INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Look on the website to see what the directors are looking for from the audition. When auditioning for a theater company, make sure you know some background information (past shows, date established, awards won, etc.) on the company. The casting people will be pleased to hear something different than "Not much" if they ask you what you know about the company. Some things to look for include:   Overview of the show/event: If you can, learn as much about the play, commercial or scene as possible. Being able to talk convincingly about why you want the part will help you get the part.  The Director/Casting Agent: You're not going to get details on their personal life, but learn about their requirements and expectation of you. You need to know what the director or casting agent expects from you and give them more then they expect from you.  Your Role Are you supposed to be funny? Dark and serious? Oftentimes this is said up front, but you may need to do some character research, especially if it is a play or event that's already been shown.  The Logistics: When are you needed for practice or performances? Nothing hurts your reputation like earning a role, but turning it down because you can't actually play the part. Know that, in the room, it is okay to check your notes every now and then, but you'll always be more convincing if you have the words mostly memorized. This lets you focus more on acting and less on reading. If the audition requires you to memorize a monolog, make sure you have it completely memorized and are ready to act it out.  If the part has multiple characters, get a few friends to practice with you. While you could just practice your lines, having someone to help with timing and reactions will make you stronger. Don't just read the lines blindly -- pick a way to read the lines (cold, happy, funny, depressed, professional, etc.) that fits the character and practice reading the script in this tone. All good monologues have movement -- meaning the character is in a different place emotionally than when they finish than when they started talking. If you can practice this transition the role is yours. A cold read is when the crew give you a piece to audition that you've never read and has you perform it on the spot. Cold reads are tricky, but just remember that everyone starts from scratch, too. The best way to nail a cold read is to practice -- grab a book of monologues, pick one at random, and just start acting. You can even practice with magazine or newspaper articles.  Focus first on reading each word clearly and calmly. Your first goal is to make sure all the lines get out clearly. When given a cold read, pick a mood or tone and just roll with it. Don't try to get the perfect mood, just trust your guts and commit. before the audition and make sure you eat something in the morning. You don't want to yawn or have your stomach rumble during the audition. If you are singing, avoid dairy, caffeine or anything else that you know will dry out your voice or cause phlegm. If this audition includes singing or speaking it is recommended to stay away from chocolate and dairy products that will make your mouth too moist. Instead, try to drink some warm tea with lemon and honey. Aim to look professional and make a good first impression. A clean buttoned shirt and jeans or a plain dress are good choices. Don't try to make a statement or match the character's clothing -- your goal is to blend into the character before their eyes, and the more unique your clothing, the harder this will be.  Some auditions require dance, so wear something comfortable to move in. For shoes, you can wear running shoes or flats. Make sure you're comfortable! Also, if there is dancing, you may want to bring jazz or character shoes. For example, even if you think the character would look better blond/brunette, etc., don't dye your hair or cut it. Many things can be done to "reshape" you later if they think this is necessary. If you'd like, add your willingness to make changes on your written audition paper, but don't do something radical before you've even gotten the part. At best, you'll make it a little easier on the makeup department if you get the part, but at worst you'll present a version of the character that doesn't even match the directors, instantly losing the part. If you are underage, ask your parent or guardian if it's okay for you to make changes should you get the role. Don't just "assume" that your super cool mom will say yes. There is nothing worse than having an angry director because your parents wouldn't let you do the thing you said you would. Read the notice for the audition and make sure to check out any scripts or contracts you're sent fully. If this is your first audition, know that the procedure is pretty simple. You check in when you arrive, and will be called in when it is your turn. There may be one person watching you, there could be five, but they will all be kind and supportive. Depending on the audition, you may be asked to:  Deliver your prepared monologue Perform a song of your choosing Cold read a brand new scene or monologue  Improvise line with others

SUMMARY: Do your homework on the gig. Run through the materials back and forth, until you can perform the audition without a script or notes. Practice reading monologues from scratch, or "cold reading" to get used to auditioning under pressure. Get a good night's sleep Wear presentable, neutral clothing. Do not change your appearance for an audition. Have an idea what to expect to avoid any surprises.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Yeezys are certainly a luxury item, and their price reflects that. If the cost seems too good to be true, be wary: they’re likely counterfeit.  Yeezy 500s will be released on July 7, 2018 and are listed for $200.  Authentic, two-year old Yeezys are being resold for $1,500.  If you find a pair going for $100 and it's not on sale or clearance, don't buy! Yeezys are made in collaboration with Adidas, so to ensure you’re getting the real thing, shop from places you know carry Adidas and follow the company for updates. Adidas offers visitors to its site the option to sign up for updates regarding Yeezys. Don't assume you have the real thing when you get your order - its packaging says a lot! Fake Yeezys come in a rougher looking box, while real Yeezys come in smooth packaging with no visible edges. A fake pair of Yeezys won’t have the correct serial number on the box. Verify the shoes’ number with what is on the box to make sure you have the real deal.

SUMMARY: Ignore new Yeezys that cost less than $200. Buy from reputable places. Check the details of the box.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Since the best readers read with a purpose, it makes sense for you to begin with materials you want to or need to read in your everyday life. These can include things such as short and simple newspapers and magazine articles, work memos, schedules and medical instructions. The best way to get familiar with the words on the page is to say them out loud.  Working with a teaching partner, "sound out" unfamiliar words and use the pictures, verbal explanations and context to figure our the meaning of the new words. Reading often and for sustained, uninterrupted periods of time will help you develop vocabulary and become a more proficient reader.  Set aside specific amounts of time each day to devote to reading.  Keep track of what you read and for how long by creating a reading log.

SUMMARY:
Choose meaningful reading material. Read aloud. Make time to read.