Rocking Your High School Musical Audition - A Different Approach

School is back in session and many of you will be preparing to audition for your school’s musical. I hope these tips help you get the role you deserve!

RESEARCH THE MUSICAL

Knowing as much as you possibly can about the musical will extremely helpful! So do your research… 

• Was the musical made into a movie you can watch? 

• Is there a cast recording you can listen to? 

• Are there productions or rehearsals you can watch on YouTube? (*Do your best to find a high quality production!)

RESEARCH THE ROLES

As you’re watching take note of the “types” of the actors playing each role. Do you see any  similarities  between yourself and any of these actors?

As you’re doing your research ask yourself these questions:

1. Is there a role that matches your “type” both physically and vocally?

2. Is there a role that is outside your type but within your vocal range and abilities?

3. Is there a character you’re especially drawn to or feel like you have to play?

Now, the next thing I’m going to say is VERY IMPORTANT!! Seriously… NO ONE is going to be right for the lead in every show. I don’t care who you are - you are not going to be the right fit for the lead in every musical your high school presents! The only way that would be possible is if your school does the same show each of the four years you are in high school! 

I will never forget this valuable - although soul-crushing - lesson I received during my high school years. My freshman year I had been fortunate enough to play the lead in Cinderella. It was a perfect role for me vocally and type wise and I loved every minute of it! BUT the experience also gave me the false assumption that “if I could get the lead my freshman year, I could be the lead EVERY year!” Ohhhh I was so young and naive! 

The next year our show was “Annie Get Your Gun” and I was sooo ready to play Annie Oakley. 

Well Annie Oakley was NOT the perfect role for me... I wasn’t a fit vocally or physically. That was a tough lesson to learn, but in hindsight it was a valuable lesson. You WILL NOT be right for every show 

So before you go in to your audition, have a little gut check with yourself and consider these two points: 

• What role in the show are YOU right for?

• What role is your voice, body and character type suited to? HINT: These are the kinds of things the director who is casting you will - or should be - thinking about. 

If you don’t “see yourself” in any of the roles don’t be discouraged… think about something special, unique or different about you that could bring one of the roles to life! And don’t get so hyper focused on being the lead that you forget that sometimes it’s far more fun to play a supporting character and make it something special! You’ll have twice the fun with half the stress!

PREPARE FOR YOUR AUDITION

Now, here is where the fun starts. Once you have thoughtfully considered the role that you truly believe you would be right for, what will you present as your audition for that role? 

How can you best show the director that YOU would be right for this role?

• What song can you sing that shows the same characteristics of the songs of that role?

  • Is the character quirky? Sing something quirky. 

  • Is the showstopping number dramatic? Sing a similar dramatic piece.

  • Is the role a soprano ingenue? Think outside the box and don’t present a song that is “overdone”!! 

• How can you dress for the audition to represent aspects of the character?

  • You want to help the director see you in the part

  • Always dress in something clean and neat whether it is dressy or casual

  • Don’t wear a “costume” but DO present YOUR best self and wear something you feel and look great in!

Don’t be afraid to show the director you have something unique to offer that is going to bring something fantastic to their show! He or she will likely come into the audition room with an idea in their head of what they are looking for but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t LOVE to be surprised by something you do that takes the role in a new direction!

Give these ideas a try and see if they make a difference!

If you are a young performer who is serious about pursuing a career in the performing arts I would love to stay in touch with you! Join my VIP list to be the first to receive the tips and tools you need to reach your goals. You can also schedule a FREE 30 minute consultation by filling out the contact form on my home page. And please feel free to share this with a friend!