Audition Etiquette

Be on time or even early if possible! Late arrivals may not be allowed to audition. And please be in the right place at the right time. Don’t wander around.

Please use the online audition form and type in your information. If this is not a possibility, please print neatly. Your information will be needed later on and it will be helpful if it can be read.

Place your nametag on your chest on YOUR right hand side. Nowhere else!

Be professional and please be respectful of those auditioning and those assisting in the auditions.

Do not make a lot of excess noise because it can bother those who are about to audition. You may be asked to leave if you are disruptive.

Show personality. You are being watched by someone from the moment you walk through the door of the building. Those running the auditions DO talk to the director. Be on your best behavior.

Warm up and stretch. Nerves alone won’t get you through the audition. Prepare yourself by warming up your voice and your body, if necessary. Relax and breathe.

Dress appropriately. Wear clothes that you feel good in, but allow yourself to be able to move freely. You may be learning a dance combination so NEVER WEAR SANDALS OR FLIP FLOPS TO AN AUDITION!!!!

Know something about what you’re auditioning for. This will only help you when you are reading for the director. If there is a movie version of the play, then watch it, or if you can get your hands on a script or book that the play is based on, READ IT!

If you need more time, say so. If you need to read over something a little longer, just ask politely. Unless they’re in a time crunch, the director will oblige you.

When you are called in to read, don’t stand there like a statue! That’s boring! Show the director you can move and make quick decisions.

Transitions. These are the thought changes that occur throughout dialogue. Find these when you read over a piece so that when you read it aloud you don’t say everything the same way. Show the director you can bring variety to the scene.

If you are auditioning for a musical, it is often wise to bring about sixteen bars of prepared music as well as the piano accompaniment. Remember, when you place the sheet music in front of the accompanist it might be the first time they have ever seen that music. Don’t shoot the piano player if they don’t play it perfectly. The director is listening to you, not them, so just do your best. Its OK to tap out the beat or rhythm to the accompanist prior to beginning your singing.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions to anyone. If you are asked to do something that you don’t quite understand, then ask for clarification. The more information you have about what you’re doing, the better off you’ll be.