Ask Amy: How to Audition Strategically

There’s never any harm in auditioning, especially if there’s an open call happening nearby. You have nothing to lose! But if you’re planning an audition tour or don’t live within driving distance of a frequent open audition hub, you’ll want to prioritize and choose companies wisely. Otherwise you risk wasting a lot of money on travel expenses if you don’t turn out to be what the director is looking for.

If you have doubts about fitting in, it’s more cost-effective to send the company an audition package in advance (include a video and dance photos so that they can see your movement quality and technical ability) and then follow up. Be honest about your height, training background and experience. That way, the director has all the relevant information up front, and you can make sure he or she is interested (or even looking for dancers) before investing in plane tickets. If, after following up a few times, you get no response, move on. But if they do encourage you to audition—and you’re interested in checking out the company—go for it.

Have a question? Send it to Pointe editor in chief and former dancer Amy Brandt at [email protected].