hi
both my dd's 9 + 12 have audition for agency.
do you think a LAMDA piece would be acceptable - as they did say nothing too theatrical!
my 9 year old doesnt do LAMDA - any suggestions?
Thanks
Audition piece for agency
Moderator: busybusybusy
Re: Audition piece for agency
I think it depends what the LAMDA piece is really. "Nothing too theatrical" usually translates as "something in the modern idiom". Try to find something that allows your child to express themselves close to the way they would ordinarily talk (even if the subject matter isn't something they would normally talk about). So something by Jacqueline Wilson might be useful, something by Shakespeare won't be!
"Nothing too theatrical" also gives you a hint that they are probably after a piece that would be suitable for screen acting, which again is much easier in the modern idiom.
The character should ideally be someone you can imagine your child being cast as: so the right age, more or less. This will help the agent assess the likelihood of your child getting work (which is, after all, what they will be interested in!). There is no point in choosing a piece which demonstrates how well your daughters can play little old ladies or mimic Victoria Wood or act like a dog. I'm sure you get the picture!
As it's for an agency, they probably won't be too worried about exactly where it's from so you could look at a favourite children's novel and see whether you can "cut and paste" bits of dialogue and make these into a short speech. LAMDA pieces are probably very useful to browse through as they have been selected as appropriate for different age groups - it can be hard to find good pieces for younger performers. Plays written specifically for school groups can also provide good material - could you ask at school whether they have anything in their library?
I have come across some young performers (when I've been an adjudicator) who have been coached for LAMDA exams who are rather careful and a bit stilted (I don't think all LAMDA exam teaching is like this! I'm sure some of it is really wonderful!). What I mean is, some of the delivery seems to be concentrating on "beautiful" speaking and good posture instead of truthful acting. In an audition, it is definitely the truthful acting that will win the day.
"Nothing too theatrical" also gives you a hint that they are probably after a piece that would be suitable for screen acting, which again is much easier in the modern idiom.
The character should ideally be someone you can imagine your child being cast as: so the right age, more or less. This will help the agent assess the likelihood of your child getting work (which is, after all, what they will be interested in!). There is no point in choosing a piece which demonstrates how well your daughters can play little old ladies or mimic Victoria Wood or act like a dog. I'm sure you get the picture!
As it's for an agency, they probably won't be too worried about exactly where it's from so you could look at a favourite children's novel and see whether you can "cut and paste" bits of dialogue and make these into a short speech. LAMDA pieces are probably very useful to browse through as they have been selected as appropriate for different age groups - it can be hard to find good pieces for younger performers. Plays written specifically for school groups can also provide good material - could you ask at school whether they have anything in their library?
I have come across some young performers (when I've been an adjudicator) who have been coached for LAMDA exams who are rather careful and a bit stilted (I don't think all LAMDA exam teaching is like this! I'm sure some of it is really wonderful!). What I mean is, some of the delivery seems to be concentrating on "beautiful" speaking and good posture instead of truthful acting. In an audition, it is definitely the truthful acting that will win the day.
Re: Audition piece for agency
Thank you so much pg.
Your advice is very helpful
xx
Your advice is very helpful
xx