Theater Audition Tips and Tricks: Planning for Your Best Audition

A theater audition itself is really up to the performer. However, there are many things you can do to prepare yourself and give yourself a leg up that might make the difference between booking the job or not.

To that end, I’ve amassed some observations I’ve made over the years here (in two parts). What tips are missing? Let us know in the comments!

The most important tip is to read and follow any directions or suggestions specific to what you are auditioning for.  

Material Preparation

You should have usable materials in your portfolio, no matter what role you are looking for. Typically, the breakdown will tell you what the director wants to see, but it’s often up to you what will serve you best. Therefore, you should have the following ready to go at any time:

• Classical Comic Monologue
• Classical Dramatic Monologue
• Contemporary Comic Monologue
• Contemporary Dramatic Monologue
• Kid-friendly Monologue
• Uptempo Song (a few)
• Slow song or ballad (a few)

If you’re looking for help picking songs, we recommend checking out Theatre Trip.

If you have a particular skill listed on your resumé, you should be prepared to demonstrate it on the spot, without prep.

Song / Monologue Prep

Know your monologue/song so well you could do it in your sleep (you wouldn’t get a do-over in a professional theater audition).  

Have your music laid out and ready for the accompanist to play. Share it in a 3-ring binder or attach it (glue/tape) to a manila folder so it sits flat on the piano or music stand, and the pages don’t have to be turned.

Don’t hesitate to ask a professional director to help shape and hone it. You think your song is great because you sing it great, but you are there to demonstrate much more than just a good voice. A director can help you bring that out and make it sharp and up to professional standards.

Don’t bring props or choose a piece that might require anything that cannot be mimed.

Dress and Grooming

Dress comfortably and “business casual.” If a dance or movement audition is involved, you may want to bring a change of clothes.

You want your outfit to be neutral so the director can imagine you in the show that they are casting.

Speaking of neutral, aim for a neutral scent. Avoid heavy scents, including perfume, cologne, smoke, or even what you ate before arriving.

Pre-audition Checklist

Make sure to warm up (face, body, and voice). If a dance or movement audition is involved, you will likely be allowed time to stretch before, but don’t count on it.

Double-check that your “kit” is ready to go. Have a copy of your music, monologue, headshot, and resumé.

You also might want to bring any of the following:

• Pen/pencil/highlighter, water, makeup or grooming tools, a book or phone to keep you entertained while you wait for your term/.

While You Wait

Theater auditions can be a nerve-wracking experience for actors, but it’s essential to remember that how you conduct yourself in the audition waiting area can make a lasting impression. Some simple etiquette guidelines to keep in mind include

• being respectful to the monitor and other volunteers,
• avoiding bothering other actors,
• refraining from playing mind games,
• taking a moment to relax and center yourself,
• behaving professionally at all times,
• filling out forms carefully and legibly,
• respecting the privacy of others,
• and exercising patience while waiting for your turn.

Adhering to these simple etiquette guidelines can help ensure a positive and professional experience in the audition waiting area.

Performing Your Monologue or Song

Remember that the people behind the table are rooting for you. They want you to have a good audition and to see people they can cast.

Communicate with your accompanist.   Be prepared to clap it out if the accompanist asks you to, and be willing to sing softly to the accompanist in preparation.  If you need a single note for pitch, don’t be afraid to ask.

Your “slate” is part of your audition and should be delivered clearly. Structure it as “Hello. My name is _____. Today I’ll be performing a monologue from [name of play]  by [playwright], and the song [name of song] from [name of musical].” Take a breath and begin.

Cold Reading

If sides are provided online, download them and print them. Bring them with you to the theater audition. Identify the beats, jokes, and physical movements in the sides. Mark them up if allowed so you can spot them quickly while reading.

Hold your sides in your less dominant hand so you can use your dominant hand as needed. Don’t be afraid to switch hands if you have to. Do not hold them in two hands, as holding them in two hands will only increase the shaking if you are nervous. Hold your sides as low and far from your face as you can while still being able to read them. Don’t deny the director the full benefit of your expressiveness.

Make big, bold choices! Your choices may not be what the director has in mind, but they’re not seeking people with the same vision. They do want to see what you’re capable of. With that in mind, take direction! If the director asks if you’d do it in an accent or faster/slower or whatever, do your best to interpret the direction and do it. They’re seeing how you do with direction, not just whether or not you do it perfectly.

Shit Happens!

Not every theater audition is going to go perfectly. Plan ahead on how you might handle a hiccup. Here are some suggestions

• If you forget a line of your monologue within the FIRST TWO LINES of said monologue, say, “I’m going to start again.” Take a breath and do so.
• If you forget a line of your monologue and you are NOT within the FIRST TWO LINES of said monologue, jump to the first part that you do remember, even if it makes your monologue make no sense. They are looking at you and your ability. That is not what the monologue is about.
• If your song begins and is wrong (tempo, key, etc.), address the accompanist directly and gently correct them. If you find it’s your fault (you forgot to transpose the music, etc.), you adjust or just indicate that you are skipping your song.
• If you thought you didn’t need a measure intro or a pitch note, but you do, gently say to the accompanist, “I’m sorry. Can you give me a note for the pitch?” Or whatever you need to ask for.

Do your best to power through it.

You Did It! Your Theater Audition is Done!

Please say a brief thank you to the people behind the table. Then, gather your belongings, including the music from the accompanist.

Make sure to thank the monitor on your way out.

Now, forget about the audition. Even if it was a big one that you really wanted, agonizing over it does no good. Forget it and move on to the next one. If Spielberg wants you, he’ll call.