Audition Tips

'Tis the season for auditions! They're sort of like the holidays, but instead of drinking eggnog and wearing ugly sweaters, us theater kids are drinking Throat Coat tea, snuggling with humidifiers, and breaking in new jazz shoes. Also, audition time might not be so merry for some people. Not sure how to prepare for your next audition?  Feeling insecure? I've compiled a list of my greatest audition tips to help you out!

1. As soon as the audition material comes out, listen to it on loop.

We all know the saying, "practice makes perfect," and it couldn't be more true. You should make a point to practice your song or monologue, (or both) at least once a day leading up to your audition. Don't be ashamed to additionally incorporate your practice into your daily routine. So, singing in the shower and in the hallways at school is totally acceptable, if not encouraged. If any teacher tells you to stop, then they're just being boring and muzzling your creativity, (Disclaimer: SO KIDDING. Listen to your teachers)!

2. Visualize the audition scene as you practice.

Imagine yourself in front of your directors as you practice, so you won't get freaked out by their watching you during the real thing. It sounds crazy, but it's extremely important to do this. So many terrific young performers find themselves belting out their 16 counts in the mirror of their bedrooms, but freezing in front of the directors at the audition. Imagine them judging you beforehand, so you have time to judge yourself.

3. Take a video of yourself  practicing.

Body language is universal. If you find yourself twiddling your thumbs, twirling locks of your hair, or slouching during your audition, the directors may think that you're unconfident. You'll want to stand up nice and tall, (unless your character is supposed to do otherwise,) with your shoulders back and hands at your sides. When singing, avoid over-the top gestures or movements. In other words, don't make up your own choreography.

4. Get all of your stuff together a good deal of time before the audition.

Headshots. Updated resumes. Jazz or character shoes. Your perfect audition outfit. Trust me, you really don't want to leave it all until the night before. You'll be stressed, your stage parent/guardian will be angry, and it just won't be any fun at all.

5. Do what you need to do on the big day.

A tribal dance dedicated to Apollo. Shaking out your nerves in a spastic jig. Praying to William Shakespeare. Do. Whatever. Helps. You. Auditions are a stressful time for everyone, even the casting directors! Everyone will understand your strange ritual, or at least pretend to. Also keep in mind, some people get psyched out by talking to other people in the green room. If you need to be antisocial and listen to calming music in the corner before your audition, then absolutely do it.

6. Once you step into that audition room, it's all you, Baby.

Time to sparkle! Pretend nobody else in the room is auditioning, and that they are only present to witness your legendary performance. When the others audition, just say to yourself, "That was cute." However, it is essential to keep your self-assurance internal, and compliment the other performers on their audition later. The theater is full of personalities, but you still have to be courteous to others.

7. Breathe!

I cannot stress how important this last step is. When your brain receives the proper amount of oxygen anxiety levels descend, and you will always calm down. Those with vocal training know that proper breathing is essential to a strong audition. If you don't breathe, not only will you be scared, but your voice might crack while you're singing!  You've worked too hard to let something like that happen, and as long as you breathe, you'll be fine.

Most importantly, have fun. You've so got this. You've put in tons of effort for this audition, so now that all the work is done, just enjoy it. Remember, even if it doesn't go well, everything happens for a reason. Maybe you needed to prepare more, or maybe the stars just weren't in your favor. Whatever happens, it's an experience. If you follow these tips, you'll rock your audition. Break a leg!