FIrstly, this isn't about preparing for an actual audition. This post explores what you do BEFORE you get the audition call.
How often do you re-visit your song rep or your monologues?
How often do you learn new songs? How often do you re-visit old songs?
How often do you learn new monologues? How often do you re-visit old monologues?
The thing is, learning or re-visiting songs and monologues is one of the EASIEST things you can do to create a healthy inner life practice. The simple truth is that it keeps you learning, it keeps you growing, it keeps you sharp ... for the simple reason that you don't end up cramming and stressing yourself out unnecessarily when the audition does come in (and it's tomorrow at 10am). It gives you more time to find the story, to internalize the story ... it makes for a better audition!
Another point to remember is that if you are in the practice of taking singing lessons or going for acting classes, or if you work on your vocals and acting on your own, re-visiting old rep is a great way to test out new techniques. Maybe that phrase had always been difficult to sing, or maybe you had always struggled with connecting these 2 particular thoughts in this monologue.
I do it when I'm in the bus, on the train, when I'm walking between appointments. I have a screen capture of the monologue or lyrics on my phone, or I have the mp3 or accompaniment on my playlist ... and I'm working on it.
I have found that on bad days that I feel like shit, small things like this help to ground me. It helps me feel like I'm moving forward. It helps (even if for a little while) silence the voice of my inner critic. And at the end of the day, it is these tiny, seemingly insignificant steps you take that will help create a healthier frame of mind.
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My name is Eu Jin. I recently embarked on a career as a professional actor after 20 years in the corporate world. A big supporter of personal growth, I also dedicate time and energy in performing arts education, specifically in the arena of practical approaches to inner health because I believe that lays the groundwork for a sustainable career as an artiste. If you would like to find out more or share your thoughts, please leave me a message on the "Contact" page of my website. Thank you very much!