AUDITION TIPS

At some stage in your career you will have to sing at an audition. It is a sterile performing situation, often in a small room where there may be many interruptions, little soundproofing or, the other extreme will be a huge stage where you can hardly see the pianist let alone hear him or her, rarely is it in an ideal place!

With all that in mind here are a few tips to help you make the situation as painless and positive as possible.

Preparation

Find out all you can about the work. The period, the characters, the style of the choreography and the music.

If there is a recording get a copy.

If it's a new work ask the producers/casting agent for all the information you can get.

You should have an audition repertoire prepared. If you have to learn a new song make sure you know it really well. Feel good about any song you sing.

Always take a current photo and CV with you even if your agent has sent one.

Location

Find out exactly where the audition is and how to get there.

Allow extra time for travel delays.

If you know anyone who's been there ask them about the place; changing facilities, piano, acoustics etc.

When you get there

You are on show from the moment you walk in.

The person with the clip-board ticking off your name may well influence the decision in the end.

Clothes

Dress appropriately, cool and sexy for Chicago …

Repertoire

For a first song always choose a short one, usually up-tempo.

For a contrast take a slower song/ballad.

Find songs that are not done by everyone.

Make sure your song is written out – preferably printed – in your key with all the cuts and tempo changes marked clearly. It’s worth spending a few pounds on your music preparation; it could lead to you earning many hundreds if you get the job.

Take your songs in a four-ring binder, not sellotaped together as some pianos may not have a wide enough music stand.

Only take the songs you are ready to sing. You will not impress anyone if you take a hundred songs that you sing well but you will impress if you take two that you perform brilliantly.

Never perform a song that isn’t prepared. It’s very hard to get rid of a bad impression.

Pianist

Be nice to them – it may be the Musical Director playing for you!

Remember, you’ve learnt the song and they have to sight-read a performance for you.

Sing a little of your song to give them the speed. If you are nervous you will probably sing it too fast!

If they make a mistake don’t glare at them. The audition panel is listening to you not them.

Remember

Even if you are not right for this part the producers or casting agent may well remember/suggest you for something else they are doing.

They want you to be good and be a part of their show.

You are unique. Fill your own space – nothing more.