Audition FAQs

by Carla on January 24, 2013

Auditions are coming up quickly in February. We’re finalizing details and hope to make the big announcement at the end of this week. In the meantime, we wanted to address a few questions we’ve come across from folks who have expressed interest and curiosity in the audition process. A few FAQs, a few videos and hopefully a little nudge to get you polishing or writing an audition piece.

Do I have to be a professional writer to audition?
Absolutely not. No special degrees or letters of recommendation needed here. While some folks will have a background in writing, many will not and that’s perfectly fine.

Do I have to have experience in front of large audiences?
Nope. If the biggest audience you’ve ever had stares back at you in the mirror, then you’ve got enough experience.

I’m a dude, can I still audition?
Yes! A million times yes! Our show puts the spotlight on the experience of motherhood. Both men and women, parents and not, have their own unique stories about the mother figures in their lives. We hope to share a diverse panorama of motherhood so come one, come all!

I’d love to audition but I have no idea what to write.
We’ve all got stories to tell – funny, sad, moving, emotional, hysterical, enlightening, silly stories. We want to present our audience with a diverse program of stories. We welcome whatever it is you’ve got to say. You can share a story, write a poem or share a commentary piece on an aspect of motherhood. This is your show so we want you to share with us what really resonates with you about motherhood. If you happen to be a blogger,  scrapbooker or journal keeper, then you might discover the perfect piece has already been written or the perfect inspiration to kick things off.

Will I have to memorize my piece?
Heavens no! At the audition (and also the day of the show), you will have your written piece in front of you to read from.

How long should my piece be?
Each piece should come in at 5 minutes or less.

Who will be watching my audition?Are the auditions videotaped?
While the show itself will be recorded and posted on the official Listen To Your Mother YouTube channel, auditions are private and not recorded. We want the audition process to be a safe space for everyone to share their stories. Each person auditioning will read their piece for Laura and me and no one else.

Who retains the rights to my work?
Precisely – YOUR work. You retain all rights.

We will officially announce our auditions tomorrow Friday January 25th! While you wait, take a peek at the videos below. They are an excellent representation of the diversity we’re looking for. Be inspired! Ready to audition? Check out the guidelines for our call for submissions!

{ 14 comments }

Laura January 24, 2013 at 9:58 am

Carla: You ROCKED this FAQ post. And I love the video choices. I never get tired of watching and listening to these inspiring and brave folks. Getting SO excited about our show. xoxo, Laura

Stephanie January 24, 2013 at 10:04 am

Wonderful! Oh gosh I can not wait to hear the new stories yet to come!

Steph

Nichole January 24, 2013 at 4:15 pm

This is such a great post, Carla!
Great job on the FAQs and on choosing such a lovely handful of videos!

Carla January 24, 2013 at 8:39 pm

Thanks!

Leah DeCesare January 24, 2013 at 7:01 pm

This is so amazing! I’m definitely going to audition – I have to give some thought to it but I watched every video you attached! How inspiring!

Carla January 24, 2013 at 8:39 pm

I can only imagine how much you have to say about motherhood! It’s your life’s work. ps. Weren’t those videos incredible?

Leah DeCesare January 26, 2013 at 8:28 pm

Each is so individual, unique and powerful! I only hope I can write and present something half as amazing as these readings!

Any new info on auditions?

Chelley / A is for Adelaide January 24, 2013 at 8:18 pm

I hope to audition. Great work Carla!

Carla January 24, 2013 at 8:37 pm

Looking forward to it! Whether it’s your journey as a mom or as a daughter, it will be amazing. I’m sure of it!

Ellie Grossman January 29, 2013 at 10:45 am

Just got through all these videos, great collection that represents the eclectic flair of LTYM. Thanks for putting it together. I just might have to share!

Carla January 29, 2013 at 9:51 pm

Share away =)

Jennifer January 29, 2013 at 2:44 pm

Hi Laura and Carla,

A friend just forwarded me info about submissions to this show. It looks amazing!

One problem: I am going to be in Washington DC for a board meeting Feb 23-24. Argh! Should I still bother preparing a submission? Can an alternative audition date be arranged if you decide you like my submission enough to warrant the extra hassle?

Whatever your response to my question, thank you both for giving these stories a stage and a spotlight in Providence.

Best,
Jenn

Carla January 29, 2013 at 9:17 pm

Jenn, Sending you an email now to the address listed on your blog! ps. Love your site! It’s beautiful to discover new voices in our own backyard!

Jennifer January 29, 2013 at 10:13 pm

Great, Carla. Thanks! :)

Comments on this entry are closed.

Previous post:

Next post: