High School Theatre?

Question

I have been doing plays since 6th grade. (I am in 8th grade.) I have been doing very well, but I will be moving this summer, and I am starting 9th grade in a whole new school. I really want a good chance, so if you are in high school theatre or are a high school theatre teacher, what are some good tips to get a good part and be professional? Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

To get in good with high school theatre, you need to find friends in theatre even before auditions begin. Make sure that they have been in theatre in good standing at least for a year. That way you are already a part of the group in the eyes of the director. Umm...make sure that you take drama. If you don't go to the trouble of taking the class most of the time you won't be taken seriously. You'll be fine. High school theatre is awesome.

Answer 2

SAY THANK YOU often - auditions, rehearsals, classes, etc. Make it a general habit. Always be respectful and appreciate of, and helpful to, everyone else, even if you don't like them. Be a person that others enjoy working with.

Make sure your first audition is really good, so you make the best possible first impression. Show that you take the auditions seriously. PREPARE well in advance for them - don't wait until the last minute. Start learning different songs and monologues NOW, so you will only have to select the most appropriate one and brush up on it when the time comes. Learn a bit about your audition pieces so you don't make glaring mistakes in interpretation.

During the auditions: Wear flattering clothes that you can move in but that don't hide your body. Consider wearing something that helps you look more like the character you're most interested in, but NOT a "costume" (i.e. dress up a little if you want to play an adult role) - help the Director imagine you in the role. Don't waste the Director's time - BE READY when you're called. Say your name clearly before you do anything else. Project and enunciate at all times. Don't shuffle your feet or wander aimlessly around the stage. Hold music out away from your face and down a bit so you don't block your voice. Be sure to follow directions carefully (nothing is more annoying than someone who doesn't completely fill out paperwork, or who doesn't pay attention). Don't claim that you 'usually' sound better, or make excuses for problems or mistakes - just go on as you would in a performance. Don't ask for another chance if you didn't do your absolute best the first time. Don't mimic the movie version of a play or musical. Be willing to try whatever the Director asks, and don't be afraid of looking foolish. Don't make noise while others are auditioning. Pay attention and learn from others' auditions. Be supportive of others. Pick up your trash. Don't talk when you're supposed to be listening. Say thank you when you're done.

IF you don't get cast, try not to take it personally. Politely and privately ask the Director for feedback on how you can improve your audition (NOT "why didn't you cast me?"). It will show that you understand that rejection is part of acting, and that you are interested in doing better, and value his opinion. Then FOLLOW his advice. Don't try to tell him which part you are right for - that's HIS job. Don't second-guess his casting decisions, even if you aren't happy with them. Don't badmouth other actors or crew. Attend a performance and make sure the Director sees you there, showing an interest in his and others' work. Learn from it.

You are very smart to be thinking about these things so far in advance. I think you'll do well! Break a leg!

Answer 3

The others have good suggestion, but I want to add:

Call the school now to see if you have to audition to get into the musical theatre class for next year! That is, if that's what you want. That way you don't miss the boat. Some schools do not do extracurricular shows, you must be in the class to participate. Call and find out the details so you don't miss anything.

You can go on MySpace (if your parents allow you to) and look up the school and see if you can others who go there now and are part of the theatre program. See what you can find out before you get there :-)

Also, no one likes a newcomer who comes in and steals the show (or tries to...) so be friendly, but don't kiss butt too much in front of your classmates. But also, don't hold back when you're performing. If you have a voice, use it. If you have talent with acting and dancing, show it! But when it's appropriate...

Every class and rehearsal is an audition in itself. How you present yourself and your work ethic is important for all future casting considerations... you may be in the chorus your first year, but everything you do or don't do will be taken into consideration for future productions! Always do your best and go full out.

Break a leg!!!!!!!

Answer 4

Okay: If I'm your drama teacher, and you're a newcomer, remember: I don't know you. So you can do two things:
(1) Change the fact that I don't know you, and
(2) Make sure you have in your head what you want my first impression of you to be.

As for #1, find out if the teacher is doing any kind of community theatre over the summer. If so, get involved anyway you can. Crew, lights, whatever. Walk in or call, introduce yourself, and say you're interested in participating.

#2: During the audition, focus as best you can. That will be hard because there will be a lot of people there, fooling around. Be on time, be prompt when called, make sure you can be heard and say Thank you.

Keep this in mind: If I'm casting a show, I'd like to give younger people a chance as much as I can, but I already have people I've worked with up there, and I know what they can do. If you don't get cast on the first shot, don't sweat it. Stay involved in the production. Tell the teacher (after you find out who got cast) that you want to be involved, and can work as crew, tech, programs, whatever. Good luck!

Answer 5

I'm a freshman in high school and do a lot of theatre. Try out for everything you can. If you don't make it offer to do crew. Just get involved and get yourself out there. Whether you are onstage or backstage, always act professional. The director will notice that you listen, stay quiet, work well with others, and take orders. Directors like that, and they will remember how hard you work at the next audition. Theatre people aren't always the nicest people, but sometimes they are. Don't be a prima donna, and be your own person. I'm sure you'll do just fine at your new school. Good luck!

Answer 6

I'm a sophomore in Highschool and do a lot of work with my theatre program. All I can say is be true to yourself, never change who you are just to impress other people. Acting is all about knowing who you are. Without knowing who you are, you will never be able to figure out the character you are playing in a scene, play, monologue or anything. Know that "theatre people" aren't always the nicest, but at the same time some of the most amazing people you will ever meet are involved with theatre. Remember that the theatre business is a tough business to get into. If you don't get cast in a show, keep trying. If you don't get cast again, keep trying. And like I said, always always always be true to your self.

Answer 7

alright, i only like one or 2 songs yet in all honesty no one in there desirable ideas is going to opt to pay to visual exhibit unit sh*ty dancing which you will probable study in any dance college annoying making a music that...nicely...err...yeh. yet whilst 3 comes out i comprehend for a actuality that all and sundry at my college is going to verify the words and start up making a music in each and every lesson. attempt residing with that.