HOW TO AUDITION FOR A MUSICAL

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Acting Lessons for
Everyday Life

a poem by John Lehman

The Woman:
Feed his ego, laugh at his jokes, order something expensive from the menu. You're a prize worth paying for.

The Man:
Act handsome and clever, as if you and she were both young, and it's you who are the desirable one.

The Scene:
Create something that transcends the sadness of this bar. It's Last Call, folks, what's so hard?

This lesson is quite simple. If you are serious about learning how to properly auditon for the musical theatre, then you should get this book:

Next : Auditioning for the Musical Theatre
Everything you need to know to audition successfully.

That's it. Get the book. Either buy the book or get it from your local library. If your library does not have this book, then ask the librarian for assistance in getting it through an inter-library program.

Here also is some brief and basic info to get you started...

You should be completely informed before attending an audition. If you have any questions about audition procedures, contact the auditors, or producer or whoever is listed as a contact.

Research the show(s) for which you plan to audition. Choose the roles that are appropriate for your type and your singing abilities. Not everyone is suited to be the lead. Many actors earn excellent livings filling supporting roles.

If the show already exists and has been recorded for the mass market on video, CD, film, get a recording and listen to the songs. Note which characters best fit your type and singing ability.

When you have a good idea of which character or characters you might be suited to cast, seek out songs from similar musicals that have characters with similar traits as those you think suit you in the show being cast. The songs from those similar musicals will be the material you prepare for your audition.

At the initial audition, it is generally not a good idea to sing a song from the show being cast. If you do sing a song from the show being cast, you run the risk that the character you choose to audition for might not fit the vision the auditor has for that character, and you could be eliminated for that role. The auditor might not envision you in a different role either, so you will be out of the running for other roles as well.

Choose selections from the songs that showcase your range and vocal abilities. Choose songs that can be "acted," not just "sung." In musical theatre, the songs are part of the story. The songs might be used to reveal plot, develop character, reveal subtext, create conflict, or any number of theatrical intentions. The songs are like dialog set to music. Get sheet music in your key. This is provided to the accompanist.

The exception to this is if the auditors require that performers sing a song from the show. For instance, they might only be auditioning for one role in the show. Perhaps they are seeking a replacement for a lead or a supporting role. In that case, the auditors are looking for just the right person to sing the songs that one, specific character will sing. So they are apt to require performers to sing only a song for that specific character.

If you receive a callback, you will likely be asked to perform a song from the actual show being cast. If possible, it is also a good idea to become familiar with the music for the show being cast. You should do the same "acting" work on the show song as well.

When you enter for your audition, greet the accompanist. Give your music to the accompanist, in the correct order, beginning with the selection you will sing first.

Introduce yourself to the auditors. State your name and the title of the selection or selections you will perform. Do not give any background info about yourself or your selections. The auditors will likely already be familiar with the songs and the shows they come from. They will already have your résumé (of course you brought several copies and several photos to the audition,) so they do not need background info about you.

The accompanist will likely give you a starting pitch before each selection. Focus on the pitch then begin singing. The accompanist will follow your lead.

Avoid most hand gestures unless absolutely necessary. Use your eyes, face and voice to express your characters intentions and subtext.

Professional auditors will be able to size up your abilities within the first few measures. Give a strong start and a straightforward, honest performance.

When done with your audition, thank the accompanist and exit.

If called back, be prepared to sing a song from the show being cast. Callback is usually a day or so after the initial audition date. To make it easier for the auditors to remember you, wear the same clothes, hairstyle, and make-up you wore at the initial audition.

Always be prompt, patient and pleasant.

Musical Soundtracks

Chicago: The Musical (1996 Broadway Revival Cast)

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (1979 Original Broadway Cast) - Highlights

Chicago: The Musical (1996 Broadway Revival Cast)

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (1979 Original Broadway Cast) - Highlights

Cabaret (Original Broadway Cast) [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]

Rent (1996 Original Broadway Cast)

Pal Joey: 1995 Original New York Cast Recording

Cats (1982 Original Broadway Cast)

West Side Story: The Original Sound Track Recording (1961 Film)

My Fair Lady (1956 Original Broadway Cast)

The Sound Of Music: An Original Soundtrack Recording (1965 Film - 30th Anniversary Edition)