Actually, Toni, you raise an interesting point - "How does one get into theatre?" - "Audition for something." And it got me thinking?
That is certainly one way, and now here is where I go into diatribe mode...
Is auditioning the best way to get into theatre? Maybe not. After all, an audition can be just as daunting as a job interview or public speaking, and that's for those of us who have actually auditioned for something. I dread to think what the process would be like for a total newb. For starters, imagine the kock-back effect - get turned down and never show up again.
There are of course many other, non-horrifying ways to get into theatre such as simply joining a club, watching a few shows, helping Front-of-House, helping to build sets/paint, working backstage or other behind the scene activities. There is never an audition purpose and I think these areas are far more in need of extra bodies than the performance arena. You also get to work in a theatrical environment, talk with other performers, directors, etc. Also, if someone walks out, you are in a prime position to step up to the plate.
How did Harrison Ford get to play Han Solo? Lucas wasn't prepared to cast him initially having already used him American Graffiti, so he was working on-set putting his hand to a bit of carpentry, sweeping, you name it when Lucas asked him to read in as he was a Solo short. The rest is history.
This I think is true meaning behing the idea that a writer continues to read, an actor continue to watches, a director continues to be directed. By not observing what occurs around us, we can stagnate and fester. Think of it as 'training' if you like. After, a professional sportsperson doesn't stop training just because they have won their first race. Neither should those in the arts profession, but you do not have to be directly involved in somthing to be able to learn about it either. One can always work their way in from the sides and maybe develop a bigger view of the picture in the process.
So getting back to the statement at the top of my post - is it possible that we ourselves inadvertantely put-people off by our 'confidence' and 'laid-back' attitude? I only ask this as I know I have done as Toni has and said "Go audition for something. It's easy really."
Date: 03/10/2008 - 16:12
Actually, Toni, you raise an interesting point - "How does one get into theatre?" - "Audition for something." And it got me thinking?
That is certainly one way, and now here is where I go into diatribe mode...
Is auditioning the best way to get into theatre? Maybe not. After all, an audition can be just as daunting as a job interview or public speaking, and that's for those of us who have actually auditioned for something. I dread to think what the process would be like for a total newb. For starters, imagine the kock-back effect - get turned down and never show up again.
There are of course many other, non-horrifying ways to get into theatre such as simply joining a club, watching a few shows, helping Front-of-House, helping to build sets/paint, working backstage or other behind the scene activities. There is never an audition purpose and I think these areas are far more in need of extra bodies than the performance arena. You also get to work in a theatrical environment, talk with other performers, directors, etc. Also, if someone walks out, you are in a prime position to step up to the plate.
How did Harrison Ford get to play Han Solo? Lucas wasn't prepared to cast him initially having already used him American Graffiti, so he was working on-set putting his hand to a bit of carpentry, sweeping, you name it when Lucas asked him to read in as he was a Solo short. The rest is history.
This I think is true meaning behing the idea that a writer continues to read, an actor continue to watches, a director continues to be directed. By not observing what occurs around us, we can stagnate and fester. Think of it as 'training' if you like. After, a professional sportsperson doesn't stop training just because they have won their first race. Neither should those in the arts profession, but you do not have to be directly involved in somthing to be able to learn about it either. One can always work their way in from the sides and maybe develop a bigger view of the picture in the process.
So getting back to the statement at the top of my post - is it possible that we ourselves inadvertantely put-people off by our 'confidence' and 'laid-back' attitude? I only ask this as I know I have done as Toni has and said "Go audition for something. It's easy really."
Absit invidia
Jeff Watkins
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