Audition like a Boss!

A question we're always asked is, "How do I get better at auditioning?" So we've put together our top 5 tips. If you haven't got time to read this now, you can download our free audition tips booklet by clicking here.

1: Fully understand what you're auditioning for.

If it’s for a musical theatre school or drama college, find out what type of performer they’re known for producing. Although they all say that it’s an MT School, some are stronger at dance whilst others are better known for their acting or singing.  

ArtsEd have a phenomenal reputation for producing quality performers but may prefer ‘Legit’ singers. Urdang is known for being more contemporary. GSA has a completely mixed bag of talent and has a fantastic reputation for producing quality. Laine and Bird College are known for their brilliant dancers. Mountview, great singers. The list goes on and on.

All of this will change year on year depending on who the head of the department is. Do your research, speak to people who go to, or have recently been to the college that you’re interested in.

If you’re auditioning for a job, research the role you’re audition for. If you’re a contemporary singer but the role is for a legit singer, it’s very unlikely that you’ll be successful. 

There’s an unhealthy obsession of getting into the audition room, even if you’re not right for the role, just to be seen by the casting director in the hope that they see potential and ask you to audition for another show. It's possible but very unlikely to happen.

Concentrate on getting into the audition room for the parts that you’re suited for, being on first name terms with the casting director isn’t going to guarantee you a job.

2. Prepare, prepare and prepare again!

Auditioning is hard, no matter how long you’ve been doing it, it’s tough. There are so many individual elements that need to work out for you to have a successful audition.

The list is endless but let's look at a few keys points. On audition day you should know what time you’re waking up and how long your journey will be. What are you eating that day and at what time? Creates a schedule for your warm-up so you’re at your peak for audition time. Know your lyrics and monologue inside out so you don’t have the anxiety of knowing that there’s a section you’re not 100% certain on. 

Knowing the exact detail of your vocal journey and technique required to reach that high bit. If you haven't worked on your consistency to make sure it’s the same every time, nerves will play their part and change how you do it on the day.

Know your stuff! If the panel wants to chat with you after your performance, you’re going to want to know what you’re talking about.

Having knowledge about the show, the character, the venue or school and anything that can help you engage in conversation with them will only help you.

3. Pick the right audition material.

Take your time picking your audition songs, they're important. You need to love singing your song, it needs to feel different from your other options. It must compliment your vocal range, if it's too high, find something else. 

Dynamics are important, you don't need to 'Belt' the whole time. In fact, it's more impressive if you have more control and sing quietly showcasing a vulnerability or your ability to act whilst singing, then showcase your big notes. 

With contemporary musical theatre, it is common to ‘riff’ on certain notes. If you’re not a ‘riffer’, then don’t do it. Never showcase a weakness. If you can 'riff', make a decision on which notes you're going to riff on and then scrutinise your choices. If the ‘riff’ will distract the listener from the story in the song, get rid of it.

We have a series of audition packs that will be made available to MyTheatreSchool members for free in the very near future.

For now, make sure your material suits you and showcases your abilities.

4. Perform to anyone and everyone.

This will be uncomfortable for many people but that’s the whole point in doing it. If Grandma comes round for a cup of tea, perform your audition pieces for her.

If your brothers mates are at your house, ask them to watch your audition pieces.

Sing for your neighbour, your dentist... anyone!

This all sounds a bit ridiculous doesn’t it, but the more random people you perform your audition pieces for, the more confident you’re going to be performing in front of the strangers on the audition panel. 

Understanding the huge range of emotions you’ll feel whilst auditioning is step one. Learning how to manage those emotions is going to be hugely beneficial for you.

You can’t learn how to manage those emotions without putting yourself into that situation, so perform to anyone that’ll listen.

5. Relax and be yourself.

This is easier said than done but I guarantee the casting director desperately wants you to be the right person for the job.

They're responsible for finding the right person for the role. Once they’ve found them, their job is done. 

They’re not there to critique you, they’re not there to help you improve, they’re there to see if you have the ability to do the job.

So you have 2 tasks at an audition. Showcase your ability, show them that you have the skills required for the job.

Secondly, they want to see your personality, the real you. They need to know that you’re going to fit into the team and work well with others.

Don’t pretend to be something you're not. It's really obvious and you’ll spot plenty of those people in your next audition. Just relax and be yourself. They want to get to know the real you and they have very little time to do it.

You’re a good person, give them an opportunity to see it.

Those are our top 5 audition tips and if you get these things right;

• Fully understand what you're auditioning for.
• Prepared, prepare and prepare again
• Pick the right audition material
• Perform for anyone and everyone
• Relax and be yourself

You're going to be very employable!

Sometimes, however, you're just not what they're looking for, and that's OK. 

Your time will come.

In the meantime, MyTheatreSchool is here to make sure you're ready to go.

You can download our 'Audition Tips' booklet for free by clicking here