I am getting very stressed out about Unifieds auditions in a few weeks because for one- I feel like although I have been practicing my songs and monologues for months, I haven’t done intense work, though I can’t figure out what I need to do better because coaching sessions never seem to help. Also, I am very absent minded and get anxiety attacks and live in my own world occasionally and that is bad for anything that involves scheduling or details. I am afraid I am going to forget about something crucial or become flustered or confused or mess up a scheduling thing or forget something!
Advice would be much appreciated!
So, most schools at Unifieds need a prerecorded accompaniment track right? Would iPod and speakers be best or CD?
Also, how does the scheduling of the dance calls work?
Thanks!
To help with the anxiety, make some check lists. This will help you make sure you have everything you need and hopefully decrease the stress. Here are some ideas of what to include on your list:
PACKING LIST:
Audition book
Extra head shots and resumes
Audition outfit
Extra audition outfit
Audition shoes
dance wear
dance shoes
proper undergarments
toiletries
make up
hair brush
hair accessories
hair dryer
flat iron
phone charger
phone
computer charger
computer (if taking)
portable speaker (if needed)
plane ticket (if needed)
spending money/wallet/cards
Printed copies of audition appointment confirmations
Info about each school you are auditioning for to read prior to meeting with them
Next: Print out a daily calendar for the days when you are attending Unifieds. On it write in each audition time. Maybe give each school its own color. Make several copies and even take a picture of to keep on your phone. When you get to Unifieds, take that calendar and write in the appropriate room numbers or audition location if you don’t know them already. While working on this, if you have a calendar on your phone, go ahead and program the audition dates and times on your phone as well.
If you get to Unifieds in time, walk around the night before your auditions start and familiarize yourself with the layout of the hotel and where specifically your auditions will be. And on audition day, allow plenty of extra time to get to your auditions just in case you make a wrong turn somewhere.
As far as pre-recorded accompaniment, it really depends on which schools you are auditioning for. Many of Ds schools at Unifieds provided an accompanist. But for those who didn’t, she kept her accompaniment cuts on a separate play list on her phone. She had a speaker she could connect to via Bluetooth. That worked fine for the few auditions where she needed it. But check each school’s specific instructions as to what they want you to bring in terms of pre-recorded accompaniment or if it is even needed.
As far as dance calls go, again, you will need to check with each school for which you are auditioning. Some will have their dance call at a separate location and time. If this is the case, most likely they will have informed you of this with your audition confirmation. Others will have it at the same time and location as your monologue and song. In these instances they will allow you brief time to change from one set of clothes to the other in the closest bathroom/changing room on that floor. So really check with each school as they should provide you with specific information about how this would work for their dance call. And remember, some schools choose not to have a dance call at all at Unifieds.
Most of all, be confident that you have worked hard on your audition material and envision yourself knocking their socks off in the audition room. Take deep breaths and remember, the schools want you to do well. They are on your side. So give it all you have! We will all be rooting for you!
All excellent advice from @vvnstar … Just one more note… When playing pre recorded accompaniment on your phone, be sure to put it in airplane mode so no texts or phone calls come through during your audition.
@BeccaW444 It sounds like you are overwhelmed with preparing for multiple auditions at once - too many details- which is perfectly understandable!! Besides all the incredible advice above, maybe it would help you to break your preparation into smaller parts. If you have two auditions a day for three days at Unifieds, try setting aside some time for three consecutive days for final preparation. On day 1, review your schedule for day 1 of Unifieds. Read the audition confirmations, be sure you understand your schedule, verify required materials, supplies you will need for that day, etc…then do a mock audition for day 1…even if it’s to an empty room with smiley faces taped to the wall to simulate the people behind the table.
Then the next day, work on Unifieds day 2, and finally day 3.
My D has her third audition this weekend, and likes to take final prep, one-at-a-time, so this will be her approach for Unifieds. Although she has all her material ready, she is waiting until after this weekend to prepare for Unified schools.
Best of luck, and remember, the goal isn’t perfection, the goal is to show the schools who you are. Do your due diligence and everything will fall into place! Best of luck!!!
Some schools may provide a speaker that connects with a “patch” cord to your phone or iPod - but, to be safe, I would bring your own speaker which connects to your phone/iPod via dock, patch cord, or Bluetooth.
A "patch" cord is also known as a mini stereo jack cable which has "male" connections on each end allowing you to play your phone or iPod through external speakers.
BeccaW444
If you have anyone who can help, even if you have never asked them before do it. I am a very very grown up woman with a MBA and lots of work and years of raising kids, and I find this process stressful. I am so impressed with the people on this site who have offered up tips and advice. The common element is too try and slow down, break the process into small steps, and remember to breath and try and enjoy the process. I promise you that no matter what happens with auditions that does not mean anything in terms of where you will end up in 30 years. There are lots of ways to get to where you want to be, sometimes the non obvious path is the best. Good luck, read the advice and then slow down and make some lists.
Everyone has given excellent advice. In addition to what has been mentioned, you may want to find a way to center and calm yourself daily starting today for at least 5 minutes at a time (but don’t worry about timing it; just do it until you feel at peace, and then longer if you can)–close your eyes and listen to music that soothes you, use a hot tub, pray, search online for a meditation exercise that seems good to you and do it, knit, draw–anything that you know will bring you peace.
Try to frame your anxiety and nervousness into positives: nervousness can turn into great energy/adrenaline, so embrace it; anxiousness means you’ll check details, which is great; living in your own world means you can really focus on yourself at Unifieds; living in your own world means you can create your own world to a certain extent, so create it how you optimally want it to be (positive, calm but excited, celebrating how much you love performing, embracing the positive energy of auditions, etc.).
Definitely list everything music-related, but anything that shows you have time management or leadership skills should also be included. That could include sports, community service, part-time jobs, honor societies, outside clubs, etc.