Audition Tips

Auditions are always the most stressful time of the year for me! I didn't like them as a participant and I still don't like them as a casting director. Here are some tips and thoughts to help you through your audition and so the best you can shine!

Things to Remember:

Casting Directors/ Producers are in your court! They want to see you do well! They want you to be the perfect person that they are looking for!
Be Professional! I will touch on the how to for this below, but there is never any danger of being "too professional" - show the best you that you can!
Dress to Impress!
It is about you! This is a time to show off, they are watching you and focused on you and your amazingness- not what you are not!
Only you know what your audition is supposed to be like! (Most judges have no idea what is or isn't supposed to happen!)
Most the judges are more nervous than you! They want to do a good job at picking the right person for the director that they are super nervous too! THEY ARE JUST PEOPLE just like you and your mom and dad!

Remember that your audition is about you. You are the star! Even though we have guidelines that we have to meet inside our audition it should be about you, where you shine, and what you are good at! Be friendly, say hello, a smile goes a long ways with anybody! Be sure to thank your judges and shake their hands- it may get you bonus points!

Be professional always. From the moment you pull into the parking lot you need to have your game face on because you never know who you are going to meet or who is going to be watching you! Part of this comes with what you are wearing and what you look like (meaning: this isn't the time to not comb your hair in the morning, showers are a good things, as well as wearing clothing that makes sense for your audition but is nice.) but it mainly means be Early, (10-15 minutes is perfect) focused, and leave it in the car.

"Leave it in the Car" is something that is very important but difficult to do. It means that whatever is happening in your everyday life, good or bad, you need to leave in the car! Judges don't know, or frankly, probably don't care if you got a 'C' on your math test, or got in a fight with your brother, but these are things that can effect your attitude and emotion before, during, and after your audition. Leave that stress in the car, I promise you it will be there when you get back in it after the audition.

"Focus" on what you already know how to do! You know how to do this, don't tell yourself anything else, because it is a lie! When you get there do some final mental practicing by focusing on your choreography and stepping through it in your head, or singing your solo in your mind, as well as rehearsing your monologue in your mind. Put earbuds in and listen to your song and monologue over and over again, this will keep it at the forefront of your mind as well as keep you from getting distracted by the things happening in the lobby around you. Stretch and warm up your body for the dancing portion of the audition, it will thank you later, as well as get your blood pumping and that adrenaline count lower.

Adrenaline, that is that stupid chemical that gets released by your brain when we get excited, nervous, or scared. Finding ways to combat that chemical that work for you are great things to do prior to your audition. Adrenaline looks different in many people and needs different techniques to help overcome it. Below is a list of things to try that may help you feel more confident.

Breathe- Concentrate on your body and how it is moving when you breath. Breathing slowly is a sure fast way to lower your heart rate. (Breath in for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, breathe out for 4 counts. Repeat.)
Do Vocal/ Facial Exercises - Squeeze your face as tight and you can then release it. Make a Silly face then release it. Repeat as needed. Do vocal warm ups as well as tongue twisters. Tongue Twisters are a great way to focus your brain and calm your body.
Do Exercise - getting your blood pumping is great to release some of that adrenaline. Stretch, run in place, or do a few jumping jacks. Remember, you need energy for your audition so don't do things that will exhaust or tire you as well as don't do anything that can injure yourself.
Thoughts - It can really help calm people and relax them by powering their imagination and thinking of really relaxing places and imaging all the details about it. (i.e. laying on the beach, listening to the waves, feeling the sand, etc.)
Object Play- this is the activity that I have found is the most effect in the most people. Bring a small object with you that can help you focus on calm you. I have a small rock that I bring to auditions and I just move it in my hands and think about how it feels, what colors it is, why there is a dent on one side, where I got it, why it is special to me, etc.

Some of these might work really well for you while others might not work at all. It all depends on your body and how the adrenaline works within your body. Try some of the things out before your audition and see what calms you and lowers your heart rate.

Remember to have "Back Stage Etiquette!" You will be having an open audition and it is important to be respectful to those that are currently going and those that haven't gone yet. You would be upset if someone was talking during your audition and messed you up, don't do that to another player. We are a family that needs to work together and grow together as a team, besides the judges are right there and if you distract them, it is guaranteed to be shown in your audition score! Just decide right now what kind of person you want to be, the supportive kind one, or the snob that makes it all about them all the time and doesn't care about anyone else?

I promise you will be fine and will make it through it! Breathe and be confident! You are an amazing spark of joy that is going to be perfect for some part! Embrace yourself and the audition process and don't be afraid to let your sparkle out!

Check List to Bring to Auditions: