Description

How does auditioning for the stage and screen look like in today’s post-pandemic era?

Now, casting directors prefer reviewing “self-tapes” or pre-recorded videos that showcase a performer’s acting or singing talents during the initial audition process. It’s a major shift from the days when actors had to meet in person and perform live.

But according to vocal coach Bob Marks, this break with tradition is opening many opportunities for performers who no longer need to travel across the country to audition for their dream roles. That said, creating an excellent self-tape and leveraging the power of online casting takes skill — which is why Bob now coaches performers on how to produce the type of self-tape that not only showcases their skills but also helps them stand out from thousands of other auditions.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. (7:11) How networking enabled Bob to build a successful career as a vocal coach
2. (13:58) The advantages of using self-tapes in auditions
3. (15:49) How to appear professional when creating self-tapes for auditions
4. (19:11) The number of songs an actor should have ready when auditioning — and how to choose an appropriate song for an audition
5. (20:25) How to pick out a 90-second cut out of a song to include for your self-tape audition 
6. (23:25) The songs you don’t want to pick for your audition (which many other singers often overuse) 
7. (29:37) How Bob helps prioritize and organize material when a performer needs to make and submit a self-tape right away
8. (32:34) Why the self-tape is here to stay — and why that’s a good thing for singers, actors, and casting directors
9. (33:56) How self-tapes can open the door for performers not based in New York and London 
10. (35:02) How online learning is changing the way voice coaches teach, and how singing teachers need to adapt to such changes
11. (45:00) How self-tapes are being used for marketing
12. (50:00) The benefits of being able to email self-tapes vs. traveling to auditions
13. (52:10) How casting practices both limit and increase opportunities for performers

If you’d like Bob to help you with your voice and auditioning technique, contact him via his website.

Bob’s book, “88 Keys to Successful Singing Performances: Audition Advice from One of America’s Top Vocal Coaches” can be purchased on Amazon.

Download Bob’s IVA webinar, “Keys to Audition Success with Bob Marks” which covers how to prepare for your audition, build confidence, choose your music, and work with accompanists.

We’ve got many other exciting guests lined up for this season’s Vocal Advancement Podcast. Make sure you hear from all of them by following us! 

Is there a teacher, performer, or researcher you think would make a great guest on our show? Email us at hello@vocaladvancement.com and let us know!

About the Institute for Vocal Advancement

Check out our webinars in our list of upcoming events and learn how our Teacher Training Programs can help advance your career. Use the code “iva20percent” to get 20% off your first year’s course membership fee!

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