Audition tip
from Jim Vincent, artistic director of
Netherlands Dance Theatre
"We look for many qualities in dancers during the audition process and it is always a case-by-case encounter," Jim Vincent says. "A uniquely distinguishable presence is critical, not just in the dancer’s technique and look, but in everything about them."
But he does seek some particular skills. "Adaptability, instinctual musicality and physical versatility are, of course, critical factors as well," he says. The current composition of the company also plays a role. "Ultimately we have to weigh in the shift of chemistry that each new artist brings to the collective balance," he continues. "At the end of the day, NDT is an ensemble of soloists."
So how does one obtain an audience with NDT? "For NDT2 [for dancers under 23], we hold an annual open audition usually in late January. For NDT1 we hold auditions by invitation only," says Vincent. His advice to hopefuls? "Come prepared to bare your soul and to share yourself completely."
Shaun Parker
Independent choreographer
Australia
"I look for a range of qualities in a dancer including individuality, conceptual and theatrical skills and awareness, discipline, ability to work in a group, open mindedness, ability to embrace new concepts and to follow direction," says Parker. "I love dancers who are very professional and who show initiative throughout the process. It is very important that a dancer has a similar ‘taste’ and mind-set to my own."
How can you prepare for an audition with Shaun Parker?"Come and see all of my productions so that you understand my work, its concerns and the thematic and aesthetic focus," he recommends. "Attend the audition in a positive state of mind, and with your body technically in shape. Be open-minded and listen really carefully to the directions given. Embrace your individuality and be prepared to dig deep within your own personal experience when responding to the tasks given. Be prepared to possibly sing, speak, and even do the tango! Be prepared to make a fool of yourself. This is a wonderful quality and can give birth to some lovely moments in creating material!"
In any profession, networking is important, and Parker encourages dancers to bear this in mind. "I rarely employ someone who I do not know or have not met with before," he admits. "The best way to approach me is to look out for any workshops I am taking so that I can observe how you work." Parker also recommends expressing your interest formally to him. "Send to me, via my producer Olivia Ansell, a Letter of Interest, CV, headshot and a DVD or post a web link of your dancing. This way I can get to know you and invite you to workshops and/or for a secondment with the company.
Tia Jordan
Choreographer and Audition Guru Chief
Visionary
www.auditionguru.com
Jordon is the creator of Audition Guru, an organisation providing advice and seminars for those auditioning for musical theatre productions. She reminds dancers about the importance of interpersonal interactions when seeking work. "I think you ought to approach anyone, whether they be the cleaner, audition assistant, or the producer, with a balance of confidence, respect, honesty, and keep your sense of humour accessible," she says. "Your ability to work within the company will be judged on how you deal with everyone from other cast members through to the financiers at the top of the tree."
Jordan has some useful advice about dealing with audition anxiety. "Start by questioning whether those nerves are really nerves at all," she explains. "Could those sensations be anything less than excitement?! Now if you were feeling excited instead of nervous at your audition, might things go a bit differently? Yes. Call those jitters EXCITEMENT."
Jordan has many audition tips, but preparation is the top one. "Any advice I give about what to do in auditions harks back to the preparation done in the months leading up to each audition," she says. "Start preparing now. How you invest your time and your money NOW will affect how you show up at your next audition."
To the first-time audition candidate, Jordan says, "Breathe. Know that all the negative self talk stuff your head is spurting out is absolute nonsense. Know that all the other auditionees are having similar self-conversations. Don't seek or need reassurance from others at an audition. Be your own cheer squad. Behave like a star now, and one day you just might be one. "
SEE OUR COMPLETE Audition Advice feature
article listing audition tips from artistic directors around the country in the
Aug/Sep issue of Dance Australia. Get the lowdown from David McAllister
(artistic director of the Australian Ballet), music theatre choreographer
Kelley Abbey, Ivan Liska (artistic director of the Bavarian State Ballet in
Munich), and Mark Baldwin (artistic director of Rambert Dance Company in
London), and many more! OUT SOON.