Purevoice - Audition Prep

Audition Advice for Beginners

By Karen LeBlanc,
Singer, Recording Artist, Voice-Over, Film & Television Actress, Musical Theatre Performer, Toronto, Canada

To prepare for audition stage or show, research and find the RIGHT song for YOU! If it's a rock show, find a suitable rock song. Pick the right key, change it if you must. You have two or three minutes to be the best possible you.

Though you may love a Celine Dion song, are you able to carry that song as powerfully as she did? If not, then choose a song that you can 'kick butt' with! Start at the biggest and best part of the song. Sometimes they cut you off before you get to your best notes. Showcase the best part of your performance that will make YOU the most memorable out of the possible 500 auditioners they will see that day.

Be prepared 150% you can garuantee that with nerves you lose 50%... so that way you will be 100% prepared! No matter what. Knowing your stuff gives you a sense of confindence, because nerves will try and convince you that you don't' know your stuff well enough, which may mean you will fall on your face. Know your material. Also, be prepared for ANYTHING at an audition. They may request something from you, and although they may request 1 song, it doesn't hurt to have a back up plan, or another choice, in case they do like you. The longer you can be in that room, the better.

Know that they want YOU to be the one, they want YOU to have the gig, and that they are kind people (mostly) and human like you.Relax, somehow realax!!!!!!! Breathe.

Be sure and warm up stretch stay focused ...keep headphones on...whatever you need to do to stay connected to your plan for getting the gig.

AUDITION STORY: At one of my first professional auditions I was so nervous, and not focused. I ran into good friend the minute she walked out of her audition. Since I was up next, I was chatty asked her how it went and what song did she sing, which was "The Way You Do the Things You Do". They called me in 5 minutes later. I had brought my own piano player. He played the intro for my song, "Dancin In the Streets". And I somehow started singing, "You got a a smile so bright.." ...which are the words to my friend's song, "The Way You Do the Things You Do".....ha ha ha I was only 20 years old and horrified; I cried for days! So stay focused and don't get distracted. I still laugh out loud about it to this day, though.

UNEXPECTED THINGS CAN HAPPEN: I went to - what I thought was - a singing and basic movement audition. Ha! I was suddenly in a room with KICK ASS dancers. Very unexpected....it was hard stuff with lots of choreography; a lot to remember.

I remember being so frustrated and angry that I wasn't warned, I wanted to leave several times. I wouldn't have done anything different. I was determined to get through it and even if I had to fake it. I kept moving with the pack with such conviction, they had to notice at least that I was trying, as hard as I could. You can't be mad at yourself for trying you best right?

For me a sense of confidence is something you see in someone's eyes. You need a sense of focus and knowing. You need strength to be good singer and to be a good dancer. Do you love what you are doing? They can read that. Who cares if you mess up! Are you present - open - and willing ??? Sometimes, those are the most important things.

Audition Advice for a Musical Theatre Program
By Tamara, Musical Theatre student, University of Toronto, 2008-9

What are the most important things a singer can do to prepare for a singing audition for a band, stage show, choir or musical theatre?
TAKE CARE OF YOUR VOICE. Avoid areas where smoke can rear its nasty head into your trachea. Try not to be too stressed - when you stress you tense muscles you never knew you had, so doing pilates or full body workouts help. They also force work on breath support and instant body-mind connection.

What words of wisdom would you offer someone about to audition for the first time?
The audition starts the minute you walk into the room. Body language is a key indicator. People like to work with people who are honest, hardworking, and carry themselves in a manner that conveys truth. Walk into the room with good posture - that means occipital joint lifted, sternum fully exposed, and avoid covering your with binders of sheet music, etc, because that indicates nervousness. No matter how good your skill is, casting directors will not hire you if they don't like you as a person. LEARN THE AUDITIONERS' NAMES. It proves you are attentive to detail. don't risk burning bridges by having a pretentious attitude - show how awesome you can be! And every performer has something unique about themselves so find out what yours is an give 'er!

What experiences would you like to share? Funny or embarrassing things that have happened.
This isn't really embarrassing, just kinda cute I guess lol. They interviewed me afterwards, to find out if my needs would be met by my acceptance into the program, and they asked me why I applied to anthropology, sociology, criminology and then theatre, out of nowhere. I ended up going overtime in regaling them with stories of my parents' occupations and foreignness. I did my mothers' accent. They laughed, and not only did it make them smile and establish an instant personal connection, it showed that I can do character work as well as realism.

What was UNEXPECTED when you auditioned?
The kindness of the auditioners! So many people (myself included) have this stereotype that theatre people have berets, dark sunglasses, and an attitude to match. Remember, they need talent just as much as you need to be casted. While you may come across some directors who are like that, they are generally very nice and welcoming people who you don't need to be afraid of. They know you don't climb up the social ladder by being rude - people will help bring you up if you take the time to care about them.

Would you have done anything differently if you had a second chance?
Work on my improv skills! I INDICATED a character instead of playing it. And start with my strongest suit first, because it takes an auditioner 15 seconds to decide whether or not he/she is interested.

Great Tips for a Musical Theatre Audition

By Wendy Lands: Singer, Recording Artist, Voice-Over Actress, Songwriter, Musical Theatre Performer

Toronto, Canada http://www.wendylands.com

Here are some tips and they are in no specific order.

How you present yourself is even more important then how great your voice sounds that day.
Be as vocally prepared as possible so you can concentrate on wowing the judges with your Charisma...cause really that's what makes a star.
When you sing for a panel, be sure to look into the eyes of each person, deeply, and confidently.
The content of what your singing must be FELT. The more you make a connection with the piece you're singing, the greater you are. Just hitting all the notes perfectly, is dull!
Eat before you leave the house!!! When I went to a cattle call to audition for the original Les Miserables, I was too nervous to eat. When I showed up for my 9:00 a.m. call time, I ended up waiting till 1:00 p.m. to sing for the panel. I was sooooo hungry by then and soooo anxious, that as I finished the 16 bars of a song I had prepared, in front of a huge panel of VIPs, I started to see stars and ended up fainting and falling to the floor. The next thing I knew, the casting directors were standing over me, fanning me and offering water. I wanted to DIE!!!!! I took 2 minutes, collected myself and sang all over again, this time no fainting. In the end I made it through and joined the cast of Les Mis.

Jenn's American Idol Audition Advice
By Jenn: American Idol Contestant Charleston, South Carolina American Idol Auditions- Aug. 2007

As they always say the song is the most important decision you'll ever make. It defines you and your vocal capability… Choose a song that fits your vocal range. Nothing is worse than time of the audition you end up screeching or cracking under pressure because you can't hit that high note or reach that low one. Don't try to out do or over do it.

Choose a song that you can relate to and believe in. That way you can look that judge in the eye and mean every single word that you're singing. Show them emotion. Like J Lo said you have to tell a story.

Choose a song that doesn't take up a lot of back ground vocals or music. When you have to sing a song with out music it should sound just as nice, if not better than it would be with the music. That way when you sing the song it has a nice even flow with out a lot of pauses and you don't have to count in your head when to start singing again.

Be yourself and follow your heart. I know they say don't sing over-used songs and popular or current artists, but if you know you can pull it off and make it your own and that's what YOU feel comfortable singing than do it. When I was at the Charleston audition, most of the people that got to go on to the next round were singing current songs by popular artists. Whatever works that can make you put on the audition of a life time.DO IT. What (have) you got to lose(?)

BE YOURSELF. Don't try to over dress. Just wear clothes that define who you are. That way you stand out from the rest. I'll admit that I over dressed. I felt 5 years older. So next year I'm just going to wear what's comfortable and cute for me. And don't act or try to rehearse because they'll know when it's fake and they'll know when its genuine.

Photo and Jenn's blog entry from the Charleston S.C. American Idol audition Aug. 2007 is courtesy of: http://idolauditionblog.com/

Audition Advice on Confidence
By Kim Kaskiw, Vocal Coach, Singer - Ottawa, Canada http://www.kimkaskiw.com

Know your material! If you are prepared the margin for error is next to nothing and you can focus all of your energy on a great performance. Sing for as many people who will listen before the audition. Explain that you are doing an audition and you want to perform your pieces for as many people as you can. Don't ask for their opinion, just sing for them. If you can sing for your Mother, you can sing for anybody! LOL

Imagine the people auditioning you as you are singing. What do you see? If this fills you with fear, turn it around. Imagine yourself as the auditioner what do you want to see? How do you want you to sound? How do you want you to look? How do you want you to feel? Write down one word answers to these questions and keep them as a reminder. Write down positive affirmations, not negative ones. For example, "I want my voice to be clear and pure." Not, "God I don't want to crack on that high note!" Write down words that you want to describe a successful audition. Hey me, what do I want? Words such as, confident, strong, in command, clear, pure, musical, filled with love, etc. Pick your own. Sometimes just thinking of a successful audition and then picking a colour helps. Pick the first one that comes to mind. It works! Remember these people are not out to get you, they are looking for what you have to offer. There is room for everyone and if this is meant for you, it will happen. A successful audition is one in which you did everything you could to prepare for and you did your very best and you did it honestly and with all your heart. The outcome is not the reward; the journey is.

This has been the best imagery I have used for myself and my students and with good results. Imagining everyone naked has never worked for me. LOL

The other one that works for me is looking at my physical symptoms of performance anxiety. Sweaty, shaky, pounding heart, pacing. Now we get the same physical symptoms when we would win the lottery or when you win an award etc. Look forward to the experience rather than dread it. When you say to yourself "Oh my God I'm so nervous!" Turn it around and say "I can't wait to sing, I love to sing and I can do this!"… "Hey I won, I won!!"

Now go get em!

Audition Advice on Visualization
By Joe Passion, Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Arranger - Toronto, Canada

How to prepare for an audition Practice your lines, melodies, rhythm, body language and timing as much in advance as possible, until it becomes second nature.

Be the role, find the part in yourself and live in that skin for a while. All the time if possible.

Then prepare something else as well - in addition - but short - a sample - not your life's work. This could be something similar or completely different. Just in case they say, "What else can you do?"

Visualize yourself doing the role - owning the gig. Just try not to spend anything but your time and your talent on an audition.

Or you could just go to MacDonalds and forget about it, you probably won't get it anyway. The odds are against you. What? Okay - so prove me wrong and become the exception to the rule !

Musical Theatre Show Audition Advice for Actors & Singers
This article is courtesy: www.canadianactor.com

I audited a Musical Theatre audition class taught By Susan Schulman and Michael Lichtefled. As the director and choreographer of Broadway shows and National tours such as The Secret Garden, Sound of Music, Camelot, Sunset Boulevard and of course Fiddler, they had much to share about the DO's and DON'T's of musical theatre auditions. I took copious notes and with their approval am sharing the more salient points with you, as they say, straight from the horse's mouth.

THE DAY YOU HEAR ABOUT THE AUDITION

Ask as many questions as possible of your agent. Where is the production to be produced and for how long? Who is directing? Who is the choreographer? What is the vocal range of the part you will be considered for? All this information is available on the breakdown.

Do your homework. Know the show... And be familiar with both the libretto and the score. If you are auditioning for a NEW show ask for a reading copy. Usually you can go the producer's office sit there and read it.

If the breakdown says not to bring a song from the show, don't believe them. Always have the songs prepared for the role you want to be considered for and have them in your book. Just in case.

"Be prepared to sing two songs" is a euphemism for "you may sing parts of two songs". But bring your whole book and be prepared at a moment's notice to pull out other choices. If the director is interested, he or she might ask to hear another ballad or an up-tempo. The rule of thumb is to have at least 8 - 12 songs you can sing cold and make sure to include selections from the STANDARD musical theatre repertoire (i.e. Lerner and Lowe, or Rodgers and Hammerstein).

Make sure your first choice of material shows you off at your best and shows them your range (i.e. If you are a belter, leave the legit tune until asked.... if you have fabulous top to your voice let them hear it). If the director doesn't know you already they can tell by the first 5 notes whether you can sing or not and want to know that you can act a song. So make actor choices.

Choose a short song or cut the tune by a third. Remember they are probably seeing up to 300 other singers that day. The best 16 bars of a tune will do you much better than a 5 minute drone... If you don't keep them interested they will stop you so make sure your song has a beginning a middle and an end.

Have charts prepared that resemble the arrangement you are going to sing, are in your key and that any accompanist can play... or bring your own pianist.

Make sure your resume is an actor's resume, not full of director or choreographer credits. Keep those credits on a separate resume. The last actor a director wants to hire in a show is someone they feel wants their job.

AT THE AUDITION

Make sure you are on time or early. If an emergency happens call and let them know you will be late.

From the moment you enter make sure you are the nicest person in the building. The monitor and other surrounding staff are working for the director and you can be assured any negative situation will get back to the director.

Ask the monitor who is in the room. Find out before you enter so you won't be surprised. When you are called in to the room leave all your stuff outside except for your valise and/or your purse. The last thing you want to do is fumble trying to find all your bags after a great audition.

When you enter the room do not race to the table to shake hands unless a hand is offered. Keep a polite and professional distance. After shaking 300 hands, a director could get tennis elbow and more than likely.... a cold.

As you enter say "hello" to the table. Tell them what you want to sing and then go talk to the pianist. Keep your instructions brief and make sure you have practiced how to give them the tempo. If you quietly sing the first phrase this will give a good accompanist all the info they will need to know. Rule of thumb: a 3-page chart is OK taped together. Anything larger should be in a book.

If asked if you have anything else to sing, remember they may have just heard 10 other renditions of "What I Did for Love" that morning so be flexible. If you have the recommended 8 - 10 choices ready to go, you won't be put off.

DO NOT use PROPS. Not even a chair. This shows lack of self-possession. Own the space.

Where do you look? Not above the auditioners. If singing an "up" tune feel free to use the folks in front of you as you would an audience. If they are uncomfortable and look away you can easily shift focus away from them. If the song has you singing to another character, you have two choices. Either ask if they mind you playing to them or place your other character in your space, in front of you but slightly off centre. Create the environment. Who are you? Where are you?

Don't hide your body. Be comfortable with your body type no matter what type you are. Dress professionally but appropriately for the show you are auditioning for. Don't wear a costume. You can suggest a period look but be subtle.

Don't choreograph your song unless you are auditioning for ANDY LEE in 42nd street. If they want to see you move they will ask you back to a dance call. Err on the side of stillness.

Don't ask the table how they want to see you attack a song or monologue. Make a choice and go for it. Let the auditioner direct you after they have seen your initial impulse.

Keep the personal chatter to a minimum ... and above all else NO NEGATIVITY about anyone.

If your song gets off on a bad foot.... STOP. Ask to start again. But don't do it 3 times.

Don't back phrase, scoop, etc. Sing your pieces as written. Warm up and above all else make sure you are on pitch. If the notes are questionable get material better suited for your voice.

Singers.... Bring your dance clothes. Dancers ... bring your music. If you are asked to sing after a three-hour dance call make sure you go to the washroom and change clothes. Wear the same clothes to a call back.

If you need glasses wear contacts if possible. Don't lie. References will be checked.

This is an ongoing process. It will take a commitment of time and energy to coach, take classes and have charts prepared. Natural talent is one thing, but directors love meeting knowledgeable professional musical theatre performers. Be prepared and be the best you can hope to be.

An Additional Audition Tip from Kathy
If you're auditioning with a lot of other people, you don't know what your exact audition time will be. I remember one cattle call audition I attended in particular where there must have been five hundred other singer-actors there. Here's how my day went:

5:30 am- I got up, showered, had a sensible breakfast, got dressed, took care with my hair and make-up went over my material, warmed up my voice. 7:30 am- Left home, drove downtown in morning rush hour, continued warming up my voice. 8:30 am- Drove around looking for parking for 20 minutes. 9:00 am- Was there, ready and raring to go along with 500 other wonderful hopefuls. 12:00 pm- Break for lunch. Had a little something down the road, re-did hair and make-up. My voice had warmed down, so I warmed it up again. 4:30 pm - I did my 5 minute audition, after 11 hours of my body pumping adrenaline.

At the end of the day, the panel were clearly tired. There was no real eye contact, they were not welcoming, friendly, smiling and it is difficult to remain energetic and optimistic in this heavy atmosphere. Not only that but I, myself, was tired after revving my engine for 11 hours.

This whole challenge of keeping constant energy up for a long time is unnatural for the human body. The day of the audition, you do not rest for a moment and adrenaline keeps pumping at a slow drip while you wait, and you have a bigger rush whenever someone leaves the audition as you hope you're next. You will have many similar experiences waiting for all sorts of general things in life, which are those moments when you will be giving a performance. It could range from a board room presentation to giving a wedding speech. Before any performance, we have to put our game face on.

One of my recommendations to pace how you spend your performance energy on the day of an audition. The following exercise will prove that you can pull energy up out of yourself instantly, at the drop of a pin, at your command whenever you need it. If you've never studied acting, you may not have a lot of resources on how to utilize stress to your advantage at a musical audition. Consider taking some acting classes if you haven't.

For now, try this little impromptu adrenaline game right now.

SET-UP: Pretend that you have just been nominated for a JUNO award. Woo-Hoo! You're going to make something up (improvise) on the spur of the moment. Don't worry if it sounds silly. It's just an exercise.

RIGHT NOW: STAND UP QUICKLY! FAST! LOOK BEYOND YOUR COMPUTER MONITOR! SEE? OVER THERE IN FRONT OF YOU … THERE'S A CAMERA ON YOU! IT'S ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT CANADA AND THEY ARE ASKING YOU ABOUT YOUR NEW CD RELEASE COMING OUT AT THE END OF THIS YEAR! GO AHEAD! TELL THEM ABOUT IT!

NOW that was the rehearsal. You're going to do this quickly again. This time you know what to say, but the important thing is to TURN IT ON immediately. Intake of breath. Mental laser focus. Burn on it. Make it real. All in one second. The keyword is 'sudden'.

Go ahead, one more time ----- ----and, scene. (Finis.)

How was that? Did you manifest a rush of any kind? Did it surprise you? Hopefully, yes.

Pacing yourself for audition energy is important. See above at what Wendy Lands said about eating food. It's a fantastic reminder for us all to know our bodies, maintain our health for our careers, and we constantly practice things in order to get good at them. It's a simple concept, but there are many things involved. It's a long road but as with everything, we learn as we go and we forge ahead, always getting better and better.

Don't ever take rejection personally. It is both unproductive and irrational to go to sleep each night with negativity! If you don't get the part, you will be even stronger and capable for the next audition.