Tips for Auditioning for Musical Theatre Shows

I  remember auditioning as a kid and having no idea how I was supposed to act, what I was supposed to do, and what was expected of me.  Singing in front of a panel of “professionals” is nerve-wracking enough, but it’s even worse when you have no frame of reference.  Here are some general rules of musical theatre that are helpful to know before you walk in the room:

1.  To audition for a particular musical, choose a MUSICAL THEATRE song from the same composer or time period as the show for which you are auditioning. NOT a song from the show unless stipulated.

2.  Choose a 1-1.5 minute section of the song to sing, but know the whole thing, just in case they ask you for more.

3. Bring in sheet music, hole-punched and in a binder – with the “cut” (the portion of the song you are going to sing) clearly marked.

4.  When you walk in, look at the directors in the eye.  State your name, the title of the song you are singing, and then show that it is from.  Breathe.  Nod to the pianist when you are ready to start.

5.  While singing the song, look directly center, just slightly above the heads of the directors, imagining the person you sing to in the context of the song.

Break a leg!!