We recently asked Pixie O’ Kneel, co-producer & stage manager for Bewitching Burlesque to give us her tips and recommendations for auditioning for burlesque shows. Here’s her list:
Music
- Put your music on a CD and bring 2 copies. Make sure you use the blank discs that say “CD-R” on the packaging.
- Have the music for your audition piece and only that music on the CD. Don’t use your practice CD that is looped.
- Don’t expect the place you are auditioning to have hook ups for your IPod, or other MP3 player.
Video/DVD
- Move the furniture around so it is not blocking the view of you.
- Clear the room of pets and children, they are unpredictable and distracting.
- Have someone help you with the camera and the music or edit out the parts of you running over to start the camera and then running over to start the music.
- Make sure you are vertical on the screen and not horizontal.
- If you are not using a video link to your audition from a site such as YouTube, send a DVD and not a VHS tape.
- DVD vs. Video link? It is best to send a video link, unless you are specifically asked to send a DVD.
Time
- Be on time.
- Tardiness shows a lack of respect for others and that you are unreliable.
- Get directions, gas, and make sure you have all of your bits (costume, music, etc.).
- Have the contact info for the people in charge of the auditions in case of emergency or getting lost.
- Allow for an extra 15-20 minutes of drive time for traffic.
Closed Auditions
- “Closed audition” means the auditions are closed to the public.
- It can be very nerve-wracking to other “auditionees” to have people they don’t know at an audition. Seasoned performers may feel like they are giving a free show and debutantes could be just plain freaked out.
- Leave your friends at home. You can call and celebrate or commiserate when it’s over.
Gig Bag & Checklists
- Have one bag that you use just for gigs and auditions.
- Put everything you will need for the night in that one bag.
- A checklist is an invaluable tool.
- Make a list, save it on your computer and just print a copy every time you’re getting ready to audition.
Play Nice
- Be nice to the other performers in all aspects of the audition process.
- Don’t gossip. If you get the reputation of a gossip, you might just find yourself sitting in the corner by yourself.
- “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”
- Lend a helping hand.
- Be respectful of others and their pre-audition “process”.
- Introduce yourself to the “newbies” and people you don’t know.
- Be humble.