Auditions 101

You know I've sat in on so many auditions now I can't even begin to think of how many hours I've spent listening to potential wannabes.

There's something special about auditions...in fact, I think more people prepare for the audition than the role. With a new round of auditions starting the next few months I thought it might be an idea for me to give potential auditionees some vital tips on preparing an audition. If you want to study it further I'd heartily recommend Peter Mapleson's book "Auditioning For Musicals" (some of his song suggestions are a little out of date but the bulk of the book is timeless)

Song Choice

You've heard it mentioned on Idol/X-Factor many times, but song choice is critical. Many audition panels (especially for amateur groups) require you to sing a song from the show (usually one from the character you're auditioning for) so this eliminates the problem but if you are allowed to sing your own song then make sure it shows YOU off to the best of your abilities. To quote Geraldine Turner:

"Get songs that suit your voice, in at least three different styles and pay to have them well arranged and copied in your key. They should last you for twenty years of auditioning"

I'd also go on to add that the pianist is sight-reading so it's best to make sure your accompaniments are relatively simple. If you're not sure, ask someone that plays how hard the accompaniment is. If you really, REALLY want to do that fast piece of Sondheim then hire the services of a piano player to play for your audition (but always check with the company that it's ok to bring them along). I also want to re-iterate the point about the music being in your key! Sight-transposing is NEVER easy at the best of times let alone in the pressure-cooker that is an audition. It also is unnerving on YOU as a performer to have a piano part being lightly bashed and mutilated to within an inch of its life by some poor piano player who's struggling to remember what key they're in....been there, done that, bought the t-shirt....

Present! Present! Present!

"You audition proper begins the moment you enter the building and does not stop until you leave. The auditioners will be interested in you as a person as well as a performer" Derek Bowsill

One of my absolute PET HATES in auditions is people who are unprepared. People who rock up with no idea of the song they'll be singing, or the dialogue to be spoken. They look like they've just gotten out of bed (and dress accordingly) and spend the whole audition making excuses. I don't care how good you are, if you don't make the effort, neither will I. Dress appropriately, be well-groomed and polite the whole time...and this most importantly....NEVER say "sorry" in an audition. Don't make excuses about your voice, your cold, the lack of preparation because your pet bunny died etc. Let the panel judge you- don't give them a reason to reject you.

Be Open-Minded

You know, there's nothing wrong with chorus- or that small role with two lines of dialogue. Unless you're a top-line star you should never go in for only one role- always be open to a panel's suggestion for you to read for another role- or to be in chorus. But if you're insistent on only going for the one role then don't lie and say you'll take chorus- trust me, panels are like elephants when it comes to memory. they'll remember the people who said they'd be in chorus but then poo-pooed it when offered it.

Prepare Ye!

There are many excellent singing teachers out there. Go to one of them. My first singing teacher told me that everyone can sing- just some people need more coaxing and work than others. Do the effort and get lessons. take a drama course if you're so inclined (even take dance classes!). Trust me, the triple threat is more likely to get roles than not. If you're serious about strutting your stuff on stage then make it happen and put in the work!

Good Luck!