Auditions are stressful and unpredictable. Its impossible to know exactly what the director is looking for and any mistake could be why you didn't get a part. Sometimes you don't get a part because you're too tall or because you're eyebrows look too mean (actual feedback on why I didn't get a role once). The best you can do is your best, so here are a few tips for setting yourself up for success.
Know What You Look Like
If you know the part you're going for or the type of role you typically get cast as, lean into it. If you know you like to play a villain, dress like a villain (but don't act like one). If you like playing the hero present yourself as kind. Similarly, if you have been told you look like a comedic character its a good idea to go for those roles. You can fight it but your appearance does play a large part in casting (depending on the director). Lean into what you have and you're more likely to get the roles you audition for. Don't be embarrassed to look like you!
Pick a Song That Showcases YOU
Not every song is a good choice. There's the simple answer of picking tenor songs as a tenor or soprano songs as a soprano, but its more complicated than that. If you can sing high and low well, you better show them that or they'll never know. Can you pull off a belt and something soft? If you do only one the directors will think you can ONLY do the one. They only know what you show them so find a selection that shows them as much as possible. You can also look into hiding any weak points the directors don't need to know about. You can use the only knowing what they hear at the audition to your advantage in this way.
Pick a Song That Showcases The Character
This one is the hardest. If you know the character you want pick a song that is similar in personality and tone as that character. If you're auditioning for Mamma Mia you shouldn't use Les Misérables since they're stylistically different and no characters really mesh. A good idea is looking up the actor who initially played the role and checking out other roles they've played. If you're auditioning for Shrek the Musical and you want to play Donkey you'd need to find a song that is quirky and funny with a somewhat talk-singy style. A good example would be "Friend Like Me" from Aladdin. They both are songs that are a little ridiculous and are vocally comparable. A director could imagine you playing donkey while you are singing it and it gives them the best comparison to their vision. This gives you the best shot you can get.
Auditions can be a bit more complicated than that though. Some companies have general auditions where you audition for an entire season and some teach you a song at the audition. You have to be ready for anything and don't let yourself get disappointed with results as even the pros on Broadway get turned down for way more roles than they get. Need help, sign up for singing lessons by clicking here and I'll help you get ready for your next audition.
Comments