How to Audition...

Hello there. I am currently a University student majoring in Musical Theatre. I was recently given a project in a seminar class on how to Audition after graduation. I thought this would be the best place to ask questions. What could be better than actually asking people who live in New York who audition for shows all the time?

First and foremost, how do you find out about upcoming auditions? Strictly online? How about Magazines? Newspaper? Word of Mouth?

What are these auditions like? Are there really 300 people in line at 5 in the morning waiting to audition for Wicked?

How do you prepare? Do you have friends or a group you always audition with? How small is the theatre community? Are you always running into familiar faces and friendly competition?

How about Auditions that don't even pertain to Broadway shows? What about gigs going on in other states? Movie or Television Auditions? Are they held pretty much the same way?

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated! It's an 8 minute report and I'm pretty much clueless on the subject! I'm very interested to hear your feedback!

Thanks again!

A lot of auditioning in NY comes down to not wasting the auditors time. Meaning...

Some schools teach you to walk in and slate your material (Hi, my name is Blah Blah, and I will be singing for you...). They don't need to know any of that stuff.

If you are auditioning for a play, walk through the door with a smile and a hello and walk straight to the middle of the room. Face the table and they will let you know when to begin. If they want to know what material you will be doing, they will ask.

If you are auditioning for a musical, the only difference is that before you walk to the middle of the room, cross straight to the pianist, hand them your music and make sure they know what you are doing. Then cross to the middle, and the rest is the same.

There are many great sites for finding out when auditions are. My favorites are Backstage Magazine and Actors' Equity Associations' websites.

I would also consider taking classes when you get to the city if you can afford it. These are your best outlets for practicing your audition material with great teachers and other professional actors honing their crafts.

There are lots of other production companies in the city, as well, that are great for cruise ships, industrials, theme park shows and short-term day gigs. Just do a search online and you should find lots of information.
Schools for Theatre