Auditioning for a Musical can be a very nerve-wracking event in a person’s life. It is difficult to know what the director is looking for and what you need to do to impress them. Here are ten tips on how to prepare for a successful audition.
- Research the show you are auditioning for prior to the audition. If you can find the script, read it. If you can find the soundtrack, listen to it. If you can see a live version of the performance or a recorded one, watch it. Knowing the show should help you to be more confident and have a better audition.
- Make sure you read the audition information carefully. Know what they are expecting you to prepare and do for the audition. If something is unclear to you, call and ask. Be on time, which means be there at least 30 minutes before your scheduled audition time. The director is watching for someone who is confident, well-dressed, and the best prepared.
- When you are preparing a monologue or song for your audition, if you don’t understand or know a word, look it up. Make sure you are pronouncing all words, including foreign words, correctly and you understand the context of the song or monologue.
- Choose a song that you know very well and love. This will help you to feel comfortable during your audition. But also make sure that the song and monologue you choose show off your strengths. Many directors don’t want to hear a long song or monologue, so remember that when choosing. Never change the melody line of a song. Most musical songs are well known and the director will take it as a sign of disrespect if you change anything. Choose a song and monologue that are appropriate for your personality and age. When you perform, pretend like it is opening night and give it all the energy and excitement you can. Show them everything you’ve got! Keep your gestures to a minimum when singing. Don’t do anything to distract from your face and your voice.
- Be yourself. Wear clothes and shoes you feel comfortable in. Don’t wear a costume, but dress appropriately for the show you are auditioning for. If the callbacks are on a different day, wear the same outfit again. It will help the director remember you.
- Be friendly! When you enter the room, say hello and introduce yourself. Tell them what you will be singing. Again it is important to be confident. That will impress them. Make sure your cell phone, watch alarm, etc. are turned off during your audition.
- Don’t make any excuses if you don’t think your audition goes perfectly. Don’t tell them you are sick or that your voice isn’t as good as usual. Just do the best you can. That is all you can do!
- If you are reading a scene with another person, focus on how you can make the other person look good. This will help you to calm down and not be so nervous. It will also make you look like a generous actor to the director!
- Be flexible! If the director asks to you sing your song again, or try reading your monologue in a different way, or to vocalize in a range that you are not comfortable in, just do it! Also be flexible when the cast list has been posted. If you didn’t get the part you wanted or you weren’t cast, don’t be angry. You might have been the best actor/singer they saw at the audition, but you didn’t have the look they are going for or you aren’t appropriate for the part.
- Remember to smile and thank the director and the accompanist when you are done with your audition. Keep presenting a good attitude for the entire audition. Accept any part they offer you as an opportunity to grow and learn.
If you are looking for classes to help you prepare for an audition, contact the Omaha School of Music and Dance at 144th and Dodge in West Omaha! We can help you! Check out our page Musical Theater Audition and Performance Preparation for more information!
