I have prepared for and endured many an audition. From my very first audition when I was 3 years old auditioning for a baby angel in the angel choir for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!” with a small community theater in South Dakota, to my upcoming audition for “The Wizard of Oz” at the Hopebox Theatre in Kaysville, Utah.
The best thing about any audition is the experience. Audition as often as you can, even if you don’t think you stand a chance at being cast, or maybe even if you feel like you have too many conflicts to commit to a show. The only way to get better at auditioning is to practice, and the only way to practice is to sign up and do it.
I used to think that I couldn’t audition unless I actually felt like I could commit to the show if I was cast, but that isn’t necessarily the case. While I still would prefer to audition for a show I feel like I can reasonably commit to, I have also auditioned for shows that felt like a long-shot, simply for the experience.
For example, right around the time I found out I was pregnant with my first child, I auditioned for “The Wizard of Oz” at Four Seasons in Cache Valley, Utah. I knew that the chances of being cast were pretty slim, and I wasn’t even sure if I would even get a call back (I didn’t by the way). However, I still auditioned and I learned a lot and gained an amazing experience. I got to participate in a dance audition that reminded me how much I missed dance rehearsals, reunited with an old friend and his wife (they did get cast) and was able to learn some improvements to make for the next audition.
As I’m trying for my next child it almost feels like I’ve come full circle as I prepare for another audition for “The Wizard of Oz”. This time I hope to audition for the role of Dorothy Gale. I know I might be pushing it a little as the age range in the character description is 16-25. 28 is 25…ish … right? I am singing a portion of the song “Wonderful Guy” from South Pacific as my teacher and I both agreed it would be a good hybrid song for Dorothy and Glinda (the two principle roles I feel I would be best suited for)
Anyways, I would be more than happy to accept the role of ensemble and get back on the stage again after taking a bit of a break. When preparing for an audition, follow these steps:
- Look carefully at the audition/call back dates, rehearsal schedule and performance dates to see if it is something you could commit to.
- Look even more carefully at the audition requirements (style/length of song etc.)
- With a voice teacher or by yourself, choose a song that fits your personality, the audition requirements, and the character you wish to audition for.
- Choose a cut in the song that best highlights your strengths (range, acting/storytelling, etc.)
- Practice the song as the character you are auditioning for and the character you are portraying
- Choose an outfit that “Disney bounds” for the character you are auditioning for (color, style, etc.) DO NOT come in a costume.
- Walk into the audition room with confidence, poise, and consideration & respect for everyone in the room both pro team and other auditionees.
- Leave your audition knowing you gave it your best!
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