Lin-Manuel Miranda heard Sam Seaborn say it on The West Wing: “Before I look for anything, I look for a mind at work,” and put it in Angelica Schuyler’s voice for Hamilton.
No matter where you first heard it, this idea has plenty to offer the director at audition time.
As you’re paying attention to sight reading, tone, intonation, diction, and the many other technical factors of a successful audition, take a minute to look, too, for a mind at work.
The best directors know that all the rest can be taught if the student has a mind at work. And if the student doesn’t? Then you won’t find that the rest develops very consistently between A and Z.
Looking for a mind at work. 🎵 #Hamiltunes @Lin_Manuel #WestWingInspirations @RobLowe @reneeelisegolds #HamiltonBway pic.twitter.com/Vr4JLGeyRK
— TheBethPenalty (@_thebethpenalty) September 23, 2015