[sunrae]

This last Saturday I had my first chance to sit on the other side of the table for auditions. (Well, not really - we didn't have a table. But you know what I mean!) Well, it really opened my eyes about auditions - and more specificaly about the youth in my community and the theatre education they are getting...or NOT getting.

I am psuedo-directing a youth production this summer in my town. (I started out as Stage Manager, then became Asst. Director - then our director had to back out so I am sorta kinda Directing unless we find someone else.) Well, I did not realize how theatre starved this community really is!! The productions I've been a part of since living here have all been with young adults and older who know (for the most part) what they are doing. But these kids don't have a clue!

Most of them were fairly good in the singing and dancing department. But generally speaking the acting was pretty painful. And the only kids who were fairly good were the ones who just had some raw talent. But no one is teaching acting in this town!!

And then there is that whole "how to audition" piece. Most of them did fairly well - I taught a short Auditioning workshop a couple weeks ago and the kids really paid attention to most of what I told them. I also gave them a gigantic packet of info that I could tell some of them read - but most didn't. But in my workshop I failed to mention some of the most basic things that I assumed they would all know and I was soooo surprised!

For instance - the fact that a theatre resume is supposed to be only one page. Or how when the chorepgrapher is teaching the combination you shouldn't talk to your friends! That making yourself stand out in an audition is what you WANT to do - not blend in with everyone.

I was so suprised.

It made me really think that if the schools' drama departments aren't teaching these kids the things they should know about theatre - someone in the community should!!

So now I'm wondering....should I step up to the plate??

I've considered it before but never as much as I am now. I do have training and experience and all that jazz, and for a smaller community like this I think I am plenty qualified to teach youth.

I don't know....I don't know if I would get the interest and get the kids to sign up. I don't know when I would do it, or where, or how.

It just makes me sad....and I know that there are some kids who are going to go off to college or wherever and they are going to get a giant slap in the face! I don't want that to happen! And there are some talented kids here that I know would be even better if they could round out their training. There are a bunch of "double-threats" in this town: kids with strong singing and dancing skills. They just really need to round out that third important element!

Anyway - what are your thoughts?

[jazzygirlsings]

Just so you know...I read this and will get back to you about it when I have the time to write up a storm! LOL!

[pish123c]

If I were you I'd start an inexpensive summer workshop for kids ages 10-15 or something like that.


I did one a few summers ago. We played theatre type games, and each age group (there were three, seperated into things like 10-11, 12-13 14-15) put on a cute little 5 minute play that we wrote.


Then our final thing at the end of the summer was, take an existing show, and put a twist on it, and make it about 15 minutes. We had parents come and it was pretty fun.


It wasn't much, but it gave me, and lots of other kids a great summer and basic tools for performing.

[Chevstriss]

I was just at the FPTAs and attended a luncheon/panel discussion w/ most of the working theatre staff of FL theatres.

They were complaining that they offer workshops constantly for young' uns to learn audition skills, and no one shows up. And yet they come to auditions looking like unprepared fools.

In fact, the only people who showed up for the luncheon were seasoned pros who weren't the ones NEEDING the feedback.

they said that's typical. The green kids that desparately need to learn the ropes are clueless how bad they come off in an audition.

[Kaiana]

I definitely think you should try and teach them somehow. I'm sure some people would want to do it, especially the people that read your audition packet. I think it would be a really good thing for them. Good for you for caring about them!

[julia]

That is a great idea!! I am going to a 2 week musical theatre audition intensive in august and I am so excited! I think (hope) it will really make a difference. We'll see, because about 2 weeks later is the audtions for my high school play!

I would have lept at the chance to go to one of these camps earlier. I bet it makes the whole audition process so much less intimidating!

[sunrae]

[Dancediva19]

I think it's great that you're willing to offer an opportunity for kids to work on their acting skills!

A summer acting camp is a great idea and sounds like it's needed in your area. It also sounds like the kids need some audition help, so I would include that in your program. You could have the kids "audition" for you the first day and then have them critique each other (in addition to you giving them tips and corrections).

Since you're not sure how many people would come, find out if there are any interested people before you start planning all the details. This will save you from wasting time planning it for no one to show up and also to know what age group you'll have.