Audition season is well under way and our teachers want to give you some feedback! We asked some JBS summer intensive directors to share their tips on how to have a great audition and we’re going to share them with you one by one. First up, Josie Walsh Director of the San Francisco and Los Angeles Jazz & Contemporary intensives!
1. What are a few tips for attracting positive attention from the auditioner?
Be quick to pick up the combination and have a strong sense of self. Allow your personality to shine through.
2. What not to do: As the teacher at an audition, what is your biggest pet-peeve?
Don’t bombard the teacher with a ton of questions in your first class. Listen and absorb.
3. What’s your trick for pre-audition anxiety?
Listen to music on headphones and visualize yourself dancing at the highest level.
4. Do you have a food recommendation or go to warm-up or special item that is part of your “good luck” preparation?
Don’t eat heavy foods with oil it’ll make you sick to your stomach. Sports bars, trailmix are good.
5. If you could give an audition tip to moms, what would it be?
Don’t place your anxiety on your kids, make it a fun learning experience with the emphasis on learning not the end result.
6. What are the qualities that stand out most to you/what do you look for when you are auditioning students?
I look for passionate hungry students, who are absorbing the information and trying their best. Beyond the obvious physical attributes and talents a determined, focused, hard working student is always a plus to any classroom.
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Josie Walsh, Artistic Director Joffrey West Los Angeles and San Francisco Summer Intensives