Auditioning for a Musical: The Need to Know

musical audition

Have you ever been to a musical and watched in complete awe because you know that could totally be you on stage? Being in a musical is like a performer’s dream.

The combination of great acting, singing, and dancing is all a true performer would want to do with their life. Musicals are even fun to be a part of because you get to be creative with like-minded people.

Talk about an experience! So how can you land a role in a musical? Of course, we at Voicercise are here to help answer that question for you.

To be in a musical you have to audition and usually there are three phases. These phases include singing, dancing, and acting.

Let’s talk about each in detail.

Musical Audition Phase 1: Vocals

how to audition

For the singing phase, you want to pick something that shows off your range and talent beautifully. But I do want to mention that this is not the time to sing your favorite Paramore song.

You want to sing a song from an actual musical but not one that is super popular like from the Phantom of the Opera. Singing something less popular will just bring more attention to your skills because the directors (or whoever is on the audition panel) aren’t sick of hearing it.

Do not forget to bring sheet music for your song because there will most likely be an accompanist there, waiting to assist you.

Make notations for them so they know when to give you brief pauses and other things to ensure you sing your absolute best. Also think about the role or musical you are going for and pick a song that correlates with that character or show.

This will just make you look even better for the part you want, it’s like your painting a picture for the directors that you are the one for this role.

Musical Audition Phase 2: Dancing

musical audition

A dancing audition will most likely consist of easy steps taught by a choreographer. The goal here is really to see if you can stay on beat and how you flow into steps.

Remember to make every move with confidence and try your best.

If you are not the best dancer, stand in the front as they teach so you get the moves down the best that you can.

The directors don’t need you to be the best dancer in the world or even in the room unless you are going for a part that specifically has elaborate dancing. If you mess up on a move, do it with energy & smile!

The worst thing you can do is draw attention to your negative facial expression because you mixed up steps. Think about it like this, you are more likely to be called out for making a terrible face or appearing to be uncomfortable than you are for not being the best dancer.

If you have dance experience then you already know this rule. Even the best dancers mess up sometimes.

Musical Audition Phase 3: Reading

16 bars

Acting will be another fun part of this audition because typically you will get to do it with other people!

The directors will probably give you a script to read aloud with other people who are auditioning. The key here is to show how well you can connect with other actors and how amazing your speaking voice is.

Because you are not required to memorize the lines given to you it is ok to stumble a bit on words. But just like when you are dancing, be extremely confident the whole way through.

This process is called a reading and although some auditions may require you to do this, others may just ask you to read from a script of your choice. If that is the case, be sure to pick a section of a script that you are comfortable with and just like your song, something that is relatable to the role you are going after.

Practice makes perfect and if you are expected to bring in a script to read, you should be close to perfect. Great dictation and projection of voice will show off your skills as well as the emotion you put behind the words you are reading.

A great actor or actress can connect to not only their role but their audience and you will have to convey that connection greatly.

Additional Tips

vocal audition

I also want to tell you that the way you enter and prepare for this audition for this musical is critical. Always walk in and around the vicinity with complete confidence but be friendly.

Don’t be the one auditionee who thinks they are better than everyone else, being cocky will only get you so far in this industry. If you cannot work well with others, why would the directors cast you in a show full of other performers?

Also, it is imperative that you familiarize yourself with the musical you are going for. This will only boost your confidence because you know what you are getting into and maybe even what to expect at the audition.

If you watch that musical, you may even have an idea of which role you want. This can allow you to prepare even more efficiently. The way you dress is important too because you want to look casual but nice enough that you do not look sloppy and you are memorable.

Remember to get plenty of rest the night before, eat a good meal the day of, drink plenty of water, and give it all you’ve got! You can make this dream come true with enough preparation, confidence, and faith.

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