AUDITION NOTES and Tips

            Music Theatre for Young People casts its shows based on auditions.  Some auditioners are “old hands” who have auditioned many times and know what is expected. Others are “novices” trying out for their first show. While each staff member is different, most of these suggestions would be embraced by most directors. 

            General Process 

            The usual audition process is for the staff to hear each auditioner sing a prepared solo (usually about 32 measures).  The staff often stop the song before it’s over, which means nothing except that they have heard enough.  Sometimes a short dance audition may be required.   After the initial audition, the staff will discuss casting the show and will “call back” auditioners they feel they need to hear again, or who they want to see act. “Call backs” usually involve learning and singing a song from the show being cast and/or reading some dialogue sections.  Not being “called back” does not mean the auditioner is not selected for the show.  Some parts, and the chorus, are usually cast without the need for a “call back.”

            Teen Suggestions

            1.  Select the right song.

                        A.  Chose a “show tune” (a song from a musical).  Most directors prefer that the song not be from the musical being cast, but it is good to choose a song in the same style as the show, particularly if it shows off your ability to sing a part you really want. Singing something the staff is likely to know makes you easier to remember.

                        B.  Avoid a song with lots of talking in it, or which has a very small vocal range. Those do not show the directors what you can really do.  Avoid songs with really long introduction sections (such as “Popular” from “Wicked”) which take forever to get to the “good part.”  

                        C.  Sing something you really like.

                        D.  Avoid songs that are used too often - its harder for the staff to remember your performance if you sing the same song as everyone else. (Girls, avoid “Annie” songs, for example).          

            2.  Select the part of the song you really want the staff to hear (not more than 32 measures), and skip the rest.

            3.  Learn the song well. Memorize it. If you come prepared with a well-learned audition song the directors will see that you can learn the show. Practice your audition.

            4.  Bring sheet music for the pianist to play.  Avoid singing without accompaniment or with recorded accompaniment.  Bringing your own pianist is fine, but not necessary. Be sure you have practiced the song with the piano accompaniment (and in the same key). Be sure your music has a piano part and is not just a “lead sheet” with vocal notes only.

            5. “Act” with the song.  There is usually not a separate acting audition until call backs, but acting is a big part of a musical theater show.  Be animated, dance a little, use good expressions and sing the song like you “mean it.”  “Become” the character from the song. Be entertaining!   This can be the difference between a chorus part and a lead. Smile!  If you only sing the song well musically, but don’t show personality, you are not likely to be considered for a lead.            

            6.  Sing out!  Many music theater performers, even professionals, are naturally shy people - really.  Get over it!  Make yourself heard and give a “big performance.” 

            7.  Don’t dress weird. This shouldn’t matter, but it can detract from your performance.

            8.  Relax and have fun in the audition.

            Children Suggestions 

            1. Pick a song you know well, that you like, and that you can sing with the piano.

            2.  Practice your song. Memorize it if you can.

            3.  Bring music for the pianist to play.

            4.  Sing out!!! 

            5.  Smile.

            6.  Have fun!!!

            7.  If you want a lead role (Oliver in “Oliver,” Annie in “Annie,” Winthrop in “The Music Man” and Billy in “big, the musical” are examples of lead children roles), follow the teen suggestions above.

            Chorus Casting    

            Most of the cast is in the “chorus.” Chorus members may have small roles but will not sing solos or have a lot of lines.  For the chorus the directors are looking for solid singers with some “stage presence.”  The staff also is looking for the right “balance” (boys and girls, older and younger).  In a big dance show, being able to “move well” may also be a factor. 

            About Casting Shows