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I got to audition for a reality TV show here in town - "Last comic standing." I even got to be on the show.
Some friends of mine are auditioning here ( Mpls)for America's Got Talent in a few days -- so, for them - here is a bit of what I learned:
- Its not real.
I was invited to audition, and then told they didn't like jugglers. Told to be there at 1 PM and then got my slot at 5.
- Its their show, their judges, their rules.
There is no reason to expect fair, logical or even polite treatment. You will sign a 9 page waiver and release that frees them of all responsibility, releases them from paying you and grants them all rights, now and forever of anything you do say or submit...including a juicy background check. The 'judges' may or may not be part of the decision of who gets cut and who moves forward.
- They need winners and losers, heroes and villains, they need drama.
They might keep you if you are bad enough, or have a good story. Or have talent. On need a non-singing act. Or have the right look, location or color. Or have talent.
- 90 seconds
Can you be brilliant in 90 seconds? Or ten? Can you show off your strong personality? Does your act translate to very short segments?
- Its not about talent.
Talents is assumed.
- in 99% of all talent contests, everywhere, bar none, the cute girl singer wins.
Sorry, too harsh?
- It might be good for your career. Might not. Likely, it will make no difference whatsoever.
Thousands of people audition. dozens get on the show - How many do you remember?
- That being said, do it. You might enjoy the process or meet some fun people.
Don't enter contests to win - enter to learn, or play or have fun...or get the tee shirt.
Practical information:
1. Have your answers ready. They will likely chat with you before and/or after. Be cute/ charming/ interesting. See below.**
2. Expect to wait. A long time. A bloody long time. Bring a book, some food, water, change for the meter, a warm sweater. Chair. food. make-up mirror. Food. friend to chat with. food. a long boring time. Do they do this on purpose or is it just part of the show?
3. Its all over very fast. You might be ' in the room' for 2 minutes, give or take. There are camera, producers and mikes everywhere. There will be an 'exit' camera ( or 2 ) after you leave. ****
The most important part:
**1. Prepare your answers.
This is something almost no one thinks about. The judges and producers and cameras will want to ask you questions. Will you have prepared cute/ clever/ insightful answers ready? Who will speak for the group?
Write answers to the following: ( you may thank me later)
- How did you get started?
-What does your family/ friends think?
-Do you think you can win?
- Do you have even more amazing stuff for next time if you get to go to Boston/ LA/ where ever?
- Is this your job? If not what do you do?
****2. Prepare your answers for the other cameras. After you leave, you will be faced with 2-3 more cameras - possible one literally as you step out of the room. Think in your face. What will you say/ do for each of these opportunities?
3. Do you have a 2nd, 3rd 4th 90 seconds of your act that's different, but just as good or better?
My thoughts. Email me if you have any more questions
Dave
PS Prepare your answers. Actually, really write them out to support your act./ personality/ character.
Some friends of mine are auditioning here ( Mpls)for America's Got Talent in a few days -- so, for them - here is a bit of what I learned:
- Its not real.
I was invited to audition, and then told they didn't like jugglers. Told to be there at 1 PM and then got my slot at 5.
- Its their show, their judges, their rules.
There is no reason to expect fair, logical or even polite treatment. You will sign a 9 page waiver and release that frees them of all responsibility, releases them from paying you and grants them all rights, now and forever of anything you do say or submit...including a juicy background check. The 'judges' may or may not be part of the decision of who gets cut and who moves forward.
- They need winners and losers, heroes and villains, they need drama.
They might keep you if you are bad enough, or have a good story. Or have talent. On need a non-singing act. Or have the right look, location or color. Or have talent.
- 90 seconds
Can you be brilliant in 90 seconds? Or ten? Can you show off your strong personality? Does your act translate to very short segments?
- Its not about talent.
Talents is assumed.
- in 99% of all talent contests, everywhere, bar none, the cute girl singer wins.
Sorry, too harsh?
- It might be good for your career. Might not. Likely, it will make no difference whatsoever.
Thousands of people audition. dozens get on the show - How many do you remember?
- That being said, do it. You might enjoy the process or meet some fun people.
Don't enter contests to win - enter to learn, or play or have fun...or get the tee shirt.
Practical information:
1. Have your answers ready. They will likely chat with you before and/or after. Be cute/ charming/ interesting. See below.**
2. Expect to wait. A long time. A bloody long time. Bring a book, some food, water, change for the meter, a warm sweater. Chair. food. make-up mirror. Food. friend to chat with. food. a long boring time. Do they do this on purpose or is it just part of the show?
3. Its all over very fast. You might be ' in the room' for 2 minutes, give or take. There are camera, producers and mikes everywhere. There will be an 'exit' camera ( or 2 ) after you leave. ****
The most important part:
**1. Prepare your answers.
This is something almost no one thinks about. The judges and producers and cameras will want to ask you questions. Will you have prepared cute/ clever/ insightful answers ready? Who will speak for the group?
Write answers to the following: ( you may thank me later)
- How did you get started?
-What does your family/ friends think?
-Do you think you can win?
- Do you have even more amazing stuff for next time if you get to go to Boston/ LA/ where ever?
- Is this your job? If not what do you do?
****2. Prepare your answers for the other cameras. After you leave, you will be faced with 2-3 more cameras - possible one literally as you step out of the room. Think in your face. What will you say/ do for each of these opportunities?
3. Do you have a 2nd, 3rd 4th 90 seconds of your act that's different, but just as good or better?
My thoughts. Email me if you have any more questions
Dave
PS Prepare your answers. Actually, really write them out to support your act./ personality/ character.
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