Audition Tips

General Audition Tips

CHOOSING AN AUDITION SONG
  • An audition song reflects your personality. So be sure to find a song that you can be yourself and be comfortable performing.
  • You have 1 minute to shine.
  • Choose a song that is IN your vocal range, one that you can sing all the notes easily.
  • Ask your CYT teachers to recommend a song.
  • Listen to musicals to get some ideas for audition songs.
  • Do not choose a song from the musical you are auditioning for.
  • Find a song that you can relate to and portray the character.
  • Choose a song that shows off the very best of your talents.
  • Choose a song that you can find a karaoke track for or have one made.
  • You do not have to start a song at the beginning! Some of the best audition pieces are
    in the middle of songs.
  • Make sure you edit your song so that it is 1 minute, and starts where you need it. It’s
    nerve-wracking to wait until the correct starring spot is found.
  • For younger students, upbeat songs are usually best. Disney songs are always a hit.
  • Select a song that you can have fun with.

PREPARATION
  • Make sure you have a karaoke track. If you can’t find one for the song you want to sing, pick another.
  • Make sure your track is easily accessible on the device you will bring to auditions.
  • Cut your song so that it is just 1 minute.
  • Preparation and practice is essential. Directors CAN tell when your audition was
    selected at the last minute.
  • Rehearse your audition to the point the movements are very natural and easy for you.
  • Make sure you learn all the words and the notes of the song.
  • Practice in front of a mirror so you can see your facial expressions
  • Don’t be afraid to ask former directors, teachers, voice teachers or other/older
    students for tips or suggestions. This is a great resource for you.
  • Creativity is encouraged! This can include rewriting lyrics, etc. HOWEVER, generally -
    less is more. Do NOT bring props or something so complicated that it distracts from your audition.

PERFORMING
  • Show personality
  • Be confident.
  • Sing out.
  • Use the whole audition space, move around.
  • Use your eyes. This means thinking about the words you are singing and reflecting
    those emotions. If you connect with your material, directors can see it in your eyes.
  • Become a character – become the person who is singing your song.
  • A strong confident introduction will get you off to a great start.

DANCE AUDITIONS
  • Bring shoes/clothing that are appropriate to dance in. No bare feet or flip flops.
  • This is not the time to talk with friends - pay attention.
  • Even if you can’t do a move perfectly - just try it and give it your best.
  • Help each other out.
  • If you are asked to “free dance” you can use choreography that you learned in the past.
  • Do your best - be confident.
  • Facial expressions are important. Remember to smile.

MISC. TIPS
  • If you mess up in your song or forget the words, keep going. Shake it off. Persevere; Directors will respect your ability to pull yourself through.
  • Be respectful of those around you. This includes people running the tracks, directors, AC’s, adults processing your forms, and other people auditioning. Directors see all of this.
  • Pay attention to other auditions and take note of ones you enjoy. What makes them great? Learn from others.
  • Directors know you are nervous. That’s OK! Even directors get nervous when they audition. Just breathe deep, focus and have FUN!

SOME GENERAL DON'TS
  • Don’t put your hands in your pockets.
  • Don’t throw anything.
  • Don’t rock back in forth.
  • Generally, handing things to the directors or going up to the table isn’t a good idea.
  • Don’t show if you think you didn’t do your best/perfect. Keep smiling and be confident.
  • Don’t be surprised if you get cut off by clapping from the directors after 1 minute. Directors have a lot to hear and it doesn't mean they didn't like what they heard from you!
  • Don’t expect to be cast if you have a lot of rehearsal conflicts.
  • Don’t worry if someone in your audition group is doing the same song as you.

Tips for Seasoned Students

SONGS SELECTION
  • Research the show - and choose a song in a similar genre.
  • Don’t just choose a song because you love it or the show. Choose a song that is right
    for you.
  • Research the characters. Find one that you identify with and choose an audition song
    that will show those personality/character traits.
  • Your audition should show us what characters in the show you could portray best.
  • Don’t fight against your natural strengths—use them in your song.
  • There are a LOT of great songs out there—go find them!
  • Your song selection is important. BE CREATIVE with it.
  • Directors can tell if you’ve recycled a song too many times. Be creative and select a song for each show and audition.
  • Select your song and practice. Just because you are older doesn’t mean you don’t need to practice! Directors can tell.
  • Make sure your song is in the right key for you. Auditions are not the time to stretch
    out of your range. On the other hand - show off your range! If you’re a soprano - show
    it off!
  • Be careful of choosing songs that require you to sing through your “break”.
  • Be careful about choosing a pop song, including songs from pop-musicals. They can
    be extraordinarily difficult to pull off well in an audition, especially when you're nervous.
  • Don’t limit yourself to “going” for one role. Directors can often see things you didn’t even know you did well!

PREPARATION
  • Your audition is NOT just a gateway to callbacks
  • Rehearse and mark your breaths. Support your breathing from your diaphragm
  • Staging and movements should be planned. Don’t rely on yourself to just wing it.

PERFORMING
  • Focus on phrasing and dynamics. These will make your song stand out.
  • Project. Think "focus" - in other words, let the sound resonate through the bridge of
    the nose and cheek bones.
  • Clearly enunciate your words (i.e. consonants - esp. the beginning and ending) - also,
    "sing to the vowel" - keep the vowels free and open.
  • Generally, don’t add ornamentation to the song because you think you sound good
    when you do it.
  • Be careful about belting - DON'T OVER SING!

GENERAL CALLBACK TIPS
  • Get some sleep!
  • Strong creative choices are essential. Go big!
  • The directors are there to help you do your best - so feel free to ask questions and
    clarify directions.
  • Give your best at every role you are called back for, not just the one you want; every
    opportunity is important!
  • Be flexible with your role expectations.
  • The number of times you read or sing is really no indication of casting thoughts.
    Sometimes directors need to see some people more than others.
  • Don’t give up! The day is long; don’t let yourself get discouraged by how you feel you
    are performing or how others are doing.
  • Try! Do your best! Have fun with the material.
  • You are auditioning from the moment you walk into callbacks. Be respectful, helpful,
    and courteous. This goes a long way.
  • Often the directors will give you a description of the song, character or scene. Listen -
    this is essential information for you.
  • Have fun with the material and the characters.
  • Be yourself! If you are called back for a role, there is something in your personality or
    performance that is in common with the character. So be natural.

VOCAL CALLBACKS
  • If possible, listen to the music ahead of time.
  • Don’t worry if you mess up - try your best and keep going.
  • Even if you don’t think you can sing something - go ahead and try.
  • Focus on breathing and articulation.
  • Don’t get deflated if you crack on a note or miss something. One note is not going to
    make or break you.
  • Try to show character and acting with the song you are singing.
  • Ground the song in the scene – you don’t need to sing to the directors.
  • Try to think about the words you are singing and connect to the emotion of the song.
  • Relax and remember the fundamentals.
  • Be confident.

ACTING CALLBACKS
  • Strong, creative choices are essential.
  • As soon as you are given a script, start reading over the scenes with the character for
    which you are called back. Find what the most important part of the scene is. What
    does your character want out of the scene?
  • Physicality, vocal inflection, facial expressions and non verbals are important parts of
    your callback.
  • Make the interpretation of the role your own. You don’t need to do it the same way as
    the person in front of you did it.
  • Don’t worry about stage directions or how you think a scene should be blocked. But
    add movement and follow the natural movements of the scene.
  • Relate to the person you are doing a scene with.
  • Follow along in your script with your thumb. This will help you keep your place.
  • Utilize every opportunity presented. For example, if you are asked to read in a scene a
    different part (even one that is the opposite sex of you) - go for it! You never know
    when the directors will see something that gives them an idea for casting.
  • Don’t try to “act” – let the natural emotions and reactions of the scene unfold.
  • Feel free to ask questions.
  • If you are called at the beginning – it’s ok to take a moment to skim the scene.
  • Try to look up from your script. Read your next line as the other person is finishing
    their line.
  • Don’t play to the directors. Play the scene.
  • If you are doing a scene with a partner that is struggling – don’t get frustrated. Help
    them by delivering a strong performance yourself.
  • Take risks. The bigger the better.
  • If the role requires an accent, take your best stab at doing it.
  • Be engaged in the scene the whole time - not just when you are saying a line.

SONG IDEAS
There are a MILLION musical theater songs! These are just a few suggestions to get you thinking of songs and options. YOU DO NOT have to pick something from this list. Just because it’s on the list - does not mean it’s a good song choice for you. Also, not all these songs are best for all ages. BE CREATIVE!
  • A Spoonful of Sugar from Mary Poppins
  • A Bushel and a Peck from Guys and Dolls
  • A New Life from Jekyll and Hyde
  • A Very Nice Prince from Into the Woods
  • A Whole New World from Aladdin
  • All Good Gifts from Godspell
  • All I Need is the Girl from Gypsy
  • All that Jazz from Chicago
  • Alone in the Universe from Seussical
  • Another Hundred People from Company
  • Another Opening of Another Show from Kiss me Kate
  • Astonishing from Little Women
  • Be Back Soon from Oliver
  • Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast
  • Beethoven Day from Charlie Brown
  • Buenos Aires from Evita
  • Big Spender from Sweet Charity
  • Bless the Lord from Godspell
  • Candle on the Water from Pete's Dragon
  • Colors of Paradise from Spitfire Grill
  • Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas
  • Comedy Tonight from A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum
  • Consider Yourself from Oliver
  • Cruella DeVil from 101 Dalmatians
  • Dance of the Robe from Aida
  • Different from Honk
  • Ease on Down the Road from The Wiz
  • Easy Street from Annie
  • Edelweiss from Sound of Music
  • Everything’s Comin’ up Roses from Gypsy
  • Feed the Birds from Mary Poppins
  • Fine White Horse from Secret Garden
  • Footloose from Footloose
  • Forest for the Trees from The Spitfire Grill
  • Friend Like Me from Aladdin
  • Gary, Indiana from The Music Man
  • Get Me to the Church on Time from My Fair Lady
  • Getting Married Today from Company
  • Getting to Know You from The King and I
  • Giants in the Sky from Into the Woods
  • Go Go Joseph from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
  • God Help the Outcast from Hunchback for Notre Dame
  • Hakunna Matata from Lion King
  • Happiness from Charlie Brown
  • He Lives in You from Lion King
  • High Flying Adored from Evita
  • Hold On from Secret Garden
  • Home from Beauty and the Beast
  • I Can do That from A Chorus Line
  • I Can’t Say No from Oklahoma
  • I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady
  • I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables
  • I Feel Pretty from West Side Story
  • I Gotta Crow from Peter Pan
  • I Have Confidence from Sound of Music
  • I Know Things Now from Into the Woods
  • I Speak Six Languages from 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
  • I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here from Annie
  • I Whistle a Happy Tune from The King and I
  • I Won't Grow Up from Peter Pan
  • I'll Make a Man Out of You from Mulan
  • I'm Not that Smart from 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
  • I've Got a Golden Ticket from Willy Wonka
  • I've Got Not Strings from Pinocchio
  • I’d Do Anything from Oliver
  • If I Can't Love Here from Beauty and the Beast
  • If I Only Had a Brain from Wizard of Oz
  • Impossible from Cinderella
  • It Won't be Long Now from In the Heights
  • It's Possible from Seussical
  • Johnny One Note from Babes in Arms
  • Joy of Motherhood from Honk!
  • Just Around the Riverbend from Pocahontas
  • Just You Wait from My Fair Lady
  • Kids from Bye Bye Birdie
  • King of the World from Songs for a New World
  • Kiss the Girl from The Little Mermaid
  • Les Poissons from The Little Mermaid
  • Let Me Entertain You from Gypsy
  • Let's Go Fly a Kite from Mary Poppins
  • Lily's Eyes from Secret Garden
  • Little Girls from Annie
  • Little People from Les Miserables
  • Look at Him from Honk!
  • Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee from Grease
  • Luck be a Lady from Guys and Dolls
  • Master of the House from Les Miserables
  • Maybe from Annie
  • Miracle of Miracles from Fiddler on the Roof
  • No One is Alone from Into the Woods
  • Not Getting Married from Company
  • Nothing from A Chorus Line
  • Notice me Horton from Seussical
  • On My Own from Les Miserables
  • Once Upon a December from Anastasia
  • One Jump Ahead from Aladdin
  • One More Angel in Heaven from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
  • People Will Say from Oklahoma
  • Poor Unfortunate Soul from The Little Mermaid
  • Positoovity from The Little Mermaid
  • Practically Perfect from Mary Poppins

    Put on a Happy Face from Bye Bye Birdie
  • Putting it Together from Sunday in the Park with George
  • Reviewing the Situation from Oliver
  • Roxie from Chicago
  • Save the People from Godspell
  • Seventy Six Trombones from The Music Man
  • She's in Love from The Little Mermaid
  • Show People from Curtains
  • Silly Song from Snow White
  • Sit Down You're Rockin the Boat from Guys and Dolls
  • Sixteen Going on Seventeen from Sound of Music
  • Some People from Gypsy
  • Some Things Are Meant to Be from Little Women
  • Someone to Watch Over Me from Crazy for You
  • Somewhere Out There from An American Tail
  • Stars and the Moon from Songs for a New World
  • Step in Time from Mary Poppins
  • Stepsisters Lament from Cinderella
  • Supercalifragelistic from Mary Poppins
  • Suppertime from Charlie Brown
  • The Bare Necessities from Jungle Book
  • The Beauty if from The Light in the Piazza
  • The Girl I Mean to Be from Secret Garden
  • The Kite from Charlie Brown
  • The Letter from Frog and Toad
  • The Light in the Piazza from The Light in the Piazza
  • The Morning Report from Lion King
  • The Music and the Mirror from A Chorus Line
  • The Simple Joys of Maidenhood from Camelot
  • There Must be Something More from Charlotte's Web
  • This is the Moment from Jekyll and Hyde
  • Tomorrow from Annie
  • Tradition from Fiddler on the Roof
  • Under the Sea from The Little Mermaid
  • Warts and All from Honk!
  • We Beseech Thee from Godspell
  • Whistle While You Work from Snow White
  • Who Will Buy from Oliver
  • Wick from Secret Garden
  • With a Little Bit of Luck from My Fair Lady
  • Wouldn't it be Lovely from My Fair Lady
  • Ya Gotta Have Heart from Damn Yankees
  • You Can't Get a Man with Gun from Annie Get Your Gun
  • You Could Drive a Person Crazy from Company
  • You're Never Fully Dressed from Annie
  • You've Got A Friend in Me from Toy Story
  • You've Got to Pick a Pocket from Oliver