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HONING YOUR TALENT: Pros and Cons of Competing

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For those individuals studying for a career in the performing arts, one great way to get feedback, exposure and performing experience is to enter competitions. (Playwrights and writers of screenplays also enter competitions where the prize is often a reading or production of their work).

Is entering a competition right for you? Here are some things to consider:

PROS:

FEEDBACK from a professional or group of professionals well versed with expertise in the field. No matter how great a program you attend and how wonderful your teachers, the feedback from a stranger, knowledgable in the business, is unvaluable.

ENCOURAGEMENT in the critique is of the utmost importance. A great judge will be able to help you isolate and improve on your weaknesses without making you feel like giving up. Even if your competition performance doesn't come off as well as you would hope, you can always learn from the constructive, encouraging adjudicator.

EXPOSURE at these competitions allows you to see how you measure up to others in your age level and ability level. You will also be exposed to different styles of choreography, costumes, music and material that your particular studio might not use, giving you more ideas to use your creativity in the future.

PRIZES are a big part of any competition, from the local dance or music festival to the big, national and international competitions. Some prizes are trophies, medals and ribbons, which can inspire you each time you see them displayed at your home. Other competitions also include monetary prizes and scholarships to help you with the cost of continuing your studies.

EXPERIENCE performing under a competitive circumstance can help train you for the pressures of going to auditions once you have completed your studies and wish to pursue a career. Performing in a studio recital or show doesn't provide the same type of experience because there isn't the added pressure of knowing that your performance is being judged and graded. Let's face it, in an audition, that's exactly what's happening. They are deciding who fits what they're looking for but also your technique and abilities are being accessed and judged as they look for the best cast.

BOND AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS whenever you can. It's always nice to know that others are going through the same fears, doubts, joys and sorrows that you experience as you hone your craft.

CONS:

NERVES play different roles with each individual, but combating and overcoming nerves comes from performing experience, so take every opportunity that comes along to perform. You want the excitement and adrenaline that will propel you to be your best, but you don't want your nerves to overtake you and cause you to blank out and forget part of your routine or cause you to be wobbly or weak in parts.