Be Brave, Audition!

The word audition is enough to strike fear and trembling in many musicians, singers, dancers and actors. Like any job interview, there are things you can do to help you deal with this process. While, of course, it's important to perform well, there are other things that can help your audition be successful.

Whether it is a high school, university or solo auction, the audition process can be navigated to make you feel more comfortable with the procedural aspects of it. Plus, in our local arts community, we all learn from each other and give encouragement to be the best version of ourselves!

Call for Performers: Many local nonprofit arts organizations rely on volunteer performers to execute a show. Some of these include Quincy Community Theatre, Quincy Concert Band, Quincy Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and others. Make an appointment to audition at least 4-6 weeks before so you have time to practice and perfect your audition piece. Be sure to ask the organization about the requirements for auditions and if they can offer any tips to make it easier.

Preparing for the Audition: Practice makes perfect. Read the script, play the music, sing along, whatever it may be. Be confident in your abilities and you will shine at the audition.

Audition Day: Come prepared. Bring along any materials you may need including an informal resume of your experience (if applicable.) Don't be intimidated by other performers in the waiting area. When you get the role, you are sure to become fast friends and find that you have a lot in common. Remember to breathe and practice any relaxation techniques you have to help you be calm for when your name is called to perform. Do your best and pat yourself on the back for putting yourself out there.

If for some reason you are not chosen for a role, be sure to see if there are other ways you can be involved in the organization as a volunteer. There is always a place for your unique skill set. This will give you an advantage for the next time auditions role around and you will have a relationship in place with the organization.

Find a list of upcoming auditions for adults and youth in the Quincy area below. We wish you the best of luck!

QSOA Auditions: Four Groups Need You!

QUINCY SYMPHONY CHORUS: The Quincy Symphony Chorus is welcoming new singers. The chorus is a fun and talented group of musicians from all walks of life. Musicians this year will have the opportunity to participate in a European concert tour. Auditions will be Aug. 12 at 5 pm. Those who have sung with the chorus in the past are not required to re-audition.

QUINCY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: The Quincy Symphony Orchestra will perform four full programs throughout the season. The orchestra has immediate openings for 2nd and 3rd Horn. Applicants for these positions will be asked to perform a solo example of their choice and orchestral excerpts. Players are needed for all string sections, and additional brass, woodwind and percussion players are needed for works with larger instrumentation and for the substitute list. Instrumental auditions will be Thursday evening, Aug. 29.

QUINCY AREA YOUTH CHORUS: Singers in grades three through 12 are invited to audition for the Quincy Area Youth Chorus. QAYC includes girls and boys with unchanged voices in two performing groups: The Kinderchor for the younger singers and the Concert Choir for older members. Auditions for the QAYC will be held Saturday, Aug. 3, beginning at 10 am.

QUINCY AREA YOUTH ORCHESTRA: The Quincy Area Youth Orchestra will hold auditions for its 2019-20 season in early October. All new and returning members must audition. QAYO candidates must be in grades 7-12 and have at least three years of playing experience (qualified 6th graders will be considered).

All singers and musicians should prepare a short solo of their choice that will display their musical strengths. Set up an audition time with QSOA by calling the symphony office at 217-222-2856 Monday through Friday or email [email protected].

QCT Auditions: The Boxcar Children

Based on the beloved book series by Gertrude Chandler Warner, The Boxcar Children follows the Alden children who have just been orphaned. Knowing they will go to different foster homes, they escape to the woods and make their home in an abandoned boxcar, but someone is desperate to find them. The Boxcar Children is a powerful story teaching us that home can be anywhere as long as you have your family by your side.
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Diverse roles for this large cast include the Alden siblings, a caring social worker, a friendly local doctor, an ensemble of townsfolk and more.

Auditions are August 24 and 25 for students grades 3-12 and men and women ages 18 and over. Performances are October 24-27. Daytime matinees for local schools are October 22.

Online registration, detailed audition requirements, audition tips and character descriptions will be available at 1qct.org/on-stage/auditions. Audition appointments may also be made by calling 217-222-3209.

Quincy Concert Band

The award-winning Quincy Concert Band is a non-auditioned group and accepts wind and percussion players of all abilities. To join the group, email Dr. Trent Hollinger at [email protected]. Rehearsals begin Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7:30 pm at Baldwin Elementary School. The fall concert will be Sunday, Oct. 27 at Quincy Junior High School. Learn more at quincyconcertband.com.