The Audition

Yes, the dreaded audition...

If you have an agent-you've gotten the call: this is the show, this is what you're up for, here are your sides.

If you don't have an agent-you've probably found out this information already on your own, and just heard back from from those to whom you submitted. You have the audition.

Now what?

You've prepared (we'll talk about that later), and you head into the room, ready to go! You've worked so hard, you're anxious to show how much of a dedicated actor you are, you WANT the job, and you can taste it. You head on in, just gearing to nail it, and GET THAT JOB!!!

But it doesn't quite go as you planned...it kinda felt like it fell flat...what just happened?

OR...

It went fantastic! they were laughing...you had them in the palm of your hand, you NAILED IT! But...then, why did I get the part?

Here's what I've learned: Don't think about the "getting the job." It's the last thing you should do. Don't count on getting it. I'm not being negative, I'm not saying you CAN'T get it...all Im saying is, release yourself from that specific expectation during your audition. Focus on the work, in the moment! Because the harsh truth is: there are so many other factors at play that influence your getting the job, it's mind-boggling. And here's the most important thing-all those other factors? are TOTALLY OUT of your CONTROL. So why waste your energy on them? right?

By releasing yourself of that specific expectation, you no longer may appear as that dreaded word, "desperate." You can smell it a mile away, and it's the last thing anyone wants to deal with. By releasing yourself of that specific expectation, you also open yourself to present a relaxed, skilled actor that has something unique to offer.

So, again-focus on what you are there to do. Present yourself and your work in the best light possible. If this is the first time meeting a specific agent or casting director - all the more better. This then becomes your "1st impression." You now have established the other important thing is this business - you've started a relationship. Relationships are currency in this industry-we never stop building them.

If you end up NOT getting the job, that does NOT mean you weren't good enough. Conversely, the most talented actor is not the one who got the job. Factors such as height, weight, hair color, ensemble dynamic, etc. are many times more important than talent (unfortunate, but true).

You may have "killed" that audition, but the harsh fact is, you may resemble too closely the lead, OR because the the lead is 6' they can cast anyone taller than that, or shorter...you get the idea.

In other words - you served up a delicious lobster, but they were hungry for a steak! That simple.

So, by releasing yourself of those extraneous expectations, you will open yourself to have a more relaxed, and perhaps even "fun" audition. And, look back through this entry and remind yourself of all the positives that still come out of an audition, whether you have booked it, or not.

Why should you read this...?

Ok, here we go.

WELCOME everyone!

I am starting this blog in the hopes that this may serve as a resource for aspiring and established artists. Perhaps a place where we can learn from our mistakes, and/or victories, in efforts to achieving our creative and personal goals.

I've been working in this business long enough to know a few things. And when I say, "I know what I'm talking about ," I mean "I've witnessed the benefits and consequences of what I speak. I have witnessed and observed actors "kill it" in auditions, and also "shoot themselves in the foot." By that I mean: a killer audition can be often sabotaged by an actors insecurities. i.e. invading personal space, not knowing when to leave a room, apologizing , etc.

How do I know these things? and why?

Well...long story short. I've been around. Plus, my experience OUTSIDE the industry has benefitted me just as much as my experience WITHIN it.

I am a professional actor, coach and teacher, based out of New York City. I recently received my MFA in Acting from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. I am also a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, in Los Angeles, and studied at Oxford University in the U.K.

Being only 2 years out of Grad School, I have already been privileged to work with several of New York’s Off-Broadway theaters, including: The Actors Company Theatre, Ensemble Studio Theatre, The Bridge Theatre Company, and at The Neighborhood Playhouse. I have also worked with many prominent Los Angeles area theatres such as, A Noise Within, International City Theater, South Coast Repertory Theater, and The Pasadena Playhouse. I worked in film, national commercials, and t.v. Most recently: The Unusuals, All my Children and Guiding Light. I just completed shooting several Independent Films: Jason’s Big Problem, Forged, and Experiment 7. Look for them in the coming year in a festival near you!

I coach privately, and teach acting, speech, and dialects at the University level (currently at Rider University, and have taught at Rutger's University, at both New Brunswick and Newark campuses). 
 In addition, I've worked at seminar companies, served as readers for prominent casting houses, and just kept my eyes open and watched the "Actor-Condition" at work (not quite the "Human-Condition" as we, actors, can often be a sub-species of our own - come on now...we all know this to be true).

Before I began my pursuits as an actor, I was a registered Lobbyist in Washington, DC. A parallel world of sorts, and the lessons I learned in that environment, also apply to ours. In fact, I remember the distinct sensation of gratitude for my time in our nation's capital shortly after I moved to Los Angeles. I found I possessed a savvy I didn't know I had...I can only attribute it to the experience I had in DC. Or, maybe it's all just common-sense. Who really knows, or cares...

So, here it begins. Each entry will be addressing a specific issue we artists face in our daily lives. I hope these entries can serve as lessons from which we all may learn. Whether it be from my own personal experience, or those observed of others, we all can deepen our craft, work a little harder and better ourselves as we press on undaunted in the quest to achieve our goals. I hope these entries may also serve as a basis of knowledge for which actors may empower themselves to give their very best when working and/or auditioning. Let's start removing all the reasons for not working.

To learn more about me, visit: www.christopherhalladay.com

Here we go!