Audition Panel
Photo: Brian McKonkey
Auditions. There is so much I could say about auditions. Even now, I still expect every audition to be similar to the Juilliard dance audition that Julia Styles has in the movie Save the Last Dance. The auditioners are sitting in the dark, everyone is wearing all black (naturally), and they are glaring at you over the top of their glasses while you pour your heart out. The judges pause and deliberate and then tell you, off the record of course, that you got the job! A girl can dream.
I have been on the other side of the table during auditions for years now. I know it is a privilege and I’m so grateful for every person that performs for me. Every year, there are things that I wish I could tell singers but haven’t gotten the opportunity to… until now.
Three Quick Tips When Auditioning:
Pick something that is vocally and age appropriate for you.
Don’t try to guess what you think the audition panel wants to hear.
Bring energy into the room, knowing that everyone on the other side of the table is hoping you succeed.
Pick something that is vocally and age appropriate for you.
When you are choosing music, make sure to focus on material that is representative of where you are in that moment in time. For example, if you are a 17-year-old, I would not bring in ‘Send in the Clowns’ from A Little Night Music. This song is performed by an older woman who has had a lot of life experiences and it wouldn’t be age appropriate for a 17-year-old to try to replicate that. When I say “choose something that is vocally appropriate” I mean, don’t choose a piece that is too strenuous, taxing, or potentially fatiguing, for what you are physically capable of in that moment in time. For example, if you are new to mixing, or even belting, don’t go into your audition with ‘The Mad Hatter’ from Wonderland or some ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’ from Funny Girl. This leads me into my next tip:
Don’t try to guess what you think the audition panel wants to hear.
I’ve had so many students try to do this and it really doesn’t serve you. For example, auditionees heard that the auditioners love a particular musical and so they chose a song from that instead of something that fits their voice. Or they choose a song based off of its obscurity, when in reality you just need to make sure that you do what you are doing best. You need to choose songs that show off what you do well. If you don’t have a strong falsetto mix yet, don’t sing a song from Jersey Boys. If you are more comfortable belting, don’t try to sing ‘I Could’ve Danced All Night’ with an ending high C. If you are great at both, pick a piece that best showcases all that you can do! Keeping in mind that just because it isn’t what you do best right now doesn’t mean that it won’t be one day. And remember, if the auditioners want to hear something more or different than what you presented, they will ask.
Bring energy into the room, knowing that everyone in that room wants you to succeed.
We want you doing your best. You want to pick a piece that will allow you to drop in during the 16 or 32 bars that you have available to you and bring. the. magic.
Auditions can be a tricky business but if you are able to make them fun for yourself, I guarantee that the mindset will benefit you. Never forget that our business is incredibly subjective and just because you didn’t land one part doesn’t mean you won’t land something else down the line. Keep working on yourself, keep bringing your magic, and keep auditioning!
