I'm sure my neighbors were pleased with me this morning. Up and at 'em bright and early to get ready. I always feel bad practicing (loudly) before 10am, but sometimes it is a necessary evil. I'm sure they appreciate the trumpet wake up call!
Honestly, I think things went pretty well this morning. I wouldn't say that I knocked it out of the park, but I was really pleased with my audition. It was a little bit unusual, or unexpected rather. They'd had us learn one of two songs, and asked us to bring an instrument if applicable. I agonized over what to bring in on the trumpet, and ended up spending the weekend memorizing two different pieces. I only played one, but really the practice was very helpful. I know I need to keep it up in anticipation of the next audition. That pretty much all went as expected. However at the end the director asked if there was anything else I would like to sing. Anything at all out of my book. I was a little taken aback, and I started flipping through my material to pick something similar to the genre. But he went on to clarify that he didn't mind the style, just wanted to see me perform something that I was completely comfortable in.
I wasn't quite sure how I felt about this. I mean, it's fantastic to be asked to sing whatever you like. That sort of thing never happens in an audition. And it is great to be able to go in with something that you know backwards and forwards, something you know you are good at. I tend to agonize over what to bring to an audition, trying to pick the most suitable piece for both myself and the show I am auditioning for. I really love hunting down the best song. So it was a nice, although surprising opportunity.
At the end, as I left, the director gave me some unsolicited feedback. He told me that I had done a 'really beautiful audition'. What a nice thing to hear! I can't tell you how much the positive response means. Hopefully it will then turn in to a recall, and getting cast in the show. But for the moment I am content to hold on to that one compliment. I need to remember it, and take it to heart.
Earlier this summer, I had an audition. One of the best auditions I have done in a long while. One of those auditions where you walk out of the room and know that you absolutely nailed it. That sort of feeling of security doesn't come very often. I was devastated when I then did not get the show. In fact I didn't even get a recall. It really knocked my confidence for a while. However a few weeks after the fact I got an email from them with some nice feedback. I wrote them an email thanking them, to which they then responded with further praise and encouragement. A coworker of mine crossed paths with one of the creative team, who positively mentioned my audition in particular as well.
This sort of continued feedback is practically unheard of. As someone who has worked in casting, I understand that you do remember the people who make an impression. But that information rarely gets communicated. So to be on the receiving end of that sort of encouragement and support is kind of incredible. I have definitely been doubting myself recently, and so this has been fortifying. I think it is also interesting that this is happening now, while I am pushing myself to grow and improve. The two may not be related, but I certainly feel like I am finally making some sort of progress - both within myself and outside of myself in the theatre community.
I can only hope that it continues. I know that I certainly will keep going. 10 days down, 90 to go,
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