AUDITION 101

*** Tips to help you give your best audition ***

Thank you for your interest in auditioning for StoryBook Theatre. Whether you are auditioning for the first time or have had experience with the auditioning process here are some suggestions that may help you with your preparations.

Storybook Theatre does not condone "pre-casting" or "favoritism" in their auditions, and we make this clear to all our directors. Our mandate is to give opportunity to as many people as possible to participate, learn and grow in each production.  To this end we encourage our directors to provide understudy or double-casting opportunities.

Auditions can sometimes be intimidating, however, if you take the time to come prepared, auditioning can be a learning experience that provides you the opportunity to showcase your talents. The more you audition, the more comfortable and confident you become. However,success at getting a role is not just about talent, or "who you know", but rather how well you understand the audition process and what the director's panel is looking for.

Cast selection is based on a number of criteria, most of which are out of your control, including whether you are the right fit for the role. Don't feel discouraged if you have not been selected; this does not mean that you should question your talent or overall potential as a performer. We encourage you to keep auditioning for future performances.

Here are several things you can do to improve your chances of being cast.

PREPARATION

1) Read the script and/or listen to the music.

These days, there are plenty of resources, including the internet and the public library, where you can find detailed information about a particular show. During an audition, you may be asked to "cold read" a part, or sing a bit of a song from the show. Doing some basic preperation ahead of time can really help you shine!

2) Read the audition notice carefully.

Ensure that you understand exactly what the director is asking for in the audition, and if you are unclear, ask questions beforehand. You would be surprised how many people show up without preparing the basic things a director asks for.

3) Choose a song in the style of the show.

If you are auditioning for musical theatre, the very first thing you must do is prepare a "musical theatre" piece for the audition. If you go in and sing some Michael Jackson, of Fifty Cent, you may be terrific, but you will look foolish.

Definately read the audition notice for hints of what the director wants to hear. Ensure that you are picking a song in the style of the show you are auditioning for. Avoid Pop, Rock, Jazz, Rap, Classical or any style other than musical theatre, unless it has been specifically requested by the director.

You might look for other shows by the same author, musicals from the same time period, music of the same genre or mood. If you are auditioning for The Lion King, you might pick a song from another Disney musical.

Some directors like to hear songs from the show you are auditioning for and some do not. If you are in doubt, ask, or pick a song from a different show to be safe.

4) Prepare your accompaniment music

Do not sing accapella (without music) if at all possible.

There will usually be a piano or keyboard available, so you can bring your own accompanist if you wish.

  There may or may not be an accompanist at the audition.  If there is, you usually only get a minute or two to go over your music with them, if that, so the results can be mixed.

It's always a good idea to bring a pre-recorded accompaniment track on CD, that you have practiced and are comfortable with.  There is usually a CD player available, but call and check if you are unsure.

If you do not have the means to record your own accompaniment track, Karaoke World has a good selection of tracks to order.  These are not always the same arrangement as your music, so if you go this route, ensure to get the track early so you can practice with it.

5) Monologues - Learn one (or a few if you can)

When directors ask for monologues, they want to see how well you can learn, prepare and present the material. Again, use your resources to find something similar to style of the show you are auditioning for, and ideally, in the spirit of the character you want to play.

Ideally, you want to pick a monologue from a play or a musical. Television and Film monologues may work well in those mediums, but are not always suitable for stage presentation. Don't bring a Shakespeare monologue to audition for The Sound of Music. Don't write your own monologue. You may be a terrific writer, but the director wants to know how well you can handle other people's writing.

Do know the author and play that your monologue is from and don't wait until the audition notice comes out to prepare your monologue... serious actors have several ready at all times.

6) Prepare a complete scene

Don't just stand there and sing. Present your audition as if you were doing it on-stage, in front of an audience. Where appropriate, incorporate movement, and even dance. You have a short time to show off all your talent and skills, so show them!

Do not dress in full costume, and minimize props.  At most, wear clothing that might hint at your character, but not a complete costume.  Minimize, or ideally, do not use props.  If you need a chair ask for one.

7) Practice in front of an audience

Once you have picked your song and monologue, ensure you practice in front of your friends, family, or perhaps someone you know and trust with some theater and/or background. Get feedback and polish your audition until you are happy with it.

8) Arrive on time to your audition

There is paperwork to fill out at most auditions. They may want to take your picture, and you may run into traffic. If you are late for your audition, what does that say about your ability to be on time for rehearsal?

If for some reason you are late, don't make a big deal about it or tell a whole long story. Just politely let the organizer know that you are late, you apologize, and you are prepared to give your audition if they can still see you.

9) Consider getting some formal training

The vast majority of successful actors get training.  Whether it be singing, acting or dance lessons, anything you can do to get professional development of your talents can't hurt, right?

 10) Prepare a resume' and headshot

Most amatuer auditions will provide a sheet that you can fill out with your relevant experience, however, it's always a good idea to come with a prepared resume' and headshot.  It makes you look professional and serious about the process.  Bring two copies with you to the audition.

We won't go into detail about how to prepare a resume' here, but suffice it to say it should include your contact information, relevant experience and training, and any relevant special skills you may possess.

You do not have to go out and get a professional headshot done, unless you plan to pursue a career in the performance arts or film.  A printed snapshot will suffice, and help the director remember who you are later on when they are deciding who to cast.  If you do not bring a picture, they will often take one of you at the audition.

IN THE AUDITION ROOM

1) Do bring your personality and a friendly greeting.

Directors will want to know how easy or hard you are going to be to get along with over the many rehearsal weeks to come.

2) Don't shake hands...

Don't shake hands or approach the table, unless invited to. Instead, give a verbal greeting and then take your position a short distance from the table, where you will present your material, and wait for the panel to address you.

3) Once you are there, it's your room.

That means you get to do what you need to do to prepare and present your material within the time frame you have been given. Don't feel rushed. Take time to focus. Do what you need to do to give your best peformance, in the time alotted to you.

4) Don't socialize...

You may know people on the panel, but unless they approach you, your job is to get in, present your material, and get out. When you are done, and the panel has no further requests, make a polite exit. You'd be surprised how many great auditions get blown by hanging around to long afterwards.

5) Make a different choice.

One of the most common requests in the audition room, is the one where the director asks you to read or sing the same thing again, but make a different choice. They may say do it like you are angry, or happy, or drunk, or just plain do it differently. You'd really be surprised how many people do it the same way a second time.

If the director asks you to make a different choice, don't worry that you haven't prepared it that way, just try something different. Take the risk. The director wants to see that you can take direction and reinvision your material in way you haven't already done.

6) Try, try again...

Auditioning is a skill, and just like any other skill, it takes practice. Audition as often as you can and always go in with your own goals. Judge your success based on whether or not you did what you wanted to do in the audition room.

Do not judge your success on whether or not you are cast. There are hundreds of reasons why you might not get the part, that are well beyond your control. You might be too tall, to short, the wrong hair color, you might not match another actor they want to pair you with, you might remind them of their Uncle Phil, whome they hate... regardless of what the reason, don't sweat it.

The most talented actors audition over before they finally land a role. Focus on what is in your control, and keep getting out there in front of people. Sooner or later, it will happen for you!