More ways to get auditions.

So I've mentioned The Stage and Spotlight, these are the two which I use most but there are other ways to get auditions for both stage and screen.

PCR (Production and Casting Report) http://www.pcrnewsletter.com/pcr/
This is a weekly paper which can only be delivered or accessed online and costs around £22 per month. Not available to non-subscribers or in the shops/newsagents it provides more exclusive access to castings and potential job (PCR also provides details for crew positions). Separated into various sections, it provides casting breakdowns for the following areas of the industry: Motion Pictures, Low Budget Films, Student Films, Opportunities, Theatre, Television, Fringe/Profit Share. It also gives the names of the casting directors for the main television series' and comes with a 'Contacts' style book of contact details. Casting director for the major West End use PCR far more often than they do The Stage or even Spotlight! PCR gives the details for up and coming castings and productions and gives you the opportunity to submit yourself directly to the casting director for the chance to get a private audition.

Getting an audition...

I have to sart with the basics, there are a few things all new auditionees should know. Sorry to any audition regulars looking at the moment.

Ways to find auditions:

The Stage: http://www.thestage.co.uk/
This newspaper/website is the absolute starting point for anyone starting on the audition scene. In the good ol' days you would buy it every Thursday, trawl through the audition pages and articles and it would be in the bin/recycling by Saturday. These days I don't buy it anymore, I use it's online facilities which are well organised, easy to find and simple to understand. All you need to do is register as a member (yes you have to do this all the time these days, but don't worry, they don't spam you endlessly), click on recruitment and you have access to all their auditions. You can also find there the obligaroty telesales-type day job, front of house positions, as well as backstage crew positions also. This service is free and you also have access to the articles, reviews and listings seen in the newspaper. Saves you a few quid each month if you're on a tight budget!

Spotlight: http://www.spotlight.com/
At approximately £130 per year this is expensive, but if you're serious about being a professional actor, dancer or performer then Spotlight is invaluble. Exclusively for graduates from accredited school/colleges, or those with more than 3 year professional experience, Spotlight is a tool for performers, agents and casting directors alike and is responsible for a large majority of castings in film, TV, advertising and theatre. In basic terms it's a book (or more like about 10 books now) and each person within has their own 1/2 page with a photo and details (note: this is not a full CV but basics like height etc) and agent's contact if they have one- but you don't need one to be in Spotlight. Every major casting director will have access to the Spotlight books or website and from this they can see photos of individuals for potential casting. Once a show or programme is up for casting, a casting director will use Spotlight to put out a casting breakdown to agents and performers. If you have an agent, the breakdowns will go directly to them, if you're self represented, you will get an email direct from Spotlight with the breakdown attached. Each breakdown will have the details of who/what is needed and if you think you are suitable you can apply for an audition or casting. This is the ideal way to get private auditions for the big shows if you don't have an agent. It's worked for me! You can creat your own CV on the Spotlight website so submitting yourself is just a click away! NEVER directly contact a casting director unless it's specifically stated in the breakdown to do so!!!

Spotlight is where having a good headshot is essential, check out John Clark www.johnclarkphotography.com/ to look at his work, and also read his tips on getting a good headshot which will help you fulfil your casting potential.

tbc

Get job, keep job...perform!

Welcome to my new blog. I started this after looking around for general reading on the life of auditions and although I found some deecnt material, nothing gave the nitty gritty details I want to give. I am injured at the moment and unable to do most of what I would normally, hence the starting of this blog, need to occupy my mind!

So I am 24 (nearly) and on the familiar 'audition circuit' of London's musical theatre/dance scene. I graduated from a very well known musical theatre college 18 months ago and have been auditioning for cruises, tours and west end big shows since then. I've had bit jobs, a contract with Disneyland but have yet to land that dream job. Normal dance auditions, the cattle calls, no longer daunt me. Singing auditions occasionally still do though! I've been to so many cruise company calls and have got nearly to the end, and also been chucked out of my ass at the beginning. It's not always to do with talent. It's all about look, availability, sometimes even costume sizes...but I'll get into that in more depth soon. I'm self represented, not by choice, but hey ho, that's how it goes I suppose. If you don't have an agent, don't give up hope. There are ways and means of getting private auditions. You just need a good ear and an eagle eye.

My aim here is to share my knowledge of auditions with the world. There are so many things I would've liked to know, and although 'they' say experience is key, getting some inside hints and tips is always helpful! Here you'll find details of specific auditions, what first rounds are like, what to wear (eg: for Chicago always BLACK! For some crusies, leotard, heels and fishnet tights I'm afraid), song ideas, new musicals to look at for ideas. Also if you have heard something and want it confirmed I will do my best, also I have full lists of agents and casting directors contact details. Just ask and you will get (if you ask nicely).

Stay tuned!!