Time to Tell My Stories - Auditioning
Sep. 2nd, 2007 09:35 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
mrdreamjeansThe butterflies are fluttering in my stomach. They’ve gone from cocoon to full out flight since I made the decision that it’s time again to tell my stories, to audition. Nothing is natural about the process. It’s important to have at least four go-to pieces - songs that show you off to advantage, display a variety of vocal skills; songs that you can successfully perform under pressure no matter the conditions. I’ve learned over the years ... and it took time ... to view an audition as my time to tell my stories, to prepare, to simply focus on doing my best on that day. Nothing else is under my control.
But that doesn’t mean I don’t suffer from nerves. My touch point is memorization, especially the older I get. When I was young, with nothing to lose, I could laugh if I went up on the lyrics. As I grew in experience and success, I had a period of stage fright which was debilitating. Ironically, this occurred during a four-month stretch in the third year of a four-year stint with “The Phantom of the Opera”. I performed my way through it by telling myself over and over, “I’ve done this before. I can do it again.” It’s a mantra that Fred Astaire used. Fred had crippling stage fright during the filming of his solo dance sequences. He got through it by intense preparation. I learned from his words and conquered my demons. Looking back, I think the causation was being too much of a perfectionist, being afraid to make a mistake.
I’ve been away from auditioning for awhile. My past seven shows were by invitation and I am so very aware of my good fortune. But it means my audition pieces are rusty and in the past 18 months of transition, that the materials are scattered. Are they in storage, in my home or at my parents? As it turns out, I found audition books and sheet music in all three locations. (I'm still missing the first two pages of “To Each His Dulcinea”. I’ve got the bridge through the end and all of the lyrics.)
My recent theatre resume has been updated. It needs to be copied, cut down to fit the back of my head-shot and stapled. I found four audition books - my personal show-tune bibles. I’ve taken my audition songs and potential audition pieces and organized them in notebooks using clear, non-glare sheet protectors. I want to make sure that any accompanist can turn the pages with ease. Also, the music is clearly marked, the roadmap is clear for all of the pieces. Your accompanist, even if a stranger, is your friend in an audition. Be respectful, no matter the level of their skill.
My check list is ready: Comic song ... uptempo and driving ... introspective acting piece ... soaring, rangy power ballad ... the two specialty pieces for upcoming auditions that have to be learned. I went over the songs last night before I went to bed. The lyrics were a bit shaky because I hadn’t even looked at any of the songs in the past 18 months. This morning I woke up, looked up at the ceiling and sang through all four without missing a word. It’s amazing what happens after review, when you sleep on it.
It’s time again to put myself on the line and pursue my passion. It’s time to dust off the rust and make music. Nothing has changed in terms of the reality of my life at this point in time. But the simple decision to once again make the effort to be competitive, has energized me. Nerves are part of that equation. I’ve put to rest the secret wish that the phone will ring and I’ll be asked to do a show. I’m going to have to work for it. The comeback begins with a coaching at 4pm today in Houston. It’s time to tell my stories.
But that doesn’t mean I don’t suffer from nerves. My touch point is memorization, especially the older I get. When I was young, with nothing to lose, I could laugh if I went up on the lyrics. As I grew in experience and success, I had a period of stage fright which was debilitating. Ironically, this occurred during a four-month stretch in the third year of a four-year stint with “The Phantom of the Opera”. I performed my way through it by telling myself over and over, “I’ve done this before. I can do it again.” It’s a mantra that Fred Astaire used. Fred had crippling stage fright during the filming of his solo dance sequences. He got through it by intense preparation. I learned from his words and conquered my demons. Looking back, I think the causation was being too much of a perfectionist, being afraid to make a mistake.
I’ve been away from auditioning for awhile. My past seven shows were by invitation and I am so very aware of my good fortune. But it means my audition pieces are rusty and in the past 18 months of transition, that the materials are scattered. Are they in storage, in my home or at my parents? As it turns out, I found audition books and sheet music in all three locations. (I'm still missing the first two pages of “To Each His Dulcinea”. I’ve got the bridge through the end and all of the lyrics.)
My recent theatre resume has been updated. It needs to be copied, cut down to fit the back of my head-shot and stapled. I found four audition books - my personal show-tune bibles. I’ve taken my audition songs and potential audition pieces and organized them in notebooks using clear, non-glare sheet protectors. I want to make sure that any accompanist can turn the pages with ease. Also, the music is clearly marked, the roadmap is clear for all of the pieces. Your accompanist, even if a stranger, is your friend in an audition. Be respectful, no matter the level of their skill.
My check list is ready: Comic song ... uptempo and driving ... introspective acting piece ... soaring, rangy power ballad ... the two specialty pieces for upcoming auditions that have to be learned. I went over the songs last night before I went to bed. The lyrics were a bit shaky because I hadn’t even looked at any of the songs in the past 18 months. This morning I woke up, looked up at the ceiling and sang through all four without missing a word. It’s amazing what happens after review, when you sleep on it.
It’s time again to put myself on the line and pursue my passion. It’s time to dust off the rust and make music. Nothing has changed in terms of the reality of my life at this point in time. But the simple decision to once again make the effort to be competitive, has energized me. Nerves are part of that equation. I’ve put to rest the secret wish that the phone will ring and I’ll be asked to do a show. I’m going to have to work for it. The comeback begins with a coaching at 4pm today in Houston. It’s time to tell my stories.
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no subject
Date: 2007-09-02 03:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-02 03:14 pm (UTC)Good luck, Neil!
Date: 2007-09-02 03:16 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-02 03:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-02 03:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-02 05:18 pm (UTC)Hugs!
no subject
Date: 2007-09-02 07:45 pm (UTC)Like you, I've found that preparation is the key. Knowing a song inside and out gives you the confidence needed to interpret, embellish and improvise as need be (Where would any modern Gospel song be without these ingredients?).
Prep as much as you need to, then relax, let it happen, and kill.
no subject
Date: 2007-09-03 12:08 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-03 04:55 am (UTC)Meanwhile, I'm crossing my fingers for you (when they're not busy on the piano learning new music!)
no subject
Date: 2007-09-03 12:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-03 02:13 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-03 02:14 pm (UTC)Re: Good luck, Neil!
Date: 2007-09-03 02:17 pm (UTC)DO keep your fingers crossed that I can land either a tour or a significant job in Minneapolis. My finances are screaming for a bot of good fortune.
Thanks for the faith in my performing and in my writing!
HUGS!
no subject
Date: 2007-09-03 02:21 pm (UTC)Know that you have my support and immense goodwill as you make changes in the next few months. I believe in you and that you can do so without sacrificing what you love the most.
HUGS!
Money Notes Were There
Date: 2007-09-03 02:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-03 02:26 pm (UTC)Am I correct that the surgery was postponed till the end of September? I'll be checking in during the trip. I leave on Wednesday morning.
Big HUGS!
no subject
Date: 2007-09-03 02:29 pm (UTC)Absolutely on target advice!
I appreciate the words of support. As you know, they go a long way when you're going through a lot of change!
HUGS!
It Is My Passion and Yesterday FIlled Me With Joy
Date: 2007-09-03 02:33 pm (UTC)Reminding Myself
Date: 2007-09-03 02:39 pm (UTC)HUGS!
I take nothing for granted ...
Date: 2007-09-03 02:48 pm (UTC)"Wonderful Town" was offered to me while I was on the road with the previous "Evita" tour (when the Beadle in "Sweeney Todd" didn't work out). I've worked for the theater in Seattle several times; believe me, I am really appreciative and happy for the opportunities!!
Re: Money Notes Were There
Date: 2007-09-03 02:57 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-03 03:46 pm (UTC)I admire performers for their sheer courage; oh I suppose part of it is more like sheer chutzpah, but somewhere in there something is being conquered. I have no such bravery myself and have always been grateful that I am not my own instrument the way you guys are.
It's great to hear you're up for this again - and you know I send tons of encouragement as you get back into the saddle. One of my fondest fantasies currently is to see you under stage lights performing on one of my sets (again) !
HUGS!!
no subject
Date: 2007-09-03 07:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-04 12:55 am (UTC)Keep the fingers crossed for the courage. I'm hoping the auditions are like getting up on bicycle again and riding merrily down the road! :)
Big HUGS! Hope to see you soon!
no subject
Date: 2007-09-04 12:57 am (UTC)HUGS!
no subject
Date: 2007-09-04 01:56 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-04 02:28 am (UTC)Yep, you're right .. nothing of interest ... *grin*
Anything you want to write about in your journal is of interest to me, because you are important to me.
Big HUGS!