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Audition
Techniques
Disclaimer :)
Please note that these are not my personal views or
experiences, but tips I found handed out prior to an
audition. I am not aware of the true source/author. |
There are three disciplines necessary
when auditioning for musical theatre, whether it be amateur or
professional:
Listed below are some important points
to consider when preparing for an audition. In addition there are
details of what may be expected of you during an audition.
Presentation/General
points
It is your audition and you
only get one chance. Make the most of it. Make a good
impression as soon as you walk in the door.
When arriving at auditions, try to
put yourself in the right frame of mind and concentrate,
focusing on the audition.
Present yourself well and dress
appropriately. Keep your hair off your face: the panel will
want to see your facial expressions and what you look like!
You will usually be asked to fill in
a form prior to your audition. It’s helpful to supply a
neat, up-to-date resume with this form. This is a more
professional approach.
Be confident and give it your
best shot. Do not walk in apologising (the panel will
know if you have a cold). But don’t be over confident
(no-one likes a smart alec!)
Smile when you walk in and
acknowledge the panel (ie shake hands, say ‘hello’,
etc)
Be prepared:
- Know your song(s).
- Have your sheet music ready.
- Have some basic knowledge of the
show/musical/play, (especially if you are auditioning for
a role. Most amateur companies will supply information on
request).
Don’t panic. Stay calm
and take your time.
Don’t sell yourself short, and
don’t be afraid to ask questions during your audition.
The panel would rather see you give your best because you
understand, rather than less-than-your-best because you
don’t.
Do what is asked of you without any
fuss. If you feel uneasy or unsure of anything, you may ask
questions as long as you are polite.
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The
Actors Page
For a
different point of view, I discovered a site hosted by Daryl Shuttleworth, who apart from being another Daryl and
an actor, also has some different acting tips. Why not skip
over to his page for some extra resources.
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Dialogue
Auditions
If you are intending to audition for
a role, be prepared to read dialogue.
Have knowledge of the show - know
the story line, music, etc.
Try and get hold of a script prior
to the audition. This is the best information you can get.
Videos and soundtracks can also be useful.
Use your common sense to choose
sections of dialogue which could be used as audition pieces
and become familiar with these. Practise reading with someone
at home.
If asked to read a section of
dialogue with which you are not familiar, make sure you
listen to the Director as he/she explains how it fits into
the plot. Be sure to ask questions if you don’t
understand.
When asked to read, take plenty of
time to familiarise yourself with the content and be careful
to distinguish between dialogue and directions. Read
carefully and clearly.
If auditioning for a minor role, you
may be asked to read dialogue for a lead role. Do not be
alarmed by this as it is often done for practical reasons.
The Director may consider you to be
more suitable for a part other than the one in which you are
interested. It is better to see this as a good opportunity
rather than arguing or becoming frustrated.
The Director has reasons for asking
you to do various things in an audition, so be prepared to do
these things. The Director makes the casting decisions, so
co-operate!
Singing
Auditions
Choosing a song
Don’t choose a song just
because you like it.
The song you choose should flatter
your voice.
The song should be:
- well known by you
- comfortably within your vocal
range
- within your capabilities
- not too long
Remember that you have to be able to
sing this song when you are nervous.
If auditioning for a singing role,
the song should be of suitable range and style for the role
(eg an operatic aria would not be suitable for ‘Calamity
Jane’!).
Don’t choose a song with an
extremely difficult accompaniment (the pianist has to
sight-read). Make sure the sheet-music is written in the
correct key (if the commercially available sheet-music is not
correct, try and get someone to transpose it for you prior to
the audition).
You may choose to sing only half of
your song. If so, make sure you choose the section you sing
the best.
It is also advisable to have more
than one song prepared which contrast (eg fast/slow,
happy/sad).
Once you have prepared several
songs, you can use these for more than one audition,
providing they are appropriate.
Accompaniment
Sheet music:
- Don’t forget to bring it to the
audition.
- Should be in book form, not
loose photocopies.
- Must be legible and in the correct
key.
- Should be marked if there are any
changes.
Taped accompaniment:
- Check when you book your audition to
determine whether this is acceptable. If so, the tape should
not have singing on it, it should be correctly cued (ie ready
to go), and you may need your own cassette player. However,
it is usually preferred that you use piano accompaniment.
Singing the song
Discuss your song with the pianist.
Set tempos and check that they are right, and point out any
changes (repeats, etc)
If the pianist makes a mistake, just
keep going; he/she will catch up.
Stand in a normal, comfortable
position, and don’t fidget.
Panels prefer that you sing from
memory. Don’t stare at the panel, and don’t stare
at the wall. Look comfortable and natural.
Presentation of the song is as
important as your vocal technique.
Musical theatre is based on
‘selling’ the song. You must try to do this in your
audition.
You must understand the
meaning/context of the song. Try to characterise the song;
not with movement, but with your face and the way you sing.
Scales, etc
You will often be requested to sing
scales or harmonies. Practise these before the audition.
Scales are used to determine your
vocal range, strength, etc.
Harmonies are often required, so
these may also be tested (eg sing the middle note of a
triad).
Dance/Movement
Auditions
Always take every pair of dance
shoes along with you; ie Jazz, Tap, Character, Pointe,
Demi-Pointe, etc. Make sure they are comfortable (brand new
shoes need to be worn in).
Never wear a lot of black, try and
wear brighter colours which suit you best.
Don’t try and cover up any part
of your body - it is usually obvious that you are trying to
do so, and you may be asked to remove that piece of clothing.
Your legs and torso should be well exposed - wear something
to display your best attributes.
Be comfortable in what you wear -
don’t just wear it because it’s ‘trendy’,
and then find yourself struggling; for example, if ankle
warmers are too loose, they’ll end up well down over
your shoes and could be dangerous. Unless requested,
don’t wear large pieces of heavy jewellery which will be
distracting and annoying for everyone concerned.
Be as neat as possible in appearance
- hair should be either off your face, or depending on
audition requirements, should be well-groomed. Again,
don’t be found fiddling with strands of loose hair. Be
well equipped with the right needs.
Appear confident. Don’t slink
into an audition and place yourself somewhere on the floor
right in the far back corner - that’s what people notice
more than anything. If there is no room, you should still
appear to be trying to find the best possible position. Try
and be early and then be ready to place yourself on the
floor/stage as close to the front as possible. If you move
around quickly and with enthusiasm, it certainly comes across
as a positive and confident attitude.
Warm up well before an audition, and
continue to stay warm until commencement. Injuries are often
sustained at an audition whilst trying to impress without a
warm-up. Stretch all your muscles and keep moving around.
Counter and referral only.
Tuesday, 12 February 2002
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