Assignment #1: Audition Control Journal

The Center Stage Club's first assignment will be to construct an audition control journal. Use the information below to help you put everything together. Don't worry too much about the actual materials you need to put in it, just put in whatever you already have at this point.

We all horde our scripts and sheet music, but those piles and boxes make things difficult to find when you need them. An audition “control journal” can relieve stress by keeping everything organized and ready when you need it. If you should already have one started, spend your time for this assignment organizing it and making sure it is up to date.

Materials:

• 3-ring binder (D ring if possible)
• page protectors (the non-glare kind if possible)
• grease pencil (for making temporary markings on the page protectors)
• dividers & tab labels
• sticky flags

Binder Sections:

• resumes/headshots
  - put ready-to-give-out copies of your headshot & resume in this section. Re-fill it after every audition.
• songs – uptempo
• songs – ballad
  - Use the grease pencil on the page protectors to make cuts for different lengths. Use flags to make turning easy for the accompanists.
• monologues – comedic
• monologues - dramatic
• reference
  - keep copies of audition notices, directions to the theatre, and other relevent info you'll need to keep with you
  - keep extra sheets of lined paper in the back for taking notes

Guidelines for Your Audition Control Journal:

• This is not a complete repertoire, it is an audition repertoire - choose only those pieces that are performance ready and that are a suitable length for auditions.
• Take the complete control journal to every audition - don't start taking stuff in and out, or you'll just end up with those piles again. You never know when you will be asked to perform a different or additional selection.
• Always put copies in the binder, not originals. (Just in case you lose it)
• At the beginning of your songs section, type up a list of the songs contained in the binder, along with the show, composer, and year. Keep a few copies in case you are asked what else you have ready, then you can just hand it over. Do the same for your monologues.

Comments (13) >>

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written by Lauraly, January 06, 2007

I'm off to get mine started right now! Thanks for all the tips

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written by Lucas Porter, January 13, 2007

I think that that tip is totally perfect for actors. I have been using that system for a while now, and it is just amazing!!

Luc

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written by Emma, January 13, 2007

Brilliant plan! I'm just starting my drama schools auditions and i'm already overwhelmed with bits of paper! You're a genius!

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written by Kylah Eide, February 04, 2007

Thanks, I'm going to Honest Ed's and Dollarama and Wal-Mart so I can get all these materials and get organized!

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written by Ali, April 14, 2007

Thanks for the tips. I've had my own binder for a while now, but now I can spruce it up and everything! It's printing as we speak.

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written by Emily S, October 15, 2007

thank you so much this is such a great idea. i hate having to frantically search through everything i have when i have an audition coming up!

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written by Katie, December 08, 2007

Will get mine started as soon as I get my headshots done

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written by Kaitlyn, December 28, 2007

just finished mine, such an awesome idea! thanks!

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written by Shannon, April 11, 2008

Fabulous! Just doing the start of mine now

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written by Lani Anderson, April 25, 2008

Wow. This will be extremely helpful. As soon as I go to Walmart, I'll get started!

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written by Lauren, August 01, 2008

I hear somewhere that it is better to present just one sheet of music to the accompaniest at a time, therefore making it impossible for him or her to turn the page into another song...is this good advice or immaterial?I have been using the process outlined in the article for all of my previous auditions, though.

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written by Silvia Mathis Manning, August 18, 2009

This is a great tip. I would only add that if you carry a 'dance' or audition bag it is also a good idea to carry a tiny stapler, sharpie, scissors, deodorant, baby wipes, sugar free mints, fisherman's friends throat tabs, toot brush, tooth paste....oh the list goes on and on....

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written by Funny Girl, November 07, 2009

Thanks!!!! Getting started on mine now!!!!

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