Do you have an audition coming up soon for a musical theater production? Don't panic! This is simply an opportunity to showcase your gift, whether you'll be playing an instrument, singing or dancing.
Some theater musical professionals will always tell you that to nail these type of auditions, you really need to follow the instructions laid out by the directors. But, the fact is, there is a little iota of truth in the statement.
Ever heard the line, "practice makes perfect?" Well, the same goes when you are preparing for a musical theater audition with the hope of qualifying for the role you are aspiring to. I don't need to tell you that need to prepare yourself before any audition. If you are waiting for someone to, it means you are not ready yet, but don't worry - we're here to help. Music theater auditions can be very competitive. For you to qualify for any role, you will need to demonstrate professional potentials on the audition floor.
Some theater musical professionals will always tell you that to nail these type of auditions, you really need to follow the instructions laid out by the directors. But, the fact is, there is a little iota of truth in the statement.
In the end, it is what the directors don't tell you that you will be judged with. So, in this post, I want to help you avoid the tension of going for next musical theater audition by sharing with you 15 quick tips to help you prepare yourself for your next musical theater audition so you will feel less worried and will be ready to do your best.
1. Do your Research
Before you begin your preparation for your next musical theater audition, first find out what is expected. This is very important because it will look stupid to walk into a music audition not knowing anything about the show - no kidding, some people do this.
Find out if there are any specific requirements or expectations so you can prepare yourself for it. For instance, a particular musical audition may require that you bring your music tracks, while others might need you to come with the sheet music for the accompanist.
Some considerations: Will you be singing with an instrument accompaniment or it will be acapella? Does your dress code need to match with your style of music or dance? All these and more are what you will need to find out before showing up to the audition.
Find out very early where and when the audition will take place. If all this information is not available, there is no harm in calling and asking for these details.
Find out if there are any specific requirements or expectations so you can prepare yourself for it. For instance, a particular musical audition may require that you bring your music tracks, while others might need you to come with the sheet music for the accompanist.
Some considerations: Will you be singing with an instrument accompaniment or it will be acapella? Does your dress code need to match with your style of music or dance? All these and more are what you will need to find out before showing up to the audition.
Find out very early where and when the audition will take place. If all this information is not available, there is no harm in calling and asking for these details.
2. Plan Ahead
Like they always say, "poor preparation produces poor performance". Make sure you have nothing else planned for that day on the day of your audition. Days before the audition day, make sure you plan your route and also an alternate route in case of traffic.
From the information gathered from your research, you must by now know what it is required of you. So, plan what you will be wearing, and make sure it is in good order. From your research, you should know if there is any strict rule to dressing for the audition.
From the information gathered from your research, you must by now know what it is required of you. So, plan what you will be wearing, and make sure it is in good order. From your research, you should know if there is any strict rule to dressing for the audition.
3. Be as Healthy as Possible
This is another quick tip for preparing for your next musical theater audition. Remember, when you are healthy, your mind is at rest. And when your mind is at rest, you can showcase your potential.
Music auditions require strength, stamina, and confidence, and confidence, and if you are sick close to the day or at the day of the day of the audition, it will affect your performance and this will make it very difficult to perform better than those who are healthy.
Music auditions require strength, stamina, and confidence, and confidence, and if you are sick close to the day or at the day of the day of the audition, it will affect your performance and this will make it very difficult to perform better than those who are healthy.
4. Dress Appropriately
Music audition outfits require a blend of professionalism. If you are a lady, don't dress like you are going to the club(unless that is appropriate for the role). Don't dress hot and sexy as you are not going there to seduce your casting director. Just dress in good taste and style.
Take into consideration if you will be adding dance to your singing performance so you know the kind of dress to pick for the audition. Avoid heels if possible, as it may limit your movement around the stage.
For the guys, baggie pants hanging around your behind are unlikely to give a good impression. Just dress casual. Wear something like a nice pair of jeans (not TORN), a T-shirt and a pair of Converse or dress shoes.
Whether you are going for a dance or music audition, use common sense when planning on what to wear for the audition. Please, be classy!
Take into consideration if you will be adding dance to your singing performance so you know the kind of dress to pick for the audition. Avoid heels if possible, as it may limit your movement around the stage.
For the guys, baggie pants hanging around your behind are unlikely to give a good impression. Just dress casual. Wear something like a nice pair of jeans (not TORN), a T-shirt and a pair of Converse or dress shoes.
Whether you are going for a dance or music audition, use common sense when planning on what to wear for the audition. Please, be classy!
5. Choose your Song Carefully
Going for a music audition? You will need to choose a song that's perfect for your voice. Don't make the mistake of learning a new song for every music audition so you can impress the judge. How long do you even have to do that? Be reasonable.
Go with a song that you are comfortable with under any circumstances, even if it is acapella. You may not have the time to learn any technical piece that will make you stand out among other performers.
The fact is, the right song can help showcase your voice. The right song for you will naturally blend with your voice even if you're tense.
Go with a song that you are comfortable with under any circumstances, even if it is acapella. You may not have the time to learn any technical piece that will make you stand out among other performers.
The fact is, the right song can help showcase your voice. The right song for you will naturally blend with your voice even if you're tense.
Guidelines for Choosing a song for any Music Audition
- Don't choose a song based on popularity. You don't want to be repeating the same song others must have sung, unless you will be making yours very, very unique.
- Don't choose a song so obscure that no one will be familiar with it.
- Pick a song within your vocal range and key.
- Keep accompaniment in mind so you can choose a song that anyone can play with ease.
Rehearse the song as many times as possible to be familiar with it so well you can sing it with or without any instrument.
6. Take Good Care of your Voice
If you know it has been a long time since you last performed, you better start rehearsing days before the audition.
You can't expect to walk into the audition and think that as you open your mouth to sing, people will start admiring your voice. It is notlikely, unless you're auditioning for the role of Bob Dylan.
By singing every day, it will keep your voice healthy and strong. Avoid straining your voice days before the audition.
To take good care of your voice, you also need to watch your diet. Avoid milk by all means as increase the mucus in your throat. It will also cause you clear your throat occasionally, which will create more mucus. Water is the best ointment for your voice to come alive. However, some singers swear by the old trick of eating some Lays Potato Chips as a vocal cord lubricant.
You can't expect to walk into the audition and think that as you open your mouth to sing, people will start admiring your voice. It is notlikely, unless you're auditioning for the role of Bob Dylan.
By singing every day, it will keep your voice healthy and strong. Avoid straining your voice days before the audition.
To take good care of your voice, you also need to watch your diet. Avoid milk by all means as increase the mucus in your throat. It will also cause you clear your throat occasionally, which will create more mucus. Water is the best ointment for your voice to come alive. However, some singers swear by the old trick of eating some Lays Potato Chips as a vocal cord lubricant.
7. Know your Material
It is up to you to pick material that will be okay for you. Do not try to impress the judges, pick a song and monologues that fit your chronological, emotional and age.
Take your time to go through your material and memorize every line. An audition is not a place to come 'stretch' yourself. Find someone you can rehearse with who will act as your judge to tell you if you are shining bright or not.
Take your time to go through your material and memorize every line. An audition is not a place to come 'stretch' yourself. Find someone you can rehearse with who will act as your judge to tell you if you are shining bright or not.
8. Your Resume Must be Up-to-Date
Prepare your resume with a professional head shot. Your resume should not be more than one page with your headshot professionally attached to it.
Photocopy your resume and bring at least 5 copies with you to the audition. Aside from giving the casting director your one copy, other personnel may also want to get in touch with you in the future. Make sure the resume can fit into a folder so it doesn't get thrown away - do not use bizarre paper sizes.
Photocopy your resume and bring at least 5 copies with you to the audition. Aside from giving the casting director your one copy, other personnel may also want to get in touch with you in the future. Make sure the resume can fit into a folder so it doesn't get thrown away - do not use bizarre paper sizes.
9. Arrive on Time
There is no professional time on when you should arrive at your audition venue. But, it is advisable to come on time, at least 30 minutes before the audition time. This gives you enough time to rest, observer the place, do a warm-up, drink a bottle of water is advisable and network with other performers to ease tension.
Ask for therest rooms and where you will be auditioning. You don't want to be in the wrong room at the wrong time.
Ask for therest rooms and where you will be auditioning. You don't want to be in the wrong room at the wrong time.
10. Be Ready for the Unexpected
Don't be surprised to do something different from what you plan intentionally. You may be asked to do another song and monologue after you finished your planned piece.
The casting director could limit performance time or increase it. Your performance may turn out to an interview section and you won't be asked to perform.
Don't panic! The key here is to flexible. Do not let anything distract or frighten you. Sometimes it is maybe a planned idea by the casting director to see how people can accommodate an unplanned scenario - show them how flexible you are.
The casting director could limit performance time or increase it. Your performance may turn out to an interview section and you won't be asked to perform.
Don't panic! The key here is to flexible. Do not let anything distract or frighten you. Sometimes it is maybe a planned idea by the casting director to see how people can accommodate an unplanned scenario - show them how flexible you are.
11. Turn Off Your Plan
Have you heard the story where a girl was performing on stage during a music audition,when suddenly her phone rang - the ringtone was 2 Pac, and she started singing along to the 2pac song?
The casting director did not waste 2 minutes in sending her out. Guess who was calling? Her mom. According to the girl, her mom was calling to know how the auditioning was going.
If you will be carrying your phone to your audition venue (who will not?), turn the ringer off until the audition is over. Don't say I didn't tell you.
The casting director did not waste 2 minutes in sending her out. Guess who was calling? Her mom. According to the girl, her mom was calling to know how the auditioning was going.
If you will be carrying your phone to your audition venue (who will not?), turn the ringer off until the audition is over. Don't say I didn't tell you.
12. Don’t Over-Rehearse
Yes, it is advisable to rehearse so you can perfect your material. But, don't overdo it.
Don't over stress yourself during your rehearsal to the point where on the audition day, you will be out of strength and voice. Twice a day is preferable while on the day of the audition, once or twice before leaving home will be better. Also, there's a psychological aspect of 'psyching yourself out; that is a real thing. Prepare well in advance, and you will be confident on the audition day.
Don't over stress yourself during your rehearsal to the point where on the audition day, you will be out of strength and voice. Twice a day is preferable while on the day of the audition, once or twice before leaving home will be better. Also, there's a psychological aspect of 'psyching yourself out; that is a real thing. Prepare well in advance, and you will be confident on the audition day.
13. Be Nice to Everyone in the Audition Hall
When you get to the audition location, shake hands with other contestants and be nice to them. Be polite to both the casting directors, choreographer and your instructors.
Remember, you can never tell if you will make the role or not, and people brought in as judges are usually people who work in the music industry. You may see them again at another audition if you don't make this one.
So, if you do something that provokes them and they now see you at another audition, you will be tagged as a troublemaker and may end up not getting the role.
Remember, you can never tell if you will make the role or not, and people brought in as judges are usually people who work in the music industry. You may see them again at another audition if you don't make this one.
So, if you do something that provokes them and they now see you at another audition, you will be tagged as a troublemaker and may end up not getting the role.
14. Watch and Learn
Don't just leave home with the mindset that you are just going for the audition to compete for a role, develop the mindset that you are also going to learn if or if not you make it.
Find an opportunity to observe other performers during their auditioning and you will end up picking one or two things that may help you in the future. You may end up noticing where other contestants are getting it wrong, and try you will learn to avoid those mistakes.
When you don't make a role, you should be able to tell why you were not picked, what you did wrong, and what to do next time you are given such opportunity.You fail doesn't mean you are a failure, it only means you are still missing something and need to figure it out.
Find an opportunity to observe other performers during their auditioning and you will end up picking one or two things that may help you in the future. You may end up noticing where other contestants are getting it wrong, and try you will learn to avoid those mistakes.
When you don't make a role, you should be able to tell why you were not picked, what you did wrong, and what to do next time you are given such opportunity.You fail doesn't mean you are a failure, it only means you are still missing something and need to figure it out.
15. Show Confidence
Don't show any sign of fear. Look and act confident as you walk up the stage. Stand straight, head held-high and introduce yourself by first saying, "Hello" or "Good morning/afternoon/evening" as the case maybe. Take a deep breath just before you start singing and act professionally by not signaling the pianist when to start with you.
Both of you should have mastered each other to know what to do before you walk on stage. Finish with a smile and say thank you, go back to the waiting hall and wait to be called back in.
Both of you should have mastered each other to know what to do before you walk on stage. Finish with a smile and say thank you, go back to the waiting hall and wait to be called back in.
In Conclusion
I won't fool you, musical theater auditions can be very tough, but if you are well prepared, it will increase your chance of getting the role you are striving for. To also make your next musical theater audition a success, I would advise that you go to Youtube and watch videos on musical theater auditioning so you can get yourself equipped with what is needed to make a success.
If you have any question you may like to ask on musical theater auditions, email us at info@thatsmygig.com or find our library of articles and audition advice, here.
If you have any question you may like to ask on musical theater auditions, email us at info@thatsmygig.com or find our library of articles and audition advice, here.
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