Musical Theater Preparation: 101

It’s your time to shine! Auditions for a musical you have been dying to be in are just months away. Preparation is the key to success if you want the part your heart desires. Before your audition days arrives, there are three steps in being as prepared as possible to knock the socks off the director you are auditioning for. You must be prepared for the audition. You must be presentable. Last but not least, you must be personable.

In preparing for you audition, choose music that is going to showcase your voice. Not just one song, but have several songs prepared just in case the director wants to hear more. Be sure to practice this music often so that you become so familiar with the music that you are singing it in your sleep. Have properly prepared copies of your sheet music for the pianist as well as a photo headshot and your resume. Keep yourself healthy. If you’re not feeling good it will show in your performance. It isn’t a bad idea to keep plenty of water and breath mints on hand either! Bad breath could be a turn off to your director, and you know what the water is for, so drink plenty of it!

It is simple to impress your director just by the way you dress. It’s ok to “dress” the part a bit, but don’t over do it. Dressing in good taste is sure to please the director. But remember, it is important that you are comfortable in what you chose to wear. Audition days are usually long and you are going to want to be comfortable while you are waiting your turn to audition.

Being personable is the last, but certainly not the least when it comes to your audition. Always be courteous even if the director doesn’t like what you have to offer. Accept criticism and use it to your advantage. After all, the director offers criticism to you in order for you to learn from your experience. Lastly, show that you are eager to be there. Let your confidence shine through and be yourself.

Audition day can be long and stressful for you, but by being prepared, it can make the whole process easier. Take your time but most of all, enjoy what you are doing! It is an exciting line of work!