Whenever we meet someone for the first time, there is a lot of judgement going on. You look at the person and are drawn to their eyes or face or outfit. You make assumptions about them. Their voice is smooth or annoying. Their handshake is firm or wimpy. You often make a connection quickly or write them off immediately.
In college we were taught that when you walk into an audition, you have roughly 7 seconds to make an impression on the director. Although that seems harsh, I am not so sure that we aren’t just as quick in every day life to make such snap decisions about everyone we meet.
In an audition, that 7 seconds is usually before you ever start your monologue or sing a note. It has more to do with your height, your weight, how you carry yourself, how old you are, and how you treat the people as you enter. Are you smiling? Are you thoughtful and clear with the accompanist, do you introduce yourself with confidence? All of these things are being scrutinized as you take the stage.
I always tell the kids I work with that their audition began the minute they walked in the room, even if the actual audition isn’t until the second or third day of our classes. I have seen if they are respectful, helpful, attentive. I know who I have had to call out for talking while I am talking or who has been late or rude.
Meeting new people can be fun and scary. Auditioning is terrifying because you know for a fact that you are being judged. There is no polite social etiquette as when you meet someone at a party. It is pure judgement with your future plans in the balance, no doubt about it.
When I talked about being brave to my workshop kids the other day, I was focusing on life in general and specifically about being free to give a role all you have. I never mentioned the bravery it takes to audition. To stand in front of someone and let them judge your appearance, your talent, your being.
I have been fortunate since I quit reviewing plays to just be asked to do the productions I have done- no audition required. But that is all over and at some point I have to take my own advice and be brave. I have to forget over two years of critiquing others and stand in front of people and be critiqued. For each day that passes, my confidence slips away.
As always, it is easier to give advice than to take it. I am not sure I am that brave.
