Choosing an Audition Song | Common Songs in Auditions | General Tips for Auditions | Tips For Seasoned Students |
Callbacks | Area specific tips

Ok, so here’s the deal. Directors usually do several shows a year. And of top of that they are theater geeks themselves. There are some songs they’ve literally heard a million times… so here are a few thoughts. You CAN pick one of these, but here are a few suggestions….

1. If you are going to do one of these songs, you HAVE to nail it. Make sure you know all the words and all the notes.
2. Make sure the song is in your vocal range.
3. If you choose to do one of these songs- think of a creative twist or style to make it stand out. Add a different character, rewrite a verse, use a character voice, whatever will make the song DIFFERENT! ?
4. Choosing a song shows your personality. So be creative!

TOP

Preparation

• Make sure you have a karaoke track. If you can’t find one for the song you want to sing- pick another.
• Label your cd with your name and track number (Best if its #1)
• Cut your song so that it is just 1 minute.
• Preparation and practice is essential. Directors CAN tell when your audition was selected at the last minute
• Rehearse your audition to the point the movements/dance are very natural and easy for you.
• Make sure you learn all the words and the notes of the song.
• Practice in front of a mirror so you can see your facial expressions
• Don’t be afraid to ask former directors, teachers, voice teachers or other/older students for tips or suggestions. This is a great resource for you.
• Creativity is encouraged! This can include costumes, props, rewriting lyrics, etc. HOWEVER, generally- less is more. Don’t bring so many props or something so complicated that it distracts from your audition.

Performing

• Show personality
• Be confident.
• Sing out.
• Use the whole audition space, move around.
• Use your eyes. This means thinking about the words you are singing and reflecting those emotions. If you connect with your material, directors can see it in your eyes.
• Become a character – become the person who is singing your song.
• If you are a dancer, try to add dance in your audition.
• A strong confident introduction will get you off to a great start.

Misc. Tips

• If you mess up, forget words – keep going. Shake it off. Persevere, Directors will respect your ability to pull yourself through.
• Be respectful of those around you. This includes people running the CD player, directors, AC’s, adults processing your forms, and other auditioners. Directors see all of this.
• Pay attention to other auditions and take note of ones you enjoy. What makes them great? Learn from others.
• Directors know you are nervous. That’s OK! Even directors get nervous when they audition. Just breathe deep, focus and have FUN!

Some General Don’ts

• Don’t put your hands in your pockets
• Don’t throw anything.
• Don’t rock back in forth.
• Generally, handing things to the directors or going up to the table isn’t a good idea.
• Don’t show if you think you didn’t do your best/perfect… keep smiling and be confident.
• Don’t be surprised if you get cut off by clapping from the directors after 1 minute. Directors have a lot to hear!
• Don’t expect to be cast with a ton of conflicts.
• Don’t worry is someone in your audition group is doing the same song as you

TOP

Song Selection

• Select your song and practice. Just because you are older doesn’t mean you don’t need to practice! Directors can tell…..
• Your song selection is important. BE CREATIVE with it.
• Your audition should show us what characters in the show you could portray best.
• NO ACAPELLA SONGS!
• Make sure you song is in the right key for you. Auditions are not the time to stretch out of your range. On the other hand- show off your range! If you’re a soprano- show it off!
• Be careful of choosing songs that require you to sing through your “break”.
• Be careful about choosing a pop song, including songs from pop-musicals.  They can be extraordinarily difficult to pull off well in an audition, especially when you're nervous. 

Preparation

• Your audition is NOT just a gateway to callbacks
• Rehearse and mark your breaths. Support your breathing from your diaphragm
• Staging and movements should be planned. Don’t rely on yourself to just wing it.
• If you decide you need live accompaniment, find someone ahead of time and practice with them. Don’t make someone sight-read your music.

Performing

• Focus on phrasing and dynamics. These will make your song stand out.
• Project. Think "focus" - in other words, let the sound resonate through the bridge of the nose and cheek bones.
• Clearly enunciate your words (ie. consonants - esp. the beginning and ending) - also, "sing to the vowel" - keep the vowels free and open.
• Generally, don’t add ornamentation to the song because you think you sound good when you do it.
• Be careful about belting - DON'T OVERSING! 

Misc

• Use your strengths! Don’t try to be/sing something that you are not. Be realistic about your abilities.
• Don’t limit yourself to “going” for one role. Directors can often see things you didn’t even know you did well!

TOP

• Get some sleep! The callback list will be the same whether you see it a 3am or 7am.
• Strong creative choices are essential.
• The directors are there to help you do your best- so feel free to ask questions and clarify directions.
• Give your best at every role you are called back for – not just the one you “want”. Every opportunity is important.
• Be flexible with your role expectations.
• The number of times you read or sing is really no indication of casting thoughts. Sometimes directors need to see some people more than others.
• Don’t give up! The day is long, don’t let yourself get discouraged by how you feel you are performing or how others are doing.
• Try! Do your best! Have fun with the material.
• You are auditioning from the moment you walk into callbacks. Be respectful, helpful, courteous. This goes a long way.
• Often the directors will give you a description of the song, character or scene. Listen- this is essential information for you.
• Have fun with the material and the characters.
• Be yourself! If you are called back for a role, there is something in your personality or performance that is in common with the character. So be natural.

TOP

Dance

• This is not the time to talk with friends- pay attention.
• Even if you can’t do a move perfectly- just try it!
• Help each other out.
• If you are asked to “free dance” you can use choreography that you learned in the past.
• Do your best- be confident.
• Facial expressions are important. Remember to smile.

Voice

• If the possible, listen to the music ahead of time.
• Don’t worry if you mess up- try your best and keep going.
• Even if you don’t think you can sing something- go ahead and try.
• Focus on breathing and articulation.
• Don’t get deflated if you crack on a note or miss something. One note is not going to make or break you.
• Try to show character and acting with the song you are singing.
• Ground the song in the scene – you don’t need to sing to the directors.
• Try to think about the words you are singing and connect to the emotion of the song.
• Relax and remember the fundamentals.
• Be confident.

Drama

• Strong, creative choices are essential.
• As soon as you are given a script, start reading over the scenes with the character for which you are called back. Find what the most important part of the scene is. What does your character want out of the scene?
• Physicality, vocal inflection, facial expressions and non verbals are important parts of your callback.
• Make the interpretation of the role your own. You don’t need to do it the same way as the person in front of you did it.
• Don’t worry about stage directions or how you think a scene should be blocked. But add movement and follow the natural movements of the scene.
• Relate to the person you are doing a scene with.
• Follow along in your script with your thumb. This will help you keep your place.
• Utilize every opportunity presented. For example, if you are asked to read in a scene a different part (even one that is the opposite sex of you)- go for it! You never know when the directors will see something that gives them an idea for casting.
• Don’t try to “act” – let the natural emotions and reactions of the scene unfold.
• Feel free to ask questions.
• If you are called at the beginning – its ok to take a moment to skim the scene.
• Try to look up from your script. Read your next line as the other person is finishing their line.
• Don’t play to the directors. Play the scene.
• If you are doing a scene with a partner that is struggling – don’t get frustrated. Help them by deliver a strong performance yourself.
• Take risks. The bigger the better.
• If the role requires an accent, take your best stab at doing it.
• Be engaged in the scene the whole time- not just when you are saying a line.

TOP