3 Things One Should Consider Before Auditioning for a Show
There are only a couple of things that I can think of that are more fun and rewarding than being in a show. However, before you ever decide you want to audition, there are a few things that you should consider. Do this, and you’ll greatly increase your chances not only of getting cast in this and future shows, but you’ll also get more enjoyment out of any show you participate in. So let’s get right to it. Thing #1…
1. Come Prepared.
Come prepared for what, you ask? Everything! Familiarize yourself with the show before you audition. Know what criteria they’re looking for during the audition. Do they want you to sing 16 bars? Have it marked and ready. Do they want a resume or head shots? Bring 3 copies just in case. Don’t have this stuff or know exactly what they’re wanting? Do your research beforehand.
Also included in the “Be Prepared” category, you should know your conflicts for the run of the show ahead of time, be ready and available for call backs and to potentially do a cold read from the show. Oh, and if there’s dancing in the show, bring dance worthy clothes to the audition, just in case.
The more prepared you are, and the more you know about the show (and even the people putting it together, when possible), the better your chances of getting cast. Said differently, if you come prepared, you’ll likely come across as a professional, and this will always work in your favor.
2. Know What You’re Committing To.
This is SOOOOOO important. Shows often require a LOT of rehearsal times, and if even one person can’t be there or isn’t prepared, it can completely jeopardize the effectiveness of the rehearsal.
So please, don’t accept a part without considering what you’re committing to. When you do accept a part, be ready to put in the hours to memorize lines, learn songs, and put in the dozens upon dozens of rehearsal hours that are necessary to make the show come to life.
Do this well, and you’ll greatly increase the likelyhood of getting cast in the future. Prove yourself unreliable, and you may find that your luck in getting cast in shows runs dry (remember, directors from different theaters often know each other and they talk).
This goes equally as much for those in the ensemble as well. If you’re not reliable as an extra/ensemble member, then why would a director think you’d be reliable for a bigger role?
3. Hold Yourself to Higher and Higher Levels
Sometimes shows are put together so fast that we barely have time to learn the lines, let alone perfect our character. A show can be pulled off with a little natural talent while accomplishing the minimums (learning lines/blocking), but if you are serious about taking your skills to the next level, always be looking to go at least a handful of steps further with what you did last time.
Perhaps this means you get a vocal coach to help you expand your abilities… or maybe it just means you spend a little extra time studying facial expressions in front of a mirror… or maybe you continually sit down and brainstorm the more abstract parts of your character’s personality. The more real you can make things, the better.
It’s relatively easy to be good. But being great takes continuously looking at where you are and asking how you can make it that much better. Don’t get caught up in obvious things that everyone has to do… take it another step further and watch your character (and talent level) blossom.While being in a show can be such a fun and rewarding process, it can also be a lot of work. Know what you’re getting into beforehand, and be ready to add more value than what’s necessary and you’ll get even more out of the process. I hope this helps, and look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comment section below.Happy Singing (and Auditioning!),Vocal Coach Ken TaylorOther Articles by Ken Taylor:Wanna learn how to get that “It” Factor? Try this!Hm, what do I drink before my audition?