Musical Theatre Audition Technique

Every theatrical experience, be it on stage or on screen, starts with the audition. That is how most actors earn roles. If they want to act, actors must learn the steps of the audition process. The audition process is part of understanding the overall role of the actor, so it’s important for all students to participate in that process. Even if they never actually have an audition in real life, they will certainly apply the tools gained in this unit: planning, time management, behaviour management, etiquette, detail work, self-confidence, and communication.

Part of the audition process is preparation. And that is not just memorizing a single monologue or one song. It’s preparing a wide variety of material for a variety of situations. In this lesson, students will be introduced to the musical theatre audition portfolio, a document that professional musical theatre performers put together so they are ready for any type of audition that may arrive, in any genre of musical theatre. Creating a portfolio is a real-world task for a musical theatre performer.

An actor needs two documents when they audition for a role: a resume and a headshot. This lesson will cover the Acting Resume (specific to the musical theatre performer), and the next lesson will cover the Headshot. What should go on an acting resume, and what should stay off of it? What is an auditioner looking for? Students will discuss the purpose of an acting resume, review a model, and reflect on the process. Students will use this template when they create a resume for their mock auditions.

While this unit does not require students to bring in a headshot, it is an essential document in the real-world audition process. A good headshot will help a director remember an actor. A bad headshot can get actors rejected before they step through the door. In this lesson, students will complete exercises that respond to the question “What makes a good headshot?”

Making a first impression is the most important part of an audition. By learning to slate with confidence, students will learn how to introduce themselves in a musical theatre audition. The bookend to the slate is the “thank you” at the end. A well-executed slate/thank you adds a layer of professionalism to the audition. Students will also be introduced to the Mock Audition assignment in this lesson.

Students will now prepare for their musical “Mock Audition.” In this lesson, students will choose and begin to prepare a song for a specific musical audition.

Students will now prepare for their musical “Mock Audition.” In this lesson, students will prepare their 16/32-bar cuts, learn their songs, complete their analysis, and rehearse their auditions. Students will also review dance steps that they have previously learned; one of which they will have to perform as part of their auditions.

Students are in the final stages of preparation for their Mock Audition assignment. They will also learn the set-up for the audition day and do a tech run.

In this lesson, you will play director and audition students for one of the roles in the musical Matilda. Students will present a 16/32-bar section of a song, dance a step in character, and answer a question based on their resume. After the audition, the teacher will cast the show based on the auditions. In the second class period, students will reflect on the process.