THE 2012 JEFFERSON AWARDS

Voice of the City – Tips for Tomorrow’s Auditions

AUDITION TIPS FOR MUSICAL THEATRE

(the follow are excerpts from Valerie Accetta Thalassinos’ (CCC alumnae)

audition class at Columbus Children’s Theatre)

How to Prepare for an Audition

 

 

Bring a Headshot or Photo

(Many people audition and it helps to remember who you are.)

1. Picture should look like you.

2. Picture should be clear

3. A school picture or snapshot is fine.

 

Bring a Resume

(Some places do not require a resume, but if you have one, here are some suggestions:)

1. Resume should be only one page.

2. Resume should include: name, phone #, height, weight, hair color, eye color, and voice part (for musicals.)

3. Resume should include the names of the shows you have done, what part you played and the name of the theatre. You can include the director if you want. List by importance and do not include dates.

4. Resume should include your education and training such as private lessons, choirs, etc..

5. Click to see a resume template.

 

Choosing a song for a musical audition

1. Make sure you like the song and enjoy performing it.

2. Find music for your song.

3. Find music that is age appropriate. For example, for young people, it is never a good idea choosing a song that is usually performed by an older character.

4. Do not make it too long: 32 bars is good for a song.

5. It is usually not a good idea to bring props for your song.

6. Ask someone to teach you the song, help you to prepare it and practice singing it with an accompanist. (make sure it is in the right key with full piano and markings for the accompanist.) You could ask your school or church music teacher or find someone in town to play for you or record a tape or cd.

7. Put the music in a binder with either easy to turn pages, or in non-shiny plastic folders. Make sure it is easy to read. Books that are difficult for the accompanist to hold open and loose pages that might fall can cause the pianist to make mistakes and won’t help your audition. If you bring a tape or cd make sure it is cued to the appropriate place.

 

What to Do the Day of the Audition

1. Wear something comfortable but nice, that you feel good in.

2. If you choose, dress only to suggest a character, not to BE the character.

3. It is best to wear your hair out of your face in a style that you like.

4. Never wear a hat, it hides your face.

5. It is always good to do a full vocal and physical warm,-up before arriving at the theatre.

 

What to Do at the Audition

1. Be professional (positive, happy, organized, polite) from the second you step out of the car.

2. Make sure to check in when you arrive. Turn the form in and sit quietly in the theatre or designated area.

3. When it is your turn, be confident, take a nice, comfortable stance on the stage and stand tall. Look REALLY happy to be there.

4. When you bring your music to the accompanist, BE NICE! He/She is there to help you. Give them your tempo (practice this before) and any markings worth noting. Make it as easy as possible for them to play.

5. Make sure you project your voice (including when introducing yourself)- It is important to be heard.

6. Take a deep breath and focus. Make a clear nod to the accompanist when you are ready to begin.

7. During your performance enjoy yourself!!

8. Do not apologize!!!!!! Even if you make a mistake, or are sick or have a cold! Everyone occasionally messes up and directors understand that and won’t hold it against you.

 

What to Do After the Audition

1. Professionals keep a journal of all auditions. This will help you to learn from each audition and will help you keep track of them. The entries must include: the name of the theatre, the show, the date and who was at the audition. You might also want to include: what you wore, what you sang, how you felt about it, etc.

2. After the audition, don’t stress. Always remember it takes a lot of courage to even audition and sometimes people are not cast for things such as height or hair color. Often venues have much more talent than roles to fill so keep auditioning.

 

THE MORE YOU DO IT – THE BETTER YOU GET AT IT

 

Bottom line: Have FUN! Enjoy yourself! This is your chance to perform!