Get excited! Auditioning for a show can be the start of an amazing experience.
Whether it's your first time auditioning or you're a seasoned veteran, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, this is going to be fun! You might be nervous because you want the part you're going after so badly, but the experience can be so beneficial regardless of the outcome. Even if the audition doesn't go exactly as planned, the process of preparing for it will give you confidence and help you grow as a performer.
Research the roles and show you're auditioning for.
Do your research. This is a big one. Make sure you know the show you're auditioning for, as well as the characters and what they represent in the plot. If you can, learn about the director and choreographer of your upcoming production so that you know their style better.
Familiarize yourself with the music and lyrics for your songs. The more comfortable you are with a song's melody, the easier it will be to stand your ground during an audition when nerves are high and your adrenaline might be pumping.
Know your character's role in the story! Once you have an idea of what kind of person they are, you'll be able to play them more fully and convincingly. Think about where they've come from, what motivates them, how they relate to other characters — knowing all this will help inform your choices during auditions!
Get in shape physically to prepare your body for any taxing singing, dancing and acting that you might have to do.
Your audition will require you to sing, dance and act well. Get in shape physically to prepare your body for any taxing singing, dancing and acting that you might have to do.
Pay attention to your posture. If you slouch or have poor posture, work on correcting this. You will look much better on stage if you put some effort into standing up straight and walking with confidence.
Sing every day, even if it's just a few minutes in the shower. While doing this, work on keeping good posture so that your voice stays strong and healthy.
Practice in front of a mirror before auditions so that you know how to stand properly, maintain good eye contact with the directors and avoid making any awkward faces when speaking or singing lines from difficult parts of the script or songs from the musical score.
Practice and memorize your monologue, song or dance.
Finally, when you've got your lines down and you're feeling confident, go out there and show them what you've got! The best part of any audition is that feeling of accomplishment when it's over. Whether or not you get the part, the most important thing to do is be proud of yourself and enjoy being on stage. Don't let a little nerves or pressure get in your way—you can do it!
Make a list of all the outfits that fit with your characters, including shoes, makeup and accessories.
Make a list of all the outfits that fit with your characters, including shoes, makeup and accessories. If you’re playing a historic character or need a certain look for your audition, make sure you have everything you need before the day of your audition. You should bring a list of all your characters' outfits, including shoes, makeup and accessories. The casting directors will be impressed if you are prepared to look the part.
Double-check all your info.
Confirm Your Time and Location
At the last minute, you may find out about a conflict in your audition time or location. Don't let this get in your way! Double-check that you have the correct date, time and location for your audition—and be prepared to contact the relevant people if any details have changed. Then, confirm these details with your parents and ask them to double-check as well. With everything confirmed, you'll be able to focus on your audition without worrying about whether or not you're at the right place.
Make Sure You Have Everything You Need
You don’t want to be surprised by missing pages during your audition—so read through all of the materials beforehand and make sure they’re complete. If it's a play: are there any specific props (a sword, a crown) required by the script? If it's a musical: do you need music shoes or special clothes? Ask yourself these questions so that when you walk into your audition, everything will be ready to go!
Get ready! Head to your audition early so you're not rushed.
Once you get to the location, find the sign-in sheet and fill out your information. This is where you'll write down your song choice, whether you're bringing an accompaniment for your song, and if you've built a character for yourself. The teacher or student in charge will check off your name before it's time for you to begin.
In order to make sure that everyone gets an equal shot at the judge's attention and a fair chance to audition, be prepared to wait around with all the other students who are trying out for the play or musical. It could be a while before they call on you by name. Even if it seems boring at first, though, this is actually a great opportunity to meet some of the other singers who might end up as castmates!
Don't psych yourself out — it's no biggie! You've got this!
The best thing you can do to have a great audition is to chill out. How do you chill out? Well, feel free to try the following:
Think of a place that makes you happy and calmer.
Remember all your practice! You've worked so hard to be ready for this moment.
Don't worry if your first audition doesn't go exactly how you want it to — maybe they already had someone in mind for the part or maybe another person's performance just blew everyone else away. It's not about how good you are; it's about who fits the part better. And on that note...
Auditioning can be scarier than actually being in the show! Once you get the part and start rehearsing, it will seem like no big deal.
If you're super nervous, try fast-forwarding to the feeling of accomplishment when the show is finished and you're bowing on stage with your fellow cast members. It will remind you that the audition process is actually the start of a lot of fun!