the same one over and over again. Especially if you're auditioning for the same director. They've seen you do that before. Absolutely do not go into an audition for a director and read the monologue from when they directed you in last time you worked with them. They've seen you do that. Directors want you see you take risks and not be afraid to do something a little different. Although you may be fabulous at comedy show them that you can do drama, too.
At the end of the day the monologue should be the one that you can act the best and shows what you can do. It doesn't have to be your favorite monologue it just has to work best for you.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Height in the Theater
I am 5'8 and 3/4" and in character shoes more like 5'9" or maybe even 5'10". I have had my fair share of rejection from parts. Sometimes I have been turned down from a role because I was too tall for the leading man.
Unfortunately, ladies, we have it much harder than men. There are just less men in the theater world and it makes it easier for them to get parts. Often times the taller and shorter ladies will be cut because they are too tall or short for the chosen male lead.
Height can be worked around in the films more easily than on the stage. However on the stage it looks odd if Cinderella is a head taller than Prince Charming.
There are some advantages if you are taller than you can easily go for the older roles. My height helped me play a 40 year old woman when I was only 16. Also if you're shorter you can go for the younger roles. Our Annie was 13 and the character is 11. It can work to your advantage.
It is a pain to not be cast because of your height but you can't let it stop you. There will be a lead who is tall enough or short enough for you. Do not give up. Some directors won't mind or will find a way to work around it. Maybe you'll wear heels or no heels at all.
Do not give up. That is the most important thing in this business. So stand tall and be petite. you will have your day in the sun. I did. Talent is more important than height. You could be the perfect height for a role but if you don't have the talent for it you will not get the part. Simple as that.
Unfortunately, ladies, we have it much harder than men. There are just less men in the theater world and it makes it easier for them to get parts. Often times the taller and shorter ladies will be cut because they are too tall or short for the chosen male lead.
Height can be worked around in the films more easily than on the stage. However on the stage it looks odd if Cinderella is a head taller than Prince Charming.
There are some advantages if you are taller than you can easily go for the older roles. My height helped me play a 40 year old woman when I was only 16. Also if you're shorter you can go for the younger roles. Our Annie was 13 and the character is 11. It can work to your advantage.
It is a pain to not be cast because of your height but you can't let it stop you. There will be a lead who is tall enough or short enough for you. Do not give up. Some directors won't mind or will find a way to work around it. Maybe you'll wear heels or no heels at all.
Do not give up. That is the most important thing in this business. So stand tall and be petite. you will have your day in the sun. I did. Talent is more important than height. You could be the perfect height for a role but if you don't have the talent for it you will not get the part. Simple as that.
Friday, April 2, 2010
How to be Noticed Without a Lead
You're in ensemble! Hooray for you. Despite common belief ensemble roles are not always that bad. I was in ensemble for many shows and had a fabulous time. I, just like any other actress, love to hear the applause after singing my song as the lead. I want parts just like everyone but, not getting a part is not the end of the world.
Being in ensemble often means that you will get to be in amazing dance numbers and you have plenty of time to chill backstage before the next number. Being ensemble can be considerably less stressful than a lead in most shows.
You may not be happy being in ensemble. I can understand that. You didn't get the lead even though your audition was flawless and you're callbac superb. Try not to let your disappointment show to much as the show gets rolling. Nobody wants to be around somebody who can't deal with not getting the lead.
DO NOT (and I can't stress this enough) do not try and make your self a bigger part on stage.
Story Time: There is a girl I've done shows with and she does exactly what I said not to do. She does everything she can onstage to be looked at. She goes so far that she breaks character. She has to have the prettiest costume, she has to look the cutest, she has to get the dancing solo. She is an absolute diva and sooner or later she will have her down fall for her mistakes.
If you are doing a good job acting than people will look at you with out you having to make yourself bigger than you are. Some of the best acting I've see on stage has been from the ensemble.
If it helps you make up a character for yourself. For example if you are in Grease make up a names for yourself and a little background info. You're name is Penny and you think that Danny Zuko is the cutest boy you've ever seen. You like cheerleading and something else. This will help you make correct facial expressions and possibly make it easier for yourself to accept being in ensemble.
Being in ensemble often means that you will get to be in amazing dance numbers and you have plenty of time to chill backstage before the next number. Being ensemble can be considerably less stressful than a lead in most shows.
You may not be happy being in ensemble. I can understand that. You didn't get the lead even though your audition was flawless and you're callbac superb. Try not to let your disappointment show to much as the show gets rolling. Nobody wants to be around somebody who can't deal with not getting the lead.
DO NOT (and I can't stress this enough) do not try and make your self a bigger part on stage.
Story Time: There is a girl I've done shows with and she does exactly what I said not to do. She does everything she can onstage to be looked at. She goes so far that she breaks character. She has to have the prettiest costume, she has to look the cutest, she has to get the dancing solo. She is an absolute diva and sooner or later she will have her down fall for her mistakes.
If you are doing a good job acting than people will look at you with out you having to make yourself bigger than you are. Some of the best acting I've see on stage has been from the ensemble.
If it helps you make up a character for yourself. For example if you are in Grease make up a names for yourself and a little background info. You're name is Penny and you think that Danny Zuko is the cutest boy you've ever seen. You like cheerleading and something else. This will help you make correct facial expressions and possibly make it easier for yourself to accept being in ensemble.
Theater vs. Theatre
Most of us have probably seen theater spelled both theatre and theater. "Theatre" is the British spelling and "theater" is the one that is most commonly used in the US. I have seen both used and have wondered which to use.
Most people recognize theater as the correct spelling because that is how we spell it here in the US. Even as I type theatre the computer tells me that this is wrong and that I must change it.
I wondered if the more professional way to spell it was theatre. I've seen theatre companies spell it the British way.
Now think that people will spell it anyway they like. I often switch which version I use. I think that either way you spell it can be accepted. Although, it is more likely that a teacher will correct you and make you spell theater the American way. If you are posting a comment on my blog I invite you to spell it any way you like. I will not take a red pen to your writing if you spell it theatre.
Most people recognize theater as the correct spelling because that is how we spell it here in the US. Even as I type theatre the computer tells me that this is wrong and that I must change it.
I wondered if the more professional way to spell it was theatre. I've seen theatre companies spell it the British way.
Now think that people will spell it anyway they like. I often switch which version I use. I think that either way you spell it can be accepted. Although, it is more likely that a teacher will correct you and make you spell theater the American way. If you are posting a comment on my blog I invite you to spell it any way you like. I will not take a red pen to your writing if you spell it theatre.
You Didn't Get the Part
You didn't get the part. You did your best but you didn't get it. Despite that fact that you memorized your monologue and got everything down you didn't get it. It sucks, believe me I know. It's not fun and you feel like ripping your head shot to shreds. Don't!
It is alright to be disappointed. You worked really hard but this time it just didn't work out. Don't get down on yourself. It's hard not to take rejection personally. But you have to try your best no to. Directors make their decisions for a reason. Will those reasons be clear to you at this time? No. Will they ever? Possibly not, most likely they will but, it's not been unheard of.
Don't go pointing fingers, either. Just because you didn't get the part doesn't mean that the director "picks favorites" or that the person who did get it "isn't even talented". It's easy to be mean but it's not the right way to go. It's okay to voice your frustration to a close friend or family member but don't go blabbing to the entire cast how terrible the show is going to be because you're not Susie Q.
If you want to stay in the business then you can't expect to always get the lead. You will have to take the back seat sometimes. The important thing is that you keep going. If not this role then their will be another one. Even if it is your dream to play Eliza Doolittle there will be another production of My Fair Lady somewhere. Just not here and now.
It doesn't hurt to be honest with yourself either. I'm not saying throw your whole audition into the waste basket just analyze it a little. (Note: I said analyze not dissect). Did I really hit all those notes to the best of my ability? Was it possible that the last line of your monologue could have been interpreted differently? Just think. If you think that your audition was fine then do not sweat it. There will be another role for you. And just remember. You are not alone. Plenty of people tried out for the role and didn't get it. It is not the end of the world or your career. Pick yourself up and enjoy the show or concentrate on the new audition.
It is alright to be disappointed. You worked really hard but this time it just didn't work out. Don't get down on yourself. It's hard not to take rejection personally. But you have to try your best no to. Directors make their decisions for a reason. Will those reasons be clear to you at this time? No. Will they ever? Possibly not, most likely they will but, it's not been unheard of.
Don't go pointing fingers, either. Just because you didn't get the part doesn't mean that the director "picks favorites" or that the person who did get it "isn't even talented". It's easy to be mean but it's not the right way to go. It's okay to voice your frustration to a close friend or family member but don't go blabbing to the entire cast how terrible the show is going to be because you're not Susie Q.
If you want to stay in the business then you can't expect to always get the lead. You will have to take the back seat sometimes. The important thing is that you keep going. If not this role then their will be another one. Even if it is your dream to play Eliza Doolittle there will be another production of My Fair Lady somewhere. Just not here and now.
It doesn't hurt to be honest with yourself either. I'm not saying throw your whole audition into the waste basket just analyze it a little. (Note: I said analyze not dissect). Did I really hit all those notes to the best of my ability? Was it possible that the last line of your monologue could have been interpreted differently? Just think. If you think that your audition was fine then do not sweat it. There will be another role for you. And just remember. You are not alone. Plenty of people tried out for the role and didn't get it. It is not the end of the world or your career. Pick yourself up and enjoy the show or concentrate on the new audition.
The Diva
We all know at least one. Every school and theater group has their divas. Although the term was originally used for opera singers the term has come to be used in every field for a female who thinks she is better than everyone else. She is the prettiest, most talented, best, whatever it is she is the best. I have met many divas in my day and they are not easy to deal with. They will be where ever you go and we will have to deal with them.
Unfortunately many of these divas actually are talented. Sometimes they will be the girls who always get the lead. Eventually these divas will have their down fall. You may not see it but they will. They will have a rude awakening when they do not get the part or some one exposes them for who they really are: a narcissist. This does not mean that you should be the one to expose her. Remember she is the diva not you, at least I hope not.
You can deal with them. I do not mean be rude or try to upstage her. That will make you look bad rather than her. Simply be nice but do not go out of your way to fawn over her. You can say "that was really good." You don't even have to include the really. Just be nice. Sometimes she will have a mesmerizing performance and you are free to tell her she was good. There's nothing wrong giving to credit where it's deserved. Just do what you know is right and what you have to. Just because she thinks she is amazing it doesn't mean that you are not talented as well. Do not let her discourage you.
Don't go around talking about how terrible she is and what a egotistical person she can be. The last thing you want is a reputation of being mean and full of yourself. Which is often sometimes how you will come off for trashing someone else. And even worse, one of her groupies (which divas often have) will tell her what you said and oh boy.
Once at my high school, before I was there, for one of the shows a girls mike was not turned off backstage and she started talking to someone about how awful another girl in the cast was. Do I even need to go into the amount of drama that followed that little incident?
Dealing with divas in the theater is just a part of the business. You will have to do it just trya nd do it the right way.
Unfortunately many of these divas actually are talented. Sometimes they will be the girls who always get the lead. Eventually these divas will have their down fall. You may not see it but they will. They will have a rude awakening when they do not get the part or some one exposes them for who they really are: a narcissist. This does not mean that you should be the one to expose her. Remember she is the diva not you, at least I hope not.
You can deal with them. I do not mean be rude or try to upstage her. That will make you look bad rather than her. Simply be nice but do not go out of your way to fawn over her. You can say "that was really good." You don't even have to include the really. Just be nice. Sometimes she will have a mesmerizing performance and you are free to tell her she was good. There's nothing wrong giving to credit where it's deserved. Just do what you know is right and what you have to. Just because she thinks she is amazing it doesn't mean that you are not talented as well. Do not let her discourage you.
Don't go around talking about how terrible she is and what a egotistical person she can be. The last thing you want is a reputation of being mean and full of yourself. Which is often sometimes how you will come off for trashing someone else. And even worse, one of her groupies (which divas often have) will tell her what you said and oh boy.
Once at my high school, before I was there, for one of the shows a girls mike was not turned off backstage and she started talking to someone about how awful another girl in the cast was. Do I even need to go into the amount of drama that followed that little incident?
Dealing with divas in the theater is just a part of the business. You will have to do it just trya nd do it the right way.
Audtions
We all know the importance of first impressions. Actors and Actresses know this very well because of auditions. There are many ways to nail or fail an audition. There are many things that can be done to help make an audition easier or more successful.
- Do not go into an audition chewing gum. This especially applies to young actors. Gum chewing can be rude and it comes across badly on camera. Even if your character is supposed to chew gum you do not need to. Gum can always be added in later. If you feel that gum keeps you calm when you are waiting chew then but please please please spit it out before you go in. Do not spit it out like a cow though. Place it in a wrapper or a tissue and put it in a garbage.
- Dress the part if you can. If you know your character try and seem a little like them. I do not mean come in full costume; that can turn off directors. If you're trying out for the part of Belle in Beauty and the Beast than tie your hair back in a low pony tail. Or wear something blue. Subtle things like that are perfect hints but not too much to be obvious.
- Community theater doesn't always require a head shot. Many professional auditions do. Do not for get it. Head shots can be very important and not only does not having it put you behind the person that does have theirs it makes you look sloppy, unorganized and undependable.
- Do not make excuses. Directors have heard every reason for forgetting your monologue or not hitting that last note. They do not care. Continue as if you had not made the mistake.
- That being said do not let one fall back ruin the rest of your audition. So you were flat on one note of the audition piece. Directors do know that you are nervous and will probably let it slide if the rest of your audition is done well.
- But ALWAYS make sure that you know your lines. Practice the night before a little but do not cram. It didn't work for the math test and it will not work now. Start practicing as soon as you can. It's better to be able to say those lines like The Pledge of Allegiance than to stumble over the words and make mistake.
- Always be respectful. As much as you want to give that brunette in the back a mean look because she beat you out for Velma Kelly don't. If someone saw you than it could put you on the chopping block. Who wants to work with a snot or a diva? you don't even have to be mean. You may see your BFF Sammy and are dieing to tell her about that crazy costume change you had to do but hold off. You want peace and quiet while you're auditioning and you should give others the same. If you can't hold it in try and find a quiet spot like a bathroom where you can talk but don't miss your audition.
- Be on time. Nothing can look worse than showing up late. If you are stuck in traffic or you can ensure that you will not be there. Call and tell them that you will be late. It may soften the blow if there is no way around being late. Still do not make it a habit.
- Lastly be professional. Your brilliant charm and good looks are not enough. This is incredibly important for child actors. When it comes down neck and neck directors will start splitting hairs to decide. If you do not act professionally can hurt your chances. That being said do not show up and be all tight. Be loose relaxed but professional. Especially for child actors, again. They should be professional and respectful but having them show up in a suit and tie is a little but much. Remember respectful is the important thing.
First Post
As this is my first post I doubt that there will be many readers. However, if anyone happens to stumble along on my little blog I do hope that you will return to hear more from me, Broadwaylovercf.
I'm sure that most of you would like to know a little background information. Well, I'm a teenager who interest's include obviously acting and singing (if I didn't why would I call myself Broadwaylovercf?) and I also enjoy swimming, reading and writing.
Although I've only been acting for about 4 years I do hope that my past experiences can help you learn and I will learn along with you. My first show was The Wizard of Oz at my middle school. Although I did not play Dorothy it was a fun experience and my first official show. I went on to be in productions of Hello Dolly!, 110 in the Shade and most recently Gypsy at my high school. My other roles include Lily St. Regis in Annie and Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man. I hope to add more to my resume soon with my local theatre program putting on Bye Bye Birdie. We have not had auditions yet but I will keep you posted.
I will be adding quite a few articles today to get me started and I hope that you find they're information useful. I also invite you to comment and correct me when you feel I should be corrected. I may not change my mind but I am certainly open to suggestions and other opinions.
I'm sure that most of you would like to know a little background information. Well, I'm a teenager who interest's include obviously acting and singing (if I didn't why would I call myself Broadwaylovercf?) and I also enjoy swimming, reading and writing.
Although I've only been acting for about 4 years I do hope that my past experiences can help you learn and I will learn along with you. My first show was The Wizard of Oz at my middle school. Although I did not play Dorothy it was a fun experience and my first official show. I went on to be in productions of Hello Dolly!, 110 in the Shade and most recently Gypsy at my high school. My other roles include Lily St. Regis in Annie and Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man. I hope to add more to my resume soon with my local theatre program putting on Bye Bye Birdie. We have not had auditions yet but I will keep you posted.
I will be adding quite a few articles today to get me started and I hope that you find they're information useful. I also invite you to comment and correct me when you feel I should be corrected. I may not change my mind but I am certainly open to suggestions and other opinions.
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