Monday 17 June 2013

How to improve your audition talents

One Source Talent Says How to improve your Audition Talents

Probably the most difficult part of theater is the audition process, both for those that need to audition as well as for the auditors. It’s a time consuming, nerve-wracking, grueling, nasty business. It is also what gives everyone an (fairly equal) opportunity to get on the stage, grow, improve and enjoy the fruits of hard work and the blessing of talent, both natural and developed.
The pointers below have been gleaned from all over and will help you. Will they guarantee that you’ll get the leading role that you’ve always wanted? No… but it will help you prepare for that scary, shake-anybody’s-confidence, process called the “audition.”
BEFORE YOU GO
READ THE AUDITION NOTICE CAREFULLY
Actors should arrive at auditions fully prepared, not just ready to perform, but also to present any requested material. Examine the audition notice. Follow whatever guidelines are offered to ensure that you arrive at the audition as organized as possible.
PREPARING A SONG
Choose wisely when you are picking a song for your audition. Try to choose a song that shows off your abilities and is consistent with the style of show you are auditioning for. (For instance, no shows are performed a cappella, so you shouldn’t audition that way.) If the show consists of songs that lean toward rock, or opera, or traditional Broadway tunes, try to find similar material. Avoid singing a song from the show at hand; it restricts the imagination of the staff members who are trying to cast you in the show. The ideal song for you to sing shows off a bit of your voice range and your level of ease as a singer. You are not trying to fool the staff by hiding your weaknesses, but you want to present yourself at your very best. Timing, phrasing, breathing, support and sustain will all reveal themselves very quickly. But maybe more important than all that… feeling. What is the story you are telling with this song? Do you believe it? Can you make me believe it?
So as to be respectful of everyone's time, cut down your song to maybe one verse and one chorus. Rehearse it that way. Then when you get to the audition, you won't be rushed.
Most importantly, come fully rehearsed and prepared! Make sure the audition is not the first time you’ve sung your song on that day. Run through it at least a couple of times before your audition. You should have some form of accompaniment in place, whether it’s a live accompanist or a recorded track. Never put a piano player on the spot by asking them to accompany you at the last minute. He/she could very well “kill” your audition, but the failure to prepare well ahead of time falls on you. The better prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be and the better you will perform.
RESEARCH THE MATERIAL
You might not be able to read the script in advance, but don’t let that stop you from researching the part. Use the Internet, trade magazines like Variety and Hollywood Reporter, and any other sources to find out about the storyline and the character types that the directors might be looking for. Listen to some of the music, if you can. Get a feeling for the time and place of the story. PRACTICE COLD READING
You’ll want to polish up your cold reading skills. Cold reading is the act of performing lines as you read them for the very first time. It can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with practice most actors can become quite adept at it. The best way to become a fluent cold reader is to read aloud whenever you get the chance. And don’t just read the words in a monotone voice, read the words with emotion. Read the words “in character.” • Find opportunities to read to others: • Read storybooks to children. • Read magazine articles to friends. • Read poetry to your loved ones. • Read this article out loud to your computer! • The more you read the more natural your voice will sound. Remember, the challenge of cold reading is to sound as though you are saying those written words spontaneously. Practice makes perfect. • As you practice reading aloud, make certain you incorporate natural movements. AUDITION DRESS CODE
Wear plain clothes
You want the casting director to watch your acting, not read your humorous T-shirt. Don’t wear clothes with strong or colorful designs. Wear comfortable, modest clothes that allow for free movement. Wear appropriate colors
Although a splash of color won’t damage your chances (unless you’ve specifically been asked to wear “blacks”), you should think what is appropriate for your audition, not drawing attention to your clothing.
Wear flat shoes
A simple pair of rubber-soled sneakers is all you need. You can comfortably move in them. Never wear high heals for an audition – you’ll almost certainly be asked to remove them. Flip-flops or bare feet are not appropriate. You will be wearing shoes to perform so don’t plan on getting used to bare feet. Dance shoes are okay to bring (or wear) but don’t make people wait for you to go get them or change into them.
No costumes
Many new actors make the mistake of wearing costumes to audition. Perhaps they say to themselves: “Hey, I’ve got a great pirate outfit from last Halloween! I’ll wear that!” Sadly, this is bound to cause the panel to chuckle under their breath. They might be amused, but they will definitely not take the actor seriously.
Try not to use props
Your stage entrance needs to be as slick and clean as possible. A busy director may begrudge waiting for you to find a chair or table. Sometimes, they might even instruct you to do the audition without the chair and you’ll have to adapt your speech on the spot. It’s best not to use any props so that you can fully concentrate on your performance.
THE AUDITION PANEL
The powers that be. The folks behind the desk, eating, drinking and taking their notes. All the while, ignoring you.
When you walk into the room, don’t think that you are at their mercy for two minutes. Walk in and think the exact opposite. They're at your mercy for two minutes. You can make 'em laugh, cry, or at least yawn. Whatever the case, you'll be having fun.
A little known audition tip: Think of them as potential business partners. Equals. You're selling, and they're buying. Treat them with respect and courtesy, and they'll do the same.
But don't ask who they are. Introductions waste time, time you could use for showing off your acting or singing chops.
They're there to observe and evaluate, not engage.
THE ROOM AND THE SPACE
Wherever it is, there's usually an X on the floor, done with tape. Find it and go stand there. That's called a mark. (X marks the spot.)
Why? Because the panel gets antsy when you're too close. (I had a professor in college who would throw a pen at you if you came too close to the table.) But don't stay rooted to that X. Remember, the space is yours for two whole minutes. So feel free to move around a little bit. THE ARRIVAL
YOU ARE ALWAYS BEING ASSESSED
The audition starts from the moment you enter the building, so try to present yourself as professional and personable at all times. An audition isn’t solely about your acting ability; it’s also about your general character. The panel will be looking to see if you are the sort of personality that would fit their company. BE PROFESSIONAL
Be courteous, but don’t be too talkative. Don’t pester staff members or fellow actors with idle conversation. Spend your time readying yourself.
You will need to fill out the “Audition Form” but a headshot and resume are fine if you have them . In general, think of an audition like a job interview. Avoid inappropriate behavior, whether its chewing gum, using profanity, behaving too shyly or brashly, or making long-winded speeches as to why you are perfect for the role.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS Here's a good audition tip: When you walk in the room, be confident. The human brain makes over 27 judgments about another person within seconds of meeting them. These judgments are based on your posture, body language, voice tone, breathing rate, eye contact, etc.
THE FIRST 10 SECONDS ARE VITAL
The director will make most of their judgments about you in the first 10 seconds of your performance. After this, they will be looking to see if you can sustain your performance.
Make a bad first impression, and everything you do thereafter is filtered through that impression (Called a cognitive filter). You'll smile and they'll think you're afraid and nervous.
If you make a good first impression, you'll smile and they'll think you're relaxed and confident.
Why is this important? Because acting is a business. And people do business with those that they know, like, and trust.
INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND YOUR NUMBER
Don’t start your audition without first introducing yourself to the panel. After you hit your X, and you get the go-ahead nod from the panel, tell them who you are. This is called slating. There's the good slate, and the bad slate.
The Bad Slate: "Hello, my name is so-and-so, and I'll be doing Viola from Twelfth Night."
Boring! Imagine how many times a day the auditors must hear that. It'll go in one ear and right out the other.
The Good Slate: "Good evening, I'm so-and-so and this is Viola in the first act."
That has class and distinction. Or what about this? "Hi everyone, my name is so-and-so and this piece is from Twelfth Night." Now they're listening! (Just remember to keep it simple.)
Although the panel may know which song you are singing, it’s good practice to reiterate the information because it prepares them for what they are about to see and focuses them on your acting ability.
THE TIME LIMIT
If you prepared a song, (as you were instructed in the “Audition Call”, you (usually) get one-two minutes starting from your first line. And two minutes is plenty. (In fact, the panel will have made their decision in about 30 seconds.)
And if they cut you off, don't take it personally. It doesn't mean you're bad, it means they're renting by the hour.
Eye Contact
Actors love to stare, especially in auditions. They think it makes them look ultra-concentrated on their scene partner. The end result looks like someone who might be slightly deranged. And who wants to hire that?
DON’T APOLOGIZE
Before and after an audition, an actor becomes his own worst critic. Often times, hopeful thespians are tempted to explain themselves to the directors. They provide excuses or even apologies in hopes of gaining sympathy. Avoid this as much as you can. Thank the director and leave the audition knowing that if you are right for the part, they will contact you. If not, know that you did your best. And remember: there are many other wonderful roles out there just waiting to be filled.
DON’T BLOCK YOUR FACE
This is simple but incredibly important. Because the script will be in your hands during your audition, you might be tempted to hold the words right in front of your face. Don’t! The director wants to see your facial expressions. If you hide behind the script, chances are less that you’ll get the part!
RELAX
This is good advice for auditions in general. If your nerves get the better of you, don’t worry about it. Everybody is nervous at auditions.
IT’S TIME TO READ
During a cold read audition, most actors stand still as they read from the script. However, if it seems appropriate for your character to move, we suggest you move a little.
Nothing extreme -- nothing too distracting. Go with what feels right, or what the stage directions indicate. Remember, body language is a major part of the audition, not just your voice.
When you cold read during your audition, don’t worry if you stumble over a word or two. The important thing to remember is to stay in character. Create chemistry between you and your fellow actor, if there is one. Make the director, and anyone else watching, believe that you are thinking and feeling the words on the page.
LISTEN AND REACT
Many “cold readers” mistakenly look down at their script while their fellow actors are delivering their lines. Instead, you should be in character, listening and reacting to their words. Much of your performance relies on how you respond to the other characters.
BE CREATIVE AND RECEPTIVE TO NEW IDEAS
There are limitless ways to read a scene. Show your creativity by developing unique characters. The director may ask you to read the part in a different way. Embrace the director’s suggestions and show him what a team-player you can be.
Your creativity, your cold reading skills, and your professionalism will all help you nail that audition.
FINISH PROFESSIONALLY
Lots of actors stand in silence at the end of their audition. This creates an uncomfortable moment for both the panel and the performer. To finish professionally, simply freeze in character for a moment or two at the very end of your performance before returning to a neutral stance. Make eye contact with the panel and say “Thank you.”
THE BOTTOM LINE
These little audition tips & tricks took years to collect. And they can make or break your audition. Follow them, and you'll be light years ahead of the competition, and so much closer to becoming an actor.
DEALING WITH REJECTION
Sometimes you will have to deal with rejection. If you take rejection with a smile and remain polite and positive, the casting director would be more willing to audition you for a future project. If you are defensive and aggressive, they’ll be glad to see the back of you.

Saturday 15 June 2013

One Source Talent Says What to expect at the American Girl Fashion Show Model Auditions

One Source Talent Says What to expect at the American Girl Fashion Show Model Auditions

One Source Talent Says, What to wear girls in Model Fashion Show Audition?
Girls should wear what they want. Some girls wear American Girl outfits if they have them, others come in their team uniforms, blue jeans, sweats, dresses etc.! Anything goes...we just ask that you keep in mind that we need to be able to get accurate measurements OVER their clothing. Wear slip-on/off shoes so we can measure height with no shoes.

One Source Talent Says, What to bring?
A front-facing, color picture we can keep. Do we need to own an American Girl Doll or clothing? NO, we loan the dolls and outfits that the models will use in the show. This should be a FUN experience for you and your little girl!!
1. You will arrive at the Toyota location you selected as your audition location.
2. Please arrive on time. There is no need to arrive early.
3. Check in at the "Registration" table where you will pick up the "Model Application" generated from the registration form you completed online prior to scheduling your audition.
4. You will be asked to complete some additional information on this form upon arrival.
5. Please bring a small (no larger than 4"x6") front-facing, color photo of your little girl which we will staple to her "Model Application". Photos will NOT be returned.
6. There is a space on the form where you will be asked which shows you are available to model in if selected. Girls model in only ONE show and we do our best to accommodate your first or second choice but it is not guaranteed.
7. If you have friends or relatives you would like to model with, please coordinate the show choice information with them prior to your audition so your forms match up. You will be asked to put their names on your application and they need to put your name on their application. We ALWAYS keep siblings together in the same show and we do our best to coordinate friends in the same show but we can not always guarantee this.
8. Girls will be taken in a group to the measuring stations where we will measure height, chest and waist. We will also record eye color and hair color.
9. Girls and families will then be seated in a group to watch a short video about the Aubrey Rose Foundation, meet Aubrey's parents and find out more about the event and next steps.
10. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, peruse the merchandise table & test drive a new Toyota for a chance to win tickets to the show!

How to request to One Source Talents Auditions

Wednesday 5 June 2013

How to organizing a fashion show - some hints and tips

How to organizing a fashion show - some hints and tips

One Source Talent Fashion shows are fun and creative way of highlighting some of the ethical issues surrounding the fashion industry. There is a Lot to be considered so it is well worth planning ahead.

Organising a fashion show can be very time consuming and there is a great deal of hard work involved. However, on the day, when The buzz and excitement of the show take over, it is all worthwhile. Highlighting some of the problems within the industry is also an extremely valuable thing to do.

Whether you want to concentrate on child labour, environmental damage,workers rights or recycling there are a lot of issues to Address. It is not a task for one person alone, but for a team.

In the fashion industry shows tend not to last more than half an hour. Your show can be as long or as short as you feel is appropriate. Take into consideration the amount of models you have, the number of outfits you are showing, other entertainment you are having and the number of people you expect to be in the audience.

If you want dance routines, live music or an art exhibition to be part of your event – feel free. Be as creative as you like with the format of a catwalk show. This pack will provide you with a rough checklist of things to consider as well as creative ideas about the content and some tips to get you started.

Sunday 2 June 2013

Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams

Email provides us a convenient and powerful communications tool. Unfortunately, it also provides scammers and other malicious individuals an easy means for luring potential victims. The scams they attempt run from old-fashione d bait-and-switch operations to phishing schemes using a combination of email and bogus web sites to trick victims into divulging sensitive information. To protect yourself from these scams, you should understand what they are, what they look like, how they work, and what you can do to avoid them. The following recommendations can minimize your chances of falling victim to an email scam:

  • Filter spam
  • Don’t trust unsolicited email
  • Treat email attachments with caution
  • Don’t click links in email messages
  • Install antivirus software and keep it up to date
  • Install a personal firewall and keep it up to date
  • Configure your email client for security
These recommendations are explained in the section “What You Can Do to Avoid Becoming a Victim.” Ignoring them may leave you vulnerable to identity theft, information theft, the abuse of your computer for illegal activity, the receipt of bogus or illegal merchandise, and financial loss.
Recognizing Email Scams Unsolicited commercial email, or “spam,” is the starting point for many email scams. Before the advent of email, a scammer had to contact each potential victim individually by post, fax, telephone, or through direct pe rsonal contact. These methods would often require a significant investment in time and money. To improve th e chances of contacting susceptible victims, the scammer might have had to do advance research on the “marks” he or she targeted. Email has changed the game for scammers. The convenience and anonymity of email, along with the capability it provides for easily contacting thousands of people at once, enables scammers to work in volume. Scammers only need to fool a small percentage of the tens of thousands of people they email for their ruse to pay off. For tips on reducing spam in your email in-box, see US-CERT Cyber Security Tip ST04-007, “Reducing Spam”: http://www.us­ cert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-007.html