“What if… I don’t come across well?” What if… it’s not my best work?” “What if… it’s not original?”
Preaching to the choir here; we are all full of “What If’s?” when it comes to posting our art on social media platforms. In today’s climate, the only way to get our art known and out there (and ultimately paid for) is to share it via Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, TikTok, ect - the list goes on and on. Now, truth be told and admittedly, I’ve personally never been a fan of social media. It can feel like extra, mundane work and bit stressful with the unknown and what if’s social media undoubtably exudes. Yet, should that deter a singing artist to put their work out there?
Of course, much easier said than done, and many times we ask ourselves, “well, where do I even start?” The answer is JUST DO IT! With the interview of Ashely Arcement [Podcast Interview for Insights for Incite Ep. 4, coming up], social media guru and content creator, she gives great insight on how to get started. And, again, Just do it! Starting out may mean, projects inspired by other social media artists. Finding a project you very much admire and recreating it in your own way; of course, tagging the original artist as inspiration (as a form of flattery).
As we see auditions on the horizon, I surmise that auditions will start out in a virtual sense: submitting a video or two of cuts, then perhaps a zoom or even another submission of call-back material. Now, do I feel that having more material on social media (Instagram) is imperative for booking work? No, I do not. Although, being up for final call-backs through online auditioning, I only have to guess that artistic directors may have the impulse to find more material via an instagram search. So, why not be ready? Keep in mind that content does not just have to be singing content. Much of theater is much more about what we bring to it personally, not just our voice. So, what other content can you show that is part of you as a person: hobbies, cooking, book reviews, traveling, painting, modeling, cocktail mixing, ect.
Having that extra little kick of who you are to supplement your package you are selling, can be the tip-off of booking the role. As there is a much more steady audience, hungry for art, JUST DO IT! … and allow your work to be seen!