AUDITIONING FOR MUSICALS:

 If you are scared of auditioning, perhaps you will take small comfort to realize that you are in the majority!  However, the only way to get over being scared is to audition as often as possible.  You will learn from each audition and improve with practice.  It is like learning to ride a bike, the more experience you have, the more comfortable and confident you become. 

MUSICAL AUDITIONS NEED SPECIAL ATTENTION:

Auditioning for Musicals usually requires that you sing, act AND dance.  You want to go prepared with a song.  Usually, you will only have to sing 16 bars or so.  There are times when the casting board will ask you to sing the entire song – so be sure you know the whole thing!!  You should also have a monologue (a two minute piece from a play or move in which the actor speaks alone) prepared, since acting ability is also considered.  Usually you will not have to come with a dance prepared.  The choreographer will have a dance prepared for you to learn at callbacks.

HOW TO PICK A SONG:

Typically, there is a 16 bar or one song requirement.  Just in case, it is best to have a couple of different types of songs prepared.  This gives you the chance to change your mind at the last minute,in case someone else is singing the same song!

Should I sing a song from the musical I will be auditioning for?

This seems to make sense, BUT unless specifically requested to do so, then the answer is ‘no’.

If you know the show and what part you would like to play, try to select a song that has a similar sound and vocal technique.  If you are not auditioning for a specific role, then select a song that will reflect your personality.

Try to find songs that are not as popular i.e. songs from Wicked or other hot new Broadway shows.  As much as the casting board tries to keep a fresh mind for each person auditioning, it is not difficult to be distracted by a song that you have heard 15 times in the last hour.  Since sometimes you will be asked to stop singing after only a few bars, pick songs that will highlight your vocal strengths from the very beginning.  If you know that you speed up when you are nervous, pick a faster song.  It will be easier for you to sing because of breath control. 

Choose songs and lyrics that are appropriate for you.  Some songs, like “Imagination”, can be sung either by a man or woman.  Others, like “So Much Better” from Legally Blonde are written specifically for a woman to sing.

Some research may be needed to find out what form of music accompaniment the members casting board prefer.  Some prefer that you bring sheet music; some prefer that you sing ‘a cappella’ and others allow a karaoke track or even allow you to sing with the original song.

If you will be using sheet music, it is very important to practice with an accompanist (Joey Trombly, pianoteacher@sanjoseguitar.com, is one I recommend for the bay area), as well as a vocal coach before the audition.  Be sure that your sheet music is flat – no wrinkles – and easy to read, when you present it to the accompanist.  This is also the time to let the accompanist know the tempo or pace of your song by tapping or clapping out the tempo, as well as whether you plan to be singing a section or the complete song. 

THE ACTUAL AUDITION:

Before you begin singing, be sure to start with proper body alignment.  This will support your ability to sing your best.  Remember, you are auditioning for a musical.  You want your actions (acting) and movements to enhance, not overshadow your voice.  For each audition, it will be up to you to find the balance between being a singing statue and a singing jumping bean – your goal is somewhere in between. 

You’ve decided on the song.

What’s next?

•   Articulate and make sure to be signing the correct notes

•   Think about the words you are singing

•   Act out the song but DO NOT OVERACT

•   Take your time

•   Before you begin start with proper body alignment

HOW DO I PICK A MONOLOGUE?

The mission is to pick a monologue that shows off your abilities and is appropriate for your age and physical appearance. 

Choose exerts from less popular plays and musicals, as most casting directors are well familiar with more popular ones.  Find a piece that is age appropriate, that you like and understand and that will show off your talents and versatility.

If you cannot find a selection of desired length to use as a monologue, you can join several speeches with a few rewrites so that the joined speeches make sense.

WHEN ANALYZING MONOLOGUES CONSIDER:           

1.     Where does the scene take place?

2.     What has happened to your character immediately before his or her first line?

3.     What are your character’s objective, motivation, and action in this scene?

4.     What is your character’s attitude toward others in the scene?

5.     What is your character feeling or thinking?

MEMORIZING…HOW TO:

Memorize your monologue, analyze, and incorporate movements and vocal intonations that are appropriate for your character.  If you are having a problem with memorizing you will find the more you personalize and emotionally connect with your character, the easier it will be for you to memorize.  Remember you are telling your characters story, there is a beginning, middle and end to it.

AT THE AUDITION:

Clearly state your name, avoiding the lilt at the end of your name.  Do not ramble on with too much information, but offer a brief and confident introduction.  BEFORE BEGINNING,  take a moment to center yourself (called a pre-beat) and begin your monologue.

Even if you can get your hands on the entire script of something and have studied it backwards and forwards that doesn’t mean that there won’t be some surprises at auditions.  There are a number of things that you could be asked to do, including a “cold-read”.  This means reading something that you’ve never seen before, with the purpose being so that the casting board can evaluate how you make choices as a performer. They may also ask you to ad-lib, to sing scales or sight read something.

When you cold read, make definite choices.  Do not hold the script in front of your face, make sure that your choices are appropriate with the character, project your voice and use a vocal quality that is appropriate for your character.  Get away from the script as much as possible, think about phrases and make notes on them before you present to the audition board.  If you are reading with someone, look at him or her while you read. Make sure not to close your body (turn sideways) to the board or turn your back.  If you are reading alone then look over the heads of the audition board.

When all else fails; stand with good posture (unless a character calls for something else) move with purpose, try to at least appear calm and make sure to project. Most importantly have fun!!

For more information please or private coaching please contact Amanda Dieck.