Have you ever wanted to be in a musical? Maybe you are confused on what to prepare for a singing audition and a dance audition, because for musicals you'll probably encounter both types of auditions in order for you to be considered. Here are some things to prepare when getting ready for an audition.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Breakdown of the Role: Understand the character's age, background, and personality. Make sure you know the character you want to go for. If it's ensemble, create a character that would make sense in the world of the musical.
Audition Sides: Look to see if you need to look at any specific scenes or songs you need to perform in front of casting. Sometimes they will list this under the audition notice and provide you with sides and sheet music to look at before coming in.
Song Requirements: Look to see what specific songs from the show or genre of song to prepare, including length and style. Do they want a 32 bar cut or a 16 bar cut? This is why having both cuts for the same song is helpful.
Dance Call Details: Look at any information on the type of dance or movement required, including any choreography to learn in advance.
SONG PREPARATION
Choosing a song: Select a song that fits the style of the musical and shows off your vocal range.
Sheet Music:Â Find and prepare sheet music for the audition.
Audition Book:Â Understand which songs are considered good choices for auditions and have an audition book with other songs prepared in case they ask you for a second song to sing.
DANCE AND MOVEMENT CALLS
Dance Styles:Â Learn about the types of dance styles used in the show. Some shows use more ballet, some use hip hop. If you are a mover, brush up on just the basics of jazz technique.
Choreography:Â Find resources or tutorials to practice choreography for the dance call. You can find them on YouTube or Instagram, plenty of free resources on the internet. Or you can always book a lesson with a private coach.
Warm-Up Exercises:Â Learn how to stretch and warm up your body specifically for dancing.
PERFORMANCE TECHNIQUE
Vocal Technique: Learn how to prepare your voice for performance, including warm ups and vocal health. It would be a shame to be cast in a show, and lose your voice the day before opening (happens a lot to untrained singers).
Acting Technique: Learn how to approach monologues and scenes, including methods for character development and emotional expression.
Audition Pieces: Practice both prepared and cold-read materials. Usually at callbacks you are given new material to learn on the spot. Performers who can pick up material quickly with acting choices made without hesitation usually have a higher chance at getting cast. A great way to work on this, is asking a coach or friend to do this with you.
WHAT TO BRING
Headshot and Resume
Audition Book
Water Bottle
Dance Attire/Shoes
Snacks
Pencil
EMC/Equity Card
There you go! Now you have a better understanding on how to prepare for musical theatre auditions. The worst feeling at auditions is nerves and one way to get rid of that feeling is by being prepared.
The more you go to auditions, the better you'll get at it. So don't stop going after one audition. Continue to look up the next audition and prepare for that one. If you become too fixated on one audition, it can really mess up your motivation.
Break a leg!
Tina Golden
Vocal and MT Audition Coach
10+ years singing and dance experience
Do you have the worst luck auditioning for musicals? Go from being cut from auditions to getting more callbacks by becoming a better singer and dancer!
Need a quick DROP-IN COACHING SESSIONÂ to level up your singing? When auditioning with hundreds of other talented performers, you need something that will make you stand out AND be remembered when casting goes to make a decision on who they want to cast in their show.
Don't spend another day missing out on being in musicals.
Drop-In Package 2 SessionsÂ
Drop-In Package 4 SessionsÂ
Drop-In Package 6 Sessions
How does it work?
Drop in whenever you need immediate help with auditions, even if it's a day before an audition! Sessions must be used within 12 months from the date of your first session.
Comments