How to research a company
Why is researching the company you are auditioning for crucial?
As a dancer, you should know how important it is to prepare for an audition. But have you considered how much the company you are auditioning for could impact your experience?
When you audition for a company, you become part of a team. In order to secure the audition, or ultimately the job, it’s essential to understand how you will fit in with your new colleagues and the company’s direction.
The more you know about a company before you audition, the better prepared you will be to make a good impression.
Research Research Research...
Researching a company is an essential part of the audition process
When you audition for a company, you are not just showcasing your skills as a dancer. You are also trying to fit in with a team of professionals who will be your colleagues, collaborators, and mentors. Every company has its own culture, style, and vision, and your goal is to demonstrate that you understand and appreciate these factors.
Researching a company can also help you tailor your audition to the director’s preferences. For example, if the director has a classical background, it may be beneficial to showcase your clean, precise technique. On the other hand, if the company has a more contemporary focus, you may want to emphasize your versatility and creativity.
Let's begin...
Company’s Website – Director, Management, Dancers
To start your research, begin by visiting the company’s website. Explore the company’s history, repertoire, and artistic style. Take note of the types of works the company performs, as well as the dancers’ backgrounds and styles. Look for any upcoming performances or projects that may indicate the company’s current focus. Watching a live performance would be very beneficial.
Director(s), Management
Next, research the company’s leadership team. Familiarize yourself with the director’s background, training, and choreographic style. Learn about the ballet master/mistress and other key personnel who may be involved in the audition process.
Researching a company can also help you tailor your audition to the director’s preferences.
Example: if the director has a classical background, it may be beneficial to showcase your clean, precise technique. On the other hand, if the company has a more contemporary focus, you may want to emphasize your versatility and creativity.
Dancers
It is highly recommended that you examine the dancers who are part of the company you are considering auditioning for. This is an opportunity for you to familiarize yourself with the kind of dancers who currently make up the company, and to discern the patterns that may be evident among them. It is not uncommon to observe a common thread running through the company, such as a shared classical training, or a common aesthetic that is either very unique or quite similar and or age.
However, it is important to keep in mind that getting a sense of the company should not discourage you from applying. Rather, this research is intended to better equip you for the audition process. All of the preparation you can undertake will certainly serve you well, but it is important to remember that there is no substitute for putting yourself out there and taking a chance.
It’s also a good idea to connect with current or former company members, if possible. You can ask them about their experiences with the company, what it’s like to work with the director or ballet master/mistress, and what the company’s culture is like. This insider information can be invaluable in preparing for your audition.
In addition to researching the company, it is also essential to know yourself and what you are looking for in a company.
What are your strengths as a dancer?
What kind of repertoire do you enjoy performing?
Do you want to work with a company that values classical technique, or one that focuses on more contemporary styles?
Knowing your own preferences and goals will help you evaluate whether a company is a good fit for you.
Remember!
Finally, remember that research is just one part of the equation. While it’s essential to be informed and prepared, it’s also important to trust your instincts and be yourself in the audition room. If you have done your research and are confident in your abilities, you can approach the audition with the mindset that you have something valuable to offer the company.
In Conclusion...
Researching a company before an audition is crucial to your success as a dancer. It helps you understand the company’s culture, style, and vision, tailor your audition to the director’s preferences, and evaluate whether the company is a good fit for you. So take the time to do your research, connect with current and former company members, and be confident in your abilities. With a little preparation and a lot of hard work, you can make the most of your audition and land the job of your dreams.
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