My Audition Kit

For my first audition here in New York, I packed what I thought would be a well-thought out bag of travel and acting items. This was based on my own needs as well as outside advice from fellow New York actors.

1. Rolling Bag. Really, I could use any bag, but this one keeps weight off my shoulders and makes travel to audition locations quicker and easier. I bought the Dash Rolling Hardside Carry-on (in cherry red) which is lightweight and small, with a quick-retracting handle and 360 degree wheels. It's also weatherproof, which will come in handy when the rains start pouring. The only thing I don't like about it is that it doesn't have an outside pocket for quick access.
2. Sigg Bottle. Made by the same company as the famous Swiss Army Watch, these bottles are eco-friendly alternatives to the wasteful habit of buying plastic water bottles. And every singer NEEDS to have water at auditions, especially when the rehearsal building water fountains aren't acceptable. It's apparently "The World's Toughest Water Bottle," and is made of lightweight metal - I think aluminum. Thus, I can hang it from my purse or put it in my bag and not worry about it exploding.
   
3. (and bear with me, this is not an advertising list) A Bento Box, or compact lunch box containing several small lidded bowls and maybe a travel fork or spoon (or spork!). Mine is the Mr. Bento box. Bringing some leftovers or simple food in this box will help me save money and prevent lightheaded hunger if ever I need to wait in line to audition for an extended amount of time.
4. You kind of can't see this, but I packed my skirt and audition shoes while wearing pants and sneakers to get to the audition location. In New York, it's common practice for auditioners (at least women) to dress comfortably and put on whatever they need to wear to be presentable once they arrive. This is easy to do at locations like the Actor's Equity Assoc. audition location, where they apparently have a green room for auditioners to put on makeup and even curl their hair (again, I'm talking women here). I have an audition coming up soon that takes place in the AEA location, I'll see how easy it is to use the facilities.
5. Audition Music book. The reason I'm there in the first place. I've invested the last 6 years in voice lessons and coaching from Calvin Remsberg. We nailed down about 10 or so audition pieces which we feel run the gamut of audition demands, from rock to pop to opera and legit. I'm still learning new songs for future specific auditions (ie. they want to hear "This Place is Mine" for an audition for the role of Carlotta in "Phantom"), but this book means more to me and my career than anything.
6. Headshot and Resume. Duh. My headshot was taken by Jonathan Vandeveer in Los Angeles.
7. Actor's Interview Log. It's important to keep a log of each audition: when and where I audition, who I auditioned for and for what project, even what I wore and what I sang, who I might have met along the way. Plus, any notes on how I felt about the audition after. That way, callbacks become more informed and whenever I write down "ugh that audition went horribly!" and then get a callback, I can be reminded that my perception of how things go are often not the case. :)
8. Journal. Just to jot down ideas, new audition material ideas, names & numbers, etc. Hey, maybe even write journal entries to include in a blog somewhere...
9. Audition Post Printout. Juuuuuuust in case, a print out of the location, time, date, and expectations of the audition in question.
   
10. Deodorant and Hairbrush. Just in case.
11. Makeup Kit. I actually am able to do my makeup on the A train before I get to the downtown area, which shaves off some morning "get ready" time for the sake of breakfast and sleep.

Not pictured: iPod (to review audition music or hear a warmup track), Mouthwash (again, just in case) and an immeasured amount of talent and beauty :) All in all, everything I packed was either utilized well or at least good to have on hand. Nothing was too heavy and the rolling bag worked in the subway like a charm.-Si