Auditioning for the Beyond Workshop Series was truly a wonderful experience. From the moment I entered the room, I felt an undeniable sense of comfort and safety. This feeling was created not only by the staff but also by the other artists, each radiating passion, talent, and a fierce determination to create. I walked in without knowing what to expect, thinking it would be just another audition where I perform my piece and leave. But what I encountered was something profoundly transformative! This was clearly not just an audition: it was a vibrant celebration of artistry, identity, and community.
We began the day with movement—an invitation to release tension, shed nerves, and fully inhabit our bodies. We were not just learning choreography, we were connecting and sharing energy that electrified the room. The teachers didn’t just teach us the steps; they genuinely saw and listened to us, ensuring that everyone in the room felt valued.
The transition from dance to acting was seamless. For me, one of the standout moments of the day was when we created a devising piece using phrases from well known writers. We didn’t have much time to prepare, but that was the brilliance of it—it pushed us to listen, stay present, and truly feel! Those moments of silence allowed us to move together, discovering meaning without overthinking. Luis Salgado’s feedback was insightful and intentional, elevating every piece and pushing us to reach new heights. I was in awe as I witnessed the room transform into a space where we were all empowered to be unapologetically ourselves.
When it came to singing, the staff presented us with a very simple, beautiful piece of music that erupted into something very powerful. Our unified voices filled the space—strong, defiant, and beautiful. The energy was electric and infectious, making it the perfect finale to our audition experience and solidifying the strength of the community we had built.
The callback process was very similar to that of the audition but with a smaller, more intimate group: the passion and determination in the room remained just as strong, if not stronger. Furthermore, having Rosalba Rolón from PREGONES and Gabriela García from R.Evolución Latina present made the experience even more powerful. Their presence—two strong, inspiring Latina leaders—deepened the sense of belonging and safety in the space. It was a profound reminder that when you work hard for yourself and your community, incredible things can happen!
Given everything happening in the world, standing in that room filled with Latinx artists claiming their power and seizing their space was truly beautiful and powerful. I felt seen in a way I hadn’t realized I needed. It reinforced the fact that, regardless of the audition outcome, I had already gained something invaluable—a renewed sense of self, purpose, and artistic power.
The representation in that space was undeniable. Each of us brought our histories, cultures, and identities with pride, and in doing so, we fortified one another. It clearly demonstrated why I had auditioned in the first place. I was looking for a space where Latino artists could unite, create, and uplift each other. New York’s fast-pace can often feel so isolating, but, in that room, time slowed. Judgment vanished. We were present, breathing, and creating together.
Reflecting on that day, I recognize how rare and essential it is to find a space that embraces who you are and amplifies your voice. In that room, we become a collective force, sharing stories, emotions, and movement in a way that surpasses words. It was a powerful reminder that art thrives in community and that we are capable of extraordinary things together.
I left that audition with deep gratitude, fully aware that regardless of what happens next, this experience has equipped me with something I will carry forward forever. I owe a tremendous thanks to REvolución Latina and PREGONES for this incredible opportunity, and I’m very excited and honored to be part of the Beyond Workshop Series 2025! VAMOS CON TODO!!!
Jacquie Bonnet
Auditionee at BWS 2025