Audition season is upon us in New York City.  Whether you're attending open calls, waiting in line to be seen or hopping from appointment to appointment, the possibility of booking the job keeps the thrill alive.  While auditioning can come with some negative side effects like crippling anxiety or devastating rejection, it's important to keep your head in the game and be prepared.  Here are some audition preparation tips that will get you one step closer to booking the job.

1.) Get your headshots done professionally.

While the new iPhone's portrait mode seems like a quick way to get a good shot, it's important to invest the money in a quality photo. While this can be a pricey investment (anywhere from $300-$1,500), it is a necessary one. Think of it this way: when the audition is over and you're in the final running for the job, your headshot will seal the deal when laid out across the table with your competition.  Professional photography will help you stand out in the crowd. Looking for new shots? Start here.

You also may want to recruit the help of a hair and make up professional.  In NYC, we LOVE Em Katz Beauty.

2.) Keep your resumé SIMPLE, ORGANIZED AND UP TO DATE.

Your resumé should be a simple document that lists your background, training and performance history.  It is important to keep your columns tidy and fonts simple so it's easy to read quickly. There are many ways to organize a resumé and it should align with your career goals.  For instance, if you're a musical theatre performer, you may list your categories by Regional Theatre, NYC-based/Off-Broadway Shows and Preproduction Work.  If your focus is commercial dance, perhaps you have Print Modeling, Television Performance and Motion Picture.  Whatever your focus may be, keep your resumé true to you.

JJ Tip!  When it comes to listing names of the teachers and choreographers you've worked with, make sure they know who you are and would be able to speak on your behalf.

3.) find your go-to audition outfit.

If you're hitting the audition grind hard, you may find yourself in front of the same casting directors time and time again.  To stay memorable, some dancers like to keep their audition look timeless.  Be sure to check out our shop to find a look that's uniquely you.  You can never go wrong in your JJ fave.

4.) KEEP AN AUDITION DIARY.

If you have career goals, documenting your audition experience will help you stay focused, maintain relationships and identify strategies to book the job.  You can make notes about who was in the room for specific theaters, what the audition combination was, who they kept for callbacks and what they were casting for. An audition diary is also a great tool to track how often certain shows or opportunities come along so you can keep your schedule open when the next cycle comes around. Free writing after an audition is also a great tool to unload any post-performance feelings you may have conjuring -- feel free to let it out on paper!

5.)  Find your tribe.

We all get by with a little help from our friends.  Keep your crew close and keep the good vibes coming.  The most important part of audition prep is keeping a community of good company. With the right support system, you can conquer the world. That's how you win audition season.