Olympic Ceremonies Volunteers: No mad skillz required
Yesterday I received quite the exciting phone call – it was an invitation to come audition to perform in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2010 Olympics!
Thanks to all who already have heard about this and who offered their enthusiastic congratulations. This is where I’d like to tell you that they are just so blown away by my awesome talent and sparkling personality, they just couldn’t wait to call me.
But that would pretty much be a big fat lie.
It sounds exciting but really, all I did was go online and fill out the form. And truth be told, I’m pretty surprised they called me at all since based on my answers, I’ll be the first to say I sound like just some 31 year old chick who is really really LAME.
Watch, I’ll show you.
Dancer? Athlete? Um… nope, I’m not any of these things. Just want to be part of the show!
Ok so dance skills. Hmm, where’s the option that says “Bouncing Around in the Bathroom Mirror”? Guess I’ll leave it blank.
Athletics… Hoo boy. Well, I’ve done some of these things but I wouldn’t call them skills. I’m really good at Long Walks at Sunset but it doesn’t look like an option.
Special skills? Little does my husband know but sometimes when I’m ticked off I mouth bad words behind his back. But I’m not sure that qualifies me as a mime… does it?
Finally something I can put down. Hmm, maybe not. I used to play the piano and flute but, uh… “used to” is being the key. Does that still count? And again, no option for “Sucky” as a Skill Level.
After this embarrassing display of blankness, I moved onto the next section: Interests.
Judging by this, I’m not doing too badly. But oh… if only there was a section for ‘comments’.
They’d look something like this:
Club Dancing: I can’t tell you how terrible I am at it or not because there are usually cocktails involved and thankfully, no one has (yet) caught my gracelessness on camera. But yeah, it’s an interest.
Skating-Other: We drove around all winter with my ice skates in the trunk and good intentions of going skating but it didn’t really pan out. However I’ve included it because I did go once two years ago (whew! good thing you indicated two years and not one) for my birthday and it was really fun! I only fell twice.
Skiing-Downhill: My husband succeeded in getting me up Grouse Mountain when we first moved to Vancouver two years ago. Unfortunately I fell so hard I gave myself whiplash and there have been no further attempts.
Hiking: I’m pretty sure I’ve been in the past two years but sometimes I have trouble remembering stuff so can’t tell you an exact date. Sorry. But I come from Alberta. There’s lots of hiking trails in the Kananaskis so that’s gotta count for something.
Rollerblading: See ‘skating’ above. This summer though, I swear I’m gonna do it again. Promise.
Acting/Modeling: I sort of stumbled down a catwalk once in a fashion show.
Piano/String Instruments: Well I didn’t check these on the previous page so I figure I’ll do it here just in case, even though you definitely wouldn’t want to put me anywhere near a piano. Trust me on that one.
So you see? I wasn’t kidding when I told you I’m lame on paper. But they called me anyway which is super exciting, because just WAIT ’till they get me in person!
Even though they sent me some info about what to expect, I’m kinda nervous. I mean, “wear sneakers”? That’s a big tip-off right there that there will be some very embarrassing physical exertions involved.
Yikes.
Here’s the full text of the email I received, in case you’re interested (though I removed the audition location).
We are pleased to invite you to audition to become a Volunteer Performer in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. To make this process as smooth and productive as possible, please take a few minutes to read this audition information.
Your movement audition is scheduled for: Sunday, May 31 Please arrive for check-in between: 12:30 – 12:45 PM Please plan on spending 3 hours with us. Your audition will be held at: Never you mind
In case of emergency please call:
If you cannot attend this audition, please let us know immediately so we may offer your spot to another candidate. Audition time and space is limited. Please do not ask to be rescheduled unless it is absolutely necessary.
Please plan sufficient travel time to ensure that you arrive during the scheduled time. We will be on a very tight schedule and may not be able to include individuals who arrive late. Note that early arrivals may need to wait outdoors and there are limited covered queuing areas.
On-street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood and transit information is available at the bottom of this letter.
Only you will be permitted inside the building – friends and family (including parents and children) are not permitted to view your audition and there is no waiting area.
You should arrive at the audition site dressed for the audition; there are no facilities at the site for changing clothes. We recommend comfortable clothes that will allow you to move freely and allow us to see your full range of motion. Please do not wear costumes or performance outfits. Please wear sneakers or running shoes appropriate for use on a gymnasium floor. You must keep track of your own belongings, so please keep bags and other personal items to a minimum. We are not responsible for lost or stolen property.
Please note that cameras or other recording devices are not permitted at the audition and food is not provided. Water fountains are available.
When you arrive, please report to the check-in table and present a form of ID that includes your name and date of birth. You will be given an audition number to pin on your clothing and we will take photos and measurements of you for casting, costuming and accreditation purposes.
After all candidates have completed the check-in process, a Cast Coordinator will make a short presentation and answer questions that you may have. We will then welcome you into the audition area.
We will audition dancers and non-dancers differently. We understand and respect the different skills that each of you have and will do our best not to ask you to do anything that will make you feel uncomfortable.
We may be auditioning up to a hundred people in your session. We will teach everyone a simple movement combination, practice it together, and then see how well you have learned it. We are interested in seeing how you move and your ability to learn new movements. Please be aware that we may ask you to try additional things. We are looking for a variety of skills and may explore some new possibilities with you.
We will be videotaping the auditions so that we may refer to them later for casting.
Although we will be auditioning several thousand people, we will carefully consider everyone with equal measure. The selection process is very complicated and takes time. You will be notified by e-mail regarding the outcome of your audition by the end of September 2009. We know you will be eager to hear from us, but please do not contact us prior to that time to inquire about the results of your audition.
Thank you again for your interest in auditioning to become a Volunteer Performer for the Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies. We hope your experience with us will be fun and memorable. We are looking forward to presenting the very best Olympic Ceremonies and greatly appreciate your efforts and support.
The Ceremonies Cast Team
I am in dire need of some audition tips so if you know some, PLEASE PLEASE share.
Anyone else out there auditioning to perform in the Olympic Ceremonies?
My name is Kasia Fink and nothing makes me happier than finding goodness. This is a collection of my findings... I mean, finkings.
You make me laugh! I played the piano and the flute too and my skill level now would also be “Sucky”!
Congrats on getting the audition, it sounds like some people did make it this far :)
You crack me up!
If they had “blogging” as an interest option, you’d be at the top of your game :-)
In terms of advice, just be yourself, don’t overthink anything, and SMILE a lot! If you look pretty (which I know you will), no one will be worried about what your feet/hands/limbs are doing ;-)
I’m auditioning on the same day! My time slot is 9 am, however. I enjoyed reading your blog on your application process because it reminded me so much of… me. Maybe they’re auditioning us for the comedy portion of the Opening Ceremonies. I am dreading learning “movements” because I am movement challenged. As long as the movements are repetitive and do not involve bending of any of my joints, I will be fine. I am planning on taping extra Bounty padding in my armpits under my Flashdance cutoff sweatshirt to absorb my nervous sweat, so I look professional and unperturbed by the dance master’s expectations. One thing that should make me stand out from the others is that I will start daydreaming just as they start to give the instructions on the movements. Look for the person who is standing still after they call “5-6-7-8!”
Hooray – so I’m not the only one who’s freaking out! Too bad we couldn’t be in the same group – we would bring the expectations down to a tad or at least distract the judges from all the non-movement challenged people? Strength in numbers!! And thanks for the tip about the Bounty padding… I just may have to try that. ;)
It is my pleasure to assist a fellow contestant. I can give you other useful tips, like thinking everyone else is wearing underwear to make you less nervous… but I would only be quoting from an old Brady Bunch episode (I think the one where Marcia has to give a speech) and have never tried this advanced technique personally. Make sure you use a special waterproof duct tape to keep the Bounty pads in place, otherwise, hoo ha, you might find yourself looking pretty silly if they fall out while you’re doing cartwheels.
Please feel free to contact me for more pointers.
What?! You mean I have to wear underwear? Oh man… And don’t even get me started on the cartwheels. This is getting more terrifying by the minute.
Congrats on getting an audition! If you have to learn a combination I suggest checking youtube for music videos. :) Sometimes they have how to tutorials (ex soldier boy or thriller) and it’s good to get yourself prepared to learn something in 15/30 min then perform it. Plus, you’ll have the added benefit of busting out absurd moves in “da club”. :) Good luck!
I never would have thought of that but it sounds like a good idea. Thanks Christiana!
Tips? Use conviction and passion in the choreography,even if you don’t know it, sometimes they’re looking for someone with percussiveness that can “grab” the audience… I think. :) I’m from Calgary but my audition is on June 7. Good luck to you, and maybe you’ll get the part of the person who is so awed to be there (because you are, it seems). :D
So, how did it go for you? Mine went well, although I did perspire as expected and had a case of heart about to thump out of my chest after our first dance in front of the judges. I forgot to duct tape the Bounty pads in place… doh! At least they didn’t fall out, but maybe they ruined my body line.
I hope my facial expression registered more than the deer in the headlights feeling that I was truly experiencing.
I had to reschedule mine for June 6th. Do tell (in excruciating detail, please!) – exactly what kind of torture did they put you through??
The audition was, surprisingly, exactly as described in the audition letter as above. Also, someone already blogged in detail about the process: http://gusdigital.com/2009/05/my-winter-olympics-2010-dancing-auditions/ I would suggest that you line up about 10 minutes before the time specified in your letter to avoid the long line up outside, since you will be auditioning with 100 other people. It takes about one hour to process everyone (taking ID and measurements, photos, getting number pinned on).
Be careful… you are not supposed to blog about your experience in any detail, or at least that’s what I gathered from the information talk before we went into the audition.
Despite being extremely movement challenged, I was able to get the dance steps. I attribute this not to my extensive dance training (!) but to my history as an aerobics queen circa 1986. If you can follow an aerobics class, you can do this! I always feel like a fool when I do “cool” dance moves, so let’s just say I felt extremely extremely foolish.
Good luck! I’m sure you will nail it! And be sure to report on how it went (but be careful about revealing details).
Ok so I am in the same boat, I have an audition on sat the 6th as well. I think the last time I did anything choreographed was the time I did the abs bums and thumbs class at the rec centre…maybe it was abs tums and thighs…I can’t remember. anywhoo I was so terrible at that I thought I was going to throw up…so…I’M a LITTLE nervous…oh well like mamma always said; ‘you’re not pretty and you’re not smart’… no wait wrong saying I think it went more like; ‘just do your best honey’ or something cliche like that…
You crack me up!! I hope we run into each other on Saturday. I’ll be the other person looking totally confused and nervous so maybe we’ll gravitate toward each other. :)
So, how did it go?