For an audtion for a musical, how should one prepare?

Question

For an auditon for a musical, how do you prepare? Do you choses your own song? Are you supoosed to bring the music too? Are you even expected to sing at all? Will they test your other talents, like acting, and your ability to improve?

Answer 1

Definately bring a song, but NOT one from the play. Bring the music for a song you choose that has a little choreography or other stuff in it. Make sure you have it perfectly memorized and it's really something that shows off your voice, not just something you like. My old music teacher used to do musicals and stuff and she always told us NEVER to do a song or dance that's IN the show you're trying out for because it will make the judges less inclined to give you any part if they don't think you fit that one. (Sounds confusing, for example, if the play is the Wizard of Oz and you do one of Dorothy's songs but they don't see you as "Dorothy," you're not going to get any part at all. If you do any old song that makes you sound good, you might not get Dorothy, but at least you'll get something. It also makes you look too presumptuous to jump right for a lead role or something).

Good luck though!!!!! Make sure you get lots of sleep and eat a good breakfast so you won't be tired. Also don't keep practicing until the very second you walk in front of the judges, practice when you get there, but then take a short break just to relax, take some deep breaths, drink a little water, and compose yourself. Always smile at each judge, and if possible, shake their hands and introduce yourself. It will make you more memorable as they look through the candidates later.

Answer 2

It depends on if you are auditioning for a professional group, semi pro group or school group but basically you will be expected to sing something showing off your range and abilities. Rarely do they allow you to sing an entire song so find something that shows you off the best within 8 measures. The director may even say, "give me your best 8". And yes, you must bring your own music. If you absolutely don't have any music at least be prepared to sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY. The musical director has to be able to see if you can carry a tune, what your range is and can you project to the back of the theater. You should bring several kinds of songs if attending a more professional audition. Generally they want an upbeat, rock, ballad and what is called a patter. You may be asked to read - they will give you a page from a script and ask you to read the part (they are trying to see if you seem to fill a certain part or just see how well you can do a dry reading) and you will probably be asked to do a dance movement so the choreographer can see how well you move and how easily you can pick up combinations.

It is not advisable for you to use a song from the show being done as your audition piece but sometimes people do. If it is for a less professional group it is more acceptable. Be aware of the show's music however as they may ask you to sing a part from the show.

Dress appropriately and use your best manners. If you have a photo bring it with you. Type up a sheet with your name, age, address and phone number. You should also list what you have done (prior shows, specific training, etc.) This is called a resume. If you are only available during certain hours list that too.

If you know others who have auditioned for this particular theatrical group in the past ask them what is expected. It is however, also to your advatage to come in well prepared and professionally acting. As a choreographer nothing turned me off faster than someone who slouched onto the stage, had no stage presence, dressed sloppily, wore a hat (like a baseball cap), was in overly high heels, too much make-up, or was totally unprepared.

Practice walking into a room with confidence, introducing
yourself and announcing what song you would like to sing. Smile and be pleasant. If asked to do something that you do not know how or understand be quick to explain that you don't know how to do (a dance step for instance), but would be willing to learn.

Take a deep breathe - smile and go for it! Good luck - break a leg!

Answer 3

For a musical, if they don't give you music then you prepare your own song. Read the casting notice if it doesn't say prepare 16 bars then make sure you know the whole song. Bring the sheet music with you, in the correct key and have your 16 bars marked if needed.

Know the song so well that if you screw up, you still know it. I would prepare a song that close to the songs from the show.

Be sure to research the show. Some directors are tricky and will ask you about the character, so you better have some idea.

www.musicaltheatreaudition.com is my favorite site.

They'll probably ask you to cold read part of the script. The only way to prepare for that is read a lot of random stuff out loud. The more you read, the more familar you get with words and things like that.

The casting notice will tell you if you need to "be prepared to move". If it's high school musicals then you may need to dance.

Good Luck

Answer 4

Every audition is different. A "standard" professional musical theatre audition would generally include 16 bars of a song (memorized, of course), a monologue/cold reading, and dance. Depending on the audition, you may do readings with other audionees or members of the panel. Sometimes they give feedback immediately and work with you, sometimes you get nothing. If you are interested in a specific role, you should ABSOLUTELY prepare one of the songs, if it is appropriate for your voice/physicality/etc. If you have something else in mind to sing that would be a better fit, bring that instead. Sing something that you love, and that really shows your personality. In general, use your judgement. If you're auditioning for "The Sound of Music," bring some "classical" musical theatre, not something from "Rent." And for the love of god, don't bring any Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The best way to find out the answer to your question is to contact the company and ask. It is very common, and appropriate, to need more details.

Answer 5

Okay, I've done this MANY times. I'll make it short and simple. Here is what you should do to ensure a good impression as well as showing of your talent positively!
1) Show up early!
2) Have a resume and headshot with you to turn into the directors.
3) Have the music for your song at hand. You should prepare something in the style of the show, but not from the show (got that?). Make sure it shows off your range impressively.
4) Be confident! Don't get nervous, remember YOU HAVE TALENT!
5) Be polite and nice and personable (show yourself off a bit).
6) Dress well and comfortable (in case dancing is required).
7) If you get called back in to sing or dance - don't fret or let it go to your head, do your thing as best as possible.
8) DO NOT GET INTIMIDATED BY THE OTHER AUDITIONERS (trust me - it will RUIN you).
9) Keep your hopes at medium level, not too expectant, and no dissing...it will keep you sane till callbacks. If you get one - give it all you got cuz its the last chance.
10) GOOD LUCK! I HOPE YOU GET WHAT YOU WANT!!!!

Answer 6

You need to find out what they will ask of you. Usually they let you sing your own song but some auditions require songs from the show or a specific style of song.

Usually singing auditions come first, then they ask you to do some readings or a prepared monologue. Dancing auditions are often held separately and run by the choreographer or dance master. They usually teach you a few steps so they can see how easily you learn as well as how well you move.

Answer 7

I would get with a reputable voice teacher or coach. Find a song that you are comfortable with (not one from the show you are auditioning for) that best showcases YOU and YOUR VOICE. You can always bring a second song. IF you audition with a ballad, bring an uptempo and vice versa, to show your range. Different directors do different things. The chances are very good that you will have to do a movement or dance audition as well. Some directors will also have auditionees do cold readings from the show.

Answer 8

first learn how to spell audition..

Answer 9

practice, practice practice!!!

Answer 10

yes, and more