Guides and Tips

20 Life Hacks for an Easier Tech Week

I’ll admit it: I enjoy tech week. I find the adrenaline rush of such a busy week absolutely thrilling.

One of the reasons I enjoy it so much is because I have learned a lot of tips and tricks over the years for making it the best experience it can be! Instead of spending the week bogged down in stress, try out these hacks:

1. Make sure you know your material before tech week starts

Tech week is not the time to be learning lines or blocking! Do all your cramming before tech week– tech week will be stressful enough without the added worry of feeling like you forgot to study for an important test.

2. Plan ahead with meal prepping

It’s a huge relief to know what you’re going to eat when you get home from the theater. This is doubly true if you’re juggling a hectic work-rehearsal balance. Make some food ahead and separate it into perfectly-sized, re-heatable portions. Depending on how busy the week is, you might need to plan both lunch and dinner. Pre-packaged frozen options that you can simply pop in the microwave are also a lifesaver.

If you don’t plan ahead, you’re more likely to wind up paying a lot of money for overpriced gas station or convenience store fare. Plan out your meals, and plan out your snacks, too!

3. Put together a “tech bag”

I like to keep a tote or duffle bag stocked with everything I need to make it through tech week. This will include any necessary items for the show, as well as anything I personally need to be healthy and prepared. I put this together before tech week begins, so I don’t have to worry about it later. Some suggestions:

  • My script/libretto
  • Necessary costume pieces
  • Bobby pins, hair ties
  • Makeup bag
  • Deodorant, hand sanitizer, wipes
  • Mouthwash and floss
  • Bandaids
  • Reusable water bottle

Depending on the needs of your production, your list will probably look quite different, but this is a good starting point.

4. Finish any important projects in advance

I’ve been the person who says “I can just finish this homework assignment during tech week.” Subsequently, I’ve also been the person who fails a class because they didn’t turn in a homework assignment that was due during tech week. (That’s a long story…)

If you have any big work or school projects coming up during tech, get them out of the way before tech week begins, or else get them as completed as possible. You really want to be able to dedicate as much time and energy as you can to tech week– I often find that tech week just demands so much of me, that trying to make time for much else rarely goes well. You never know what might come up.

5. Work on your sleep hygiene

It’s really hard to get proper sleep during tech week, I know. Try your best to get it anyway!

Sleep is very important for physical health, mental acuity, and emotional wellbeing. All of these will be taxed by the demands of tech week. Do the best you can to get enough sleep for your personal needs.

One thing I have found very helpful is to set aside a few minutes before bed to decompress. Lower the lights and read, journal, or meditate. Tech week stress can easily translate to a night of tossing and turning, so do whatever you need to sleep through the night.

6. Take care of your immune system

Getting sick during tech week sucks. ‘Nuff said.

Tech week is a great time to overcompensate for your immune system. Take your vitamins. Wear a mask when you’re around lots of people. Wash your hands regularly, and use hand sanitizer after interacting with high-touch surfaces.

Getting enough sleep and paying attention to your nutrition and hydration are also important facets of maintaining your health. These can all be challenging pursuits during tech week, but it’s for the best! Make every effort to keep up with these health needs.

7. Set aside some funds

Between gas money, snack money, and unexpected purchases of props or costuming needs, I always find tech week to be an expensive time. While planning can help mitigate this (see no. 2 on this list), it’s also helpful to plan for the worst and save some extra cash.

You never know what might arise during tech week. Spend mindfully, and prepare some emergency funds just in case.

8. Make personal hygiene as easy as possible

Obviously, maintaining your hygiene is important at baseline. The hack I offer you in this pursuit is to make taking care of hygiene needs as simple as you possibly can, so that you never find yourself “too tired” to shower or brush your teeth at the end of the day.

There are a lot of tiny barriers that can make following through on an important task just annoying enough that we lose our motivation. Your goal is to remove as many of these barriers as possible. Set out your face wash and skincare products for the morning/evening instead of putting them away in a closet or cabinet that you’ll have to dig them out of later. Make it a rule that you’ll shower before eating or getting into bed. If you find you’re wanting to spend too much time in bed in the morning to get up and wash your face or brush your teeth, take these hygiene products with you to work so you can do them a little later. Keep deodorant in your purse or in your desk at work so you can apply on the go.

And remember, a little is still better than nothing. It’s better to take quick shower and skip washing your hair than to skip showering altogether because you feel rushed. Do what you can!

9. Have a plan B for child or pet care

Having contingency plans is always helpful. If you have pets or children who need looked after while you’ll be away from the house, it’s not a bad idea to line up alternate babysitters in case of emergency. Finding emergency childcare can but a big source of stress and panic, so having some plans in place ahead of time can be a relief.

10. Consider renting a room

This one is a little niche. If you’re working at a venue that is far away from your home, booking an Airbnb or reserving a room in a hotel can save you a ton of hassle during tech week. This obviously costs a good chunk of money. If the venue is far enough away from your home or job, you may actually save by doing this instead of spending money on gas!

If it makes sense for your finances and personal sense of peace, give this a try. I’ve never done it myself, but I have friends who swear by it!

11. Time your caffeine well

I’m just going to assume that you’re going to end up drinking caffeine during this week. You’ll most likely need it.

Planning a good time to drink this caffeine can be beneficial, especially if you get acid reflux like me and have to limit your caffeine consumption as a result. If you drink your caffeine too early in the day, you might find your energy flagging by rehearsal time. If you drink it too late, it might negatively impact your sleep. If you drink it too close to show time, or too long after a meal, you might find yourself feeling jittery and anxious.

Plan your day accordingly. Caffeine consumption can absolutely make you feel a lot worse if you do it in an unwise manner. I’ve talked about my personal caffeine habits on this blog before.

12. Mind your nutrition

It’s hard to eat well when you’re in the middle of a busy tech week. Like I said before, pre-planning meals is really helpful for a variety of reasons, but it’s also helpful to think about what you’re eating and when.

I’m not going to guilt trip you about poor eating habits during an extremely chaotic time– that would be counterproductive. What I will remind you is that variety is really valuable in your diet. You don’t have to eat a salad every day, but finding time to fit in some different foods can do wonders for both your physical health and general mood. Eating the same stuff all the time gets boring! Mixing it up a little can help you eat just that much healthier.

Eat long enough before rehearsal that you won’t have issues with indigestion, but soon enough before that you won’t be hungry.

13. Keep some quality-of-life necessities at the theater

When you’re carting everything back and forth from the theatre to your home every night, it’s easy to forget something important, ESPECIALLY when you’re under the stress of tech week. For this reason, having some necessary tools and supplies that stay at the theater can help alleviate a lot of worries.

My top recommendation in this regard is to acquire a secondary phone/device charger and leave it in your dressing room. I’ve taken my bedside phone charger to the theater and forgotten it TOO many times. There are a number of other useful things to keep at the theater though, too, including show makeup and skincare products (if you can spare it/aren’t using your everyday supply), deodorant and mouthwash, and some securely wrapped snacks. If it’s an item that forgetting would prove catastrophic, keeping it (or a copy of it) at the theater saves a lot of heartache.

As long as you’ve got the space and resources (and permission, if necessary) for it, no “necessity” is too weird. I have a friend who brings a personal cooler full of Redbull to keep at the theater during tech week. Every time she brings it out, I’m always a little jealous.

14. Have some emergency-quick-fix materials on hand

Just in case of emergency, I like to bring a number of supplies that could be used to fix a costume or prop in a pinch. Generally, these include a sharpie, scissors, safety pins, body/garment tape, a mini sewing kit, a backup roll of mic tape, and a mini glue gun. These aren’t perfect solutions, but they aren’t meant to be– the idea is just to have something on hand in case, say, the zipper on your dress breaks 2 minutes before you’re supposed to enter.

Realistically, chances are, someone else at the theater will have this stuff. But why leave it up to chance? If you bring them, you’ll know exactly where they are so they can be available at a moment’s notice. Nothing’s worse than knowing someone backstage has a roll of mic tape but being completely unable to find it.

15. A tech week massage is a game-changer

A few years back, I cleaned out my wallet during tech week and found a gift card for a salon that did massage therapy. I was able to book an appointment before a dress rehearsal, and I have been dreaming about tech week massages ever since.

This is obviously an investment and wouldn’t be attainable for everyone. I haven’t had the disposable income to make it happen again ever since that first time. But if you can swing it… wow does this make you feel like a brand-new human.

16. Comfort is king

Staying as comfortable as you possibly can really helps make the long hours of tech week a lot more bearable.

I’ve taken a lot of tech-week comfort tips from actors I’ve known over the years. I know actors who bring comfy slippers and fluffy robes to wear backstage before they’ve put their costumes on. I personally like to bring a portable humidifier with me to any spaces that tend to be dry, and I’ve been known to haul my air purifier into particularly musty, dusty dressing rooms. If the space is usually too warm for you, bring in a fan!

Comfort in costume is also important. Insoles or heel liners can be a lifesaver when dealing with uncomfortable shoes.

17. Don’t be afraid to skip the cast parties

Going out after a performance is a traditional part of tech week for many. It’s been a long week, and a cast party helps blow off some steam.

But then again… it’s been a long week. Don’t let FOMO make you feel like you have to attend a post-performance outing! I’ve found saying goodbye to everyone and coming home for a relaxing, solitary bubble bath to be incredibly freeing.

If you want to party, absolutely go party! Just don’t feel pressured.

18. Candy makes everyone feel better

Something I’ve learned over the years is that tensions tend to run high during tech week. One thing that makes tensions run higher is hunger.

Picking up a variety bag of candy or chocolate bars at the dollar store and leaving it out for everyone to share boosts morale like you wouldn’t believe. It also makes you popular! Just don’t eat in costume.

19. Tidy as you go

Keeping your dressing room neat can be a challenge, but it’s absolutely worth it. If you notice that the situation is getting a little out of control in your corner of the dressing room, it pays off to do some intermittent cleaning when you have a chance. Otherwise, you’ll have to do all the cleaning at the very end of the process when you’re most exhausted. Maintain a level of organization so your future self, and your fellow dressing room partners, will thank you.

20. Don’t forget to breathe

I’ve said it several times in this article, but let me say it again: tech week is stressful! Taking time to unwind and be in the moment is important. Find space for a few calming deep breaths, even if only for a few seconds. Staying calm helps prevent issues born from panic, rushing, and lack of attention. If you feel yourself getting worked up or feeling out-of-control, you owe it to yourself and everyone around you to go take a breather.

Final Thoughts

Tech week can be whatever we make it. Don’t forget the importance of mindset, and definitely don’t forget to take care of yourself! If you play your cards right, you might find you even enjoy your next tech week.

If you’re looking for more tech week survival tips, check out my Ultimate Guide to Surviving Tech Week, or Do This, Not That: Tech Week Edition.

Guides and Tips, Theatre

20 Audition Do’s and Don’ts

Ask an actor what their least favorite part of performing is, and many of them will probably say “auditions.”

While auditions can be frightening and challenging, they don’t necessarily have to be! Approaching with the correct mindset and materials is key for a less harrowing experience.

Here are 20 miscellaneous tips to help make the process a little less rough!

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Actor Life, Guides and Tips, Theatre

The Secret to Success in Performing Arts: Mastering 3 Vital Traits

I’ve been around a lot of performers in a lot of different settings. I’ve directed, I’ve taught, I’ve acted, I’ve watched from both the audience and the stage manager’s booth. Every performer is unique, and everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Yet, in all of the actors, dancers, and musicians I’ve worked with, I have found that there are exactly three traits every truly excellent performer has in common.

These traits are instrumental to success in the performing arts. You won’t get very far without them, and having them can put you on top in close auditions.

If you can honestly say you have these three traits, then pat yourself on the back! If you’re not so sure, read over this article closely and do what you can to pick them up immediately.

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Guides and Tips, Theatre

How to Make it Through Vocal Rest Successfully

If you’ve been experiencing serious voice problems, you may elect to go on or have an expert prescribe vocal rest. It’s exactly what it sounds like: resting the voice and resisting any urge to use it until the muscles have time to recover. Just like you need to rest an arm or leg after an injury, you need to rest your vocal folds and the other muscles involved in vocalizing if your voice starts to hurt. (If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of vocal rest, read my primer on the subject here to get a better understanding first.)

Vocal rest is a simple enough concept, but accomplishing it may prove daunting. Our society is not conducive to operating without a voice. You probably don’t realize how active your voice is throughout the day! Making it through days or even weeks without speaking is surprisingly difficult. A day at work or school typically requires a lot of talking, but even if you’re only resting at home, the urge to talk to friends, roommates, family, even pets or yourself can sometimes be overwhelming!

Operating daily in silence is not something most of us are used to. Therefore, it’s helpful to have some advice before you get started! 

If you’re embarking on a journey of vocal rest, here are some tips to help you stay silent and ensure a full recovery!

Find ways to stop yourself from vocalizing absent-mindedly.

Easier said than done! If you’re someone who likes to sing, hum, or talk to yourself, you’ll find that vocal rest can be very difficult to stick with. Keeping your brain and mouth busy are two key objectives: when your brain is occupied, you’ll be less likely to start vocalizing on autopilot, and even if that fails, keeping your mouth occupied will help stop autopilot from turning into a performance.

Here are a few tips for avoiding an accidental slip-up:

  • Try sucking on lozenges or hard candies, or chewing gum to keep the mouth and jaw busy.
  • Possibly rethink your music choices for the time being. Instead of listening to favorite songs, listen to albums you’ve never heard before. While it’s easy to fall into the trap of singing along to a song you know well, can hardly sing a piece you don’t know! Alternatively, ditch song altogether and try instrumental music or podcasts.
  • When listening to music, focus on the instruments behind the singer. Paying attention to the lyrics or sung melody may prove infectious. Listening intently to what’s happening in the music keeps your brain occupied with the interesting things the instruments are doing, and may help you understand the song better overall.
  • Consider silent singing. Instead of vocalizing, listen to a karaoke track of a song and sing the song in your mind. Imagine there’s a music player in your brain supplying the vocals– you should not be making any sound aloud! Try to get the rhythms and pitches as accurate as possible. This requires a lot of concentration, but can be almost as beneficial for learning or practicing a song as actually singing it aloud.

This may prove one of the most difficult parts of vocal rest. Stay mindful!

Explain what’s going on to friends and family.

Send out a mass text or email to coworkers, peers, teachers, and friends so everyone is in the loop. Let them know you have an injury that needs repair, requiring adequate rest— which can only happen with understanding from others! Remember that a vocal injury is nothing to be ashamed of, and anyone who shames you for needing to go on vocal rest not only doesn’t know what they’re talking about, but is also quite rude. (Vocal injuries are not necessarily the result of misusing the voice or of faulty technique. Typically they are the result of a “perfect storm” of bad conditions, including air moisture and quality, dehydration, illness, menstruation, stress, and possibly use, so there’s 0 reason for anyone to judge your technique or health.) 

Spread the message so others understand why you need to stay silent and can therefore work with and around your needs. Once people understand that it’s a health issue, most will happily work to assist in keeping you healthy. 

Use nonverbal methods of communication where possible.

Texts, emails, or handwritten notes can pick up slack where basic hand signals can’t quite do your thoughts justice. It may take you slightly longer to express yourself than you’re usually used to, but nonverbal communication is possible! If you want to be heard, you can use assistive apps on your phone to type messages and then read them out loud for you.

One of the very small halos of light around the horrible dark void that is COVID-19 is that it has become much easier to operate in society without having to interact with strangers. It’s much easier now to order groceries, meals, or other necessities online without ever having to speak. If you have errands that need done while you’re resting your voice, these options are a big help. 

If you know some form of sign language, this is a great time to use it! Unfortunately not everyone around you will be able to communicate in this way, but it can help in certain instances. 

If you absolutely must use your voice, use it with extreme caution.

If you’re in a position where you simply need to speak, try to choose your words efficiently and speak gently. Avoid whispering or shouting, as these are two extremes usages of the voice that are both stressful to your vocal folds. 

Ordinarily, it’s helpful to think of your vocal energy on any given day like a bucket of water— there’s only a limited amount of water in the bucket, and once it’s used up, it’s gone. While on vocal rest, your bucket is already gone. You have an emergency thimble should you absolutely need it. Don’t use up that thimble willy-nilly! 

If your doctor has expressly forbidden any vocalization, then forget what I’ve just said and avoid using the voice altogether!

Talk to your doctor about any special concerns.

A doctor who frequently works with singers will be every performer’s lifeline when something goes wrong with their instrument! If you have any serious performing aspirations, you should find a good fellowship-certified laryngologist or otolaryngologist to start building a professional relationship with ASAP. While resources on the internet like this article may be helpful (I sure hope this one is helpful), a doctor’s input will always be far more valuable!

If you have serious voice concerns, or if you’re unsure how to adapt a part of your life for vocal rest, ask your doctor about your options. They will be able to help you much more than any online resources can!

Be aware of what else could be damaging to your vocal folds.

Even if you’re not speaking or singing, other actions can put pressure on your vocal folds. Coughing and clearing your throat are big vocal stressors, so if you’re on vocal rest, you want to avoid these as much as possible. If you feel the urge to do either, try drinking water instead, or sucking on a hard candy. Furthermore, it’s not uncommon to strain and tighten the throat during daily activities, including lifting heavy objects, stretching, playing certain wind instruments, or even straining in the bathroom. You’ll want to avoid these as you would avoid singing or talking. 

Also, if you haven’t figured it out yet, smoking is very bad for your voice. Your vocal injury may be an eye-opener when it comes to the need to quit. Smoking will undo any of the efforts you make during vocal rest, so it’s best to quit altogether. Easier said than done, of course, but it is crucial you avoid smoking at least until your voice has fully recovered, and make every effort to quit as quickly as possible so you don’t cause yourself further harm in the future. 

Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, getting plenty of rest, and eating plenty of good food.

Your body can only repair itself if you’ve taken care of your basic needs! Just as you wouldn’t expect to recover from a bad illness or bodily injury if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t expect your voice to get better without giving it what it needs to thrive. Even if you wouldn’t normally consider yourself an especially healthy person, now is a great time to fake it ‘till you make it. Act like you’ve got this healthy living thing down pat while you’re on vocal rest so you can recover. Afterwards, your less-than-desirable habits will be a little less high-stakes. 

Take note of the air quality in your home, workplace, and general environment.

Is the air you breathe daily very dry? Is it full of allergens or pollutants? If possible, you may want to take action to fix these problems. An air purifier and/or humidifier (or dehumidifier is moisture is a problem rather than a solution in your case) could help you in recovery, and might help maintain your health going forward. Dehydration can contribute to voice problems, so keeping the air at a comfortable level of humidity (around 50%) is beneficial. If you wake up with a very dry mouth, throat, eyes, or sinuses, that may be a sign your air is too dry or full of allergens.

Pro tip: The human nose is designed to help filter the air we breathe. If you have a habit of breathing through your mouth, you’re not letting the nose do its job and breathing allergens and pollutants right into the lungs! That’s a poor habit to kick ASAP.

Watch out for acid reflux. 

Acid reflux is a danger for the throat even when your voice is in good shape. When facing a voice injury, it poses an especial threat. Stomach acid creeping up the esophagus can irritate the throat and threaten recovery. As a singer, you should be taking steps to combat the causes of acid reflux already— but again, if this is an area where you typically struggle, vocal rest is a great time to simply play-act that you’ve gotten the healthy habits down. Avoid fatty and acidic foods, eat well before it’s time to sleep, and take antacid medications as needed. 

If vocal rest at work/school is impossible, consider taking some time off.

Though this of course isn’t possible for everyone, if you are able to take some sick or personal days to cover your rest period, you may find this to your advantage. Time off can also allow you extra time to sleep in and focus on health instead of other responsibilities! 

Remember what’s at stake.

You probably need no reminders, but it’s helpful to keep in mind what you’re going through all this hassle for. Stay mindful about the risks so you can reap the rewards! Failure to follow through with vocal rest can result in more serious injury that may require surgery to repair, or could permanently damage your voice. Don’t beat yourself up (excess stress is counterproductive for recovery), but keep your goals in mind when you’re struggling to make it work. 

Don’t forget to ease yourself back into singing GENTLY!

Once your prescribed period of vocal rest is over, that doesn’t mean your voice is necessarily fully recovered. Pay close attention to any signs of pain or fatigue as you resume vocalizing. Resume speaking and singing as if you’re an athlete going through physical therapy on an injured limb. Take it one step at a time, and don’t try to bite off more than you can chew!

Try warming up gently for 5-10 minutes on your first days off of vocal rest. If you notice any pain or fatigue, stop immediately. If you feel like you can keep going, then continue with caution, but don’t push it! You’ll need to adjust your concept of your vocal stamina, and it may take some time before you’re able to return to previous capabilities. This also goes for the tone and quality of your voice— you probably won’t sound exactly the same as before, and definitely not without some rehab! Take it slowly and don’t rush yourself, or else you may injure yourself all over again.

Final Thoughts

Vocal rest is a useful tool for performers, but it can be difficult to execute. Stay as silent as possible, and be mindful of your health. Now is the time to use every possible tool in your arsenal to make sure you come out healthy and happy!

I hope this article was helpful, though I ask you keep in mind that I’m not a doctor or voice expert– merely a hobbyist performer who loves to share her expertise where she can! This article shouldn’t replace medical advice. If you’re sincerely worried about a vocal injury, please refer to a doctor instead of this post!

If you have further questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments!

Theatre, Theatre 101 Series

Theatre 101 Series: Your Starter Guide to Building a Character

The Theatre 101 Series is a set of introductory articles meant to explain theatrical concepts and situations to young actors as well as adult theatrical newcomers. View the whole series here.

As you begin your rehearsal process, you’ll likely hear a lot about the importance of building a character. What exactly does this mean, and how should you go about it?

As always in theatre, this is a highly personal process, and I won’t pretend to have all of the answers. Nonetheless, hopefully this article gives you a solid starting point.

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Guides and Tips, Theatre

Do This, Not That: Tech Week Edition

As I’ve previously expressed on this blog, I love tech week. It’s a semi-sadistic challenge that I adore overcoming. Preparing for tech week and figuring out how to maximize my chances of survival gives me an admittedly silly thrill. If you’re anything like me, or just looking to help your chances of not dying before your show, this article should come in handy. Here are five common mistakes to avoid during tech week, and five alternatives to take instead that will keep you happy, healthy, and in better performing condition!

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Actor Life, Theatre

The Single Most Important Skill in Theatre: Knowing When to Get the F*ck Out of the Way

I’ve spent my fair share of time building sets and working run crew. When surrounded by fast-moving set pieces, people carrying heavy objects, and other moving parts that could easily hurt you and others, you learn very quickly the importance of getting the f*ck out of the way.

I’ve also done my fair share of performing, and I’ve even done a little directing. In time, I’ve discovered that knowing when it’s time to just get out of the way is in fact the most important skill any theatre artist can develop.

Physically, mentally, and emotionally, sometimes the most important thing you’ll do on stage is just f*cking move and let the others do the work they’re there to do.

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Theatre, Theatre 101 Series

Theatre 101 Series: Rehearsal 101

The Theatre 101 Series is a set of introductory articles meant to explain theatrical concepts and situations to young actors as well as adult theatrical newcomers. View the whole series here.

Congratulations! You’ve auditioned for and been cast in your very first production. Exciting things are coming– including your first rehearsal. How should you prepare, and what should you expect?

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Theatre, Theatre 101 Series

Theatre 101 Series: A Beginner’s Guide to Audition Prep

The Theatre 101 Series is a set of introductory articles meant to explain theatrical concepts and situations to young actors as well as adult theatrical newcomers. View the whole series here.

When you are new to theatre, preparing for an audition feels like walking blindly into the unknown. While understanding what to expect in your first audition may help, learning how to prepare properly for an audition can require a lot of audition experience. To help newcomers break into auditioning and put their best foot forward, here is a beginner-friendly guide to preparing for auditions!

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Theatre, Theatre 101 Series

Theatre 101 Series: What to Expect in Your First Audition

The Theatre 101 Series is a set of introductory articles meant to explain theatrical concepts and situations to young actors as well as adult theatrical newcomers. View the whole series here.

For new actors, the audition is the scariest part of the entire production process. Even as a seasoned performer, I tend to get more nervous for auditions than I do for actual performances. Auditions can be downright terrifying!

Nevertheless, once you get a few under your belt, auditions get much easier. The first is always the scariest! It would be a shame to never get a chance to perform simply because you’re afraid to audition. Hopefully, I can help! In this article I’m going to explain the general process of auditioning so you know exactly what’s coming.

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