Student performers will now have the chance to practice auditioning with a new student organization.
Caroline Allen, music theater junior, is starting an industry club designed to help performance majors prepare for auditions. Dr. Jake Johnson, assistant professor of musicology, will be the faculty supervisor of the Audition Technique and Industry club.
Allen came up with the idea for the club because of a gap she saw in her training.
“It was actually inspired by my own personal lack of confidence and professionalism in auditions,” Allen said. “We have a few big auditions, but it’s not enough.”
During the fall semester, vocal students audition three times for a panel of directors: for musical theater shows and for the fall and spring operas.
Johnson said although there are plenty of performance opportunities on campus, students still are only auditioning for faculty.
“They get a lot of opportunities to audition, but have to audition for the same people,” Johnson said. “This is to give them the opportunity to work with a variety of pianists, as well as experience a new decorum.”
Students will be able to sign up for 10-15 minute slots where they can work on musical audition material. They will slate their piece, perform their cut and receive constructive feedback from students. They will also get the chance to rerun their piece.
Allen said she hopes to bring in a variety of accompanists, as well as potentially bring in voice faculty.
“I want to reach out to different pianists, including coaching faculty and students,” she said. “This offers the students a variety of different accompanists, as well as practice for the coaches.”
Any performance major can attend the club. There is no official meeting time, but Allen plans to send out a survey to see when people would be available.
“We all have confidence issues when it comes to these things,” Johnson said. “The only way to fix it is to practice.”
Students may email Allen at callen2@my.okcu.edu if they have questions.
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