There is nothing that makes a performer as nervous as the prospect of doing a high-stakes audition. The heart palpitations and dry mouth are real, and I remember them well from my 20+ years as a professional musical theatre artist in North America.
Now, I have conducted more than 200 singing auditions – in person, online, and on location, in places like Oslo, Norway. After seeing so many candidates, I have a clear idea of what makes a successful audition.
Here is my step-by-step system for a strong audition.
Jorge Crecis is a Spanish award-winning choreographer, dancer, educator, and researcher.
Learn About the School and Program First
The first step is sometimes overlooked, but understanding the institution and the programme you are applying to is key to your audition process. Go to the website and take a deep dive into the programme before you even look at the specific audition requirements.
Key questions to ask yourself:
- What is the structure of the course? How many years is it, and what kind of accreditation do you receive? Is it a degree or a diploma?
- How much are the fees, and do you meet the requirements for the fee category?
Next, take a closer look at the program you are applying to:
- What is the focus? Is there equal emphasis on acting, dance, and singing, or does it skew toward one or two disciplines?
- Who are the faculty members? Does their teaching and performance experience align with your aspirations?
- What is the combination of practical to academic training? A university setting may be more academic, with fewer practical hours, whereas a conservatory may have more practical training, but less academic focus. Your future career goals will help you choose which is the best for you.
All of these details will inform your audition choices and are especially important if there is an interview. Schools appreciate when you demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their program.
Understand the Specific Audition Requirements
After you feel you have a good handle on the school and programme, it’s time to look at the audition requirements. Most schools will have a full page dedicated to their audition process, with everything you need to know, such as:
- Important dates, such as when the application is due, any video submissions, and live audition times and locations. If you are applying to more than one school, I suggest creating an audition calendar with all the important dates for each school. It is easy to confuse dates and places, and there is nothing worse than missing an important deadline because of disorganization.
- Specific audition requirements. This can include how many songs you need to prepare, how long they should be, and possibly from which era. Some schools may also require a monologue, or even two. Take the time to make sure that your song and monologue choices fulfill the given parameters to the letter.
- Some schools will also have a paragraph, or even a video, describing what they are looking for in an applicant.
Pro tip: Create an audition calendar if you’re applying to multiple schools to avoid missing deadlines.
Choose Your Audition Material Wisely
In this case, let’s take a common audition situation, which is two contrasting songs from different musicals.
- Each song should feature your voice in a different way, such as one belt and one legit, and be approximately 90 seconds in length each.
For me, the number one consideration is choosing songs that make you feel amazing and show off your voice to its best effect.
- Choose songs that you could sing well and enjoy even on a bad day, or when you’re very nervous.
- Choose songs that have highlights/high notes that you can reach comfortably and are not hit or miss.
- Make sure you have prepared the songs well in advance so that they feel like second nature – you’re not reaching for the lyrics, or unsure of the placement, for example.
Feeling comfortable enough with the material that you can focus on performing and telling the story is very important.
Let’s go over some common questions on choices of repertoire:
“Is this song overdone?”
Of course, there are songs out there that get done over and over – but sometimes that’s for a reason. They’re good songs. If you love the song and feel that you can bring your personality to it, it does not matter to me if the song is “overdone”. However, there are lots of resources online that will categorize songs for you, if you would like to avoid singing something that is too popular.
“Is this song age appropriate?”
This might be more important for me. I think you can be quite broad with the term – say, within 20 years of your age – but when an 18 year old sings “Climb Every Mountain”, I have a hard time believing them. The exception to this is if you can find a way to make it relevant to you and your age and make that clear through your acting and vocal choices.
“Is this song okay to sing, even though I am a different ethnicity?”
This is something that continues to evolve in the Musical Theatre community, but a general rule of thumb is that if a song contains the lived experience of someone of another ethnicity, you should not sing it. If you are unsure, then I would err on the side of not singing it. If you are really fixated on the song, perhaps ask someone in the industry for their opinion.
With all that said, no matter what song choice you make, if you walk into the room and perform your song beautifully, with strong musical and acting choices, it doesn’t really matter to me what you sing. Sing what makes you feel amazing and shows the auditioner who you are as a performer. That is your main goal.
For monologues (usually contemporary for musical theatre):
Often you will also have to choose a monologue, and for MT that is usually contemporary. Having seen dozens and dozens of monologues, I would suggest:
Choose something close to your age with natural, everyday speech.
Show me a real, flesh and blood person just sharing a story from their life. It does not have to be extremely emotional at all, just true.
“Try to avoid monologues about trauma or violence.”
While it may seem that shows more “acting”, in the play the character has worked up to the moment and then resolves it later on as the piece concludes. Starting a monologue at the height of emotion can read as fake or false, especially for a less experienced actor.
Set Yourself Up for Success on Audition Day
On the day of the audition there are a few technical things to remember:
Arrive before / Punctuality
Make sure to arrive at the audition location at least 20 minutes before your audition time so you can locate the room, put your things down and have time to focus and ready yourself.
Sheet music for auditions
Have your music sheet clearly marked for the pianist in the manner listed on the audition website.
Related article > Sheet music for auditions
Online Auditions
If you are auditioning on-line make sure that you have tested your internet connection in advance, that you have cleared the room of any distracting clutter, and ideally have an external microphone ready to use.
The biggest problem I have with online auditions is that singers rely on the small microphone in their device which does not have good sensitivity – especially when they are standing up a few metres away. An external microphone is preferable.
What to Remember in the Audition Room
Accompanist
Be friendly and polite to the auditioners behind the panel and to the accompanist. Chances are the person behind the piano is also one of the auditioners! Either way, lack of respect for the accompanist will be noted by the panel.
The Audition Song
Offer the song you feel shows your voice off best first. They may only hear one piece, so make sure it’s your best one. Do not put anything in your audition folder that you would not be comfortable singing in the room, because it’s very possible they will flip through your book for alternatives. You don’t want to be caught out being asked to sing something you don’t know well.
Accompanist and Tempo
Show the accompanist where to start and stop and gently tap on your leg to show them the tempo you prefer.
Visual contact on auditions
During your songs, do not make eye contact with the panel or the accompanist. This is very confronting and forces them to be audience and not auditioner. I may be looking at the resume, or taking notes during the song, and so I likely will not be looking at the singer the entire time.
At the same time, don’t pick one spot on the wall to sing to. Take note in real life how we look at, and then away from people in every day conversation. It’s not natural to just stare into someone’s eyes for minutes on end while conversing, and it’s the same in singing. Find a natural balance.
Breath control
Remember to breathe! It’s harder when you’re nervous, but breath is everything in singing, so make sure you have marked breaths into your music and use them!
Frequently Asked Questions About Musical theatre Auditions
How many songs should I prepare for a musical theatre audition?
Most schools ask for two contrasting songs. Prepare them to be about 90 seconds each and ensure they show different aspects of your voice.
Does it matter if I sing an “overdone” song?
Not necessarily. If you perform it exceptionally well and bring your own personality, popular songs are acceptable.
What should I wear to a musical theatre audition?
Choose something professional yet movable that makes you feel confident. Avoid costumes or overly casual clothes.
How important is the monologue in musical theatre auditions?
Very important. Choose a contemporary piece close to your age that feels truthful and natural.
Should I make eye contact with the audition panel?
No. It can feel confrontational. Use natural, conversational eye movement instead.
How early should I arrive for an in-person audition?
At least 20 minutes early to settle, warm up, and focus.
