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The lead up to college auditions is scary and can raise a lot of questions. What should you prepare? Which monologues should you use? And what should you wear?

Here are a few tips to answer those questions and ensure you ace your college auditions like the star you are:

1. Do Your Homework

When auditioning for a play, a good practice is to do research about the show in advance by reading the show, looking at the author’s work and connecting with the characters. A college audition is no different! Researching each school ensures the program is the right fit for you so you don’t waste your time or the school’s.

2. Come Prepared

Preparation beforehand will save you from embarrassment later. Know what they want you to have ready, and make a checklist of the things you need for each audition, such as your headshot, sheet music and phone. Be prepared for the worst-case scenario and make backup copies of your materials. It might seem excessive, but you’ll be happy to have the extra copies if the need arises.

3. Selection Is Key

Well-selected literature is just as impressive as your performance. If you have a piece you know you’re great at, use it! However, be wary of choosing monologues online or picking from a popular play or musical. Although it isn’t bad to have the same selection as other hopefuls, choosing something interesting and different will make you stand out. Going to your local or school library and checking out plays and librettos you haven’t heard of is the best way to find something memorable.

4. Dress to Impress

Never neglect your outfit. The first impression you give is when you walk into a room before you even start. Your appearance shows your professionalism and respect for the program. It also lets the school get a feel for who you are. Dress appropriately and in a way that is unique to you.

5. Be Confidently You!

The last and most important tip is to be confident and be yourself. The audition team wants to see what makes you different and why that uniqueness is a valuable asset to their program. Perform with confidence and like you’ve already made it in. And be sure to say “Thank you” when you’re done.

These are a few of many suggestions that will ensure you’re prepared for college auditions. Be confident, stay persistent and happy hunting!

Let us know your best college audition tips in the comments below…

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1. Nili Bassman

Nili Bassman has been seen on Broadway in “Curtains,” “Never Gonna Dance” and “Chicago.” Here’s her advice:

“The most important thing to bring into a room at a Broadway dance audition (or any audition, for that matter) is you. One-of-a-kind, beautiful, flawed you. Directors, choreographers and music directors want to see individuals with points of views — dancers with an awareness of who they are and access to all of that beautiful uniqueness. Steps can be refined and drilled during rehearsals, but presence, passion, creativity and personality cannot be taught. You’ve studied technique your entire life. Trust that. The audition room is the place to leave class behind and dance from your soul. All dancers are actors. We tell stories with our bodies. So, use the choreography presented to you to tell a story. Bring your life experience to the dance and make it your own. Have fun! Think of every audition as an opportunity to perform and leave your heart and soul and joy in the room. That is why we dance. That is why others are moved by dance. And yes, warm up, eat a snack and bring water and extra shoes!”

2. Correy West

Correy West has been seen on Broadway in “Nice Work If You Can Get It” and “South Pacific.”

Here’s his advice:

“I think the most important thing in a dance audition is to know your strengths and use them to your advantage. I used to spend so much time getting intimidated by the guys who were the most flexible or the ones who could do the most turns, but at the end of the day, there is only one you. If that shines through and you feel like you couldn’t have done anything else towards getting the part when you leave the room, it was a success!”

3. Justin Boccitto

Justin Boccitto is a New York City performer, teacher, director, choreographer and producer. His work has been seen Off-Broadway, regionally and beyond. He is also the executive director of The Group Theatre Too and the creator of Choreographer’s Canvas. And, if you like what he has to say, you can take a dance class from him at Broadway Dance Center.

Here’s his advice:

“Being on the other side of the table, I find the following things extremely important at dance calls:

1. Invest in some nice dancewear. If you look good and feel good in your clothes, you will exude confidence. We spot that immediately.
2. Work on your kicks and turns. These are two things that I use to quickly weed people out of the mix. You want high kicks and at least a triple pirouette.
3. Tell a story with the combo. Even if the choreographer hasn’t given a lot of direction, don’t be passive in your performance. Make a specific choice and commit to it.”

4. Stephanie Bissonnette

Stephanie Bissonnette is an accomplished New York City dancer who has now joined the company of “Mean Girls” as it heads toward Broadway and its first regional premiere at the National Theatre.

Here’s her advice:

“I would say my biggest advice would be to just be yourself. Often the final decision is made because of a certain minor detail. Don’t take anything personally. Just keep getting up and heading to those auditions every day. You never know which one will be the one to skyrocket your career.”

5. Jeffry Denman

Jeffry Denman is an accoladed Broadway performer (“White Christmas,” “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” “Cats,” “Dream”), director, choreographer, playwright, author and founder of the Denman Theatre and Dance Company. Here’s his great advice about reading for a role once you’ve made it past the dance stage:

“If you’re reading sides, get off book as much as you can. If you’ve just been given the sides, don’t worry, but if you’ve had them overnight, get off book. It is the single most effective way to get me to consider you. If I’m watching you simply look into papers, I have no idea how you are as an actor.”

What is your best advice for dance auditions? Let us know in the comments below…

Cover Photo: Broadway Dance Center

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If you’re looking to pursue a career in this market as a performer, make sure you are familiar with some of the realities of being a NYC-based actor. It will help you proactively take steps to mentally prepare for what lies ahead when you’re out pounding the pavement.

1. There Will Be Long Waits

Open calls, both union (known as Equity Principal Auditions and Equity Chorus Calls) and non-union cattle calls are the most popular ways for those new to NYC to get seen for all the auditioning theatre jobs. Being that these are the most easily accessible to actors at any level, they are also the most crowded and sometimes require many hours of waiting all day to be seen to strut your stuff. Make sure you are prepared to wait and keep your mind busy by bringing a good book, iPad to watch movies or television and or busywork. It will make you much happier if you can keep your mind and spirit positively occupied during long waits.

2. You’ll Wake Up Early

Lining up for auditions and guaranteeing you’ll be seen requires waking up at the crack of dawn. Depending on how the audition will be, you may need to get in line as early as 5:30 a.m. (and yes, there are people who show up even earlier). If you show up any later than 7 a.m., don’t be surprised if there is a line around the block and hundreds of people in front of you.

3. You’ll Wait in the Cold

You may or may not be used to harsh winters, but NYC does have them, and a good bulk of auditions happens during those months. This means you’ll be waiting in lines outside in the cold until those audition studios open up for the day. Be sure to wear layers of winter clothes and buy portable hand warmers so you’ll stay cozy and warm.

4. You’ll Have Multiple Auditions on the Same Day

During busy audition season, multiple auditions can happen on a single day. This means you could potentially go back and forth across town many times in a few hours, first to sign up for all these auditions, then to actually attend them. To make this happen, get your stamina up, keep good track of time and plan out your day in advance as best you can to know exactly where and when you need to go.

5. You’ll Have to Strategically Pack for the Day

Unless you live right in the heart of the Midtown Theatre District where most auditions occur and can bolt home between auditions, you need to cope with the reality that you’ll have to carry everything on your person that you need for everything you’re planning to do that day. Many performers have solved this issue by investing in a small rolling suitcase or rolling backpack. You can usually fit all you need into these, and it won’t hurt your body from carrying so much stuff on your back or shoulders with other heavy bags and purses. Definitely invest in one before you head into the NYC audition scene.

6. Know All the Nice Bathrooms

There’s nothing glamorous about getting ready for auditions in NYC. Sometimes, the audition studios have places to change, and sometimes they don’t. Prepare yourself that you may be stuck changing in the nearest Starbucks or McDonald’s restroom. Once you’ve been on the audition scene for a while, you’ll start to learn the not-so-publicized locations to change into your best duds. Helpful hint: Hotel lobbies and free tourist destinations usually have lovely bathrooms.

7. You’ll Do 8-, 16- and 32-Bar Cut Auditions

With the number of people auditioning, it’s very normal that you can be asked to sing eight, 16 or 32 bars of a song if you’re auditioning for a musical — literally just a snippet of a song to see if you are the voice type they’re looking for. Make sure you have many music options for these types of auditions. It’s usually not said in advance what type of cut will be asked for (as creative teams are often seeing how many people show up to the audition and how much time they have to see auditionees), so be sure to plan your different song options in advance.

8. There Will Be Typing

Typing occurs a lot. This is when a lot of actors are brought into the audition room at once and the creative team takes a quick look at everyone in person and decides within a few seconds whether they need to see more from you. Everyone who they don’t need to see perform is dismissed. It is a very quick process, and a huge reality in the NYC audition scene. Although this may seem frustrating and unfair, you can choose to look at it as a positive occurrence. If you’re typed out, you can go about with your day and move on to other auditions. If you’re typed in, it means your chances just got better of actually booking the gig.

Have you encountered these realities as you auditioned in New York? What have you experienced? Let us know in the comments below…

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1. Stay Away from the Vampires

Stay away from the people in the audition room or waiting area who seem to be giving off a very nervous energy and/or are having negative conversations. These vampire auditionees suck your positive, prepared energy and can affect your psyche in an unproductive way.

Do everything in your power to keep away from them, as you don’t want to end up having a bad audition because of their attitude. This may mean stepping outside the holding room and waiting in the hallway until your turn is up or finding a corner of the room where no one can bother you.

If by some chances these vampires are friends of yours, don’t be afraid to kindly tell them you are trying to stay focused so you will rock your audition. They should understand. Then, move quickly toward a more positive atmosphere.

2. Keep Yourself Busy

Busy your mind to tune out vampires and/or keep any of your own insecurities and inner negative voices at bay. Better yet, keep yourself busy with something that takes you to your happy place, whether you’re watching your favorite television show on your iPad, listening to inspirational music, reading a book, doing yoga stretches, meditating, coloring, doing a crossword puzzle or even continuing to study those sides. Keeping your mind busy and happy means staying present and in the moment, so you won’t be as worried about your impending audition.

3. Make Plans for After Your Audition

Having something fun to do after an audition leads to positivity in the audition, too. Your mind is unconsciously looking forward to what’s next. Also, don’t be afraid to plan to treat yourself to a job well done once your audition is over. This way, you are setting yourself up for success, not failure. Don’t worry — even if you don’t have the best audition, your plans become a way to keep your mind off any bombed or not-so-great auditions once they’re over.

4. Don’t Go Telling Others

As much as everyone loves to share on social media, don’t tell people (including friends and family) about your auditions before you do them. You are setting yourself up for expectations and the undue pressure and emotional stress put upon you by others who want to ask what it’s for and how you did, give you their opinions of how right or wrong for the part you are or even react negatively as another performer who didn’t land the appointment you did.

5. Stack the Deck in Your Favor

Last, if the stress of an important audition is going to wreak havoc on your nerves no matter what you do, stack the deck in your favor. If sides have not been given to you, choose to use material you know you can do in your sleep (figuratively speaking, of course). This way, you can do the best audition you possibly can and won’t be as nervous about it.

On the other side of the coin, if the casting or creative team gives you sides to learn, make sure to get as much practice and performance with the material before the audition as possible. You can even set up a few mock auditions with supportive individuals or mentors, where you can run through them and get out those initial nerves and stress that comes from performing new material for the first time. You’ll be surprised by how quickly practicing your audition in front of people will lessen stress and allow you to have much more fun when it comes time for the real thing.

How do you shake your nerves before an audition? Let us know in the comments below…

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Suddenly, there’s a shift. A feeling, an unforeseen face in the room, a phrase thrown out. There’s been a change. Expectations are altered, and you have suddenly found yourself in the hot seat dealing with an audition curveball. But don’t panic! Check out these tactics below to help you navigate these choppy waters:

1. You Prepared a Comedy and They Ask For a Drama

Whether you prepared a cartoony piece and they suddenly want realism, or you picked a modern piece and they’re looking for Shakespeare, you’re now in a situation where you have no choice but to find a new angle on what you’ve prepped. If your scene is comedic and they’re looking for drama, simply adjust your performance to a more grounded one. No matter the vehicle, you can still find your way toward the vibe they’re looking for.

2. Your Material Gets Cut in Half

You’ve prepped a two-minute monologue, and they ask for a 30-second piece because they’re running behind. Instead of getting upset and worrying how they’ll ever see your range in 30 seconds, remind yourself that you can blow this thing out of the ballpark in any amount of time. They wouldn’t ask for 30 seconds if they didn’t think they could find what they needed in that amount of time. Besides, what’s wrong with leaving them thirsty for more? Just make sure you make the proper cuts to leave yourself with a nice jumping off hook and wrap up with a clear ending.

3. Your Reader Is as Lifeless as a Can of Paint

Sometimes readers are just readers and they aren’t there to give you anything to work with. Instead of letting it throw you, just do your thing and be thankful that the full attention is on you. Use your imagination and pretend they’re giving you what you need.

4. The Direction Given to You Doesn’t Make Sense

Don’t worry about it. It doesn’t have to make sense to play the scene or the character. They’re probably just trying to see how pliable you are. Show them you are a beautiful piece of clay ready and waiting to be molded. Even if it doesn’t make sense, enjoy the lunacy of the direction and have fun with it. Sometimes, an offbeat way of taking a scene will open all kinds of insights into your character that you would have never discovered during a traditional approach.

5. You’re Assigned to Read for a New Character That You Haven’t Prepped For

Don’t sweat this! It’s a good sign! It means you walked in the door and they visualized you as a potential candidate to land a particular role. Who cares that you didn’t prep for it? You’re already in the running on your looks alone. Allow this shift to make you feel confident, not panicked. Take a few moments to go over the new material and ask questions. The casting director knows you just got the materials, so you don’t need to make excuses or worry about looking down at the lines too much. Do the best you can and tell yourself you’ve already got a giant foot in the door because of this exciting curveball.

6. Casting Is Eating Lunch

The casting team works all day, so it’s natural they get hungry. However, they do this every day, and just because they’re tackling a sloppy turkey club sandwich while you’re pouring your heart out doesn’t mean they aren’t paying attention. You might not like it, but look at the bright side — well-fed people are happy people. It may actually be better if they’re chomping on potato chips rather than daydreaming during your monologue because they have hunger pangs. Also, regardless of whether you feel like you’re the center of attention, this is still your time. You’ve performed through chaos before (hello, tech week!). Use this time to work on your material and enjoy just doing it for yourself.

7. They’re Running Late and You’re in a Hurry

You have to pick up your kid or get to your survival job, and the audition is running super behind. Before you panic and throw a diva hissy fit, simply speak to the monitor running the auditions. Politely explain your situation and ask whether there’s any way you can be seen sooner rather than later. You’d be surprised how willing the monitor and other actors can be to help you out — they’ve definitely all been there before. Just remember to pay it forward next time you’re not in a hurry and see that familiar look of panic on another actor’s face while in the waiting room.

8. You’re Underdressed or Overdressed

So, everyone around you is dressed for the role more literally than you. Unless you have a wardrobe in your car or satchel, there’s not much you can do about this one. who cares? Sure, you’d like to give off the vibe of the character to help you out, but it ultimately comes down to your acting. Besides, what actor hasn’t had a wardrobe malfunction some time or another?

9. You’re the Opposite Type of Everyone Else in the Room

You’re the only short blonde in a sea of tall brunettes. Basically, you’re the guinea pig. Casting is pretty sure they want a tall brunette, but just in case, they threw in a few randoms to see what the producers think of a different direction. The best thing to do is shrug it off and not let it bother you. Hey, you’re there, you get to audition, and who knows, maybe they’ll decide to go the other way with it after all!

10. You Freeze Up When They Ask You to Improvise

You didn’t plan on improvising, then casting asks you to do a take with lots of adlibs. It’s natural to want to freeze up, but you have to fight the feeling. Put all the negative thoughts out of your mind about how you hate doing improv and how you’re kicking yourself for never taking that class. Instead, take a deep breath, be present and remember that you actually improvise in some way every day — this is no different. Negative thoughts won’t help, so do your best to be in the moment and fake self-confidence even when you’re not feeling it. Then, afterward, sign up for that improv class.

11. There’s Suddenly Choreography

You’re an actor, not an actor/dancer, and now they’re asking you to count and step pivot, step. Just roll with it. It’s likely they just want to see you move. Nobody expects you to be Baryshnikov.

12. You’re Asked to Demonstrate Your Special Skills

“So, you do a crying baby. Can we hear it?” If it’s listed as one of your special skills, someone somewhere down the line can ask you to do it on the spot. The best way to avoid catastrophe is to take off anything on your resume that you don’t want to do at the drop of a hat at an audition. If you’re too late, suck it up and demonstrate your wailing baby or Al Pacino impersonation with pride.

13. You Forgot Your Headshot/Resume

Don’t forget your headshot and resume! Always have a copy in the trunk of your car or in your binder of sheet music. With that said, it’s still going to happen eventually. After several years in the business, you will at one point leave it on the counter or just plain forget to print it out. The best thing to do is to ‘fess up right away and apologize. Leave the excuses at home on the counter with your MIA headshot. No one needs to hear about how hectic your morning was. Just say you’re sorry, move on and be thankful everything is digital today anyway.

As you can see by now, the best way to deal with most curveballs is to take a deep breath and go with the flow. Much like life, the business is all about resilience, thinking on your feet and being in the moment. We can plan until we’re blue in the face, but ultimately, things will veer off course and when they do, the best way to deal with it is with grace, flexibility and humor.

What audition curveballs have you been thrown, and how did you deal? Let us know in the comments below…

The post Audition Curveballs And How To Deal With Them appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

1. Only Look at Your Material Right Before Your Audition

Instead, make sure to take the time needed to study the sides/music given to you. Nobody behind the scenes expects perfection, but they do expect preparation. If you only care to look at the material right before you go into the audition room, those behind the table may also think you won’t take the time to do your actor homework once you’re hired for the gig.

2. Dress Like You Just Rolled Out of Bed

Avoid wearing sweats or clothes that look like they were just pulled out of your pile of dirty laundry. Auditions are a job interview, and dressing to impress is important. That doesn’t mean you always have to wear a suit and tie or a nice dress, but you must comb your hair, put on your makeup and go in freshly pressed clothes that show a sense of style and personality appropriate for the show you’re auditioning for.

3. Be Late

Wanna know how to really make casting and people behind the table angry? Be late for your audition appointment. Not only is it disrespectful of their time, but it also puts a dent into their packed schedule by possibly pushing other auditionees aside to accommodate you. Being late also gives the auditors a good indication that if they hire you, it’s very possible you will be late for rehearsals or even performances.

Be on time for your auditions, or better yet, be a few minutes early. It will give yourself peace of mind and give the casting team the ability to carry out their appointment schedule as they originally intended.

4. Be Ignorant of Who Is Behind the Casting Table

If you want casting to get to know you and your talents, show them the same respect. Take the time to research who you’ll be auditioning for. A Google search is a great place to start. Learn about their offices, the theatres they cast for, what the creative teams have written, etc. You will probably be able to glean who or what you may have in common with them. Not only is it just good to know, but it could help you spark or add to a conversation while in the room.

5. Not Have a Headshot and Resume

The most important business tool for an actor is a headshot and resume. If you don’t have one, you don’t look like a professional actor. That doesn’t mean the resume has to be full of credits to get you a job, nor does the photo have to be expensive. Just make sure the photo is 8×10 and looks like you and that the resume is clear, concise, one page and truthful. Last, make sure the resume is cut to 8×10 and stapled to the back of your headshot. You don’t want them to get separated or lost once they end up on the casting table.

6. Ask Questions You Should Already Know the Answers to

Don’t ask questions you could have researched the answer to ahead of time. Take the time to read the script, Google the show, watch YouTube clips of previous productions and/or listen to cast albums on Spotify. There is no excuse for being an unprepared performer with the massive amount of information available on the internet or in your local library.

7. Touch the Reader

You’ve been given a scene that requires you to read alongside a stranger who is part of the creative team. The scene has a moment where you must kiss the other individual or hit them. DON’T DO IT! Physically, there should be an invisible wall between you and the reader, and while you can and should make eye contact with him or her, do not invade his or her personal space. Stage directions like that are done onstage after a rehearsal process. No one expects them to be done in an audition room.

8. Use Props That Could Endanger You or Those Behind the Table

This is a given no matter what. Don’t scare the people behind the table or make it seem like you have the potential to cause harm to yourself or others, even if you’re wielding a fake knife or child’s toy made to look like a gun/weapon. If a scene calls for it, just pretend.

9. Be Mean to the Monitor

A monitor, or someone who is helping to run your audition, is usually someone associated with the project you are auditioning for. Being rude or having a bad attitude in the waiting area is something the monitor will report back to the creative/casting team and could directly result in them deciding not to hire you before you even walk into the audition room. Instead, let your positive and professional personality shine through, even when you’re just sitting and waiting to be called into the audition room.

10. Ignore Direction Given to You in the Audition Room

Being prepared and making educated acting choices on the material you’re performing in an audition is a wonderful thing. However, if you’re given feedback or direction once you’ve performed your prepared material, don’t be disheartened or not listen to and take the notes. This feedback usually comes for several reasons. Maybe the project is being approached differently than the norm and they want to have you try to redo your audition in a different way. Maybe casting just wants to see how you take direction like you would have to in a rehearsal process once you’re hired for a job. Or, maybe they just want to help you with your auditions with similar material in the future. Regardless of the reason, be open to it and accept it (at least while you’re in the room). Otherwise, the inability to do so could prevent you from booking this specific gig or other acting jobs with the same creative team in the future.

What have you done that’s bombed in an audition in the past? Let us know in the comments below…

The post 10 Ways To Completely Bomb Your Audition appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

1. How should I do my hair?

2. Has my hair always looked this bad?

3. I’ll cut my hair after I book this job.

4. Do I have lines?

5. How far away is the studio?

6. Will there be parking?

7. Oh, I like that casting office.

8. Oh,  it’s in the casting office next to the big Whole Foods — totally going there after.

9. Should I wear the yellow sweater that makes me look approachable or the green shirt that makes my eyes pop?

10. Is my audition shirt clean?

11. Do I look too old for this part?

12. Maybe I should wear less makeup.

13. Why did I eat pizza last night?

14. If I leave now, I’ll be early, but will that make me look prepared or desperate?

15. What if there’s traffic? Then I’ll be late! Why didn’t I leave 10 minutes ago?

16. Should I have brought meter money?

17. Wow, there are a lot of other actors in this waiting room.

18. Why didn’t I wear my flannel? Of course that’s the look they’re going for!

19. I’m awesome, and I’m totally going to book this.

20. Please, god, I need this job.

21. Great, now I have “A Chorus Line” in my head.

22. At least let me get a callback.

23. If I book this, I’m totally going to buy that cute jacket — or get some new headshots.

24. Excuse me, when I book this. Positive vibes! Positive vibes! Visualizing it! Yes!

25. OK, here goes nothing! I’m going to be the best Moviegoer #3 they’ve ever seen.

Share some of your audition thought process with us in the comments below…

The post 25 Thoughts Every Actor Has While Getting Ready For An Audition appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

1. Choose the Right Song

For a musical audition, this is the most important call. Sometimes, casting will make it easy and assign material to sing, but more often than not, it’s your decision.

If you’re a veteran to the musical theatre audition circuit, you will probably have an audition book. This is a selection of songs (ranging in style) that you know well and can sing at the drop of a hat, usually kept in one overstuffed binder. It should be a varied repertoire that you really relate to. Look through it (or scour Google and music sheets if you don’t have one) and find the song you think fits the style of the show you’re going for. Again, be certain that you connect to your choice as a person.

Try to be wary of learning a new song, unless you have no choice. It’s best that you know the material like the back of your hand so when you get in the room and your nerves kick in, you can still let your personality shine through. After all, showing your personality gives you a leg up on your competition — no one else is like you!

2. Rehearse Your Heart out

This sounds like an obvious one, but many people don’t realize that to get work, you have to do a lot of work! Treat the audition like you would a performance because it’s essentially a chance to do what you love. You want casting to see you at your best, so be your best.

A Broadway performer once told me that they treat all of their songs like monologues. They write them out, mark them up with objectives and even read them aloud as they would a monologue. At their core, most songs are inner monologues. People in musicals sing their thoughts because they cannot speak them. So, handling a song like a monologue can help you discover new moments.

In preparation, lots of performers will enlist a vocal coach to assist them with their audition. This is obviously costly, so try to only do this when you feel like you really need it. It’s instrumental to hear the way your songs sounds on the piano and to get your teacher’s feedback on your song cut. Get the most out of your time together by recording your session, if it’s OK with your coach.

Sometimes it’s also useful to hold a rehearsal where you imagine yourself in the room. You can set up your room in an audition format and ask a friend to watch, or simply close your eyes and envision that you are in that space. While singing, you are hopefully going to be in another world, but it truly can help to anticipate your nerves. Go ahead, try it! You’ll be surprised to see how tense it can make you feel even thinking about being there. If you can curb your anxieties during that rehearsal, you’ll be more comfortable and connected in the room.

3. Choose the Right Clothes

One of the biggest ways to make an impression is with your choice of clothing. You want to stand out, of course, but that doesn’t mean you need to throw on a sequin top or neon-colored sneakers.

Attempt to pick an outfit that is the essence of the role. For example, if you’re auditioning for “Newsies,” you don’t need to rent an authentic vest and pair of knickers from 1899. Show up in a nice button-down shirt. Or, let’s say you’re auditioning for the role of Anna in “The King and I.” There’s no need to run around like a maniac searching for a hoop skirt when you can simply wear a nice dress. Don’t make it too hard for yourself!

Basically, you don’t want to give casting any reason not to hire you. Spoon-feed it to them by wearing something that gives off the vibe of your character but is already in your closet. Ask a trusted pal for approval!

Overall, choose something that looks good and makes you feel good. And please, for their sake, don’t show up in any type of costume — unless you’re trying to get in the “bad audition” montage on a reality show.

4. Use the Time in the Waiting Room

We’ve all been uneasily seated outside the audition room waiting for our turn. We steal glances at our fellow auditioners (who look eerily similar to ourselves), press our ears against the door to listen to them sing and stare through our sheet music, relentlessly hoping it will overtake our brains. However, wasting your time in the waiting room with stressful acts like this is detrimental to the process.

Instead, get to your audition 10 minutes before your time slot (any earlier could annoy casting, since waiting spaces are usually small and they don’t want a lot of people sitting around) and loosen up. Find the bathroom, splash water on your face, do a quick vocal warm-up and, most of all, relax. The more laid-back you are, the easier your audition will be. Reading advice from a performer you admire right before you go can also be beneficial, so have it cued up on your phone!

Bonus Tip: After you go, let it go! You’ve done the best you can, so don’t bother obsessing over the outcome. What will be will be!

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