Musical theatre auditions are meant to showcase a performer's acting, singing and dancing abilities. While true "triple threats" will shine during a musical theatre audition, any audition is a stressful and nerve-racking experience. However, the more prepared an actor is for an audition, the better chance the experience will be enjoyable and that he may be cast.
Preparation
Actors should be very familiar with the show for which they are auditioning. Listen to the soundtrack, rent the show on DVD, or search the Internet for numbers from the musical. Knowing the characters and the style of music will help you choose smart selections for your audition pieces.
Most musical theatre auditions will require you to bring in prepared selections--generally, two musical selections (an up-tempo musical piece and a ballad) and a short monologue. It is important to verify in advance if casting directors would prefer you to prepare pieces from the show or if they would rather you select choices from a different show. Often, so many actors will prepare something from the actual musical they hope to be cast in and casting directors get tired of hearing repetitive auditions. It is refreshing for directors to hear and see something from a different show, and it may help you stand out in the crowd of other actors. If you do choose to audition songs from a different musical, choose pieces that are similar in style and that are age and gender appropriate for the parts for which you are auditioning. For most musical theatre auditions, you are only required to sing one verse and one chorus of each song.
After you have chosen your audition pieces, it is important to know them by heart. You may be required to sing in front of other actors or in a hectic environment with many distractions, so the better prepared you are, the stronger your audition will be.
Your Audition
For your audition, choose a nice outfit that will allow you to move freely, yet still look professional. Women may consider wearing a leotard and tights under their outfit, as there is often no time or place to change at the audition venue. For the dance audition, men and women alike should wear dance character shoes. Even if you are not a professional dancer, having the proper shoes will make you look like you have had some dance training. Always be sure to look your best for your audition. Arrive 30 minutes to an hour in advance of your audition time. Not only will you need to do vocal warm-ups, but you will also want to stretch and warm up your body for the dance audition. Be sure to bring several copies of your professional head shot and resume with you. Have the sheet music for your audition pieces neatly prepared in a binder for the pianist. You want to make it as easy as possible for the pianist to accompany you.
During the course of the audition, you will most likely be asked to do a "cold reading" from the show's script or "sight reading" from the show's musical numbers, and that's where your advanced preparation will pay off. The more familiar you are with the show, the better you will be able to interpret scenes and songs.
At the audition, be personable to everyone you meet--from the person who greets you at the door to the receptionist answering the phone. Casting directors want to cast people who are enjoyable to work with and will even ask for input from those who interact with the auditioning actors. While the staff may not remember everyone, they will certainly remember those who are difficult or demanding.
After the audition, be sure to immediately follow up with a thank you note to the casting directors.
