By S. Wade Hansen
After several moments of tense audition anticipation, the performer''s number is finally called. The moment of truth has arrived.
Standing before an intimidating audition panel, performers have nothing to rely on except what they have prepared.
Whether or not performers get jobs depends on what they have prepared, but what is a performer supposed to prepare? What are audition directors looking for?
'You''ve got to be full of energy and throw yourself 150 percent into the work,' said BYU Young Ambassador director Randy Boothe.
'We haven''t always taken the most talented because sometimes the most talented aren''t willing to throw themselves into the work,' he said.
Along with a good work ethic and high energy level, audition directors are looking for performers who really know what it means to perform.
'The first thing I look for in an audition is performance quality,' said BYU Dancers'' Company director Caroline Prohosky. 'There can be no walls between the performer and the audience.'
'I''m looking for a total performance,' Boothe said. 'I don''t just want a pretty voice.'
Once audition directors have a good idea what the performer''s enthusiasm and performance qualities are, they look at performance skills.
'The performer must be technically proficient,' Prohosky said.
Performers will not get jobs they are physically unable to do.
Boothe suggests getting as much dance training as possible as well some sort of private vocal instruction.
Finally, audition directors are looking for a performer who will work well with others.
'I''m looking for someone I can work with and who the cast can work with,' Prohosky said.
Determining whether or not a performer will be easy to work with is not a simple challenge.
'In the audition process, I''m watching not only their singing and dancing, but I''m seeing how well they interact with others,' Boothe said. 'I''m looking for those who enjoy the audition process and support the other people who are auditioning.'
Audition directors are open with what they are looking for because they want performers to do their best, he said.
The larger the talent pool, the better off the directors are.
'The most important thing is to be yourself,' said Mindy Smoot, 22, a senior from Provo, Utah, majoring in music dance theater.
Smoot returned to BYU last year after touring with the Broadway company of 'Les Miserables.'
'You have to be prepared, comfortable and confident,' Smoot said. 'Make sure that you''re dressed appropriately, that you''re on time and that you have versatile clothing and audition pieces in a portfolio with you.'
Once the appropriate preparations have been made for a specific audition, performers need to be confident in what they have to offer.
'Never be apologetic in your performance, your presentation or anything else,' said Rance Wright, 23, a junior from St. George, Utah, majoring in music dance theater.
Wright returned to BYU this year after a semester at New York University where he participated in the revival of 'West Side Story.'
'Be yourself. Don''t try to be someone else. The people who get consistent work get it because they aren''t trying to be someone else,' he said.