Before you take music to any audition, have someone play the accompaniment for you so you know what to expect. If music has been photocopied, make sure that it is not missing the bass line (the bass clef staff at the bottom of the page), or the brackets that link the piano staves on the left side of the page.
Photo of Spring Awakening courtesy of Fullerton College, 2018, Directed by Tim Espinosa, Choreographed by Haley Izurieta. A singing audition is like a dance partnership: the more you understand what your partner needs, the more likely they will be in step with you—even if you have never met them before.
For actors in Broadway shows and certain tours/regional theaters, Equity membership is required for the contract. Holding room: At many auditions, there will be a holding room where actors can wait for their turn to perform.
From Kathy Bates to Mahershala Ali, here's what more than 30 actors had to say about their top audition tips. Join Backstage to access jobs you can apply to right now! “I was never good at [auditions]. Ever. Ever.
First thing is first. You have to know what a song sounds like in order to sing it. Once you find your song, find the sheet music or the lyrics (if you read music, sheet music is definitely the way to go!) This next step is important even if you sort of know the song. Listen to it.
Second thing is second. Now you have to try to sing it. This step is best done first with your teacher to catch anything that you might have missed, or been confused about when you were listening, or even heard people do different ways.
Okay, so. We have now learned our song. We have the pitches down, the rhythm down, and we know where the words should go. We’ve sung it through a few times with accompaniment (either live or a back track). So we are done, right? The song is prepared. Nope. Is this because we need to memorize it? Also no.
The final step is to decide if you are going to add any physical movements. Do you want to move your hand here for emphasis? Step forward? Move your head away? Turn (but make sure not while you are singing!)? These are all decisions that you can make to help to enhance your performance.
Monitor: The monitor is at an audition to help ensure the process runs smoothly, and to be a liaison between the audition panel and the actors. If you’re at an EPA, the monitor will be an Equity member; at other types of auditions, the monitor may be associated with the theater.
The audition panel will usually see six actors every 20 minutes, so there’s time to sing a short song or a 32-bars. Equity: Actor’s Equity is the union for actors and stage managers.
EMC: Equity Membership Candidate, a program whereby actors can accrue 50 weeks of work in Equity theaters as a credit toward eventual membership in the union. The main audition advantage for EMC actors is that they get to be seen before other non-union actors at EPAs (although not at chorus calls.)
Typing: Typing is a process that occurs at some auditions to make the audition process go faster. The actors come in in a group of 25-30 people and the audition panel goes through headshots/resumes and selects (“types in”) the actors that they want to see audition that day. The other actors are “typed out” and released.
Holding room: At many auditions, there will be a holding room where actors can wait for their turn to perform. Often, this is where the audition monitor will be stationed. In the room: When actors enter the audition space for their appointment, it’s usually referred to as being “in the room” (sometimes abbreviated “ITR”).
Off-book: When an actor has memorized a scene or song, they are said to be “ off-book.”. Open call: An open audition call means that any and all performers are welcome to audition.
If you have athletic ability and a knack for rhythm but lack formal dance training, you should classify yourself as a mover. Traditionally, a mover tend s to favor character and dramatic commitment over precise steps and technique. READ: How to Become a Musical Theater Actor.
Be Confident and Have Fun. When you can’t sing, it’s easy to feel small or insignificant at a musical audition. If you fall into that trap, you automatically fade into the background — and out of the director’s mind. Instead, walk into the room and smile at the director .
When you can’t sing, it’s easy to feel small or insignificant at a musical audition. If you fall into that trap, you automatically fade into the background — and out of the director’s mind. Instead, walk into the room and smile at the director. Introduce yourself to other auditioners as you wait. Have fun with the scenes you read, and if you have to sing, do it in a loud, clear voice. Another tip? Choose an audition outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
When you can’t sing, you may need to work twice as hard to stand out in an audition . The acting portion, in particular, is your chance to blow the director away.