Ten Things NOT to do at a Drama School Musical Theatre Audition

Photo Credit: marfis75 via cc

Musical theatre performers stand out from the crowd

Every actor needs to have a strong personality and be able to show that off when needed, the worst thing for any performer to be described as is ‘bland’. This is especially true of musical theatre performers – in real life we don’t break out into song as times of hightened emotion, but in musical theatre land we do and to sell this hightened reality we need performers who have a strong presence, who are confident and unique.

At a musical theatre drama school audition a panel want to see these qualities. They want to meet perfomers who are confident in who they are and who have that magic magnetism that makes musicals shine. If you can demonstarte these qualities in your performance and interview it could make all the difference in them saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

The number one goal at an audition should be to be yourself

Your personality is projected in every choice you make in that audition. The clothes you wear, the way you enter the room, the way you introduce your pieces and the way you answer the panel’s questions, and the pieces you have chosen are all giving the auditioners a glimpse of who you are as both a performer and as a person.

Never affect a personality which you think they want to see. The quirks which make you distinctly you are the gifts which will make the panel choose you.

Ten things NOT to do at Musical Theatre auditions

DON’T go for an overly performed song. Look for something different which will make the panel’s ears prick up and listen.

Think outside of the box and look for something which will show you off best without you being compared to the ten others who have sung exactly the same song that day!
DON’T choose a song which is closely associated with an established performer. Sing Defying Gravity and you’ll be compared to Idina – Don’t Rain On My Parade can you really out-Barbra Barbra? – Over The Rainbow that pretty much belongs to Judy.

Sing a song which someone else has made famous and comparisons are inevitable.
DON’T choose a song from whatever show is the current Broadway smash hit.

It is very likely that everyone is choosing a song from that show and the numbers will be over-performed and not work to your advantage.
DON’T do a little dance routine to go with your audition song. Your dancing ability will be determined during the dance audition or movement class.

I am not just saying you should stand stock still for your audition song, keep your body relaxed and allow yourself to move when appropriate.

Please, please, please do not illustrate the lyrics – “I’m (points at head) just a girl who can’t (crosses hands in front of body) say No (shakes head)”
DON’T select a song which is completely wrong for your playing age.

A funny elderly voice and mannerisms might have won you compliments in high-school but an audition panel want to see who you are.

Steer clear of songs such as I’m Still Here, Send In The Clowns, Fifty Percent and Rose’s Turn if they are not appropriate for your age.
DON’T choose a number which needs rehearsal and co-ordination with a pianist.

Patter songs like Giants In The Sky or Another Hundred People can be hugely impressive but they are also really difficult to perform if you are stressed. They are also songs which are difficult to perform without adequate rehearsal with your accompanist.
DON’T choose an overly emotional song if you are not going to be able to build sentiment quickly.

Hugely emotional songs rarely happen in a show without some build up to the song which helps the actor build to that emotion, also the build up helps the audience to reach that level of emotion too.
DON’T do an imitation of a famous performance – a panel does not want to see you doing your best Chenoweth, they want to see you doing your best you.
DON’T argue with the panel or be evasive. If you are cut-off mid note just accept it and do not outstay your welcome.

If you are asked questions about your range, your experience, your dance skills answer them honestly and never be afraid to answer in a way which expresses your own individuality, that is what a panel want to see.
DON’T be rude to the accompanist. Talk to them as you would want to be spoken to, speak clearly and sing a few verses to articulate the tempo – this is far better than clicking your fingers at them or saying ‘faster’ or ‘slow down’ mid song!

Also bring your sheet music in the correct key and clearly mark changes, cuts and repetitions.