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What should you do at auditions?

I have been a stage manager for many years and have sat in on many auditions. I have major problems with those of you coming to auditions as a whole.
First of all:

COME TO AN AUDITION ON TIME!
Don't expect to show up for an audition late and still be seen. Even if the director does see you, he probably will not cast you because you were late( will you be late to rehearsals?) and he has many other choices equally as good as you who were on time.
Second:
COME PREPARED.
Bring everything you will need.
Example:
If you are singing bring not only a tape but the correct sheet music in your key with your 16 bars marked. Other things actors seem to forget are things like: pencils, dance clothes, pictures and  their ss #.
Next:
READ DIRECTIONS!
I ran an audition this morning and printed very clearly on the sign at the table asking everyone auditioning to sit on the right side of the theater. I had to tell those auditioning 5 times to move. Showing the director that you can't follow direction is bad, VERY BAD.
Finally:
WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE WEARING?
Theater is a business. An audition is like a job interview. Don't come in Jeans, T-shirts, sneakers, or bad fad fashions. Clothing should be clean and neat. Ladies leave the pants at home wear a dress or a skirt. Men nice shirt, slacks, jackets or vests are good too. Hair should be well groomed and off your face. A great number of professional calls now also ask that you be unmarked so if you have tattoos cover them, anything pierced other than ears take it out for audition. I could go on but you get the idea.
Lastly:
MAKE SURE YOU TURN YOUR CELL PHONES OFF!
When you come into an audition it is just plain rude if your
phone rings during an audition. you must realize that the director, choreographer, and other people on the casting committee notice every little thing you do or say from the moment you set foot in the building. A professional attitude and demeanor from the start will help put you well on your way in this business.
                              Anne Marie Waterhouse
                                    Stage Manager
                                 Three Little Bakers          back 1