The Green Room - Audition Tips from local directors

Reply #20 - Oct 21^st, 2008 at 8:39pm

QueenMorgaus Offline
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I Love PA!

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I agree that there does have to be a certain look to accomplish an overall vision. I just wish that each theatre could have a little more "vision" (instead of blinders) when it came to finding that look.

I'd like to know what people think about the local theatre who sent out an e-mail saying, "we're redoing a play that was massively successful, and if you are interested in auditioning, here are the measurements of the costumes we're using for each character" (not a direct quote, just the general jist). Now, this theatre is not hurting monetarily, and building a few new costumes would be nothing. They didn't say, if you're interested here is the vocal range and character attributes... it was all about the look. That does not seem right to me.

"I don't need to compromise my principles, because they don't have the slightest bearing on what happens to me anyway." - Calvin and Hobbes

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Reply #21 - Oct 21^st, 2008 at 8:53pm

mr. spiker Offline
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QueenMorgaus wrote on Oct 21^st, 2008 at 8:39pm:

I'd like to know what people think about the local theatre who sent out an e-mail saying, "we're redoing a play that was massively successful, and if you are interested in auditioning, here are the measurements of the costumes we're using for each character" (not a direct quote, just the general jist). �Now, this theatre is not hurting monetarily, and building a few new costumes would be nothing. �They didn't say, if you're interested here is the vocal range and character attributes... it was all about the look. �That does not seem right to me. � �

What do I think? I think I'm awfully glad I'm not working there!

http://www.fiftytwoplays.com

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Reply #22 - Oct 21^st, 2008 at 11:04pm

The Kaylee and the Ivy Offline
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mr. spiker wrote on Oct 21^st, 2008 at 8:53pm:

QueenMorgaus wrote on Oct 21^st, 2008 at 8:39pm:

I'd like to know what people think about the local theatre who sent out an e-mail saying, "we're redoing a play that was massively successful, and if you are interested in auditioning, here are the measurements of the costumes we're using for each character" (not a direct quote, just the general jist). �Now, this theatre is not hurting monetarily, and building a few new costumes would be nothing. �They didn't say, if you're interested here is the vocal range and character attributes... it was all about the look. �That does not seem right to me. � �

What do I think? I think I'm awfully glad I'm not working there!

If I remember right, last time they borrowed costumes from the touring company that were absolutely beautiful. It's possible they're doing the same thing again.

If we're going to die, let's die looking like a Peruvian folk band.

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Reply #23 - Oct 21^st, 2008 at 11:04pm

kitchensinger Offline
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QueenMorgaus wrote on Oct 21^st, 2008 at 8:39pm:

I'd like to know what people think about the local theatre who sent out an e-mail saying, "we're redoing a play that was massively successful, and if you are interested in auditioning, here are the measurements of the costumes we're using for each character" (not a direct quote, just the general jist). Now, this theatre is not hurting monetarily, and building a few new costumes would be nothing. They didn't say, if you're interested here is the vocal range and character attributes... it was all about the look. That does not seem right to me.

I understand this frustration, however, sometimes using specific costumes is part of the licensing arrangement. They can't build new ones....for ANY of the characters.

Are we talking about Scarlet Pimpernel? Cuz I'd like to know what size Marguerite's costume is. All us wannabees only have about 7 1/2 months left to get down to the right size....

Seriously...anyone in the know about that? Smiley

"I have noticed that nothing I never said ever did me any harm."--Calvin Coolidge&&&&"Some families go water skiing together; others go camping.....our family does THEME PARTIES." --my brother Ben

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Reply #24 - Oct 22^nd, 2008 at 8:36am

julesb2183 Offline
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mr. spiker wrote on Oct 21^st, 2008 at 10:53am:

DesertPirate wrote on Oct 21^st, 2008 at 10:44am:

You are so right on the money. With the idea that theatres are afraid to branch out and give some one a chance. But I think more then just the political wheels at the threatre having a hard time doing it, I place a lot of blame at the directors feet. Have guts out there directors, don't just cast your buddies who you have worked with a million times or know from school days. Actually weigh the merits of the performer.

Definitely. If you have a great working relationship with someone, know they produce good work and do it in a professional manner ... by all means, throw all that away based on a two-minute audition. � Wink

I think the type issue is one to look at case-by-case. You need to know who you are, and what the roles are. As an example, I auditioned recently for TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL at the Grand. The main role, Ludie is a henpecked shell of a man, weak in body and spirit. Can I act the part? Yeah ... probably. But I'm also 6' 4" 230 lbs., and a bass voice. It's not exactly ideal casting, and starts making other choices difficult. You gotta know who you are.

And - which is so often forgotten here - remember there are more "types" than "lead" and 'ensemble". 'Cause that's what this often comes down to: not getting the "big" parts, the "lead". Especially in the world of musical theatre where the "big" parts are largely of a particular type.

I think you have a point, but I don't think a good working relationship should constitute a part, either, especially if that person doesn't fit the part, even though they are talented.

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Reply #25 - Oct 22^nd, 2008 at 1:43pm

royalpatsfan Offline
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kitchensinger wrote on Oct 21^st, 2008 at 11:04pm:

QueenMorgaus wrote on Oct 21^st, 2008 at 8:39pm:

I'd like to know what people think about the local theatre who sent out an e-mail saying, "we're redoing a play that was massively successful, and if you are interested in auditioning, here are the measurements of the costumes we're using for each character" (not a direct quote, just the general jist). �Now, this theatre is not hurting monetarily, and building a few new costumes would be nothing. �They didn't say, if you're interested here is the vocal range and character attributes... it was all about the look. �That does not seem right to me.

I understand this frustration, however, sometimes using specific costumes is part of the licensing arrangement. �They can't build new ones....for ANY of the characters.

Are we talking about Scarlet Pimpernel? Cuz I'd like to know what size Marguerite's costume is. �All us wannabees only have about 7 1/2 months left to get down to the right size....

Seriously...anyone in the know about that? Smiley

This was in the email I received:

"MEN

Coat size 40/42 � 1 bounder, Coupeau

Coat size 42/44 � Percy, Armond, Tussaud, 2 Bounders, 1 Male ensemble, Mercier, Jessup, Robespiere/POW

Coat size 44/46 � 1 Bounder, Chauvelin, 1 Male ensemble,

Coat size 46/48 1 Bounder, 1 Male ensemble

Coat size 48/50 � 1 Bounder

(I would give you waist sizes but most guys don�t know where their waist is�.)

All men will need long hair � so start growing yours now - or you will have to wear a wig or hair piece.

WOMEN

Bust    Waist

36/38 28    Marguerite

36/38 28    Marie

35/36 26    1 - Fem. Ens.

36/37 27    1 � Fem. Ens.

37-38 28    1 � Fem. Ens.

38/39 29    2 -- Fem. Ens.

40/41 31    1 � Fem. Ens.

ALL Women will be required to wear a corset. The costumes will not fit properly without them. If this will create any health concerns, you will want to reconsider being in the show, as you MUST wear a corset. NO expectant mothers. ALL women will be wearing wigs.

We just want to explain how we came up with these sizes. We took an average of our cast members, from all of our musicals over the past year. So these are real sizes for real actors that have worked here. We considered Male and Female leads as well as male and female ensemble."

The past two times they did the show, they did rent the costumes from the touring company and were able to make only minor adjustments.

This year, they are building their own (the touring company's were getting quite nasty the last time around). I have seen a few on mannequins and they do look fabulous! Because they are building over a year in advance they had to guess on sizes. Not sure if they'll measure with a corset on or not, can't remember what they did last time...

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Reply #26 - Oct 22^nd, 2008 at 9:42pm

Ice Queen Ex Member

Understanding type is important, but so is being flexible. I've found that type often depends on who else auditions. I have been cast in character roles and ingenues, all depending on who else auditioned. If I'm taller than the guy, I'll be considered for something else. There are also certain personality traits that will lend people to a certain caliber of character, aka strong personality, fun, stern, etc. That can often be as deciding as body type.

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Reply #27 - Oct 23^rd, 2008 at 12:22pm

The Dark Knight Ex Member

Quote:

Understanding type is important, but so is being flexible. �I've found that type often depends on who else auditions. �

I think this is an excellent point.

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Reply #28 - Oct 24^th, 2008 at 9:50am

BigMonkey Offline
Ensemble
Still hangin in there.
Bountiful, UT

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After my third time auditioning for Disney (several years ago) I was asked to not audition for them anymore. The reason? "You've got great talent and an amazing voice... but you just won't fit out costumes"

In regards to type, though... I just played the male lead in a romantic comedy musical. The director didn't let himself get bogged down by needing to see perfect, beautiful people for those leading roles. He looked for singing and acting talent. The show was an amazing success. (Wedlocked)

I'm pretty sure no one left the theater wondering why they let a fat guy get the girl.

At least I hope they didn't.

You can't get a "yes" if you never ask the question.

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Reply #29 - Oct 24^th, 2008 at 5:30pm

P.Buttercup Ex Member

BigMonkey wrote on Oct 24^th, 2008 at 9:50am:

I'm pretty sure no one left the theater wondering why they let a fat guy get the girl.

At least I hope they didn't.

They didn't.

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