An Audition - The Covid Experience
This weekend I attended an audition for the first time in over 10 months and I had no idea what to expect.
Before even considering going, I wanted to know if it was going to be worth my time, energy and the risk. Who knows if the job will even go ahead? It could all get cancelled altogether. So I sent an email in the hopes to find out if I had any chance. After being reassured that the government guidelines and social distancing will be enforced, and the fact that the production was looking for an entire cast and only 200 auditionees invited, I felt that all measures had been taken to make the whole experiences and safe as possible.
Some of the rules that we had to follow include maintaining a two meter distance during the audition at all times, no more than 40 people per group and of course sanitising our hands before entering the room. Wearing a mask was made optional, however for an audition I think it is important for the casting team to see your face and expressions.
A one way system was set up as to how to get to the audition room and each group was allotted one hour. The rehearsal room was bright airy and well ventilated. They did a good job as I felt safe the whole time and it felt so good to be able to dance and move. (Although, I paid for that the next day! My body was not used to moving and I gave it my all.) I don’t think they could have done anything different to improve the measures taken to prevent the spread of Covid.
Before going, I did some research about what might help to protect me from the virus. I read a Sky News article that British Armed Forces had been issued insect repellent that contains a product called Citriodiol because it is believed it might offer a new layer of protection against COVID-19. Click here for more information.
It's called Mosi-Guard, an all natural insect repellent. I thought what’s the harm in a little extra defence? Plus, if it is good enough for the armed forces to be issued to, its good enough for me. I must say, it smells good too.
What are your thoughts? Would you feel safe going to an audition during a world Pandemic? Do you think you would have taken extra measures or that the casting team could have put in place?
Im not entirely sure how I felt about the experience overall, as I feel that a lot of politics took place throughout the event. (I think that could be an entire conversation starter and a post all on its own).
Hi Jacob,
ReplyDeleteI think its great you took the leap of faith to attend an audition in such strange times. However, as artists we have be in control of our own destiny as we have been affected financially whilst we provide the largest contribution to the economy and health and wellbeing. It sounds like it was set up really well, I think I would have been frightened to attend with 40 people at most, however I work in a school, and it's a very different environment. What would happen if less people were to audition, would you get the same feeling whilst auditioning, would it add to the overall audition experience? I'm interested to know how others responded and whether you felt a sense of community and belonging when auditioning? I know when I first stepped back into the dance studio, it felt very strange and uncertain.
Looking forward to speaking again.
Jess
It was a very strange experience. It was my first time back in a studio actually and it felt like nothing had changed.
DeleteYes we had to keep our distance, but I quite liked that as I gave me space to move. Being tall, I think people are not aware of how long my limbs are. so to have the extra space was almost better than a regular audition. Although it has to be said, people were still trying to push to the front!
Hi Jacob, thank you for your message. It's great you went to a casting. How did you feel after you went? Our industry has been completely decimated so to get any castings is great!
DeleteMost of mine have been via self-tape for Theatre/Film/Tv/Commercials/Voiceovers.
Like many I have had contracts cancelled this year. We are a resilient workforce so well done for going to the casting.
How did you find the discussion group yesterday? how are you finding looking over you C.V and prior experience?
Best Wishes
Dan
Hi Jacob, welcome to the MAPP! I'm sure it was a very considered decision for everyone who is starting this year or has it been a blessing to finally get round to embarking on an MA now that many have been given the gift of more 'free' time. The word free time sadly during a pandemic has meant that for many of us we are free and free of earnings to boot!!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to ask you about the audition process as you seemed downbeat regarding the politics. Do you feel that the dancers had already been selected before the audition process, or was there a predetermined typecast or look that they wanted. This used to be so much the case when I was auditioning in London in the late nineties and early noughties!
We as dance educators should learn from these experiences we had as dancers to ensure our auditions, castings, workshops and classes give each dancer the space and time they need. Everyone learns differently and everyone has a different interpretation of a choreography and wouldn't it be such a different environment when rehearsing, that we brought the dancers into the piece rather than just the choreographers own personal style ?
Best wishes
Linda