Auditioning is a must for any performer—you unfortunately won’t have an opportunity to perform on the stage without first going through the nerve-wracking audition process. Because the audition process is so prevalent for any performer, I thought heading into the New Year with some few helpful audition tips is never a bad idea.
With any audition, being as prepared as possible is key. First, know what is required of you when you at the audition. For example, Star of the Day is holding auditions for their Repertory Company this month—at this audition, each performer will be required to sing 16-24 bars of two contrasting songs and perform a one-minute monologue. You would not want to show up at this audition with two ‘modern’ songs, even if they vary in tempo. For example, you could choose something like a slow Rodgers and Hammerstein song and an upbeat song from a more contemporary show. Taking the time period a song was written into account is very important, in addition to thinking about tempo. The length of an audition piece is really important as well—16-24 bars means 16-24 bars. This applies to monologue time limits as well. There are many directors who will cut you off after the time limit has expired regardless of whether you have finished your piece or not. Most casting director will see this as ill prepared.
Before you arrive at an audition, be sure you can commit to the dates required for the rehearsals and performances. Anyone who has ever had to cast a show can tell you, casting is not an easy task. If they choose to cast you, there’s something about you they really like. It wouldn’t be in your best interest to audition for a show knowing full well you can’t commit to more than 50% of the project.
Be on time to your auditions so that all of that hard work preparing isn’t wasted. You only have so much time to impress the director and you do not want being late to result in a flustered audition.
Finally just be you. There is nothing someone on the other side of the table would love more than to see a real genuine person standing in the room ready to give 100%. It will make them happy—if they’re happy behind the table, you will feel more comfortable and have a much better audition.
Best of luck during this audition season!! If you have any other tips you want to share, or experiences you think would be helpful to readers, by all means share them in the comments section!
Don’t forget to submit your questions for February!
With any audition, being as prepared as possible is key. First, know what is required of you when you at the audition. For example, Star of the Day is holding auditions for their Repertory Company this month—at this audition, each performer will be required to sing 16-24 bars of two contrasting songs and perform a one-minute monologue. You would not want to show up at this audition with two ‘modern’ songs, even if they vary in tempo. For example, you could choose something like a slow Rodgers and Hammerstein song and an upbeat song from a more contemporary show. Taking the time period a song was written into account is very important, in addition to thinking about tempo. The length of an audition piece is really important as well—16-24 bars means 16-24 bars. This applies to monologue time limits as well. There are many directors who will cut you off after the time limit has expired regardless of whether you have finished your piece or not. Most casting director will see this as ill prepared.
Before you arrive at an audition, be sure you can commit to the dates required for the rehearsals and performances. Anyone who has ever had to cast a show can tell you, casting is not an easy task. If they choose to cast you, there’s something about you they really like. It wouldn’t be in your best interest to audition for a show knowing full well you can’t commit to more than 50% of the project.
Be on time to your auditions so that all of that hard work preparing isn’t wasted. You only have so much time to impress the director and you do not want being late to result in a flustered audition.
Finally just be you. There is nothing someone on the other side of the table would love more than to see a real genuine person standing in the room ready to give 100%. It will make them happy—if they’re happy behind the table, you will feel more comfortable and have a much better audition.
Best of luck during this audition season!! If you have any other tips you want to share, or experiences you think would be helpful to readers, by all means share them in the comments section!
Don’t forget to submit your questions for February!
RSS Feed
