What are some good audition tips? PLEASE HELP!?

Question

I'm doing this Summer play of Willy Wonka Jr. I'm trying out for the part of Veruca Salt, so I have to sing I Want It Now But it's a different version from the movie. What should I NOT do and what should I do? Thanks!

Answer 1

Only sing "I Want It Now" if you were specifically asked to prepare that piece. Otherwise, it's generally a bad idea to sing something from the show you're auditioning for. Something else that's in the same vein as it would be great, though.

If you're bringing a headshot and resume, make sure they're stapled back-to-back.

Bring sheet music in your key for the accompanist, with the passage you plan to sing clearly marked in pencil. (A standard audition calls for 16 bars, though you should know the entire song just in case.) Go over your selection BRIEFLY and in a FRIENDLY way with the accompanist so you know you're on the same wavelength before you start singing.

Don't stare at the auditioners in the eyes when you sing. Instead, focus on a spot above and behind them and sing to an imaginary person there. Also, don't give a full performance with staging and body movement; let your expressiveness come through in your face and eyes.

If you're asked to do a cold reading from the script, read through the entire passage before you start so you can understand what it is your character is doing and what they want. Don't only act during your lines; the auditioners see you even when you're not talking. When you have a line, read it from the script, take note of where your next line is and what the cue is, and until it comes pay attention to the other actors and play off them. The auditioners want to see you have chemistry with the other actors! Don't freak out if you flub a line; nobody expects you to memorize the scene in two minutes.

If you are asked to do something different, it's a GOOD thing. It means the auditioners are interested in you and want to see what sort of range you have. Listen carefully to what they ask you to do, and don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you don't understand. Don't ask "why," though.

Be friendly to EVERYONE. Other auditioners, the pianist, the people in charge, etc. You don't know who knows who, and if you're rude to the wrong person it's incredibly easy to get a bad reputation.

Have fun, and break a leg! Auditions are a nerve-wracking time, but remember that the people behind the table are human, and they WANT you to be great. And even if you don't get the role you want, you'll walk away from the situation with another learning experience under your belt.