Have you ever thought that you could act and sing? Well, maybe you are the right person for a part in a musical. While auditioning for a musical might seem quite challenging, if you follow these simple steps, auditioning will be fun and even easy!
Steps
Step 1. Choose your song very carefully, selecting one that suits your vocal range well
If you can't reach the height of that B flat more than nine times out of ten, don't. You want to be in complete control of your song. Also, the more you like the song, the more any viewer will like it too. Don't sing never when you can't, especially if your throat is sore or stretched!
Step 2. Make sure your song is not being performed habitually, as your director has probably heard too many times "Tomorrow" from Annie, or "On My Own" from Les Misérables, or "Good Morning Baltimore" by Hairspray
A more original song will make you stand out in the eyes of the director and set you apart from everyone else. It might seem logical to play a song from the musical you're auditioning for, but that can backfire if you don't exactly match the director's idea.
Step 3. Don't make a song from this musical; instead choose one of a similar genre to the show you are auditioning for
Don't audition for South Pacific with a song from Avenue Q! Search through similar periods, composers and themes.
Step 4. Explain your voice
Have you ever noticed that the people who get the greatest roles are the ones who know speak and sing very loudly? You may be the best actor in the world, but if your voice is so low it can't be heard above the music, who will ever know? Practice in advance. Get out there and sing out loud whatever goes through your head, in the loudest voice you can (make sure it doesn't sound like a scream, though). It is a useful thing. However, if "louder" means "more out of tune", be careful, because nobody likes to hear a wrong note at very high volume.
Step 5. Some directors may have a certain interpretation of the character in mind, and you may therefore find yourself at a disadvantage playing him in another way
Many open-minded directors, however, will be open to new and interesting interpretations (as long as they are reasonable), which they may well accommodate. But make sure you dedicate yourself to "something", because a strong commitment to an unexpected interpretation is infinitely better than not doing anything at all.
Step 6. Be sure of yourself
(Or, at least, "act" as if you were.) Confidence is the key: if you seem confident (even if that's not how you feel), the director will likely appreciate your performance more. Having the guts to stand up in front of an audience and sing confidently is a brave act, and they'll love you for it!
Step 7. If you get stopped halfway, don't worry; not a bad sign
It means that the director has already seen enough to make a judgment, or that he is about to give you instructions on how to interpret the song differently. It is CRUCIAL that you are able to follow the instructions and pay attention to the notes, and the director wants to see how well you do it.
Step 8. Directors are also looking for things off stage
When another person is on stage, be respectful. This means being silent; you may learn about performance, or "how to act" from the person on stage.
Step 9. After that, always say:
"Thank you for the time you have given me."
Advice
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Never look directly at an audience member or director, but try to find a focal point above the audience or the director's head.
- Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to practice.
- Always deliver the best performance you can.
Warnings
- Try to appear proud and confident, but avoid looking arrogant.
- Singing a song without any music, like one you wrote yourself, is a bad idea, because the director needs to know that you are able to keep the pitch; also, he wants to know the song.
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Learn what you can't eat and drink before an audition.
- Do not consume orange juice or dairy products. They stimulate the production of mucus, which coats your throat and won't make you sing well.
- Do not eat or drink anything spicy, which could cause your voice to become hoarse.
- Try to avoid sparkling water or other carbonated drinks. Better not get hiccups in the middle of your song.
- Don't eat or drink anything sugary! Sugar won't permanently damage your voice, but in the short term, it will make you sing badly. Try to avoid candies, juices, popsicles, or anything sweet, from waking up until after the audition.
- If you have already warmed up, DO NOT drink cold drinks, not even water! The sense of warming up your voice is exactly what it sounds like: WARMING IT. If you drink (or eat) something cold, you will have to start over. If you need to have a drink immediately before an audition, room temperature water is best.
