The value of thorough preparation for a musical audition cannot be overstated. Beyond showcasing technical proficiency, preparation allows performers to embody the essence of the character they portray, fostering a deeper and more authentic connection with the material. It instills confidence, enabling individuals to easily navigate potential challenges and project a polished performance.
How to Prepare for an Audition in Musical Theatre
While there’s no one way to prepare for an audition, there are tried and true best practices. In our experience, here are several preparations aspiring performers can take when getting ready for an audition.
Keep The Day-of Schedule Light
When you call to schedule your audition time, make sure you have nothing else planned for that day. Find out where, when, the exact time, how long the audition is, and what you need to bring to the audition. You’ll also need to know:
- Whether you’ll just be singing
- If you need to prepare a monologue
- If you will be reading dialogue
- If you will be dancing
Generally, auditions are two to three minutes long. Ensure you have a monologue that shows your strengths and is a minute long. Your music piece should be sixteen bars of a piece that shows your range. Dance auditions are usually held separately and later after the individual auditions. If you are required to dance, bring appropriate clothes and shoes.
Get to Know the Musical
Acquaint yourself with the musical you’ll be auditioning for – either read the script, watch a movie or video, or attend the show. If you’re auditioning for summer stock, find out which theatres are attending and research what they’re planning for their summer schedule. Be informed. Your audition will be better if you know what part you want. You will be confident and have a better audition.
Bring an Updated Headshot and Resume
Make sure your resume is up to date and has a professional headshot. Your resume should be one page long, and your headshot should be attached and look professional. That is the first thing a producer/director sees. Make a good impression. If you’re not sure your resume or headshots are correct – do your homework and research it. Prepare your music. No large books. Remember – it should be only 16 measures. Photocopy the piece, tape it together accordion style, and make sure it is easy to read for your pianist.
Prepare a Musical Piece
Prepare a musical piece that is in your range and that you feel comfortable with. Do not prepare a piece from the show you are auditioning for unless asked to do so. Find something that might be similar.
Day of Audition
On the day of an audition, here are some general tips to keep your schedule on track.
Arrive Early
Arrive at LEAST 30 minutes before your scheduled audition time, especially if it’s an open audition. Check-in, know where you are auditioning, ask where the restrooms are and where, if any, there is a warm-up area/green room.
Dress Appropriately
Use common sense when dressing for an audition, and dress in good taste. Be comfortable in your attire so that your audition exudes confidence.
Come Warmed Up
Rise early, sip warm (not hot) water with lemon and honey, stretch, vocalize, and breathe. Our bodies are stiff in the morning. Early auditions are a beast, but you can conquer them with a good attitude. Avoid caffeine, dairy, energy drinks, soda, and heavy foods. Tell yourself you will be great! Positive thoughts. Avoid worry! Arrive EARLY! Find a place you can warm up. Run scales, mouth exercises, and other warm-up techniques taught by your instructors.
During the Audition
During an audition, it’s common to be nervous or anxious. The best way to ensure a strong audition is to stay confident, address the producers with “Good Morning (Afternoon)” or “Hello,” and announce your name, the musical piece you’ll audition with, and/or monologue piece. A few things to keep in mind include:
If Something Goes Wrong
If for some reason the pianist doesn’t play your music exactly as you indicated or you forget your words, just breeze over it, keep going – finish with a smile and a thank you, and leave with confidence. Don’t say “Stop” or make excuses.
Sing with Expression
Don’t overdo hand or arm motions or try to dance. Don’t grab your clothes or play with your fingers or hands. Just SING. Use the technique that you have learned and do the best you can. With the monologue, keep the stage movements simple and unencumbered. Don’t try to stage the entire monologue. The producers/directors want to hear your voice, projection, and interpretation of the monologue.
Time Your Audition
Make sure you have TIMED your audition to the required time given. There is nothing worse than going over the time limit. It shows unpreparedness and can annoy the auditioners. Others are waiting.
Have a Good Attitude
After your audition, smile, nod your head in a bow of thanks, and/or say “thank you.” Present a good attitude. Accept any part you are offered as an opportunity to grow and learn.
Preparing for the Next Audition at NYFA
When preparing for the next round of auditions, it may be worth considering studying with a professional voice coach or taking acting lessons. Overall, it’s important to “be a sponge” and learn from each experience. Designed for aspiring musical theatre performers with busy schedules, NYFA offers a variety of intensive, short-term and long-term musical theatre courses and programs across acting, singing, and dancing disciplines. Visit our Musical Theatre Program page to learn more and apply today!