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Read every line in the script front to back. Doing so can help you better visualize the setting, themes, and characters. If the musical has been performed before or is currently showing, watch other actors perform the musical in a live theater. If there are no showings available, you can look up recorded performances online. Many musicals usually have movie renditions, giving a different perspective of the story!
Picking a song that is in the musical is considered a rookie mistake and is likely to take you out of the running. Avoid songs that require you to hit notes you can’t consistently hit. You want to choose a song with comfortable pitches; the audition is not the time to go outside your voice’s comfort zone!
If the musical audition has callbacks, choose an outfit that you can wear a second time. Consistent clothes help define your look and the director will have an easier time remembering you. Don’t forget about your hair! Looking like you just rolled out of bed can be a mark against you. Do not wear an outfit for the musical you are wearing. Many directors view this as eccentric, and not in a good way!
Wear a scarf or sweater that can protect your neck in cold weather. Chilly temperatures can make the muscles in your throat tense. Drinking plenty of room temperature water helps moisturize your throat and keeps it refreshed. The warm, moisturized air of saunas and hot showers can also help. [6] X Research source
When you arrive early, you can ask about everything you need to know before the audition starts like where the bathroom is, where the practice room is, and where you will be performing.
The pianist may be a factor of the casting decisions. Take a moment to introduce yourself to them and point out any tricky parts of the songs like tempo shifts. If you don’t expect to have much time with the pianist, you can help them by clearly highlighting start point, endpoints, and shifts in tempo. [9] X Research source
Even if other performers sing other songs, watching them can help give you insight on how to perform better as a singer yourself! Don’t forget to turn off - or silence - your phone.
If you are feeling really nervous, a deep breathing exercise before your performance can help ground you and relax your muscles. Another way to relax is by practicing mindfulness. Some nerves are a matter of thinking too much about what can and can’t happen. [12] X Expert Source Ben WhitehairActing Coach Expert Interview. 3 June 2021. Stopping to recognize and simplify the moment you’re in can help calm your thoughts. [13] X Research source
Don’t look annoyed or complain if the pianist makes a mistake playing the notes of your song. Not only is this rude to the pianist, it signals to the director that you may be difficult to work with.
If the director asks you to perform a part of a song in a different cadence or tone, they are most likely interested in how you react to a specific request or situation they may have in mind.
Don’t worry about stumbling over lines, especially if the musical is original and no one has seen the script before. Instead, focus on listening on what your scene partner is saying and understanding what the scene is about. If the audition is for an original musical, try requesting a copy of the script from the theater hosting the musical (not the audition) in advance.
Casting directors are busy people. Instead of trying to figure out when they are free in their schedule to chat, a simple “thank you” postcard sent to their office can help remind them about you. [18] X Research source There is no hard and fast rule about how long you should wait before following up. Every musical will be different. For smaller shows, a week after an audition is usually enough time. For larger plays, it may take between six to eight weeks before you should contact the casting director.
