I Hope I Get It - The Audition Chronicles

When I decided to get back into theatre after a 10 year break, I had no idea where to start or what to do. I had never done community theatre and never had to choose my own audition song (oh the days of high school theatre where they had you sing from the show, I miss thee!). I was really scared and I remember scouring the internet for any tips and tricks on auditioning that I could find.

Now I'm not saying that I'm a pro. I still talk to anyone I can about tips for a better/smoother audition experience and I still get SO nervous, but in case there are any people out there feeling too "washed up" or too scared to try out OR if it's your first time trying out (WELCOME!) - I'm here to be your cheerleader. You can do it! And here's some tips on how:

First, find a show you want to be in and sign up!

• There a ton of ways to find shows and it all depends upon your area, but Backstage can usually give you some good ideas of where to start. If you're in Utah and want some ideas - hit me up. :)
• Most community theaters have their own way to sign people up for auditions, whether that be a special website just for the show or emailing the production manager of the theatre for a time slot. It's also become a trend for theatre companies to set Facebook events for auditions - so be on the look out. The admins of the Facebook event can usually offer some helpful tips for signing up if you're new to their system or process.

Pick a song.

• The traditional audition request (unless it's for college programs) is 16-32 bars "in the style of the show." What does that mean? Well I'm still trying to figure that out most days, but the wisest and most common advice I've received is:  pick a song that is going to help the team cast you. You usually want to consider a few things:  
• Who wrote the musical you're trying out for? Can you sing something from another of their similarly styled shows?
• When does the musical you're trying out for take place? The Old West? New York in the 1980s? Can you sing something from another show that takes place in the same time?
• What is the character you're trying out for like? Are they the villain? The ingenue? Can you sing a song that helps the director see that you'd fit well into that role?
• Most places provide an accompanist, so make sure you have the sheet music of your piece accurately marked (beginning and end, any dynamic adjustments you want made and make sure the song title is on your music) and that you know the timing/pace that you want the piece to be played in. Do NOT bring in sheet music that is in a different key than you intend to sing and expect the accompanist to transpose as they play. Most of the accompanists I know are incredibly talented, but that's just mean (a.k.a. unprofessional). Accompanists are your biggest ally in the room - so you must treat them respectfully and give them all of the info they need to help you sound your best!
• I've learned a lot from working with a voice teacher to prepare for auditions, but that's not to say that you can't prepare on your own.
• Oh, and read the show (or at least know the plot points) that you're auditioning for AND the show that the song you're auditioning with is from. It helps with characterization.

Be prepared.

• Practice everywhere. All the time. If you get nerves like I do, try to practice in front of as many friends and family members as you can. Or heck - go to an open mic night or something and perform for strangers. The more times you perform, the less scary it becomes. This is a step that you can repeat daily whether you're auditioning for a show or not! And remember - like everyone's piano teacher always said "Perfect practice makes perfect."

Sleep!

• I have not gotten through a show without getting sick because I don't practice this rule like I should. Shame on me. Sleep is important. It keeps you and your voice healthy.

Get ready.

• How is this different than "Be prepared" you ask? Oh young padowan, let me tell you. The hours leading up to your audition are important for lots of different reasons. I typically sign up for audition spots in the morning because my voice is clearest in the early hours. So my "get ready" phase usually looks something like:
• Get up at least 2 hours before I intend to leave for my audition and do the following:
• Exercise (and not because I'm an exercise every day type) - Before one audition, I ran laps in my parking lot for 30 minutes because it's a really good way to get your voice warm without over working it. Also, the endorphins help with the nerves.
• Drink lots of water - I've heard it takes about 2 hours for water to lubricate your vocal chords, so get to chugging.
• Decide what to wear - Whether it be pants, a dress, a skirt - it should be clean and flattering. I sometimes have even tried to style what I wear to match the time period of the show like wearing a more vintage style dress for a show that takes place in the 40s. Keep it subtle - I once saw a girl wearing an Egyptian style headress while auditioning for Aida. It's usually best practice to make sure you look like your headshot. I once wore my glasses to an audition because I think I was trying to look nerdy or something and the production team struggled to remember me throughout the rest of the process (and I didn't get cast). Basically, after you've auditioned and they are reviewing all of the people they saw - you want them to remember your audition (how you sang, what you looked like) easily.
• Pick your confidence song -  I usually only allow myself to practice my song two times the morning I audition otherwise I get too nervous. On the way to my audition, I bump a very specific Beyonce song and nothing else. I find that a ritual helps me, but I'm also incredibly superstitious for some strange reason.
• Everyone prepares differently, but remember that auditions are just as much about physical preparation (vocal health, remembering how to sing/stand/function while nervous) as they are about mental preparation. Be prepared for any hiccups or any questions that the casting team might ask. I was once asked to speak French in an audition and luckily was able to compose myself to say something sort of witty and get a laugh out of the production team. Be yourself and you'll be gold.
• Don't get too psyched out by "the competition." Everyone at an audition is there for the same reason and I've met some of the nicest people waiting to audition.

Be on time.

• Pretty standard. Also, try not to be incredibly early. Auditions are usually scheduled very strictly and you could mess something up by trying to audition 30 minutes before your scheduled time.

Get a number.

• Every theatre is different in exactly how and when this is done, but usually there is some form of check-in when you get there where you'll provide your resume, your headshot and any additional paperwork. In exchange for all that paper, you'll get a number (it's usually a sticker) that you need to place somewhere on your body that is visible. Be ready to be known as that number for the next little while.

Enter the room.

• You will usually be asked to sit in a row of chairs with the other people auditioning. Usually in order of the number you're wearing. Sometimes, they'll take your music from you beforehand and have it all lined up for the accompanist or you'll walk up and hand it to them before you go, but either way - you just gotta wait your turn and be a good audience for the other auditioners.

Kill it.

• This would be a good place to think of all the cliche motivational sports analogies you can - Sink the putt! Make the touchdown! Hit the homer! Whatever. Just go in there, do what you've been practicing.

What are your audition tips/tricks? I'd love to know!