Okay. You Might Want to Audition. What Do We Know?
Maybe you saw a post about an upcoming show. A teacher told you about a program. A friend sent you a link to a showcase, class or intensive. Whatever brought you here, something about the opportunity caught your attention.
Great. Now resist the urge to immediately start picking a song or searching for a monologue.
Your first job is much simpler: figure out exactly what they’re asking you to do.
Audition notices can contain a surprising amount of information—and sometimes assume you already understand the language. Before you prepare anything, read the entire notice from beginning to end. Then read it again.
You’re looking for the answers to six basic questions.
Start With the Facts
What are you auditioning for?
Understand the opportunity before you prepare for it. Is this a production, class, showcase, school program, intensive or something else? Know what you’re auditioning for, who is running it and what they’re looking for.
When and where is the audition?
Check the date, arrival or appointment time, location and whether the audition is in person or submitted by self-tape.
Is there a time limit or required cut?
A 60-second monologue means 60 seconds. A 16-bar or 32-bar song cut has a specific meaning. Prepare what was requested rather than what you wish they had requested.
Who is the audition for?
Look for age, grade, experience, vocal, dance or other eligibility requirements. Some auditions are open to everyone; others are intended for a specific group of performers.
What material do they want?
Look carefully for requirements such as a song, monologue, sides or a combination of materials. Pay attention to style, length and any specific instructions.
What do you need to bring or submit?
Look for requirements such as a headshot, résumé, sheet music, backing track, completed forms or specific clothing and shoes for a dance component.
Read the Fine Print
The big requirements are usually easy to spot. But some of the most important information can be buried farther down the notice. Before you start preparing, look for the details that could change your plan.
Deadlines matter.
Check registration deadlines, self-tape submission deadlines and any forms that need to be completed ahead of time. “Almost on time” is still late.
Specific instructions aren’t suggestions.
If they ask for 60 seconds, prepare 60 seconds. If they request a particular type of material, file format or submission method, follow it. Showing that you can follow directions is part of being prepared.
Check the commitment before you audition.
Look at rehearsal dates, performance dates, class schedules, program dates and any other required commitments. Make sure they actually work with your schedule before you invest time preparing for the audition.
Look ahead to callbacks.
If callback dates or additional requirements are listed, put them on your calendar now. You may need to prepare additional material quickly if you’re invited back.
Don’t guess when something important is unclear.
Audition notices aren’t always perfect. If a requirement could meaningfully affect how you prepare and you genuinely can’t determine what they mean, it’s okay to ask the organization for clarification.
Now You Can Prepare
Once you understand the opportunity and the requirements, preparation gets much easier. Instead of trying to prepare for “an audition,” you can prepare for this audition.
Choose the right material.
Select material that meets the requirements and gives you an opportunity to show what you do well. The goal isn’t to find the most impressive song or monologue—it’s to find material that works for you and for this particular audition.
Make a preparation plan.
Work backward from the audition date. Give yourself time to learn the material, make choices, rehearse, get feedback and make adjustments rather than trying to do everything at the last minute.
Prepare the details, too.
Your song or monologue isn’t the only thing that needs rehearsal. Know your slate, starting position, backing track or sheet music, what you’re bringing and what will happen when you enter the room or begin recording.
Practice the audition—not just the material.
Run the entire experience from beginning to end. Walk in or start the camera, slate, get into position, perform and finish. The more familiar the process feels, the more attention you can give to actually performing.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
Audition preparation can feel complicated when you’re new to it. It gets much simpler once you understand what’s being asked and have a plan for how to prepare.
And if you’re unsure about the material, the requirements, or how to turn what you’ve prepared into a confident audition, that’s exactly what coaching is for.