MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University musical theatre students got a firsthand look at the realities of professional auditions when Broadway performer, director and choreographer James Gray recently led an intensive workshop in the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Gray’s credits span Broadway productions including “The Producers” and “Young Frankenstein,” West End performances in “Me and My Girl” and “Beauty and the Beast,” along with national tours of “42nd Street,” Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” and the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular.”

In addition to performing, Gray has served in directing and choreography roles and is currently collaborating with renowned designer Bob Mackie on a new production in development for Las Vegas.

Working with the students during his Feb. 24 visit, Gray recreated the pace and structure of a professional audition, beginning with a fast-paced dance call before inviting students to perform short vocal selections.

Before movement began, Gray spoke candidly about the mental barriers that often limit young performers.

Advice: Just be yourself

“I am a six on a scale of one to 10 in talent. Maybe a 6.5,” Gray told the class. “But I am a 10 at being myself.”

He explained that confidence, preparation and persistence often matter more than raw talent, urging students to silence what he described as “white noise” — the internal self-criticism that can undermine performance before an audition even begins.

“There is no competition,” Gray added, “because there is only one of you.”

That message resonated with MTSU junior theatre major Emma Dolberry.

“My biggest takeaway from the visit was what James Gray said about cutting out the white noise,” Dolberry said. “As performers, the number one thing that keeps us from our dreams is our own self-critique. His encouragement to walk into the audition room with confidence was really great to hear.”

Following the dance call, students who chose to participate performed a 16-bar cut, which is a brief excerpt of a song typically prepared for professional auditions. They received real-time feedback from Gray, getting notes not only on vocal quality but also on physical presence and what directors pay attention to behind the audition table.

“There’s only so much you can do looking at music and a script,” Dolberry said. “When someone who has done the thing we’re all trying to do comes in and gives you that outside perspective, it pushes you to grow. That is the best way to learn.”

Learning from professionals a plus

Kristi Shamburger, chair of MTSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance, said the timing of the visit was especially valuable as six students prepare to audition for professional work at the upcoming Southeastern Theatre Conference.

“I was most excited about them having the opportunity to do a dance audition because there is a skill to quickly learning choreography and performing it for an audition,” Shamburger said. “The opportunity to have this experience right now is very timely.”

The visit was arranged through the Open Jar Institute in New York, which connected Gray with MTSU while he was working in the region.

“Sue Teater, director of development for the Open Jar Institute, reached out and offered to share James Gray’s time while he was in the area,” Shamburger said. “I am always eager to expose our students to working theater artists and audition opportunities.”

For Dolberry, the experience reinforced both preparation and perspective.

“My favorite part of the visit was the dance,” Dolberry said. “Getting to learn the original choreography by Susan Stroman was so cool. It was definitely tough, but I had fun and learned a lot.”

Exposure to working professionals remains central to the department’s focus on career readiness, Shamburger said.

“Networking is an important component of this business, and James has a wealth of experience and connections throughout the industry,” she said. “I hope students also left with inspiration and courage to continue on in this highly competitive field.”

— Mike Davis (Michael.Davis2@mtsu.edu)