Audition advice
by Sarah Sloan
Auditioning can be the bane of existence for many performers. In today's theatre world the rules and etiquette are forever changing. Here are some tips that will keep you looking and sounding professional on the auditions stage.
Choose an audition song that is appropriate to the character and show. For shows written before 1970 it would not be wise to sing a rock song. If you are trying out for Rent don't sing a piece from Oklahoma! Use your common sense and choose a song in the style of the show and fach of the role you want.
Know your music. In the event that you must learn new music, don't assume that because it's memorized while you are practicing that it will still be memorized when you're in front of people and nervous. Know the piece so well that you are sick of it, can start unassisted on the correct pitch and maintain the correct rhythm and intonation when singing accapella. Practice with the full accompaniment as much as possible.
Slate clearly and slowly. Slating means to state your name, song you are performing and the show it is from before you begin your audition. You would not believe how many performers, although brilliant singers and artists, can barely say their name in public in an intelligible way. Since you will be nervous, speak slowly and clearly like you are speaking to a deaf person. Slower than you think is necessary. Practice this often and take it seriously. A mumbled slating is an immediate turn off to your auditors.
Dress appropriately. This is not a fashion show. Dress to show your level of professionalism not your "unique sense of style". Dresses and skirts are great but no minis or cleavage. Keep the hair out of the face. Ladies, wear short heels but please! No platforms or ten inch heels! Err on the side of conservative but not frumpy.
Don't brown nose. It can be difficult to know when entering or leaving an audition how much your auditors want to chat personally. Because auditioning is such a long laborious undertaking most auditors want to get you in and out as quickly as possible. Don't bother shaking hands or trying casual chit chat but don't rush the process either. Let your auditors initiate any personal interaction. Otherwise, smile, slate, sing and get the heck outta there! (Don't forget to say thank you.)
Consider audition etiquette. If you're going to brown nose anyone, it should be the pianist.
Keep in mind that when all is said and done there is really only one true rule about auditioning: be so incredibly brilliant that they can't help but hire you. There's no substitute for fantastic singing and performing. No one is going to say "Wow, he was an incredible singer! Too bad he wore black shoes instead of brown." Take care of yourself and learn what circumstances you need to create your best performance. You're the only boss of you!