3 Directors on How to Ace Your Audition Interview

April 26, 2017

Even if you make it through to the final round of an audition, that doesn’t mean that you’re guaranteed a spot on the roster. Before handing out contracts, many companies also require prospective dancers to complete an interview with staff. How can you impress your potential employer with your words as much as your dancing? Three artistic directors weigh in on what matters most.

Dorothy Gunther Pugh, Ballet Memphis

Ballet Memphis in Gabrielle Lamb’s Manifold. Photo by Andrea Zucker, Courtesy Ballet Memphis

What do you cover in a typical interview?


“In the studio, I’m already watching closely for how well you pay attention, how you handle your nerves, and are you polite to the rest of the dancers. So, by the time you’re sitting down with me in my office, I just want us to get to know each other. I want to see you look me in the eye, be curious and listen. (I might have questions about someone who just can’t stop talking.) But I also want to know what you like about your hometown, what drew you to our company, and who you are when you’re at ease. Remember that you’re interesting to me!”

Colin Connor, Limón Dance Company

Photo by Juan José Escalante, Courtesy Limón Dance Company

What kinds of responses are red flags that a dancer wouldn’t be a good fit for your company?


“I think a lot of dancers assume it’s bad if they’re not extroverted, but I’m happy to hire someone quiet. Do show me you can articulate what you love, because that’s what you end up drawing from as an artist. I see a red flag when it sounds like someone has a lot of scheduling conflicts and previous commitments but still insists she can commit to us. I understand that working with other choreographers might be the only way you can survive, but being overextended is not a healthy way to function. You really have to be transparent in the interview about the obligations you do have, so I can be up front about whether it’s possible to work with you.”

Patricia Barker, Grand Rapids Ballet

Photo by Michael Auer, Courtesy Grand Rapids Ballet

How can a prospective dancer prepare?

“I don’t want to be asked how many performances we do or which choreographers we work with. A great way to prove you’ve done your research is to say, ‘I see Robyn Mineko Williams is choreographing this season. I was able to work with her in one of my summer programs.’ That draws my attention to something I may have missed on your resumé, and now I know that I can touch base with her about that experience.”