| How to Act at an Audition Posted: 14 Aug 2020 05:00 PM PDT Whether you're trying out for a TV show, a musical, or a choir, an audition is the nerve-wracking first step in getting the part that you want. Knowing how to act an audition can be tough, especially if you haven't auditioned much before. You can show off your skills and make a good impression on the casting crew by staying confident and accepting criticism gracefully. [Edit]Making a Good First Impression - Dress in comfortable clothing you can move around in. When you're at an audition, you want to be able to walk around, say your lines, and be comfortable without adjusting your clothes. Pick out some nice pants, a fitted shirt, and some boots or sneakers that you feel good in to wear for your audition. Keep the colors muted and neutral so you don't distract from your performance.[1]
- Don't wear anything that could be a costume, or it could distract from your performance.
- If you're going to a dance audition or somewhere you have to move your body more, wear comfortable workout clothes in solid colors.
- If the casting crew wants you to wear a specific outfit, the audition details will specify that.
- Pack some water and a few snacks. Auditions can take a long time, especially if you have to wait on other people. Bring a small backpack or bag with a water bottle and a few granola bars in case you get hungry. That way, you'll feel your best when it's time for your audition.[2]
- Try not to bring anything too heavy to eat, or it could make you feel tired.
- Auditioning takes time, and sometimes casting crews run behind. Take enough food and water with you to stay hydrated and full for at least a few hours.
- Bring your resume and headshots to hand out. Even if you've already submitted your resume and headshots, it's always nice to bring a few extra with you just in case. That way, if someone needs a copy of your information or you meet a new potential director, you can give them your details right away.[3]
- The casting crew may also need a physical copy from you when you come in, so it's always good to be prepared.
- Introduce yourself to other people auditioning. You may have some downtime before your own audition where you can meet other people trying out for your same part. Be kind and talk to them to show you are friendly and willing to get to know other people.[4]
- Some people may not want to talk to you due to nerves or stage fright, and that's okay.
- You don't have to talk to others if you don't want to, especially if you're trying to prepare for your own audition. Try to smile at people to let them know you're friendly, though.
- Walk in with your head held high. Your first impression is super important, and most people will judge you within the first 15 seconds they see you. Keep your head held high, walk with long strides, and be prepared to shake the director's hand when you walk in.[5]
- If you don't act confidently, the casting crew might not have faith in your acting skills.
- Keep a smile on your face to let your personality shine. People are more likely to warm up to you if you seem like a nice, friendly person. Try to smile at each member of the casting crew as you walk in to let them know you're excited to be here.[6]
- If you look sullen or like you're being forced to audition, you won't seem like a good actor to work with.
- Make eye contact with everyone in the room. Eye contact is the best way to show that you're confident and excited to be there. Keep your eyes level and try to look at everyone to connect with them as soon as you walk in.[7]
[Edit]Showing Your Skills - Introduce yourself and what you'll be performing. Your introduction is also called your "slate," and it's the first time the casting crew will hear you talk. Speak loudly and clearly as you state who you are and what you'll be performing today.[8]
- Try saying something like, "Hi everyone, I'm Violet Hansen, and I'll be reading the part of Gretel today" for an acting audition.
- You can also say, "Hi everybody, I'm Daniel Grace and I'll be dancing to the soundtrack of The Nutcracker" for a dancing audition.
- If you have any questions, you can also ask the director at this time.
- Perform your piece with confidence. Whether you're reading lines, singing a song, or dancing, you've probably practiced over and over to get ready for this moment. Remember all of the hard work that you've put into this piece and show the casting crew that you really want this part.[9]
- Try not to have any regrets after you audition. You only get one chance, so make it count!
- Keep going if you make a mistake. With the pressure of all the people in the room, it can be easy to get flustered or skip a line by accident. If you do mess up, just keep going! When you draw attention to your mistakes, it makes them seem worse than they actually are.[10]
- A mistake that seems huge to you might not even be that noticeable to the rest of the people in the room.
- Wait for instructions or feedback once you've finished. When your performance is over, the casting crew may need to talk amongst themselves before they talk to you. Try to remain confident and calm as you wait, and keep your face neutral or excited so you look eager.[11]
[Edit]Leaving the Audition - Accept direction or criticism gracefully. After you finish your audition, the casting crew may give you directions and ask you to perform once again, or they might reject you outright. Try to accept any feedback that you're given with grace, even if you disagree with it.[12]
- For example, the casting director could say, "Try reading your lines with more sadness and less anger this time."
- Or, they could say, "Your singing was great, but could you try enunciating more clearly this time?"
- Try not to ask a ton of questions. If you get some criticism or feedback that you don't understand, try not to interrogate the casting crew about it. The more you accept your feedback without comment, the easier you will seem to work with.[13]
- Thank the casting crew for their time. Once you're done with your performance, be sure to thank the casting crew for letting you audition today. This will leave a nice impression on them because it shows you think their time is valuable.[14]
- The nicer you are to the casting crew, the more likely you are to get a part.
- Wait for the casting crew to call you. Now comes the hard part: waiting. It's important to let the casting crew call you, not the other way around. If you constantly get in touch with the crew or director, you're less likely to get the part since you'll seem anxious and eager.[15]
- Casting crews are normally very busy, so they don't have time to take your call every day. When they're ready to let you know about your part, they'll get in touch with you.
- It's normal to feel nervous, especially if you haven't done a lot of auditions yet.
- Try to go into an audition without any expectations to take the pressure off yourself.
[Edit]Warnings - If you don't take criticism well, you might seem like you aren't a good actor to work with.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Find Fulfilling Work Posted: 14 Aug 2020 09:00 AM PDT In today's super competitive job market, finding any kind of work can be tricky. Getting work that you truly love and find fulfilling can be even tougher. But, by exploring your passions and taking time to build your skills and credentials, you can get started on the career path that's right for you! Even if you're currently in a job that you don't love, you can still find ways to get the most out of your work while you look for something better. [Edit]Exploring Your Interests - Make a list of activities you enjoy doing to help define your interests. Before you can find a fulfilling job, you'll need to take some time to reflect and figure out what it is you're looking for. Sit down and write down all the things you like to do, no matter how ordinary or trivial they might seem. Almost any interest can be related to a career in some way![1]
- For example, if you're passionate about gardening, this might translate well into a job in horticulture, landscaping, or plant conservation.
- Examine the subjects you've enjoyed most in school, too. For instance, maybe you love biology or have a passion for history. If so, you might look for a career in one of these fields.
- Identify past projects that excited you. Think about things you've worked on at work or in school. Are there any projects that really stand out to you as being special in some way? If so, this could be a sign that you'd flourish in a career that involves similar work.[2]
- For instance, if you had a great time interviewing your classmates for a social studies project in high school, you might make a good journalist.
- Think about what aspect of the project excited you. For example, maybe you loved designing the poster for a project you did in chemistry class, even though you aren't crazy about chemistry. This could mean you have a knack for graphic design.
- Evaluate your special skills and strengths. In addition to your interests, your skills can play a big part in determining your ideal career. Tally up some of the things you're really good at, whether they're specific skills or more general strengths.[3]
- For instance, under general strengths, you might list things like being a good leader in group settings or being great at organizing your space.
- More specific skills might include things like speaking a second language or being able to use video editing software.
- Try taking a career interests test. There are a variety of assessments you can take to help you identify your special interests, strengths, and possible career paths. If you're in school, ask your guidance counselor or academic advisor if you might be able take one of these tests on campus. Otherwise, you can take some of these tests for free online.[4]
- For instance, the Holland Occupational Themes test is available for free on the web.[5] Do a search for "Holland Code test" or "RIASEC test." The test will ask you to rate how much you would enjoy doing a variety of tasks and help you identify different types of careers that match with your interests.
- Examine your values to figure out what's important to you. Discovering your core values can help you figure out what you want to get out of life and your work. Think about the things that are most meaningful to you. What kind of work could you do to support those key values in your life?
- For example, if you value helping others, a career in healthcare or education might be a good fit for you. If you're competitive or passionate about pushing your physical limits, you may do well as an athlete or fitness trainer.
- If you're not sure what your main values are, try taking a values assessment. Do a search for "life values inventory" to find one of these assessments online.[6]
- Talk to a career counselor about jobs that suit your interests. If you're in school, there may be a guidance counselor or career coach on staff who can help you narrow down possible career paths that would suit your skills, passions, and personality. If you're not in school, do a search using terms like "career counselor near me" to find a professional career counselor in your area.[7]
- Unfortunately, professional career counseling can get pricey. Many career coaches charge well over $100/hour for their services. However, you may be able to find free or affordable career counseling through a local government agency or nonprofit organization in your area.
- Look to mentors for advice and insight about your career path. If you have a teacher, friend, relative, coworker, or boss who's had a special impact on your life, they may be able to offer you some valuable advice.[8] Ask them if you can set a time to have a heart-to-heart talk about your future.
- You might say something like, "I'm looking to make a career change, and I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do from here. I'd love to start my own business, like you did. Could we grab lunch next week and talk about how you got started?"
[Edit]Developing Your Skills and Qualifications - Pursue a graduate degree if it's required for the jobs you're interested in. Some jobs call for more advanced degrees, like a Master's, PhD, or even more specialized graduate degree. A graduate degree can also help you get higher-paying jobs in your chosen field.[9] If you're interested in getting a graduate degree, read up on the requirements for your preferred program(s) so you can start preparing in advance.
- For example, some graduate degrees in the humanities require you to pass reading exams in a second language (such as French or German). You can prepare ahead by studying these languages on your own or at the undergraduate level.
- Go for a special certification to give yourself an edge. Some jobs require professional certifications or licenses, while others may give preference to candidates with certifications even if they don't require them. Look into supplementing your degree with a certification or some continuing education classes to give your resume a boost.[10]
- For some careers, a certification program may be all you need to qualify. For instance, in the U.S., you can become a medical assistant, paralegal, or web developer with just a 6-month certification program.[11]
- Get experience with an internship if possible. Internships are designed to give you work experience when you're just starting out in a new career. If you're in school or university, talk to your guidance counselor of academic advisor about how to apply for internships. An internship will both look good on your resume and help you build practical skills that will help you in your career.[12]
- In some cases, an internship can transition into a permanent job with the same company.
- Unfortunately, many internships are unpaid, so not everyone can afford to take advantage of them. If you're a student, but internships aren't a good option for you, find out if your school or university offers a work-study program so you can get some paid job experience.[13]
- Some common types of internships include research internships (in which you do research for a company), job shadowing (where you observe professionals on the job), and paid or unpaid work internships, in which you do the kind of work typical of professionals in your field.
[Edit]Finding Good Jobs - Check job boards specific to your field to find good opportunities. If you're actively looking for work, you might find opportunities that you'd otherwise miss if you use more specialized job boards. Find out if there are websites specific to your field where you can check for job postings.[14]
- For example, if you're interested in being a web developer, you can find specialized job listings on websites like Stack Overflow Jobs, Dice, or GitHub.
- You can also find career-specific listings through professional association websites, like the American Medical Writers Association or the American Alliance of Museums. In some cases, you may need a membership to access job postings.
- Participate in career fairs to find opportunities and make connections. You might not walk away from a career fair with a new job, but it's a good way to meet people and find out about work opportunities in your area.[15] Search for "career fairs near me" to find out about upcoming events and learn how to attend them.
- Colleges and universities sometimes host career fairs and expos for students and recent graduates. You might also be able to find large-scale job fairs in your area that are open to the general public.
- Ask people in your network for recommendations. One of the best ways to find job opportunities is through people in your professional network. Ask around among people you know to find out if anyone is hiring. They might also be willing to be a professional reference or put in a good word for you![16]
- Coworkers, bosses, teachers, and friends who work in fields you're interested in are all good potential references.
- Take advantage of professional networking sites like LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a great resource for connecting with other professionals in your chosen field. You can also find job postings, educational articles, and a variety of other resources to help you get ahead in your career. Sign up for an account and use it to keep in touch with your colleagues, trade endorsements, or advertise your skills to recruiters. Make sure to keep your profile up-to-date so that it reflects your current skills and interests.[17]
- While LinkedIn is the best-known professional networking platform, it's not the only one out there. Sign up for similar sites like Xing, Opportunity, or Shapr to increase your scope and explore as many opportunities as possible.
- Volunteer with organizations in your field to get your foot in the door. If you have the time and energy, volunteering can be a great way to build skills and connections that might lead to work opportunities. If there's a company or other organization in your area that does work related to your chosen field, visit their website or call them to find out if they have volunteer opportunities available.[18]
- For example, if you're interested in breaking into the public health industry, you might volunteer at your local hospital or sign up with an organization like SOPHE (the Society for Public Health Education).
- Even if you only end up volunteering for 2-3 hours on the weekends, you can still grow your network and add the experience to your resume!
- Check out websites like NationalService.gov or VolunteerMatch.org to find volunteer opportunities in your community.
- Get professional help with your resume or applications if you're not getting work. Many job markets can be incredibly competitive, so half the battle is just getting someone to look at your application. If you've sent in tons of applications and aren't getting any responses, ask a mentor or a professional career counselor for advice. They might be able to give you tips on how to make yourself stand out. You could even hire a professional resume writer.[19]
- For example, just reformatting your resume to make it look less cluttered or adding some skills you hadn't thought of could make a difference.
[Edit]Finding Value in Your Current Work - Look at your current job as an opportunity for learning and growth. Most people don't end up in their dream job right away. For many, finding a fulfilling job can be a lifelong journey. If you have a job currently and you aren't happy with it, look for ways to make the most of it. For example, you might:[20]
- Think about skills you've learned from your current job that you can apply to your future work.
- Make a list of people at your job who could serve as references for future job opportunities.
- Look for learning opportunities in the negative aspects of your job. For instance, what are some red flags you'll know to look out for next time you interview for a position? Have you learned anything about how to deal with difficult coworkers?
- Focus on the aspects of your job that you enjoy. Make a list of things about your job that you like, whether it's spending time with your coworkers or getting into a relaxing flow while you do the filing. You might also look for ways that your work has made a positive impact on individuals or your entire community.[21]
- For example, maybe you find the details of your work boring, but you get a sense of satisfaction from knowing that you're helping people.
- You can also look at ways that your job is helping you meet personal goals, like saving up enough money to buy something you want or help support your family.
- Set work-related goals to make your work more meaningful. Setting goals can give you focus and help you feel more challenged and fulfilled. Think about what you want to get out of your work, whether it's a better performance review or experience that you can bring into another job. As you work towards your goals, make sure to celebrate and acknowledge your progress.[22]
- Goals that are too big and vague can set you up for frustration. Set goals that are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). For instance, instead of saying, "I'm going to get a better job soon," you might set a goal like sending out a certain number of applications by the end of the month.
- Not all your goals have to be big or long-term. You can also set small, short-term goals for yourself, like reorganizing your files or completing a certain number of tasks for the day. Even meeting a small goal can give you a sense of satisfaction!
- Find fulfilling things to do outside of work to create balance. Even if you do manage to score your dream job, you'll likely need to balance your work with other aspects of your life in order to feel truly fulfilled. Whenever you can, set aside time for other things that you find meaningful, such as:[23]
- Working on hobbies
- Relaxing with friend and family
- Volunteering for causes you care about
- Taking care of yourself physically (e.g., getting exercise, eating well, and getting plenty of sleep)
- Working on chores and other obligations in your life
- Try to build meaningful relationships with your coworkers. Whatever kind of work you do, having good relationships with your other team members can make a huge difference in how fulfilling you find the work. Take time to get to know your colleagues, supervisors, or the people who work under you.[24]
- This might mean hanging out outside of work or just taking time to converse while you're on the job.
- Building strong professional relationships is also a great way to grow your network. One of your work buddies might help you get a better job down the line!
- It can take a lot of time, effort, and self-exploration to find the kind of work that's right for you. Don't get too discouraged if it takes a long time for you to find work you really love—everyone's journey is different!
[Edit]References |
| How to Determine What Key a Song Is In Posted: 14 Aug 2020 01:00 AM PDT All songs are written in a particular key (or keys) that tell you what notes and chords will be used in the song. Finding what key a song is in makes it easier for you to play on an instrument. You also need to know the key if you want to experiment with transposing, or changing, the song to a different key to make it easier for you to play or sing the song. While a basic understanding of music theory is helpful to quickly find the key of a song, it isn't essential. Even if you lack training in music theory and can't read music, you can still determine what key a song is in. [Edit]Reading the Key Signature - Look for sharp and flat symbols on the top line of the first page of sheet music. If you have the sheet music for the song you want to play, look at the beginning of the top staff lines on the first page.[1] The first thing you'll see is either the treble clef or bass clef symbol. You'll also see 2 numbers, one on top of the other, like a fraction — that's the time signature of the song. Between the clef and the time signature, you'll see a group of sharps or flats that represent the key signature.[2]
- If you see no sharps or flats between the clef and the time signature, the song is in the key of C.
- Count the number of sharps or flats to determine the major key. Key signatures have either all sharps or all flats. You can use the number of sharps or flats in the key signature to determine the major key represented by that key signature.[3]
- 1 sharp: G; 1 flat: F
- 2 sharps: D; 2 flats: B flat
- 3 sharps: A; 3 flats: E flat
- 4 sharps: E; 4 flats: A flat
- 5 sharps: B; 5 flats: D flat
- 6 sharps: F sharp; 6 flats: G flat
- Find the major key by identifying the last sharp or second-to-last flat. If you can't remember the number of sharps or flats that correspond to each major key, you can also look at the sharps or flats in the key signature. For any key signature with flats, the second-to-last flat (reading from left to right) is the major key it represents. If the key signature has sharps, the note a half-step up from the last sharp is the name of the key.[4]
- For example, the key signature for G has 1 sharp — F sharp. One half-step up from F sharp is G.
- With flats, read the flats from left to right and look at the second to last one. For example, the key signature for B flat has 2 flats, so the first flat, B flat, is also the second to last.
- Refer to the circle of fifths to find the relative minor key. Every key signature represents both a major and a minor key (referred to as the "relative" minor). The circle of fifths shows how the 12 tones of the chromatic scale relate to one another. The capital letters on the outside of the circle represent the major keys and the lower case letters on the inside of the circle represent the minor keys. The minor key at the same point on the circle as the major key is the relative minor of that major key.[5]
- For example, suppose you have a key signature with 1 sharp, which you know is G Major. If you look on the circle of fifths, you'll see a lower-case "e" in the same position on the circle as G Major. That tells you that E minor is the relative minor of G Major.
- Each key is one-fifth apart if you go around the circle clockwise, which is why it's called the "circle of fifths." If you go counter-clockwise, the keys are only a fourth apart, so sometimes you'll also hear it referred to as the "circle of fourths," but both of these terms refer to the same thing.
- Use the order of notes in the song to figure out if it's major or minor. You can often determine if a song is in a major or minor key just by listening to it. However, you can also tell simply by looking at the sheet music (provided you know how to read music). Look at the notes used in the song and try to identify the major or minor scale notes.[6]
- The major and minor scales use the same notes, but they start in a different place. If you can see pieces of these scales in the song, you'll be able to identify the scale.
- You can also look at the first and last notes of the song. Typically, one or both of them will be the same note as the name of the key. So, for example, if the song ends on G, you might determine that the song is in G major and not E minor.
[Edit]Analyzing Chord Progressions - Find the first and last chords of the song. Although this isn't always the case, usually the first and last chord of a song will tell you what key the song is in.[7] If you know the first chord of the song, especially if it's one that repeats throughout the song, it's likely also the key the song is in.[8]
- For example, "Fireflies," by Owl City, is in D sharp/E flat Major, but it starts and ends with a G chord. And while originally an electronic song, it's a simple and pretty song to play on guitar.[9]
- If the last chord of the song makes the song feel unsettled, it probably doesn't identify the key the song is in. However, if it brings resolution to the song, the song is probably in that key. For example,
- Identify other chords that are in the same key. There are 7 chords in each key. Songwriters put these chords together in different chord progressions to create a song, but any of the 7 chords in the same key naturally sound good together. Start with the first chord in the song, then look at the next 2 or 3 chords that follow. This can help you confirm the key the song is in.[10]
- For example, the song "Bad Moon Rising," by Creedence Clearwater Revival, has only 3 chords: D, A, and G.[11] The first chord is a D, and the D-A-G pattern continues through the verses, with the choruses switching up to G-D-D-A-G-D. All 3 of these chords are found in the key of D Major, and the song starts with D, so if you guessed the song is in D Major based on that information, you'd be correct.
- Most keys have 1 or 2 chords in common, but never more than 2. If you identify 3 or 4 chords, you can identify the key.
- Look for chords in the same key throughout the song. Use a chord chart to find all 7 chords in the key, then look for those chords in the song. While there may be other chords, particularly if the song has a bridge, you'll likely see the same theme repeating throughout the song.[12]
- If you're using a tab, you might also see Roman numerals at the top of the page that tell you the chord progression. For example, I-IV-V is a common chord progression. If the song was in D Major, the chords used would be D, G, and A — the chords already identified in "Bad Moon Rising."
- Many simple pop and rock songs are 3- or 4-chord songs, which makes it relatively easy to determine what key the song is in if you have a basic understanding of the chords in each key.
[Edit]Finding the Key by Ear - Listen to the song without any distractions. Play a recording of the song in headphones and pay attention to the music. You may have to listen to it a few times before you can really focus on the music, especially if you aren't familiar with the song.[13]
- As you listen, try to pinpoint the note that seems to resolve each musical phrase, the note that feels like home. This will likely be a note the music returns to many times throughout the song. This note is referred to as the "tonic note" or the "tonal center" of the song and tells you what key the song is in.
- Hum the tonic note while listening to the song again. Play the recording of the song one more time, humming the tonic note you found as you listen. If it fits right into the background of the song, that note is the key the song is in.[14]
- If the note doesn't blend in or seems to clash with the song, you might not have chosen the right note. If you don't have perfect pitch, though, it might also be the case that your humming was slightly off-key.
- Many pop and rock songs change key. To identify the main key the song is written in, repeat the music behind verses, as opposed to the music accompanying the bridge or even the chorus.
- Play the tonic note on your instrument to confirm the key. Make sure your instrument is in tune, then find the note you've decided is the tonic note, or the key of the song. Start your recording of the song, then play that note on your own instrument in the background of the song. This can help you confirm (better than humming) that you've correctly identified the key for the song.[15]
- If you don't have perfect pitch, you might have to noodle around a little on your instrument before you find the note that matches the one you identified. You might also have to play the recording again. Just keep at it! This kind of experience helps train your ear so notes will be easier to find by ear in the future.
- If you're playing a guitar, you can play either the chord or the single note. If the chord sounds like it fits along with the song, you've also found the key.
- Use the mood of the music to determine if it's major or minor. If the music is bright and cheery sounding, it's likely in a major key. On the other hand, darker, more ominous-sounding songs are typically written in a minor key. Assuming you've already played the song several times, you probably already have a good idea whether it's in a major or minor key.[16]
- Go back to your tonic note and look at how the other notes or chords in the song relate to that tonic note.
- This applies to the way the music of a song sounds, not the lyrics. Songwriters often juxtapose melancholy or serious lyrics with music in a bright and poppy major key (think "Semi-Charmed Life," by Third Eye Blind, or "Hey Ya!" by Outkast, both in G Major).[17]
- You don't necessarily have to know what key a song is in if you're just going to play it note for note. But if you want to improvise or play in a band with other musicians, identifying the key a song is in is crucial.[18]
- You can also search online for the title of the song and the word "key" to find out what key the song was written in. It's a good idea to check several sites to be sure, especially if multiple artists have done covers of the song (which may be in different keys).
[Edit]Warnings - Contemporary rock and pop songs often change keys (typically singing back and forth between the major key and the relative minor key). Figuring out the main key of the song doesn't guarantee that the whole song is in that key.[19]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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