Audition Tips

Preparing for an audition:

• For most theater auditions, you will memorize a 1 minute monologue, and for musicals, 1 minute of a song. You can sing a cappella or with musical backup. If you want backup, bring the section of music that accompanies your song on a phone or tablet. 

• Make sure you know your song and monologue so well that you won’t forget it, even if you’re nervous. Being nervous is a totally normal part of auditioning, and the best way to ease those nerves is to feel 100% prepared! Practice your audition full-out, with a loud, clear voice. 

• Practice your opening introduction each time you rehearse your monologue. Always begin your audition with, “Hello, my name is __________ and I will be performing _________.” This is part of the audition! 

Choosing a monologue:

• We recommend choosing a monologue from a play. Television and movie monologues rely on the camera for effect and are written differently than monologues for the stage. 

• Do not choose a monologue from the play you’re auditioning for. Make sure your monologue is no longer than 1 minute in length when performed. 

• Choose an age appropriate monologue. Choose a monologue that is active, and contains a beginning, middle, and end. Avoid dialects, exaggerated characterizations, cartoon or two-dimensional characters and/or use of props. Choose a monologue with appropriate content. Monologues with curse words or mature themes are not appropriate. 

Choosing a song:

• Choose a song from a musical that is close in style to the musical you’re auditioning for. Pop, rock, or folk songs don’t give the directors as much information about your vocal or acting abilities as songs that were written for musical theatre. 

• Choose a song that sits comfortably in your range but shows as much of your range as possible. 

• Choose a song for which you can find recorded music in the right key for your voice. The music you sing along to should be instrumental (no voices). 

• Make sure you’re prepared to sing only a minute of the song. You can either prepare to stop singing at the minute mark or use software to cut the recording down to the section that best shows off your voice. 

• Choose a song that allows you to make specific acting choices while singing. Choose a song that provides a contrast to your monologue selection. For example, if your monologue was broad and comedic, try a song that will demonstrate your ability to make more natural acting choices.

Day of the audition:

• On the day of your audition, try to be well rested and fed, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Dress appropriately for your audition. Wear comfortable clothing you can move freely in, and closed toe shoes (eg tennis shoes) or dance shoes. Bring some water!

• Please arrive at the audition location 15-30 minutes before your scheduled audition time. 

• When you arrive, check in to ensure your paperwork is complete, receive your number, and have your photograph taken. 

During the audition:

• Be present and pay attention to instructions and advice from the directors. Be respectful to other actors who are auditioning.

• We are not only looking for great actors,we are looking for great people who embody our values of kindness, preparedeness and courage. A great actor has prepared their audition material well; has a good attitude, doesn't make excuses; is generous to the other actors around them, listens; demonstrates maturity and the ability to stay focused; recovers from mistakes quickly because they know everyone makes them!; is willing to accept any role and give their 100% performance energy to it.

• We are looking at not only your performance skills, but your attitude and willingness to work.