Auditioning is a skill and students can do a great deal of work throughout the year to help make their auditions a positive and successful experience. This workbook takes them through from beginning to end... and even what to do after their audition has taken place. While it is tailored to musical theatre, much of the advice can be applied to any kind of audition. (Interviews, too.) It is designed to encourage the students to think critically and creatively and is intended for all reading ages. (Although parents can certainly go through the workbook with their children if not proficient readers yet!) Younger students may need to look up certain words, but that is an important skill to practice, too.
This book was born from a desire of the students to provide information to others that they had felt helped them tremendously in their own development and was not often taught in other settings. All of the money collected goes toward creating educational materials and providing scholarships for training to deserving students.
Example page:
How do I know if my child will find this workbook beneficial? Good question! Ask them any of the following questions:
-What is a slate and why is it important?
-How do you choose a song or monologue that's best for you and the show you are auditioning for?
-What does your voice need to be healthy for an audition, and why?
-What foods should you eat and which should you avoid before an audition, and why?
-How can you best present yourself at the audition when not performing prepared material? (What to say, what to wear, how to behave, etc.)
-What steps can you take to prepare material for your audition so that you feel truly confident?
-Do your nerves ever keep you from doing your best in an audition?
-What is the purpose of an audition and what specific traits are the directors looking for? (Hint: 'a good singer/dancer/actor' isn't a clear enough answer. What do the directors really need to see? What is it they are looking for in each cast member and for the show as a whole?)
-How long should your song or monologue be if there is no indicated length in the audition materials, and why?
-If you are not a strong dancer (consistent ability to do clean technical movements such as pirouettes, fouette turns, straddle leaps, etc.), what can you do to make the dance audition less intimidating and to 'show' yourself as well as possible?
...but my child gets into every production they audition for, or gets every role that they want. So they don't need to improve their audition skills, right?
A common and understandable misconception. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you in depth! (I'll "take this question off the air," so to speak.) For now, consider asking them the above questions to see what their knowledge level is.
*All of the money collected goes toward creating educational materials and providing scholarships for training to deserving students. Taking enough lessons to hear all of the information in the workbook would cost a minimum of $720. The workbook has the added benefit of being something the student can refer back to at any time.
-A PDF copy of the workbook is now available for only $10! (If you would like to include an additional $2 to cover taxes and processing fees, that would be greatly appreciated.) To purchase the PDF, send $10 (or $12) to @cmoultonstudio on Venmo and include your email address in the "What is this for?" box. Transactions are private so no one else will see your email address. If Venmo requests a 4 digit code, that number is 2353. You will receive your PDF as soon as possible and within 24 hours. If you do not have Venmo, email cmoultonstudio@gmail.com to work out other payment options of cash, check, or Zelle.
An important note:
The workbook is not nearly as effective if the student does not do the written exercises. If a student is using the PDF, they should print out a copy or use a separate notebook to complete the written portions.
-Physical copies of the workbooks are printed in-house by students on regular 10x14 paper and are $40. (Discounts are available for schools and instructors.) That is ten dollars less than the standard cost of one thirty-minute private lesson with the instructor. The price is for the knowledge in the book and the cost of in-house printing, not for what would be an additional cost of a company to print and bind it. Email cmoultonstudio@gmail.com to place an order. Books can be paid for on Venmo (@cmoultonstudio; 4-digit code: 2353), cash, or check. They can be picked up at The Strand box office, mailed, or (depending on distance from the Marietta Square) delivered directly to you by the students or the instructor.