Too many people wait until the last minute to seek help preparing for an important audition or interview. They come to sessions looking for a quick fix. It’s the equivalent of wanting a pill that will give you six pack abs while you sleep.
Because the voice is a physical instrument, there are elements of expression that are like athletic training. The coordination and muscle memory are built over time
Mental acuity and emotional balance need to be practiced and patterned as well. Otherwise we revert to habits and limitations, or worse, embarrass ourselves while improvising.
In the theatre we say there’s a time to grow and a time to show. This means the best time to work on these skills is when you don’t have anything coming up.
- You will have time to explore repertoire and ideas, to determine what really suits you.
- You will deepen your relationship with your truest dreams and convictions and be clear about what you really want to try for.
- You will be able to practice until you achieve excellence, and then make that your habit or reflex.
For most people, waiting until the last minute and trying to do too much in a short time causes vocal fatigue, mental overwhelm, and emotional anxiety. Even if you enjoy the excitement and have success “flying by the seat of your pants” you may find, at a certain point, that what you do lacks depth and doesn’t stand up over time.
The best way to be prepared is to consistently work on your skills with regularly scheduled coaching and personal practice. Work with your teacher or coach to:
- Prepare your materials and repertoire.
- Do mock auditions and interviews.
- Participate in the audition or interview in a way that helps you find out if this is the right gig for you, if the work and people are a good fit.
Good luck!