What Can I Expect at Auditions?
First, rest assured that you are not the only performer who is anxious about the audition process. After all, you've made the decision to do something that perhaps you've never done before and that's perform with an Independent Winter Guard. You may have been the star in your High School guard but now, just like most everyone else, you're questioning whether you'll be "good enough" or whether "the staff will like you."
The best and number one thing you can do is to just relax. Paradigm does set high expectations but those expectations are centered primarily on the attitude and the approach of the performer rather than whether that performer can do a triple turn around under a blade 7 while catching the sabre in their teeth. We've had those at auditions whose previous performances were with Scholastic World programs but who struggled because they weren't ready (or willing) to accept instruction. At those same auditions, we've had performers who came from programs that performed in the "B Class" of the F.F.C.C. and who were ultimately successful at Paradigm's Independent World Class level. They were successful because they listened, they learned, and they were willing to get outside of their own comfort zones to improve.
Paradigm auditions are handled very much like an abbreviated rehearsal schedule. After initial introductions of staff (and those auditioning), we will go through normal stretching, body, across the floors, and learning a movement routine. That's followed by warm up on equipment (and performers are welcome to audition using their own equipment or ours), a review of basic technique, and learning equipment phrases. Not every performer will feel comfortable on every piece of equipment and it will be your call as to what you'd like to do. We do encourage everyone to be open to at least making the effort so that we can get a good understanding of your basic skills.
During the audition process, you can expect to be corrected if your current technique differs from the "Paradigm way" and you can expect to be challenged to get outside of your comfort zone. Our staff has been involved in the activity for a long time, some for decades, and we know how best you'll fit in to the program.
Best of all, and a reason for you to simply relax, is that it's highly unusual for Paradigm to "cut" a performer at auditions. In fact, we are proud to say that in the entire history of Paradigm, we have "never" cut a performer at auditions! There have been performers who've chosen to leave during auditions after determining that perhaps we're not the right place for them and we've had others who've made that decision after auditions. But we pride ourselves on being able to find a "home" for those who are willing to work, willing to listen, willing to learn, and willing to leave their own comfort zone to become a better performer.
If you have any specific questions about what to expect, don't hesitate to ask by dropping us an email at paradigmwg@yahoo.com. No question is "dumb" and, honestly, we've probably already answered it to a dozen other prospective performers before you!
We'll look forward to meeting you on September 24th!
(Please register with us to ensure you're kept informed on upcoming events!!)
The best and number one thing you can do is to just relax. Paradigm does set high expectations but those expectations are centered primarily on the attitude and the approach of the performer rather than whether that performer can do a triple turn around under a blade 7 while catching the sabre in their teeth. We've had those at auditions whose previous performances were with Scholastic World programs but who struggled because they weren't ready (or willing) to accept instruction. At those same auditions, we've had performers who came from programs that performed in the "B Class" of the F.F.C.C. and who were ultimately successful at Paradigm's Independent World Class level. They were successful because they listened, they learned, and they were willing to get outside of their own comfort zones to improve.
Paradigm auditions are handled very much like an abbreviated rehearsal schedule. After initial introductions of staff (and those auditioning), we will go through normal stretching, body, across the floors, and learning a movement routine. That's followed by warm up on equipment (and performers are welcome to audition using their own equipment or ours), a review of basic technique, and learning equipment phrases. Not every performer will feel comfortable on every piece of equipment and it will be your call as to what you'd like to do. We do encourage everyone to be open to at least making the effort so that we can get a good understanding of your basic skills.
During the audition process, you can expect to be corrected if your current technique differs from the "Paradigm way" and you can expect to be challenged to get outside of your comfort zone. Our staff has been involved in the activity for a long time, some for decades, and we know how best you'll fit in to the program.
Best of all, and a reason for you to simply relax, is that it's highly unusual for Paradigm to "cut" a performer at auditions. In fact, we are proud to say that in the entire history of Paradigm, we have "never" cut a performer at auditions! There have been performers who've chosen to leave during auditions after determining that perhaps we're not the right place for them and we've had others who've made that decision after auditions. But we pride ourselves on being able to find a "home" for those who are willing to work, willing to listen, willing to learn, and willing to leave their own comfort zone to become a better performer.
If you have any specific questions about what to expect, don't hesitate to ask by dropping us an email at paradigmwg@yahoo.com. No question is "dumb" and, honestly, we've probably already answered it to a dozen other prospective performers before you!
We'll look forward to meeting you on September 24th!
(Please register with us to ensure you're kept informed on upcoming events!!)