How to Audition for a Musical
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The Audition
What will they ask me to do?
You'll want to read each individual audition notice carefully and follow any instructions given. The typical audition is 16 bars of a musical theater song and a 1-2 minute monologue.
For the audition, show up at least 15 minutes early. Have your headshot and resume with you. Your headshot should be an 8 x 10 photo. It used to be they had to be black and white, but today color is all the rage. Your resume should list shows you've done, roles you've played, the theaters and directors in chronological order.
Audition Resources on Amazon
Picking Your Song
There are so many...how do I choose?
If the audition notice does not specify, your best bet is to do a song from a similar musical. It's an unwritten rule that unless they specifically ask you to do a piece from the show you're auditioning for, DON'T sing a song from the show. An example would be if you're auditioning for something like "Anything Goes", so a song from a musical of the same genre and time period. A song from "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" or "Annie Get Your Gun" could be appropriate here.
Choose a song that shows as much range as possible. You want them to know the highs and lows you can hit. Remember that you generally won't have the chance to perform the entire song. Choose 16 bars that best show off your voice but DO learn the whole song. You need to be prepared in case they ask you to do the whole thing.
Always bring sheet music with you for your song, and always have a song or two as a back-up. Many times a director will ask you if you have anything else with you.
Also, watch out for overdone audition songs. There are songs that are done far too often and directors are tired of hearing them. Check out that list!
Sheet Music for Auditions
Audition Songs on Amazon
The Singers Musical Theatre Anthologies
Choosing a Monologue
There are many monologue books out there you can find as well as just reading plays. You want to choose something that reflects the character you want to play, and something that fits the mood of the show you are trying out for.
Monologue Resources on Amazon
What Should I Wear to my Audition?
For women, a simple dress or slacks and a blouse are perfectly appropriate. For the gentlemen, dress slacks and a nice shirt will do just fine. You don't need to go "in costume," but you can give the impression of the character you want to play. An example - my husband auditioned for the role of a rather intimidating Russian KGB agent. He went in wearing a suit and a long, dark coat. It was appropriate to the role, but not distracting. It worked...he looked and felt like the KGB agent. He got the role!
Basic black works great for me. I have my favorite "audition shirt" that makes me feel like a million bucks, and nice black slacks. When I audition, I want them to remember ME, not that crazy outfit I wore.
Shoes - wear something COMFORTABLE. A slight heel is fine, but you don't want to walk in there teetering around on 4 inchers, especially if you don't wear them often. Don't wear anything that can distract you from doing your best work.
A Walk Through the Audition Process
What to expect and how to act when you walk in the door
Walk in with confidence and a SMILE! Introduce yourself, then walk over to the pianist and give them your music. Give the pianist an idea of the tempo of your song, and show them where you intend to start and stop.
Take a quick look at the floor of the room or stage when you walk in. Many times they will put a tape mark called a "spike" on the floor where they want you to stand. If there is one, go to it and stand there.
Ask the director if they would like to hear your song or monologue first. Sometimes they have a preference and sometimes they tell you to do whichever you want to do first. Personally, I like to do my monologue first. It's generally what I'm most nervous about and I like to get that out of the way then blow them away with my song. But that's up to you and what makes you comfortable.
Introduce your song by telling them the title of the song and the show it's from, then sing. Do the same thing for your monologue.
Do your monologue, sing your song, say THANK YOU to the pianist and the others in the room and walk out as confidently as you walked in.
Remember this always - they aren't the enemy - they are rooting for you. They WANT you to do well.
Audition Etiquette
How do I act when I'm not acting?
Each audition is a little different. Some will be in the actual theater, some at a school or a church. Wherever you are, keep a few things in mind.
This is not social hour. You may run into people you know or would like to get to know. This isn't the time for idle chit-chat. Of course, smile and be friendly. Say "hello" to the folks you know, but please don't start conversations about what's happening this weekend or what song everyone is doing. Your friends are glad to see you, but they are nervous too. Give yourself and the other actors the opportunity to relax and concentrate on their own audition.
Warm-ups. If you need to warm up, it's best to do it before you arrive. Still, there are times when you're waiting around a long time to be seen. Try to slip outside or into another room if you feel the need to do warm-ups. Doing it in the waiting room can distract the other actors and possibly disrupt the auditions depending on how the noise flow works in that particular space.
Once you're finished, say goodbye and get out of there. Unless you're invited to do so, it's not appropriate to listen in on the auditions. It may be tempting to stick around and try to hear some other auditions or hang out with your friends, but it's really just time to go.
Audition advice on YouTube
Audition advice, and even a Broadway star's audition!
The Callback
Your first audition went great...there's one more step!
As a general rule, wear the same outfit to callbacks that you did to the initial audition, but also have a change of clothes if you need something even more comfortable to do dance work. If it's a "dance" show, bring the appropriate shoes whether it be tap shoes, character shoes or dance sneakers.
The best thing you can do to prepare for a callback is to get to know the show. Be familiar with the songs of the character you're being called back for. If you can get your hands on the script, read it over so you are comfortable with it.
At callbacks, you can expect to work with other actors, read scenes and sing songs from the show,and do some movement or dance. The director will mix things up and have different people read for different roles and have people sing together to see how they blend and what their "chemistry" is like.
The callback is not a place to be shy. This is the time to let yourself shine. Be willing to take risks, try new things and have FUN.
Some callbacks are short and sweet, some are hours long and brutal. Be prepared for anything. Have a water bottle and a snack with you.
The main things to remember at a callback are to listen carefully to the director, and RELAX.
Links to Audition Resources and Advice
- Director Joe Mantello's Audition Tips
- Audition tips from director Joe Mantello - Advice for singers wanting to sing in Broadway musicals
- Audition Tips
- Here are some helpful hints when heading out for an audition.
- Audition Tips for a Musical
- Home
Audition Tips for a Musical
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Recently had auditions for a musical and thought it might be useful to post some tips. I am a music director, and we were auditioning for a Broadway style musical - so what I look for may be different than what oth - How to Audition for a Musical | ExpertVillage Videos
- How to Audition for a Musical. Learn information, tips and techniques on auditioning for musical theater gigs in this free video series. Watch free how to videos at ExpertVillage.com.
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What's your audition experience?
Share your audition experiences, tips and tricks and give feedback on this lens
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Matthew3453
Feb 7, 2012 @ 3:32 am | delete
- Hi
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MeaganPage
Sep 26, 2011 @ 10:41 am | delete
- Did I leave the link for my lens earlier? I'm so scatterbrained. In case not, here it is: http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-produce-a-classroom-play
Thanks!
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MeaganPage
Sep 26, 2011 @ 10:40 am | delete
- This was so helpful. I would love to have read this when I was first getting started instead of figuring out the process the hard way, lol. I've "liked" your lens. If you have the time, I'd love for you to check out my lens about producing a classroom play, and if you think it's worth it, maybe give it a "like" in return? Thanks! Great lens!
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studyaids Sep 13, 2011 @ 3:25 pm | delete
- A very intersesting lens indeed.
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GiselleMarie
Jul 18, 2011 @ 5:13 pm | delete
- Great lens! Lot's of good tips here.
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