Note: This page was created for a class project by a student who has since graduated.  It is such good advice for all that it has been left here for you to use as a tool.  I will add to it as our collective body of knowledge increases.

I've (Cait M.) begun this page as a lesson aid; it is educational theatre after all.  Feel free to add anything for the good of the cause, and please leave comments about what you are interested in learning.  Since I know most of us get a little nervous about upcoming auditions, I thought we'd begin with a summary of our audition workshop.  

KEY IDEA - The best way to combat stagefright is through preparation, so review this advice as needed.

Auditon Advice

• Don't say "I can't!"  The worst thing you can do is worry, and then whine about it.  Think positively!
• Don't limit yourself.  Think outside of your comfort zone, try new areas and be open to a role other than your first choice.  The chorus is always more relaxing (and therefore more fun) than a pressured lead, and you may find a hidden talent somewhere along the way.
• Do know what you are getting into.  Check over the schedule and be sure you can live up to the committment you are making.
• Wear comfortable clothes on the day of auditions, but look nice. Unless you are going out for Grease, you might want to wash your hair.
• Don't be unprepared!  Research the show before auditions (you can check some of the links usually provided on this website).  Choose and practice prepared monologues well.  Do something that you know you can do well.  This is not the time to experiment. 
• Do take a few seconds to skim over a cold reading before reading it aloud.  This preparation will boost your confidence and improve your delivery.
• Don't fret over words you don't know during a cold reading.  Choose a way to pronounce them and boldly do so as if you always say that word.  It doesn't matter if it's correct at this point, you just need to be confident and loud.
• While I'm on it, always speak loudly and clearly.  Don't rush or plod; you need to be understood.
• Stage presence is very important.  The way you appear will affect casting decisions.  This comes out not only in your voice, but also your posture.  Don't slouch!  Open up, stand strait, and own it.  Restrict movements so that you're not bouncing around like a dashboard ornament.  And don't figet!
• Don't add to the white noise.  The casting panel and the guy on stage have enough to worry about without distracting whispering in the crowd. 
• Please be respectful and turn off your cell phone before coming into the auditorium. 

During King and I auditions here, Mrs. Steffan asked those who wanted to be considered for a lead to perform a short verse or chorus from the show, along with a short monologue from a play.  This is called a prepared audition.  Chorus wanna-bes were asked to read and sing a short selection from the show on sight.  This is a cold audition.  Different programs and directors will use different formats during auditions, but this is pretty common.  Find out as much as you can about the program and usual casting procedures (audition piece criteria, time constraints, attire, etc.)  beforehand so that you can prepare as much as possible.  Mrs. Steffan usually has us fill out an audition sheet, including a parent signature as well.

(Note from Steffan: Choose monologues from plays.  I have hundreds of scripts in my room.  DO NOT CHOOSE SOMETHING FROM a movie, book of teen angst monologues or the internet. Use your brains when choosing a monologue.  I am not impressed with foul or shocking language, neither do I want to hear you screaming or sobbing endlessly.  It's theatre, not therapy.  :-)  Also, remember to include all your experience outside of the MCHS program.  It's a resume, folks!  If you don't tell me, I don't know you were in a TV commercial when you were 5 years old, or whatever.)

Alright, I know our auditions are over now (congratulations to all who tried-out!) but for future reference, here are some additional internet resources I've enjoyed looking at when preparing for an audition.  Keep in mind that not all of these apply to our program at school (I've never seen a kid have his agent give Steffan a DVD portfolio) but there are some good tips:

audition_advice

surviving_the_cold_reading

And finally, our director, Mrs. Steffan is always happy to help.

 -Caitlyn M.