Audition Tips and Tricks

What's the scariest part of being in a musical? Well, that's personal to you, but most performers would agree that the audition room is a universal terror zone. Auditions are frightening because it's all you. You're singing, dancing, or speaking all by yourself.

During my auditions for the first few shows I did, I was always really nervous. Would my song be okay?

What if I forgot the words?

Well, since then I have probably done over 50 auditions, counting choir auditions and smaller things like that, and let me tell you, auditioning is now easy as pie. :)

Do I still get nerves? Of course! But having a little bit of the jitters is always a good thing, it keeps you on your game and in the moment. All that to say, I have a bit of experience in the auditioning field, and I'd like to share some tips I've learned over the years.

Audition Tips and Tricks:

Auditioning is like riding a bike, the more you do it the easier it gets. Audition at every opportunity you get! Even if you don't get the part, there's always something to learn.
Song choice is crucial. If you're auditioning for a show with classical music, don't sing Hannah Montana for audition song. I would recommend always singing a show tune for your audition song. Some community and youth theaters will allow you to sing Disney or Pop, but I would always sing a song from a Broadway musical because it's shows professionalism. Also, if you ever want to audition for a professional show, they require a show tune.
Do your research on the show you're auditioning for. If you don't even know the general story line, should you really be auditioning?
NEVER sing a song from the show you're auditioning for. That is unprofessional and really discouraged. (High school musicals are an exception to this rule, as sometimes they want you to sing a character's song from the show.)
Don't sing "Popular" from Wicked, golly gee is that over done. Don't even sing "For Good" if you can help it (I admit, I have song "For Good" for an audition in the past. :)) Be unique in your song choice.
Look at the directors/judges while you're auditioning, not at the audience. Remember who is important in the room. Make eye contact, but not the whole song (especially don't make eye contact if your song is about murder... That can get really uncomfortable with the directors.)
Speak clearly and poised while you're introducing yourself. Though this seems like a few unimportant words, the directors are listening for your diction and clarity. Also, remember posture and tone.
NEVER dance during your audition song. Some songs call for stylized movement, but make it minimal. Remember this is your vocal audition, the dance part comes later.
Don't scratch your face, fix your hair, twitch your feet, and for heaven sakes don't pop your knuckles or pick your nose during your audition song. You should do nothing with your body that is out of character or will distract from your voice.
Be CONFIDENT. Smile. Show them that you can do anything in the world, and that if something happened during the show, you'd be totally fine. You can handle anything that comes your way.
Remember you are always auditioning. That lady who held the door for you into the audition room, say "thank you", she probably knows the directors. Even if she has no connection at all, you should always be courteous and kind. People are always watching.
NEVER say a negative comment about someone else's audition. Only say encouraging words and smile. Yes, you're technically competing with each other, but the theatre world is a tight knit community, and I promise you, if a director heard that you were talking trash about somebody else's audition, expect to never be cast again.
If you're singing with sheet music and an accompanist, make sure the start and stop, and any changes you've made are clearly marked in the music. If you're singing with a track, practice practice, practice. Make sure it doesn't exceed the time limit. If your audition time is 60 seconds, 60 seconds it is. :)
NEVER ever bring your phone on stage. Ever.
Rehearse, be prepared, be confident, and have fun. Musicals are fun!!!