Story Project – Blog Post #3

In this blog post, I will be doing some research to back up my outline. This will give me a better understanding on how I want my story to look, as I hope for my story to have some real life aspects to it. Specifically, I will look into how the audition process and casting for a show goes.

First of all, I wanted to find out more about how to prepare for an audition in musical theatre. While there is no one way to prepare for an audition, here are several preparations that aspiring performers can take while getting ready for an audition:

Keep the day-of schedule light — When you call to schedule your audition time, make sure you have nothing else planned for that day. Find out where, when, the exact time, how long the audition is, and what you need to bring to the audition. You’ll also need to know:

• Whether you’ll just be singing
• If you need to prepare a monologue
• If you will be reading dialogue
• If you will be dancing

Generally, auditions are two to three minutes long. Ensure you have a monologue that shows your strengths and is a minute long. Your music piece should be sixteen bars of a piece that shows your range. Dance auditions are usually held separately and later after the individual auditions. If you are required to dance, bring appropriate clothes and shoes.

Get to know the musical — Acquaint yourself with the musical you’ll be auditioning for – either read the script, watch a movie or video, or attend the show. If you’re auditioning for summer stock, find out which theatres are attending and research what they’re planning for their summer schedule. Be informed. Your audition will be better if you know what part you want. You will be confident and have a better audition.

Prepare a musical piece — Prepare a musical piece that is in your range and that you feel comfortable with. Do not prepare a piece from the show you are auditioning for unless asked to do so. Find something that might be similar.

On the day of the audition, here are some general tips to keep your schedule on track:

Arrive early — Arrive at least thirty minutes before your scheduled audition time, especially if it’s an open audition. Check-in, know where you are auditioning, ask where the restrooms are and where, if any, there is a warm-up area/green room.

Dress appropriately — Use common sense when dressing for an audition, and dress in good taste. Be comfortable in your attire so that your audition exudes confidence.

Come warmed up — Rise early, sip warm (not hot) water with lemon and honey, stretch, vocalize, and breathe. Our bodies are stiff in the morning. Early auditions are a beast, but you can conquer them with a good attitude. Avoid caffeine, dairy, energy drinks, soda, and heavy foods. Tell yourself you will be great! Positive thoughts. Avoid worry! Arrive early! Find a place you can warm up. Run scales, mouth exercises, and other warm-up techniques.

During an audition, it’s common to be nervous or anxious. The best way to ensure a strong audition is to stay confident, address the producers with “Good Morning/Afternoon” or “Hello,” and announce your name, the musical piece you’ll audition with, and/or monologue piece. A few things to keep in mind include:

If something goes wrong — If for some reason the pianist doesn’t play your music exactly as you indicated or you forget your words, just breeze over it, keep going – finish with a smile and a thank you, and leave with confidence. Don’t say “Stop” or make excuses.

Sing with expression — Don’t overdo hand or arm motions or try to dance. Don’t grab your clothes or play with your fingers or hands. Just sing. Use the technique that you have learned and do the best you can. With the monologue, keep the stage movements simple. Don’t try to stage the entire monologue. The producers/directors want to hear your voice, projection, and interpretation of the monologue.

Time your audition — Make sure you have timed your audition to the required time given. There is nothing worse than going over the time limit. It shows unpreparedness and can annoy the auditioners. Others are waiting.

Have a good attitude — After your audition, smile, nod your head in a bow of thanks, and/or say “thank you.” Present a good attitude. Accept any part you are offered as an opportunity to grow and learn.

Here are all the sources I used in my research:

1. https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/properly-preparing-for-musical-theatre-audition/
2. https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/inside-look-casting-process-13023/