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Show Day and Costumes Dance Recital Guide

Dance Recital Guide: Costumes and Show Day

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Check out the second installment of our Dance Recital Guide! The first blog can be found HERE. This one is all about taking care of your costume and getting ready for the big show day. Special thanks once again to Ms. Ayleen for writing this helpful content.

Costume Care:

  • If your costume gets dirty, spot clean with cold water and mild soap.
  • DO NOT use washing machines, dry cleaning, or ironing.
  • If needed, gently steam the costume using a garment steamer to remove wrinkles.

Shoe Care:

  • For leather shoes, use matching foundation to cover up dark spots and abrasions for photos.
  • For canvas shoes, gently spot clean with cold water and mild soap.

Costume Preparation:

  • Make sure costumes are neatly hung up.
  • Talk with your dance teacher about specific problems such as itchiness or undergarments showing before the show day.
  • Wear seamless and skin-colored undergarments or a leotard under your costume
  • Make sure straps are clear and/or convertible. This ensures that no straps are visible on stage.

To keep the fluff and poofiness of the costume:

  • Hang costume upside down
  • Gently use hairspray on the bottom of the tutu to keep its shape
  • Gently and lightly hairspray tights to prevent rips

 

Show Day Preparation and Tips:

  • Bring hair and makeup items in an extra bag for emergency touchups.
  • If participating in more than one dance, bring bags to separate shoes, costumes, and accessories.
  • Assigned backstage parents will be made aware of costume changes. Review costume changes with them and let them know if you will need assistance.
  • Set up a small station for your costume change. Take your costume out of your garment bag, lay shoes on the floor beside it, and have all accessories close by and ready to go.

Bonus Tips:

  • If possible, bring an extra pair of tights in case of a rip.
  • Use body glue if your dancer is doing tricks, doesn't wear tights, or if the costume moves a lot.
  • For any questions regarding costumes, please ask your dance instructor.
  • Label the dancer's name on the costume, tights, and shoes.

Recital Checklist:

  • Checked dancer information sheet
  • Bought tickets
  • Packed hair supplies for touchups
  • Packed makeup for touchups
  • Packed a small snack
  • Packed a lot of water
  • Packed backup tights (if you have extra)

 

Dealing With Nerves:

Recital day is a very special day for all of us. All season long, our dancers have made bonds with their dance friends, had fun in class, and practiced their dance to show a big audience. However, for many, this is their first time on stage. Even if they have done a show before, the nerves may still be there. Here are some ways to help ease their nerves on show day:

  • Find a story or book that relates to your dancer. My personal favorite is “The Night Before My Dance Recital”
  • Write a special note for your dancer to read backstage.
  • Talk to your little dancer. Ask them what their favorite part about dance is! Get them excited about being able to dance again!
  • After the show make them feel special! Getting on stage and dancing is a huge success. We are proud of our dancers for following their passions and we want to encourage that and help them find confidence on stage, before and after a show.

 

Conclusion:

We can't wait for our big Spring Dance Recital, and we hope that this information is helpful to our dancers! Remember to check out the other half of this guide as well as our other posts on the Knowledge Blog. Until next time, keep dancing, and see you at the show!

Dance Recital Guide Hair and Makeup

Dance Recital Guide: Hair and Makeup

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It’s Dance Recital Season, so I thought we should share some great advice and guidance on how to best prepare your dancer for the big show! Special thanks to Ms. Ayleen for creating this excellent content. Please note that students of other dance programs may have slightly different requirements – the instructions here are what we use at Songbirds. Stay tuned for next week’s Knowledge Blog which will include more Dance Recital information like costume care, tips for handling nerves, and special things to bring to the show!

Styling Hair for the Dance Recital:

Any of the following hairstyles are great choices for a Dance Recital. Be sure to check with your instructor to see if she has a preferred choice for your routine!

Ballet Bun With a Donut

  1. Slick the hair back into a high ponytail
  2. Place the donut onto the base of the ponytail
  3. Spread hair around the donut and secure it with a hair tie
  4. Wrap the remaining hair around the base of the bun
  5. Secure all the hair with pins and hair ties
  6. Slick back the hair using gel, hairspray, hairnet, etc.

Ballet Bun with Thick Hair

  1. Slick the hair back into a high ponytail
  2. Separate the hair into two sections
  3. Start wrapping one section of the hair around the ponytail. Secure it in place with pins
  4. Take the second section of hair and wrap it around the first section. Secure it in place
  5. Repeat these steps until all of the hair is wrapped and secured.

High Ponytail

  1. Trace your finger from the ear to the top of the head. This is where the ponytail should sit
  2. Slick back the hair and gather it all together where the ponytail should be.
  3. Secure the hair with hair ties, spray, gel, etc.

Half-up Half-down

  1. Trace your finger from the ear to the top of the head. This is where the ponytail should sit.
  2. Starting at the ear, use a comb to part the top half of the hair. Secure it at the top of the head.
  3. Secure with hair ties, spray, gel, etc.

Low Ponytail

  1. Part the hair in the middle
  2. Slick back the hair to the back of the neck
  3. Secure with hair ties, spray, gel, etc.

Low Buns (for Acro)

  1. Unless specified otherwise, low buns are the required Acro hairstyle.
  2. Use the same method for ballet buns to create a bun at the back of the neck.
  3. Ensure that the dancer can perform performance tricks with ease with the hairstyle

Styling Short Hair

  1. Use half-up half-down styles to be able to secure as much hair as possible
  2. Use extra pins, hairspray, and gel to ensure hair does not fall out
  3. Use low buns instead of ballet buns

Special Notes and Tricks:

Hairspray and Hair Gel should be used for all hairstyles. This ensures that all flyaways and baby hairs are tamed and that the hair stays put through the entirety of the performance.

Bobby Pins and Ballet Pins should be used for most hairstyles. These also ensure that all hair stays put through the entirety of the performance.

Thick U-shaped ballet bun pins are best for all bun hairstyles.

Hair Nets should be used for all bun hairstyles to keep the hair secure for the show.

ballet bun dance recital
Ballet Bun
High ponytail dance recital
High Ponytail
half up half down dance recital
Half-Up, Half-Down
low ponytail dance recital
Low Ponytail
low bun acro dance recital
Low Bun (for Acro)

Makeup Tips for the Dance Recital

Base

  • Having a base ensures that the dancer doesn't show any redness on stage
  • BB creams are perfect for littles and beginners for makeup. They reduce redness but they're not as heavy.
  • Foundation is recommended for older dancers who might need fuller coverage.

Face

  • Bronzers and blush help bring dimension back to the dancer's face as stage lights wash out facial features.
  • Highlighter helps accent the cheek and eyebrow bones.
  • Tip: you can use these as eyeshadows!

Setting Powder

  • Powders are amazing for covering any sweat or oil that is emphasized by stage lights and photography.
  • Use a powder with color to avoid flashback.

Setting Spray

  • Make sure to find a mattifying setting spray
  • Setting sprays help blend the makeup together and prolong the look.

Eyes

  • Mascara and eyeshadow can be so fun to play with for dancers!
  • Use your bronzers, blushes, and highlights as shadows for your eyes to avoid extra expenses!

Lips

  • Make it pop with some lipstick!
  • Try to avoid glossy lip products to prevent smudging on the face
  • Go towards darker and bolder colors to prevent being washed out.

Conclusion:

I hope that this helps your dancer prepare for the big day! Stay tuned for some more excellent Dance Recital tips next week, and until then, check out our other Knowledge Blog posts!

International Dance Day Songbirds

Celebrating International Dance

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It’s easy to focus on our favorite dance styles, especially for current students of ballet, hip-hop, and other classroom dance education. However, we all know that dance has evolved and changed with humanity for eons – the first recorded history of dance is from over 4,000 years ago! In honor of International Dance Day this Saturday, May 29th, let’s take a moment and enjoy some quality videos and information celebrating how far we’ve come with dance!

 

All resources in this Knowledge Blog have been pulled from KET Education, an amazing resource for educational and archival material. I’ve curated my favorite videos, but please explore their site further!

 

West African Dance

Africa has an incredibly rich culture of dance and music, the two of which are forever intertwined. Dance blends and connects social conversation, religion, ceremony, celebration, and fun in Africa. Check out this video of an instructor teaching some basic West African Dance moves!

 

Salsa

Everyone loves a good Salsa! From swing dance groups to Latin, Salsa has always been a hit. Check out this video to learn the basic Salsa pattern and incorporate it into your routines! As mentioned in the video, Salsa is based around a musical repeating phrase, the clave. Salsa is a great way to hone your rhythmic skills as well!

 

Appalachian Dance

Folk dance (and music) from the Appalachian area of the United States has always been at risk of being lost to time. Check out this video that does an excellent job preserving it – you may recognize some moves!

 

Jamaica Funk

Truly an international dance, Jamaican tap, like in the video, is a blend of European and African styles. Students of modern tap will recognize similar techniques that carry over from this style! Check it out in this video!

 

Irish Dance

Everyone loves some good Irish Dance! One of my favorite parts of living in Pittsburgh was attending the annual Pittsburgh Irish Festival – an excellent time to view international dance, music, and cuisine. This video demonstrates some traditional Irish Dancing and accompaniment.

 

Navajo Shaker Dance

The Navajo people are the second largest indigenous group in the United States and inhabit modern-day Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. They have a rich culture that is permanently linked to dance. This video shows a traditional dance from their Fire Dance Ceremony.

 

Bharathanatyam Dance

Moving across the world of international dance, India has a vast archive of traditional dances. The style showcased in this video includes all major aspects of Indian classical dance, especially facial acting, narration, and postures. Watch the hands for a lot of key moves!

 

Chinese Sword Dance

Like other international dance cultures, China’s roots in dance are linked to its other forms of expression. In this case, Tai Chi and martial arts fluidly mix with dance to create the Chinese Sword Dance. Tai Chi is a soft, defensive martial art that also focuses on meditation. It is practiced by over 300 million people worldwide! Check it out here!

 

Conclusion:

I hope that you learned something new from these resource videos and gained some inspiration for your next routine! Happy International Dance Day – be sure to thank the dance teachers in your life! Stay tuned for our next installment of the Knowledge Blog, and until then, keep practicing!

Practice Tips for Performance

How to Really Practice

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This upcoming weekend, our student Rock Bands will be performing at one of the biggest local festivals that occurs each year. In light of that, I thought it’d be a good idea to go over some tips for preparing for your next big performance, audition, or show! This information is geared towards musicians, but dancers and other performing artists may find it helpful as well. These tips apply most appropriately for live music – stay tuned if you’re looking for tips on how to record successfully. On to the info!

 

1. Accessories and Backups

No matter what you’re playing or performing, your instrument or equipment will need accessories of some kind. That may be reeds for a clarinet, slide oil for a trombone, picks for a guitar, or rosin for a bow. The night before you perform, check that you have everything packed and that it’s ready to go. Always bring as many backups as possible – you’ll never need them if you have them, but that one time that you only have one set of guitar strings will be that one time that they break during a show. Being prepared with all of your gear will give you extra peace of mind and will help you focus on having fun for your performance.

 

2. Tuning

It may seem obvious, but it’s super easy to overlook tuning. Tune your instrument before you play, and double-check that tuning before you go on stage! Singers should warm up gently without overdoing it. If you are playing in a climate with humidity and temperature fluctuation, like outdoors in summer, you’ll need to check your tuning more frequently. It’s a good idea to go the extra mile and have your instrument serviced by a professional repair technician in between shows. It may need some TLC to get it playing optimally. The worst feeling is playing an instrument that fights against you.

 

3. Silly Things

Double check all of the silly things that often get overlooked. Is your guitar plugged in? Is the amp volume set appropriately? Are the PA speakers on? Did you tighten your bow? Is your reed set correctly on the mouthpiece? When something goes wrong at a performance, it’s almost always due to something silly and minor. The amount of times that I’ve forgotten to plug in a cable…

 

4. Take it Seriously, but Don’t.

Performing should always make you a tiny bit nervous. This doesn’t mean that earthshaking, panic-inducing stage fright that we feel the first time that we try something new – this means that little tingle of nerves that mean we care. Taking your performance seriously helps you focus and play your best, but remember that the Arts are meant to be shared and enjoyed. We aren’t saving lives and the stakes aren’t high when we play. Just have fun, play, and take it seriously (a little bit).

 

5. Control Your Body

With any kind of performance, your body is either your instrument or an extension of your instrument. The best thing that you can do is breathe slowly, deeply, and with steady rhythm. Deep breathing tricks your body into feeling calm and safe. On the other hand, fast, shallow, and arhythmic breathing starts a panic reflex in the body. This then snowballs into an adrenaline rush, or the fight/flight/freeze response that you often hear so much about. If you’ve ever had sweaty palms, increased heart rate, or dizziness before going on stage, you’ve had your panic reflex well underway. Before performing, take purposeful time to breathe and slow down. Try inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth on an “s” or “z” sound. This trick slows your air and offers gentle resistance to your airstream. You can also experiment with using a “power pose” – the most common is a shoulder-width stance with your hands on your hips and chest raised. An open position like this also tricks your body into slowing down and helps fight off stage fright.

 

6. Practice with Intention

Take time to practice well before your performance. The phrase “amateurs practice until they get it right, masters practice until they can’t get it wrong” is annoying, but accurate. Practice with intention and focus as much as possible, but don’t overdo it. It’s much more effective to practice in short increments frequently than one big chunk per day. Take breaks when needed, and make a point to be honest and focus on the sections that need the most work. It’s tempting to practice your performance all the way through, but the spots that need fixing will be glossed over and sloppy. Be like a bloodhound after a scent and target the tricky bits – if you can fix them, your entire performance will improve! Lastly, remember that good practicing takes time (a lot of time!). You probably won’t be able to prepare a new piece the day before a performance, so plan ahead.

 

I hope that your next performance is fun, awesome, and rewarding! Stay tuned for future installments of our Knowledge Blog, and in the meantime, keep practicing!

Meritocracy

The Myth of Meritocracy

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Meritocracy

What is a meritocracy, anyway? Politically, it’s a system of government where the people select their ruler based on ability alone. In theory, the most well-qualified individual earns the right to rule. In regards to art and performance, a meritocracy would exist in a situation where the person with the most experience or formal education lands the job. This rarely, if ever, happens in the real world. Artistic success is a volatile concoction of many disparate attributes, and unfortunately, there is no cut and dry recipe for success. However, performers can benefit from considering the following attributes that get most people hired. If you are looking to improve your rates of artistic success, try stretching yourself towards these categories.

Education Isn\'t Only a Degree

In most cases, professional degrees from college will not help you get hired in the arts or performance fields. A mistake that many artists with degrees make is that they expect that the field \”owes\” them for their time invested in higher learning. Once more, art is not a meritocracy. Try to think of formal degrees as important, valuable tools that help you build the career you want. You may not be able to build a bed with only a screwdriver, but you certainly won\'t be able to build one without it.

Education is extremely important. It helps you hone your craft and it gives you the confidence to pursue your goals. Be aware that earning more degrees will not guarantee you a job or lasting success. What you learn from being a working artist or performer outside of school is just as valuable as what you learn behind the desk. Try to accept most opportunities that come your way without burning the candle at both ends. You never know what you’ll learn and who you’ll meet! The most successful people in the arts are those who show up and start conversations with their peers. An excellent book, written by one of my own college professors, is The Savvy Musician. I highly recommend it for all musicians and most performers of other disciplines!

Looks Matter

This is the ugly truth: looks matter in the arts, probably more than you expect. Especially with performance and auditions, people care what you look like and are eager to criticize your features. If you are hoping to become the next pop idol, you will need to exercise and watch what you eat. Artists who will be in the public eye need to develop a consistent sense of fashion and style. Most importantly, you must remain confident of your body and the way that you carry yourself. It is unfortunate, but conventionally “good-looking” people will get hired over someone who isn’t as well-dressed or confident but who is more skilled. This reality is uncomfortable, but it is here to stay for the conceivable future.

Branding

Your brand is what makes you identifiable. This should be something that helps you stand out in a crowd and links you to your art. For example, Adele’s albums and artwork are almost always done in greyscale. This scheme, as well as her dress, harkens back to an older and more intimate time of performance. This coincides with her music as many of her songs sound as though she has an “old soul” and are about tough personal topics. Focus on ways to link your personality and image to your work. Having a solid brand will help you get noticed which will, in turn, help you get hired. Ask a trusted friend or family member what makes you unique if you are stuck for ideas.

Right Place, Right Time

As previously mentioned, the most successful artists have the biggest web of connections and acquaintances. Train yourself to be personable and easy to work with. Knowing lots of peers will increase your chances of being in the right place at the right time. You want to be the person that your peers think of when they are in a pinch. Be friendly, kind, and good at what you do. Being in the right place at the right time isn’t about luck at all. It just boils down to consistent and quality work as a dependable artist. Think of the arts as a meritocracy of people skills – if you train yourself to become a people person, you will cultivate more connections that lead to success.

Who Do You Know?

Similar to the previous topic, successful artists challenge themselves to meet the movers and shakers in their field. If you are the most skilled or outgoing person in a room, you are in the wrong room. Push the boundaries with your art and you will attract people who are doing the same. Successful artists always have one eye open and focused on ways to leap into new opportunities. Be sure to cultivate your professional relationships and rarely, if ever, burn bridges. The artistic field is very small and word travels fast. If you accidentally upset a colleague, you may be barred from other opportunities with someone else. Stay in touch with your acquaintances and be quick to offer help (without overextending yourself!) when someone needs it. Your kindness will return to you.

Social Media Is Your Friend

Regardless of your opinions of social media, it isn’t going anywhere. Successful artists have a wide network and prominent online presence. Social media is also a great tool for virtually attending events, starting collaborations, and meeting new people. Sharing and reposting topics from artists with higher online pull than you will also help you become noticed. Learn how to maximize your usage of social media and you will increase your chances of artistic success.

Finding consistent success in the arts is like catching lightning in a bottle. It isn’t often possible, but considering the above tips will increase your chances of getting hired and being noticed. Remember that art is not a meritocracy and that your skills and experience will not guarantee success. A successful artist is one who is adaptable, versatile, outgoing, and kind. Stay tuned for our next blog post, or read about loads of other informative topics here!

Thank your Judges

Auditions Part 6: Thank Your Judges

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This is the sixth part of an eleven-piece series on ways that you can improve your auditions! Read our previous post on being yourself here. We will be taking an honest and in-depth look at how auditions work and what you can do to succeed. This edition focuses on how to properly thank your judges and make a smooth exit after the audition. Guarantee that your last impression at the audition is a positive one!

Thank your Judges

Thanking the Judges

After you have performed your audition, don’t forget to thank your judges! It is also important to acknowledge the accompanist if there is one. It’s a good idea to follow with a short sentence wishing them well with the rest of their audition day or an upcoming event (ex: “Thank you so much for hearing me today. I hope that you have a great weekend!”) Resist the urge to make conversation or to ask questions. It is not the appropriate time to inquire about audition results or what will happen next. NEVER ask for feedback or fish for compliments about your performance. It is rare to get any written or verbal commentary on your audition. 

If the judges ask you questions about your availability, resume, or attempt to make conversation, keep your responses genuine but to the point. Rehearse your answers beforehand so that you don’t ramble or qualify your statements. For example, a poor response to the question, “What is your availability next month?” would be, “Well, I’m free every day but Wednesday. That’s because I babysit my neighbor’s kid but they sometimes are homeschooled, so it depends on the week. I guess I’m free some Wednesdays.” A more appropriate response  would be, “I’m available every day but Wednesday. I may be able to make exceptions if the rehearsal schedule is published in advance.” Ultimately, be yourself but remain aware that the judges are on a relatively strict time table.

Avoid Questions

The following is a list of questions that should never be asked of the judges in an audition. Most should be self-explanatory. If you happen to ask one or more of these questions, it will not bode well for your chances of being hired!

“How did I do?”

“Can you give me any feedback?”

“I made a mistake. May I do it again?”

“May I restart?”

“When will I hear about the results?”

“How much does this pay?”

“May I start?” or “Are you ready?”

“Did I bring the right material?”

After your performance, your focus should immediately shift to thanking the judges and making a gracious exit. Save the questions for later!

Remember the Proctors

When leaving the audition location, remember to thank the proctors or the members of the company working in the lobby. Their job is very difficult, and treating them well reflects positively on your character and professionalism. The proctors may have a slight influence on who gets hired. If you have any questions about the next step or when you will hear results, you may ask the proctor after your audition. Assuming that you were friendly with them when you first arrived, they will be eager to help you and chat.

The Truth

People will always remember how you go out more than how you came in. This is true for first meetings like auditions and long-term commitments like relationships, employment, projects, and schooling. You must pour your positive energy and kindness into your exit so that a bad impression doesn’t sour the hard work that you put into your audition. Imagine that the audition extends into the parking lot. By doing so, you will maintain composure all the way until you reach your car or another form of transportation. This goes along with the idea of “maintaining face.” If you feel that your audition was not your best or if you are upset about something, try your hardest to not acknowledge that or convey your emotions until you are in a private place. It is both professional and admirable to be able to hold your composure in all circumstances. When you are leaving, don’t forget to smile and breathe a sigh of relief! The hardest part is over and you did it. Congrats!

Use these tips to make sure that everyone’s last impression of you at the audition is a good one. Always thank your judges and the audition staff! Read more of our audition tips here. Stay tuned for the next installment of our audition series, being helpful!

Auditions Part 5

Auditions Part 5: Be Yourself

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This is the fifth part of an eleven-piece series on ways that you can improve your auditions! Read our previous post on punctuality here. We will be taking an honest and in-depth look at how auditions work and what you can do to succeed. This edition focuses on how to be yourself and be personable before and after your audition. A positive attitude and demeanor in the waiting area can speak volumes for your hireability!

Auditions Part 5

Make Conversation

Once you have gotten settled in the waiting area, take time to chat with those around you. It is important to meet people from the company or organization – often several of them are lurking in the lobby! Don’t be afraid to be yourself. It looks good if you are able to converse with other auditioners and the proctors. If you are stuck for conversation topics, try asking people what they do for a living outside of performance or if they have other hobbies. Appropriate jokes are always good for breaking the ice. Your audition actually starts the moment that you walk into the waiting area. If the judges have a hard time deciding who to hire at the end of the day, proctors may be asked to provide input. If you leave a good first impression, it will be noticed! 

Don\'t Boast

Boasting and bragging can be exceptionally prevalent in the waiting area before an audition. It is a toxic practice in which many performers engage in order to boost their own confidence and scare the other auditioners. Those who boast are often very skilled at it and can quickly drag you into their net. You should never name-drop, talk about previous important performance experiences, reference special connections that you have that might “get you ahead”, or talk in depth about previous experiences with the company for which you are auditioning. When other auditioners attempt to drag you into this, diffuse the situation as quickly as possible. If you are socially confident and skilled with verbal banter, try to turn the conversation around in a way that puts pressure on the instigator. You should never do this in an aggressive or combative way. An example dialogue is as follows:

Instigator: I’m not worried about this audition. I know “super-famous-director-person”. I’m guaranteed to get hired.

You: That’s good for you. I hope your audition goes well.

Instigator: I’m sure it will. Do you know “super-famous-director-person”? It helps to know her. I wouldn’t want to be here if I didn’t know her.

You: I believe you, but I’d rather focus on preparing for my audition. I don’t like to rely on connections – I want to get the job because of my performance and hard work.

Skillfully avoiding this kind of conversation and being able to quickly divert it looks good to the proctors and those in the company. It’s also good practice for being a considerate human being. Be yourself and be kind – it will speak volumes for your level of professionalism!

Be Helpful

While you are waiting, be sure to remain aware and keep an eye on the room. A fellow colleague may have forgotten a pencil, makeup, a binder, a tie, or any other audition item. Try to be helpful if you can! Going out of your way to be supportive of others and their success speaks volumes for your professionalism. If you are open to being kind and helpful, it will be noticed by the proctors and the audition staff!

Be Natural

While in the audition room, be yourself and act as you normally would. Resist the urge to put on a facade or act falsely in an attempt to impress the judges. Imagine that the judges are old acquaintances that you haven’t seen in a long while. Likewise, you could pretend that the judges are family members or co-workers and that you are equals. It looks good if an auditioner is comfortable, polite, and relaxed while conversing with the judges. Speak slowly and clearly, and above all, try not to stress. If you are worried about what to say, simply smile, stand comfortably, and wait to be addressed. What slating your name and repertoire, remember to speak more slowly than you think is necessary.

Use these tips to remain calm and be yourself in your next big audition! Be kind, helpful, and personable in the waiting area as well. Doing so will help you succeed and will greatly improve your chances of being hired. Stay tuned for the next installment of our audition series: Thanking the Judges!

Auditions Part 4

Auditions Part 4: Be Early

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This is the fourth part of an eleven-piece series on ways that you can improve your auditions! Read our previous post on Female Clothing here. We will be taking an honest and in-depth look at how auditions work and what you can do to succeed. This edition focuses on the single most important aspect of the audition process: being on time. Timeliness will absolutely make or break your audition, sometimes even before you have performed. Be early!

Auditions Part 4

The Ugly Truth

If you are late to your assigned audition time, it is extremely likely that you will not be hired. Further, if you no-show or “ghost” on the judges, you may even be blacklisted from future auditions with that company. Be careful – the arts community is small and people talk. News of a bad audition with one company may spread and prevent you from success with other companies. If you are running late, the best thing to do is to call the company and explain what is happening with your schedule. Leave a voicemail if necessary. Doing so may cause you to forfeit the audition, but it likely won’t blacklist you for future opportunities. If you need to cancel the audition or request to reschedule for any reason, it is best to notify the company with as much notice as possible.

Local Auditions

If your audition is local and you know where you are going, plan to arrive at least half an hour before your scheduled time. You never know when traffic or other obstacles will get in your way. Get in the habit of building excess time into your schedule so that you can be early and travel without rushing. It is always a good idea to use traffic apps that update in real-time like Waze.

Foreign Auditions

If your audition is in a foreign area or is very far away, plan on arriving at least an hour early to account for transportation issues and for getting lost. So many things can go sour: a wrong address, unexpected construction, a cancelled train, and more. It is prudent to research the area and exactly how you will arrive ahead of time. Google Maps is very helpful for this. Extra and more thorough planning is required if your audition is in a foreign country. Don’t risk your audition (and your reputation) on shoddy planning.

The Perks of Being Early

Arriving early can often give you bonus points with the company. If the audition schedule is running ahead, the judges can see you sooner (which means that they can go home earlier!). If this happens, you are NOT obligated to enter the judging room early. You are permitted to wait until your assigned time if you need an extra moment to collect yourself and finish any preparations. Entering an audition early is a nice gesture, but only if you feel completely ready. Do not sabotage your audition by entering underprepared.

Once more, being late to an audition is the most debilitating mistake that you can make. It is often easily avoided as well! Use these tips to ensure that you will be early to your next audition. Stay tuned for our next installment of our Audition Series – being yourself!

Auditions Part 3

Auditions Part 3: Preparation

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This is the third installment of our eleven-part series on how to improve your next big audition! We’ve taken a good look at male and female audition clothing. Now it’s time to talk about something that can absolutely make or break you audition – preparation.

Auditions Part 3

Plan Ahead.

As much as possible, plan the audition and the events leading up to it. You need to be meticulous and thorough. Know exactly how you will arrive to your audition and the various items that you will need for the journey. If your audition is in a foreign city, be sure to research exactly where it is located. Use GPS and map applications to plan a timetable, being sure to account for traffic and other anomalies. Always build extra time into the schedule. For musicians, ensure that all of your sheet music is properly organized in a black three-ring binder. Never use page protectors or staples while preparing music! Likewise, complete all accompanist annotations early. Finally, take time to research the company and the details of the job for which you will be auditioning. Extra knowledge about your potential employers will always come in handy.

Don’t Scramble on Audition Day.

You need to be focused on your audition for the big day. It is very easy to get frazzled if you have to run around searching for a missing resume or other piece of equipment. This is especially dangerous while on a time crunch and greatly increases your chances of forgetting something. Everything should be ready to go the night before the audition.

Make Lists.

Grab your phone or a piece of paper and write down everything that you will need for the audition. Nothing is too big or too small. For example, if you will need money for bus fares, be sure to include that! Alternatively, write down a timetable with steps leading up to the audition. It is a great way to ensure that you have enough time to realistically arrive to the audition without being in a rush. What’s more, it allows you to quickly see your plan and address any missing pieces.

Triple Check Your Preparation.

Aim to thoroughly go over your plan at least three times before leaving for the audition. Make sure that all of your required items are organized. If you need to bring resumes or paper products, check that the pages are all facing the right direction. All sheet music, especially that for accompanists, should be carefully checked for errors. Do not make the fatal mistake of placing your pages out of order.

Idiot-Proof the Plan.

To reduce the risk of forgetting something, place all important items in high traffic areas in your house. Make it impossible for you to leave your things behind if you get in a rush. Don’t forget the big and obvious items! When something goes wrong, it is often something silly that you would never expect. One time, I was hired to sing a local concert with an accompanist. I was on a time crunch and left the house without grabbing the only necessary item – the binder full of music for the accompanist! Consider what you absolutely must have in order to survive the audition and prioritize those items.

Make a Kit.

If you frequently attend auditions, it is a good idea to build an audition kit as extra preparation. This can be as small or elaborate as you like and should be stored in a sealable container or bag. Your kit should include as many frequently-used audition items as possible. You may also wish to include emergency items. An example of audition kit items can be found below:

Hair brush, Beard brush, Hair gel, Razor for shaving, Lint roller, Breath mints or gum, Toothbrush, Mouthwash, Face wash or soap, Deodorant, Socks, Phone charger, Money, Replacement shoe laces, Feminine Hygiene Products, Makeup Essentials, Pen and pencil, Electrical Tape or Duct Tape

You never know when something will go wrong. Being ready for anything will help you remain calm and therefore increase your chances of audition success!

Have Extras.

If your audition has paper requirements like resumes, headshots, repertoire sheets, sheet music, etc., be sure to print and bring more than you think that you need. Even if the company provided information that details exactly how many copies are required, bring more anyway. Audition panels frequently change. If a new judge arrives and extra materials are needed, your preparation will pay off! What’s more, papers can easily be damaged in transit. Store all paper products in a plain black three-ring binder to reduce this risk.

Use these handy tips to better prepare yourself for your next big audition. Following them will also help you be more relaxed and confident! Stay tuned for our next installment of the audition series: Time Management

This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from our links, which we almost always blow on new guitars!

Female Clothing

Auditions Part 2: Female Clothing

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This is the second part of an eleven-piece series on ways that you can improve your auditions! Read our previous post on Male Clothing here. We will be taking an honest and in-depth look at how auditions work and what you can do to succeed. Before diving in and looking at some suggestions for how women should dress at auditions, let’s review the most important tidbit for this entire series:

The most important task that you have in an audition is to get the judges to remember you in a positive way. If you can stand out for good reasons, you will have a much higher chance of success and achieving your goals. Focus on making that killer first impression.

The day before your audition, take time to select what you will wear. Some auditions make it easy and provide a dress code, but most do not. Whatever you wear needs to be comfortable. It should make your job as a performer easier. It also needs to look professional while still being unique. Try to find something that accents your personality and makes you stand out in a good way. Semi-formal or casual auditions are more challenging for female clothing because the dress code can be more loose. It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. An audition judge will forgive formal-wear at a semi-formal audition easier than ripped jeans at that same audition.

*Note: This might seem frustrating, but try to think of an audition as a job interview. It is if it results in a paycheck!*

Now, let’s cover female clothing for auditions from head to toe!

Hair

You know your hair and what it needs better than anyone. Before the audition, make sure that your hair is clean and behaving the way that you want. Any type of hairstyle is appropriate for auditions as long as it makes you feel great. Hairstyles that obstruct the face or eyes should be avoided. Further, steer away from any hairstyles that will tempt you to fidget with them during your audition. A strand of hair across your cheek may look fantastic, but if it is going to distract you from your performance, it isn’t worth it.

Makeup

The use of makeup and the quantity of makeup used for auditions is a completely personal decision. Try not to vary from your normal usage too greatly in order to avoid potential problems. Remember that everything is better in moderation and that the judges will want to see your face and eyes. That said, if you know your audition will be on a stage, make sure to wear makeup that will make your eyes visible from a distance. Mascara and eye liner are a good idea as there may be harsh stage lights. The goal is to be visible without being distracting.

Accents

As with hair and makeup, any jewelry that you wear should not pull attention away from your face and eyes. Giant and intricate pieces, although memorable, are much more appropriate for a performance or gala setting. Select jewelry that you love. It should make you feel like a million bucks while simultaneously complementing your personality and sense of style. Remember to match colors of stones and metals across your ensemble.

Dresses

Although many clothing options are appropriate for auditions, most women choose to wear some type of dress. If you wear a dress to your audition, make sure that the length is appropriate and professional. If you are on a stage or raised surfaced, dresses will seem shorter than they actually are. You don't want to be in a situation where you feel uncomfortable and are pulling on your dress while performing. Likewise, be mindful of the cut of the dress around the chest area. As said before, whatever you wear needs to accent your face, eyes, and performance abilities.

If you choose to wear a strapless dress, make sure that it stays up on its own and that you will not need to adjust it. Likewise, choose a dress that is fidget-proof. Many women subconsciously play with the front and sides of their dresses while performing or waiting for an audition.

Most performers suggest a solid black dress. Although we recommend wearing a solid color, as opposed to a dress with very complex patterns, the dress does not have to be black. Wear a color that makes you feel like you! If you always wear green, grab a jewel toned green dress. If you are one of the lucky few who can pull off yellow, get a solid yellow dress.

Female Clothing Alternatives

Dress pants, nice jeans, blouses, jackets, and more may also be acceptable for your audition. If you choose to go with one of these non-dress alternatives, make sure that the clothing fits you well and that it has been properly ironed or steamed. The best thing that you can do for your clothing and for your wardrobe is to hire an amazing tailor. If needed, have the hemline of your pants adjusted and pant legs tapered. Going to a tailor can help you feel extra confident about your audition and what you choose to wear!

Shoes

The shoes that you choose for your audition must be comfortable! If heels are painful for you, do not wear them. Select shoes that you can wear for long periods of time so that you do not worry about them while auditioning. As with jewelry, it is a great idea to find shoes that positively accent your personality. Don’t let them distract from your performance, though! If you are auditioning on a stage or elevated surface, your shoes will be much more visible to the judges and will be noticed. Plan accordingly!

Overall, your look should make you feel confident and comfortable. It should be non-distracting. You want the judges to be able to imagine you in a variety of roles!

This concludes our ten tips for female clothing for auditions. Stay tuned for our next installment of this audition series: Preparation! You may also read our main Audition Tips here.

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