Q&A for How to Audition For a Musical

Study her character and relationship to other characters in the show, and make sure you know your music. Be careful of getting stuck to a certain interpretation of the character; if the director asks you to try it another way, you want to be able show you are easy to work with and willing to try things.

Keep the part and do the musical. The director likely cast you in this role because he thought you'd be the best person for it. If you got cast in the ensemble, the director might see your talent, but also believe that you are not quite ready to handle a larger role. Even in this case, it would still be a good idea to do the play. It will be a great learning experience for you, and it will show the director that you are willing to work hard.

That often happens, and it's not necessarily bad. The director may have seen what she needed to see to make a decision about you. Keep in mind there are other people auditioning, as well, so if a director cuts you off, it might be because you've exceeded the time limit.

If he doesn't have any movements in mind, try different movements until he thinks they are acceptable. Directors are very busy people, and don't always have time to direct every tiny detail of the show. Your director obviously has faith that you can come up with good motions, so take it as a compliment!

Be professional. There will be plenty more opportunities for you. If possible, ask the director or casting agent how you can improve for future auditions.

Ignore them. Sometimes people laugh for no reason, it may not even be about you. Even if it is, if you want to sing, and you're willing to work to be good at it, have confidence and pay no attention to anyone who tries to bring you down.

Take slow, deep breaths and try not to pay too much attention to the other people auditioning, if you think they are better than you it will show. Be confident. Chat with those around you, it will take your mind off your nerves and you'll feel more comfortable if you get to know some people.

Try to do your best; if you have talent, the directors will still be able to see it, even if you don't know the song you are singing very well.

Practice, practice, practice! Make sure you know all of your material thoroughly. Cut out dairy products and spicy foods products a few days before your audition to make sure your voice is at its best.

Yes, you have a chance! Welcome to theater, where you can be any role.

Look for auditions in your area, prepare a song, learn some basic dance moves and prepare a monologue to read for the judges.

You may wear nice clothes, as long as they're comfortable and allow free movement. Don't change much of your appearance, as this may give directors a false image. You want them to see you. If they think you're talented enough, it's their job to worry about whether or not you look too young.

It's best to wear something casual that looks neat because you don't know exactly how the director sees the character that you are auditioning for and you don't want your outfit to steal the spotlight - you want your talent to be the star of the show.

Come prepared! If you walk into the audition with confidence, a well-prepared audition, and a song, that will make the director say, "Wow!" They won't be focused on your age. As long as you do well in your audition, don't stress about being younger.

There is no need to feel guilty. Your friend should feel happy for you, even if it hurts her a bit.

Yes, of course.

Your choreography should be big and dramatic. You want to make sure the people in the very back of the room can see what's going on.

Of course you have a chance! Talent and confidence certainly come with experience, but there are also people with no experience who are miles ahead. Practice your audition again and again, preferably in front of people. Smile big and be confident! Use the entire space you have and add your own distinct flourish.

Not necessarily. The director should be looking for the best person for each role, regardless of age. Just do your best, and remember that if you don't get a part, you'll have plenty more opportunities.

Try to find a shorter song. Definitely don't go over 4 minutes. Casting directors usually have many people to get through, so they can't sit though a lot of long songs.

In my experience, auditions where I was singing a song from a well-known musical went better than those when I sang something from a different genre. Pop songs are very repetitive, so I highly advise you don't sing one.

If you are truly uncomfortable with playing mature roles, tell your directors. They are incredibly busy and may not notice how you feel about your roles. If you are auditioning, make a note on your form. If you are currently in a show, talk to your director about how you feel. If a show is currently in session, though, you should finish out the show in your current role. If it continues to happen, you may need to accept that this kind of role is your true type.

Directors are like this. Just do your best to do what they ask of you. If you have any questions, ask them. If you have complaints or comments on their direction, keep them to yourself. Part of being an actor is following direction and accepting criticism and notes.

They won't. Just be confident for who you are now, and if you show that confidence in an audition it will show the directors who you are now.

Directors don't often have true favoritism. They may choose an actor they've worked with before, if only because they know they can trust that person. All the same, it is the director's job to be open to anyone who auditions. They will cast you if they feel you are right for the part, regardless if they have casted you before or not.

Sure, it's possible, but it really depends on where you want to work and what job you want to have. You will probably have to work your way up from the absolute lowest rung of the ladder, though, and even then you'll probably be competing with others who have college degrees for those jobs. It's a tough industry to get into.

Practice, practice, practice! Be extremely sure of yourself and your knowledge of your audition materials, and don't doubt yourself. Of course, as with anything for the first time, you will have some sort of nerves. You can help anxious feelings by taking deep breaths, using breathing patterns, or using sensory stimulation (like rubbing your hands together). At the audition you should act like you are not nervous. Try letting this nervous energy help you with your audition by giving you motivation.

Generally, 16 bars is the minimum, but I would recommend practicing 32 and being aware of the 16 bar mark as well. Usually it’s a verse and a chorus.

You should remember that you may not get the role, and you should practice as much as possible and study the characters in the play.

Practice, practice, practice. And a little stutter here and there is all right; it's your ability to get into the character's shoes that makes you a good actor or actress.