Help for actresses

I feel like something needs to be said to all the girls who want to be on Broadway.

Yes, just the girls. For one reason: Girls they can have anyone they want and it literally will be 1 out of 1,000,000,000. Where boys at most will probably be 1 out of 1,000.

Now I used to be in this mind set when I was 13/14 years old that one day I was just gonna wake up and be in a Broadway show. Not literally but I’m sure you all know what I’m talking about. It was very unrealistic. Until one day one of my grandmothers friends straight up told me “You need to set your sights else where because I’m tell ing you right now, you won’t make it.” it literally crushed me inside. The next day I just sat in the middle of my living room floor staring at the wall thinking “how am I going to do this… What am I doing wrong… Everyone one says I’m talented.” but the bottom line is: not everyone is picked up like the girls at the soda fountain. In fact no one is anymore.

This year I’ve done over 50 auditions one of which was for Phantom on Broadway, I do not think of myself as an “experienced” auditioner, in fact, I’m 17 just a few months ago, I’m just starting out. But from what I’ve learned so far here are some reality checkers, or tips, or whatever you want to call them!

(I apologize now if these seem harsh or hurt anyone, that is not the intention)

• Get voice lessons. Even if you think you don’t need them, get them anyway! I am always shocked at the difference in my voice and other peoples voices when they get voice lessons. And don’t get frustrated if it takes years and you are still making the same mistakes. When I was 12 up until I was 15 I was making the same mistakes and at a stand still, I wasn’t going anywhere, one day everything just clicked and I haven’t stopped making progress yet!

• You need a resumé. I can not tell you how many times I’ve seen people not only not bring a resumé in but they also have NO experience period and these are pre-professional plays. These directors are not here to train you. You need to be trained before. That is not their job.

• Have SOME kind of dance experience. Even if you are trying out for Les Mis. It looks really good on a resumé and even though there is hardly any dancing it just makes your chances higher.

• If you want to be on Broadway especially if you want to be immediately cast as a lead (Christine Daaé; Phantom, Éponine; Les Miserables, ect.) you NEED an equity card! You can not just walk in and audition! If you do not have an equity card they don’t even have to let you audition period. Those with an equity card MUST be seen, then if they have more time after that the people with “points for an equity card” are seen, and then the people with no equity. You go with a 0% chance of being seen. I went to Phantom with no Equity I was EXTREMELY lucky to be chosen to be seen. I was 1 out of 8 girls with no equity to be chosen off of head shot and resumé to let audition out of 180. That is your chance right there.

• Don’t bring your mother or siblings to an audition with you. I have run into SO many parents who have blown their child’s audition by being annoying, worrisome, and enquiring. So even if your mom or sibling is the sweetest person on earth just don’t. Leave them in the car.

• Follow the instructions. If it says there will be an accompanist bring sheet music, if it says bring a CD bring a CD WITHOUT the vocal track behind it. If it says to sing pop don’t sing Phantom, that won’t get you into RENT. If it says sing Classic Broadway don’t sing Newsies.

• Be nice to EVERYONE and NEVER be rude to the people who work there because believe it or not they may have a say in who gets casted. Be respectful to everyone else too and if someone asks for help give them honest help. Don’t sabotage them.

• Wear the correct clothing. If it says you may have to dance wear dance clothes. Never let it reveal any under clothing even if you think it looks nice or sexy; it doesn’t. Don’t do it. 

• If you are like me (semi-dark skinned, dark haired, dark eyes) don’t expect to be Amber in Hairspray. Embrace your ethnicity! There are SO many musicals out there! Many of them are blind casting too I know but still! Embrace how God created you!

• If the directors ask you to do something, just do it. Even if it is something ridiculous like acting like a blade of grass. Just do it.

• Don’t make excuses. Even if you are actually sick, they don’t care! Don’t say “oh there was traffic!” if you are late because you didn’t plan right. If there actually was traffic then say “sorry, I had another audition.” it’s the only thing they care to hear. If you are actually sick then deal with it. There will be other auditions.

• Don’t warm up in front of everyone, it’s annoying and looks unprofessional. Go into the bathroom or go outside if you can. They need silence when auditioning. So just like how you would like it when you are auditioning, be respectful and stay quite.

• Don’t go into the audition expecting anything, because only 1/100 times it’ll be a yes… For some it will never be a yes. You just have to keep trying and live life.

After all that, live your dream and be nice to one another and just have fun! This is one of the most fun jobs in the world so enjoy it!