Audition Tips and Tricks
What Do I Need to Prepare?
If you are auditioning for In the Heights or James and the Giant Peach Jr., you will need:
- a 32-bar cut of a song that demonstrates your best singing and acting technique
- one minute monologue
You may use sheet music or instrumental/karaoke tracks on a CD or electronic device for your song.
If you are solely auditioning for The Laramie Project you will need:
- 2 one-minute contrasting monologues
In addition, we ask you to bring:
- bring a headshot (if you have one)
- bring a resume/list of past shows (if you have one)
- bring a list of your conflicts for the timeline of the production
Where Do I Find Materials for My Audition?
Monologues
A monologue is a short speech that is delivered by a single character. Monologues are best when coming from a play, or script.
You can find monologues in:
- Plays and musical scripts or monologue books
- Check your local school for public library or bookstore!
- Ask your drama teacher for recommendations!
- Monologue websites
- Search for “child monologues”, “teen monologues”, “dramatic monologues” and “comedic monologues”
- You should be able to find a large selection of free materials
When choosing a monologue, it is important that the material can answer at least one of the following things:
- Is the character fighting for something or trying to get something from some one?
- Is the character talking to a specific person?
- Does the character make a journey, a discovery, or change their minds during the speech?
- Does the monologue fit within the time limit?
- Is this monologue appropriate for your age or the age of the character you are auditioning for
Songs
For most auditions, you will need to prepare only 16-32 bars (measures) of a song. But in the event they like what they hear, you should also know the entire song.
You can find songs for your audition here:
You can find sheet music in a musical books of anthologies & collections that you can find at your local library, bookstore or Amazon. Ask school music teacher for recommendations.
You can download sheet music online at these sites for free or a small fee:
Here are some check points when choosing your song materials:
- Does the song come from a piece of musical theatre?
- Are you able to sing confidently all of the notes in the song?
- Is the material appropriate for your age or character you are auditioning for?
- Can you easily use only 16-32 measures of the song and still have it make sense?
- Does the song you have chosen match the style of music from the show you are auditioning for?
Remember that all singing is acting but with music underneath. It’s ok if you don’t hit all the notes. Show us you can bring a character into the song. Does the character tell a story? Are they striving to figure something out or get something?
If you are struggling to get your materials, please don’t hesitate to email Marc Weaver, Theatre Education Director for monologue/song recommendations or questions related to your audition at ted@weathervaneplayhouse.org
How Should I Prepare?
Do your research.
What has happened to your character up until this point? What is your relationship with any other characters in the scene with you? What do you want from those other characters? How has your character changed by the end of the scene? If you can answer these questions, it will help inform the decisions you make about how to play the scene, and will make your performance more dynamic.
Practice Practice Practice!
Rehearse in front of friends and family and in front of the mirror. Record it on your phone or camera and share it with others for feedback. Write your monologue and song down on paper to help you understand the words and memorize.
Dress to Impress.
Wear something comfortable, neat, clean and nice looking. Think “Sunday Clothes” or what you might wear for a graduation or formal event – without getting too fancy.
Be on time.
Arrive to your audition appointment at least 15 minutes before so you can sign in, use the bathroom, relax and get mentally prepared.
Warm up.
Stretch your body and warm up your voice by going through vocal exercises and tongue twisters.
Introduce yourself with a slate.
A slate is a brief introduction before you begin your audition where you say your name and the title of your monologue and song and what play/musical they come from. After your audition is over, say “thank you”. It’s short and sweet and works for every audition.
DO NOT look the directors in the eye while you’re acting.
It’s creepy. We want to watch your scene, not be a part of it.
Be confident.
The directors are rooting for you to do your best. They are hoping you are the missing piece of the puzzle they are trying to solve to cast the show. Walk in the door with your held head high. Practice good posture and body language by standing tall and keeping your feet still. Last but not least, don’t forget to smile and have fun. We want you to have fun onstage and enjoy the moment!