Tips for Virtual Dance Auditions
Prom. Graduation. Dining out. Hanging out. Studio practice. In-person classes. Performances. When it comes to the many things we took for granted in the past, the list could go on and on.
Throughout history, self-expression through dance has proven to be a powerful means of perseverance and survival. Unfortunately, the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic have made it much more difficult for dancers to perfect their craft. From makeshift home studios to outdoor rehearsals, dancers all over the country have exercised their resilience by being creative and finding ways to keep dancing, despite the obstacles 2020 threw their way.
Related: Dancing Through the Pandemic with our Brown Ballerina Ambassadors
As we approach the dreaded “second wave” of the pandemic, dancers aren’t the only ones getting creative. Virtual learning is likely here to stay, which means many schools and ballet companies will likely be hosting auditions for scholarships, summer intensives, and new productions virtually more often than in-person.
If that’s the case, we want to make sure you feel confident and prepared! In-person auditions are nerve-wracking enough, but being on camera for auditions can come with its own set of challenges. Below, we put together a few tips and pointers for auditioning online.
Research
As with any audition or casting call, you should always start preparing by doing some research. Knowing factors such as the company’s mission, the producer’s style, and the production’s origin can help you feel more familiar with the role you are auditioning for.
This will also help you get a better feel for what the casting directors will be examining as they make their decisions. Perhaps, they want a dancer who can embody a strange character. On the other hand, they may be looking for a dancer who specializes in a specific technique. Whatever the case may be, your research can give you the answers you need to be able to audition confidently.
Set Up Your Space
At least a day before the audition, make sure to set up your space so that it is ideal for dancing. First, tidy up the area, removing anything in the background that might be distracting to you or your online audience. Your space will need to be wide enough for you to be able to stretch out and dance without being out of the frame. Make sure the area is free from tripping hazards as well.
While setting up, ask a family member to help you do a test run of the call. Check your Wi-Fi quality to ensure there is no disruption to the video quality as you move around the room. Test the audio to make sure you can clearly hear the other person. This is important since you’ll need to listen for directions during the audition. Use lamps or natural light to ensure your area is well-lit and clearly visible.
Position the camera so that you’re far enough away to be fully in the frame as you move, without being so far from the camera that your face and posture are hard to see. It’s a good idea to place your camera on a table or chair so that it’s leveled to your midsection. As you step back, your full body will come into the frame without any odd angles. If necessary, use small pieces of tape on the floor to mark the best spot for you to stand. The more you prepare your space ahead of time, the more comfortable you will be in it during the audition.
Prepare Yourself
Auditioning online may not seem to require as much energy as an in-person audition. Don’t be fooled into letting the camera give you a false sense of security. Just because you aren’t in the studio, that doesn’t mean your audience won’t notice slouching or lazy arms and flimsily pointed feet. In fact, online auditions might actually make these mistakes more noticeable, since there are fewer things for your audience to be distracted by.
Take your virtual audition seriously by making time to prepare your body and mind for the big day. You’ll need to be fully energized and attentive as the casting directors interact with you online. The night before the audition, get a good night’s rest. A few hours before the audition, make sure you are hydrated and have eaten a light, nutritious meal. Right before the audition, take some time to warm up, stretching your muscles and practicing deep breathing to get your blood flowing. If you find yourself feeling nervous, make a conscious effort to calm down, and positively channel your energy. Prepare your body and mind to be eager to learn, energized, confident, and ready to participate.
Stage Presence
Since virtual meetings replaced social gatherings this year, people are much more understanding of unavoidable inconveniences, such as lagging Wi-Fi or lack of physical, private (and quiet) space. However, don’t let those uncontrollable technical difficulties bleed into what you can control on camera, such as your stage presence, your posture, and anything else that expresses your professionalism as a dancer.
With that being said, treat a virtual audition just like you would treat an in-person audition. Make a great impression by showing up ready to listen and move. Stand tall and dance with just as much energy as you would in person. Don’t let the camera take away from your stage presence. Make eye contact with the camera often, giving the audience your attention. During downtime, keep moving and practicing what you’ve learned, as long as you’re not disruptive to the group. As if you were auditioning in person, you want to show the viewers that you are eager to learn and excited for the opportunity to audition.
Digital Application Packet
Not all auditions may happen in real-time. Even if they do, some companies may require you to send over a digital application packet before you are selected to audition. While all audition requirements will vary based on the production, you should expect to have the following content readily available to send.
A nicely filmed dance reel will showcase your technique and form. See if the audition calls for a specific genre and tailor your clips to that. You should also have 2-3 headshots and full-body shots. If you can’t afford to hire a photographer, using a quality camera in front of a solid-colored wall as your background wall will work. Record a brief video introduction of yourself, sharing a little more about your dance experience. Lastly, have a dance CV available to email if requested. It should outline your dance experience that is relevant to the role. Be sure to note any experience you gained during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as virtual lessons or training.
We understand how frustrating and discouraging this year has been for many dancers. When you begin to feel discouraged, try instead to focus on ways to adapt to this new reality. Adaptability is one of the many things that make a successful dancer. By switching up your environment and the way you approach auditions, you are only improving yourself as a professional dancer!
Remember not to let anything stand in the way of your passion. When you feel you need support and encouragement from the dance community, catch up on our blog and connect with us on Instagram!