Behind the Scenes of "The Wedding Singer": Auditioning

Auditioning for a musical or straight play is nerve-racking, exciting, scary, exhilarating and cause for a total freak out.  Each director likes to cast their shows differently. 

For straight shows (plays without music), it usually involves reading from the script. Reading from the script, or cold reading, is most frequently done.  The director will select a scene and ask different actors to read the scene together. Then another couple of actors will read the same scene.  This process repeats with other scenes for other characters. This goes on until all the auditioning actors have had a chance to read for the parts they are interested in playing or until the director has seen enough. 

Usually there are a couple days of auditions, and then callbacks are posted.  Callbacks give the director one more chance to see some of the actors again. 

Many years ago, I directed Steel Magnolias for the Pinckney Players.  I had so many talented women to choose from. At callbacks, I created two possible casts from these actors.  In putting them together, I realized in one of the casts, the women were all exactly the same height.  The other cast had a much more interesting look because of the variations in height. 

For musicals, the process is similar. Usually you are asked to bring the music for 16 measures of a song to sing.  They will have an accompanist to play the music while you sing.  The directors, including the music director, will listen to see how well you sing, the tone of your voice, your character as you perform the song, and your potential for roles in the show.  You may be asked to sing something from the show, or specifically asked not to sing from the show.  Whatever you sing, you should be comfortable with the song, have it well rehearsed, and it should be in your vocal range.

Auditions may also include choreography. You may be taught a simple or complicated routine to some music and be asked to perform it in groups.

Depending on the show, readings from the script may also be included in the audition process. 

Usually callbacks are held for musicals just like straight shows, then the cast list is posted and rehearsals begin.

Needless to say, this is probably the most nerve-racking part of being in a show.  You have no idea what the directors are looking for, how well you did, and if you got the part until the list is posted. 

However, like playing the lottery, you can’t win if you don’t play.

Next up: Rehearsals begin.