So, before you do an audition......

make sure that everything you do on stage, is something you intend to do.
As I mentioned in my previous post, I recently sat in on some auditions, and made note of the following things, that I'm sure the singer involved, did NOT intend to do.

• very frenetic movement, seemingly unrelated to the dramatic content of the aria
• While it is good to have personality when addressing the judges, don't overdo it to the point of parody or caricature - you risk being remembered more for that than your performance
• don't walk out of your light when performing - take stock of the lighting on the stage, and stay within its confines - it does you no good, if we lose contact with your face and body
• unconsciously pulling on your clothing is distracting, whether it be skirt, jacket or shirt - this happens a lot, and will cause your listener/judge/potential hirer to focus on that instead of your performance
• awkward bows - make sure to learn how to bow in a comfortable, professional manner
• arm movements that get "stuck" - if you are going to make a gesture, know how to transition to your next position
• too much fist clenching - this is one of the most obvious signs of nerves that show up onstage - work on this ahead of time, so that that you don't have to try to deal with it when you are nervous

One other thing I think is worth mentioning - the use of props in an audition.  I personally don't mind them, but I have colleagues who do not like it, so be aware that you are taking a bit of a risk by using them.  A good compromise is "miming" the prop - doing all of the same gestures with an empty hand or hands.  

Sitting in on some auditions

I had the opportunity to sit in on some auditions on Saturday, where I was not the main adjudicator.  This gave me the opportunity to make notes on some things that singers do in an audition setting that I think are worth mentioning.
I, of course, will only mention the activity and not the specific singer. 
I actually heard some very good singing, so I hope you will find this helpful.
We are deep into Carmen right now, but I nonetheless hope to get this posted this week.

Been a little while - odds and ends....

I was on vacation, and we are now into rehearsals for Carmen (with a fantastic cast!).
Classical Singer magazine asked me to expand some of my notes from my presentation at their convention in June.  The result of that expansion is an article that appears in this month's issue.
I hope you can check it out.
Over the next several days, I will touch on some of the points in that article.
In the meantime, if you are in the Milwaukee/Chicago/Madison area, our performances are October 26 and 28.