Audition Preparation, Tips and Guidelines- Please scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page.

Typical  auditions for musical theatre productions will ask that you come prepared to learn and execute a dance combination taught that day.  Additionally, you will need to be prepared to sing 16-32 bars of a song that shows off your vocal ability, and be ready to read some sides (lines from the show) if asked.

In professional musical theatre, a headshot and resume are also required.  Showtime Theatre Company will not require a headshot and resume, although they are encouraged.

Preparation:

 Before audition day

    1. Research the show- Have a strong understanding of the story. What is the time period? What is going on during this time period 
        in regards to politics, entertainment, social interactions, classes, economy, etc.

   2.  Have a strong understanding of your character. How old is your character? What does the character’s voice sound like? How    
        does that character walk and move? How would your character react to various situations?

   3.  Put together an audition binder and bag.  In your binder, place your sheet music, with any cuts visibly marked. Have a bag with 
        your dance shoes and dance clothes, bottled water, a snack and a pencil, ready to go. 

   4. Practice reading scenes from other plays without preparation. This will prepare you for cold reading auditions. 

   5. Dress in nice (business casual) style clothing for your vocal audition.  Choose an outfit for the dance audition that is in the same color as what you wore for the vocal audition.  Make sure to have appropriate shoes to dance in. No sandals or flip flops.

   6.  Get a good night’s rest the night before your audition.

On Audition Day

   1.  Have a healthy breakfast and keep hydrated during the day.

   2.  Warm up! Do breathing, facial and voice exercises. Stretch entire body. Do some cardiovascular activity.

   3.  Find some quiet time before you go into your audition to focus.

   4.  Exercise confidence throughout your day, because you prepared!!!

Tips:

1.    Make eye contact with the judges when entering the room.

2.    Keep your head raised at all times. Do not look down.

3.    Project your voice and enunciate clearly.

4.    Speak slow enough for the audience to understand you. Do not rush through lines.

5.    Incorporate facial expressions, body movements, and space during your audition.

6.    Use your “nervous energy” to fuel your performance!

7.    Use polite manners.

Guidelines:

1. Wait turn politely in the hallway.

2.   Enter in a straight line.

3.   Stand on the colored dot.

4.   State your first and last name, and the character you are auditioning for.

5.   Judges will tell you when they are ready.

6.   Once audition scene starts, feel free to move as your character needs.

7.   When the scene is over, drop your head.

8.   Make sure to say “Thank you” to the judges before leaving the room.

Additional Resources:

www.8notes.com

www.sheetmusicplus.com

http://www.dailyactor.com/acting-resume/