When auditioning, what should I be prepared with?

Question

Local community theater musical--obviously I need to have a song prepared...should it be from that show or another one? Should I have the sheet music with me? Should I bring anything else?

Ahhh! I haven't done this before!

Answer 1

You should be completely informed before attending an audition. If you have any questions about audition procedures, contact the auditors, or producer or whoever is listed as a contact.

Research the show(s) for which you plan to audition. Choose the roles that are appropriate for your type and your singing abilities. Not everyone is suited to be the lead. Many actors earn excellent livings filling supporting roles.

If the show already exists and has been recorded for the mass market on video, CD, film, get a recording and listen to the songs. Note which characters best fit your type and singing ability.

When you have a good idea of which character or characters you might be suited to cast, seek out songs from similar musicals that have characters with similar traits as those you think suit you in the show being cast. The songs from those similar musicals will be the material you prepare for your audition.

At the initial audition, it is generally not a good idea to sing a song from the show being cast. If you do sing a song from the show being cast, you run the risk that the character you choose to audition for might not fit the vision the auditor has for that character, and you could be eliminated for that role. The auditor might not envision you in a different role either, so you will be out of the running for other roles as well.

Choose selections from the songs that showcase your range and vocal abilities.

Choose songs that can be “acted,” not just “sung.” In musical theatre, the songs are part of the story. The songs might be used to reveal plot, develop character, reveal subtext, create conflict, or any number of theatrical intentions. The songs are like dialog set to music.

Get sheet music in your key. This is provided to the accompanist. The exception to this is if the auditors require that performers sing a song from the show. For instance, they might only be auditioning for one role in the show. Perhaps they are seeking a replacement for a lead or a supporting role. In that case, the auditors are looking for just the right person to sing the songs that one, specific character will sing. So they are apt to require performers to sing only a song for that specific character.

If you receive a callback, you will likely be asked to perform a song from the actual show being cast. If possible, it is also a good idea to become familiar with the music for the show being cast. You should do the same “acting” work on the show song as well.

When you enter for your audition, greet the accompanist. Give your music to the accompanist, in the correct order, beginning with the selection you will sing first.

Introduce yourself to the auditors. State your name and the title of the selection or selections you will perform. Do not give any background info about yourself or your selections. The auditors will likely already be familiar with the songs and the shows they come from. They will already have your résumé (of course you brought several copies and several photos to the audition,) so they do not need background info about you. The accompanist will likely give you a starting pitch before each selection. Focus on the pitch then begin singing. The accompanist will follow your lead.

Avoid most hand gestures unless absolutely necessary. Use your eyes, face and voice to express your characters intentions and subtext.

Professional auditors will be able to size up your abilities within the first few measures.

Give a strong start and a straightforward, honest performance.

When done with your audition, thank the accompanist and exit. If called back, be prepared to sing a song from the show being cast.

Callback is usually a day or so after the initial audition date. To make it easier for the auditors to remember you, wear the same clothes, hairstyle, and make-up you wore at the initial audition.

Always be prompt, patient and pleasant

Answer 2

Step 1: Research the Company & Audition Specifics
As soon as you have decided to audition, make an appointment right away if one is necessary. Some auditions have a limited number of spaces. Making an audition appointment early will also give you more choice of when you audition, allowing you to choose what fits into your schedule.
Add a page in your audition journal with all the important info: who, what, where, when, what the requirements are, etc. Mark the date on your calendar.
Find as much information as possible about the production company and the director.

Step 2: Research the Show
Use our show index to read a plot summary, look at the cast requirements, make a note of the roles you are eligible for. Take notes in your audition journal.
Listen to the music from the show if possible. Pay particular attention to any songs sung by the characters you are suited for.
Read the script if at all possible. Take note of scenes that might be used for a cold reading.
Research the time period in which the play or musical is set.

Step 3: Choose Your Audition Song & Monologue
Use character profiles to research characters similar to those you are aiming for in your audition
Search our song & monologue database for appropriate suggestions.
Check our overdone audition monologue and overdone audition song lists

Answer 3

When you saw the information for the audition, did it say "prepare a song from the show"? If not, do NOT get a song from that show. Did the information say, "Accompaniest/CD player provided." If so, bring a backup CD or sheet music. If it didn't say either of those, just come prepared to sing a'cappella.
Pick a song that is good for your range. Dont choose a song that is too high for you, just because it is high. Directors want people who sound good, not people who can go high. (Of course, a mixture of both is always good, but that's not the point.)

Answer 4

First, the song should probably be from a different show, that's what they usually want, but it should be something from a musical or Broadway show. i would take along sheet music in case they have an accompanist play with you. while singing it, try and show character as much as possible and smile! you shouldn't really need anything else, be dressed appropriately so as to show that you are ready to work. Be prepared to have them stop you and suggest singing in a different style, or they may ask for you to sing up and down a scale, etc. GOOD LUCK!!! You'll do fine!!!

Answer 5

I agree with 'Idiot Police'. MTA is one of my favorite sites. Don't have a song from the show that you are doing unless it's asked for, but be familiar with the songs-especially any major solo numbers for the part you are trying out for-for call backs. Definitely bring the sheet music, they usually provide an accompianist, you may want to check on that, because it's useful to bring your own if they don't. Check and see if they want a monologue, and if so prepare one from a similar character.

Answer 6

Most of the time they DO NOT WANT a song from that show but they do want a broadway type song and you should work it up in character. Yes you would need sheet music. You may even need your own accompanyment unless it states that a piano player will be there. some times you can use a cd and other times you can not. It is up to the director.

good luck

Answer 7

You probably need to have a short monologue, a song, and bring the sheet music just in case there will be an accompanimist. ALso bring a headshot and resume if ou have one.

Answer 8

If there's a printed audition notice for the show -- there usually is -- you should refer to it for specifics. If not, call the theatre and ask. Actors tend to feel as though they make themselves look silly or unprepared when they ask questions about their upcoming auditions (or when they ask questions DURING their auditions), but just the contrary is true. The theatre's staff, and the director, will appreciate your desire to be as prepared as possible.

As a general rule of thumb, I would suggest that it is usually NOT advisable to audition with material from the show you're auditioning for. If they request it, that's a different story. Why run the risk that your interpretation of the material runs counter to theirs? Show them something from a neutral piece; once your cast, you can collaborate with them to create a performance that's satisfactory to everyone concerned.

Answer 9

knowledge of your charachter, talent and practice