How to Have a Successful Theatre Audition

New to the theatre world? Auditioning is like going to a job interview. You must be prepared, and I'm talking more than simply having your song or monologue memorized!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Headshot, resume, if singing, a copy of your sheet music, lots of confidence!

1. Represent yourself well: Picture and resume-Prepare a professional looking resume, even if you have only a couple things to put on it. Your resume should include your email and best number to be reached. (never your address) It should include ANY performing experience you've had, any training/classes, and special skills. (dialects, impressions, musical instruments, etc) Your headshot should be in color, and should look like YOU! No heavy make up. The director does not want to see a different person walk through the door after looking at your picture. Your picture should be an 8x10, stapled neatly to the back of your resume, face up.

2. Be prepared- Practice, practice, practice... and practice well! You are going to be nervous, and this is completely natural. Even Broadway stars get nervous at auditions. The trick is to be ready, which means work the piece you are presenting over, inside, and backwards. Exude confidents while you are practicing, and keep your goal in mind. NEVER picture yourself failing. Instead imagine walking in with confidence. Go through the motions of introducing yourself with a smile, keeping your feet firmly planted, and please don't fidget with your hands.

3. Hurry up and wait: Show up early. You will be filling out a form for the company and you need time to stretch, breath, jump up and down-whatever it takes to get your jitters out. You do not want to feel rushed, and you definitely don't want to annoy the director by being late. Be patient, 9 times out of 10 they will be behind. Don't let it get to you. Nobody wants to hire someone that is difficult to work with. Smile and be kind to EVERYONE, including your competition. Kindness and a good attitude alone will take you far in this business.

4. In the spotlight: Pretty scary right? You feel like they are judging you, looking for all your flaws? Nope! People putting a production up want you to do well, they are on your side. Remember that first and foremost. Think of your audition as a chance to perform, not a torturous attack on your talent. Slap your inner critic and tell yourself how amazing you are-it takes guts to get up there, if it was easy everyone would do it! Most of all, don't fight your nerves. That nervous feeling is the energy you NEED for a charged, electric performance. Go with it, ride the wave. NEVER EVER try to force yourself to be calm!

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, the material you prepare should be appropriate for the show you want to be in. Don't prepare a monologue from Shakespeare if you are auditioning for The Full Monty. Don't sing opera if you want to play Mimi in Rent. Note: if you are in fact singing, make sure your sheet music is in your key. Never ask the pianist to transpose. Make copies of your music, lay it flat, and tape it together so that the pianist doesn't have to turn pages. It is not uncommon to have an awful pianist. Don't stop and stare accusingly at him/her. Just get through the song and don't let it shake you. As always, break a leg!