Audition Log 2/8/11 - The First One

I've always been told that after every audition you should write down everything you can remember about it, as a guide for future auditions (e.g. Were the lights a problem? The space a benefit? What clothes did you wear and how did that help/hinder your audition). Well, what better place to log my collective audition journey than here? So, after every audition, I'll post what happened, how it went, and how I felt. Names (may) be changed to protect the innocent.

As I write this, "Linus and Lucy" by Vince Guaraldi is playing in the background. How suitable, because that is exactly how I feel after my first EVER audition in New York!

It went so well! So much fun, and the company was so nice. Stars seemed to align.

Here's the step-by-step of how it went (it may get long; my apologies).

THE MORNING

I woke up at 6:30 am after a mere four/five hours of sleep. I prepared the night before (printing headshots, packing my dance clothes, double-checking my music). It was sort of unwise to try it all that night, seeing as how I didn't get home from work until 9, but sometimes things like that happen. In the future, Jimmy, prepare earlier.

I tried to take a shower, but apparently the water doesn't get hot until....I dunno, 9 or 10. I left my house at 8, hoping that it would warm up before then so I could get a quick shower in. Sadly, no go. I even had to pour hot water from the teapot into a bowl so I could shave. It was not a pretty sight. In the future, Jimmy, shower the night before. And shave regularly.

THE SUBWAY

Of course, the day I wanted to get somewhere relatively early was the day my metro card expired. I missed one subway while refilling but made another. I had plenty of time, but it was still funny nonetheless.

THE PRE-AUDITION

I made it all the way down to W. 54th St. easy enough and found the building, which is just a building full of offices. No fancy on-the-stage audition like in A Chorus Line, which I know is the standard now but is still a little sad. Actors can have "audition dreams," too.

When I got in, there was a sign that stated: "Casting Calls: the line forms outside. Building doesn't open until 8:30." I checked my watch. 8:30, on the dot. Uh oh, I thought, there's a line!? I knew it was going to be big, but...but...oh my, how many people will be in front of me?

Six. Six people were in front of me.

I took the elevator up to the 11th floor, found the studio space, and meandered into this dance room with chairs lined up on either side. I figured this was the holding area, and felt rewarded when I found out I was correct. There was a table to the side with two pieces of lined paper taped to it. One said, "UNOFFICIAL HAIRSPRAY SIGN UP - MALE" and the other said the same thing but for women. Ooo! I thought, my first unofficial sign-up sheet. Here's to many more! I signed up and got dressed.

The dance call was first, so I went into the "Men's Dressing Room" and changed. I put quotations marks around "Men's Dressing Room" because it wasn't; it was a supply closet. A small one, at that. No lock, too. But I made due and changed.

The breakdown asked everyone to wear clothes that would show off your body. So, I'm thinking tight fitting, non-baggy or tapered-out. So I choose a tight, white shirt and jazz pants: and old standard. In hindsight, I did not need to wear this. The choreography was such that I could have worn track pants and been fine (some men did). It didn't impede my dancing, but I did feel a little foolish.

I finished dressing and came back into the waiting room. It was 8:40; I had an hour and twenty minutes before the audition began. I felt that was fine, because it gave me a chance to really warm up (I had not danced for a few weeks and was feeling it).

For a dance call, I thought I would have to compete for space to warm up, but there was hardly anyone doing so. In fact, no one was! They were all sitting in the chairs, waiting or texting. I found this odd, but thought maybe they were waiting to warm up later. Whatever floats their boat is fine, but I needed to warm up now. They can catch up when they want to.

But they never did. As more and more men came in (it was strictly a dance call/singing audition for men; women were later in the day), more and more sat. I was a bit flabbergasted. Some people did small stretches here and there, but I was going full out. I know no other way. I felt some eyes on me, (probably) imagined some snickers in my direction, and put on my headphones to diffuse the tiny vampire bomb going off inside me. It worked. I put on slow, soothing music to calm my nerves and drown out any naysayers. Who cares if they make fun of me for stretching? I'm gonna rock this audition.

THE DANCE AUDITION

At around 9:45 a man by the name of Chris introduced himself as the "production coordinator" (I actually forgot his title, and I feel terrible for it. Always remember everyone's name and their job position). He handed us a form to fill out and a brand-new *OFFICIAL* sign-in sheet. Everyone obeyed the unofficial sheet we had originally made, which was a refreshing sight to see. It's cool to hear about it, but to see it first hand. It's a small thing, but in this realm of competition it's nice to see camaraderie and respect.

We left our bags behind (really? Okay...) and followed Chris into another studio, which was roughly the same size as the holding room, maybe a little bigger but not by much. It had mirrors on one side, windows on the other, with fluorescent lights adorning the ceiling. A piano rested in the corner. Pretty standard dance room. Well, save for the piano.

We met the choreographer and his associate, who was the only woman a part of the production team. We also met the music director and the producer of the whole company. Though quiet, the latter two were warm and pleasant.

Not to say that the first two were mean-spirited. Quite the contrary! Unlike what I thought my first NY audition would be, the choreographer was open and kind. He didn't care so much about the technique but about the performance, saying that Hairspray is more about singing than dancing (Oh no! Make it more about dancing!). He joked around with us, citing a jump I had done as "Populism" (from Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson), and tried to help everyone really nail the combination, including two men who were very late.

The combination itself wasn't very hard. A quick combo of 8 8-counts, it featured booty shaking, turns, kicks, and ponies (oh, the ponies!). I don't know how long it took us to learn it exactly, but it felt quick. We then performed it a couple of times without music, then with music, then we went to the sides and put us into small groups.

I was in the third group. Funny enough, I had been placed with my peanut gallery (the boys who I thought were snickering at me, but were probably laughing at some youtube video). We faced the mirror (how nice of the choreographer!) and the associate danced in front of us. After a few moves, she stepped off to the side. She didn't need to help; we were doing good. I don't know if you know, but rocking out to high-energy dance moves? It's kinda my thing. So let me reiterate: I'm gonna rock this audition.

After everyone went once, we did it again but in bigger groups. I was in the second group this time. The first time I was downstage, the second upstage. Both times I was stage left, in you will. Neither times did I have a lapse of memory, though I did flub once or twice when I was waiting on the side.

They then thanked us all, and we went back to the holding area.

After a moment, Chris came back and said they wanted to hear us all sing.

Okay. I'm gonna have to sing. Just breathe...

Part 2 of this Audition Log, including the "Singing Audition" will come up tonight or tomorrow.

The Step Where I Get My Ears Lowered

Been meaning to update about this little adventure I had, but life got in the way. Not big life, but tiny little life, including cutting my reel and a LOT of time spent going through my headshots again and again and again...

But, I wanted to update and say I got a haircut.

On second thought, I feel foolish for this. But I'll do it anyway.

I'm a very type A person; I see a day and think "things need to get done" (as opposed to "things can happen"). Some people may call me anal-retentive, and I may call type B people "bums", but it's all perspective.

Well, I mention this because I've been in need of a haircut for some time now. I've had this curly mop-top that I can seem to do anything with (not that I can do anything with my hair even when it's short. It's been a long battle between my hair and myself. Usually my hair wins). Even though I needed one, I wasn't getting one. Why? I hadn't scheduled it in. So I did, last Saturday.

Now, I don't consider myself a penny-pincher, but I do like value. What's the best thing I can get for the cheapest? You know that great tug-of-war.between quality and price. But, I also know where I am, (please read the following in an urban accent) so thing's ain't gonna be cheap! (you may continue as per usual) But I did find an excellent place called 3 Aces Barber Shop.

A literal barber shop. No appointments. No nails. No women, apparently. You walk in and wait; YOU keep track of when you're next. They even have an old-fashioned barber pole!

Where's the room for that in Hell's Kitchen? Amazing!

When I finally did get my haircut, the man was incredibly attentive, even graciously going over it again when I wanted it a little shorter. And how nimble and fast were his scissors! And the coup de grace: he shaved the back of my neck, with a single, Sweeney-Todd-style razor. Fancy!

And how much did this amazing haircut cost me? $13. 13 bucks! I was flabbergasted.

I then strolled through Hell's Kitchen a bit, just to see what's what (I know! Type-A-me being a bum!). A lo- and behold I found this building, which is...

The Alvin Ailey Theater! I love this choreographer! And while he may have passed away, his works still resonate with me and almost everyone who's ever had the chance to view one of his dances (if you can ever see his dance Revelations, PLEASE please do so). So, to see this theater/dance company/dance school(?) felt like a belated holiday surprise. I have to see if they have classes.

Lastly, earlier in the day I passed by this sign and took a picture of it. Because I thought it was cool.

The "G" flashes. It's a sort of "you had to be there" picture, I guess.

Lates!

-[jimmy]

Much Too Young to Feel This Damn Old

I am a quarter of a century old.

Sometimes you turn a year and don't feel that age. You're nine and you turn 10 yet you still feel like a nine year old even though you've entered the illustrious double digits (11 more months and Bubs is there...). Well, this time is different. I already feel 25; I'm already more confident, wiser, and more relaxed. Twenty-five is a good year to start chasing your dreams.

Did I mention I want to take a hip-hop class? After my class yesterday, I saw a hip-hop class and it was mesmerizing. I love the way hip-hop is moving right: it's this interesting juxtaposition between smooth lyric movements and sharp staccato steps, and when it's really good it still tells a story. This class was really good. Don't know if I'm experienced enough for that class, but I'm certain ready for something.

This birthday has already been the best ever: got a call from my 'girls' exactly at midnight; they sang me "Happy Birthday" and then giggled when I told them I was at work. No work tomorrow, though. Gonna wake up, open a beer, and not stop until the day's over. 'Cause that's the best way to celebrate your birth: trying to kill yourself with alcohol. Wink!

The Step Where I Die (But I Resurrect, So It's Okay)

Good news! I got all the stuff I ordered from Target today! That includes a desk, chair, bookshelf, pillows, and other fun stuff. I started building the desk in the wee hours of the morning and completed both the desk and chair today (I've been keeping a terrible sleeping schedule). So... that means I'm not typing on my desktop computer on the floor, craning over the keys and killing myself in the process. I'm now in a nice comfy chair seated in front of a sturdy desk, which means I can write more updates much more frequently! Will I update more? Probably not.

Took an amazing contemporary jazz class today at Broadway Dance Center in midtown. I initially wanted to take this choreographer's 6-7:30 class, especially because I had boxes that were begging to be unpacked. Yet, I was late. So I waded around midtown for an hour and took the 7:30-9, which actually was better suited for my experience bracket.

Lo and behold when I get to BDC again, but who do I see? Erin Lynne-Hall from college. She's managing BDC now (which is pretty awesome; no big deal). I was surprised to see her though I knew she worked there, but I don't believe she even had the foggiest that I moved here. I've been here a month, and I've met up with very few friends (I need to get on that... yes, I'm looking at you person who lives in or around Manhattan that I haven't seen yet. I apologize, but the phone does work both ways. Think about it).

Class was exhausting and difficult, which is exactly why I need to keep taking it. I need to have difficult; in terms of dance I've had easy for too long now. I've become soft. So I'm ready to step up my game.

Today was someone's birthday in class, so the teacher gave her what she wanted: something fast. This techno-infused roller-coaster ride of a routine had us going a mile-a-minute while getting down on the floor then up on the floor then down then up then side then out. It was intense. But, again, it was good because it was difficult. I felt clean because I was drenched in sweat. I'm a dancer again.

I also want to take an improv class and maybe do some stand-up. 'Cause it terrifies me.

Birthday looming around. 25. Want to see improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade.

Good news: tickets are freezies!

Bad news: they give them right before the show starts.

So I'm guessing that if I get there an hour before the show starts I'll get some tickets. I hope. I really would like to see something on my birthday, but I have a history of things like this not working out. So we'll see.