Justin Whyte, Entertainment Editor
AN AUDITION is intended to test an individual's suitability or ability to perform a particular role adequately in various areas of the performing arts, whether it be music, dance, drama or speech.
Over the years, it has become an accepted procedure to audition individuals before admitting them to membership in an organisation for a specified theatrical presentation.
Auditions often are utilised as a means of limiting membership, but more often it is the method of obtaining the best person for the role. Theatrical directors, using this procedure, justify it as a necessary means of utilising the selected artistes with the best possible theatrical experience.
The interviewer at auditions should be careful to provide the opportunity for participation of the highest calibre, so as to select the individual who is best suited and who will contribute positively to the cast or group.
As most persons are always undergoing changes, physically and mentally, it is advisable to re-test persons after a first failure.
"People should be told what went wrong and a demonstration should be done by the testing panel, if possible. And probably, they should be advised to re-apply," said Doug Bennett, chairman of the Jamaica Musical Theatre Company, which incorporates the Junior Theatre, and musical director of the Junior Musical Theatre Company.
Mr. Bennett also told Showbiz that he had strong views on the matter of auditions.
"It is very necessary. If you are going to hold an audition, you should convince the person being auditioned it is important," he said. "If they are not doing well, make allowance for shyness, tenseness."
However, Mr. Bennett said, "The emphasis is on what the individual can do... (a method which works well is to) set a piece for them to look at and then act."
For example, he said, "In the case of movements, at the JMTC we let dancers move in groups and we look out for what they are capable of doing."
"Persons who wish to do an audition for a theatrical production or otherwise must be able to sing, dance and speak clearly," said Barbara Gloudon, communications consultant and radio talk show host.
Mr. Bennett agreed and added that "General attractiveness and suitable deportment are quite necessary."
He told Showbiz that the person being auditioned need not sing through or go through an entire poem. The decision can be taken by listening to a few lines. "Sometimes too, the pieces are unsuitable and they are advised to make another selection," he said.
Both Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Gloudon said it was important to be punctual as many people do not take appointments seriously. They turn up late or ill-prepared and then they are surprised that in the end they lost their chance. Mrs. Gloudon also also felt that if one cannot make an audition on time, it is likely that that individual would show up late for performances.
Many persons turn up for an audition and discovering that it is serious business give excuses like, 'I did not know I was to sing' or 'I'm having a sore throat' or "My feet hurt".
Mrs. Gloudon pointed out that some people "listen to a well known artiste and try to imitate... We also find in the Pantomime auditions, people not wanting to sing our Jamaican folk songs. We have heard about cases where persons believe that the audition was unfairly conducted."
Showbiz asked Mr. Bennett for his comments on this issue.
"Well, favouritism has no place in the JMTC's auditions. Our auditions are done by two persons and no communication goes on between them, until at the end, we exchange our findings and collate marks. Sometimes our findings are the same," he said.
Do you use understudies for theatrical roles produced by your company? "Not really, but sometimes we have two persons learning that role. However, we give no assurance to any particular person that he will be chosen. It is not economically viable," he explained.
Audley Greene, a principal player in the LTM Pantomine, felt that audition sessions do not show up one's true potential.
"Sometimes we go overboard to impress and when given the role, one wonders if it's the same person who performed so well at the auditions," he said. He also felt that due to shyness and introverted tendencies, one's true potential is unclear. "Auditions put people under undue stress."
It was also felt that sometimes performers were auditioned to play a particular character - say for a 'princess' role but really the character may be better suited for a less regal role. Hence a conflict in personality
portrayal.
How should one be attired? Showbiz asked Mrs. Gloudon. "Since you are being required to dance, wear or bring exercise clothes - leotards, shorts, T-shirt and comfortable shoes," she said.
And, according to Mr. Greene, "One has to be mentally focussed and present a 'go-getter persona'".
Should one be specially prepared for auditioning? "One must be physically prepared - not hungry - no body injury, especially for a dance audition," Mr. Greene advised.
He was also at pains to point out that one should be aware of the image of the particular theatrical group and their forte and select material for auditioning accordingly. If the company is a contemporary one, select pieces which match such.
Would you have advice for persons who intend to attend an audition? Mr. Greene felt that, "If you are not clear on why you fail an audition, speak with the interviewer and be informed of your weak and strong attributes."
The interviewers advised that persons auditioning for a musical should endeavour to 'reproduce a note (pitch) played on an instrument.'
"Speak in your own natural voice, don't hide your nervousness by speaking softly," Mrs. Gloudon said.
