Auditions
Everyone must audition if you want to be in the show. Auditions can be pretty nerve-wracking, especially if you've never done one before. Please know that the people in the audition room at Wasatch are really nice. They are cheering for you to do your best. Even though you're super nervous the key is to not show it during auditions. The best way to do this is to practice your audition, be prepared, and have fun. We'll explain the audition process and tips for a fabulous audition.
1. Get All the Audition Info
2. Preparing for the Audition- First do some research!
3. An Actor Prepares for their Audition
1. Get All the Audition Info
- What roles are they looking for?
- Which role description do you fit best?
- What days are the auditions?
- What do they want you to do at the audition?
- Sign up for an audition time-slot.
- Grab any sides (parts of the script) that they want you to use for the audition.
2. Preparing for the Audition- First do some research!
- Watch a movie of the production- you'd be surprised what you can find on YouTube
- Read the script or book.
- Learn the history- most shows take place during a certain time period or part of history. People thought, acted and treated each other differently depending on the time period. This can really give you clues as to how to perform for certain roles.
- Learn all you can about the characters. Get to know how each character thinks. Notice little things like how each character treats each person differently. You want to get to the point that you could improv as any of the characters. During the audition process you could be given a side (a page of the script) and asked to perform a certain character with just 5 minutes of prep time.
3. An Actor Prepares for their Audition
- If you are auditioning for a musical, you will be asked to sing. Be sure to read the audition info to know how long you should sing. Most auditions want you to sing just 16 bars or measures of a song. At Wasatch, we will have you sing more or less than 16 bars depending on the character you are auditioning for. The sheet music will tell you how long we want you to sing.
- Choose a song- At Wasatch we usually ask you to sing from the musical. Choose one that you can sing comfortably and are confident in. Most auditions in the theatre world will ask you to choose your own song for auditions. If you can find a song that is similar to the part you are auditioning for, it can help directors see that you can do that role. However, being comfortable and confident with a song is the most important thing to look for when choosing a song.
- Memorize your song.
- Decide how you will perform your song. A song tells a story. You need to tell the character's story with your whole body. Work in front of a mirror or camera to decide hand gestures, if you will move forward/backward/to the side, facial expressions, and emphasizing certain words in the song. Become the character you are performing. Remember an audition is a performance. Without acting you are simply singing, not performing. Below is an example of what it looks like to act while you sing.
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This performance led to a Jimmy Award win, a scholarship, and an audition for Broadway's Dear Evan Hansen. Andrew at just 16-years-old performed for a season on Broadway as the lead role (Evan Hansen) in Dear Evan Hansen. Andrew has also performed as Linguini in Ratatouille the TikTok Musical and is in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
3. Audition Tips
For Dance Auditions:
The tips recommended above also apply to dance auditions. Be confident. Dress for dancing by wearing clothes you can move in and shoes that support movement. Do your best to learn the dance, but remember the most important thing is to have fun performing it. Go big and don't hold back.
4. Callbacks
Callbacks are posted usually the evening on the last audition day. There are usually sides or songs you need to pick up if you make callbacks.
Callbacks are for directors to narrow down who should be cast for certain roles. Not everyone who auditions will be asked to come to callbacks. This doesn't mean you did a bad job in auditions. It means the directors already know what part to give you. At callbacks, actors will be asked to perform a certain character or characters. If you get a callback and don't show up you will be asked to be in the chorus/ensemble.
- Side from the Script:
- Be sure you get any sides you need for auditions.
- Don't just recite or read your side for any audition. Have emotion. Move your body to communicate that emotion.
- Memorize your side as much as you can. You'll be more free to perform without having to glance at the lines.
- Practice your audition pieces many times in front of people and get their feedback. Use your time wisely at the workshop and receive feedback with grace. You can also record yourself on your phone or camera. Watch for pulling on your clothes, shuffling of feet, looking at the ground, or any other movements that don't look natural. Be sure you are projecting (singing or speaking loudly).
- Dance auditions at Wasatch are usually during the audition.
3. Audition Tips
- Choose an outfit that is comfortable, but also looks nice. Wear something that stands out.
- Take care of your instrument. As an actor, your body is your instrument. So be sure to get a good night's sleep, drink lots of water, and eat healthy. Try to avoid too much dairy before the audition. Tell yourself how awesome you look and that you will be fabulous in the audition (It helps your mind be more confident).
- Be on time to your audition.
- Do calming exercises (deep breathing, coloring, stretching, meditating).
- We know you are nervous, but please don't show it. Fake it till you make it or act confident. Leads need to be confident.
- When your group is called in to the audition, walk in confidently and don't talk. Support the other actors in your group.
- Your turn for the audition:
- Walk confidently, with a smile on your face to the X on the floor.
- Look at the directors. Make eye contact.
- State your name with confidence and what you are performing. Be sure to project (speak loudly).
- Take a breath. You're here. Time to have fun!
- Begin your song. Perform your side right after that song.
- Don't look at just one judge. Perform to everyone in the room.
- Don't be upset if the director cuts you off. It just means that they have seen what they need to see. It doesn't mean you did a bad job.
- When you are done say, "Thank You!" with a confident smile on your face and return to your seat.
- If you mess up, DON'T APOLOGIZE. Just keep going like it never happened or you can pause and re-start if you're toward the beginning. Even professionals mess up in auditions. DO NOT ASK TO TRY AGAIN.
- Don't talk on the way out of the room.
- Be kind and speak kindly to all who are auditioning. You're all nervous so cheer each other on and be encouraging.
For Dance Auditions:
The tips recommended above also apply to dance auditions. Be confident. Dress for dancing by wearing clothes you can move in and shoes that support movement. Do your best to learn the dance, but remember the most important thing is to have fun performing it. Go big and don't hold back.
4. Callbacks
Callbacks are posted usually the evening on the last audition day. There are usually sides or songs you need to pick up if you make callbacks.
Callbacks are for directors to narrow down who should be cast for certain roles. Not everyone who auditions will be asked to come to callbacks. This doesn't mean you did a bad job in auditions. It means the directors already know what part to give you. At callbacks, actors will be asked to perform a certain character or characters. If you get a callback and don't show up you will be asked to be in the chorus/ensemble.