Getting Ready for a Great Audition

The Months Before Your Audition

• Choose repertoire that is at your appropriate musical and technical level.  You want to feel comfortable and confident in your audition.
• Practice and memorize your material well.
• Be comfortable with the entire piece; if there is a difficulty part, focus on practicing that section until you are at ease with it.
• Double check the audition requirements to make sure that you have the right number and  type of selections.  If you have any questions raise them well in advance.  Don’t wait until a few days before your audition.
• Try performing in a variety of settings so you can adjust to different acoustics.
• Test out your material on family and friends so that you will feel relaxed performing in front of a group.
• For Music Theater auditions: Your monologue should be close to your theatrical age range and a character type you can play convincingly.  Look for a piece that builds in energy and allows you to create something new in your character.
• For Vocalists: Know your music, your words and the meaning of your words – inside and out.  Remember that expression and interpretation will be important elements of your performance.
• For Organists: Plan a program that demonstrated both your interpretive and technical abilities.  Establish a general registration scheme for your piece before you come for your audition and practice sight-reading hymns.

The Week Before Your Audition

• Re-read all of the audition requirements to make sure you are fully prepared.
• Map out a route to the location to avoid getting lost or being late.
• Pick out your outfit.  Wear professional attire for your audition.  Do a trial performance in the clothing you plan to wear – including shoes – to make sure you are comfortable.
• Don’t plan to bring or use props or costumes in any audition.
• For Music Theater auditions: The audition will include an observed dance session, so bring a change of loose, comfortable clothes to wear, as well as character shoes (not tap or ballet) or soft rubber soled-shoes.

The Day Before Your Audition

• Get plenty of rest the day and evening before the audition.  Don’t do anything too strenuous or go out partying – there will be time to celebrate after you audition.
• Don’t stress yourself out with last minute practicing.  You should know you material by now.
• Hydration is important to vocalists and musicians so drink lots of water leading up to the day.

The Day of the Audition

• Arrive early for your appointment so you’ll have plenty of time to relax and warm-up.
• Avoid caffeine, soda, chocolate, or sugary drinks before your performance.  They are bad for your vocal cords and may make you more nervous.
• If you are eating before the audition it is best to eat bland or familiar foods.
• Don’t perform on an empty stomach, but give the food time to digest.

During the Audition

• Relax!  Do some breathing exercises and a short warm-up before you go into the audition room.
• Have fun and let your personality show.  The more comfortable you feel the better you will perform.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your musical background and aspiration and be comfortable to ask any questions you have about the program.